Fresh cuts for these Grammy winners. Amazing night — was so proud, I cried! + One of my favorite gifts I have received from Mumford & Sons. Adore that they were so thoughtful and took the time to write personal notes. Love them lots!
Besides creating content for you on this beauty blog, I also work as a freelance hairdresser (and sometimes makeup artist). I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with talented actors, musicians, athletes and models, creating looks for editorial, commercials, music videos and the red carpet. My job is not only making the talent look great but also having good “bedside manner.” It is important to bring ease and a positive climate to set. Each day is different and each client has different needs. Some clients need a laugh to relieve their stress. Some need a good listener, some need quiet. Feeling them out and acting appropriately is important. This also impacts all the other key players. Everyone on set is working together towards one goal so teamwork is the best way to ensure a successful workday. Having a good crew and beauty department can make all the difference in the creative process!
Besides “known” talent, I also have clients who are doctors, bookkeepers, teachers, writers . . . who are all making a difference in their own worlds. Creating looks for them also gives me a lot of joy; to see them feel successful in their everyday lives is something I truly treasure.
Everyday I have the pleasure of meeting amazing people (celebrity or otherwise) in my chair and on set and feel honored for the opportunity to help them feel their best! Here’s a Behind the Scenes Recap of what’s been happening lately . . . . .
Lana Del Rey (along with Jamie King) for her Summertime Sadness music video.
Vanderpump Rules with Lisa Vanderpump + Makeovers for the ladies on The Bachelor + Nigel and Jay on set from America’s Next Top Model with Nigel and Jay. Loved creating glamorous hair to compliment the models’ couture dresses.
Jonathan Knight from New Kids on the Blocks REMIX music video. Grooming these guys for their newest music video brought back memories from when I was a 5th grader begging my mom to let me go see them in concert. I finally got to see them Mom!!
Crew from StyleMint shoot + Ace Hotel shoot with Shannon Greer. I call him a big Teddy Bear because he’s so sweet yet so tall. The glasses I have on are his and almost always seem to make it on to a models face for a shot or two. + selfie before getting Gavin DeGraw ready at one of my favorite houses in Malibu called “The Sandcastle” designed by Harry Gesner
Oh Man. Oh Men! Amen to the men in our lives, right?! Dads, brothers, husbands, lovers . . . . . When it comes to guys, I dig that old school meets new school vibe, and am always looking for style inspiration that has an edge for my mail clients. (Think musicians, actors, athletes.) Yet, at the same time, it needs that “I don’t give a XYZ about style” air to it. I came across this guy, Luke, on Instagram who is also a hairdresser but with a background in fashion. Auhhhh, can you say awesome!?!! His photos inspire me so I asked him to share some looks with us on my personal favorite male looks — Biker, Farmer, City Boy and Man of the House.
INSPIRATION BROUGHT TO YOU BY…
Luke — hairdresser at Chris McMillian Salon. (He not only cuts but will give you the heads up on what’s cool for you and your man.)
FOLLOW LUKE Web | Email | FaceBook | Instagram/Twitter: @get_handsome
HELP STEER THIS BLOG
Would you like more posts on male style, inspiration or advice? What style is most like the man in your life?
COMMENT TO WIN
What’s your favorite memory of your father or man in your life? Share below and we’ll pick a random winner to receive a men’s hair kit – compliments of us! Ends Sunday. Happy Father’s Day, boys!
Mold and manipulate your hair with this super simple homemade pomade. Pomades are best at taming your flyaways and giving your ends that piecey texture. You can also use it to slick down your sides for that rocker look. It’s not only perfect for you, it’s perfect for him, too! So go ahead and double the recipe. An hour of your time will reward you with weeks upon weeks of bad-ass hair.
MAKE IT
In a double boiler, slowly heat wax and oil together until melted. Mix well. Let cool completely. (Speed up cool down time by placing in the refrigerator until solid.) Scoop mixture into a blender and add vegetable glycerin and essential oils (if you choose to use them.) Don’t forget to put the lid on before pressing GO! Blend well until you have a semi smooth consistency. Place in your container with a lid and keep in a cool place.
MINI TIP
Make a tiny tin of homemade pomade for purses and pockets.
IN-A-PINCH TIP
Use lip balm as pomade when you’re stuck without the real deal.
POMADE PARADE
There are tons of looks to make with your pomade. Check out my Pomade Parade Pinterest board to see what you (or your man) can try.
Who doesn’t love a smoldering Kohl’d eye? From the ancient Egyptians to the modern day rock star, this is a must in your beauty wardrobe. Tightlining will help you achieve this saucy look, defining your eyes and bringing you some much deserved attention!
Tightlining is when you place liner on your waterline — the area between the base of the lashes and your actual eyeball — acting like an invisible eyeliner. This is a two-second trick that adds definition to your eyes and gives you the illusion of a fuller lash!
HOW-TO
Starting on the top, tap product onto your waterline. The tapping method will fill in the gaps between your lashes. Then, for an even more defined eye, tightline the bottom waterline, too. Layer on some gorgeous brown eyeshadows for a soft smoky look. I’m loving this Dark Spice palette by Burberry.
TIP
If you have a smaller eye shape, you’ll want to use a lighter or nude color instead to widen the eyes. If you have large eyes, this is a great way to make them appear a bit smaller.
This savvy PR gal knows all things fashion-forward! A friend of ours from the lovely team at Bollare Communications, Paulina coordinates Bollare’s digitally driven efforts for fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands. Her blog, ChicLux, shares smart luxury and fashion lifestyle tips and directs you to the latest of her favorite fashion finds. Based in New York, but originally from Poland, we were happy to talk beauty with this well-versed connoisseur.
ALWAYS IN MY BAG
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara and Twistbands
SKIN CARE ROUTINE
AM: First thing in the morning, I make sure my face is washed. I then apply Yon-Ka Invigorating Mist to prepare my skin for makeup application. Moving on to makeup I try to keep it simple and as daily favorites use: the Amarte Natural Finish BB Cream, Maybelline Line Express Eye Liner, Maybelline Great Lash Mascara, and a light pink Mac blush
PM: At the end of the day, I clean my face using Korres Pomegranate Cleansing Wipes (I find them to be the easiest to get all my makeup off!) and every 2-3 days I use St.Ives Apricot Scrub
HAIR CARE ROUTINE
AM: I usually wash my hair at night so in the morning my hair is dry and ready to be styled. I start with applying a heat protector and depending on my mood straighten or curl my hair using my favorite ghd Hair Styler. The best thing about ghd is that it allows you to both straighten and curl your hair using one styling tool! How convenient right?!
PM: Since my hair tends to be dry I use Bangstyle Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner to wash my hair which leaves my hair silky soft! I then leave my hair to air dry and style it in the morning.
HAIR PRODUCT I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT ghd Hair Styler and Bangstyle sea salt spray (a summer hair essential!)
FAVORITE CURRENT BEAUTY TRENDs
Straight & sleek ponytails and bright lips!
BIGGEST SKIN/HAIR STRUGGLE
My face tends to dry up during the day after wearing makeup for a couple of hours.
BEST NATURAL FEATURE
Eyes.
HOW I CELEBRATE THEM
I try to emphasize my eyes with mascara.
BEAUTY TO ME IS… Feeling good — inside and out!
MY ADVICE TO WOMEN IS…
I would say to embrace your personal beauty. Not all trends work well for everyone, finding what works for you is key!
A huge thank you to our Celebrate Your Details ladies — Marcy + Claire + Anais + Paulina. We enjoyed getting to know you, seeing what’s in your bag and finding inspiration in knowing how other women honor their own individual beauty. XO
Thank you. Yes YOU! Thank you so much for your support and love and following and tweets and comments . . . . . thanks for it all! This blog wouldn’t be possible without you. So, without further ado, let’s discuss some FUN news.
Are you signed up for the SB Beauty Bee Newsletter?! Well, you *should* be . . . because it automatically enters you in our awesome giveaways! We have collaborated with the oh-so-sexy Victoria’s Secret on a extra fun giveaway to kick off the summer. Yep, it’s here people! This SB x VS Giveaway includes VS Self Tan + VS Bronze + VS So Sexy Smooth & Glossy Shine Serum, all in a fun golden Summer Love tote. (Also perfect for holding your SB Towel.) SIGN UP NOW!Giveaway ends at noon PST on Friday, June 7. Winner will contacted via email and announced here & on social media. UPDATE: Congratulations to Megan D. for being our winner!
In preparation for the hot days to come, we’ve decided to give you a Beauty Shop gift! When you purchase my Tease Me Kit, you’ll receive the AMAZING Bobby Pin Set. These three items will help you achieve so many looks, especially when hair on the back of your neck is a no-go. Promotion ends June 16th; no code necessary. (Be sure to note Dark or Light bobby pins during checkout.)
Hello you lovely Curly-Q ladies! Inspired by Anais, curls have been on my mind all week . . . so I want to share some helpful tips you can add to your daily routine. Growing up I had my share of perms (even nicknamed Poodle Head in school. Thanks Mum.) but the redeeming factor was future research. Now I know a ton about curly hair! Kinky curls, fuzzy wuzzies and waves that just “have a mind of their own” all need one major thing — MOISTURE!
Curly hair is more porous than straight so it needs a lot more maintenance in the moisture department. Here are some of my favorite natural oils to help keep your curls bouncy, frizz-free and under control. Use these on their own or mix in with your styling products.
WHEAT GERM OIL
Containing Vitamin B + E, this oil also contains Squaline – the main component of skin surface polyunsaturated lipids, making it close to the actual oil your own body produces. Wheat Germ Oil is a long-chain fatty acid that gives emollient properties, relieves dryness and adds softness plus moisture to your hair. Use capsules on the ends of your hair to hydrate your ends and protect them from breakage.
ALOE VERA GEL This smooths the cuticle surface while also attracting and sealing in moisture. It can act as a mild holding agent and a big fighter of humidity in extreme climates.
PALM NUT OIL + COCONUT OIL
Similar in structure, both of these oils filter deep into the hair’s cortex of the hair because they are so similar to hair’s natural lipids.
ARGAN OIL
Because this oil absorbs so quickly, it penetrates all the way down to the roots of your hair, directly protecting the cells. Use this to restore natural shine and add elasticity to damaged or dry hair.
* WEEKLY MAINTENANCE * Use my favorite hair mask weekly to help fight any breakage and excessive dryness. Leonor Greyl’s luxurious Fleur de Jasmin Hair Mask is available in my Girl’s Night In Kit. Get it girl!
* STYLE TIP * Need a re-do on your curls? After a long day of bouncing and playing with the wind your locks can look tired. Take some water into the palm of your hand and scrunch into your hair. This will change the hydrogen bonds in your hair so that you are able to re-shape your curls and give them a pick up!
What other curly questions do you have? Leave them below and I’ll do my best to answer them. XO, SB
Anais Alexandre is a Haitian-American fashion and indie culture blogger based in Miami. A contributing writer for Lucky Magazine, Foam Magazine and Teen Vogue, she also writes her for own blog called Down to Stars. On top of that, she works as a DJ for Jolt radio and is an audio & multi-media producer. Let’s just say, she’s a go-getter! Dang Girl! Your Mama should be proud. Here’s a look at this trendsetter’s beauty regime:
ALWAYS IN MY BAG
Maybelline Baby Lips, Neutrogena Oil Blotting Sheets, Lush “Lust” Solid Fragrance stick
SKIN CARE ROUTINE
AM: Apricot face scrub, light moisturizer with salicylic acid (I like Ponds’)
PM: Same as day, but maybe some Clearasil if there’s a pimple
HAIR CARE ROUTINE
AM: Spritz on Organix Argan Oil Dry spray then finger tousle my hair
PM: ION Light leave-in conditioner, 5 pumps of L’Oreal Ever Crème Leave-In Conditioner, then two french braids before bed.
HAIR PRODUCT I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT
L’Oreal Ever Crème Leave In Conditioner. It smells amazing and makes your hair super soft and silky.
FAVORITE CURRENT HAIR TREND Hair Chalk color tints. I am in love with this stuff and want to make my hair a psychedelic rainbow now. LOL!
TRAVEL MUST-HAVES
My leave-ins, Apricot scrub, Maybelline BB cream and a tinted lip balm stain. I also love black eyeliner.
BIGGEST SKIN/HAIR STRUGGLE
Sometimes I might break out a bit so it’s important I stick with quality products and not switch what I’m using because I have sensitive skin. Hair-wise it can get dry since it’s curly so I love to do a lot of deep conditioning and hot oil treatments.
BEST NATURAL FEATURE
My eyes and lips.
HOW I CELEBRATE THEM
With dark brown/grey/black eyeliner which I smudge at the corners along with a great tinted lip balm stain.
FAVORITE SB PRODUCT Girl’s Night In Kit. I love this kit because every girl needs to treat herself to a in-home spa day from time to time. With this kit you can kick back and let the products do all the work while you relax the day away!
BEAUTY TO ME… To me someone is beautiful when they are happy.
There’s nothing more beautiful than someone with a genuine smile.
MY ADVICE TO WOMEN IS…
To celebrate your individuality. Your face and body are 100% unique so why compare yourself to others. You might get down on yourself about a little flaw, but what you don’t know is someone out there might think that quirk makes you adorable and really cute!
Images found on Pinterest / Post inspired by Claire‘s favorite trend
This is a gorgeous look for the lakeside lounger or a busy city girl. Glossy, dewy eyelids give a dreamy yet modern look, and it’s easy to achieve! But the trick is — how to make it stay *fresh* all day. Let’s begin . . . . .
- STEP ONE -
To start, set your lids with translucent powder. This gives the gloss something to stick to. Next, find your desired gloss, I suggest a nude or rose-colored lipgloss.
Use your fingers to tap gloss onto the lids. To set, dip your eyeshadow brush in powder and press along the edges where you want to keep gloss from bleeding. (Sometimes I like to add the gloss to the highpoint of my cheek bones and/or laugh lines to add a bit of dewiness. This is especially helpful on those early mornings.)
Pair your wet lids with a hot lip! The brighter, the better. You want your lips to POP. And don’t forget to layer those lashes with your favorite mascara!
MIX IT UP : Add a bit of your favorite eye shadow into a clear gloss to create your own custom color. Another option, especially great for a night out, is to mix gloss with a charcoal black for a dirty smoked-out lid.
We are still in the process of meeting woman who celebrate their details . . . so after Marcy, comes Claire. Claire Thomas is my dear friend and the creative mind — director to be exact — of my lifestyle videos you have seen on this blog (see sidebar for Fun Videos.) I adore her style and her hair (totally natural!) Something else not to miss, she is impressively good at making melt-in-your-mouth, forget-bikini-season food on her blog The Kitchy Kitchen and is also the host of Food for Thought. Note to self: I gotta get in on her recipe testing! XO, SB
ALWAYS IN MY BAG
My skin is so fair that you can practically see through it, so cover up to touch up under eye circles is a must. I use Mac Select Cover-Up because of it’s silky texture and blend-ability. I also carry an extra tube of Schiap by Nars for a bright lip. It’s a lovely matte pink hue, and can be a statement if applied heavily or subtle if I use a tiny bit topped with lip balm. I’m also obsessed with Kiehls midnight recovery oil. It smells amazing and moisturizes any dry spots without feeling greasy.
SKIN CARE ROUTINE
AM: Epicuren cleanser + Kiehl’s midnight recovery oil or Kiehls superfluid defense 50 spf
PM: Yes to Cucumbers cleansing wipes + Kiehl’s midnight recovery oil
HAIR CARE ROUTINE
Honestly, I blow my hair out once a week and try to let it stay put for as long as possible. My goal is to put as little stress on my hair as possible, and not strip it by over washing. If it needs a little love, I’ll throw some warm coconut oil on the ends and let it soak for fifteen minutes then rinse.
BIGGEST SKIN STRUGGLE
My skin recently became sensitive, which is a problem when I’m in heavy duty make up for the show. I just try to give my skin a rest and moisturize like a champ when I’m not on camera.
CURRENT FAVORITE MAKE UP TREND
Bright, fresh lips with barely there dewy eyes. It’s so summery and gorgeous, plus anyone can do it. Pick your favorite coral, orange, or pink, throw a tiny bit of Aquaphor or Vaseline on your lids, and finish with waterproof mascara.
BEST NATURAL FEATURE
My hair. I’ve never dyed it, and it’s been my identifying trait since I’ve been a kid. Plus, with my fair skin, I can’t imagine rocking a different hue.
HAIR CELEBRATION
I love keeping my hair long layers with loose waves, and using finishing sprays like Bumble and Bumble shine spray to really play up its color and texture.
FAVORITE SB PRODUCT
So hard to choose! But as a homebody I have to say the Girl’s Night In kit is my fav. So relaxing and fun!
BEAUTY TO ME… Beauty to me has to do with charisma and confidence. A beautiful woman is a woman who knows herself. She’s not making herself up for men, or even for other women, because to her, it’s a form of self-expression and creativity. For women celebrating their personal beauty, I’d have to say enjoy the features that set you apart. For me, putting down the self tanner in high school and embracing my pale skin was a big moment. Being pale means I have to work a little more on my cheeks and lips to make sure I don’t look pallid, but I’ve grown to love my skin, SPF 50 and all.
