Fast Glamor!

Since I consider myself the resident beauty guru... ;-)  here are some tricks to help you look fabulous in only FIVE quick steps. Perfect for a school morning to look healthy, fresh, and glowing without trying to hard.

1. First, focus on your SKIN: moisturize, apply face powder, concealer, and blush. You'll have that flawless look in no time.

2. Time for the EYES. Swipe some mascara on, line your eyes, and apply a shimmery eyeshadow if desired.

3. Don't forget to add lip gloss! While you're doing that, add a spritz of your favorite perfume so you smell as gorgeous as you look.

4. Smooth some de-frizzing product into your hair, then put it into a chic side braid, or another variation such as: a messy bun, two ponytails, a french braid, a really high ponytail or bun, or just throw in a headband. Even if you're having a bad hair day, no one will be able to tell since you have such a cute 'do.

5. Finally, brush your teeth so they shine, add your favorite pair of earrings that match your shoes (or something), and you're ready to head out the door!

instant GLAMOR!

love ya, dah-lings!!

Alli

Start out the school year right with these must-haves!

Every year we all wonder "what do I need for school this year??" Well, all you girls out there, these are my must-haves that every girl should need!

For your locker:
1. A sturdy locker shelf to raise up your books, making it easier to grab what you need in between classes without straining out your back from bending over. You can easily make or buy one at Staples, Wal*Mart, or Home Depot for $5 or less.

2. A small magnetic mirror so you can make sure your picture perfect for every class (or boy) that comes your way :)

3. An easy-to-grab pad or tampon holder you can grab when that joyous time of the month comes so you can be prepared in a pinch! We currently have a give-a-way from Dauzat Designs that has cute and practical pouches for all you girls in need and trust me, they are worth it :) and if you don't win our fabulous give-a-way (which you should totally enter *hint, hint*), you can visit http://www.etsy.com/shop/dauzatdesigns and pick one up for the upcoming school year!

For your classes:
1. A planner or agenda to write down each days homework assignments. It is definitely useful and helps you from forgetting when things are due!

2. A binder or folder to take everything home in in one place. It makes everything easier to carry and convenient as everything is in one place

And for you:
1. A backpack or cute tote to carry everything in. It also can keep your pads and tampons away from the eyes of everyone else and it will be better than carrying everything and risk dropping it!

2. A good fitting pair of dark washed jeans. It's a staple. All girls need a pair of jeans they feel good in. End of story.

3. Some bling. Some jewelry. Make yourself feel good. If you look good you feel good :)

And good luck to everyone this school year! Make it your best!

Lots of love,
Amii

School Picture Tips

HAIR

-Keep your hairstyle classic for school photos. Just try a simple blowdry with a slightly off center part. You'll regret anything complicated or super-trendy in a few years.

-I suggest leaving your hair down, or putting it half up/half down. Sometimes having your hair back in a tight bun or ponytail can make you look bald in photos!

-Wavy hair is actually a lot more photogenic on most people than stick straight hair, so keep that in mind when styling!

-Use a bit of cream or de-frizzer in your hair so it is smooth and healthy looking.


CLOTHES

-Wear a color that is flattering on you- or something that brings out your eyes and looks good with your skintone.

-Avoid loud colors and patterns.

-Make sure whatever you wear won't clash with the background of the photograph!


MAKEUP

-Do your makeup the way you usually do- your school photo is supposed to look like YOU!

-Apply a little extra bronzer- flash cameras can usually make you look washed out.

-Today isn't the day to skimp on concealer or foundation! Make sure your blemished and undereye circles and concealed so your skin looks as flawless as possible in the picture.

-Don't go overboard on eye makeup. This isn't the time for bright colors. Do a neutral eyeshadow (nothing dark, but a light shadow will make you look awake and is always flattering), some mascara, and maybe a bit of eyeliner to define your eyes. A little blush is nice too, to give you a healthy glow.

-Leave your lips natural with just a little balm or gloss. You'll regret doing a wild lip color.


SMILE

-Bring a travel toothbrush or some dental floss with you to school- you want to make sure you don't have anything in your teeth!

-Optional: Use teeth whitening strips or paste leading up to picture day. That way, you'll have an extra pearly grin!

-Rather than trying to look a certain way in your photos (serious, cool, smart, etc.), just muster a relaxed and genuine smile. Laugh slightly, or open your mouth a little bit so get a flattering smile.

-If you always blink in photos, ask the photographer to count to three before they take the picture. Then, you can blink on "two" and be wide eyed for the capture.


Most importantly, just BE YOURSELF. Pictures always turn out the best when you don't try to hard and just keep it natural.

xoxo
Love,

Alli

10 Beauty Tips for SCHOOL

That's right, girls, back to school time is upon us! (HALLOWEEN decorations are already in stores!!?? It's still summer!) Here are 10 fun, easy, back to school beauty tips to help keep you looking your best.

1. Carry face blotting papers with you to soak up oil without smudging your makeup.

2. Smell good all day by spraying perfume at the nape of your neck. The fine hairs there will absorb and hold fragrance longer than your skin does.

3. Use a shimmery gloss if you want your lips to seem fuller, and a matte lipstick to make them seem thinner.

4. If you don't have time to wash and style your hair every morning, shower before bed, then put your damp hair in a braid or bun. Your hair will have natural looking waves in the morning, and you'll be clean and ready to go!

5. Drink as much H2O as possible every day. Carry a water bottle around with you at school if you can! It has been said that staying hydrated can keep your complexion clear, and I've definitely noticed that myself.

6. Store a beauty touch-up kit in your locker. If you rushed to school, you can apply any steps you missed once you get there.

7. Massage your scalp for 3 minutes to increase blood flow- some say it will make your hair grow faster! You can also strengthen your hair by eating foods rich in sulfur, like milk, fish, and eggs.

8. Apply a bold, shiny lip color to draw attention to your face. You'll instantly appear confident.

9. Pair a chic headband with a messy bun for a casual, but cute daytime style. Or, if you don't have time to curl all of your hair, just curl the ends of a basic ponytail to make it more polished.

10. Microwave a small bowl of your body moisturizer for 20 seconds before you apply it- warm lotion is great for soothing tired muscles and dry feet. Or, if it's a really hot day, pop your lotion into the fridge for 10 minutes before applying it for a cooling effect.

I hope these helped you out! Comment below and let me know which idea was your favorite, or leave me your own beauty tips and tricks. Good luck!

Love,

Alli

Makeup Organization

Hi girls!

I've been looking for a new way to store my ever-growing makeup collection for awhile now. I don't like having it in a makeup bag because I can't find everything. I used to have a system of small plastic drawers, but it was easy for everything to get lost and disorganized. Here is my newest solution:

 I love it! It's a Lori Greiner cosmetic organizer and you can purchase it for only $20. It's really well made, and it spins so you can see all 6 sides!

 Each side has different sized compartments and slots for keeping all your cosmetics.

 The top is really useful, too- tons of spaces to keep mascara, lipsticks, eyeliners, etc.

Just wanted to share my latest organization attempt with you. I really like this one! What do you use to store your makeup?

Love,

Alli