Hair Trends To Try In 2015

Your hair is one of the first things people notice about you. It is a reflection of who you are and what style you are trying to portray. If you wear the same hairstyle every day, it may be time to change it up a bit. Try some of these hot hair trends for 2015, and see if you might like a few.

1.) The Ponytail.
We aren't talking the I am going to the gym so I just pulled my hair back ponytail. We are talking sexy ponytails. Try a twist on the high pony by curling your hair with a 1 1/2 inch curling iron, then teasing your roots slightly using your favorite hair spray.  Smooth over and lightly brush out some of the curl so it's not tight. Then pull back into a pony. Lightly tease for some added texture and volume. You can also try the wavy ponytail. Instead of teasing your hair, pull it into a low pony. Brush out the curl until you have a soft wave. Try one of these looks for work or a hot date.

 

2.) The Messy Bun.

The messy bun is staple for most 14-25 year old females. This is the I just rolled out of bed and didn't have time to do my hair look. But yet it still looks super cute. You can dress it up for a date or work, or wear it to the gym. To do, start with air dried hair. Your natural hair is perfect for this look. I flip my head upside down and use a hair tye to wrap around your hair moving it in random directions. Secure with a few bobby pins. Nothing is perfect about this look, so the messier the better.

 

3. )Scarf Braids.

Braiding your hair with a scarf is simple and cute. Start by putting the scarf on as a head band and tying it at the nape of your neck. Then section your hair into 3 sections including the scarf in one of them. Braid your hair. End it by tying a knot with the scarf at the end of the braid.

4.)Slicked Back Hair/Bangs.
A few years ago the poof was really in. It was wear you took the front top section of your hair, teased it and pinned it to your head. Well this is the same section of the hair, and all you are going to do is pull your hair back, spray it with hair spray, and bobby pin it or use a clear hair tye to secure it in place.

5.) A New Twist On A French Twist.
A classic french twist is completely smoothed to the head. This is a fun french twist. It is done the same basic way, except you are going to keep it lose, messy, and a little unfinished looking. If you do not have naturally curly or wavy hair, give your hair a quick curl before doing it.

 

6.) Ombre Highlights.

Instead of traditional drastic ombre like going from dark to light, the ombre highlight is to add a little dimension to your current color. From the mid shaft to the ends have your stylist add some highlights that are a shade or two lighter then your current hair. It will add the little something extra your color needs. And there is little to no upkeep.

 

7.) Air Dried Waves.

Straight hair looks high maintenance.  For a more relaxed look, apply a volumizing spray or mousse, and blow dry your hair 75% of the way upside down. Then you can let the rest air dry or pin it into low buns and blow dry the rest of the way.

8.) All Natural Curls.
For those of you who have curly hair, this one is all you. Apply a anti-frizz styling cream to damp hair, then either let air dry or use a blow dry to dry your hair and your fingers to separate the curls until they are soft and airy.

 

9.) Gamine Cut.

A classic hairstyle, that is great for a thinner face. It starts short on the back and sides, but the top is longer to give the hair more volume. If you are into classic looks good about keeping up with your regular haircuts, then this style is one to give a try.

 

10.) Low Buns.

Low buns are great for a bridal look, or even every day. Pull your hair back, leaving a 1 inch section on either side, so its slick and even to a low ponytail.  Roll the hair underneath and pin to your head. Pull the sections you left out back, and loop them around as you desire then pin. Finish with hairspray.

 

11.) The Undone Updo.

The undone updo is a simple way to put your hair in an updo. You start by pulling it back into a ponytail so its secure but slightly lose. Then twist and pin your hair in the desire fashion you want. You can add braids or twists going back the the ponytail if you would like as well.

12.) The Bubble Braid.
The bubble braid is so easy to do, and is a right off the runway look. Start by putting your hair in a ponytail and securing with a hair tye. Next add another one about 1-2 inches down from the 1st one and once it is tight gently push up the hair tye with one hand while the other holds the rest of the hair. This creates the bubble effect. Continue down the rest of the ponytail. 

13.) Nude Headband.
Find a cotton headband that is about 2 inches thick and closely resembles your hair color. Slide it on to your head so it goes onto your hair line covering it and the tops of your ears. You can leave the rest of your hair down, pull it into a bun or put it in a ponytail.

  

Try some of these in hair trends for 2015. Most of them are super easy to do and if you need help just ask your hairstylist. Stay tuned for a continuation of this post. 

~aphrodite

*article from Allure Magazine. 

Images from google.

Hot Trends For Spring of 2015

Every year a new phase of whats in and whats out comes out. Sometimes new favorites come in and some trends transfer over from last year. Here is whats hot in hair, nail and make-up trends for this spring.

Braids
Braids have been a hot trend for the past year. Change up the type is whats in for spring. The classic french braid is back, along with different braids like the fishtail or five strand braid. Braids have been all over the runway this season, so if you ever need some inspiration check it out!

 

Negative Space Nail Art

Negative space nail art was a trend that started back in the fall of 2014, and has now went huge in 2015. It is a nail design that covers part of the nail and leaves the rest open. You can use nail tape to design which part you want bare and which part you want painted. This can be done using any regular type of nail polish and any color so go crazy! 

Red Lips

Forget all the rave about wine and fuchsia colored lips. This season its all about the reds! Especially this hot new red-orange color. Normally its all about the eyes, but this is the season for lips! And brightly colored ones. So if you are looking to try out a hot new lip color, this is it.

 

Top Knots (Undone)

Top Knots have been the in hair style since the summer of 2014. This spring, its still top knots, but its more of a messy, undone top knot. So if you have some fly aways or your top knot isn't perfect, then its perfectly okay. The undone top knot, has been the go to hairstyle on all the biggest fashion shows, so why can't it be the go to hairstyle for you?

 

Nude Mani

The shiny, matte, clean nail look is what we are talking about for nude nails. You can go for a buffed nail, a shiny or matte top coat, or a light shade of pink or beige to complete your nail look. Its perfect because it matches any outfit, or occasion. Its also perfect for the women who is always on the go and doesn't like it when her nails chip.

Low Pony

Is great to have a simple look that works for multiple occasions and that is easy to achieve. That is what you have with the low ponytail. It works for a business, casual, day or night look. The low pony is a nice change up from the high pony that was in last year. If your a quick on the go girl, then this is the hairstyle for you.

Fresh Faced
The hot make-up look for the season is the fresh faced look. The fresh faced look is the perfect combination of moisturizer and foundation that gives your skin a flawless look. You can add a finishing powder to give that extra finished look and to seal everything in. Keep it simple with a light coat of mascara and a glossy lip balm to complete your look.

 

 

These are some of the hot runway trends for spring of 2015 that can be perfect for everyday life. Try out one of these trends today!

~aphrodite

How To Become Happy With The Hair You Have

Of all the women in the world, 89% of women hate their hair. This has actually gone up. There are over 600 hair products out there, which can lead to a lot of confusion. A product may be great, but if you do not know how to use it, then it isn't a great product for you. Improper use of products can lead to a bigger styling mess then you need. Try some of these great hair styling products that are great for YOUR hair.

Fine & Straight
The problem with fine hair is that it lays flat. You need to add volume but not weight so it is hard to find products that do not weigh it down. To give the appearance of thicker hair, use a thickening shampoo. Follow with a thickening conditioner but only apply on the ends of your hair. When styling use light weight products, and do not use frizz fighting products, all it does is hold the hair down. Use products without silicone, and use about half the amount you plan on using. Add more if necessary. To calm fly aways after styling, use a light hold hair spray.

Thick & Straight
The number one rule is to completely dry your hair. If you do not dry your entire hair, then it will puff up and frizz in the sections that were still damp. Before styling your hair apply a styling oil then follow with a styling cream, but apply more in the back and less in the front so it does not weigh the front down. After your hair is 100% dry, end with a shine spray so your hair doesn't look dull. Do not use volumizers, more volume is not needed for your hair.

Kinky & Coiled
Kinky and coiled hair is one of the hardest to style. Brushing it causes frizz, and heat tools remove moisture. Your best option is to air dry your hair whenever possible. After you condition your hair, rinse out about 50% off the conditioner so your curls stay shiny and smooth. Avoid sprays because they are harder to evenly distribute threw your hair. Your hair is more prone to breakage, so be careful and use moisturizing products whenever necessary.

Wavy 
Avoid frizz fighting shampoo's and conditioners. They are loaded wih silicones and weigh your hair down. To style use sprays because they are light weight and won't ruin your waves. Avoid any gel, or straightening creams. They leave your hair heavy and crunchy. Once you hair your hair in place, let it dry and do not touch it. Touching it causes frizz. Once it is dry add a styling oil . 

  

Curly 

Curly hair has to battle frizz and lack of moisture. Start by using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. If you have finer, curly hair use a lighter weight moisture conditioner because to much moisture can weigh down your curls. Do not wash your hair every day, and on the days you do not wash it, get your hair wet to refresh your curls. All the products you use, should work great with water. Use a curl enhancer to define your curls, and a styling oil and let your hair air dry.

Try out these products out and get the best results for your hair.  Each hair type is different, so figure out which hair type is your's and how to take care of it. I hope you love your hair.

~aphrodite

Keeping The Weight Off During The Holidays

During the Holidays your diet and exersize seem to go right out the window, and eating seems to take its place. If you are worried about gaining a bunch of weight, you shouldn't be! Most people gain 1-2 pounds during the Holidays, and only 12% of people gain 4 or more pounds. Here is how to make the most of the Holidays and not put on the most weight.


Forget The Gym
Most people simply just do not have time to go the gym over the Holidays, and you really do not have to. Instead download a step counter app, and make your goal to reach the amount of steps need in that day, Take the stairs or walk faster (which won't be hard because it is so cold out.) As long as you are moving every day, you should have no problem.

Watch Your Diet 
A good rule is to watch what you eat 70% of the time,  so that means you can have 2 cheat days a week. So if you decide to eat that dessert or have an extra serving of stuffing, DON'T STRESS ABOUT IT! You are allowed to live and enjoy it! If you are concerned about the amounts you are eating, then stick to water to avoid any extra calories. 

Avoid Snacking
Anything that you can eat without a knife and fork should be avoided. Snacking leads to hundreds of extra calories a day! Even avoid fruits and veggies if you are going to be dunking them in something. Instead, eat one biscuit or roll with dinner or with your salad. 

Sleep, Sleep, Sleep!
By not getting enough sleep, you are not allowing your body to properly recover from the previous day. If you get less then 7 hours of sleep a night, this can leave to cravings and more calories. This can lead to you gaining more than a pound a week from lack of sleep. So do your best to get 8 hours of sleep a night.

Drink Plenty Of Water
Water is one of the most important parts of daily life. It keeps your metabolism up and running. You should drink half of your body weight in ounces of water a day. Drinking that much water will keep you hydrated so if you do have a few adult beverages, then you will bounce back quicker.

Try out these tips during the Holiday's to help avoid packing on the extra pounds. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!

~aphrodite

Picking The Right Shade For Your Skin

Choosing the right foundation and concealer may seem like a simple task right? You just go the store pick one that looks about the same color as your skin and buy it. Just that easy, right? Not quite. There are a few different things you should look for in choosing the right shade for our skin. Here are some tips to help you pick the right shade for your skin.



1. Know What You Want.

There are many different shades, brands, and types of foundations. Before you start choosing, find a brand that works for your skin. Some can be oil based, and can cause skin to breakout. Also decide if you like powder, cream/mousse or liquid foundation. Powder tends to be better for a bronzer or a blush. Liquid and cream/mousse blend into your skin to leave a flawless look. Do you like a matte or shiny finish? Matte finish is usually better for younger ages because they have more oil production in there skin, as you age your skin does not produce the natural oils that it used to which tends to dull your skin out. 

2. Compare Each Product. 
Find three shades that are close to your skin tone, and compare them side by side. You can compare different brands with there similar shades and find out which one brand goes on the smoothest. Then switch to 3 shades that fits you like against your skin and apply them next to each other. At this point you will notice the flaws of the other colors. Do this a few times to be sure that the color you picked is perfect for you.

3. Test on the jaw.
Testing colors along your jawline, allows you to find a color that blends into your face and neck. Because your neck maybe lighter or darker than your face, it is important that foundation blends nicely so there are no harsh lines and it doesn't look like your face and neck are different colors. If the color of your neck and face have a noticeable difference in shade, select one that matches your face, and blend it down into your neck. Make sure you blend it really well.

Good

BAD

3. Test in natural light.

Natural lighting is when you will best see how the foundations you have chosen look on you. The lighting in stores can distort the way it looks. So if you are in a store and cannot find natural lighting, buy 2 or 3 and take them home to test them out and return the ones that do not work. Most places will take the returns as long as you have a receipt.

4. Oxidation.

Some products will change colors when the skins oils mix with them. Apply a color on the inside of your arm and watch the color for an hour or so. If it begins to changes colors, then it is not the right shade for you. Instead go a shade lighter so if it darkens slightly it still blends in.

I hope these tips help you find the perfect shade of foundation for your skin. Be sure to test out a few different options, because there can always be something that looks even better than what you currently love. 

~aphrodite

Rules For Women To Follow & Break Part 2

In continuation of the last post, we left off after learning what rules women in the 30's and 40's should follow or break. Now for our lovely ladies in there 50's or 60's, here are some rules that should be followed and that should be broken. Enjoy.

50's
During your 50's, most women go thru menopause, which makes women stop producing estrogen. Estrogen helps keep the skin hydrated and glowing. Without estrogen the skin becomes dry, sensitive, and can even being to sag. Now we cannot fix all the places that begin to sag with out surgery but we can fix some areas. 

You may have noticed that your hair is not quite as thick as it once was. This is because your hair follicles have began to shrink, and it is not producing as much hair as it once was. Some people may continue to have more hair than others. To give the appearance of fuller hair your can use a bigger round brush at the crown of your head. This will allow you to get more volume on top. Now you need to slow down the thinning process and maybe even create more hair growth. You can do this by using shampoo and conditioner designed for thinning hair. There are a few different brands out there so it us up to you which one you should choose, but look for one that has minoxidil in it. It is the only drug approved to stimulate aging follicles and to help the regrowth process of the hair. 

You may have realized that you skin is much more sensitive and and redder then it used to be. Estrogen helps to reduce inflammation, and now you are becoming sensitive to your normal products.  Try using a redness relief treatment to help reduce the irritation, and redness of your skin.

As you age, you may begin to lose color in your hair and eyebrows. If the color on your eyebrows has begun to fade, try using an eyebrow pencil to fill it in. Not a fan of having to fill them in everyday? Then go a spa or salon and get them tinted. It is an easy 10 minute process and it will give you brow color for 3 to 4 weeks. 

Rule to Break: Skipping Shimmer. To create a natural glow, you should use sheer, reflective colors. Just do not go overboard on the glitter part. Keep it light, simple, and natural looking. Use a shimmer lip gloss, with an eyeshadow or blush that have the words luminescent, radiant, or glowing in the name. They are light-diffusing particles that give a more flattering look. They also sink into the skin rather than sitting on top of it.

60's

Just because you are a little older doesn't mean you have to have short hair.  Keeping your hair around shoulder length can actually knock up to 10 years off of your look. Because the texture of your hair has changed, be sure to not let it get too long. It can loose and body, and if its thinner the ends will look straggly.

You may notice that no matter how much moisturizer you use, your skin still is dry and sore. Try using one that contains ceramics, phospholipids or jojoba and borage oil. Use it twice a day once in the morning once before bed to keep your skin moisturized at all times. 

This is the time when your lashes are thinner and your eyes seem smaller. To make your eyes appear more open and your lashes fuller, use a thin line of eyeliner to make your eyes pop. Stay away from black, and go for a lighter color. Black can have the opposite effect and make eyes look smaller. Also avoid the lower lashes. It can emphasize dark circles and puffiness.

Rule to Break: Exfoliate. Although exfoliation is necessary to get rid of the dead skin cells, avoid exfoliating too much. Since your skin is as elastic as it once was, too much exfoliation can cause redness, irritation, burning and bruising. So instead go to the spa once a week for a lint enzyme or glycolic peel. It will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.


I hope this helps you get a better understanding of what you should use on your skin, and why you are reacting differently to products you once loved. Try a few of these tips out and see what works best for you. You can always see a doctor for recommendations.

~aphrodite

Rules Every Women In There 30's & 40's Should Follow & Break

When your body hits its 30's, it begins to change again. Skin and hair can become more oily or dry than it was before. Having children will also change the hormones in your body. There are certain hair and skin care rules that you should follow to get the best looking skin and hair possible. But there are allows rules you should bend or break. Here are some skin tips to help you in your 30's, and 40's.

30's

Everyone says that your 30's are supposed to be your prime. When you feel the most comfortable in your skin, hair and body. For your hair, be sure that every time you wash it, you use a conditioner. Your scalp no longer produces the amount of oil it did when you were in your teens. You need to be careful because your hair is more fragile from coloring, styling and general wear and tear, it also produces less oil. The scalps natural oil its what helps to give it strength and elasticity. Conditioner can help replace the oil production. Condition your hair after each shampoo, and once a week use a mask. 

Your skin is the largest the largest organ in your body, and the only one you can see. What you do to your skin in your teens and twenties will effect the aging process of your skin. Start a intense skin care regimen. Start by washing your face and then exfoliating. The exfoliate will remove the dead skin cells from your face. Apply sunscreen every day to protect from anti-aging and burning rays. Since your skin absorbs the best when you are resting, apply a night time cream to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Also be sure to add a vitamin c serum into your morning and night time route to help restore your skins natural glow. 

When your under lots of stress, your body reacts in different ways from brittle nails to hair falling out to rashes on your skin and dark circles under your eyes. This is when a good concealer is needed. Invest in two different ones. For under your eyes, go for something with peach or yellow tones to reduce the appearance of dark circles. For the redness, something with green tones to neutralize the red. To cover the rest of your face, contour with a lightweight tinted lotion for a flawless, natural look.

I am sure you have been told by a dermatologist, your esthetician or even your own mother to not pick at your skin because it will lead to scarring. Well you still should not pick at acne, but you can touch your face. Use your hands when washing your face, or applying products. When your pores do not get enough oxygen, your skin will look dull. Once a week after you shower, because the steam allows he pores to open, put on a mask that is clay based to pull out any extra bacteria and clogged pores. Any bad acne, should be extracted by a trained professional.

40's
After following the same beauty trend for years, have you begun to notice your hair doesn't have as much oomph, your skin isn't as bright, and your make-up tricks don't work as well as they once did? No need to worry! It is time for a little upgrade. 

After you hit 40, you hair texture can change from hormones to become, wavier, straighter, or courser. Some women even experience hair loss from pregnancy or hormones as well. It is time to go with it and change up our styling routine a bit. For curly hair, play up the texture by using light weight mousse to enhance the curl. For straight hair, use a root lifter to add volume in the crown area. For course hair, use more moisturizing products like daily moisture shampoo and conditioner, or a moisturizing treatment. If you are one of the women who are suffering from thinning hair, switch to a shampoo and conditioner that is created for thinning hair to help keep it from thinning more. 

Your 40's are the time of menopause. Your skin changes and all the damage from the years prior begin to show up. To help reduce the appearance of these, and to help prevent more from appearing, switch to anti aging products packed with vitamin a and c. They will help keep skin clear, looking fresher, smoother, and fuller. If you have sensitive skin, consult with your dermatologist or esthetician to find products that are fit for your skin.

Make-up can actually make you look younger or older than you actually are. Wearing lots of make-up  can age you rather quickly.  Use light sheer colors that won't sink into fine lines and make you look tired, but will rather give you a glow. Sheer colors are more forgiving than dark, heavy colors, so update your make-up to sheer colors.

You should wash your hair as little as possible. You should not wash your hair everyday but only washing it once a week can stimulate hair growth, especially during this time when hair growth is the most important. Oil and dirt will build up on your scalp will put your scalp at risk and prevent future hair growth. Going 3 days between each shampoo should be your max.


I hope these rules will help you to having healthier looking hair and skin. Next week will be a continuation of this post for women in there 50's and 60's.

~aphrodite