Blo Blow Dry Bar

Last week Ariyana and I made a trip back to Boston and I could not believe it had been 7 months since I went back. It was great catching up with friends and I had the opportunity to attend the grand opening of Blo Blow Dry Studio in the South End. Now if I can only convince the people at Blo to please open up a studio in Bethesda.

And speaking of hair did you catch my posts on How To Create Beachy Waves and 1 Wash -->3 Days Of Style?

 (photo credit-my 4 year old budding photographer-Ariyana)

Natural Eyes

We attended my cousin's wedding in Toronto (outfit here)  for a few days. It was a fun week and going back to Toronto is always so nostalgic because I was born there, lived there for several years, and whenever we go back we spend time with my cousins,  extended family, and old friends. Also this past week Ariyana was home with me and my sister and her husband were visiting as well.  I loved spending quality time with family and friends but I am also ready and looking forward to getting back on schedule here next week.

In the meantime I wanted to share this natural eyes tutorial with you.  Lately I have been experimenting more with my eyes and trying new eye shadows and this looks is  easy to achieve and perfect for everyday. What do you think of the natural eyes look?

How To Get Beachy Waves

For the past 10 years in Boston I have not had to adjust my hairstyle in the summer because the heat and humidity was not so extreme.  But now that we are in the Washington D.C. area and summer is here (it is officially summer today) I need new no fuss and no heat hairstyles to make it through the sultry summer.

I have been experimenting with new hairstyles that do not require a 20 minute styling session consisting of torturous blow drying and straightening and I have to say this soft beachy wave style an excellent alternative.  I also love this hairstyle because it is effortless, natural, and is healthy for my hair and sanity. Also I have been wearing my hair straight for so many years so it's nice to change things up and play up my naturally wavy hair. 

The two products I use to master beach waves are L'oreal Texture Expert Curl Corset Energizing Mousse and Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. I also just read about Oribe Après Beach Wave and Shine Spray and it looks like it might be a great product as well to achieve tousled beachy waves. 

Additional Style Tip to Achieve Beachy Waves

Waves do not fall right on hair that is all one length so you need to remove the excess weight by getting long layers cut into your hair. (I am getting my haircut this afternoon so I will be requesting some long layers for sure!)

Makeup Brush Guide

Lately I have been organizing my make up brushes, replacing old brushes, and expanding and completing my makeup brush collection.  I usually buy MAC or Bobbi Brown makeup brushes but I have to say these SOHO professional ergonomic brushes (all featured above) are my new favorites. The brushes are reasonably priced and they conform to the natural contour of the hand allowing for a better grip, comfort, and more controlled make up application. 

A Few Additional Tips About Makeup Brushes

Powder and Blush Brushes

If you only have one powder brush you can use it for pressed and loose powder, bronzer, and blush. But I like using my powder brush just for powder and I have a separate blush brush for blush and bronzer.  I also have a contoured blush brush because the slanted shape allows you to deposit color precisely where you want it. 

Travel Brush Sets

Having a separate travel set of brushes is ideal because it is compact and the brushes are neatly organized. I have a Bobbi Brown travel brush set I use (similar to this one) but this Rose Gold Mineral Brush Set from Sephora is stunning and I love the chic coordinated pouch.  

Keeping Brushes Clean

Cleaning and disinfection brushes is important not only to protect the longevity of the brushes but also to keep your skin healthy and free of bacteria. I admit I am terrible when it comes to cleaning my makeup brushes but I am hoping to get better at this with at least monthly deep cleaning of the brushes with baby shampoo. I also just purchased  this anti-bacterial daily cleaner from Sephora and it works well to quickly remove makeup between applications.  

Simple Smoky

We have a low key and fun weekend planned and includes hanging out at the pool, making Aneesh a special Father's Day brunch, watching a movie or two at home, and going out for a fun date night.  I rarely do a smoky eye (because it seems so difficult) but I came across this simple smoky tutorial on Pinterest and thought I might give it a try for our night out. Let's see how it goes....

Also if you missed it yesterday check out my roundup of straw bags for the summer. 

Have a great weekend!

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