How To: Beach Waves

I've never been good at curling my hair. I think its because My hair is too long and thick and whenever I try to curl it I look like a lion. But I finally found a great tutorial that gives me large wavy curls with out the crazy volume. Its by one of my favorite bloggers, CupcakesandCashmere, click here for the tutorial. She calls it beach waves but to me, its more like wavy curls.

on her

on me

My next attempt:

If you know where or how I can get achieve this hairstyle please comment!

-mel

Match made in Heaven

Is anyone else out there scared of using the famous Clarasonic skincare brush? It works into your skin quite vigorously while vibrating your skin. I pictured horrible things like the brush ruining the elasticity of the skin or leaving little lines on my face ( sort of how people say st ive's apricot scrub can do to your skin) or even giving me wrinkles. But of course this is all just THOUGHTS IN MY HEAD. I have no proof, just paranoia. ( My one experience came from when a lady at a makeup counter tried it on my hand)

So I still needed a product that could take my cleanser to the next level and that's when I discovered the Shiseido Cleansing Massage Brush. It is actually the first facial brush to come into the skincare market. The brush is small but a perfect size for the face. It has small soft bristles with a few massaging rubber points. Its very gentle on the skin but thoroughly cleanses your face. At first I thought maybe it would be too gentle, but it wasnt. I think too many people (myself included) associate clean with rough scrubbing on our face. Plus, Sales Associate at the Shiseido beauty counter told me she had hers for 13 years!

Shiseido Cleansing Massage Brush, $23 at Sephora

She used the brush with a cleanser called Extra Gentle Cleansing foam that works AMAZINGLY well. Shiseido has several different cleansing foams to suit your skin type. But because I only have the Extra Gentle Cleansing foam, its the only one I will be doing a review on.

My face was clearer and so much softer after a few days. Although it is extra gentle, it still manages to thoroughly clean your face without stripping all of your natural moisture. The biggest surprised for me, is that it kept blemishes away. I can honestly say that this is my new favorite cleanser and the brush is part of the experience.

Extra Gentle Cleansing Foam, $30 at Macys

There's a certain way to use the Cleansing foam so here's a quick guide.

Step 1:

Wet the Massage Brush and add half a pea size into a bowl or cup. I'm using only the side of a cup beacause
its easier to mix.

 Step 2:
Mix your Cleanser together in a circular motion with your brush. The point of this is to turn the cream into a foam. It takes a few minutes but this step is crucial for the cleanser to work properly. If you do not turn it into foam, the cleanser is basically useless. Heres how it will gradually look:

once in a while, scrap the side of the brush onto the rim of the cup because the formula tends to run to the bottom of the brush

You should end up with no little bubbles, the consistency is light and fluffy

 Step 3:
Its now ready to use! Massage onto your face in a circular motion with your brush for at least 30 seconds. Rinse well and follow up with toner and moisturizer and your done!

Holding onto summer

I guess this is my transitioning into fall look, considering this is the first time Houston weather has ever felt like anything close to fall.

This outfit is dedicated to all those budget fashionistas out there that believe true fashion isn’t about labels and high price tags.

forever 21 earrings, shirt, purse sunglasses and skirt, New York & Co Blazer, Giani Bini shoes (from ross), thrifted ring, vintage bracelet

Investment Piece: Trousers

At the beginning of every season, I look for pieces that are appropriate for that season and also wearable throughout the year. After looking through tons of designer rtw collections for this fall and upcoming spring, I've decided that my investment piece would be trousers.

Thoughts:
1. Spring colors are still nude and neutrals, which I think are the best colors on trousers
2. You can buy them in any style, whether its high waisted, cropped at the ankle, wide legs or pleated
3. Wearable for work
4. its a nice change from skinny jeans
5. a trend for fall and spring
6. One of those pieces you can dig from the back of your closet instead of having to purchase a pair

Inspiration:

Zac Posen rtw Fall 2010

DVF rtw Spring 2010

Translation:

Street Chic

Street Chic

product:

1. Topshop, $80, Chloe $550, Gap $59.50

Photos from the satorialist.blogspot.com, gap, topshop,netaporter.com, style.com, elle.com

-Mel

Joining the Military....Trend.

The 80s rocker chic has been my favorite style for the past few seasons but now I'm noticing that fashion is moving away from that into something less hard, more minimal styling and a color palette full of nudes and neutrals. But fear not my rocker chicks!You can keep your hardcore look with the military trend or even mix them up!

inspiration:

balmain backstage fashion show

Balmain

Vogue Italia

               

And here's a my interpretation from shop style:

Skinny Pants by Helmut Lang
Boots by Sam Edelman

go to my stylebook for details on this look: http://www.shopstyle.com/users/tavyda
haha just noticed how heavily styled these looks are...I guess I'm just not the minimalist type.
<3, Mel

a little more intimate

mel's everyday make up products

My current favorite lipstick by VS in Wish

my buddha lamp is broken lol

She prefers this pic sideways, head to toe XX21

Zara Jacket, Bebe jeggins and halter, Clutch from Cambodia, XX21 shoes, Marc Jacob Aviators

Our grass is no longer fried!

gifted by Stephanie, ty sis!

on my comfy bed

Shopping, begniets, korean bbq, family, friends, Saturday was a good day. =)

-Mel and Tavy