post + photos by Kristin Ess
We found yet another use for those lovely DIY nail stickers. Here’s how we created a plaid party: READ MORE…
tutorials
hair
CROWN OF BRAIDS
photos + post design Kristin Ess
It seems pretty easy, but it’s not. Not everyone has long hair that reaches all the way around the head to make a perfect crown of braids. Girls with short hair need braids TOO! Using this technique, you make small, overlapping intersections of braids to create a full crown. Here’s how:
- Start with straight, wavy or curly hair. I personally like this best with a little wave or curl because the crown of braids holds better with texture.
- Grab a section of hair above the ear and split it into 2 pieces, like our lovely Nora is doing in this photo.
- Braid both pieces. (Gently loosen up the braid for a more natural, romantic texture.)
- Cross them over each other as seen above and clip them to hold them in place while you do the same thing on the other side! If your hair is short and won’t reach, do 3 or 4 intersections of hair instead of just 2!
- Once you finish the other side, take the two braids that go over the top, cross them over and pin them using small but strong bobby pins.
- Take the two pieces that will go backward and tie them together. Add a couple of pins where the braids meet.
- Add a few extra bobby pins around the crown of braids to keep them from slipping or moving.
A veil of hairspray isn’t necessary but will help keep things in place if your hair tends to slip.
makeup
OH LA LASHES
photos + post by amy nadine, graphic design by eunice chun
This fun DIY project is to show you how many options you have with false lashes and the degrees of drama that come with each. You don’t have to buy accent or individual lashes when you can just make your own by cutting them however you wish.
TOOLS: Ardell Demi Wispies False Lashes (those are my favorites but you can use any style), Small Scissors, DUO Lash Glue (I prefer the clear/white shade so it dries clear)
HOMEMADE INDIVIDUALS: Cut them in between any groupings (some groupings have more hairs than others). I used three on my assistant Carissa but you can use as many/few as you like. Notice how with individuals you can flare them outwards more for a winged effect. **TIP: let the glue get “tacky” for 2 minutes so you can literally just stick them on the lashline and they won’t turn or slide.
HALF (ACCENT) STRIP: Cut the strip in half and use either end (I prefer the end that would have been on the inside corner even though you’ll place it on the outside corner). Trace the glue along the band, wait two minutes, place it directly on your lash line then squeeze the false lashes together with your own lashes using your index finger + thumb. Notice how the lashes “sit up” more when they are bound together as opposed to when they are by themselves.
FULL STRIP: Again, let the glue get tacky for two full minutes then place directly on lashline. Notice how the lashes sit up even more and appear longer when they are all attached on a long strip. **TIP: if the strip is longer than your lashline, hold it next to it for sizing then trim off the excess length. I also went in and trimmed around a few of them to make a few “wispies” longer than the rest.
The possibilities are endless. For some red carpets, I use a full lash strip then add an accent half strip on top of it on the outside corners for extra drama. Have fun!
hair
NEW FAVORITE
photos + post by Kristin Ess
By now you know we love pink hair. We do it often around here. But… most people can’t get away with having pink hair at work or school. Well, there’s a new favorite in town. This Davines Alchemic “Red” color conditioner turns medium to light hair into a temporary pale pink dream! READ MORE…
