What do these girls all have in common? The perfect easy beachy waves. I love, love, love this style. It works for casual every day things like going to the store, works for going out, and you can even take it to the red carpet. There’s a reason it has been Jen Aniston’s Go-To hair style for so many years.

But, it can be surprisingly hard to achieve. There are a ton of tutorials on how to do this on-line, most involve a curling iron, a rounded 1″ flat iron (which is kinda cheating since you are using it as a curling iron), or braiding wet hair. My issue with most of these is that rather than creating waves, I’m creating curls (which look more like Giselle does above, when I’d prefer to look more like Jen or Kate). In the case of braiding the hair isn’t usually wavy, I end up with uneven kinks.

So, how to get actual waves that come out perfect each time?


I’ve found a great answer- it’s these White Sands Velcro Strips.

I’ve found a great answer- it’s these White Sands Velcro Strips.

The velcro strips are very versatile, creating pretty much any size velcro roller you want or the perfect wave. I’ve been using them on damp/mostly dried hair that I’ve sprayed Liquid Texture on to. I then take two velcro strips and put them around the hair (they have a net on the back to prevent them from sticking to your hair). They’re about 12 inches long and have holes all along them to push the plastic sticks through. Then I create a wave by putting the stick through as shown on the right in the picture. I can use a pretty large chunk of hair in the velcro, and I use 3 pair for about half of my head. I then use my blow dryer on high to finish drying the hair, and remove when everything has cooled down. If I want to look a bit more polished I might use a curling iron on one or two small sections to add some curl in with my wave. I complete the whole look with a quick spray of White Sands Stuck-Up.

The result is hair that is wavy and stays that way all day! I can alter the waves by changing the way I’ve used the sticks (meaning, I can make the waves bigger or smaller), and the whole styling process only takes about 5 or 10 minutes. says http://www.15minutebeauty.com/

Remington Airwave, a cool dryer that looks a bit like a torture device but is really a clever little wave-making machine.

How this tool (which retails for a budget-friendly $29.99) works: You slip each section of your wet hair into the sleeve and the air inside twirls it like a tornado, whipping it into a twisted rope. Then all you have to do is move it up and down the length of each “rope” until each it’s dry.

TIP: Use extra hair serum to help with the frizz.

Have a great Memorial Day weekend luvs! Off to the pool …..

Bella

Two weeks ago I was in dire need of a new color and cut. Rolf’s Salon and Spa contacted me with the opportunity to have a girls GLAM day! Five friends joined me for what I can only describe as pampering at it’s best!

Everyone was treated to hair, makeup and a gorgeous style. Rolf’s is known for their incredible stylist. I can’t say enough about my color and cut, so easy for spring and I just adore it!!! Thanks Rolf’s.

Here is a quick video of our day!

If you’re looking for a great new spring look, call Rolfs Salon at 480-755-7653 to schedule a complimentary consultation. They also have four valley locations, click here for the one closest to you.

I spoke about the trend of matching makeup to clothes, now matching nail polish to your shoes is also becoming popular. When I was in high school we changed our polish every night to match our outfits, but never a pedicure! Seems a little time consuming, but beautiful non the less.

Do you do this, I may start now … cause I’m really liking it!

Happy Saturday and I hope your days are more exciting than ever right now. I have a fun new contest next week, can’t wait to share it with you!

Thanks for reading and commenting….you guys are the best!  XoX

Bella

My favorite new hair style this year is by far this look worn by Nicole Richie at the Golden Globes. If you love it as much as I do, you’ve probably trying to figure out how did they achieve that perfectly groomed look? I came across both of these tutorial and if you’re a visual person as I am, the video really spells it out, step by step!

“Sleek, smooth styles are all the rage. Nicole Richie worked it, thanks to the Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion System. Copycat it quickly: Spray Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Dry Shampoo directly at the root, crown and front of hair. Use your dryer to work in excess powder, and brush through to refresh hair before styling,” says Nicole Richie News

To get this look, you’re going to need a sheer, milky white polish; 3-4 complementary nail colors (we chose purple, hot pink, fuchsia, and baby blue); nail decals; polish remover, and a disposable eyeliner brush.

Fleury says it’s going to be easiest to unscrew all of the tops of your bottles before you begin this one — it takes a long time to dry and you’re more apt to smudge if you have to futz around too much. Start off by painting all of your nails with the creamy white polish (Fleury likes Color Club’s Bonjour Girl shade). “It helps to have a lighter base with these bright designs so that the colors pop more,” says Fleury. After this, you’re going to want to do one nail at a time, as you need the polishes to be semi-wet.

Starting at the base of the nail, paint a thick strip of color diagonally across the nail. Do this with all the colors, until you reach the tip of the nail. It’s okay if you overlap, since you are going to blend them anyways. Fleury recommends mixing up the order of the colors for each nail to give this look a more authentic feel.

While the polish is still wet, dip your eyeliner brush in some nail polish remover (it should be wet, not soaking) and, starting at the base of the nail, gently drag it up vertically through the colors. Do this in four separate lines, all the way across the nail. Repeat this on each nail, then wait for it to dry.

Apply a thick top coat to the nail, then grab an orangewood stick and tap it against the brush of the top coat to get a dab of it on the stick. Use that dab to pick up a star decal and place it on the nail, pressing it into the still-wet top coat on your nail. Repeat with a few different sizes of stars, or add some crystals if you’re feeling really fancy. Added bonus: The decals are really great at covering up any mistakes. Wait for it to dry, then apply another layer of top coat to the whole nail to hold it all together.

Hello everyone! Is this a happy mani or what? Perfect for Spring.

In other news, my weight loss update. I soooo went off the wagon this weekend. OMG so frustrating! Back on today with a delicious Lean Cuisine … kinda bleh, but two bike rides later I should be good.  : )  { Down 15lbs in 23 days} yay, yay….

Happy Monday dolls…

Bella XoX

pics and article via Refinery 29

I am always game for something new and a reverse French mani with Pink on the tips of my nails I thought would be fun to try! They looks so feminine and the color is to die for. It’s called Havana Guys from OPI and for the little touch of something glam I added a little white heart with a crystal in the center.

Bella

pics 3 & 4 of nail polish via The Cherry Blossom Girl

Say what you will about Kim K, but personally I think her face is sheer perfection! The makeup for the Christmas card photo shoot is impeccable. A lot of dramatic effects but non the less, I’m having major makeup envy.

I found this tutorial by Dulce Candy, who created her own version. I thought you may enjoy it.

For this look,  Wycee  applied a shimmery white eye shadow on my lid just below my crease and surrounded it with dark brown and gray colors. The contrast created by using light and dark colors makes this a dramatic nighttime look, she stated.

EYES

- MAC Paint Pot in “Soft Ochre” (entire lid)

- Inglot E/S Matte in “351″ (highlight)

- Inglot E/S AMC Shine in “35″ (center lid to inner corner, slightly above crease; also apply on tear duct) — this is the white color

- Inglot AMC E/S in “52″ (outer V; blend along outer 3/4 of crease) — this is the dark brown color

- Inglot E/S D.S. in “498″ (blend along outer edge of outer V, on top of 52) — this is the dark gray color

- Inglot AMC Eyeliner Gel in “77″ (upper lash line)

- Maybelline The Falsies Volum’Express Waterproof Mascara in “Very Black” (two coats on top lashes)

- Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara in “01 Black” (one coat on bottom lashes)

Bella

last pic and tutorial via {Nerdy Girl Makeup}

Bombshell Hair for the holidays.

No matter what your style, your hair is one of your best assets. Killer hair will always set you apart!

A few simple tricks will take your hair from drab to BOMBSHELL in a matter of minutes.

Step 1: Wash: Start with newly shampooed and conditioned hair. Towel dry. Stylist suggestion: Pick a cleansing routine designed for your hair texture. Bamboo Smooth Anti-Frizz Shampoo & Conditioner (for medium to thick hair) or Bamboo Volume Abundant Volume Shampoo & Conditioner (for fine hair).

Step 2: Prep: Use a styling cocktail of one part Bamboo Smooth Kendi Pure Treatment Oil and one part Bamboo Volume Plumping Strand Expand. The mixture will give hair fullness and body while keeping strands smooth and sleek.

Step 3: Section and Dry: Blast hair in 2-inch sections at the top of your head with a large round boar bristle brush.

Step 4: Set: When the first 2-inch section is almost dry, wrap hair around the brush starting at the ends, rolling hair all the way to the roots. Keep the brush in place and blow dry for about 10 seconds (more or less depending on hair type). The hair should be heated through thoroughly to help keep the shape of the curl. Set the curl with a cool blast.

Step 5: Twist: Use your index and middle fingers, to gently twist hair into soft curls.

Step 6: Continue sectioning hair 2 inches at a time and repeat steps 3 – 5 until hair is dry. Start at the crown of the head, moving towards the back, then finish with the sides.

Step 7: Tousle: When all hair is dry and curled, break the curls apart with fingers and set the look with Bamboo Smooth Anti-Humidity Hair Spray. For an added dose of volume, spray Bamboo Volume Uplifting Root Blast directly at roots.

This may sound a little more difficult than it really is, but I promise you’ll love the look!

Bella

tutorial via Sephora pics via I Heart It

We all have those days when we get home from work and are rushing around with just minutes to create a fresh look. Here are my favorite products to spruce you up in just minutes!

Lorac TANtalizer 

SPF 15 is a mineral-based, baked formula that goes on silky-smooth for a bronzed glow that lasts. 

If used properly this you will get this gorgeous glow! DO NOT use as an overall bronzer, otherwise you’ll look like you dipped your face in glitter. {hmmm its that a bad thing?}  

DO apply to the smallest part of the top of your cheek bone slightly cascading the eye.  All I can say is AH-mazing!!!!  

Champagne Lip-gloss & Nail Polish

A new way to rock solid gold and champagne bubbles. This unique gift, a collaboration with Deborah Lippmann and Troy Surratt, contains flecks of gold glitter. The bubbly inspired lip gloss will give you a buzz, even though it’s alcohol-free.

Oh and could you DIE as to how cute this lip gloss champagne is?

 Sold anywhere Almay is sold. These are perfect for a QUICK makeup touchup. Especially around the eyes! Love, love love…..

Handwarmer & Nailpolish Set

The mani-goddess Deborah Lippman and Juicy Couture have teamed up to create the must-have gift of the season. Hot color,   hand-warmers, or as I like to call them {fingerless gloves}. A must for cold weather season. Throw on a pair of jeans, crisp white blouse and let your hands do the talking with these fabulous gloves.

How could one possible manage in this day of technology with your fingers all bundled up anyway?

Luxe Faux Fur Sweater Vest

Soft faux fur and a touch of cashmere add Nordic-inspired luxe to this extra fine merino wool blend vest. Shawl collar. Sleeveless. Faux fur front.

Crisp and classic, right? I’m so obsessed with this vest … it’s absolutely yummy. Adds just the right amount of GLAM to any outfit. Dress it up with your favorite jeans or get a more elegant look by pairing with head to toe white!

Well, what do you think of my FAVORITE FIVE products this week?

Happy shopping dolls and I hope you have a perfectly lovely weekend!

Bella

XoX

Holiday eyes gives you a moment to really express your inner DIVA. Watch this video as they transform Sydney’s eyes into a Winter Wonderland!

No heat lamp, no drying time and no waiting required. All you need is clear polish! You instantly top off any look and outfit. It couldn’t be any easier! The brand above is NCLA

My favorite by FAR are these designs by Nail Rock

Forget nail polish, the best way to decorate your digits is by rocking some designer nail art!

The new NAIL ROCK designer nail wrap range is designed to last up to 7 days on nails and 8 weeks on the toes, with each at home nail wrapping treatment taking just 15 minutes to apply. Unlike nail polish they won’t chip or stain the nail and quicker to apply as no drying time required. Choose to embellish your nails with a vast choice of styles which can’t be achieved with regular polish. Designs include metallic gold, silver, dots and animal print.

Sally Hansen Salon Nail Effects Strips are just as CHIC! These are available everywhere. Quite simple to apply as shown here by Pampered and Polished blogger

And by now you’ve probable seen the look of combing polishes with a different tone on your ring finger! What a great option the nail wraps make.

Sally Hansen design board

Your possibilities are endless!

I’ve showcased 3 of the most popular designers but I’m sure there are many more. Get creative, get GLAMOROUS and always remember just how beautiful you are!

Bella

XoX

Some days you just don’t wanna. For those days, try this! Seems like I’ve been seeing pictures of this lovely look everywhere. It’s definitely an easy, gorgeous ‘do. Here’s how to get this very uncomplicated knotted ponytail:

Tools

• light holding styling mousse
• comb
• small clear elastic
• large bobbypin

Instructions

1. Apply a light holding styling mousse all over from roots to ends for texture and seperation. Hair can be damp or dry. (If it’s dry, be sure it’s a light holding mousse or you could end up with a strong holding mess.)
2. Separate the hair over your shoulder into two pieces. The piece from the back should come forward and down (see photo).
3. Using your girl scout skills, tie hair into a simple knot. [repeat]
4. Secure the two ends together using a clear elastic. Once it’s in there, slide it up underneath the knot to conceal it.
5. I like to throw a bobby pin in there for extra security.
6. Back comb the ponytail a little for texture and then comb through it with your fingers to settle it.

Tip: Once the steps are complete, tug on it and mess it up a bit. This look is better when it’s a little disheveled!

via LaurenConrad.com

From Fergie to Kim Kardashian, it looks like stars can’t get enough of the top knot. And we’re not surprised: It’s a chic updo that takes virtually no time, and it’s the perfect solution for a bad-hair day. The Black Eyed Peas singer sported this ‘do with a fancy cocktail dress at an event in L.A. over the weekend, and Kim K. wore it with a strapless column gown to a gala in NYC last night. We’re especially loving Kim’s jumbo earrings—they balance out the hairstyle perfectly.

“To get the look, make sure your hair is completely smooth (mix some hairspray with shine serum for hold and sheen), pull it up into a high pony, twist the strands around and secure the knot with bobby pins.” says Cosmopolitan Magazine

What do you see beyond the top knot? The article was about the hair, but what I notice is the makeup! It’s not a secret I have a huge girl crush on Kim Kardashian, she is just beyond gorgeous! But, the makeup is what makes a difference here. Fergies looks OK, slightly dull and half completed.  Kim’s on the other hand is flawless. Could that be her secret? Great makeup artists?

I doubt it entirely can be contributed to that, they do have a great pallet to begin with. This past Spring I hired a makeup artist from Twitter – Tiffany @CoachGlitter and I can tell you the quality of a makeup artist can absolutely make a difference. Tiffany’s work was amazing and so was the transformation.

This is my daughter before and after makeup. (OK she’ll kill me if she see’s this first photo), but it does illustrate the wonders of a great makeup artist!

Bella

XoX

New products arriving daily, new looks and fun as always to try!

This one is not an exception, Fab new magnetic polish comes out tomorrow at Sephora are you going to try it?

“Step aside, crackle nail polish! These magnetic shades, launching exclusively at Sephora on October 1st, create a 3D wave effect. To get the look, apply a base coat and two coats of the polish. Before the second coat dries, hold the magnetized bottle cap over the fingernail. After 10 to 15 seconds, the magnet will shift the polish particles, leaving you with nail art.”

Big announcement on my blog this weekend about a crazy fun giveaway, over 100 winners! Can’t wait to share… stay tuned!!

Bella

via InStyle

Has your hair lost its sparkle?  Maximize your GLOSS effect with these techniques!

Mask it!

Mix several tablespoons of honey and olive oil. Then, apply this homemade mask to ends, working your way up to coat the entire head. Leave in for 20 minutes and rinse out with shampoo and conditioner. “It’s mother nature’s secret to shiny hair!”

Clarify it!

Over time, the accumulation of styling product can be a drag. It clings on like a needy boyfriend, weighing hair down and stripping its sparkle. To ditch the buildup, I recommends adding one tablespoon of baking soda to two tablespoons of your shampoo. The sodium bicarbonate will remove the stubborn, sticky residue.

Brush up!

You wouldn’t brush your teeth with sandpaper and the same should be said of your locks. “Upgrade to a natural boar bristle brush,” says Jill Guzzo, stylist at NYC’s Butterfly Studio Salon. Natural bristles evenly distribute the natural oils in hair and smooth the cuticle to create a polished finish.

Shine on!

Natural coral lipstick, topped with a light layer of gloss.”

Makeup artist Matin Maulawizada, brand ambassador for Laura Mercier, was inspired by the rock ‘n roll vibe of the 1980s when he created Claire Danes‘s eye-catching look at the 2011 Emmy Awards in Los Angeles. But rather than giving the star a thick swipe of opaque lipstick, he opted for a more contemporary finish: Gel lip color in a sheer red orange.

Whether it be your hair or lips, both look better shining! Gloss always – thick heavy lips that look dry are just not kiss worthy!

Happy Monday Dolls

Bella

XoX

photos and ref: InStyle and MakeupdotCom