BEAUTY SPOTLIGHT: STEP-BY-STEP CONTOUR STICKS

I definitely try to err on the more natural side when it comes to makeup, so for my first foray into contouring I decided to try out the step-by-step contour stick trio by Smashbox. The sticks come with a reference sheet detailing instructions for five different face shapes. Once I determined my face shape, I followed the pattern to draw the contouring lines on my face. I went ahead and just used my fingers to blend everything together (*always using upward motions) starting with the highlight,  then the contour, and finally the bronzing. I added a translucent powder to set everything, and just like that I was ready for a night out in one of my favorite LBDs (see full outfit post here). I think from beginning to end it only took me about 5 minutes total, which is surprising because even my liquid eye liner takes longer than that!

See more of my Beauty Spotlight posts HERE

c/o SMASHBOX step-by-step contour stick trio | MILLY ciao bella tee | SILENCE + NOISE body con tank dress | TOPSHOP eagle necklace (old.) | BAUBLE BAR double dipper ear crawler set | VITA FEDE titan bracelets

Photography by Mary Summers

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un(Done) waves with Tresemme

This post is sponsored by TRESemme.

I've never been a super polished person, and I like my hair like I like my style: a little off center & undone. As readers of this blog, you have undoubtedly noticed that my hair game habitually consists of slightly messy waves (hey when a look works, ya work it hard). I have been a big fan of TRESemme (...TRESemme-ooolala) ever since their team styled my hair for a few shows during last summer's Swim Week in Miami. I am constantly trying to find easy & affordable ways to get my waves on point, so when I found out about the new Perfectly (un)Done Collection from TRESemme I was super excited to test it out!

I have very fine thin hair that easily gets weighed down, so the fact that the shampoo and conditioner were silicon free made them a perfect fit for me. However, my favorite product overall was the Natural Movement Hairspray. I CANNOT STAND crunchy, sticky, hairspray that gives that overly styled look, so I was completely in love with how light and touchable the hold of the un(Done) spray was.

My method for curling my hair is pretty straight forward. I divide my hair in two sections & begin with the left side of my head. I tilt the curling wand barrel down and wrap one inch sections of hair away from my face, continuing until I get halfway around my head. I try to shake out each curl as I go so they are looser & have a less uniform look. Then I start over with the right side, wrapping the hair around the barrel again away from my face. I usually comb my fingers through my hair once or twice, add a layer of hair spray, and then go back and spot curl any sections I may have missed, flip my head over and spray again for good measure. Then spray a dab directly on my fingers to tackle any flyways. Simple enough, right?

OLIVACEOUS pretty in python top via MILK & HONEY BOUTIQUE | 7FAM denim (on sale) | TOPSHOP eagle necklace (old) | DIOR nail polish 'incognito' | SULTRA the bombshell 1 inch curling wand

For more hair inspiration and tutorials, visit www.youtube.com/TRESemme. 

*Photography by Mary Summers

90 Second Teased Bun

Ok y'all asked for it and here it is: a tutorial for my 90 Second Teased Bun (as seen in this post). I know we all have those days that we wake up late, are in a rush, or just don't feel like washing our hair! Enter the teased bun, a hair style so easy that even I can accomplish it. I do NOT fancy myself a hairstyling specialist (I frequently defer to the experts and get my hair blown out before events and nights on the town at dry bar). Disclaimer firmly in place; I hope y'all enjoy this tutorial -- and hopefully a few more minutes of sleep! 

What I used: Loreal Elnett Hairspray // Alterna Dry Shampoo // Sephora Boar Brush // Sephora Clear Hair Elastics // Hot Tools Hair Pins

What I wore: StyleMint Striped Tee // Revlon Color Stay Lipgloss in Top Tomato // Lily and Laura Bracelets

ps. Feel free to email me with any questions :)

Cat Woman Unmasked

As soon as I saw this editorial on theGlamourai.com, I knew that I had to replicate it for my Cat Woman costume! At first, I was a little intimidated to just start free handing an eyeliner mask on my face (mere hours before I was supposed to be at a costume party without a backup plan). However, with a little liquid courage and the steady hand of my bff Christina, drawing on this mask was a breeze! First, I used Urban Decay's Shadow Primer Potion as a base for the eyeliner and to prevent creases. Maybelline's Ultra Liner Waterproof Eyeliner was the perfect choice for the mask, it stayed perfectly in place all night. Next I filled in my waterline with Buxom's Insider Eyeliner and topped off my lids with Chanel's Mirifique Shadow for a little extra shimmer. Et viola, a mere 30 minutes later I was ready to head to my party! I'm not going to lie, I can't wait to come up with another excuse to paint that mask on again. I hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween!

PS. At the end of the night I used Kate Somerville's True Lash Make Up Remover and I was good to go.

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween SideSmilers! What's on everyone's agendas? I am going to my last college costume party...I hope y'all have as much fun pretending to be someone else tonight as I do :) 

Illustration via Blair Breitenstein