Tag: Guest Post

The Top Five Products You Need For Your Next Blowout From Politics of Pretty

 The Top Five Products You Need For Your Next Blowout From Politics of Pretty // Belle Belle Beauty

I’ve been captivated by Kara’s blog, Politics of Pretty for some time now! Her beautiful site covers it all from daring to classic and all with such beautiful imagary. Today, she shares her “must haves” for the perfect blowout:

Growing up, trips to the salon for my twice-annual haircut was something I always looked forward to (mainly because fresh cut hair plus a fresh blowout meant three to four really amazing hair days). Then, blow dry bars started popping up and girls of all hair types who were craving a great blowout rejoiced. On the flip side, treating myself to salon blowouts has slowly become an addiction and it’s taken quite the toll on my wallet. So if you’re in desperate need of a blow dry spending detox, I’ve rounded up my five favorite products for the perfect DIY blowout at home.

Drybar Happy Hour Shampoo and Weightless Conditioner. Never mind the fact that I’m a shampoo and conditioner chameleon—lately I can’t get enough of Drybar’s sweet smelling shampoo and conditioner.

Pantene Pro-V Ultimate 10 BB Crème. Before I discovered this drugstore gem, I was a hair product mixologist as I tried to combine different products in hopes of yielding some pretty spectacular results. What it ended up doing? Turning my mane in to a ball of grease. This styling cream is a one-step miracle (think frizz control, heat protection, brilliant shine, among others) without having to combine with anything else. Love!

A Paddle Brush, any paddle brush. I have naturally straight hair so a soft paddle brush is my go-to when I’m styling a straight and sleek look.  For some reason, round brushes don’t always work in my favor.

Jose Eber Infrared Blow Dryer. I’m always careful about protecting my hair from damaging blow dryer heat, but this innovative infrared dryer by Jose Eber infuses a gentle heat at the hair cuticle, not to mention decreases drying time in half. I am always on the go so this dryer is a time saver for sure!

Serge Normant Meta Revive Volumizing Dry Shampoo. While I have a slew of sample size dry shampoos in my hair arsenal, I always find myself reaching for this spray. I’m attracted to its cedar bark scent and its quick-to-dry (two minutes!) formula. Just a few light sprays keep my hair looking clean and healthy for an extra day.

Click on over to my blog, Politics of Pretty, with my top tips and tricks on how to use these products for the perfect blowout.

I Heart Heels Talks Hair on Belle Belle!

I-Heart-Heels

Nothing like a little vacation for an excuse to have the beautiful Julie from I Heart Heels over on Belle Belle! This Southern Beauty is just down the road from me in Arkansas and always seems to have her mane in tip top shape. So what better than a little tutorial on how she gets those locks looking so good. Take it away, Julie!

My Hair Secrets Uncovered

Use A Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Back in the old days, I used so many “natural” shampoos I would barely give another a try. They just didn’t work. Until I found my golden gem in Aveeno Pure Renewal Shampoo/Conditioner. It just so happens to be sulfate free…which means what, you ask? Besides cutting down on nasty chemicals, this formula actually reduces color fading (or in my case highlight fading) – a major plus. Sulfates can strip the hair, so a sulfate-free shampoo makes tresses look healthier (and there’s less hair loss, seriously).

Don’t Wash Every Day
I used to wash my hair every day – no more. And psst…I have oily hair. I promise your hair gets used to it the more you skip a day. Plus, with long hair, it’s almost a must – whew. By washing every other day, you’re allowing your hair to breathe. Not to mention, you’re not putting as much heat on it since you’re not blow-drying as often. Second day hair = the best. It’s much more manageable and doesn’t look so “fixed.” Which leads me to the next secret…

Use Dry Shampoo In Between Washes
There are countless dry shampoos out there now – in both powder and spray formulas. I like them all for different reasons (although Got2b makes some pretty sweet ones that are affordable). Gone are the days of using baby powder. Dry shampoo is your ticket to freedom from washing your hair every day, if you have oily hair like me. (And I feel like it brings out my highlights!)

Let It Air Dry
When you can, skip the blow-dry! Your hair will thank you in the end. It’s easy for me to say since I have naturally wavy hair, but I just spritz leave-in sea salt spray after my shower (love Ouidad) to cut down on frizz, turn the dryer on cool for a wee bit and let it dry overnight. In the morning, I work a comb through it very gently and voila!

Find a Good Stylist
They key to great hair is really finding a superstar stylist. I went for years with the same one because it felt safe. Until a few years ago I tried someone new and now can’t believe I didn’t switch long ago! If color is your thing, find someone who really knows their hues. Or maybe you’re all about the cut? Look at people whose hair you love and ask them where they go. I found my superstar stylist through my mom of all people! 🙂

P.S. Don’t forget to indulge in the occasional blowout. And it doesn’t have to be a special blow-dry bar – your very own salon should offer one. Whether your hair is already straight or curly…there’s really nothing like being pampered this way! xo

Style Cusp’s Summer Beauty Routine

Style Cusp's Summer Beauty Routine // Belle Belle Beauty

This week, I am bound for the Dominican Republic for some decadent beach time! Each day this week, I am featuring a guest post from some of my favorite bloggers. No better way to kick it off than with one of my first blogging friends, Marissa from The Style Cusp! She’s a fashion and lifestyle blogger with killer hair and beauty know-how. Today, she is sharing some of her summer beauty routine. Enjoy!:

My summer beauty routine is simple and fuss free. When I’ve spent a day lounging at the pool or am headed to dinner with girlfriends after an extremely humid Northeast day, the last thing I want to do is pile on makeup only to have it melt off. I usually stick to my trusty basics.

1. EOS // I am obsessed with this little things! I have a few scattered around my apartment, in my purse, and in my beach bag. They are a mix between chapstick and a gloss and give my lips a nice little shine – not to mention their flavors are beyond yummy!

2. Falsies Mascara // I’ve tried loads of mascaras, but always come back to this one. I swear by this little $6 tube! It keeps my lashes long and full – something we all are always on the hunt for in a mascara.

3. NARS Torrid // My top blush/bronzer pick is always NARS. Their shades are always just what I’m looking for and complement my skin tone perfectly. I love Torrid against a little sun kissed skin after a day at the beach or pool.

4. Essie // It’s no secret that I’m a essieaholic! You’ll found bottle after bottle scattered all over my place. I’m constantly switching up what’s on my fingertips, but you best believe there’s never a day I’m without some color. My current favorites are turquoise + caicosblanc, and bottle service.

What’s your summer beauty routine? Any favorites I should try? Stop on over my blog or send me a tweet (@stylecusp) + let me know!

I’m On POPSUGAR Beauty!

I'm On POPSUGAR Beauty! // Belle Belle Beauty

Talk about a great day yesterday! Not only did I visit FOX23’s Great Day Green Country. I was interviewed by the public television station here, OETA, about living in my beloved Downtown Tulsa. And it is such an honor to be the first POPSUGAR Select beauty blogger to become published on POPSUGAR Beauty (aka bellasugar.com, a long long long time favorite site of mine)! Make sure you head over to check out the post. I can’t wait to hear what you think about A Bridal Shower Makeup Look That Takes the Cake. Cheers!

Belle Belle on the Web

I’m thrilled to be part of Safe Sun Stories on the Bergdorf Goodman blog today! Check out my review of  SPF 30 UV Protecting Fluid by La Mer right here. We are coming up on Melanoma awareness month and summer weather is just around the corner. Don’t forget to stock up on Sunscreen. This La Mer fluid is dreamy to use and works great under makeup!

I’m also guest blogging over at The Bolder the Better, rounding up Spring Trends. Amy is a fabulous fashionista in Austin and is making quite the splash with her new blog. She’s a master mixologist of prints and just plain lovely. For more details on bold lips, full brows, metallic lids and colorful nails, check it out here!


Nails Across the Pond

There is something alluring about European beauty. Don’t even get me started on the damage I would do in a French Pharmacy. So, when my friend and fellow blogger, The Madam Editor, agreed to do a post on nails in London, I couldn’t resist! Make sure you check out her tumblr for a witty (and incredibly well written) look at fashion, shopping and life of a writer.

Nails; uptown, downtown, London town.

Let’s face it I know nothing about beauty. Nothing about beauty products, I don’t even know what kind of tinted moisturiser is good for my skin tone…that’s a tale for another day but what I do know is a thing or two about nail polish. I love a good manicure, at 3am even better (don’t ask) but a good manicure, that perfectly polished nail, makes me something giddy and I am forever searching for the perfect lacquer hence I have an array of pretty pinks, brights and darks. When Lindsay asked me to do a post on things we London girls enjoy that can’t be had just yet across the pond, well my go to was nail polish; the uptown, downtown kind. Barry M for the more hip Downtown chick and the Champagne Nail bar in Harvey Nichols…you know that’s how uptown girls roll.

Barry M is a drugstore and widely loved brand sold in Boots and Superdrug and other very good drugstores in and around the capital. They have an amazing collection of long lasting nail paints in the prettiest colours and most inventive styles; croc effect nails anyone? Pardon the ghastly dryness of my skin but you get the gist, and such a breeze to apply too. Their colours are always fun and popping especially for the spring summer and for £2.95 a pop you cannot go wrong and did I say they are long lasting, chip resistant. Yes please.

For the more uptown chichi chick we have the Champagne nail bar in Harvey Nichols courtesy of nails inc. I love everything about this place and the concept, like an exclusive beauty salon, you sip on champagne whilst having your nails and feet pampered to prim perfection, with sex and the city or the September issue etc playing in the back ground. With services like the “Lady who lunches manicure”, “the front row manicure”, “well heeled pedicure” and “the crystal pedicure” with real Swarovski crystal that lasts up to three weeks…what’s not to love? Luxury comes at a price but it’s a price well worth it, besides it still won’t break the bank. Check in to Harvey Nicks on your next hop stop to the Big smoke.