Effortless Top Knot Tutorial: Spring Hairstyle

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #GoodyStyle #CollectiveBias

Ready for a spring hairstyle that requires no heat, no bobby pins, and is super easy to do? Enter the top knot, and it's one of the hottest hairstyles right now--just search "celebrity top knot" and you'll see what I mean. It's not as structured as a ballerina bun but more structured than a messy bun. And it only requires a brush and hair elastics. 

I went to Target and picked up the Goody Clean Radiance Oval Cushion Brush and the Goody Ouchless Elastics.

I picked the Goody Clean Radiance Oval Cushion Brush because the copper bristles massage the scalp to help reduce buildup, which means hair will will healthier and more radiant. Plus, it's adorable. I even painted my nails to match it. What? Just make sure you don't use it with a blow dryer since the copper bristles will get hot. To clean it, just dip in lemon juice and wipe away!

The Goody Ouchless Elastics are a must for me, since they give a comfortable, secure hold. I chose black but they have neutrals and colors. And you get 10x more ponytails than the leading competitors.

Here's my Top Knot Tutorial:

Brush dry hair to remove tangles. This hairstyle can be done on freshly-washed hair or needs-to-be-washed (me). 

Pull hair into a high pony on top of head. Make sure it's centered.

Now twist the tail. It doesn't matter the direction of the twist. 

Bend the twist into a horseshoe or donut and secure with elastic at the base.
There should be a bit of tail sticking out.
Note how it's not flat against the head like a bun--this is a "knot."

Take the tail that remains and divide in half. Wrap it around base of knot. If you have thin hair you can simply tuck it under the elastic, or you can use another elastic (that's what I did) to secure it. Bits of it should stick out.

And that's it!

Singing with your brush as a microphone, optional! ;)

TIP: If your hair is shorter than mine, try a mini top knot. Just pull back the top layer and do the steps mentioned above.

FYI: Before you head to Target to pick up the brush and elastics, CHECK THE CARTWHEEL APP for a discount (and keep checking since they update it):

20% off Goody Hairbrushes 

Would you try a top knot?

Fess up: do you use your hair brush as a microphone?

Winter No-Heat Hairstyle: Refresh Your Hair Fast!

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #RethinkMyColour #CollectiveBias

So winter finally arrived in Atlanta over the weekend! And with it, just a sneeze of snow, but cooler temps. The cold is doing a number on my hair, and it's looking dry and drab. I won't be able to get to the salon until next month, and I decided to do something about the situation--an easy winter refresh with some new products. You're going to love these, and they've got something for brunette and blonde hair.

I headed to my local Walgreens (a must for this busy beauty blogger) and grabbed some new products from the John Frieda Colour Care line. I easily found the Brilliant Brunette® Visibly Brighter™ Subtle Lightening Shampoo/Conditioner and the Brilliant Brunette® Visibly Brighter™ In-Shower Treatment. 

FYI: Buy 1 Get 1 50% off with Walgreens Balance Rewards card. 

Available both in-store and online.

Valid 1/1/16 – 1/30/16, so hurry and check out this deal!

I love the Brilliant Brunette Visibly Brighter line because they gradually brighten hair for a natural-looking sun-kissed brunette & they illuminate glowing tones. Plus, it only lightens your natural spectrum, so no worries for your hair type (like for my color-treated hair for example). I used the shampoo, then the in-shower treatment, and finished with conditioner. Look at the results below:

Doesn't it look brighter and not so dark and drab? Now that the hair color is looking refreshed, time for a quick no heat winter hairstyle. You need 5 minutes and some bobby pins. You can do this on straight, wavy, or curly hair. My hair is still curly from using a curling wand the day before.

If you have "hat head" or windblown hair and need to freshen it up, this is my go to. I call it the Double Bun, a twist (pun intended) on the regular bun. 

Pull back half of your hair, like pictured above. 

Now take the hair you pulled back and twirl it into a bun. Secure with bobby pins. 

You can leave it like this, or take it an extra step, and repeat with the bottom half. 

Just twirl it into a bun and pin!

And that's it! Just a fun way to mix up the usual bun by doubling it!

I love this look the more undone it becomes. It works well on shorter hair, too. And now, my winter hair is no longer drab--it's a little lighter and fabulous!

Would you try the double bun?

Have you heard of the new John Frieda products?

NYE Hair in 5 Minutes

Story time: So this one time I was going out later that night, and I decided to nap for a few minutes. That "disco nap" ended up being 3 hours. I had just a few minutes to get ready. My hair was a disaster. I quickly whipped it up into this 5 minute hairstyle and received compliments on it all night long. It lasted a whole night of dancing and singing at the top of my lungs (you know how it is when your song comes on).

It's been my go-to for a quick updo since it can be worn for formal events, like a wedding, night out with the girls, or dressed down with jeans.

Since New Year's Eve is this week (I can't believe it either), I'm sharing this effortless 5 minute hairstyle with you.

You'll need:

• hair elastic
• bobby pins
• texturizing spray or dry shampoo
• preferably curled/waved hair

I prefer hair that has already been curled or is wavy--this just gives more texture to work with. I had used a flat iron on mine for waves a couple of days prior.

Spray roots with a texturizing spray, like this one from Oribe. Dry shampoo is another option, but I love the volume with the Oribe. You can also tease your roots but that takes more time, and this spray cuts out that step.

See also: NYE makeup, hair, nails ideas

Part your hair on the side. Leave a section out, as pictured, and draw the rest into a loose ponytail at the nape of the neck. Secure with an elastic. You can leave it like this if you'd like.

Take half of hair and twist it into a bun. Pin. Then take small pieces of hair, fold them in half (or more if you have longer hair) and pin them into the bun. This gives it a piecey and messy look. Pictured is the hairstyle in progress.

You can secure loose ends or let them fall as they may. I like this hairstyle the longer it is more "lived in." I check my work in a mirror to see if I like the shape as I'm pinning. Spray with hairspray if desired to set.

And that's it!

Extra Elle:

• I had a lovely and quick Christmas. It was tough but full of fun, thanks to my nieces and nephews. I bought my sis Japanese candy and we filmed a video of us trying some of it out. It's on my Youtube if you'd like to see.
• There's more: NYE hair, makeup, nails ideas

linking up with tutu tuesday's 

4 Fall Hairstyles in 4 Minutes

Hey you! How was your weekend? The week dragged on and the weekend was over in a blink. Saturday I went to SoFabUOTR, a blogger conference. Sunday, ended up being a super busy day of catch up, after being sick for a week. I'm ready for a do-over. How about you?

And since I've been so busy, I've been doing a lot of quick hairstyles to mix things up. I've got 4 hair ideas that are perfect for fall, since the biggest hair trend is effortless with a bit of polish--just a little messy. These don't take much time at all and can be dressed up or down, as desired. Plus, they all kind of build upon each other, as you'll see 4 Fall Hairstyles in 4 Minutes:

Sleek, Low Pony

• This has been named as a huge fall hair trend--expect to see it everywhere.
• I secured mine with a clear elastic and wrapped a section of hair around it to hide the elastic. I secured it with a bobby pin.

I had to give a shout out to Irresistible Me, who gave me a full set of hair extensions--just a few are pictured above. Since my hair is shorter now, I used these for fullness and length. I highly recommend trying them! They've got a variety of products, as well as various lengths to give the look you desire. 

Flipped Pony Bun

• This is a fun twist on a regular bun. To build upon the low pony, reach above the elastic as pictured, to create a hole. Pull the pony tail through it (this will look just like the Topsy Tail, if you remember those).

Gather the tail into a bun and secure with bobby pins. You can make this very messy (above) or very elegant (below). I've even done this for weddings.

Side Twists

• Try this when you are growing out your bangs. Take a section from the side and twist it. Pin in the back. Repeat on the other side.

Criss-Cross Pull Back

• This builds up on the last hairstyle, as you are going to keep adding to the back. Take a section from the left and cross it over to the other side. You can hold it or pin it. 
• Now take a section from the right and cross is over the left. It should go a little lower than the first section you crossed over. You can pin that or hold it. 
• Repeat at least once more. You can see in the right pic above I'm showing you about how low I go with my sections. Make sure everything is pinned.

And that's it! Four no heat fall hairstyles in 4 minutes!

Extra Elle:

• Did you watch the Emmy's last night? I had it on and looked up every now and again.
• Don't forget--my first link up is tomorrow. More info is HERE.

How To: Twisted Rosette Half-Updo

"Make my hair a little rose like you do to your hair," demanded the 5 year old, while taking down her ballerina bun, post-class. I immediately went through my mental catalog of hair styles I wear at work, with "wearing my hair up in clip away from the death-grip of 10 month old" being the dominant style. I pressed her for more detail and finally figured out the "little rose" hairstyle she meant. I am sharing it today because it's easy, it's fast, and thanks to her, makes me forever think of roses--perfect for Valentine's Day...or just because.

You'll need--

• bobby pins--I used these mini ones from Sally Beauty, but regular ones will work too.
• optional: curling wand--I wanted soft waves so I used one, but this looks fine on straight hair, too.
• optional: dry shampoo or volumizing powder--I'm including these in case you need texture on your hair to hold the hairstyle or to to add texture to the waves.

1--To create the waves, I did the standard of taking various sections and curling them away from the face and towards the face. I have several tutorials and videos on this, like this one: (how to loose, beauty waves). I held each section for about 10 seconds before releasing from the curling wand. The waves you are seeing are about 12 hours after I had curled my hair, after a full day at work, so let's just say those waves were loose!

Optional: before beginning, feel free to use dry shampoo  or volumizing powder on your hands and then dispersed through the hair. This will give texture to the waves and texture to the hair to hold the style in place. BONUS TIP: I also like spraying the bobby pins with dry shampoo before placing in hair.

2--Choose a section of hair from each side of the face. I think these were about half an inch to an inch. The thickness will later determine how big your "rosette" is. Twist each section, as pictured above.

3--Join the twisted sections of hair at the back of your head, right in the middle, and twist them together. It will make forming the "rosette" easier.

4--Wrap the section around itself clockwise to form the rose. Try keeping it as flat as possible as you wind it around to avoid a big bun. Secure with bobby pins as needed. I check it in the mirror to see where the extra pins need to go. I used 2 or 3 here.

Here's the hair from the back and the front. This takes me 10-15 min. to curl my hair and then about 3 min. to twist, wrap, and pin. I can't wait to see you try this! Be sure to tag me to see your recreations!

Extra Elle:

• So much for that great weather! Monday was dreary and rainy. Just a few more days until that Florida sunshine!
• I picked up some tulips from Trader Joes (in the pic above) last week that are still going strong. They have such affordable flowers--just a little thing that makes me happy!
• Giveaway time because I LOVE y'all! Click the links to head to the giveaways.

• 5 $50 Walgreens gift cards up for grabs!
• $25 ULTA gift card giveaway
• $100 Visa gift card giveaway

Fast & Easy Hair Styles

This shop has been compensated by #CollectiveBias, Inc. and its advertiser. 

All opinions are mine alone.

How was your weekend? Mine was fun! I finally felt well enough to get some much-needed errands done. I also went to a really funny (read: adult humor) holiday play. The dress was casual, and for my hair, I wanted some everyday looks. I used a few fun tools that I recently purchased at Walmart:

Because I #HeartMyHair, I got the Infiniti Pro by Conair® Curl Secret®

and Infiniti Pro by Conair® 3Q™ Brushless Motor Dryer.

Twisted Together: Easy, 3 Minute, No Heat Hairstyle

I've got a really easy hairstyle today that you can do it 3 minutes. This is perfect for back to school or those days when you don't want to use heat on your hair.

DIY Vanilla Sea Salt Beachy Waves Spray

It's summer, and my favorite hairstyle has to be Beachy Waves. I love it. And one of my favorite posts is my annual diy beachy waves recipe. This year's recipe is for those who want a light hold, less frizziness, and a vanilla scent. Check out the recipe:

Need:

• spray bottle
• kosher salt
• aloe juice
• carrier oil
• vanilla oil
• water
• funnel

Do:

• The amount of each ingredient depends on the size of the bottle. I used a small travel-size bottle in the pic above, so my sizes will reflect that. 
• I took a very small handful of salt and put it in the bottom of the bottle.
• Using a funnel, I added 2/3 of aloe juice. Mine is from Trader Joes, but try any health store or online.
• Next, I added three drops of vanilla oil and half a teaspoon of carrier oil. Think jojoba, argan, or castor oil (coarse hair), or many more.
• Fill the rest of the bottle with filtered water, secure the top and shake.
• Spray damp or dry hair. Scrunch hair with an old tshirt to help with frizziness.

FYI:

• This works well to add texture and volume to hair. 
• This spray is awesome for heat or no heat waves. 
• If you have stick-straight hair, pretty much no spray will make it wavy, if you don't have natural wave to it, so that's why I suggest using this in conjunction to waves or curls.
• If you find your spray nozzle is clogged, shake your spray, and add more water, or consider skipping the oil. I have also added small, clean pebbles or rocks to help break up the spray.  I also have poured a little into my hand and dispersed through hair.
• This will keep for a couple of months.
• Since salt is drying, be sure to use a good clarifying shampoo on hair to remove any residue and condition afterwards.

Beachy waves in my hair--just missing the actual beach. ;)

More beachy waves recipes:

• 1
• 2--my most popular one
• 3

Are you a fan of beachy hair for summer?

Smoked Cranberry: Thanksgiving Makeup, Hair, & Outfit (Video!)

orig.

I celebrate Thanksgiving with my immediate family and then with my Grandmother's family. One is more casual and the other is a little more formal. I like having hair and makeup that will work for both, so that way I can change my outfit and go. Today I'm sharing a tutorial, using mostly drugstore products, that is really fast and easy for a casual look. I did my hair and makeup for this video in under 15 minutes! My eye makeup might be a little dark for you, hence the "smoked cranberries" but I wanted to make sure it showed on camera (lights wash me out) and I was doing this without a mirror. These are only suggestions--do and use what you'd like. What is your Thanksgiving like? Is it formal? Casual? Enjoy the video below.

Can't view the video? Click here.

(still from video)

Makeup (watch video for tutorial):

• Maybelline Color Tattoo: Pomegranate Punk
• The Balm Nude 'Tude Palette
• Seductive, Sultry, Sexy, Sassy, Sleek
• I chose this cranberry-plum shade since it would be complementary to most skin tones. Red cranberry is hard to wear. If you can't find this palette, try a similar color from a Maybelline Eye Studio quad (like Mad for Mauve) or a cranberry-plum blush.
• Em Cosmetics Liner: Brown
• L'Oreal Butterfly Mascara
• Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush: Plum Wine
• Revlon Matte Balm: Elusive
• Revlon Parfumerie Polish: Bordeaux 

(still from video)

Hair (watch video for tutorial):

• Divide hair into 2 sections.
• Twist away from face.
• Run flat iron over twists. I used one with wide plates.
• Shake loose waves.

(blurry still from video)

Outfit:

• Plaid flannel shirt--Old Navy
• Cranberry sweater, jeggings, booties--American Eagle

(awkward still from video)

What are you wearing this Thanksgiving? (Or today?)

PS: More links you might have missed:

--$100 Giftcard--ends 12-1

--$50 Giftcard--ends 12-18

--GE Reveal Lightbulbs Giveaway--ends 12-1

--I finally joined the rest of the world and started a Facebook for the blog. Add me if you like.