A New Year, A New You

Or for a night at least.

Choosing your New Years look is a tough decision. It’s how you announce to the world, and that mystery man you’ll be swapping kisses with at midnight, who you’re going to be in 2016. And you want that person to be 100% bonafide Beyonce #flawless.

So luckily, we’ve got a starter guide for you.

Look One: Big, Bold and Better

Insta-Princess Cara Delevingne loves to rock a bold look. While we loved her as Jabba the Hutt at the Star Wars: The Force Awakens premiere, we love this look more. Get Cara’s bold lips with Butter London Lippy Liquid Lipstick in Queen Vic. It goes on thick and gel-like, giving your lips magazine-worthy plumpness. (Was $18, now $16.95) 

Look Two: Shine Bright, Shine Far 

Treat your eyes like a true blank canvas and become an artist this New Years with glitter, glitter, glitter. Release the inner Kesha you never could before she removed the $ sign. Get it off later using Philosophy Purity Made Simple Facial Cleansing Gel and Eye MakeUp Remover. A little bit goes a long way and it won’t suck the moisture from your skin. (Was $23.00, now $22.95) 

Look Three: The Understatement

A bold red lip and neutral, bronzed eyes. For those of you seeking something elegant and timeless, look no further. With this look, your mysterious midnight man could only be a Bond-type. Grab your choice of bold red and Guerlain 6 Color Eyeshadow Palette in 93 Rue De Passy. The colors are highly pigmented and long-lasting so feel free to dance the night away. (Was $93, now $79.95)

Good luck ladies! Choose wisely.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gifts For Your BFF

Easier said than done, right? There can be a lot of mental back and forth that goes into how to shop for your BFF. Luckily, we’ve done a little of the thinking for you.

Every best friend is different. We’ve all come across the best friend that expects a gift to rival the size of your friendship. We’ve also all heard of the best friend that would rather you spend your money elsewhere. So for you lucky ladies, a gift guide by size.

Stocking Stuffers 

For the best friend that would rather have you whisk her away at 2am for a spontaneous adventure. That shows up in her top-down convertible and yells to you, “Get in loser, we’re going shopping.” Okay, just kidding. Your best friend isn’t Regina George, but she does love going out and she loves to look good doing it. Points if you can keep up in the beauty department.

1. Butter London Nail Lacquer 

It doesn’t have to be in Ruby Murray, but we love this color for the winter season. We know that the BFF who prefers you save your money to wing-woman her at Happy Hour will appreciate the gift of catwalk-ready nails. (Was $15, now $13.95) 

2. L’Occitaine Travel Exclusive Soap Quartet

We’ve established that your BFF is Type ‘S,’ for Spontaneity. Give her a hint that you’re in for the adventure with this travel soap quartet. She’ll appreciate you for the Shea Butter moisturized skin she’ll rock all adventure weekend long. (Was $25, now $23.95)  

Extra Something 

It’s an in-betweener. A stocking stuffer feels a little too modest, but a big bow gift feels like a little too much. A little ‘extra something’ is for the best friend that’s always been there for you. Maybe you’ve known her since middle school. Maybe you’ve even still got the photo of you two in matching braces. It’s all love.

1. Green Tea Exotic by Elizabeth Arden 

A mixture of mainly green and black tea with subtle hints of bergamot and lime. But don’t forget the sandalwood! Gift her a scent that reminds her of all of those family beach vacations you more than likely dragged her to (she loved it). Bring back memories of lazy beach days, matching bikinis and Shirley Temple Happy Hour. (Was $37, now $19.95)

2. Ahava Face and Body Essentials Kit 

And this is just a starter kit. For a friend you’ve known and can always trust, gift her a product with the same qualities. She may be skeptical of how moisturizing these Ahava products are, but soon she’ll see – much like she saw the better in you. Do unto others as you’d have them do unto you and gift her a lifelong relationship only to rival your own.  (Was $20, now $19.95) 

Big Bow 

Yes, these are the gifts for your BFF who prefers you go all or nothing. And what better to get them than something they would never have gifted themselves? You know exactly what we’re talking about. In fact, you’ve probably got a checklist at least a foot long.

1. Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana 

We can’t promise it will bring a sexy tanned man in tighty-whities to her door step (as seen in their advertisement), but it will give her a light and citrusy aroma that is likely to attract anyone inclined to Granny Smith Apples, Jasmine and Cedar Wood. It very well could be that copper-toned, can’t-be-real man, you never know until you try. (Was $95, now $74.95) 

2. Eve Lom Travel Essential Collection 

Your best friend appreciates the finer things in life, this we know. What we also know? They wouldn’t be caught dead using hotel-provided toiletries. You know this too. Show her how well you know her and gift her this great Eve Lom Travel Kit! She’ll thank you for the light rose scent and her soft, moisturized skin. (Was $95, now $79.95) 

Holiday Gift Guide for Him

Can we rename the holidays, the ‘many doubts’ season? Finding the different men in your life a gift can be a daunting task. So many questions come up, like will it fit, does he like patterns, or does he already have this?

To ease your mind during the ‘how about this?’ season, we’ve rounded up a stress-free gift guide for him based on his personality type.

The Handy One
For the guy who remembers when your car needs an oil change but maybe forgot that you’re allergic to kiwis. And he has more wrenches than you have shoes.

1. Lacoste Blanc by Lacoste for Men
This duo gift set includes a refreshing fragrance and shower gel that will leave him feeling clean and upbeat. Woody, lemony, and with a hint of suede leather, this refreshing scent will linger even after a long day of helping you move into your new place. (Was $80, now $58.95)

2. Clarins Men Active Face Wash
Great on all skin types, this lathering formulas clears pores of dirt and grime but is gentle enough to soothe razor-burn. He’ll thank you for that extra lasts-all-day clean feeling. (Was $20, now $18.95)

3. Play Sport by Givenchy for Men
Another gift-ready 2 piece set, this everyday-perfect fragrance spray and shower gel combines spicy freshness and is just a bit woodsy… sound familiar? (Was $116, now $55.95)

The Outdoor Type
For the guy who wears his hiking boots to the bar. And his messy (man) bun is better than yours.

1. Artisan Black by John Varvatos
This subtle fragrance brings up a citrus-infused, country life with the potential of turning into a decadent night in the city. Sounds like a good time (or scent) to us! (Was $86, now $49.95)

2. The Art Of Shaving After Shave Lotion Sandalwood Essential Oil Lightweight Formula
Whether he’s clean shaven or sports a Paul Bunyan beard… this works as a soothing after-shave or as quick-absorbing lotion to fend off dryness. It’s ideal for conditioning normal to oily skin. (Was $40, now $33.95)

3. Altitude by Swiss Army
One whiff of this fragrance spray and deodorant, and he’ll think of the comforting smell of an outdoor hike on a snow covered mountain. Plus, it wears into a subtle musk, making it a win-win for you and your S.O. (Was $65, now $45.95)

The Stylish Man
For the guy who color-coordinated his outfit to his living room at least once (that you know of). And his sock drawer is neater than yours.

1. The One for Men Dolce & Gabanna
Citrus and spice and everything charged to his credit card twice. He’ll get his fix for the finer things with this luxe trio set. It’s bold and long-lasting fragrance, shower gel and after-shave with modern notes of cedar wood. (Was $95, now $61.95)

2. Tom Ford Noir
Captivating, just like the first time you saw him. A sophisticated mysterious blend of bold spices, mint and soft vanilla. It’s long-lasting and fades into a refined musk. Enough said, yes? (Was $135, now $97.95)

3. Clarins Men Line Control Eye Balm
Maybe he already has a go-to moisturizer and after-shave, but now you can introduce him to the powerhouse of skincare with Clarins. Good sleep, hydration and this eye balm will help increase firmness and reduce the lines and puffiness around his eyes. Plus, in a pinch you’ll be able to steal some of his. (Was $36, now $29.95)

The Tech Guy
For the guy who likes to figure out no-nonsense hacks even for his wardrobe. And his work style is often stronger than yours.

1. Burberry Weekend
Perfect for the upcoming trip to the city next-door, meeting the parents or regular ol’ work. This fragrance is crisp, grassy, no-nonsense and sure to become his go-to daytime scent. (Was $62, now $34.95)

2. Clarins Men Anti Fatigue Eye Serum
After his deadline crunches, he’ll be happy to have a coffee and this eye-saving serum the next morning. Just a little bit will go a long way to reduce bags and dark circles. (Was $31, now $26.95)

3. Perry Ellis Night for Men 3 Piece Gift Set
Sure, he doesn’t always dress up for a night-out but he definitely likes to look clean and ready. This trio gift set includes a fragrance spray, shower gel and deodorant which blends refreshing grapefruit and refined amber wood. He’ll be out the door, energized and ready for your trivia night in no-time. (Was $80, now $42.95)

 

4 Different Ways to Wear Braids This Winter

Braids are just too good to leave behind as a ‘summer’ hairstyle. Freshly washed or slightly oily, curly, straight, or fine… there’s a braid for you. And the same reason braids work so well in the summer weather (humidity-proof hair, yes please) are true in the winter too. Rain, snow, and wind can wreak havoc to whatever good hair intentions you and your curler had in the morning. We’ve rounded up the coolest and prettiest ways to wear different braid styles for sweater weather!

No. 1 Double Dutch Braids

Wavy hair is ideal for this braid style because it will stay in place, even without hair ties! And with just a little product help, your braids can last until the next day for that perfect day-after look. We recommend applying a curl defining styling cream to hair below ear lever for maximum wavy hair hold! To recreate this look, make two Dutch braids that start at both temples, and gently pull the braids apart to make them wider. Now, with both braids, form an “X” around the back crown area. Collect the rest of your unbraided hair and split it into two sides to wrap them around the “X” area of your braids a few times. Finally, tie the two unbraided sections into a ponytail below the braids for a perfectly unique braid style!

No. 2 Halo Crown Braid Updo

A crown braid can take your look from Sunday casual to wedding chic with just a few adjustments. Style it with a few loose face-framing strands for a casual look or glam it up with a bouffant updo as seen here on blogger, Keiko Lynn. There are a few different ways to achieve this look. For long-lasting height to your bouffant, use a root lifting spray and tease the crown area. Then pin the top half of your hair as you would with a half up bouffant. Divide hair for two pigtail braids to cover your crown. If you have short hair you can tuck one into the other to look like am extra-long, single braid or if you long hair, you can overlap the 2 braids for a double crown braid!

No. 3 Messy Side Braids

We love this look from braid-famous blogger, Amber Fillerup! For a voluminous fuller look, try using a volumizing mousse before you start braiding. To recreate this lived-in perfection, start by making two Dutch braids that start at the hairline of both your temples. Be sure to braid both sides the length to the nape of your neck. Then weave both braid ends into a third, fuller Dutch braid and secure with a hair tie that matches your hair color. Finish by gently tugging at the loops of the third braid. Voila, your best ‘messy’ braid style ever! We can definitely see why she calls this her Favorite Go To Hairstyle!

No. 4 Detailed Fishtail Braid

Fine-haired babes are in luck! This fishtail braid was made for you! We love the intricate, woven look of fishtail braids, especially when worn with a woven sweater! It adds the right amount of drama to an otherwise casual look. The only downside is that the braid loosens as the day wears on. To keep that freshly braided look, we recommend a hairspray formulated to keep the frizzies away while giving you flexible hold. Need a refresher on making a fishtail braid? We love this easy to follow YouTube tutorial.