Category: Beauty
Products for Bright-Hued Hair
As my senior year of college is fast approaching, the little devil on my shoulder keeps whispering into my ear, “Dye your hair pink, Kate. It may be your last chance.” I continue to find myself googling methods to turn my hair a bright, unnatural, entirely obnoxious color, all with a mischievous smile plastered on my face. Thankfully, I’ve learned a lot, and with all the music festivals coming up, this could be your chance to go a little wild too. Whether you want it for a day or a year, we’ve all got some pretty bold options.
Totally Temporary…
Alright, so you’re looking to have some bright streaks in your hair for a couple of days at SXSW. Got it. I recommend Streekers, which come in every shade of the rainbow. Simply use the wand to apply to hair, and when you want to stop looking like you’re of another planet, rinse out. Another good washable option is Kevin.Murphy Color.Bug, which is a chalk that comes in pink, purple, orange, white, neon and shimmery tones.
Sorta Stays…
For all you fearsome colorers that still want a little longevity, I recently discovered a super cool option that’s easy as pie – but only if you’re going for pink. Davines Alchemic Red Conditioner, originally made to enhance shades of red, actually turns blondes and mousy browns into a gorgeous, bold pink, all in the tranquility of your shower. It lasts three to four washes, a good middle ground for those not looking to totally commit. I’m also a big fan of using Kool-Aid for a semi-permanent touch of color. You read that right: Kool-Aid. I’ve used the pink and purple powders to dye my tips and it works like a charm. All you have to do is mix the powder with water, boil, pour into a cup, and dip ends in until the color is satisfactory. Bright hair for less than a dollar? You can thank me when you look like Princess Bubblegum.
…and Perfectly Permanent.
So you’ve decided you want to commit to all the mesmerized, jealous stares of people gaping at your hair. You’ve got a few good products to choose from. Manic Panic is always, always a fantastic option, especially since they have about a million shades in their line. I’ve also been hearing a lot about the brand Special Effects – it’s supposed to be of a tad better quality than Manic Panic, but has less color options. Both will last you three to six weeks before you’ll need to touch up.
Tutorial: Suno Gold Leaf Hair Part
If your wardrobe’s feeling plain Jane these days, add a little gold to your… hair part? No, I’m not insane, just a little obsessed with Fashion Week’s beauty trends. And this one’s got some staying power, thanks to Dries Van Noten last season and Suno this time around. The best part is that it’s insanely easy to do: all you’ll need is an eyeshadow brush and Stila Magnificent Metals Foil Finish Eye Shadow in Comex Gold (which includes Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eye Primer).
1. Part your hair down the middle, and pull the rest back in a ponytail. Make sure the ponytail is super tight so you can easily access your part.
2. Mix a couple of drops of the Stila Primer and a thick coat of the Stila Eyeshadow on the back of your hand.
3. Dip the eyeshadow brush into the mixture – try to focus the shadow on the ends of the brush so you’ll be able to apply it more precisely. Begin applying it to the front of your part, tapering the glitter out in the front so you don’t have a hard line at your hairline.
4. Continue applying the shadow down the part, being careful to keep the glitter from getting in the hair around the part.
5. Finish the line. At the Suno show, the line stopped abruptly at the back of the part.
Voila! A brand-new part!
Beauty Products that are Worth the Splurge
I live for my Revlons, Maybellines, and L’Oreals, but sometimes, when it comes to beauty, you really do get what you pay for. Now, I’m not telling you to go spend $115 on a Tom Ford brush – which is a real thing, we might add – but there are products out there that really will transform you like no drugstore brand can. Stock up on these essentials, and let CVS take care of the rest.
Fresh Crème Ancienne Ultimate Nourishing Honey Mask – $130
Okay, so this isn’t technically makeup, and I know it’s ABSURDLY expensive, but I had to list it because it will make your foundation glide on flawlessly. It’s a super moisturizing, pure honey mask that sinks into the skin like butter – and it smells absolutely delicious. Plus, you only need to use it once every week or two, and the jar seems to last forever.
Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer – $24
I’m not exaggerating when I say you could get no sleep for a week and still look wide-awake using this concealer. Apply with a brush or your finger, and watch as it blends in flawlessly thanks to infused skin softeners. I advise buying a shade lighter than you would for foundation to really brighten up your eyes.
NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base – $25
I thought I’d never break up with my Urban Decay Primer Potion, but alas, I’ve found something new. This stuff might as well be glue, it makes your eyeshadow last so long. We’re talking 14 HOURS long. I’m also obsessed with its stick applicator, which allows for a totally precise application, sans messy fingers.
Stila Magnificent Metals Foil Finish Eyeshadow – $32
When I went to Ulta to check this product out, I put it down three times because of the price before ultimately deciding to buy it. Boy, am I glad I did. The included liquid primer makes the glitter really pop, offering a sexy, wet eye look. I got the shade “Comex Gold” – just a little bolder than my typical taupe, and perfect for a night out.
Dior Vernis Nail Lacquer – $24
You may think you’re bad at putting on nail polish, but the more likely culprit? The polish you’re using isn’t very high quality. Dior’s polish brushes make having pretty nails a cinch, and the formula glides on seamlessly in one coat. The shade “Trafalgar” is the ideal red, “Bouquet” is a perky pink and “Blue Label” is a bolder, navy blue option.
5-Minute College Makeup
“Forget makeup,” you may be tempted to say as you hit the snooze button yet again before getting up for class. Believe it or not, though, looking polished for school can be really important: who knows what kind of connections your professors may have? Who knows who you’ll meet? But doing your makeup for class doesn’t have to be a 45-minute drag. Got five minutes? That’s all you’ll need, if you’ve got the right products on hand.
1. Use a Beauty Blender Sponge to quickly stipple a BB Cream (or tinted moisturizer) into moisturized skin focusing color under the eyes to look more awake. We like Bobbi Brown BB Cream with SPF 35.
2. Apply Maybelline Master Glaze Blush in your preferred shade from cheekbones to temples, making sure to blend it in.
3. Dot and blend a shaded eyeshadow primer, like Urban Decay Primer Potion in Sin, all over the lids. This product cuts out a step, so you don’t have to apply primer and then shadow.
4. Use Covergirl Bombshell Intensity Liner – in brown or black, whichever you prefer – to line the top lid and wing it into a subtle cat eye. Liquid liner is usually a little tough on a time crunch, but this product’s short handle makes it easier to maintain control.
5. Finish up the eyes with a thick coat of Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara on only the top lashes – you don’t want to spend the day worrying about smudging.
6. Swipe on a sheer red lip stain, like Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Romantic.
And voila! A quick, classic look for class. That wasn’t so bad, right?
Pantone 2014 Color of the Year: Beauty Edition
What’s killer on runways and stellar on walls, but best on eyes, lips and nails? It could only be Pantone’s 2014 Color of the Year: Radiant Orchid. A gorgeous, pink-tinged purple that works everywhere, it’s no wonder we prefer it to 2013’s Emerald. Read on to discover products in this splendid shade that will work to light up your look.
Marc Jacobs Style Eye-Con No. 3 in The Rebel
The easiest way to don this tone is by sweeping it on the eyes. In Marc Jacobs’ chic black case, you’ll find an orchid tone to put on the lids, a darker purple for your crease, and even a shimmery champagne hue for highlighting your brows and inner corners. Finish with inky black mascara, and voila! Totally on-trend.
Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in Hoochie
If you haven’t picked up a Lip Tar yet, you’re missing out. And why not try it in the Color of the Year? The great thing about this product is that the tiniest bit goes a long way – simply dot your finger with it and use the included lip brush to swipe it on. Color too intense? Lip Tars were made for mixing, so you can darken or lighten the shade with ease by swirling it with another tone. Or, see the Revlon lip product below.
Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Darling
We could go on and on and on about these Balm Stains. The colors are gorgeous and sheer, and seem to last a lifetime. One swipe of this color and you’ll feel edgy-yet-sophisticated all day. Oh, and your lips will be magically moisturized too. You’re welcome.
Deborah Lippmann Crème Nail Color in Between The Sheets
This shade is described on the Deborah Lippmann website as “tantalizing” – who could disagree? These polishes are known for their quality; they’re insanely smooth to brush on, and usually only one coat does the trick. We won’t blame you if you decide to pick up another color… or five.
Illamasqua Powder Blusher in Thrust
You read that right: purple blush. Don’t be scared, though! This powder will give you the sexiest, boldest flush. Use a contour brush to sweep the shade over your cheekbones and up to your temples, and top with a highlighting powder. One quick warning: if you wear this color on your cheeks, avoid it on your lips and eyes. The goal is to glow, not look sickly!
The Neutral Eyeshadow Palette Standoff
Naked. Nude. Buff. No, we’re not trying to undress you, we’re just talking beauty. There’s no doubt about it: women are going gaga over neutral eyeshadow palettes. From Urban Decay’s Naked 3 Palette to MAC’s new Neutral Palette, these meant-to-be-customized sets provide the wearer with a nearly endless array of looks. But are the pricey ones worth it? Are there decent drugstore dupes? We looked at and sampled several, and managed to choose a few favorites. It’s time to get naked.
MAC Eyeshadow x 15 Neutral Palette – $100
Like us, you probably just gasped about the absurdity of a $100 eyeshadow palette. We’ll confirm it here: it’s not worth it. Though it does have three more shades than your average Naked Palette, it’s also about double the price. And looking at swatches, we found that most of the shades are almost identical to some of our Naked favorites, so yes, they are gorgeous and highly-pigmented, but also sort of a rip-off. One cool feature, though? There’s a warm set and a cool set, so each shade in the palette you choose is almost guaranteed to look flawless on you.
Urban Decay Naked3 Palette – $52
Don’t try to get us to stop raving about our Naked Palettes; it won’t work. Urban Decay’s newest release includes several rosy, coppery shades that flatter just about everyone. And with 12 shadows, you have enough to highlight, contour, even fill in your brows. Yes, 50 bucks is a little pricy, but you’ll get your money’s worth and then some – and this is coming from someone who has bought and adored all three Naked Palettes.
Tarte NeutralEYES Palette Volume II – $44
You might be stopped in your tracks by this palette only having 10 shades, but think again: the pans are huge, and will likely last you a damn while. Besides the chic case, our favorite part about this set is that there are even a few purple-y shades included to spice up your typical neutral look – perfect to go from day to night. Plus, the case is refillable, so if you run out of just one shade, buy another and pop it back in!
NYX Nude on Nude Palette – $25
Woah. This set seriously blew us away. For those lusting after a Naked Palette but short on funds, this is the perfect compromise. Just Google “NYX Nude on Nude swatches” and prepare to find a multitude of side-by-side comparisons in which the two brands look nearly identical. You’re welcome.
e.l.f. Studio Baked Eyeshadow Palettes – $10
As an e.l.f. devotee from the brand’s beginnings, I can’t back up these palettes enough. Seriously pigmented and cheap as they come, it’s easy to afford one or two of the neutral sets. And if you’re in a bolder mood, no one would judge you if you picked up the two smokier sets too. You deserve it, right?