Taissa Farmiga / Violet Harmon (American Horror Story) Inspired Look (ee)

     (M.B.) If you're an avid watcher of Netflix, you've probably heard of the hit series, American Horror Story. As someone who loves a good thrill and scare, this show is truly satisfying. When I began with the first season, I knew the young, misunderstood teenage girl who moved into the infamous "Murder House" was one of my favorites. Violet Harmon (played by Taissa Farmiga) is one of those characters that everyone can relate to with her snippy attitude and true compassion for the people she loves. Another thing that caught my attention was her makeup. For the most part, it looks like she's only wearing mascara and lip gloss but in the photo to the left, it appears smokier. This look can be worn by nearly everybody due to its simplicity, but it can supply you with the perfect smolder.

Makeup Directions:

1. Begin with a clean complexion. Violet has a minimal amount of face makeup on so with your face clean, you will have less to cover up. Also, it will give you a smoother surface to work on.
2. With a primer of choice, blend it into your skin using your fingertips. If your skin is oily, target the primer in those main areas so that your makeup will stay on longer. (T-Zone, forehead, etc.) (Benefit POREfessional Face Primer)
3. For this look, you're going to want as much of a natural finish as possible. Because of that, use a BB cream, CC cream, or tinted moisturizer. Not only will you achieve a natural finish, but your skin will benefit from the product. Most of these products have SPF and moisturizing elements that will keep your skin covered and protected all day. (Covergirl Aqua Smoother Tinted Moisturizer)
4. Conceal any imperfections and dark circles beneath your eyes. This will give your face a much more brightened, awake appearance. (Amazing Cosmetics Concealer)
5. If you feel that it's necessary to use some type of pressed powder in order to hold your makeup in place, go for it. Everyone's skin is different, so if you're one to have runny makeup then by all means, use a powder! Dust this over your complexion with a large fluffy brush. (Maybelline Fit Me Pressed Powder Compact)
6. Violet has extremely soft eyebrows, so avoid pencils or gels. Definitely go ahead and use a brow powder, though. With an angled brush and the powder, you will achieve the soft yet defined set of brows that Violet has. (Anastasia Brow Powder Duo)
7. Prime your eyelids with a matte product. Blend it into your eyelid and beneath your lashline with your ring finger. (Urban Decay Primer Potion in "Original")
8. Using a flat eyeshadow brush, apply a medium brown/taupe shade all over your lid and into your crease. You're only going to be using two colors for this entire look and you'll be building up the color as you progress with the look. (Urban Decay Naked 2 Eyeshadow Palette in "Tease")
9. With a smaller flat shader brush, pick up the same color and work it into your crease. Continuously build up the color to your liking, then drag the color underneath your eye.
10. In the photo, it appears that she has the brown in her inner corner which is kind of unusual considering that's usually where the highlight color goes. So if you'd like to place your highlight color there, that's completely up to you. But if you want to continue to follow the look, bring some of the color into your inner corner.
11. Clean off your eyeshadow brush and use a matte vanilla shade on your browbone and a little bit by your tear duct to draw light to your face. (Rimmel Eyeshadow Quad in "Smokey Brun") 
12. With a black kohl eyeliner, sloppily draw a line as close to your lashline as possible, then flick it out to a small wing. Then, bring the product under your eye. Keep this line thinner than the one on top. Then with a smudging brush, blend the color in so that it has a smokey effect. Feel free to build this color up as much as you would like for a darker, bolder look. (Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner in "Black")
13. Curl your eyelashes.
14. Apply 2-3 coats of volumizing mascara. Focus most of the product on the outer portion of your eye to make it looked winged. (L'Oreal Butterfly Mascara in "Blackest Black")
15. Moisturize your lips with a lip balm. (EOS Lip balm in "Sweet Mint")
16. Apply a pink/nude shade of lipstick or lip gloss to tie the rest of the look together. (Bite Beauty Luminous Creme Lipstick in "Pepper")
17. If you really want to capture the Violet Harmon look, go the extra mile and straighten your hair.
18. Lastly, put on a black sun hat for the finishing touches. (Nordstrom "Drama" Hat in "Black")

Taylor Swift Inspired Faux Bob!! (EE)

       (S.K.) Over the years, country and pop singer Taylor Swift has been seen through many different phases in the life. From a 17 year old teenager with tight ringlets, to a sophisticated 23 year old woman, her hair has grown and changed over the years, along with her. This classy look is perfect for those of you that have always wanted to experiment with short hair, but have been too afraid to chop it all off. It may look like Taylor has cut all of her hair, but in reality it is just an allusion. Many celebrities have been sporting this trend recently, and you can now try it too! Perfect for a night out, or for an important event like prom!

Hair Directions:

1. This hairstyle is ideal for those of you that have long hair, with layers. If you don't, you can still try out this hairstyle, but it might not work out as well as on someone who has layers. If you have layers, you want to start out by sectioning off you hair into two sections. Split the top, shorter sections from the bottom longer sections of hair. 
2. Tie up the top layers of your hair with a hair tie on the top of your head to get it out of the way.
3. With the bottom layer of your hair, begin put it in a loose pony tail at the base of your neck. Before you pull the hair through the final time, don't pull it through all the way, only half way, to create a loop with your hair. 
4. Loosen the top if the hair tie and tuck the loop under the hair that is falling down. You can use what ever type of clip you need to hold up the hair under the 'bob'. Depending on how thick your hair is, and how much of it toy have, you might need more booby pins, or a bigger clip to make sure that the hair stays hidden. This should end up looking like a bob once your hair is tucked under. 
5. Now you can let down the top layer of your hair, and get it ready to be curled.
6. Like always, spray your hair with a heat protectant to prevent your hair from becoming damaged. These curls are very tight and structured so if you know that your hair normally doesn't hold a curl very well, you should apply some mousse to your hair. The mousse will just act as another holding agent while you are curling your hair. If you do put mousse in it, distribute it evenly by brushing it through, and then either blow dry it until it is completely dry, or let it sit until it is no longer wet from the mousse. 
7. Now you can begin the curls. After parting your hair in your spot of choice, begin taking about one inch sections of hair and wrap it around the barrel of the curling iron. When you go to release the curl, don't just let it fall over your shoulder. Hold the curl in your hand until it is cooled a little bit. This will help the curl hold.
8. Taking a bobby pin that is the same color as you hair color, take the curl, and pin it up in a loop fashion, to the side of your head. 
9. Repeat this step all the way around your head; curling a piece, letting it cool, then pinning it up.(The more random you pin up the curls, the more natural it will look, so try not to pin every one the exact same way.) to match the rest of the bob.
10. If you have short layers the frame your face, you can simple just curl them. You don't need to pin them up if they are at a good length
11. Once you have worked your way all the way around your head, you should be left with your bangs, or if you don't have bangs, the section of hair at the very front of your head on the opposite side of your part. 
12. Normally when curling hair, you want to curl this last piece away from your face, but in order to achieve this classic look that Taylor has, you need to do the exact opposite, and it needs to be extremely tight.
13. Taking your curling iron, wrap the hair around the barrel. Wrap it up as far as you can(without burning yourself of course!) so it is almost toughing your forehead.
14. When you release it, do the same by holding the curl until it has cooled down.
15. Taking another bobby pin, curl the hair up into a loop, and pin it to your head, concealing the bobby pin with the other curls. 
16. Spray the whole hairstyle with some hairspray and you're ready to go!

Rita Ora Inspired Makeup Look (dd)

     (M.B.) Summer is on its way and people are looking for new makeup looks to change things up. Whether you're looking to brighten up your skin, create dramatic-looking eyes, or wear a bolder lip, you're most likely going to want to alter your makeup look a little bit to fit the summer season. In the look to the right, upcoming singer, Rita Ora, is showing off a very natural side to herself-- something no one really sees anymore. If you're ready to show off your natural beauty, this look is perfect for you!


Makeup Directions:

1. I know I always say it, but starting with a clean face is very, very important-- especially for this look. As you can see in the photo, Rita Ora's face doesn't possess a single flaw. And while makeup is probably covering whatever flaw she has, she most likely kept the product on her face to a minimum. Treat your face right: don't wear makeup to bed, wash your face one to two times everyday (morning and night), exfoliate when necessary, and drink tons of water. Before you know it, your skin will be on its way to staying clear.
2. Moisturize your complexion with a product you know works and will not break you out or make you look super oily. This step is completely tailored to what your skin needs when it comes to care and nutrients.
3. Prime your skin with an illuminating base. If you don't have one, that's fine. But with an under-layer of a product that will draw light to your face, you can easily achieve this look. Dot the product on your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Blend evenly. (Benefit 'That Gal' Brightening Face Primer)
4. Choose a foundation or BB cream that gives your skin that "flawless finish" you're looking to achieve. With a makeup sponge, pump some product onto it and begin working it into your skin evenly. You're going to want to make sure you have the most even coverage, so cover your forehead, cheeks, nose, chin, neck, and then blend outwards towards your hairline. *If you want a more airbrushed finish, pat the sponge into your complexion rather than using swiping techniques. This will also prevent a streaking effect.* (L'Oreal True Match Lumi Foundation & Beauty Blender Foundation Applicator)
5. Apply a concealer with a cream-like consistency. This will blend easier and give off a more natural appearance. Use your ring finger to put this on any blemishes you may have or dark circles. Try to avoid concealers with a highlighting/illuminating formula. You definitely don't want to draw attention to whatever it is you're trying to cover up. (Benefit Boi-ing Concealer)
6. One of the most important steps to this look is contouring. So with a matte bronzer and an angled contouring brush, suck in your cheeks and begin working the product into the hollow areas. Blend this back into your hairline and into a mirrored "C" formation. Then with a smaller brush, contour your nose if necessary. To do so, bring the product down the sides of your nose away from the bridge of your nose and blend outward. (NARS Laguna Bronzer)
7. This step has an equal importance to step 6. Highlighting will not only brighten your face, but it will draw attention to stronger features of your face. Bring the product down the bridge of your nose, on your cheekbones, brow bones, and just above your lip. Blend away evenly. (Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Radiant Touch Highlighter)
8. Instead of losing the glow-y finish you just created by using a powder, try a setting spray. Your makeup will last a lot longer and it will preserve the dewiness you have made. If you'd like, you can wait til the very end of applying your makeup to use this. This way, you're eye makeup will be set. (Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray)
9. In the photo, Rita doesn't seem to be wearing anything on her eyes. If she is, it's most likely a cream shadow of some sort. If you feel as if you need something to wear on your lids, use a tinted primer. One with shimmer or a champagne-like finish would be perfect. (Urban Decay Primer Potion in "Sin")
10. Curl your eyelashes.
11. Apply three to four coats of mascara to create a spidery effect on your eyelashes.(L'Oreal Butterfly Mascara in Black)
12. Moisturize your lips with a lip balm of choice. (EOS Lip Balm)
13. Apply a nude or fairly light pink lipstick to your lips evenly. You can find a formula with a shine finish so that you won't have to apply gloss on top. (NARS Lipstick in "Belle de Jour")
14. If you want to, apply a lip gloss for extra shimmer. (Buxom Full-On Lip Cream in "White Russian") 

Mermaid Braid Tutorial !!(DD)

(S.K.) Braids are the one hairstyle that can be worn for nearly any occasion, and can either be dressed up, or down. Another great thing about braids is that there are so many of different ones to choose from! Some more complicated than others, but in the end, a braid is a braid! This specific braid, the mermaid braid, is one type that I haven't seen many people wearing. It's a twist on the regular french braid, but when you wear it, you are sure to draw attention to yourself!This is the ideal braid for the summer months, and going to the beach because it keeps your hair out of your way in a cuter way than just a regular pony tail. Also, there's no better place for a mermaid braid than the beach! Keep reading for the instructions on how to complete this unique style.

Hair Directions:

1. Begin this look like you would with any other braid, after washing your hair, and brushing through it. Brushing through it is a very crucial step because since you will be crossing many different sections of hair, you want to do everything you can to prevent your hair from getting tangled and knotted. 
2. After brushing thoroughly through your hair, you can begin the actual braid. This look has a small braid near the crown of the head, to add a small detail, so first in order to achieve that, gather a small section of hair, less than an inch wide, from one side of your head near the front, split it into three sections and braid it regularly. As you do this little braid, pull it towards the back of your head, since that is the way you will want it to lay.
3. After securing the ends of it with a small elastic, wrap it around the back of your head, and using a couple bobby pins, pin it to the other side of your head. Hide the bobby pins and the end of the braid under some of the hair that is already there.
4. Take a piece of hair about one to two inches wide from the lower crown of your head, right under where the little braid you just created, lays.
5. Split that into three sections, and braid it regularly only about three times.
6. This is where it gets a little more complicated, but if you know how to do a french braid, this isn't much different. Instead of adding horizontal strips of hair to the center of the braid, like you would for a french braid, you are only adding tiny sections of hair from your hairline. So start off on one side of your head, and grab a section of hair from the front of your head, but make sure it is only a few centimeters big.
7.  Repeat this step of adding small sections of hair from your hair line to the center braid, until you work your way all the way down to the base of your neck. 
8. When you can no longer add hair to the center braid anymore, just braid it regularly down to the end.
9. Tie off the bottom of the braid with an elastic first. To dress up the braid a little more, you can always add a ribbon to the bottom of the braid, and tie it in a bow to add something extra to the look. 
10. You will probably want to spray it with hairspray to make sure the braid doesn't fall out, or little pieces of it come out, but when you do spray it, don't hold the can close to your head. Holding it far away, and spraying it all over instead of just in one spot will help your hair, and the braid from looking hard. 

Heat and Water Resistant Makeup Look (Inspired by Lea Michele) (cc)

          (M.B.) With the weather being as cold and bitter as its been, it's hard to believe that warm temperatures are on the way. Before we know it, people will be wearing shorts, tank tops, and sandals to help beat the summer heat. As for makeup, many people try to avoid wearing it during the summer because it's cakey and too much of a hassle to put on. But what if you have a party or you just want to look nice? With this easy and natural look, your makeup can still beat sweat and water for up to twenty-four hours, so feel free to jump in the pool and enjoy your summer without worrying about runny makeup! (Makeup look inspired by Lea Michele's April 2014 Seventeen Magazine photo shoot)

Makeup Directions:
     1. Begin with a moisturizer. Use one with SPF in it to protect your skin from the sun. Even better, use sunscreen. It will supply your complexion with the proper nutrients it needs and keep your skin properly moisturized throughout the whole day. (Aveeno Smart Essentials Daily Nourishing Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30)
     2. Priming your face is a key step. Whatever primer works best for you will do just fine, just make sure to prime! (Benefit POREfessional Face Primer)
     3.With the pads of your fingertips, squeeze an appropriate amount of BB/CC cream onto them and warm the product up between your fingers. Then, apply it to your complexion evenly. You can build this up or keep it as thin as possible, depending on what type of coverage you're looking for, of course. (Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream)
     4. With your ring finger, apply concealer to spots where it's only necessary. You want to keep this look as light as you possibly can. Personally, I would stick to putting the product beneath your eyes and on any blemishes or imperfections you may have. (Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer)
     5. Prime your eyelids with a primer of your choice. Use one that you know works well and you can always trust to prevent smudging, creasing, or running. (Urban Decay Primer Potion)
     6. Looking for a pop of color? Go for it! Make sure to use a waterproof cream shadow to ensure that it stays. Whether you'd like to sweep this across your lid or put it on your lower lashline, you're going to want to wet your applicator. For instance if you're going to line your lashline, dip an angled liner brush into whatever color you prefer and then spritz it lightly with water. This will make the color appear much more pigmented than it is. (Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream)
     7. This next step is also optional. If you want your look to appear a little more daring, you can add a bit of waterproof liner. Using a cream or gel liner would definitely be best but if you know that you aren't too great at applying that kind of formula, you can most definitely search for a liquid eyeliner or a pencil one that is waterproof. (Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner)
     8. Curl your eyelashes.
     9. Finding a waterproof mascara that gets the job done is very tricky. There's something about the waterproof formula that doesn't quite reach up to the potential of a regular formula. If you find one, never forget the brand or edition of it. Anyways, apply the mascara to your top and bottom lashes in coats of two or three. Also, if you didn't use color before, you can use it here instead. Feel free to use a colored mascara in blue or green or even purple for an extra special pop of color. (Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara)
     10. If you're looking to add a little warmth to your face, apply a pink tint to the apples of your cheeks. (Benefit Cosmetics Benetint or Lollitint)
     11. Lastly is lips. Before you even think to add color to them, apply a lip balm with SPF in it. It's very possible for your lips to burn (a higher chance than it would be for your skin) so be cautious with this! (EOS Lip Balm)
     12. With your ring finger (or your applicator) apply whatever color you'd like to. Personally, I like to keep the color on my lips fairly sheer. I would apply a pink tinted lip balm to my lips to finish off the look. (Korres Lip Butter in Pomegranite)

Flipped Fishtail Updo (CC)

(S.K.) This look can be the perfect hairstyle for someone of any age. An older woman on a business meeting, a teenage girl for her prom, or even for a young girl on Easter. This hairstyle is very flexible with how you want to wear it. Its a fancy twist on a classic braid, that will make it look like you put a lot of time into your hair, but in reality it only took you a few short minutes. Another perk of this hairstyle, is that you will not be using any heat, which is a shock for such a dressed up hair style. Just another reason to try out this style!

Hair Directions:

1. Since for this look, you will be doing a fishtail braid, from personal experience, I recommend doing this look while your hair is damp. So you could either shower right before you are going to do this hairstyle, or you could just use a spray bottle filled with water, to damped down your hair. The damp hair will hold better in the fishtail braid, and will prevent little fly aways from sticking out.
2. To begin this look, you want to start out by putting your hair into a very low pony tail at the base of your neck. You can have your hair in any type of part that you want, and it is always an option to keep a few strands of bangs down, to frame your face.
3. After you secure the pony tail with an elastic, you want to split the hair that is above the elastic, into two sections. 
4. Taking the hair that is in the pony tail, bring it up and wrap it through that hole that you just made. Pull it through, and let it fall again, making a flipped look at the base of your neck.
5. Now to begin with the fishtail braid. Start of by splitting your hair into two sections. Taking very small pieces, take a piece of hair from the outside of one of the sections and cross it over and add it to the second section of hair. Repeat this process by going back and forth from section to section, crossing hair over each other. 
6. This is where the spray bottle with water would come into play if you didn't just shower. Wetting down the pony tail before you braid it will help to prevent the little hairs from sticking out of the braid as you work your way down, especially if you have multiple layers in your hair.
7. At the end of the braid, tie it off with a small, thin elastic that matches your hair color.
8. You can either leave the braid tight, or you can loosen it up a bit by pulling at the braid to make it bigger and fuller.
9. Now to create the undo part. Take the braid, and tuck the end of it into the space that you created in the beginning of the look after you flipped the pony tail through the hole.
10. You will need to take some bobby pins to secure the braid to the back of your head, so it stays up in a bun position. Depending on how long your hair is, and how long the braid it, the longer and bigger the bun will be.
11. Make sure the ends of the braid are tucked away so they are not visible.
12. To add something different to complete the look, depending on what you are wearing this hairstyle for, you can add some clip in flowers, diamond covered clips, or whatever hair accessories you may have.
13. Hair spray will be the finishing touch to hold the braid, as well as hold down and prevent any fly aways from appearing.