My Everyday Beauty Routine

I've been in the beauty industry for quite some time now, but I've never had a go-to beauty routine until recently. I used to just use free products I scored from gift bags or product closets, but thanks to endless hours of reading Sephora reviews and watching YouTube videos, I found my beauty essentials! I feel so grown up - like these will be the products I cry over when they are discontinued.

What's even better about my round-up is that it takes me no more than five minutes to get ready in the morning with these products. So, if you're looking for a low-maintence beauty routine that will keep you looking young and fresh AND get you out of the door so that you're no more than ten minutes late to work, buy this stuff. 

Step 1: Apply to Damp Hair

Step 2: Apply to Clean Face

Step 3: Apply Around Eyes

Step 4: Apply with Beauty Blender

Step 5: Contour and Blush

Step 6: Apply to Lips

Step 7: Roll on Wrists and Neck

Spring Trend: Orange Lips

We can all thank Nars Heat Wave for helping us ease into the orange lip trend. I can remember vividly the day I had my first experience with this cult favorite. In case you missed it, I recommend you read and let me know if you felt the same way. 

Fast forward a year and a half and we’re on to the next. I hate to be so cliché, but the producers of Orange is the New Black were on to something. This lip color is perfect with a touch of bronzer for Spring. It’s exactly what we east coast girls need to get through these couple of insane weeks of weather that’s headed our way. Don’t let 60 degrees today and snow tomorrow get you down - instead, spring forward your beauty routine and brighten your day with beautiful, bold orange lips!

A Birthday Frenchie

It’s my birthday today, which means I need fancy nails! I decided to revamp the french manicure with an aqua blue nail and a gold tip. Believe it or not, it was super easy and looks profesh! I can’t wait to show them off at my party tonight!

Start with Essie base coat. 

Do two coats of ncla nail lacquer in Santa Monica Shore Thing.

Keeping your wrist pressed onto the table, carefully paint a thin line using Color Club’s Put a Pin In it. It’s best to do with one continuous stroke.

Finish with Essie top coat. 

Clean up edges with a Q-tip and polish remover. 

Cute, right?!

Tips to Make Your Hair Color Last

It’s been six weeks since i took the plunge and dyed my hair purple. The picture above was taken during the first week and the pictures below are from this past week. Quite a difference! Now that I’m looking at it more, it’s a little Radiant Orchid, Pantone’s color of 2014! I was warned that it would only last a few months and I’m not hating it, but I may be back at the salon soon for a quick glaze.

If you’re thinking about exploring with bright hues or pastels, you must be willing to keep up with the post-color maintenance! It’s really the key to longer lasting hair color. Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:

Tips for Color-Treated Hair

1. Don’t wash your hair for at least 48 hours after you dye your hair.
2. Make sure to use a shampoo and conditioner specifically made for color-treated hair. I shampoo the roots and condition the tips. I love Wella’s Brilliance Shampoo and Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair. 
3. Wash your hair less frequently - I’m talking twice a week if you really want the color to last! 
4. Avoid excessive rinsing in the shower.
5. Invest in a good shower cap like this one from Drybar to wear when you wash your body, which you should clean more than two times a week!
6. Deep condition once a week. I’m currently obsessed with this mask from Fekkai! 
7. When washing, use the coldest water you can stand. It’s awful, but it’s worth it. Heat is your worst enemy when you have colored hair!
8. Let your hair air dry if possible, but if you do want to use a blow dryer or heat styling tool, make sure to use a heat protectant! Try Oribe’s Foundation Mist - it also offers UV protection, which is a plus for color-treated hair!
9. Dry shampoo is your best friend! I’ve been testing a lot of different brands, but lately I’ve been hooked on this one from Kevin Murphy

If you live in the NYC area, check out Muze Salon in Chelsea. They used Wella products on my hair, which are really the best for color!