Hair Chalks - Pros and Cons

One of the latest hair trends that is taking over the industry is hair chalks. Basically, they're like bingo dabbers that us kids from the 90s used to put in our hair to enjoy a splash of temporary color. Yes, temporary. This is key to the entire trend which makes it fabulous for everyone who is in need of a little revamping without the commitment. An ideal situation is to throw some pink into your hair for a night out at the club, and wash it out the next morning to stay within your office's appearance guidelines, or you can even stick to natural tones and try out a new streaked look, or indulge in the ombre trend.  Let's look into the pros and cons a bit more to see if hair chalks are a thing we should be indulging in. 

PRO: You can truly try out any new hair color, or dye job first before committing to a new color and then regretting it later. For anyone who has ever had a bad dye job, you'll love this benefit. 

CON: If you're going for a new streaked look, ombre appearance or another difficult dye job hairstyle, you really have to practice because these aren't ordinary dye jobs that can easy be achieved. There is a lot of separation, sectioning, and attention that needs to be put into it.

PRO: On the contrary, it is washable, so if you mess up - wash and redo! It also gives you a great opportunity to have some fun with your girlfriends before heading out for the evening. 

CON: It's another obsession that you will totally fall in love with and require it to be added into your daily get-ready routine.  As if you don't already spend enough time hogging the bathrooms in the morning, right?

PRO: Everyone can enjoy this fun activity. As mentioned, kids can play around with spunky, vibrant tones, just as teens can. It might also help you parents out there keep your children from making a drastic, permanent change to their look. Adults can also indulge in some chic color, or play around with natural tones to spice up their current look. 

CON: Hair chalks can be really messy and if you don't opt for a high quality brand, you might be risking putting damage on your clothing which is a super fashion faux pas. 

PRO: Minimal damage is actually done to your hair. Hair dyes are chemically packed, and it seems that these temporary color options are less painful for your strands. 

CON: It can take quite some time for it to actually get to the tone that you want. The darker your hair, the harder you typically have it.

PRO: With that said, it does still work on super dark hair which is excellent! 

So, as you can see, there are many pros and cons to using hair chalks but it seems like the pros are certainly outweighing the cons. 

Photo Credit: http://mamalove3.blogspot.ca/

Steal The Spotlight With Great Skin: GlamGlow YouthMud

Always an advocate to let your natural beauty shine, I am all for investing in quality skin care products. GlamGlow has released a new product called "Instant Camera Ready Skin Kit". This kit features a full-size, award-winning YOUTHMUD Tinglexfoliate Treatment and a bonus tube to get skin instantly camera ready in 10 minutes.

Awarded the Elle International Beauty Awards 2014, this is a 10-minute professional facial that is used "behind-the-scenes in Hollywood's Entertainment, Music, Fashion & Award industries". 

The Unique Formulation...


Designed as a facial-in-a-jar to produce beautiful and radiant skin immediately, YOUTHMUD features a patent pending TEAOXI technology, bringing the most potent ingredients to achieve immediate and visible results. including real Green Tea Leaf - a powerful anti-aging and anti-wrinkle ingredient, French Sea Clay -a detoxifier that removes impurities, Ivy - a toner, tightener, and skin lifter, and Volcanic Rock - an exfoliator for smoother, brighter, softer skin.

Results include...


97% found their skin to be smoother, brighter, and softer


91% found that their dull skin seemed brighter


94% provided gentle surface exfoliation


Reviews About GlamGlow's Instant Camera Ready Skin Kit:


Best Face Mask: "I love how soft and smooth this make my skin! It makes putting on makeup so much smoother! I noticed my acne has decreased and I don't have to deal with too much oil on my face. I will buy this again and would totally recommend it to a friend with skin that is way too oily. The only downfall is the price, but it's worth it." -LizDevon | Sephora


Worth the money!: "I purchased this as an impulse buy, but I am so glad I did! After the very first use my skin was softer, pours were smaller, and my complexion was better. It does tingle pretty intensely at first, but I like that, I can tell it's doing something. Also, the mask tightens as it dries, which I also like. I love this product and will definitely be purchasing again." -Gabrielle22 | Sephora Beuaty Insider


New "Must Have": "I came across this stuff threw a TON of youtube beaty gurus and friends who swear by these masks. Before I checked out I had 3 girls in the store tell me it was an amzing buy and told me id love it. I purchased many items that day as well so I didn't look at the price until I got home and pulled my receipt out the bag. Not going to lie it waassss a little pricey but I used it the same night I got it and needless to say I will be repurchasing when I finish this pot. I have super sensitive skin and I was amazed that I wasn't red and itchy when I took it off. Its super refreshing and as silly as it sounds my skin was sooo silky soft and radiant. Going back today for the hydrating version! Sooo pleased with this product." - Paigeyb | Sephora VIB

Getting Some Hair-spiration

You can never have too much girly inspiration for a good hair day. I have hand selected the best quotes that pertain to hair and beauty that will keep you encouraged and beautiful! So without further ado, here are the best one-liners, sentences and paragraphs that will fit to every glam mood that you experience.

If you look over the years, the styles have changed - the clothes, the hair, the production, the approach to the songs. The icing to the cake has changed flavors. But if you really look at the cake itself, it's really the same.
John Oates

I think every girl needs to love herself, regardless of anything. Like if you're having a bad day, if you don't like your hair, if you don't have the best family situation, whatever, you have to love yourself and you can't do anything until you love yourself first.
Julianne Hough

Gorgeous hair is the best revenge.
Ivana Trump

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries or the way she combs her hair.
Audrey Hepburn

I love the feeling of the fresh air on my face and the wind blowing through my hair.
Evel Knievel

Beauty is about perception, not about make-up. I think the beginning of all beauty is knowing and liking oneself. You can't put on make-up, or dress yourself, or do you hair with any sort of fun or joy if you're doing it from a position of correction.
Kevyn Aucoin

I just kind of opened up and said, 'I feel like a rag doll. I have hair and makeup people coming to my house every day and putting me in new, uncomfortable, weird dresses and expensive shoes, and I just shut down and raise my arms up for them to get the dress on, and pout my lips when they need to put the lipstick on.'
Jennifer Lawrence

I have my team. Like if you see everyone around me - I have my hair and makeup girl, my assistant. They're very calm, they're all about positive energy. There're no drama queens. Everyone wants everyone else to have a positive experience. There are no agendas. I think it creates a healthy environment and there are no boundaries to cross.
Fergie

Anyone can be confident with a full head of hair. But a confident bald man - there's your diamond in the rough.
Larry David

I'm undaunted in my quest to amuse myself by constantly changing my hair.
Hillary Clinton

A simple compliment goes a really long way - for a guy to just come over and say, 'You have great hair' or 'I really like your dress,' and then just smile and walk away. That's a great move, because he's sort of putting himself out there by doing that, but it won't lead to any embarrassment if the girl isn't interested.
Stacy Keibler

Have a great week, ladies!

Hair Trend Alert: Dip Dyed Hair

Source: PA Photos, Gwen Stegani/Instagram, scrupleshaircare.com

Trends may come and go but that doesn't mean you can't totally enjoy the fun styles in the meantime! Last time we introduced Rose Gold Hair – a style that proved to be a hit. Looking for something new? The current hairstyle that’s trending: dip dyed hair.

 Add a subtle dash or eye-catching chunk of color to your tresses! Celebrities and civilians are trying this fun and creative look when they feel like adding something different to their hair without needing the commitment of a damaging and full dye job. Want to give it a try? Read on below: 

Dip Dyed Hair: Clip In | Temporary | Semi Pricey but Safe

If you’re looking for a totally temporary style, think about clip-in hair extensions. While pricey, these will allow you to try the additional color without any damaging effects to your hair. 

Dip Dyed Hair: DIY Kool Aid | Temporary | Super Simple and Safe

If you’re looking for a way to see how dip dye will look on your hair, use Kool Aid. Kool Aid provides a temporary but simply way to add a touch of color. And it’s fun and yummy J Just make sure you don’t drink the kool aid that you dipped your hair in – or maybe if that floats your boat, go for it haha!
 How to:

• Pick you color of choice from the selection of Kool Aid: Cherry, Grape, Lemon, Orange, Root Beer, Strawberry, Black Cherry, Tropical Punch, Pink Lemonade, Watermelon, and so much more! They have a ton of flavors, especially if you factor in global flavors such as Purplesaurus Rex, Sharkleberry Fin, Solar Strawberry Starfruit, and Man-o-Mangoberry. How fun! Your choices are limitless.

• With your color of choice, pour 3-4 packets and 1 ½ cup of water into a pot.

• Bring to a boil and let boil for 4 minutes

• Pour into a bowl

• Take a strip of hair and dip it in the bowl for 6 minutes

 

Dip Dyed Hair: DIY | Semi-Permanent

If you’re looking to dip dye your hair with semi-permanent color, I would at first caution you against it as dip dying a semi-permanent color requires stripping your hair of its natural color via bleach. Because of the tricky nature of this job and the use of bleach, I would highly recommend against this option. However, if you’re feeling brave, read on: How to:

•  Cover yourself with a towel and put on gloves.

• Mix the bleach according to the pre-lighter hair dye and apply to the tips of your hair that you want to add a dip dye effect to.

• Bag your hair and let stand for 40-45 minutes.

• Rinse and shampoo lightly.

•  Apply the color dye and wrap in foil. Let stand for 10-20 minutes and lightly blow dry.

 

Dip Dyed Hair: Professional

For trendy styles like this, we highly advise hiring a professional stylist. While the local stylist that only charges $20 for the dip dye job may do a good job, do you want to chance it? I would spend the extra money for a job well done. Make sure to do some research about quality salons and request their best hair colorist.
 

What do you think? Is the dip dyed hair a do or don’t?

Ways to Change Your Hair Without Grabbing The Scissors

Sometimes you just need a change, but even more often, you don't want to commit to an entirely new hairstyle. After all, that doesn't come easy and taking the scissors to your long locks can take a lot of courage - and a lot of courage that you have yet to brew up. The problem is, you're still craving a different look. You want something to change. Something to rejuvenate your look. Something - anything - but nothing that involves scissors.  Consider this your 101 on changing your look without having to commit to it. 

Photo Credit: The Luxe Maven

Faux It
Whether it's a faux hawk or a faux bob, fake it til' you make it, girl. You don't have to buzz the sides of your hair to rock an edgy mohawk or cut inches upon inches off of your ends either. The way you tie and pin your hair can create the illusion of you having a completely different hair style. For example: tightly tie back the sides of your hair and pin underneath the hair at the back. Tease the top of your head back to the crown. You now have a faux hawk. You can also tie your hair back into an extremely loose bun that is hidden to recreate the idea of a bob.  Being 'fake' isn't always a bad thing.

Clip In Bangs
You've heard of clipping in hair extensions to enjoy additional length and volume, which is a way you can change your look, but if you are looking for something a bit more dramatic, opt for some clip in bangs instead. You have to make sure that you learn the appropriate way to put them into your hair to ensure that the blend is absolutely flawless. However, with so many different styles of bangs trending right now, you can instantly change your look drastically within seconds. You just have to do it right! Do not overlook the details of this change, as one slipped hair can throw your entire appearance off.

Change the Wand
Sometimes the easiest change you can give yourself is to simply change your regular routine. If you are using to taking the straightening iron to your hair to get a sleek, straight look - switch it up for a curling wand and give yourself some incredible waves. You can also change the size of your curling wand to change up your standard look, and you also have the option of pinning your hair up or letting it fall down. As a rule of thumb, think about what you usually do on a daily basis with your hair, and do the opposite.

Remember, ladies - hair clips, teasing and ties can go a long way. You also don't want to underestimate the power of having a cupboard full of high quality products that actually perform! 

So, change it up, girl! Just don't chop until you are committed. 

Beauty Trends Around the World: Korea Beauty Secrets

Welcome back to week three of global beauty trends. I am an absolute fan of Korean skin care and beauty. On top of the very cute cosmetic and makeup packaging, the Korean beauty industry promotes glowing, natural, and beautiful skin. Let’s take a peek into their beauty must-haves:
 

Snail Slime Mania

Many of Korea’s skin care serums are formulated with snail slime. Don’t stop reading! Why would they apply something so initially off-putting? Did you know that the antibacterial properties of snail slime can alleviate the problems that breakouts and blemishes cause? Many Korean brides actually apply serums enriched with snail slime prior to their wedding day with the hopes of brighter skin.
 

Vitamin Enriched Sheet Masks

Koreans begin their skin care regiment at a young age that includes a 17-poit routine. One of their beauty staples includes a cotton cloth masks enriched with vitamins and concentrated collagen. Want a little DIY? An egg white and honey mask is perfect if you’re looking for a combination of whitening and brightening.
 

Oriental Medicine Cosmetics

Used primarily for those who are preventing wrinkles and pigmentations, oriental medicine cosmetics promote the use of natural medicine to moisturize and whitening and assist with anti-wrinkling. A Therapy Tonic by Damoae is known to help with hair loss and promote hair growth, thickness, and prevent dry scalp. Another popular oriental medicine cosmetic includes ORC-5 Whitening Cream by Maume. This is known to whiten and moisturize your skin with natural ingredients including Angelica gigas root, lyceum Chinese, and Panax ginseng. These, along with other natural ingredients, work to help calm, strengthen, and whiten skin. 

Cleansing Oils

While many people would be averse to using oils on their face, a part of the Korean skin care staple are cleansing oils. Cleansing oils are great for removing makeup and provide a great “pre-cleanse” prior to the actual foaming cleanser to remove impurities within the skin.
 

I am very interested in adopting a Korean skin care regime but am a bit hesitant to include all 17 steps. Have you tried a Korean skin care regimen before? Tell us about it.

Interested in learning about Parisian or Brazilian beauty trends? Check out Beauty Trends Around the World posts below or click the article above. 

Hairstyles That Your Future Man Wants You to Have

Have you ever stopped to see what your hair is telling men around you? You may think that this concept is actually absurd but it is true. Men see certain hairstyles and instantly associate it with an image that they have in their head. For example, you can only imagine what men think of when they see you in pig tails that have been tied to the sides of your head, right above your ears. Let's keep you away from the bimbo look, and see if your hair could be the culprit keeping you from your man crush. 

Photo Credit: The Luxe Maven

Bohemian Braids
You love the boho look that braids give you, and so do guys! This hairstyle shows that you're someone who likes to go out and have fun without getting too wild. You're easy going and will go with the flow, making the best out of every situation that is brought to you. 

Half-Up Hairstyle
If you're only tying half of your hair back, you're telling men that you're just kind of 'bleh' about putting in a full fledged effort. Unfortunately, they will associate your relaxed style with a lazy attitude that isn't fully invested. It may also give the appearance that you're trying to achieve a chic hair style but have no idea how to do it, and no one likes fake girls. 

Men Love The Loose Curls
It's an old-age fact that the ultimate sexy hairstyle is achieved by using large rollers - or 1 1/2" curling iron. Men love loose curls on a girl! It provides the appearance of a fun loving lady who is sexy and confident yet sweet. These hairstyles show off your neck but just a touch - making guys crave it all the more. 

Sweeping 'Em Away
Sideswept anything is super appealing and men are agreeing! It provides a glamorous appearance that is also casual. It's not too high maintenance but it isn't effortless either. Men can appreciate your beauty while also appreciating that you're not spending 5 hours in the bathroom getting ready. Sweep your bangs to the side, or your entire hairstyle. 

Plain Ponytail
Plain Jane is not a desirable girl. While men will appreciate simplicity within their girlfriend, you need to first become their girlfriend and unfortunately,  rocking a ponytail isn't going to get the attention to want.  It gives the message that you could care less about your appearance, and to be fair, you probably do throw your hair in a ponytail at times when you could actually care less about your appearance.

Sophisticated Structured 
You are looking way too uptight for a man to come spark up a conversation with you. Apparently structured hair styles are telling men that you just can't be bothered to talk to them. Maybe you're a little high maintenance, or a little stuck up? Those are the kind of signals they're receiving! 

So, for you ladies who are looking for love, these are the hairstyles to avoid and ones to rock every day!