Tori Tutorial

With Oscar buzz still in the air, I can’t help but crave Old Hollywood Glam. Most of the red carpet’s hair and makeup styles are so simple and straightforward.  What you see is what you get.  However, there are a few tricks that can help make the look last. My favorite trick (shown in the tutorial above) helps to achieve side swept Veronica Lake waves. First, make a deep side part.  The deeper the more dramatic.   Next, focus your attention on the side with the least amount of hair.  Section off  a piece of hair that runs all the way from the part to the base of your neck.  Twist it tightly running behind your ear, and secure with bobby pins. Spritz your work with hairspray to keep it smooth and polished. Pull all of your hair to the other side of your head.  Tease the hair that sits at the root and crown of your head to create volume, and drama.   Next, go through your hair with a 1”-1.5” barrel curling Iron.  Curl away from your face.  Once you’ve gone through all of your hair comb out your work to make it feel more retro. Finally, spritz with smoothing spray and/or hairspray.   Now start practicing your acceptance speech because, honey, you are fabulous!
Feb 26

With Oscar buzz still in the air, I can’t help but crave Old Hollywood Glam. Most of the red carpet’s hair and makeup styles are so simple and straightforward.  What you see is what you get.  However, there are a few tricks that can help make the look last.

My favorite trick (shown in the tutorial above) helps to achieve side swept Veronica Lake waves.

First, make a deep side part.  The deeper the more dramatic.  

Next, focus your attention on the side with the least amount of hair.  Section off  a piece of hair that runs all the way from the part to the base of your neck.  Twist it tightly running behind your ear, and secure with bobby pins. Spritz your work with hairspray to keep it smooth and polished.

Pull all of your hair to the other side of your head.  Tease the hair that sits at the root and crown of your head to create volume, and drama.  

Next, go through your hair with a 1”-1.5” barrel curling Iron.  Curl away from your face.  Once you’ve gone through all of your hair comb out your work to make it feel more retro.

Finally, spritz with smoothing spray and/or hairspray.  

Now start practicing your acceptance speech because, honey, you are fabulous!

Jan 18

The thrill of the glitzy holiday beauty fun has faded and left me searching for inspiration.  Enter the Golden Globes, which have provided me with enough old Hollywood glam to keep me busy for the next few weeks (just in time for the Grammy’s).

The first look I’ve recreated was Julianne Hough’s “twisty mohawk”.  It was SUPER EASY because it isn’t that polished so any bumps or variations just add character.  Here are the inspiration and finished look pics—tutorial to follow.

Embellished Updo I found this headband at Aerie, but you can use any type of feminine piece.  There are some with feathers that are pretty distinct and cool.  Or you can even take a look at etsy.com to find some custom made embellishments. 1) Start with a deep side part in your hair.  Put the headband on and pull it so it sits right above the crown of your head.  Allow the hair from your deep side part and around your face to come out of the headband. 2) Tease the crown of your head to create volume behind the headband.  Use several bobby pins to secure the poof you’ve created.  Loosely braid the remaining hair.    Once braided pull the braid with your hands to be even looser. 3) Wrap the braid into a bun and bobby pin to secure.  Spritz with hairspray.
Jan 10

Embellished Updo

I found this headband at Aerie, but you can use any type of feminine piece.  There are some with feathers that are pretty distinct and cool.  Or you can even take a look at etsy.com to find some custom made embellishments.

1) Start with a deep side part in your hair.  Put the headband on and pull it so it sits right above the crown of your head.  Allow the hair from your deep side part and around your face to come out of the headband.

2) Tease the crown of your head to create volume behind the headband.  Use several bobby pins to secure the poof you’ve created.  Loosely braid the remaining hair.    Once braided pull the braid with your hands to be even looser.

3) Wrap the braid into a bun and bobby pin to secure.  Spritz with hairspray.

Holiday Nail Look 1
Jan 10

Holiday Nail Look 1

Studded Braid Look This look takes literally 3 minutes, and adds instant chic-ness to any ordinary outfit.  I picked up these headbands at Forever21.  I layered 2 of them, but you can use just one, or really any type of headband. 1) Start by teasing the crown of your hair as well as around your hairline.  Since you’ll be putting headband(s) on you really can’t over tease here.  The bigger the better. 2) Put the headbands on just as you normally would. 3) You can re-tease the crown if you’d like, then you’re going to pin the “pouf” in place using several bobby pins. Spritz with hair spray. 4) Pull remaining hair to one side and put a loose braid in, secure with ponytail holder. That’s it—you’re done and looking fab!
Jan 10

Studded Braid Look

This look takes literally 3 minutes, and adds instant chic-ness to any ordinary outfit.  I picked up these headbands at Forever21.  I layered 2 of them, but you can use just one, or really any type of headband.

1) Start by teasing the crown of your hair as well as around your hairline.  Since you’ll be putting headband(s) on you really can’t over tease here.  The bigger the better.

2) Put the headbands on just as you normally would.

3) You can re-tease the crown if you’d like, then you’re going to pin the “pouf” in place using several bobby pins. Spritz with hair spray.

4) Pull remaining hair to one side and put a loose braid in, secure with ponytail holder.

That’s it—you’re done and looking fab!

Have you been Naughty or Nice? Which tutorial would you like to see?
Dec 22

Have you been Naughty or Nice? Which tutorial would you like to see?

Retro Ponytail Updos, more specifically stylish ponytails, are my favorite “dirty hair” concealer.  They allow you to prolong your blowout which equals healthier hair and less work on your end. Win/Win.   The retro ponytail is definitely having its 15 minutes right now.  In order to achieve the look you’ll need: Day/2 Day old hair Teasing comb Ponytail holder Bobby pins Hairspray Once you brush out your hair do the following: Take the top section of your hair, and tease it at the root to create volume.  If your hair is really greasy feel free to use some dry shampoo to absorb the oil. Once you tease the section, comb the top hair smoothly over the section and begin to mold the retro curl.  It is very simple, just wind it up as if you were wrapping it around a large curler.  Make sure to let the volume at the roots stay there.  Don’t over mold it so that it is too rigid.  Pin to your head to secure. Spritz with Hairspray. Pull the rest of your hair into a high ponytail.  Make sure to brush the sides smooth and tight.  This will create a juxtaposition between the poof and spiral which will look great. Grab a small amount of hair form the ponytail and wrap it around the base of the ponytail to conceal the ponytail holder.  Fasten with a bobby pin on the under side of the ponytail.   Spritz the whole look with hairspray.  Ass some red lipstick and winged liner to really play it up.
Dec 21

Retro Ponytail


Updos, more specifically stylish ponytails, are my favorite “dirty hair” concealer.  They allow you to prolong your blowout which equals healthier hair and less work on your end. Win/Win.  

The retro ponytail is definitely having its 15 minutes right now.  In order to achieve the look you’ll need:

Once you brush out your hair do the following:

  1. Take the top section of your hair, and tease it at the root to create volume.  If your hair is really greasy feel free to use some dry shampoo to absorb the oil.
  2. Once you tease the section, comb the top hair smoothly over the section and begin to mold the retro curl.  It is very simple, just wind it up as if you were wrapping it around a large curler.  Make sure to let the volume at the roots stay there.  Don’t over mold it so that it is too rigid.  Pin to your head to secure. Spritz with Hairspray.
  3. Pull the rest of your hair into a high ponytail.  Make sure to brush the sides smooth and tight.  This will create a juxtaposition between the poof and spiral which will look great.
  4. Grab a small amount of hair form the ponytail and wrap it around the base of the ponytail to conceal the ponytail holder.  Fasten with a bobby pin on the under side of the ponytail.  
  5. Spritz the whole look with hairspray.  Ass some red lipstick and winged liner to really play it up.

Retro Ponytail Tutorial to Come
Dec 17

Retro Ponytail Tutorial to Come

My favorite makeup trend for the Holiday is a bold lip. With some shade variation, you can wear it throughout the season to create a big style splash with minimal effort.   To achieve the look you need several items: Bold lipstick of choice.  I enjoy the red and berry shades, but you can go deeper into an oxblood, or lean to the orange side of the color family.   Nude lip liner, or a liner that will blend well with your lip shade. Loose powder. Once you’ve gathered your materials it is time to get started. You want to start with lips that are well moisturized, and unaffected by the chilly winds of winter.  To keep my lips soft I apply Origin’s Dr. Weil Conditioning Lip Balm in the morning and evening. Start by lining the lip.  I like to use a nude lip liner, because it matches every shade and does double duty.  More bang for your buck. Next choose your shade.  I find it helpful to swipe the shades on my hand and then  holding it up to my face to see which way the color pulls.  That way you won’t get stuck with a color that doesn’t look right, or a messy clean up in order to start over. Apply shade to lips. Blot the color using tissues. Take your loose powder and gently dust it over your lips. Reapply your lipstick over the powder.  Voila—you’ve just applied your lipstick in the best way possible to ensure long wear.  Add a winged eye and you’re ready to conquer any Holiday get together!
Dec 15

My favorite makeup trend for the Holiday is a bold lip. With some shade variation, you can wear it throughout the season to create a big style splash with minimal effort.  

To achieve the look you need several items:

Once you’ve gathered your materials it is time to get started.

  1. You want to start with lips that are well moisturized, and unaffected by the chilly winds of winter.  To keep my lips soft I apply Origin’s Dr. Weil Conditioning Lip Balm in the morning and evening.
  2. Start by lining the lip.  I like to use a nude lip liner, because it matches every shade and does double duty.  More bang for your buck.
  3. Next choose your shade.  I find it helpful to swipe the shades on my hand and then  holding it up to my face to see which way the color pulls.  That way you won’t get stuck with a color that doesn’t look right, or a messy clean up in order to start over.
  4. Apply shade to lips.
  5. Blot the color using tissues.
  6. Take your loose powder and gently dust it over your lips.
  7. Reapply your lipstick over the powder. 

Voila—you’ve just applied your lipstick in the best way possible to ensure long wear.  Add a winged eye and you’re ready to conquer any Holiday get together!

Cats on Cats on Cats on Cats JBrand Jeggings Cole Haan Cassidy Bootie Madewell Leopard Crossbody Bag Oversized Cat Sweater from Japan. Similar items below: ASOS ASOS Derek Lam Hooded Leather Jacket. Fur Hat from Russia. Similar here at ASOS Stacked bracelets with watch.
Dec 2

Cats on Cats on Cats on Cats


JBrand Jeggings

Cole Haan Cassidy Bootie

Madewell Leopard Crossbody Bag

Oversized Cat Sweater from Japan. Similar items below:

ASOS

ASOS

Derek Lam

Hooded Leather Jacket.

Fur Hat from Russia. Similar here at ASOS

Stacked bracelets with watch.

Geisha Updo 1) I started with damp hair since I was traveling without a blow dryer.  For updos I usually suggest starting with day or two old hair because hair is easier to work with and style. 2) Gather a section of hair in the front to create a poof out of.  Take more or less hair depending on how dramatic you want the hairdo to be.  Tease the hair at the root.  Comb to smooth the top, and secure with bobby pins. 3) Next, gather a slightly larger section of hair behind the first poof.  It works best if you gather this section primarily from the crown of your head.  Thoroughly tease section, and mold into a second poof.  Secure with bobby pins and spritz with hairspray. 4) Pull the side sections on the temples of your head tightly against your head.  Make sure they are smooth, and bobby pin them at the base of the larger poof. 5) Gather the remaining hair, and form a small bun just below the second poof.  Pin tightly, and spritz with hairspray. Pair with rouge lips and liquid winged liner and enjoy!
Dec 2

Geisha Updo

1) I started with damp hair since I was traveling without a blow dryer.  For updos I usually suggest starting with day or two old hair because hair is easier to work with and style.

2) Gather a section of hair in the front to create a poof out of.  Take more or less hair depending on how dramatic you want the hairdo to be.  Tease the hair at the root.  Comb to smooth the top, and secure with bobby pins.

3) Next, gather a slightly larger section of hair behind the first poof.  It works best if you gather this section primarily from the crown of your head.  Thoroughly tease section, and mold into a second poof.  Secure with bobby pins and spritz with hairspray.

4) Pull the side sections on the temples of your head tightly against your head.  Make sure they are smooth, and bobby pin them at the base of the larger poof.

5) Gather the remaining hair, and form a small bun just below the second poof.  Pin tightly, and spritz with hairspray.

Pair with rouge lips and liquid winged liner and enjoy!

Messy Braided Updo 1) Start with 2 day old hair that has some texture. 2) Separate your hair into pigtails. 3) Loosely braid each side.  To make it even looser/chunky pull apart braid when you are done. 4) Pull one braid up and fasted to your head with bobby pins.  Since this is a messy swept up look, don’t put too  much thought into it.   5) repeat on the other side. 6) spritz with hair spray, and voila you have a cute messy fall undo!
Oct 18

Messy Braided Updo

1) Start with 2 day old hair that has some texture.

2) Separate your hair into pigtails.

3) Loosely braid each side.  To make it even looser/chunky pull apart braid when you are done.

4) Pull one braid up and fasted to your head with bobby pins.  Since this is a messy swept up look, don’t put too  much thought into it.  

5) repeat on the other side.

6) spritz with hair spray, and voila you have a cute messy fall undo!

Oct 9

Tousled Waves Tutorial

Sep 29

I had a lot of questions about the bow bun picture tutorial, so I finally made a video.  Hope you enjoy it!

Rocker 1/2 Up Do 1) Start with day old hair 2) Section off from your hair line to the crown of your head.  Next take that into three sections  a. The majority on top that will be poufed b. The right side (to be braided) c. The left side (to be braided) 3) French braid the left and right sides and fasten with elastics.  4) Begin teasing hair at the grown in order to create enough volume for your pouf.  Bobby pin into place. 5) Take the remaining hair in front and gently tease, and comb smooth over the pouf created in the previous step.  Pin in place, and spritz with Elnett. 6) Take the left and right braid and wrap it back along the base of your pouf.  Secure with pins. 7) Finishing touches: Spritz with Elnett or a shine spray, straighten bottom hair if desired.
Sep 24

Rocker 1/2 Up Do

1) Start with day old hair

2) Section off from your hair line to the crown of your head.  Next take that into three sections 

a. The majority on top that will be poufed

b. The right side (to be braided)

c. The left side (to be braided)

3) French braid the left and right sides and fasten with elastics. 

4) Begin teasing hair at the grown in order to create enough volume for your pouf.  Bobby pin into place.

5) Take the remaining hair in front and gently tease, and comb smooth over the pouf created in the previous step.  Pin in place, and spritz with Elnett.

6) Take the left and right braid and wrap it back along the base of your pouf.  Secure with pins.

7) Finishing touches: Spritz with Elnett or a shine spray, straighten bottom hair if desired.