4 DIY Beachy Waves Sprays ($100 Visa Giftcard Giveaway)

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Summer is almost over--um, was this the fastest summer ever? What else went by fast? The Simple Summer Series I was a part of--this is the final post. Speaking of that series, the lovely ladies and I are giving away $100 Visa Giftcard, so enter below. But before summer ends, allow me to share 4 of my DIY recipes for Beachy Waves Spray--my favorite hairstyle that can be worn any time of year. These are so easy to make!

 Vanilla Sea Salt Spray (click title for full recipe)

spray bottle

kosher salt

aloe juice

carrier oil

vanilla oil

hot water

funnel

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Conditioning Salt Spray

• Hot water
• 1/4c Kosher salt
• Spray bottle
• Conditioner or hair oil 

Sea Salt Spray With Coconut Oil (click title for more--this one has been copied on other blogs/Pinterest/Youtube)

• Inside clean spray bottle:
• Add 1 squirt of thick conditioner (I use Aussie's 3 Minute Miracle)
• Pinch melted coconut oil
• 1/4 c of Kosher salt 
• Add 1 squirt of hair gel 
• Fill rest of bottle with hot water.

Beachy Waves Spray--Coconut Water (click title for more)

• spray bottle
• coconut water
• conditioner
• sea salt

Bonus DIYs:

• 5 Summer Hair Masks
• DIY Leave In Conditioner & DIY Detangling Spray
• DIY Beachy Bath Soak
• 7 Summer Scrubs
• DIY Soothing Sun Spray

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Natalia @ Ma Nouvelle Mode // Elle at Elle Sees // Cyndi at Walking in Grace // Alison at Get Your Pretty On // Jen at Yummy, Healthy, Easy

How To: Easiest Fishtail Braid Tutorial (Video)

Hey you! How was your weekend and your first day of summer? It was a rainy weekend, but the sun decided to come out Sunday, so I finally got a dip in the pool. One of my favorite summer hairstyles (for the pool, beach, or anytime) is the fishtail braid.

But no matter what tutorial I tried, I just couldn't figure the braid out. Instead, I tried a trick using the same method of when I taught myself how to braid as a little girl: I visualized the braid unraveling and then how to put it together. I came up with this method and everyone who has tried it can now fishtail braid. And now so can you. Here's how to:

Need:

• large mirror (if doing this on yourself)
• brush or comb
• hair elastic

Do:

-Brush or comb hair to remove tangles. This will make it easier to braid.

-Do a side part.

-Now, take your hair to the opposite side of where you just parted it. TIP: I like braiding my hair in front since it's easier when you can see what you're doing! Even if you wouldn't wear it on the side, try it this way for practicing the braid until you get the hang of it.

-Divide your hair in half. The two sections should be equal so your braid will be even. I call them the right section and the left section.

-I consider each section to have an outside and an inside. The outside points toward the wall. The inside points toward hair (see pic above).

-Take a piece from the outside of a section of hair. You can start with either the left or right section. 

-Make sure the pieces you choose remain the same in size so the braid will be consistent and even.

-Take that piece from the outside of your section and cross it over to the inside of the opposite section.  For example, take a piece from the outside of the right section, and cross it over to the inside of the left section.

-Now, you'll repeat the same steps but with the other section of hair.

-Take a piece of hair (it should be the same size as the first piece) from the outside.

-And cross it over to the inside of the opposite section.

-Now, go back to section 1, take a piece from the outside, and cross it over to section 2.

-Take a piece from the outside of section 2, and cross it over to the inside of section 1.

-Repeat until you are ready to finish the braid.

-Secure with hair elastic and you're done!

-Tips & Tricks:

• I suggest pulling hair taut after you complete a piece to help keep braid from falling. 
• If you have fine hair, try using smaller pieces.
• You don't have to wear this as a side braid, just try this method for practicing.
• To give hair texture, try using a dry shampoo, volumizing powder, or beach waves spray on dry hair before braiding. Don't use this on the roots, but instead, put product on fingers and rub through hair.
• For a bigger braid, try a volumizing shampoo or beach waves spray (the latter makes me hair frizzy and gives me bigger hair). Also, once hair is braided, gently pull at pieces to make the braid a little bit bigger and more undone.
• For those sprigs of hair (if you're like me and have layers), spray a little dry shampoo on a bobby pin. Insert bumpy side down pushing the sprig back into place. See video for demo.
• Or you can create an undone braid look by embracing those sprigs of hair. Use beach waves spray, dry shampoo, or texturizing paste to define those pieces.
• I like allowing a dampened fishtail braid to dry. You can spray it with water after you braid it. Once dry, let the braid out for no heat waves.

-Still need help? I am arranging Google Hangouts for one-on-one tutorials (more details in video). So before you say you can't do it (yes you can!) check out my video tutorial below of the fishtail braid:

Click here if you can't see video above.

Love Target? Want to win some giftcards? Enter these giveaways:

• $100 Target giftcard from Sonia Kashuk (also enter here)--ends 6-30 
• $100 Target giftcard from St. Ives--ends 6-30

7 DIY Summer Scrubs

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Hey you! Tomorrow is finally the first day of summer and my Summer Week is coming to a close! Don't worry, I'll still sprinkle in lots of summer posts. Tell me your summer plans! Are you heading to the beach? An exotic getaway? Before you go, you need to get your skin prepped for warmer weather and fun in the sun. Even if you're like me and doing a Staycation this summer, try these 7 DIY Summer Scrubs (a sampling of my over 100 DIY Beauty Recipes) for head to toe pampering. Just click the title to see the tutorial. Enjoy and happy summer! 

Nude lips and bright lips are so popular in the summer, but chapped lips definitely aren't. This is especially true if you're wearing a matte lip. Instead of buying expensive lip scrubs, make this DIY Sugar Scrub Lip Treatment at home. See another lip scrub recipe here.

If solid scrubs are more your style (definitely more travel-friendly) then try this DIY Cherry Ice Cream Solid Sugar Scrub. It looks like ice cream and smells like cherries. Makes a cute gift, too!

If you've read my blog for, oh, five minutes, you'll know that coconut is my favorite scent. Ever. Add a little lime to the mix and you've got a Coconut Lime Sugar Scrub that smells amazing. And making me wish I was in a tropical paradise.

I use this DIY Coffee Scrub when I really want to exfoliate my skin as part of my cellulite routine. It works great before shaving, too.

Another solid scrub recipe I love are these DIY Lemonade Sugar Scrub Cubes! I love the citrus smell and lemonade instantly invokes summer memories. It's another travel-friendly scrub and it looks so cute stored in a jar in your bathroom. It's moisturizing, too!

Okay, so your lips and body are nice and smooth, but what about your legs? Try this Sea Salt Shaving Scrub before you shave. It makes me think of the ocean, and is completely customizable. You won't believe how easy this is to make!

I told you I'd have you scrubbed from head to toe, right? And so we end with an amazing-smelling-take-me-to-the-beach Pina Colada Foot Scrub. Your feet will be summer-sandal ready after a quick scrub!

Which one(s) are you going to try?

For more DIY Beauty Recipes, click here.

Don't forget your hair! Try my Hair Smoothies (diy treatment masques for hair) here.

Love Target? Want to win some giftcards? Enter these giveaways:

• $100 Target giftcard from Sonia Kashuk (also enter here)--ends 6-30 
• $100 Target giftcard from St. Ives--ends 6-30

Nude Summer Makeup

One of my favorite looks for summer is nude makeup. Bring on the smokey eyes, nude lips, and bronzed skin. I love it. Today I'm sharing some of my favorite nude shades of makeup--I have many different shades and products I love, but wanted to highlight just a few. Enjoy!

1. Lipstick--Milani Nude Creme--I like my nude shades with a bit more pink in them, and this one is gorgeous and smells like watermelon. Also Try: Milani Teddy Bare (brown nude) or Kate Moss for Rimmel 03.

2. Polish--Essie Cocktails & Coconuts--A beautiful slightly shimmery beige that makes a tan pop. Also Try: Bonne Bell Nail Lacquer or Essie Sand Tropez (no shimmer).

3. Lip Gloss--Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie in Trail Blazer--For when I want a kiss of color. Also Try: Mally Starburst or NYX Smokey Look.

4. Shadow--Neutrogena Crease Proof Eyeshadow in Constant Copper--This shadow survives summer days and nights without creasing. I like the shade Stay Golden, too. Also Try: Milani Shadow Eyez in Champagne Toast.

5. Blush--Tarte Amazonian Clay in Nude--A pigmented, long-wearing blush. Also Try: ELF in Peachy Keen

• For more nude lipsticks, click here.
• For how to wear nude lips, click here.

What are your favorite nude makeup products?

Love Target? Want to win $200? Enter these giveaways:

• $100 Target giftcard from Sonia Kashuk (also enter here)--ends 6-30 
• $100 Target giftcard from St. Ives--ends 6-3

DIY: Soothing Sun Spray (Simple Summer Series)

Chances are if you've stayed at my house, I've probably chased you around with The Spray. Am I right, family and friends? It's one of my fave beauty DIYs I make and I can't believe I've never shared it here before! This spray has several uses, and in the summer, it is a must after being in the sun all day. It takes a minute to make, and is a summer essential, especially in the beach bag! I keep it in the fridge for an extra cooling effect. Your skin will feel instantly refreshed. 

Need:

• spray bottle (if using oils, use a dark glass one)
• funnel
• aloe vera juice
• distilled water
• witch hazel
• essential oils (optional, but I always add them) like peppermint, geranium, lavender, or eucalyptus. 

Do:

• I like to pour 2 parts aloe juice to one part witch hazel and half part water, since the sizes of bottles may vary. For example, if I added 1 c of juice, I'd add 1/2c of witch hazel, and 1/4c of water. I add around 3-5 drops of the essential oil(s). If I still have room in the bottle, I add more water.
• I use a funnel to add everything into the bottle. Shake and apply as needed.

Try:

• ...storing this in the fridge (for up to three months) for an extra cool treat. Be sure to use a dark glass bottle if using essential oils.
• ...for razor burn.
• ...after facial waxing.
• ...for wind burn.
• ...this after burning yourself with a curling iron/wand.

FYI:

• This is not to be used with severely sunburned skin/blisters/cuts. I encourage you to do a patch test. Avoid if allergic or sensitive to any ingredients. 
• I spent every summer of my childhood at the beach, and my Grandmother always kept aloe around for burns. Once I started studying essential oils (that sounds really nerdy now that I type that out), I wanted to make something that went beyond just aloe, so I added different oils and played around with it until I came up with this Soothing Sun Spray. All of the ones mentioned above are great for burns. The witch hazel has tannins in it, which treats sunburns, is a natural astringent and refreshes skin.
• More summer skin tips:
• DIY Sea Salt Shaving Scrub
• Another tip to Stop Razor Burn
• Sayonara Sunburn

Natalia @ Ma Nouvelle Mode // Elle at Elle Sees // Cyndi at Walking in Grace // Alison at Get Your Pretty On // Jen at Yummy, Healthy, Easy

I'm linking up each month with these gorgeous ladies, where we'll be sharing tips to simplify summer. Hope you stop by their blogs!

Current Giveaways:

• $100 Target giftcard from Sonia Kashuk (also enter here)--ends 6-30 
• $100 Target giftcard from St. Ives--ends 6-3

National Candy Month Nails With Q-tips!

Here's a little fun fact for ya: June is National Candy Month! To celebrate, Q-Tips once again teamed up with celeb nail tech Kimmie Kyees for some delicious nail designs. And Q-Tips sent me the best goodie bag of fun things to recreate her nail designs. All of these designs are easy to do, and they don't require any fancy nail tools--just use Q-Tips Precision Tips. I love these and have 29 Uses for Q-Tips and consider them one of my must-have beauty tools. Check out my recreations of her yummy manis that are so cute for summer:

First up are Silly Stripes. I chose an orange polish, similar to the candies pictured above. I also used a white polish and a matte top coat.

After my orange polish dried, I poured out a bit of white onto a paper plate. I took the Q-Tips Precision Tips and twisted them to make my own nail striper. It really worked! Just trim any bits if needed. I dipped my "striper" into the white polish to create the shine lines of the candies. Tip: I find it easiest to slowly move your finger and hold the striper still. Once that dried, I added a matte top coat.

I love how these mimic the colors of a candy necklace! For Candy Tips, I used a blue polish, a pink polish, and a glitter polish with similar colors as the candy necklace.

I painted the blue and allowed to it dry. And then the pink on the tips (it's not showing that well in the pics). I used the Q-Tips to dab on the glitter. The Precision Tips absorb the polish, making the glitter easy to apply!

These Sassy Sprinkles are so cute and fun (I did a similar sprinkles nails design here). And they are so quick! Paint nails white and while nails are drying, pour out a little of red, green, yellow, and blue polishes. Just like in the first design, make a striper out of a Q-Tip. Then dip into the polish and stripe on your "sprinkles."

I love how these Seeing Dots look like candy dots! I used white, blue, green, yellow, and pink polishes. Add a paper plate and some Q-Tips, and you're set!

After my white coat dried, I dipped a Q-tip into my desired color (I followed the pattern of the candy dots) and dabbed a column of that color. And then I repeated for the rest of the polishes. No nail art tools needed. To complete the look for designs 2-4, I added a clear top coat. Thanks Q-Tips for the polishes and candy, and thanks Kimmie for the step-by-step guide!

More Q-Tips posts:

• 29 Beauty Uses for Q-tips
• Easy Nail Art With Kimmie Kyees & Q-Tips

*This post is NOT sponsored.

5 Under $5 Summer Beauty Essentials

Hey you! Today kicks off SUMMER WEEK on the blog! All week long I've got all sorts of fun posts you'll enjoy. First up, 5 beauty products for summer that are under $5!

1. Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Hair Cream (Travel Size)--My favorite summer hair style is beachy waves, and I love using this to get them! It's stronger than a spray (see spray below) and I use this to add texture to my braids as well. This smaller size is perfect for summer travel and it smells AMAZING (available at drugstores, ulta, walmart, online). $3
2. Jordana Twist & Shine Moisturizing Lip Balm--For those of us not into sticky glosses or lipsticks, try these. You don't even need a mirror to apply. I love this bright pink, but it comes in several colors (available at walgreens, kmart, online)! $3
3. Aussie 3 Minute Miracle--This has so many uses and smells SO good. I use this before going into the sun or water. I use this after the sun or beach/pool. I turn this into a leave in conditioner by adding 1 part conditioner to 3 parts water into a spray bottle. I even use this to shave with (available at drugstores, box stores, online). $4
4. Essence Sun Club Matte Bronzing Powder--If you're looking for an inexpensive matte bronzer, try this one. I even use it as shadow, a root cover up, or to fill in brows. It comes in two shades, and it smells like coconut (available at ulta and online)! $5
5. Sinful Colors Polish--These are really cheap and come in plenty of colors. I like this peachy pink, which looks great on fingers or toes! Paint bobby pins with this polish to add a fun twist to summer hair styles (available at drugstores, box stores, and online). $2

By the way, Not Your Mother's now has many of their products in travel size! These are only $3 and are perfect for your summer adventures. Thanks, NYM for these!

• Way to Grow Leave in Conditioner, Shampoo, Conditioner
• Beach Babe Texturizing Hair Cream, Shampoo, Conditioner, Sea Salt Spray
• Clean Freak Dry Shampoo

Current Giveaways:

• $100 Target giftcard from Sonia Kashuk (also enter here)--ends 6-30 
• $100 Target giftcard from St. Ives--ends 6-30

Gift Idea: Crabtree & Evelyn Verbena and Lavender de Provence

It's Review Day Tuesday, and I've got a few products I'll be sharing today, so be sure to check them all out. Next up is a product that would make an awesome gift idea, since the holidays are coming soon (yikes). I'm talking about a new collection from Crabtree and Evelyn. It's the new Verbena and Lavender de Provence Bath & Body Collection. I was sent the cologne for review and I can't wait to share it with you!

But first, let me tell you about the line, which features the cologne, bath & shower gel, body lotion, hand therapy, and body bar. They describe the scent as the fresh, herbaceous scent of verbena and lavender de Provence imagines the beautiful French countryside with the natural perfume of two of the region's botanical treasures, carried on the warm breeze. I think that's a lovely vision and way to describe it. Verbena is crisp, clean, and the most luxurious of all the lemon herbs.

The scent is light and easy to wear. In addition to verbena and lavender, the fragrance has notes of cedarwood, white amber, and tonka bean. It smelled even better as the day went on. I usually skip reviewing fragrances on here, since I get migraines so easily from them, but this one has been wonderful to wear and caused me no issues. It's a great scent for every day and I highly recommend it. It can be purchased for $47 for 3.4 FL OZ/100mL.

Keep It Covered With BullFrog Marathon Mist

It's Tuesday Review Day, and I've got some products you'll want to check out. First up is BullFrog Marathon Mist. Yes, it's fall but that doesn't mean that people aren't still outside being active. The sun's rays will penetrate even on cloudy days, so it's best to be protected. Protecting my skin is something that I failed to do until the past few years, so I'm making it my mission to spread the word to others.

BullFrog is one of my favorite sun care brands. All of their products are PABA-free. I've been using their line for kids on little ones for years--it smells like watermelon! My dad was the first to introduce it to me, as he used to be an ocean diver, worked outside and in the water, etc. Invented by surfers in 1985, it was the first to promote durable, water resistant protection. BullFrog was also the first brand to mass market sun care and insect repellent. They have a whole line of products dedicated to your needs, in traditional, gel, spray, and mist forms. They have something for everyone: sport, kids, body, face, insect repellent, and more.

I was sent the Marathon Mist for review. Here are some of the features:

• "ultimate strength meets ultimate speed"
• broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection
• water resistant (80 minutes)
• quick, even coverage
• goes on clear
• no rub, no hassle continuous spray
• oil-free
• available 6 oz in either 36 or 50 SPF
• $9.99-$10.99
• available at select drugstores, grocers, retail stores, drugstore.com or walmart.com

My Review:

• I'm one of those who can't stand lotion or sunscreen on my hands. I have to wash my hands immediately. I like that this is clear and that I didn't have to rub it in. 
• I reapplied it every 80 minutes as directed and had no burns.
• I would highly recommend this product, would purchase it again, and plan on purchasing more in the future. I want the Ultimate Sheer Protection, which won't clog pores.
• Whether you surf, swim, sail, snorkel, ski, or splash around, give BullFrog a try.

How To: Protect Hair from the Sun (Featuring Arganesque)

We all know to use protection on our skin from the sun, but what about our hair? It's true: UV rays can fade color and dry it out, making it brittle and prone to breakage. Luckily, I have some tips that will work year-round to protect your hair. Check 'em out:

• A hat is the easiest way to protect your hair.
• Look for shampoos/conditioners that have UV protection in them, such as L'Oreal Color Vibrancy.
• Look for serums/creams with UV protection.
• Always use heat protectant, even before blow drying your hair.
• If you're going to be around water for the day, I suggest applying conditioner (I love Aussie 3 Min Miracle) or oil and leaving it in your hair all day. When you wash your hair, it will be super soft and damage-free.
• One oil I like to use in my hair is Argan. I was sent a bottle for review by Arganesque.

This Moroccan Argan Oil hair treatment is a very versatile product:

• Protects from UV rays
• Can be applied on dry and damp hair
• Can be applied to natural hair extensions
• Gives shine
• Detangles
• Allows hair to dry faster
• Acts as a heat protectant
• Controls out-of-control hair
• Conditions hair
• Helps with frizziness

It comes in a 3.4 oz bottle, which gives plenty of uses. I used this on my ends or ear-level and down. It made my hair silky and shiny, and I had no problems with my hair after using it. I would either allow my hair to dry naturally and occasionally I would blow dry with it. Since my dry hair absorbs oil, I use more than the average person, but most would need very little of the product. The scent is pleasant. I love how the company offers 100% guarantee. I would recommend this Argan oil. It is $19.99 on Amazon. 

PS: I've got 2 amazing giveaways for you to enter:

• Enter to WIN $100 SPA FINDER giftcard from Summer's Eve. ENDS FRIDAY
• Enter to WIN $100 TARGET giftcard and a RuMe phone case.

DIY Cherry Ice Cream Solid Sugar Scrub

I'm so glad the weekend is here because this week has been a doozy. Today I'm sharing a summer treat, with no calories, but don't eat it! It's my DIY Cherry Ice Cream Solid Sugar Scrub. These make great gifts and are just the thing to exfoliate the body for summer: think shaving, before self-tanning, at-home pedis, and more. I'm using cherry, but customize scents/to your liking. Enjoy.

N e e d:

1 part carrier oil

2 parts soap base

3 parts sugar

Essential oil

Soap colorant

Soap making mold

Glass pan

D o:

• Grate and melt your soap, preferably over a double boiler. 
• I used shae butter soap base melted in the microwave that I loosely chopped.
• Carefully add and stir oil (examples: olive, coconut, sweet almond), sugar, cherry essential oil, and soap colorant. I used purple soap colorant and vitamin E.
• The consistency (pictured above) will be closer to icing. 
• Allow to dry for a few hours. It will harden, similar to soap. 
• Scoop out your "ice cream" with an ice cream scoop.
• Store in a sealable jar. And don't eat! Keep away from children.
• Rub onto wet skin to use. Or break into pieces and add water for a lather.

PS: Check out my Lemonade Solid Sugar Scrub Cubes.

DON'T FORGET:

•  to please VOTE DAILY for me in the Pond's BB+ Ambassador contest. Voting ends on the 12th. Just search Elle Sees, click my video, and then the VOTE button. You can vote every day, from phone and computer. Vote here.
• to thank you for voting, I'm giving away 4 Pond's BB+ Creams! Enter here. FRIDAY IS THE LAST DAY TO ENTER.
• Summer's Eve is hosting a giveaway on my blog for a $100 SpaFinder gift card. Who doesn't want a free trip to the spa? Enter here.

If you choose to share these on your blog, please cite this as your source. Thank you.