5 Hairstyles That Will Make You Slender

We all know how marvelous hair styles can be, and you are about to appreciate them even more because the hair style that you're rocking can be making you look fat. Yup! it's true. It isn't all bad news though because this also means that there are hair styles that can actually make you look skinner. It goes both ways. So, if you are feeling a little self conscious about your beach body (which you shouldn't because you should love whatever you're working with), these top hairstyles might make you feel better while also making you look sexy and skinny!

Photo Credit: The Luxe Maven

The Chin Bob
There is nothing better than shortening your hair for some skinny action. While this may not be the most ideal option for everyone, if you aren't in fear of cutting off a couple of inches, this is one way to thin your face out fabulously - sans the botox. Keep in mind that the chin bob isn't a hairstyle that works for every face shape.  So, if you have a double chin you're trying to hide, this isn't the option for you as it will draw all the attention right to the area you want to hide.

The Asymmetrical Bob
With that said, if you do have a double chin and want to enjoy the skinny benefits that come from a shorter hairstyle, then opt for the asymmetrical bob instead. It will sculpt your face while giving you a super chic look that is super easy to maintain. This hairstyle is shorter in the back and gets longer as it comes closer to the front. The angles will narrow in all the areas you aren't a fan of, and if you want to add some serious chicness, opt for side swept bangs as well!

Light it Up with Highlights
If you aren't ready to take some length off, then stick with highlights. Forget about the hot pink streaks. Instead, opt for natural streaks that work flawlessly with your complexion and hair tone. The contrast between the dark and light streaks offer the same concept of lengthy stripes. It'll elongate your face, making it skinnier while also making it brighter. Goodbye dull hair and hello fabulousness.

Pump it Up
Volume! Boom! It is the best thing that any hair can ever have. Throw in some volumizing hair products into your hair regime to pump it up. This includes high quality shampoos, conditioners, cremes, pomades, serums - everything. The bigger the hair, the slimmer your face will appear. Just remember to always stick with high quality items.  Check the ingredients, ladies.

Choose Good Bangs
There is no better time to slim your face with blunt bangs because this is a huge hair trend this year! If you have a longer face, make a bold statement by straight cut, heavy bangs. However, this isn't a good hairstyle for those of you with a rounder face. For you, opt for thick, side swept bangs and take advantage of the previous tip.

Stay tuned for the second half of this post that will debut next week!

Staying Squeaky Clean with Effective Makeup Removers

Don't end the night by falling asleep with your makeup on! There are so many options available to you so you can give your skin the pampering it deserves.
Are you looking for a makeup remover that does the job without much effort? Below, I've created a its of my top three favorite makeup removers. The prices range from super affordable to a bit more high end, fitting everyone's budget. But the great thing is, all of them work great!!!





Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover ($6): Neutrogena's Oil-Free Makeup Remover has to be one of the more affordable but effective options available. Not only does it work, but the size is perfect for on the go makeup removal. They have a 3.8 and a 5.5 fl oz option that fits perfectly snug within my makeup bag without being too bulky. 

Highlights: Dual action formula removes even waterproof makeup  |  Oil-free, non greasy  |  Ophthalmologist test  |  Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers

"Oil-free eye makeup remover takes off even waterproof eye makeup without leaving an oily residue. Forget harsh tugging and pulling. This ultra-gentle dual phase formula activates when shaken to remove all eye makeup--even waterproof mascara--without any greasy residue. It is ophthalmologist tested, safe for contact lens wearers and oil free."

Josie Maran Bear Naked Wipes ($12): Jose Maran Bear Naked Wipes are super convenient! I love having these next to my bed stand or within my purse for those "I'm-too-lazy-to-clean-up-nights". Staying out till 2 or 3 and finding yourself exhausted when you come home? Don't skimp on the clean!!! Whip these babies out and give your skin the cleanliness it deserves. 

Highlights: Natural makeup remover  |  Convenient  |  Easy to use  |  Doesn't require water  |  Portable  |  Safe for sensitive eyes and skin  |  Portion of every package of wipes sold goes to protect the Polar Bears

"Josie Maran Bear Naked Wipes removes makeup and impurities from face and eyes, nature's way--with a blend of aloe vera, chamomile, cucumber, and Vitamin E. Free of fragrance, paragons, and petrochemicals. Josie Maran Cosmetics' Bear Naked Wipes are luxuriously soft, biodegradable, and kind to tender eyes and skin. It's made with love for both people and the planet." 

Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water ($39): Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water is my go to when I want to splurge a little (it isn't a crime!!!!). Consistency is super nice and light yet removes all my makeup. It's also a great bottle to slip into my makeup bag when I'm on the go. 

Highlights: Super gentle  |  Perfect for on the go  |  Used by makeup artists  |  Oil-free  |  Safe for contact lens wearers  |  Six essential herbs  |  No washing or rinsing required

"Gently remove even waterproof makeup and skin impurities in a single sweep with mineral-rich Cleansing Water. From the Yumura Hot Springs in Izumo, Japan, comes pure water, rich with skin-absorbing nutrients to replenish and rejuvenate as it cleanses. White Birch Sap, harvested only three weeks in early spring, contributes an abundance of minerals and xylitol as it lifts off makeup, oils, and residue. No washing or rinsing required."

Best Workout Hair Styles

When you're going out to work up a sweat, you want to look good, right? After all, you would look pretty foolish wearing a ton of makeup, so you really have to rely on your hair to make you look fabulous. Whether you're hitting the sidewalk for a jog or heading to a co-ed gym (that's where all the hot guys are, ladies) these hairstyles will keep you look fresh while you accentuate your fit lifestyle.

Photo From The Luxe Maven

Classic Pony Tail
This is a no brainer. The classic ponytail is ideal for the gym, zumba class or even one of those modern day pole dancing classes. To spice up the look, wrap a piece of hair around the elastic band to achieve that medieval - Sporty Spice ponytail, or tease the crown and bring your ponytail down to enjoy added volume.

Half Up Braids
This is one of the biggest fitness hairstyle trends right now. Instead of tying your hair up completely, pull the upper half of your hair to the back and braid it. This is perfect for less intense (less sweaty) workouts, as the majority of your hair remains down and you don't want your hair to be sticking to your sweaty neck or back. Gross.

Bangs-Be-Gone
If there is one thing you want from a workout hair regime, it's your hair out of the face. Twist your bangs back into a ponytail or french braid your bangs back on each side. You can go with a cornrow appeal, or a big, bulky braid. The options are truly endless with this fitness hairstyle.

Messy Bun With Accessories
Boom! This is our favorite one, isn't it, ladies? Instead of having that typically bun thrown on top of your head, spice it up with some accessories, or try a top knot instead of your regular. Pinning a large bow to the side of your bun keeps your hairstyle ideal for the gym yet cute and flirty for your personality and preferences!

Braided Madness
Sometimes you just don't want your hair swinging around or touching your neck at all. The last thing you want to worry about when you're getting your sweat on is hair sticking to you. Braids are the perfect hairstyle to get everything tucked in place. It can be a fishtail braid to the side, a french braid from the front to the back, a braided ponytail or so many other hairstyles. Just braid it to enjoy a hassle free, yet stylish workout.

Get rid of the straightener, hair curler and all other nonsense. Your hair is about to get sweaty and there is no point in looking like a polished princess in a gym. That's a huge fashion-fitness faux pas. Instead, keep it natural and gorgeous with these favorite fitness hair styles.

Bitten by the love bug...

Happy Thursday Dear Friends,
I’m just absolutely bitten by the love bug right now. Oh you know the feeling I am talking about! The irresistible need to skip, lightness to every step, head in the clouds. No? How about donning a foolish grin, randomly breaking out in dance, or fighting down the urge to just giggle out loud?

Yep. There it is! Take the next couple minutes and live in this feeling.
 

It’s no surprise that I’m feeling so very starry-eyed since my wedding is tomorrow!! YAAAAYY!!!! To help spread the cheer, I wanted to show you a marriage proposal that just warmed my heart.
 

Nicole and James' Proposal

Back story:  3 years of happiness for James and Nicole. While away in Germany, James, a true romantic at heart, contacted Rob Anderson, a Las Vegas magician, to create some magic and help him pop the question. By the way, how cool is this magician for helping him out?!

 

Nicole and her friends took a spontaneous vacation to Vegas. While shopping, her friends stopped by a magician’s street performance. Inviting Nicole to help him with his trick, Anderson perfectly executed the transition from his magic trick to James’ proposal. With some sweet words that, I’ll admit, had me shamelessly tearing up, James won over Nicole and everyone’s heart. What a beautiful moment to be able to witness.

 

Find the sweet video below:
 

Our A-typical Engagement

I always feel a bit embarrassed by own proposal but my fiancé definitely nailed it with the personal touch. Scroll below to hear about his unusual proposal:
 

On Christmas Eve 2012, my fiancé Nick and I were getting ready for bed after a very fun but long day of family. As we were getting ready, he asked if I wanted to play a couple rounds of Call of Duty. I’m a big gamer geek! Lol. We had a second system in our bedroom and we started the game up. While we were playing, I noticed that someone had logged into his screen name. We were currently logged onto mine. I was concerned at first because we had our credit card information on the server but Nick told me we’d take a look after the round. Of course right? The game is most important. And I of course agree wholeheartedly haha.
 

As we were playing, I then receive a message from his screen name. You should’ve seen me! I was so infuriated. Not only had someone hacked his account, but they were messaging his friends!!! Nick told me to check the message, but the game was still going. And if you go to check a message, you are still active in the game and can still be “killed”. So of course I couldn’t ruin my gamer ratio!!! Haha. I worked hard for that! I kept telling him, hold on, just wait until after the game. He kept insisting! Finally, I checked it and the message read, “Will you marry me?”

Awww right? Well I didn’t even connect the note with my fiancé. I actually yelled, “What kind of sick joke is this?!” I looked at my fiancé, who was wearing a huge grin, and that’s when it dawned on me. Light bulb! He took my hand, brought me out to our deck overlooking the backyard that was covered in Christmas lights, and proceeded to profess his love. Sigh… What a total gamer geek proposal heehee.

Note: His sister had logged into his account to send that message. THE WHOLE FAMILY WAS IN ON IT! I feel betrayed….
 

Share in our cheer

Anyways, I hope that your weekend is filled with joy. Please kiss your loved ones, whether it be your husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, parents, friends or pets, celebrate my special day by celebrating your special people.

Common Problems With Hair Extensions

Listen, ladies. I am a girl who is all about the added length and volume that comes from throwing in some incredible extensions into our heads, but it is no secret that some kinds can certainly cause serious problems that would have you hating hair extensions pretty quickly. Just think about Britney Spears for a second. You know those patches and blotches of hair that was missing at one point, or how her hair got really straggly straight from the roots? Well, that my friends, is hair extension damage. Now, there are different kinds of hair extensions so it isn't all bad news. Just know what you're doing before you start gluing some locks onto your scalp! This little tidbit should help you.

Fairly Harmless Clip Ins
Some of the most affordable hair extensions are the ones that are clip ins. They also happen to be one of the less damaging options as well which is fabulous. Unfortunately, the downside is that you have to put them in every time you want to wear them but that isn't really that big of an issue when you look at the big picture. Usually these kinds of hair extensions hold better in your hair when you tease the strands but that is about how damaging these will get. Not bad, right?

Sew in Hair Extensions
Just as it reads, these kind of hair extensions get sewn into your hair - not your head. This can lead to problems because if it is sewn in too tightly, your actual hair will be put at strain and often times, it can pull out your hair completely. The tugging can also lead to serious scalp problems which could cause even worse problems that 'just having your real hair falling out' but that is awful as it is. The bonus is that you don't have to worry about putting your hair extensions in every day.

Glued On Hair Extensions
This is an obvious one and probably one of the most dangerous options because you are literally putting glue on your scalp and on your hair. Not only does this come with obvious problems but it can also encourage allergic reactions and serious scalp problems as well. In other words - you will hate brushing your hair because it will hurt so bad. Aside from the pain, your entire head could end up feeling like you've come into contact with a bad case of poison ivy.

Heat Treatment Hair Extensions
This method is very similar to the prior, and is called a Heat Sealing treatment. Some of the hair extension is put under a heat lamp to liquefy which then attaches to your scalp and hair when it cools again. If done incorrectly or a mistake is made, your head could end up being scalded. Ouch!

So, before you put your next set of hair extensions in, you may want to think about the long term damage.

Photo Credit: http://www.breatheheavy.com/exhale/index.php?/topic/451422-does-britney-use-extensions-or-fusions/

My Favorite Hair Straighteners...For Every Budget

It feels like every time I go to buy some beauty or hair product, there are about a bagillion options to choose from. Which one is the best for me and for my purpose? They all promise to provide the best of the best, leaving me one baffled shopper.

I'm sure you've felt the same overwhelming sensation when trying to purchase something new. The great thing about many of the beauty stores like Ulta and Sephora is that they allow for returns if you are unhappy with the product. But let me do some additional work for you.

Find the down low below on my favorite hair straighteners and what makes them so great. 

1. GHD Eclipse is on the higher end spectrum in terms of price but I have to tell you, this one is worth every pretty penny. This hair straightener is perfect for those who have heat damaged or heat sensitive hair.

GHD has manufactured the Eclipse to style faster with less heat.

Say what?! Crazy I know but it's true. Eclipse features a "revolutionary new styling technology that features six quick thinking sensors, three on each plate, to ensure the ideal, constant temperature maintained in every stroke." GHD markets this product as a styling tool that "radically transforms even the most challenging hair, quickly and easily without turning up the heat."

Features
Constant 365 degree heat throughout styling.
Three quick thinking sensors that maintain heat during styling
Cooler body, allowing you to handle the unit on the outside
Healthier, shinier hair
Perfect for all hair types: from thick and frizzy to fine and straight

2. Chi Ceramic Hairstyling Iron is the perfect balance of price and quality. Chi is definitely a popular manufacturer of hair styling products because all their products tend to be great but affordable. 

Chi's Original Ceramic Hairstyling Iron is a versatile tool that achieves straight to curly styles.

Features
Multitasking: straightens, curls, flips, and waves
Negative ions add moisture, creating silky shiny hair
Reduces frizz and static electricity
Tried and true

3. Remington Pearl Pro is affordable but packs a punch. The great thing about this hair straightener, besides the price, is that it still competes really well against more expensive professional hair straighteners.

Remington Pearl evenly distributes, ionic heat that reduces frizz and damage.

Sounds good to me! The ceramic plates are actually infused with real pearl, talk about decadence right? Oh yes, I use pearl for my hair. Only the best right?

Features
High, even ionic heat
Reduces frizz and damage
Pearl ceramic plates provide a smooth glide and the ultimate salon finish

The Terrific T's of Hair

When you see a stunning hairstyle in a magazine, television or at some red carpet event (if you're lucky enough - I'm jealous), you immediately think that it was done by some big time hair stylist who has an abundance of professional hair tools and tricks under her belt. In other words, you instantly believe that there is no way that you could even come remotely close to resembling the same look. You're so convinced that you don't even try. However, you may be shocked to find out that the majority of those hairstyles can easily be achieved with a few little tricks that I like to call, 'the 5 T's of hairstyles'. Without further ado, you're about to become obsession with them.

Photo Credit: The Luxe Maven

Tuck is one of the T's that can provide you with incredible hairstyles. It all consists of you tucking pieces of your hair - sometimes under, sometimes up, sometimes side ways, in between and all around. You can tuck large pieces of hair, or smaller pieces. One of the most common ways is to tie your hair in a loose pony tail. Then, part it in half just above the hair tie, flip your hair up and through the part you created. The tuck will give the pony tail a completely different look.

Tie your hair with strands, or with a variety of hair ties. The option is yours and tying can completely rejuvenate your hairstyle regime. Try to incorporate more elastics into your hair in order to create new styles, or tie your hair into a pony tail at the crown of your head and then separate it into two. Tie those pieces together just as you would your shoelaces and clip.

Twist your hair is easy, quick and completely fool proof. Again, you can twist large pieces of hair, or smaller ones. You can twist them around or together. It is completely up to you. A favorite is to twist your hair from your bangs and along the side of your hair where it meets with a pony tail. It's like a braided bang - only twisted instead. You can also completely rejuvenate a pony tail look by twisting some strands around the band to cover the tie.

Tunnel your hair. It will give a vintage appeal the majority of times. Tunneling your hair is simple. It's curling your hair with a curling wand or curling iron to create 'tunnels' which are commonly referred to as ringlets or curls. Loose curls, tight curls, short curls, ponytail curls. There are many incredible options.

Tug is one of the best tips you can ever get. Tugging your hair in certain parts can create an impeccable height for your hair. When your hair is in a ponytail, take two pieces from the top of your ponytail and tug. It should flip your ponytail upwards and offer much more bounce.

As you can see, these 5 T's will instantly rule your hairstyle world. They're some of the best and are always used by celebrities and their hairstylist.

Make This Your Best Summer Ever: Your 5 Challenges

compliments of freedigitalphotos.net

As we close the door to our last class of the semester, the steady beat of "summer's here...summer's here" echoes the hallways. And what a summer it's going to be! This is going to trump all the summers before; be the most epic of epic; the pinnacle of all summers! Readers, I have something fun planned for you! My challenge to you dear readers is to 

complete one, any, or all of the following challenges.

Don't forget, even if you are not able to accomplish the challenge, the journey is worth far more than the completion of it. The smiles, the laughter, the memories...these are the things that make life.

Now get your game face on and prepare yourself for a great summer!

Challenge 1: break a world record Ok ok ok. Don't get crazy. You don't have to be the most tattooed human body or grow the longest fingernails (is that even possible for 2 1/2 months?!). How about...

Fastest game of operation. The fastest game of operation was 21.87 seconds! INSANE!!! How close can you get? Upload some of your videos!!

Fastest time to eat a 12" pizza. The record holder for this challenge is 41.31 seconds. Makes my stomach hurt just thinking about it :) Upload a picture of your pizza sauce covered face.

Challenge 2: create a flash mob I've always wanted to be a part of a flash mob. How fun would it be to grab 20 of your friends and flash mob a local restaurant? Pick a fun song, maybe an easy to pick up or popular dance, and select a location. Make sure to capture this epic moment and upload it online!  

Challenge 3: plant a tree Enrich the world a little bit during your summer months :) Make sure that wherever you are planting this tree, that you've got the okay to do so.

Challenge 4: have a horror movie marathon I am an absolute pansy when it comes to scary movies but what better way to watch scary movies than with your best buds? All the screams and hiding under the covers...just thinking about it makes the hair on the back of neck stand up. EEK!

Challenge 5: play the mustache game My friend uploaded their summer of playing the mustache game and it looked absolutely fun. Basically you draw a mustache on the side of a finger and when you see someone with an epic mustache, you covertly stand near them, raise your finger below your nose so it looks like you have a 'stache and have a friend snap a picture. Upload your pictures to amass an army of epic mustaches of summer 2014!

My hope is that these enrich your summer and create some awesome memories.