Upside Down French and a Sock Bun

In an attempt to fancy myself in a time crunch, I had my coworker, Zoila, help me French braid the bottom of my hair. Then when I got home, I threw a sock bun doughnut in and had someone help me pin the rest around.
This look can take less than 5 minutes if you can upside down French and have mastered the sock bun.

[Pic note: Photo cred: Ryan Brown]

There are two methods.

The Roll Down method: I prefer this one on ladies who have more textured hair than I do and those who have fewer layers.  (Minus the weird toothbrush part... Buy a bristle brush lady!!)
Check out Meghan's look after I gave her the sock bun look for her friend's wedding!
A thickening spray like Bumble and Bumble's, a dry shampoo or just standard hairspray have been helpful to add more "grip" to my hair when I opt for the Roll Down method.

The Wrap Method: This is easier and more stable for glossy or fine hair that tends to fall out of styles easily.  But if your hair is long like mine, you'll likely get that wrap around piece under the bun and aesthetically I am less pleased with this look.

[Pic note: Cab shot! Classy but quick look for a rehearsal dinner]

::Happy styling!::

I Made a Sock Bun Happen!

Too bad this is never how it turns out when I try a sock bun on my own hair.
But at least it was a success for Meghan's hair when I worked my magic for her friend's wedding :)

A Mascara Tour

Last Christmas, I got more mascara than I knew what to do with.

Here are my raves (and 'not so muches'):

They're Real by benefit
Pros: This stuff builds VERY quickly and is filled with fibers so your lashes look huge and bold with minimal effort. Definitely my go-to when I don't have time for falsies and need a bold 'going out' look. Also does a great job of lifting lashes.
Cons: It comes off in bits and takes a little more effort to rinse off (I steer clear of waterproof mascara b/c I'm too lazy to use make up remover on a daily basis). Also, after a longg night, some of the bits can sometimes rub off under-eye :/

[Pic note: They're Real mascara

]

Longest Lash by Jane Iredale
Pros: The brand adheres to a more natural product. It has a pretty skinny but bristley brush so I've used it for my bottom lashes only (read Cons)
Cons: This product does not layer at all. I could not use this for even my daytime look b/c it's just so light. I've relegated it to bottom lash territory only.

Hypnose Star by Lancome
Pros: Smells like roses and layers very well. This is my go-to day wear mascara of the year. Washes off easily in water.
Cons: None, it's awesome.

Telescopic by L'Oreal
Pros: This is my cheap drugstore go-to product. Love the thin plastic bristles that comb through clumps and gives great bold lash coverage. Layers very well. Washes off easily in water. Lasts forever too.
Cons: Doesn't do anything in the curl territory. 

Diorshow Maximizer and Diorshow Mascara
Pros: The Maximizer is a great primer to add thickness to lashes before putting the mascara on. It also supposedly helps hold a curl. Decent performance but not really worth the price.

Cons: I have the "sample size" so the wand length was hard to work with due to the substantial bristle widtch. Also, having to use two products is annoying. 

Until next Christmas!!

::Happy face::