Showing posts with label hair. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hair. Show all posts

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Saturday Link List #1

I'm starting a weekly Link List - here goes! (Let me know if you like these types of posts!)

1) This Sugar Free Orange Cake Bites recipe looks delicious. I'm a huge fan of cake pops, and these look just as good but without the caloric overload. Actually, this whole website is great if you're looking to get healthy; it's full of motivation and recipe ideas!
2) Super easy, super cute Knot Your Average Pony hairstyle. I want to wear it every day!
photo courtesy of The Beauty Department
3) StumbleUpon.com. I'm sure lots of you have already heard of this website, but just in case - it's great. Register with some interests - I have beauty and humor as a couple - and click "stumble" to be sent to a random site that you're interested in. I'm never bored anymore, and StumbleUpon is how I found the hairstyle above!
4) Sweaters from Urban Outfitters are to die for! Adorable. I really want one!
I love the color of this one - photo courtesy of Urban Outfitters
5.) Hulu. Okay, not a new one either, but it's a huge favorite of mine. All my favorite shows are there: The Office, Community, Parks and Recreation, Modern Family, New Girl, Up All Night, Biggest Loser... the list goes on!

This may be a little bit short, but with time my Link Lists will get better, I promise! Does any of you enjoy these websites too?
Love, Val

Saturday, April 23, 2011

(Another) New haircut!

  Hey guys! I've just gotten my hair cut (again). I asked for about 2 1/2 inches off the bottom, and to trim my layers and fringe. Here's what I ended up with!


  I love the super easy, straight style and also the new length! Much more lightweight for this warmer weather.
  All for now! How's your weekend going?
  Love, Val

Saturday, March 26, 2011

How To: Blow Dry Your Hair

Ever wanted to achieve straight, shiny, swingy supermodel hair without the straightener? This post will show you how to do just that! Today I will be using just my Revlon blow dryer and some styling products, and will turn my frizzy, wavy, poofy hair into something beautiful! Stay tuned. :)
1) After taking a shower, allow your hair to air dry until damp (not soaking). Comb through your hair with a wide tooth comb.
 
Tip: Try a styling product here! I'm applying "It's a 10" heat protectant/leave in conditioner. This will prevent some heat damage, and add softness to the hair.
2) Begin drying. Nozzle pointed down (to smooth down the hair cuticle, eliminating frizz), just use your fingers to quickly dry your hair until it is about 80% dry.
3) Now, we begin style/drying! Section off your hair. I have thick hair, so I do 5 sections.
4) Using a flat brush, brush very slowly through your first section. Follow the brush with the blow dryer, nozzle pointing down. Go through each section until completely dry.
Tip: Curl your ends out or under by tilting your brush at the end.
Tip: When satisfied with a section, use the cold air setting on your dryer to seal in the style and add shine. (This is like using cold water at the end of your shower - same concept!)
5) You're done! Part your hair as you like it, and style as desired. Lightly mist with hairspray to set.
I hope this helps you blow dry your hair! What "hair tips" do you use? Let me know in the comments!
Love, Val


Before:
After:

Monday, January 3, 2011

New Hair!

  Hey guys, well I finally went to get my hair cut today! I had been growing it out for a bet with my mom, but the bet ended New Year's. So here's a couple photos. :) (I didn't use the good camera because I'm still trying to find out how to use the self-timer. Haha)


  I asked for 4 inches off the bottom, and some long layers starting at chin level. My stylist was soo amazing, even with my insanely thick hair, and even had enough patience to give me a movie star blowout! That is quite a feat, let me tell you. I get tired after 5 minutes of trying to blow my hair out. FYI, he used a rounded brush to create the curls, and added some shine serum afterwards.

Anyways, that's all for today. Stay tuned, I may have a giveaway coming soon... :)

Love, Val

Sunday, October 10, 2010

How To: Another curly ponytail!

Hey everyone!
  Recently I posted about a fun party hairstyle, the slicked-back curly ponytail. For a lunch out today, I did a softer, everyday variant. Here's how you can, too!
1) As usual, prep hair with heat protectant, brushing in to distribute. Part your hair where you like.
2) Pull your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Now pull out a 1" section from the bottom, and tie off the rest into a ponytail as you would normally.
3) Wrap the section around your hair tie, concealing it, then tuck it into the hair tie so it becomes part of the ponytail. Doing this adds some fanciness to the look.
4) Heat up a flat iron (or curling iron, if you like). Select 2" sections and curl them loosely (read up on how to curl hair with a straightener here). Leave about half your hair uncurled.
5) Style some face-framing pieces as desired. Done!


  Hope you enjoyed! This is a great everyday school look for "instant pretty"! I paired it with light blush, mascara, and gloss for a fresh look. Let me know if you try this, and I'll talk to you all later!
Love, Val

Sunday, September 12, 2010

The Slicked Back, Curly Ponytail!

  Hey guys! So I've been feeling a little under the weather lately, I think I have a cold. I'm fine, but I don't really have the energy to do a proper post today, haha! So instead I'll use  a celebrity pic to demonstrate a hair style I've been loving lately: the slicked-back curly ponytail!
  I tried it for a party last week and it was great! It'll keep the hair off your neck so you won't be hot and uncomfortable while dancing, but the curls make it super pretty. Here's how!

Rihanna rocks the look!

1) Start with clean, dry hair. Prep hair with heat protectant, and if desired shine serum. (I used Chi 44 Iron Guard and Chi Silk Infusion.)
2) Brush back hair into a high ponytail and tie off tightly. Spray hairspray or gel into your hands and smooth down hair.
3) Heat up a curling iron in the size of your choice. Begin curling 1” sections of hair, holding the iron vertically and holding for about 8 seconds. Curl entire ponytail this way, alternating directions. (Hot Tools 1 ¼” Curling Iron.)
4) Shake out curls, mist with hairspray, and curl some face-framing pieces. You’re done!

Hope you all enjoyed! Leave any requests in the comments section. Let me know how it works if you try it. :)

Love, Val























































Tuesday, June 1, 2010

May Favorites

What I've been loving this month!

Makeup
  • Dulce Cosmetics Baked Powder - I've been loving matte finishes for May, contrary to my love of all things dewy in April. Some days I'll just apply concealer and this powder as a 'foundation.'
  • CoverGirl LashBlast Volume - My new favorite mascara!!
  • Rosebud Strawberry Lip Balm - Whenever I want a natural lip I just apply a lip balm like this, or a clear gloss. This balm has the best strawberry scent.
  • Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush in Soft Plum - Who knew mousse blushes could be so fun? Next I want to try some cream blushes for summer.
  • L'Oreal Lash Serum - Made my lashes noticeably longer and thicker. Review soon?
  • Benefit Hoola bronzer and Nars Orgasm Blush - Read my 'Sephora Haul' to see why I love them! :)
Hair
  • Joico K-Pak Reconstruct Shampoo and Conditioner - Makes my hair really soft, shiny, and healthy-feeling.
  • Wearing my hair naturally! I've been loving showering in the morning, scrunching my hair with Paul Mitchell's texture cream, and letting it dry how it pleases.
Nails
  • Essie Nail Polish in Mint Candy Apple - It's a gorgeous light blue/green, almost Tiffany color; I got a ton of compliments on my nails. Also, it's in for summer!
All for now. What are you loving for May?
Love, Val

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Homemade Hair Mask

Hey girls! So I've been growing my hair out for seven months now, and as you know it is essential to keep long hair healthy. Through my research on healthy hair tricks, I found out about hair masks, or goop you cover your hair in and leave in for an hour. Hair masks are excellent for nourishing and strengthening your hair, so without further ado, here's how to make one!

Materials Needed:
  • 1 cup mayonaise
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
  • mixing bowl and spoon
  • plastic wrap and plastic bag
  • comb, hair tie
(The mayonnaise and oils condition your hair; the egg strengthens.)

1) Mix together mayo, egg, and oil in a small mixing bowl. Appetizing, huh? (Note: one cup was plenty for my long, thick hair, but if you have thinner or shorter hair, I'd advise less mayo.)
2) With your hair dry and combed, begin working the mixture through your scalp as if you were massaging in shampoo. Once your scalp is thoroughly covered in the mixture, coat the rest of your hair with it. (I did this step in the bathtub and in an old swimsuit, to avoid mess!)
3) Comb through your hair to evenly distribute the mask. Tie your hair into a low bun.
4) Use the plastic wrap to wrap your whole scalp, not leaving any hair uncovered, then put the plastic bag over your hair and tie the handles at your forehead to secure. This is to trap your body heat, furthering the effect of the mask. (Warning: you will look ridiculous after this step. I know I did.)
5) Leave head wrapped for an hour so the mask can soak. Go read a book or give yourself a manicure!
6) Take off and dispose of the bag and wrap, and take your hair out of the bun. Step into the shower and thoroughly rinse out the mask, then shampoo and condition as normal.
7) You're done! Enjoy your soft, healthy hair!

I like to do this monthly, and I love how my hair looks. Good luck, and I hope you try it!
Love, Val

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Easy Updo: The Braided Bun

Hello blogging universe! Because it was requested, today I am giving you a hair tutorial. This tutorial is for a super easy, natural updo using no heat! Here is the finished look: 

 

Learn how to complete the hairstyle (a Val original) after the jump!
Love, Val