Quantcast
Channel: The Stir By CafeMom: Beauty & Style
Viewing all 9168 articles
Browse latest View live

12 T-Shirts for Every Thanksgiving Day Mom Mood (PHOTOS)

$
0
0
Post by Jacqueline Burt Cote.

today's thanksgiving t-shirtSome people like dressing up for the holidays, but why not be casual and comfortable with a T-shirt that says exactly what you're thinking? After all, there's nothing like a big Thanksgiving get-together to put moms in a mood -- and whatever mood that happens to be this year, we found a shirt to fit!

Check out this fun lineup of Thanksgiving Day wears for moms. We wish you and your families a happy, stress-free, and uneventful Thanksgiving without the need for too many mood (T-shirt) changes!

Image via lookhuman.com


Everything You Need to Know to Get Gorgeous Glitter Roots (PHOTOS)

$
0
0
Post by Kelly Bryant.

Just when we thought we'd seen it all in terms of bold hair statements (hello, rainbow hues!), social media turns its attention to glitter roots.

Yes, glitter roots.

They're exactly what you'd imagine -- the hairline coated with sparkles in various shades. While some wearers of the trend go for concentrated glitter in a straight line down a part, others opt for a more fairy-like effect, with a soft halo of the shimmery stuff scattered about the roots.

[code]

[/code]

"It is a fashion style mainly used to hide roots," says Leticia Villagran, owner of Aura Boutique Salon in Chappaqua, New York. "Some people even use it to hide gray hair. It is not for everyone, but it is fun to experience."

More from The Stir: How to Get This Stacked Topsy Tail Braid

[code]

[/code]

So, how does one make this whimsical look happen? Villagran says you can achieve glitter roots in a pinch.

Here's how:

According to Villagran, all you need is clean hair, gel, glitter, a bowl, and a brush.

"You mix the gel and as much glitter as desired in the bowl, then carefully apply it on your roots to create the glitter root effect," she explains. "It is also very easy to remove since it's only applied with gel. Simply, wash your hair!"

[code]

[/code]

Since the process isn't permanent like, say, unicorn hair, it's easy to change up for different occasions. Leticia, who likens the look to something Katy Perry would try, encourages everyone to try it when they want something a little fun and edgy without the commitment.

 

Image via thefoxandthehair/Instagram

How to Get the Perfect Party Hairstyle: The Stacked Topsy Tail Braid (PHOTOS)

$
0
0
Post by Kelly Bryant.

We're always on the lookout for a pretty way to keep our hair out of our faces, not to mention the perfect look for every holiday party we've got coming up in the next couple of months! This Stacked Topsy Tail Braid is basically the answer to our hair prayers.

Melissa Cook, a contributor to Latest-Hairstyles.com, shares the tutorial and makes it look super easy, another key component to our dream look.

Cook references the lobster tail braid in regard to this look, but says that while it may appear similar, the technique is different. She explains:

This 'braid' is the perfect way to change up your typical French braid because it looks so intricate and detailed. The best part is that it isn't actually a braid at all! This style is made by creating a bunch of topsy tails stacked on top of one another. The final look is created by gently pulling everything loose to create voluminous, romantic twists that are perfect for any occasion.

More from The Stir: Pretty Pumpkin Spice Hair Color Trend Is Everything

Here's how to get the look.

1. Start small.

Begin by separating off a small section of hair at the top of the back of the head. Tie it off with a clear elastic band.

2. Mind the gap.

Create a small gap right above the band, and flip the end of the ponytail up and through the gap.

3. Make it topsy.

Pull the tail back down, creating a topsy tail.

4. Keep it movin'.

Pick up two new sections of hair to the right and left of the first topsy tail. Tie these two sections together and create a second topsy tail directly beneath the first one.


5. Make it twice as nice.

Create two more topsy tails with the remaining hair along the sides of the head.

6. Keep separating.

Separate off two outside pieces from the remaining hair and tie it into a fifth topsy tail.

7. Get those topsy tails going.

Continue creating topsy tails using outside sections of the remaining hair, stacking them one below the next.

8. Spray in place.

After creating your last topsy tail, spray the style with hairspray and comb through the tail to remove any tangles.

9. Fill it out.

To create a fuller effect, gently pull on the edges of each individual twist until they become the size and shape you prefer.

10. Set it up.

Mist the style with a firm hold hairspray to finish and set it.

While it may look like a lot of steps, it's actually a lot of repetition in creating the topsy tails, and then giving the overall style a bit of a fluff at the end. Cheers to another style that just might make us all look more glam at school drop-off or a holiday soiree!

 

Images via Melissa Cook/Latest-Hairstyles.com

Gift Guide for Her: The Fashionista

$
0
0
Post by The Stir Bloggers.

glitter flatsTen sure-to-please gifts for the most stylish women in your life, all for $100 or less.

(This post is part of a special project produced by CafeMedia's branded content team. We hope it helps you find something for everyone on your gift list!)

Elizabeth Brownfield is a food and lifestyle writer who has been on the staffs of Metropolitan Home, Martha Stewart, Domino, and Every Day with Rachael Ray magazines.

Image via anntaylor.com


20 Cringeworthy Fashion and Style Trends of the '90s (PHOTOS)

$
0
0
Post by Margeaux Baulch Klein.

The '90s was an era of supermodels, Spice Girls, and seemingly "clueless" stars such as Alicia Silverstone who were anything but. Sadly, while Alaïa is still a "totally important designer," not every fashion trend from the 1990s has stood the test of time.


Take a trip down memory lane with 20 of the most popular fashion and beauty accessories from the last decade of the 20th century. 

Tell us: Which one makes you cringe the most?

 

Image via Amazon

How to Create the Perfect Red Lip in 4 Simple Steps

$
0
0
Post by Kelly Bryant.

Celebs like Gwen Stefani and Taylor Swift make a classic red lip look so easy. However, if you've ever tried to paint the bold hue on your own pout, you know it can quickly turn into a mess.

Before you know it the red has feathered, and it's quite possible you look as though you just drank a huge glass of cherry Kool-Aid with abandon. No need to get discouraged, because we spoke with Alejandro Falcon, artistic director of Osmosis Colour Cosmetics, for his steps to scoring the perfect red lip. With these tips you'll be rocking crimson in time for holiday party season.

1. Find the right red. No two red lipsticks are created equal, and finding the right shade to complement your skin tone can feel overwhelming. "A red lipstick with a slight orange undertone usually looks great on light skin tones and light hair color," says Falcon. "It is not overwhelming, and it adds just the right amount of warmth. Darker skin tones and hair coloring can wear a red lip color that has a bluer undertone. This provides enough intensity for the darker tones on the face."

2. Prep the lips. To make such a strong color look smooth, Alejandro says preparing your pout is key. "You want to make sure your lips are in good condition," he says. "They are very sensitive to climate changes and can peel easily. Any flakiness should be removed prior to a lipstick application." He recommends using a lip exfoliator, like Osmosis Pur Medical Skincare Purify - Enzyme Cleanser (which has "natural enzymes that dissolve dry skin without irritating them," Falcon notes). You could also try a DIY scrub: a tablespoon of brown sugar with just enough honey (or olive oil) to get it to stick together.

More from The Stir: How to Get the Perfect Cat-Eye in 4 Easy Steps

3. Get in shape. "Use a lip liner to shape and outline your lip area," says Falcon. "I usually fill in the lip liner halfway inside the lips for a more precise look, especially with red colors."

Lots of red lip–wearers swear by colorless liner (like Make Up For Ever's Lip Line Perfector), which you'll want to apply just slightly outside the natural lip line to prevent bleeding and also fill in fine lines around the mouth.

4. Say bye-bye to feathering. If you're still worried that red is going to creep outside the lines of your lips, take note that all of Falcon's previous tips are built to make sure that doesn't happen.

"The biggest reason for lipsticks to feather is that area around the lips is usually very dehydrated," he explains. "This makes the skin around the lips absorb the moisture from any hydrating lip formula causing it to bleed. A good lip treatment is essential for longer-staying lip color. Also, using a lip liner and filling it in slightly will help to maintain your lip color in place for most of the day."

 

Image via gwenstefani/Instagram

Rebel Wilson's New Plus-Size Collection Is Seriously Sexy and We Want It All (PHOTOS)

$
0
0
Post by Caroline Olney.

Earlier this year Rebel Wilson announced she was releasing a clothing line with plus-size boutique Torrid, and we started drooling immediately. We've been hanging around shopping racks for MONTHS waiting for this, and, you guys ... it's finally here.

Rebel's clothes are everything we wanted from her -- they're sexy, edgy, and breaking the curvy girl rules that we're totally sick of anyway (that horizontal stripe rule? Say good-bye). Rebel explained she created the line because she was sick of shopping for poor-fitting, poorly made clothes, and she thought it was beyond time that plus-size clothes get a "relevant and dope" makeover, too. We agree. You rock, Rebel.

Prices range from $29 to $125 and include sizes 12 to 28. We've gathered up the highlights of the collection here, but they're also totally going on our holiday wish lists. We bet we'll see them on yours, too!

 

Image via torrid.com

Women of All Sizes Are Sick and Tired of the Pressure to Look Perfect

$
0
0
Post by Wendy Robinson.

tess holliday selfieBombshell model Tess Holliday has never been one to be shy about embracing her size (a 22, for the record). It has led to her being one of the top plus-sized models in the world -- and one of the most outspoken in calling for designers to be more inclusive of all size customers. But being a positive role model doesn't shield Tess from feeling the pressure to look perfect.

Nor does it prevent her from feeling like she has to answer to her critics, which she did in a Facebook status update yesterday. The post has since gone viral.

[code]

I've heard that I don't "represent" plus bodies a lot recently & it makes me sad. Unfortunately, I'm literally the ONLY...

Posted by Tess Holliday on Tuesday, November 3, 2015
[/code]

Upon reading Tess's statement, I couldn't help but think about Australian model Essena O'Neill, who recently decided to bail on being Instagram-famous for her "perfect" body. At only 18 years old, O'Neill has already realized that the endless pursuit of looking perfect is exhausting and depressing -- even for the most genetically blessed and/or workout-obsessed.

If women from all sides of the size spectrum are speaking up about the pressure to look a certain way and are acknowledging how manipulated media images are, maybe this will be the moment that we all decide to get a little more sane about looking perfect.

More from The Stir: If You're Freaking Out Over Being Called Plus-Size, You're Missing the Point

And, let's be honest -- sanity is needed here.

I'm tired of hearing women apologize to each other for things like not wearing makeup at preschool open house or not dressing up at the park. I'm tired of "candid" selfies that have been through three filters, and of being called "brave" for posting pictures of my plus-sized self in a leotard at dance class. I'm tired of the fact that my friends, who are all smart, funny, and caring, feel like they don't measure up to all the media portrayals of stars who look flawless just weeks after having a baby.

Mostly, I'm tired of the fact that men don't do this to themselves. I guarantee you that none of the men in my life have ever apologized to their guy friends for the state of their skin or the amount of stubble on their faces.

Let's stop the crazy. Can we all agree that happy and healthy and independent are far more achievable and sustainable as goals?

So, don't touch up that selfie. Post pictures that make your heart happy, even if they are taken from a "bad" angle. Remember that your value as a person, a mother, a friend, a partner, a coworker, a daughter, has nothing to do with the shape of your thighs or the smoothness of your skin. You are SO MUCH MORE than any social media image could ever show.

 

Image via tessholliday/Instagram


20 Hilarious and Embarrassing '80s Beauty Trends (PHOTOS)

$
0
0
Post by Michele Marin.

No decade did big quite like the '80s. From neon blue eye shadow to the famed mullet hairstyle, there were plenty of mortifying beauty trends we'd be better off forgetting if they weren't so hilarious to look back on.

So while we understand that "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," these 20 beauty trends were epic fails.

 

Image @ ABC

The 16 Most Googled Celebrity Hairstyles of 2015 (PHOTOS)

$
0
0
Post by Margeaux Baulch Klein.

Have you ever taken a celebrity photo to your hairstylist for inspiration? If so, you're far from alone. According to a new report, Google has pinpointed the latest beauty and hair trends based on the most popular searches for celebrity hairstyles and colors in 2015.

Katy Perry, for example, is the most-searched-for celebrity for "purple hair." Click through for 16 other celebrities whose tresses landed them on Google's radar.

 

Image via Mario Anzuoni/Reuters/Corbis

15 Perfumes From the '90s That Will Instantly Take You Back in Time (PHOTOS)

$
0
0
Post by Nicole Fabian-Weber.

curve

You're getting ready for a school dance with your girls. There's a Romeo + Juliet poster on your wall and Green Day is blaring from your CD player. There's no mistaking it: It's the '90s. And your biggest question: What perfume do you reach for to complete your outfit?

Wanna take a pungent stroll down memory lane? Here are 15 of the most memorable scents from the '90s. You know you spent your paycheck from the Sunglass Hut at Perfume Kraze for a bottle of one of these bad boys. Because looking good didn't stop at baby Ts and Doc Martens.

 

Image via Jet

What to Wear as Thanksgiving Hostess (PHOTOS)

$
0
0
Post by Elaine Yu.

what to wear thanksgiving hostessIf you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year, coming up with a delicious menu to satisfy your entire family is stressful enough. Let’s put aside your worries of what you’ll be wearing by turning to this week’s style cheat sheet: What to Wear as Thanksgiving Hostess.

Hosting Thanksgiving dinner means you’ll be busy making sure the house is in order, the kids are dressed, the table is set, the appetizers are ready, and your liquor cabinet is fully stocked. This week’s outfit focuses on comfort and function. Being able to comfortably move around your kitchen and home is key. If your outfit is chic and relaxed, you’ll feel more at ease and you'll be able to enjoy the evening with your friends and family. I've created two similar outfits -- one that's more budget friendly and one that's splurgier.

The outfit starts with a sweater dress, because what could be more comfortable?! It’s one piece -- you put it on with your black tights and voilà! You’re dressed. Let’s add a pair of wedge pumps, which will keep you comfortable for the whole evening while giving you some height. For accessories, we’ll add a cuff bracelet and stud earrings that don’t require any thought at all. Just put them on and your outfit is almost complete. For a final fun detail, I’ve selected a couple of stylish aprons. Don’t wince; these aren’t your grandmother’s aprons. These are cute and stylish and will keep your sweater dress stain-free until you’re ready to join your guests and sit down for dinner.

Thanksgiving Hostess, Budget Friendly:

This sweater dress from LOFT has a nice texture, and I love the faux leather trim detail that gives it just a touch of edginess. The deep burgundy color is perfect for Thanksgiving dinner. Wear the sweater dress with a pair of black tights and these dark cherry red suede wedge pumps by Calvin Klein. The cuff bracelet looks expensive, but you'll surprise your guests when you reveal it's from Forever 21. But only if you want to! The Flora 360 stud earrings are traditional in the front but have a pearl backing so it's a little bit unexpected, just like the faux leather trim on the sweater dress. Let's finish off your Thanksgiving hostess outfit with a stylish apron, just for the time that you're still in the kitchen.

what to wear thanksgiving hostess 

Shown above (clockwise from top left): Faux Leather Trim Sweater Dress in Cordovan Heather ($89.50, loft.com); Flora 360 Studs Earrings ($32, baublebar.com); Faux Stone Cutout Hinge Bracelet ($12.90, forever21.com); Black, White and Fuchsia Print Apron ($20, worldmarket.com); Calvin Klein ‘Celesse’ Wedge Pump in Dark Cherry ($108.95, nordstrom.com).

Thanksgiving Hostess, Splurge Worthy:

Our splurge-worthy outfit starts with this striped sweater dress by Trina by Trina Turk. This dress is anything but boring! First, the dolman sleeves keep the silhouette from being too boxy. Then, there's a low V in the back that makes this dress just the right amount of sexy. There is no style rule that says the hostess isn't allowed to be sexy! The wedge pumps in black suede by Rockport are the perfect pairing with the dress, giving you some height and providing comfort all night long. Accessories include the Aria Cuff bracelet by Stella Dot, which has beautiful details including a quartz stone in the center and geometric gold wiring, and the Rock and Glass Pearl Earrings by Rebecca Minkoff. Finally, this retro chic apron from Anthropologie finishes off your Thanksgiving Hostess outfit with polka dots and red ribbon accents.

what to wear thanksgiving hostess

Shown above (clockwise from top left): Trina by Trina Turk Dolman Sleeve Sweater Dress ($178, lordandtaylor.com); Rebecca Minkoff Rock & Glass Pearl Earrings ($58, shopbop.com); Aria Cuff ($89, stelladot.com); Polka Pleats Apron in Grey ($34, anthropologie.com); Rockport Seven to 7 W85 Wedge Pump in Black Suede ($140, zappos.com).

 

Top images clockwise via loft.com; anthropologie.com; shopbop.com; forever21.com; nordstrom.com

How to Get Miranda Lambert's Hot Pink CMAs Hair in 5 Easy Steps

$
0
0
Post by Kelly Bryant.

When Miranda Lambert hit the red carpet of the 2015 CMAs with dip-dyed hot-pink strands, her style got everyone talking. And believe it or not, her bright hue and awards show style are easier to get than you might think.

For starters, if you've ever toyed with the idea of pink hair but haven't been able to commit, Miranda's stylist Johnny Lavoy has the absolute best solution: clip-in hair extensions. That's right, the country singer's mane is still blond as blond can be -- he just purchased blond clip-ins that matched Miranda's shade, then used pink hair color to create the vibrant hue.

Lavoy shared a step-by-step breakdown with Fashion Times of how he created the look -- and how you can too. Here, we break it down with some of our own tips thrown in:

1. Fake it to make it.

Find hair extensions that match your current hair color as closely as possible to get the most natural effect possible. We personally like Hairdo clip-in extensions, because they have such a great range of products. Color the pieces with pink hair dye (we suggest Manic Panic Semi-Permanent Hair Color Cream in Hot Hot Pink). Once they're ready to use, clip extensions into your hair and do as Lavoy did for Miranda -- cut and style them to match the rest of your hair's length and shape.

More from The Stir: How to Get the Stacked Topsy Tail Braid

2. Pump up the volume.

For Miranda's turn down the red carpet, Lavoy says he wanted to give her a look that was sleek and sexy. To do just that, he applied a volumizer and blew out her hair with the PRO Beauty Tools Professional 1875 W IONIC AC Motor Dryer using a large round brush.

3. Make it smooth.

"To get a sleek polished look, I first created a strong side part," Lavoy told Fashion Times. "Then, I used the PRO Beauty Tools 1" Professional Ceramic Shine Digital Straightener to really smooth out her hair. Lastly, I used hairspray to hold the style."

4. Get performance pretty.

To get Miranda's texturized onstage look, use a beach spray -- we suggest Bumble and bumble Surf Infusion -- for a little texture. Johnny scrunched her hair while drying it with the PRO Beauty Tools Professional 1875 W IONIC AC Motor. "I love this dryer because of its quick dryer power, especially backstage when I'm only given a minute for a quick hair change," he says.

5. Go for the curl.

To create that sexy texture, Johnny added a little heat -- with two different-sized curling irons. "I alternated using [PRO Beauty Tools Professional Gold Curling Irons] in 1" and the 1¼" irons, which helped me created the perfect rock and roll, rocker-chic waves," he explains. "Finally, I used hairspray to hold the look." 

 

Image via Splash News

We Need to Stop Comparing Ourselves to Other Women -- for the Sake of Girls

$
0
0
Post by Becky Bracken.

Last night, Amy Schumer slayed the 2015 Women's Media Awards in front of a crowd filled with a veritable Mount Rushmore of feminists including Gloria Steinem and Sally Field.

She used the opportunity to talk about how much she hates those "Who Wore It Best?" magazine spreads that pit women against each other based on nothing more than how they look in a stupid dress, explaining her firsthand experience with the phenomenon:

In one of them, I was next to Caitlyn Jenner and Kris Jenner. And then me and Fergie. And I wish, God, I wish this wasn’t so negative. I wish these magazines weren't pitting women against each other.

It's ridiculous and insulting, but "Who Wore It Best?" is also a reflection of the same relentless scrutiny about our looks that we put on ourselves.

We think we need to meet some imaginary ideal that even the richest and more beautiful need Photoshop and gobs of plastic surgery to achieve. You can't win.

More from The Stir: Amy Schumer Refuses to Look Like a 'Malnourished Bird' (and We're So Glad!)

And by the way, if you do by some freak of nature and circumstance happen to win the "Hottest Chick in the World" title, what's the prize?

Being valued by dudes? Is that really what we're all competing for? Don't we have way better stuff to do with our time? Imagine what we could accomplish by turning all of that energy we spend convincing ourselves we're ugly and worthless into something wonderful and meaningful?

And as we start to unravel our own sick obsession with determining our -- and, shamefully, other women's -- value based on looks, we absolutely have to do everything we can to free the girls we're bringing up from the same silly burden.

Whether you're a mama, an auntie, a sister, or a nana, we have to ensure that the next generation of women understand that their value as a person has absolutely, positively nothing to do with how they look.

Sure, it's easier said than done, but it all starts with women being just a bit kinder and gentler on ourselves.

Little girls are watching us. So, let's try to show them how it's done. And when we need a little reminder of our own power, there's always our dream BFF and feminist warrior, Amy Schumer.

 

Image via amyschumer/Instagram

6 Reasons We Need Spray Paint Nail Polish in Our Lives … Now (GIFS)

$
0
0
Post by April Daniels Hussar.

Nails Inc Paint Can SprayAre you sitting down? Go ahead and sit down, because this is LIFE-ALTERING NEWS, people. Ready? Soon, you will be able to give yourself a spray-paint manicure in less time than it just took me to type that.

Is your mind blown? I know. But it's true: British brand Nails Inc. is coming out with Paint Can Spray, aka "The World's Fastest Manicure." They say it will only take 20 seconds to do your nails! WUT.

See for yourself.

 [code]

[/code]

All you have to do, they say, is spray your nails. Then, you just wipe the excess color off your fingers with warm water, and slap on a top coat. That's it!

If this stuff really works, it's a game changer. WE ARE EXCITED. Why? Allow us to illustrate...

1. Because who has time for PAINTING?

[code]

[/code]

2. Because LEFT HANDS. (Or, if you're a leftie: Because RIGHT HANDS.)

 [code]

[/code]

(There's a reason there are three hands here.)

3. Because when you're running out the door for date night but don't have time to scrub remnants from your kid's art project from under your nails, no one will be any the wiser!

 [code]

[/code]

4. Because elaborate nail art is getting kind of scary.

[code]

[/code]

5. Because regular nail polish spills easily. Really easily!

[code]

[/code]

6. Because getting manicures on the regular can be kind of expensive.

[code]

[/code]

The only problem? Paint Can Spray doesn't launch in the States until spring 2016. Curses! Maybe this is a good time to make friends with some British girls!

 

Image via us.nailsinc.com


Steal This Gorgeous Reverse Glitter Ombre Manicure in 4 Easy Steps (PHOTOS)

$
0
0
Post by Michele Zipp.

reverse glitter ombre manicureNail art is gorgeous, but many of us are too intimidated to try it ourselves -- only a professional manicurist can do this, right? Wrong. Thanks to celeb nail artist Jin Soon Choi, you can nail this radiant reverse glitter ombre mani at home.

Bear in mind that any base coat, sparkle polish, and top coat works. Best of all, you can do it at home!

Here's how.

Step 1: Apply a base coat like JINsoon Power Coat ($18, Sephora) or OPI Natural Nail Base Coat ($8, Drugstore.com).

top gloss nails

Step 2: Apply color to your nails -- darker colors look very dramatic with this look. JINsoon's Nocturne ($18, Sephora) is a dark gray with metallic black polish. Or, go with a plum like Essie's Sexy Divide ($8.50, Beauty.com). Any deep color will look amazing.

step two shattered glass nails

Step 3: Use the tip of the brush to dab JINsoon's Guild ($18, Sephora) from the base of the nail toward the center until you achieve the desired effect. You can keep building up "flecks" to make it more bold. Guild is a shimmery gold-and-white sparkle polish.

More from The Stir: Get Shattered Glass Nail Art in 4 Simple Steps (VIDEO) 

shattered glass nails manicure

Step 4: Seal the look with a top coat like JINsoon's Top Gloss ($18, Sephora) or Sally Hansen's Top Coat ($5.49, Target).

reverse glitter ombre manicure

 

guild nail polish

More from The Stir: Fall Nail Art: 10 Pretty Manis to Try This Season (PHOTOS)

I'm off to paint my nails now.

 

Images via JINSoon

How to Get the Glam Gilded Makeup Look That Is So Right Now

$
0
0
Post by Kelly Bryant.

When beloved celebrity makeup artist Pat McGrath, whose famous devotees include Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Aniston, released her first-ever beauty product, a gold shadow called Gold 001, product junkies went crazy, and the pigment sold out immediately.

While it may still be tough to get your hands on McGrath's metallic shadow, you can still score a gorgeous gold eye just in time for all of those holiday parties that are bound to creep up on your calendar.

Kasey Yvonne, a makeup artist based in Sarasota, Florida, offers up her tips for giving your lids the perfect metallic treatment.

1. Prime Time

For starters, you'll want to prime the lids to create a smooth canvas for the look. "There are two different ways to do a primer," Yvonne tells The Stir. "You could use a concealer as a primer, an actual eyeshadow primer, or I sometimes like to use the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk to give the lid a lighter base so the shadow really pops." She then sets the primer with a light matte shadow which will help the other shades blend together.

2. Warm It Up

"Using a transition shadow between the socket of the eye and the brow bone, I would use a shadow to warm up the eye and give more tonality to the overall look," Yvonne explains. "Using just one shadow all over (the lid) can make the look very flat."

3. Get Golden

For the third step, Yvonne takes her shadow brush and sprays it with a touch of MAC's Prep + Prime Fix+ and packs Urban Decay's Half Baked Eyeshadow all over the lid. But be careful, she cautions -- you don't want to soak the brush, just mist it. "The dampness of the brush will almost make the shadow last as long as a cream shadow, but still dry with a beautiful velvet finish," says Yvonne.

4. Line Up

When it's time to line the lids, Yvonne loves a cat eye. "I like to do my liner before I add any depth to the outer corners of the eyes," she says. "Sometimes the eyeliner is enough depth, especially for smaller eyes, but if you want to smoke it out a little bit on the outer corners, the eyeliner really gives you a guide on where to place it."

More from The Stir: How to Create the Perfect Red Lip in 4 Simple Steps

5. Smoke Screen

To "smoke it out," take a dark brown shadow mixed with a dot of black and apply it almost into the crease. Keep this shadow on the outer edges of your lids and blend it out really well. Then, take the transitional shadow you first used to add warmth and blend that with the dark brown shadow to soften the look.

6. Gimme More

For an extra shot of gold, Yvonne suggests spraying a pencil brush with the MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ and use it to apply a hint of gold shadow under the bottom lash line.

7. Lash Out

If you're going for a dramatic eye look, up the ante with some false lashes. Yvonne loves the House of Lashes "Iconic" style, which she blends with her real lashes using a light coat of mascara.

 

Image via kimkardashian/Instagram

13 Sneaky Style Solutions for Supreme Holiday Overindulgence (PHOTOS)

$
0
0
Post by Nicole Fabian-Weber.

button expanderPart of the fun of the holidays is dressing up, but let's get real, about 20 minutes into your Thanksgiving or holiday feast, you're wishing you had a pair of sweats on instead of the tight jeans you felt so sexy in an hour prior. Food (and booze), in case you didn't know, make you bloated. But, what's a festive family gathering without a little overindulgence?

Because feeling a little bloated -- and holiday weight in general -- is only natural toward the end of the year, we've rounded up some seriously clever products and tricks that will let you get your second (and third) helping on without feeling like you're going to bust a seem.  

 

Image via Amazon 

What to Wear as Thanksgiving Guest (PHOTOS)

$
0
0
Post by Elaine Yu.

what to wear thanksgiving guestThanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year because it centers entirely around food and family. If you’re lucky enough to be a guest this year, I’ve got the perfect outfit for you using one of the season’s hottest items -- the plaid shirt dress. Of course, we all indulge a little bit on Thanksgiving, so we want to wear something comfortable, flexible, and stretchy! The shirt dress is just the right answer and the plaid print keeps it trendy and up-to-date.

Let’s pair the plaid shirt dress with some leggings. Remember -- leggings are not pants! So we want to make sure our tops are long enough to cover our bums when we wear leggings. Since the plaid shirt dress comes down to the mid thigh, the length is perfect. Booties with some detail and a low heel complete the outfit. Because it’s Thanksgiving, I wanted to add an accessory that expresses our gratitude and love for our families, so be sure to check out my necklace choices below. And finally, as a Thanksgiving guest, we always want to arrive with a small token of our appreciation. With wine being a popular choice, I included two stylish wine gift bags for you to choose from.

I've created two similar outfits -- one that's more budget friendly and one that's splurgier.

More from The Stir: What to Wear as Thanksgiving Hostess

I’m feeling very grateful this year. In 2015, I traveled to Alaska, continued my journey as a personal stylist entrepreneur, and ran three marathons! I hope you have a happy Thanksgiving with your loved ones.

Thanksgiving Guest, Budget Friendly:
Our budget-friendly outfit starts with the Flannel Daywalk Shirtdress by Madewell. Have you visited Madewell lately? Next time you’re at the mall, stop in to check out their denim and plaid shirts. Great quality, great price point, great style. If you love a bootie with some detail, you won’t want to miss this pair by Rocket Dog. At just $49.95, these boots look much more luxurious. Uniqlo is my favorite store for basics, so pick up a few pairs of these legging pants that cost just $19.90. Show your family your gratitude with this necklace by Etsy designer Lime Green Modern. And finally, bring your wine in this beautiful gift bag that says “Grateful Hearts Gather Here.”

what to wear thanksgiving guest

Shown above (clockwise from top left): Flannel Daywalk Shirtdress in Glendale Plaid ($98, madewell.com); Leggings in Black ($19.90, uniqlo.com); Thanksgiving Wine Gift Bag ($10, etsy.com); Silver Gratitude Necklace ($27, etsy.com); Rocket Dog Sayla Booties in Mushroom Vintage Worn ($49.95, zappos.com).

Thanksgiving Guest, Splurge Worthy:
Do you have a Rails plaid shirt yet? Well, you should! I just gave one to my sister for her birthday and she loves it! You could say it’s the perfect plaid shirt -- soft, snuggly, and stylish. The Rails Nadine Check Dress is your perfect plaid shirt as a dress. And I love the cobalt/ruby color combination. As a petite girl, I love a platform shoe, and these booties by Sole Society are adorable. Everyone needs a good solid pair of basic black leggings in her wardrobe, and this pair from Banana Republic will be a staple in your closet for the entire season. Our accessory this week is by one of my favorite NYC jewelry designers -- Tina Tang. I first met Tina in her jewelry boutique in the West Village over 10 years ago, and I’ve been a big fan of her designs ever since. Check out her Reminder I Love You Necklace and wear it to Thanksgiving dinner as a reminder to cherish your family. Finally, the wine gift bag by Feed Projects is the perfect gift and it provides five school meals for children around the world. That’s Thanksgiving at its best.

what to wear thanksgiving guest

Shown above (clockwise from top left): Rails Nadine Check Dress ($148, bloomingdales.com); Basic LeggingBlack ($29.50, bananarepublic.com); Feed Projects Wine Bag($22, feedprojects.com) Sole Society Jessy Nubuck Platform Bootie in Dark Gray ($110, solesociety.com); Tina Tang Reminder I Love You Necklace ($145, tinatang.com).

 

Top images clockwise via bloomingdales.com; uniqlo.com; etsy.com; solesociety.com; etsy.com

11 Meaningful Tattoos That Memorialize Miscarriage and Infant Loss (PHOTOS)

$
0
0
Post by Jacqueline Burt Cote.

miscarriage tattooAnyone who's suffered a miscarriage knows the experience is one that stays with you forever, so it's only fitting that more and more women are choosing to honor their losses with an equally permanent type of memorial: miscarriage and infant loss tattoos.

Sweet and sad, these designs speak for so many. And what better way to celebrate these brief lives than with a beautiful design that never leaves you? Check out some of the loveliest tattoos we've seen!

 

Image via Pinterest

Viewing all 9168 articles
Browse latest View live


<script src="https://jsc.adskeeper.com/r/s/rssing.com.1596347.js" async> </script>