Spiral/Twists without a Curling Iron

Spiral curls.

1. Towel-dry hair.

2. Brush.

3. Apply any products you use/need: I use anti-breakage serum.

4. Comb through and part hair as you normally style it.

5. Pin one side, then separate a 1-11/2 inch piece from the loose side, then pin the rest.

6. Spray separated hair with heat protector.

7. Twist from the root in the direction towards the back of your head.

8. Hold the twisted piece by the end and blow dry (preferably on medium but just be careful not to burn your scalp or stay too long in one spot) by pointing the dryer at the hair and slowly moving down toward the end. Make sure to swap hands and blow dry the back side of the twist. Then let go of the end and gently dry against the palm of your hand while it is loose to make sure the inner hairs are dried.

9. Pin the completed twist to the top of your head.

10. Un-pin the same side, and repeat 5-9.

11. Pin all completed pieces until you have twisted and blow-dried all of your hair.

12. While all your twists are still pinned, take a moment to blow-dry your scalp (again on medium or low), using your fingers to carefully lift your roots. Give all your twists one last blast of hot & then cool (if you have that setting) all over your head while they are still pinned up.

13. Un-pin twists.

14. Gently run your fingers through the pieces to loosen and separate. 

15. Apply anti-frizz product gently with fingers.

 *for a one-day/night look and to hold curls so they don't go flat, spray with hair spray, gently separate each side of your hair into 2 halves and twist one half at a time (in the same direction) as 2 big units and give a quick hot-then-cool shot with the blow dryer. You can also lift your roots, apply hair spray and do the same with the blow-dryer for a little extra body/volume.

Product Review: Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush

I really wanted to do a review on this product, because ever since I started wearing makeup, blush was the one thing I never used. I've actually had this blush for about 2 years now, and it's held up pretty well, but soon I will be doing a little research to determine whether or not I should toss it and get a new one.

It's the Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush, and I own it in color #20 - Peach Satin. This blush is what made me add blushing to my makeup routine. It's soft, creamy and subtle. Sometimes I get carried away with it because it's so subtle... if the lighting is not exactly right I can't tell I'm putting it on. I actually like that, because it means I can't possible make myself look clown-ish. But it gives the perfect amount of color and adds a glow to your face - and I love this stuff!

Okay. So first let me tell you about the texture. It's soft and creamy like a mousse, but had a bit of a powdery texture, so it tends to crumble a little. This doesn't really bother me too much, I just rub my finger in it and let the crumbly bits fall back into the container. It goes on like butter and has a little bit of shimmer to it. I especially love this color, because it works beautifully with my skin tone. I'd really like to see swatches/reviews of the other colors if anyone has used this product!

This is my go-to blush. Considering it's the first blush I've ever bought or used, that's kind of a given. However, I did recently purchase E.L.F.'s HD Blush in Superstar, but I haven't used it. To be honest, I'm scared of it! It is liquid/cream and very pigmented. I will give it a shot soon, though, since I did pay for it. We'll have to wait and see how that turns out.

What is your go-to blush?

Look of the Day - Work

Ok so here's a quick Look of the Day for you. This is how I did my makeup for work this morning. Here are the products used:

Elf Tinted Moisturizer, Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer/Dark Circle Eraser, Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush/20 Peach Satin, CoverGirl EyeEnhancers Eyeshadow/Snow Blossom, E.L.F. Pressed Mineral Eyeshadow/First Date, E.L.F. Eyeliner & Shadow Stick/Purple & Plum, Maybelline Colossal Volum' Express Mascara and E.L.F. Lip Stain (w/gloss)/Heartbreaker.

This was a quick, effective process and turned out to be a really nice look for work that wasn't overbearing. Just something to make me look awake and presentable.

I applied the tinted moisturizer first. This was my 2nd time using it - I think the last time I used too little, and it didn't seem to cover much. This time I used more and I have a new appreciation for this product. I followed that with some concealer to hide my dark circles and any blemishes.

Next, I applied the Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush in #20: Peach Satin to my cheeks. Check back soon for a review exclusively on this product.

The white eyeshadow was applied below my brow and in the inner corners of my eyes, followed by the pink shadow all over my lid. Then I used the shadow stick. I applied the plum eyeliner to my upper lashline, and the used the subtle purple shadow stick for my crease and outer corners - this added contrast between the white and pink shadows as they were both so light it was hard to tell the difference between them, and just looked like my whole eye was one color.

Next of course, the mascara. I love Maybelline's mascaras. I have tried several of them and have no complaints. This one in particular applies nicely without clumping or sticking.

Lastly, I applied the lipstain, let it dry, then coated with the gloss.

I picked all these products out last night before bed and laid them out like in the picture above. I was striving for a way to do my makeup before work that was fast and covered all the critical bases: flawless skin, eyes, and lips.

Here is the finished face (PS. Aren't my earrings ADORABLE!?!?):