Tag: Nails

3 Small Ways to Rock Fall’s It Color

We now find ourselves at the start of another season, and with that season comes new trends. While spring and summer were ruled by millennial pink, fall’s It color is red. This hue can sometimes be intimidating to wear head to toe like millennial pink, especially when you’re heading to class. The key to pulling off this shade with ease this season is incorporating it in small ways for your everyday looks. These three tips may be subtle, but you’ll be looking like the street style stars on campus in no time.

PHOTO: Lex Kelly

1—Paint your nails

Nail polish is always a great way to incorporate a color into your look. It’s also an easy way to test drive a shade before wearing it in the form of an accessory or a piece of clothing. Just grab your nail file, a base coat, your chosen red—my favorite is a bright, fire engine hue—and a top coat and paint away.

PHOTO: Lex Kelly

2—Swipe on a red lip

This is another easy and quick way to add some red to your look. This is by far my favorite way to add some of fall’s It color to my neutral wardrobe. The great thing about this method is that you can tailor the lip product to your liking. I personally enjoy a matte lip, especially for the fall and winter, but reds come in everything from glosses to stains. With so many options, you’ll be able to find the perfect product for you.

PHOTO: Lex Kelly

3—Accessorize

By far the easiest of the three ways, accessorizing is a 10-second way to add red to your jeans and T-shirt uniform. I’ve been obsessing over a pair of boots from Zara, but jewelry, bags, scarves, and belts can also add a pop of color to your neutral looks.

PHOTO: Lex Kelly

The great thing about these three tips is that they can all be combined in one look. Just be sure your shades match so your look doesn’t clash.

How will you be rocking fall’s It color? Show us on social media! Don’t forget to tag @CFashionista.

Head-to-Toe Beauty

When people think of the term beauty, they immediately associate it with foundation, blush, bronzer, mascara, and all things makeup. Makeup makes up such a large part of the beauty industry that other areas of beauty are often neglected. I was guilty of neglecting my hair, skin, and nails for years but that phase is over, and I have found the perfect products to keep my face and body healthy.

1—Shea Moisture Hair Masque. To my displeasure, I was granted very thin, coarse, and curly hair. I have always struggled to find products that actually help it. It seemed I could never find a conditioner that was moisturizing enough to manage my frizz and tame my curls while keeping it full and fresh. This summer, my daily choice between flat or frizzy was resolved and I found the product that’s the perfect compromise! The Shea Moisture SuperFruit Complex 10-In-1 Renewal System has helped my hair grow healthier while moisturizing each strand making my curls frizz-free and full. Can you name a more iconic duo?

2—Vitamin E Oil. When I tell people I apply oil to my face they’re usually frightened. Vitamin E Oil has been my beauty secret for several years and I don’t know how my dry skin ever survived without it. Applying an oil to my skin morning and night has helped more than any moisturizer ever could. It hydrates my skin while diminishing dark spots and scarring but never leaves my skin feeling greasy or over-oily.

3—Mario Badescu Facial Spray. If you’re reading this, run (sprint) to Ulta and purchase this facial spray. This spray has been a game changer in how my makeup looks and lasts. While I love makeup and all that it has to offer, I like to look fresh and natural. This spray is the icing on the cake for any makeup look. Several sprays of this and all your powder products will melt into your skin making you look fresh-faced and 20 years younger.

4—Gel Polish Machine. When my nails are freshly manicured I feel like I could accomplish literally anything. Sadly, regular nail polish doesn’t stay on my nails for longer than a day. I have tried every gel-like top coat on the market and nothing has worked for me. Getting a shellac manicure at the salon was the only remedy for my easily chipped nails but my college student income didn’t agree. Thankfully, I’ve found the perfect solution to my nail trauma. About a year ago, I purchased a gel polish machine and started doing my gel manicures at home. The initial investment seemed like a lot, but I’ve saved hundreds doing my own gel nails and have perfected the craft.

Concealer, blush, and highlight are exciting but hair, skin, and nails are areas of beauty that will always be in style. Start thinking of your base as highly as your contour and you will see a world of difference.

Let me know your beauty secrets down below!

5 Bad Beauty Habits And Exactly How To Break Them

No one intentionally wants to mess up their hair, skin, or nails. But we’re all guilty of having bad habits, especially when it comes to our beauty routine. You may be doing things unknowingly to your skin that are causing breakouts, fragile nails, and an unnatural look.

It’s hard enough to pinpoint the bad beauty habits that may be causing negative effects, but it is even harder to find how to break those pesky habits that you do without even thinking. However, don’t fear! These problems are relatively easy to solve with a little thought and effort. We’re breaking down some common bad beauty habits that you may have picked up and what you can do about them once and for all.

Sigma Beauty Baking + Strobing Brush Set, $84, Available at Urban Outfitters

There are two reasons this is a bad habit. First, you are putting saliva on your brush and then putting it on your face. Second, it may effect the way the product is applied to the face; if a powder gets moist, it causes a patch application.

How to break it:

Rather than blowing on your brush to remove excess powder, tap on side of container or swirl in your hand. Be sure to clean your brushes on a regular basis to avoid passing on dirt, germs, and natural skin oils, which are likely to cause breakouts and cause your application to appear muddy.

Skinfood Black Bean Eyebrow Pencil, $5, Available at Soko Glam

Filling in every inch of your brow appears harsh and unnatural. There’s also a good chance your brow product is too dark a shade. Overfilling your brows to completely transform the shape is a terrible habit to get into, and will cause makeup artists everywhere to cringe!

How to break it:

Take a look and find the sparse spots of your brow. This is where you need to apply the product. Use short, feather-like strokes, this will help mimic your brow hair for a more natural look. Try to follow the natural shape of your brow. It is also important that you constantly brush through the brow when applying product to avoid buildup.

Mario Badescu Special Healing Powder, $12, Available at Urban Outfitters

Trying to pop a pimple in hopes that it will speed up the healing process? Well you’re out of luck; you’re just making it worse. By doing this you break the skin, making the affected spot more irritated. While doing this, you are also spreading germs and bacteria from your hands that are hurting not helping your pimple.

How to break it:

Let it be! You’re just making it more irritated, with the potential of spreading the bacteria and forming a new breakout! Use a spot treatment to help reduce redness and will eventually vanish your pimple.

HOMEI Weekly Gel Top Coat Nail Polish, $10, Available at Urban Outfitters

Peeling your gel mani is the absolute worst, it peels off the top layer of your nail making it weak and more prone to breakage.

How to break it:

Don’t pick at your nails! If you need to sit on them to prevent you from messing with that,  then be it! If you know you’re the type to pick at chipped polish, do yourself a favor and get the gel professionally removed . Most nail salons will remove it for free, so you really have no excuse.

Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Resurfacing Micro-Exfoliant, $55, Available at Anthropologie

You may think you’re doing good for your skin by using a face scrub daily. However, you may be doing more harm than good. Over exfoliating can cause your skin to become red and can create small whiteheads beneath the skin.

How to break it:

Focus on only exfoliating your face 2-3 times a week. Use a gentle exfoliator, strong enough to remove your dead skin cells, but not too strong to where you are removing cells that aren’t ready, causing unnecessary breakouts.

What are your worst beauty habits? Comment below and we’ll help you break them in an upcoming feature!

The Nail Trend You Literally Need To See To Believe

Do you ever walk into the nail salon without a clue what color you want? I do almost every time I decide to get a manicure (which is about every week and a half). I am very picky with the colors I like on my nails, what can I say?  My usual choices are black, white, any shade of blue, and occasionally red or pink.  This makes it extremely difficult for me to step out of my ‘color’ comfort zone.

This being said, as much fun as I think it would be to choose a color without even thinking about it, I just cannot part ways with my usual shades of “Chandler.” My go-to nail salon also does not have thousands of shellac colors like other envious salons do.  But when you form a bond with a particular nail salon, there is no going back. I know you girls know exactly what I’m talking about.  I am also a shellac girl. To me, it’s how to get the most bang for your buck.

As I scroll through my Instagram feed, I come across so many fun things to do with my nails. At first, it was hard to get past the whole stereotype that neon colors, designs, and having two different colors on your nails are childish or not of age. But then I thought to myself, “It’s summer, nails are only temporary, and I’m a girl who takes risks!”

I have a trip to Chicago coming up in a few days and even though I was sporting a solid Cubs blue, it was time to get them redone. The other day I came across a picture on Instagram where the ring and middle finger were painted a different color and had winking eyelashes painted on.  I love the eyelash/winking trend that has recently become popular so I quickly took a liking to this design.

As a child getting a design on your nails is just about the coolest thing you can do, right? Besides maybe having a pink or blue streak in your hair if your mom let you do that. Can you already guess that my mom never allowed that?  After seeing this mature, young adult design, I decided to try it out on my own. After all, I was the girl who stunned my friends one Christmas when I had a red bejeweled candy cane on my thumb. I chose white to offset the bluish/gray color I selected. After about 45 minutes, I was done and my nails turned out just the way I wanted! Two white winking nails on each hand.

What makes these fun nails even better is the fact that you can choose any two colors as long as they are complimentary of each other! White and orange, light pink and black, dark blue and light blue, the options are endless!  But if any of you ladies choose brown and black, or navy and black, we’re going to have to have a talk.

It’s also fun to show off your nails while drinking your favorite water (mine is TopoChico), reading a book, rocking your favorite purse, heck, even tieing your shoe!  From personal experience, girls compliment striking nails.  I just had a friend get neon yellow shellac on her nails and I just about had a heart attack because it looked so cool.

 

My advice to all my ladies out there reading this, try something new! There are so many creative things to do on Pinterest, Instagram, fashion blogs, and more! Inspiration is all around us, so step out of your comfort zone and try something new. I did!

Show us some crazy summer nails you rock! Show us on social media!  Don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista 

How to Make an Appointment With Yourself (and Actually Enjoy It)

“Loneliness is a sign you are in desperate need of yourself.” – Rupi Kaur, Milk & Honey.

Sometimes we choose to be left alone, and sometimes we’re left with no choice. But, just because we are alone, doesn’t mean that we have to be lonely. In this fast-paced world, FOMO (fear of missing out) is real, and it can feel like you’re always supposed to say yes to everything—you never know what experience or opportunity could arise from it, right? But sometimes, we have to start learning when to say no, and powerful opportunities and experiences can still happen, but in a different, and no less influential way: within ourselves.

Now is the time to say you’ve got plans, and you do—an appointment with yourself. Give yourself permission to recuperate. Give yourself permission to think. Give yourself permission to spend time with your hobbies. Give yourself permission to be yourself, for yourself. Below are a few ways to get started.

1—Get productive. You don’t have to tackle something major—even completing a small task can be helpful, gratifying, and stress-relieving. Organize a desk drawer, or finally get around to cleaning those makeup brushes… which haven’t seen a good soak in a year… or so… oops.

2—Learn a new skill. Find a free coding course online or learn how to determine which of your friends is a sun sign. Invest in a tarot deck, a French press, or an embroidery hoop. What have you been waiting for?

3—Write. Just write. The old-fashioned way, with a pen—not your computer. Make lists, draft some free prose, or try crafting a flash-fiction scene. For many, the scariest part of being alone is the nasty thoughts of doubt and inadequacy it can bring clawing to the surface. But sometimes, it’s good to allow yourself to feel this way and confront it, and writing is an excellent constructive outlet to help sort through those thoughts. Happy, sad, or somewhere in between, the simple act of putting a physical shape to the words crowding your brain is an act of therapy. Even if it’s just mindless scribbles, the feeling of pen pressing to paper is surprisingly cathartic.

4—Discover some fresh tunes. Spend the day surfing through Spotify suggestions, researching your local music scene, or crafting the ideal summer nights playlist. Of course, if you don’t care to bother with the hassle, I personally recommend this summer playlist (all the indie/surfy/shoegaze-y pop you could ever need, with the windows rolled down) though I may be a little biased.

5—Practice self-care. Paint your nails, throw on (or make!) a face mask, and get back into a skincare routine.

6—Pick up a book. Read that book you’ve had on your “summer reading list” Pinterest board for 3 years now. If a full-blown novel seems like too much of a commitment, go for a poetry anthology instead!

7—Literally just catch up on sleep. Uh… ditto.

How do you like spending your valuable time alone? Let me know in the comments below!

Smells Like Teen Spirit

As the latter part of the ’90s set in, we began to see more trends from that epic era rise. Grunge, a staple in the life of the ’90s that could be seen on the likes of Brittany Murphy (in Clueless), Alicia Silverstone (in life), and mastered by Kurt Cobain. Grunge is visual to the alternative rock music of Seattle kids rebelling against the inheritance of a corporate-based living. Many women today are taking inspirations from this look to rebel against the inheritance of beauty-based living.

In the city, I came across an urban grunge princess. She is wearing a brown Uniqlo crepe dress with aged-to-perfection Dr. Martens with custom lacing. I found this urban princess enjoying the sun with a natural monotone palette. She picked up the accent of the city with her dress up against the urban paint and Dr. Martens on top of the brick and concrete.

The makeup was on point as well, wearing Ipsy PBJ Smoothie Stick, NARS Orgasm Illuminator, and Naked Urban Decay Smog eyeshadow. I was also able to catch the urban princess enjoying an iced coffee and raspberry macaron setting off her stiletto nail job with a lavender-based OPI nail polish.The Princess displayed a very chill attuite enjoying the summer day this is a very doable look without having to go out of your way, like many urban inspired trends you can make it your own. There are many great examples of grunge in the new millennium such as SZA, Travis Scott, and ABRA. Looking forward to sharing more style tips with you guys click the heart before you go!!! ;-]

The princess displayed a very chill attuite enjoying the summer day. This is a very doable look without having to go out of your way; like many urban-inspired trends, you can make it your own. There are many great examples of grunge in the new millennium such as SZA, Travis Scott, and ABRA.

How do you interpret this urban-inspired trend? Show us on social media by tagging @Cfashionista!

ALL IN THE DETAILS: Slide to the Left, Slide to the Right

You must live under a rock if you have not noticed this new trend. Slides are making their way back into the fashion cycle, and we could not be more excited. These shoes are so versatile, and come in a huge selection of colors, prints, textures, and more. Trust me on this, there are slides to fit every unique personality.

Slides started first appearing in the ’90s. Remember that Steve Madden all-black sandal? You were not born in the ’90s if you did not own a pair. Well, they are making a comeback, along with many other variations, for slide sandals. The nostalgia could not get any better than this.

This Fashionista paired her slides with a casual, yet flirty, ensemble, perfect for that summer weather. Her white slides make a bold statement, when combined with her rust-colored romper. Apart from her bold shoes, the western-style belt, adds dimension to her outfit by complementing her waist and showing off her figure. You can’t forget about how her nails, coated in white nail polish, bring the whole outfit together.

These sandals are a perfect way to start your summer because it is no fun sweating in your favorite booties. They will let your feet breathe so that you can focus on more important matters. Although, if you do get cold in the night, consider pairing your slides with crazy fun socks. You never know, you might be the inspiration for the next fashion trend, and people will line up for your style advice.

BEAUTY BAR: Stylish on a Budget

Makeup is most girls’ personal addiction. There is always a new lipstick, eyeshadow palette, or blush that we have to add to our collection. Unfortunately, with brands like MAC, Too Faced, and Urban Decay, it can get pretty pricey. Then it is time to become a super shopper and start hunting for sales.

This University of Memphis Fashionista is all about finding a good deal. She adores MAC Cosmetics and Revlon but doesn’t want to break the bank for her makeup. She goes to stores like Sally Beauty and Sephora to catch a good sale during their beauty events.

She loves MAC foundation. It blends well with her skin and is lightweight, so it doesn’t feel like it is clogging her pores. The foundation also has a satin finish and doesn’t dry her skin out, compared to other liquid makeup that she has tried in the past. Her MAC lipstick is perfect for her personality with its colorful pigments and a little shimmer. She prefers this lipstick because of its matte finish, the small shimmer, and it keeps her lips moisturized.

She uses a Revlon eye palette and nail polish to finish her look. The PhotoReady eyeshadow with primer and the ColorStay 16 hour eyeshadow are her favorites. Revlon nail enamel is great for this Fashionista and others who work with their hands. This nail polish doesn’t chip easily, and the colors are bold. At stores like Ulta and Sally Beauty, she saves money with their buy-one-get-one deals and their rewards programs.

Every girl has a shopping addiction when it comes to makeup. A great way to make sure you don’t spend your whole paycheck is to watch out for sales. Most cosmetic stores have rewards programs that will become your best friend and beauty events, like Ulta’s 21 days of beauty, where you can get their favorite brands for half the price. Remember Fashionistas and Fashionistos, you don’t have to spend all of your money to look fab.

BEAUTY BAR: Latest and Greatest

Makeup is a fun tool, used to enhance one’s natural beauty. Each time I put on makeup, I feel like an artist working on a blank canvas. It’s something I can look forward to when getting ready. There are so many unique looks that can be created and there’s nothing more fun than trying out new things. I caught up with this Fashionista to learn some insider beauty tips.

One of the latest beauty trends is called a “cut crease.” This eye look incorporates contrasting shadows to create depth. Our Fashionista is using a beautiful glitter eyeliner in the crease of her eyelid, along with some black liquid eyeliner to create the perfect wing. In my opinion, winged eyeliner will never go out of style.

She also added a neutral eye shadow to blend out and create a smokey eye look. Another popular beauty trend is the use of a highlighting product to keep the face glowy and illuminated. This Fashionista is using a highlighter with gold undertones above her cheekbones right where the light would naturally reach.

Our Fashionista knows that no look is complete without the perfect accessories. She channels her inner ’90s pop star with a black choker necklace, which contrasts perfectly against her floral print shorts. She is also wearing some beautiful geode earrings that match the ring on her left hand. Besides her makeup, this Fashionista has some beautiful nails. A new nail trend is the use of a holographic finish. Her turquoise nails have a holographic polish on top that makes her nail shimmer in the bright sunlight.

Whether makeup is your forte or your weakness, don’t be afraid to express yourself and try out new looks. Makeup is all about trial and error. Just like anything else, makeup takes a lot of practice and even more patience. The most essential tip I can give you is to embrace your natural beauty and feel confident in who you are.

BEAUTY BAR: Au Natural

Natural black hair is often negatively (and completely unfairly) stereotyped as being unprofessional or not appropriate for work, no matter what style it’s in. If you want to get ahead anywhere, society says, you’ve either got to straighten it, get yourself a weave, or shave it all off. Sounds awfully unfair, doesn’t it? Well, don’t let it get you down—this Fashionista is here to show you that you can be all natural, all classy, and proud of it!

This style is achieved by tightly pulling her hair back close to the scalp, giving it a corona like shape. With her outfit’s simple silhouette, she’s made her hair the centerpiece! All her bright and fun colors, from her bright red pants to her polka dot blouse, work as a great contrast to emphasize her hair’s natural dark tones, drawing your eyes immediately upwards. Instead of trying to downplay it or deemphasize it, she’s created a look that celebrates her hair, proudly putting it front and center.

Of course, we can’t get away with not talking about those adorable nails! Her opalescent nail polish goes well with her top’s basic color scheme, but adds its own glossy spin on it, giving the look just a touch of glamour. Finishing her look off with her matching cranberry glasses and tote and giving it just the right balance to pull it all together, she’s looking ready to stroll in and nail that interview, presentation, or whatever else life might throw her way.

How, though, should you take care of your natural ‘do, so it’s always looking fresh and fabulous? Firstly, a good conditioner and moisturizer is essential! Drying out is your worst nightmare, so keeping your hair hydrated should be your number one priority, and a solid natural moisturizer can help you out with that, big time. Then, to seal all that moisture in nice and tight, jojoba oil does wonders, keeping your hair looking good for as long as it needs to be. Careful not to use too much, though! Naturally kinky hair can be very fragile and too many oils, even natural ones may make it brittle, so use caution. The last thing you’d want to do is make your hair even dryer!

No matter what, your hair is your own and no one else’s, so do whatever you want with it! Kinky, straight, or anywhere in between, it’s still you being your own fabulous self. Just don’t let anyone else tell you what is or isn’t appropriate for your hair. It’s your hair after all, not theirs!