Frizz-ified

Summer... it's a love hate relationship. I love it, it hates my hair. It seems a waste to struggle with tools like straighteners, curlers, even blow dryers for it will just frizz up the second I step outside. Over the years I've learned to embrace my wavy locks and thank goodness for texture spray, my hair almost looks cute!

So embrace the au natural look this summer and rock your faux beachy waves. Here are is a round up of some great products at all different price points. My personal favorite budget find is Frizz- Ease while I splurge on Miss Sally.

Frizz-Ease, Sally Hershberger, Fekkai, Organix, Bumble & Bumble    

Sparkle & Shine

I may or may not have a new obsession with Deborah Lippmann nail polish (hint: I may). Her polishes broke into the scene about a year ago but I was late to the game and just now tried them. While glitter polish may be a HUGE pain in the rear to get off, I can't resist a little sparkle and shine.

What I like about Lippmann's polish is that most glitter polishes are clear or very sheer. Lippmann's on the other hand has a colored base so requires less coats. I've had my nails done for about a week now with her polish and it's still going strong with few chips.

As Rihanna would say, "shine bright like a diamond" ladies!

Deborah Lippmann

Bronzin'

It's summer, time to break out the bronzer my beauties! The summer heat has me leaving my concealer and coverup in my cosmetic bag, instead I've been swiping on some bronzer, curling my lashes and dabbing on some lipgloss.

While in the past I've used traditional bronzers I'm now back on the hunt for something new. Luckily, the beauty market is full of alternatives from papers to brushes to even beads, there are so many ways to get your bronze on.

Smashbox, Benefit, Too Faced, Mai Couture   

Beach Bum Beauty

Oh sweet summertime, it's just about here and we're headed to the beach! Don't you love the ease that comes along with your summer beauty routine? Your bronzed skin requires only a few essentials to look amazing. Some sunscreen to protect your skin, some after sun moisturizer, a bit of bronzer for highlighting, a punch of pink lipgloss and a refreshing spritz of mineral water and you're set for a weekend at the beach.

Half the fun of packing is cute accessories. Colorful duffels, patterned totes and of course playful cosmetics bags. What's in your makeup bag for the beach?
 

Cream, Sunscreen, Lipgloss, Bronzer, Spray, Bag   

A Nod to the 20s

At first I thought it was our recent delivery of Free People, the inner boho in me that craved jeweled and braided headband pieces. Then it hit me, this new headband trend I'm gravitating towards is totally from the Great Gatsby hype. Isn't Daisy known for her style, and doesn't that include her gorgeous headpieces?

While a diamond encrusted headpieces from Tiffany's may be a dream, it's not exactly a reality. Hey, we can't all be a Buchanan! Luckily, our new pals at Free People have some more wallet friendly options.

Note: the key to wearing this trend is to keep the hair somewhat messy and completely casual or you will look like a bride who skipped out on her wedding.

Faux Glow

Mother Nature has finally started to show some love for Philly by giving us gorgeous weather. If you're like me then you're less than prepared with a skin shade paler than Casper's. Rather than risking skin cancer there's an easier way for us to achieve a quick and gorgeous glow, just reach for that bottle of self tanner.

Jergens vs. St. Tropez 

Ombre Nails

Ombre here, ombre there, ombre everywhere! Literally, I've seen it on everything from hair to stairs. While there may be some ombre over kill going on, I will say one thing I am loving is ombre nails. Probably the cheapest and easiest ombre DIY out there.

Pinterest 

Just pick a shade and paint each nail from darkest to lightest. Super easy, even this novice DIYer can do it. What shade of ombre will you try?

Essie

Nailed It

Some times a girls just gotta make some time to pamper herself. This morning before work Candice and I went out for a mani and some girl time. Really, is there anything as simple and yet still as luxuries as getting a mani once in awhile? I think not, even the intoxicating smell of the polishes can get me excited. 

So I want to know, what's your mani style? Candice went classic with a dark taupe color while I'd say I teetered with dramatic and funky choosing a deep green with hints of blue that makes the shade seem also black. 

Orange You Glad?

Every magazine I seem to open claims it's time to kiss those red lips goodbye for some orange ones. At first I was skeptical about this...I mean all of my "play makeup" when I was little consisted of purples, blues and ORANGE. I'm so not trying to recreate my 4 year old beauty routine. However, now that I'm seeing celebs from Rihanna to Heidi Klum flashing some bright lips and I think I'm convinced. After all the new orange verges on the realm of coral so it's less severe and actually dare I say flattering? I mean check out Zoey Deschanel. 

Adorable right? I thought so too. So I did some research and found out the bolder hues are best with a darker complexion. Use a more coral shade if your skin is fare. Don't forget to add a touch of bronzer , but don't go all J. Lo on me now. 

MAC Morange, ELF Captivating, YSL Orange De Chine, D&G Coral Orange, Sephora Collection Orange Rocks     

Beauty: Faux Frenchies

Us gals just can't get enough of a good bun.  It started out with the messy bun, then the sock bun but now there's the faux french braid bun- quite a mouthful but possibly our favorite yet!  Quick, chic and easy (coming from the girl who can't "real" french braid). While some updos require pre styling this one doesn't, no curling, straightening or blow drying. Perfect for those days you over sleep. See the tutorial here.  

All you'll need is an elastic, bobby pins and some arm strength to keep braiding.

(Image: The Shine Project)