Cinco de Mayo Manicures

The festive holiday of Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner; celebrated on the fifth of May, this holiday honors the the Mexican army’s heroic victory over the French at the 1862 Battle of the Puebla. However, it has since become a day in which many Americans celebrate their Mexican heritage and people of all backgrounds come together for colorful festivities. So why not get into the spirit with a little bit of color on your nails?! Below is some designs we are gaga over that we think would be perfect for this celebratory day.

71abf6e4bad25a7efaef5804e8e59f911) Many things come to mind when we think of Mexico, and “Day of the Dead” artwork is towards the top of the list. Though this holiday falls in November rather than springtime, the symbol of the decorative skulls have become iconic of Mexican culture. When we came across these nails on Pinterest, we were immediately in love; the level of detail and the contrast of the dark and bright colors are simply breathtaking.

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2) A celebration of Mexican culture just wouldn’t be the same without tasty margaritas. Honor this yummy and visually enticing drink by featuring brightly neon hues on your nails, especially fresh green. We were particularly fond of this manicure we found on Glitter She Wrote, especially considering how simple it is to recreate.

tumblr_m9sstqfkTQ1r88x9co1_5003) The Mexican flag is red, green and white, so there are endless options of how you can beautify your nails for Cinco de Mayo, no matter your skill level. For an understated yet uniquely cute look, we were inspired by this photo that we found on tumblr.

 

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4) Many popular Mexican dishes are not for the mild and meek, as the cuisine is known for its zesty flavors and attention-grabbing spice. Why not bring this same caliente flair to your nails with a design similar to this?

 

 

bzJ4NnViMTZsaFkx_o_rainbow-tribal-nail-art-tutorial-short-nails5) When traveling south to this sun soaked country, you will undoubtedly encounter bright and bold patterns. Why not recreate this festive look on you nails? Check out the fun tutorial we found that details how you can achieve this particular design.

 Let us know what designs YOU like!

How to Straighten Hair Without Damage

Tips+to+Make+Your+Hair+Pin-StraightSo many of us dream about silkily smooth, shiny straight hair, and so we go the local drug store and pick out the cheapest flat iron they have. And yes, it works at first, giving us passable results. However, fast forward a little bit, and don’t be surprised to find yourself with a frizzy mane that has no glisten and, perhaps, even breakage. This is entirely preventable, as long as you’re willing to take a few simple steps:

1) A quality hair straightener might be more expensive, but it will save you plenty of grief in the long run. Search for a flat iron that has ceramic or titanium plates that evenly distribute the heat, like Babyliss Pro, as well as one that has adjustable temperatures; the thinner the hair, the less the degree of heat should be.

2) As hot tools dry your follicles, help to rejuvenate your mane with a moisturizing shampoo. Furthermore, you can lessen the needed exposure to the scorching plates when you use a smoothing conditioner. It’s also advisable to buy a heat protection product that can be applied prior to straightening your hair to help lock in the shine (be careful to apply a thin layer, as excessive oil will make your appearance greasy). When venturing out on a summer’s day, prevent the sun from frying your tresses by utilizing a sunscreen mist that is specifically for hair.

Untitled3) Try not to use your hot tool on a daily basis – you should not be washing your hair every day (this will make your hair especially dry), so your locks will normally not be exposed to water that will ruin the smooth sheen. While wanting to quickly run the straightener through your hair to maintain your look is understandable, there really is no reason to significantly iron your mane when it is mostly straight.

Have any tips or tricks you think our readers would benefit from? Let us know in the comment section below!

Ways to Shape your Eyebrows

While some of us are naturally blessed with perfectly formed brows, many of us need to shape the hairs to achieve the arch and style that ideally highlights our face. There are different methods through which ladies (and gents) can achieve the smooth, clean look they desire, the most popular ones being listed below:

Plucking

200277469-001A method that we’ve all tried at least once in our lives, the pulling of individual hairs is easy and cheap. Because of the patience and control that goes into the process, it is much more difficult to make a mistake when using tweezers, making this ideal for those individuals who want to do the process at home. While some find the practice relatively painless, others may find it uncomfortable – to minimize the irritation, pluck your eyebrows immediately after getting out of the shower, as the steam opens up the follicles and softens the hairs. Additionally, your skin is most sensitive right before menstruation, so it may be best to wait.

Waxing

With one quick rip against the direct of the hairs, those pesky strays can be gone. Yes it undoubtedly hurts, but the good news is that it only has to be done once every few weeks. Furthermore, repeated waxing may kill the follicles and stop the hair from growing entirely. The wax will take off the  IMG_7279top layer of dead skin cells to leave the area irritated, so it’s best to apply a cold washcloth afterwards to sooth the area, or find an noninflammatory wax. While there are kits to wax your own eyebrows at home, be careful – it is all too easy to make dramatic mistakes in a matter of mere seconds, so leaving your brows in the hands of a professional may be a wise move.

Threading

An ancient practice, it is growing in popularity today, as it plucks multiple hairs out at once without irritating the skin with chemicals. It also can get many of the smaller hairs that might have been threading-eyebrows-580x435overlooked by plucking to create a clean shape. It is nearly impossible to do to yourself, so going to a professional is a must; however, the cost of threading is usually less than waxing.

Electrolysis

With this method, a small needle is used to carry an electrical current through the unwanted eyebrow hairs to prevent them from growing back. While this procedure must be repeated numerous times, it will stop all future growth. With the involvement of the needle comes a stinging discomfort and, because of the lasting effects, will be the most expensive if measured per session. While the process is extremely accurate, there is the risk of skin discoloration if the technician performing the electrolysis is unskilled.

To make the most of your brows, reflect carefully on what shape will best flatter the features of your face and remember that a small mistake is not the end of the world; with some careful combing and usage of an eyebrow pencil, common mistakes like over plucking or stripping away the wrong hairs can easily be addressed.

 

 

 

Beat The Weather With Some Minty Hair Care and Cosmetic Products!

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It’s starting to look like summer is coming just a little bit too early over here on the East Coast but don’t worry we are here to help! Image Beauty is here to help you beat this 80 degree April weather with some minty fresh hair care products to help you feel cool and relaxed at work! Here is a quick list of a few of our favorite mint hair care products that are guaranteed to keep you cooled under the sun.

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Kneipp Body Wash Mint

Mint & Eucalyptus
ACTIVE HERB: Eucalyptus
Sinus Relief -A natural disinfectant, relief of runny nose, sinus congestion and allergies.

Mint and eucalyptus essential oils stimulate and clear the senses. Provides gentle cleansing, leaves your skin soft and supple, moisturized and lightly scented. (pH balanced, Alkaline free,  Dermatologist Tested)

Usage:

Pour a quarter sized amount into the palm of the hand and massage into wet skin. Leave the Kneipp Classic Herbal Body Wash on the skin for a short period of time to experience the maximum benefits of the Essential oils before rinsing off. Follow with various Kneipp Body Lotions or Body Oils.

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Back To Basics Fresh Mint Conditioner

Back to Basics Fresh Mint Energizing Conditioner is for all hair types and color safe. Energize your senses with a beneficial blend to revitalize hair, mind, and body. Awaken your hair with detangling conditioners and nourishing botanicals for ultimate daily radiance.

Infused with an uplifting creamy vanilla mint fragrance, Fresh Mint Energizing Shampoo & Conditioner is a daily hair care regimen that helps revitalize hair, mind, and body. Fresh Mint Energizing Shampoo & Conditioner is specially formulated with a beneficial blend of mint, ginkgo biloba, and lemongrass.

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Aura Rosemary Mint Rejuvenating Shampoo weightlessly cleanses and leaves hair full of body and healthy looking.

New Look! Same Great Formula!
Natural peppermint stimulates and awakens the scalp
Natural rosemary combined with Vitamins C and E helps strengthens hair
Protects hair against environmental damage
For fine to normal hair types

This unique daily shampoo adds body to fine hair without stripping, build-up or static electricity. Its pleasing aroma naturally energizes and motivates your mind and body. This is a gentle formula for fine to normal hair which revives natural shine and bounce. Peppermint stimulates your scalp and invigorates the senses. Rosemary combined with Vitamins C and E strengthen the hair and protect against environmental damage.

Show your passion for Autism Awareness month!

 

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Having trouble displaying your passion and awareness for Autism Awareness this month? In March 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued their ADDM autism prevalence report. The report concluded that the prevalence of autism had risen to 1 in every 88 births in the United States and almost 1 in 54 boys. In order to highlight the growing need for concern and awareness about autism, the Autism Society has been celebrating National Autism Awareness Month since the 1970s.

Head on over to our website to check out our fantastic selection of blue shaded cosmetics! Here are a couple of our favorites and the links to these products are below!

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#1 Styli Style Its a Breeze Cooling Gel Shadow Blue (Bright Blue)

#2 Opi Nail Polish Shrek Ogre-The-Top (Blue)

#3 Essie Nail Polish (Light Blue)

Top 3 All Natural Face Creams!

Terms like sustainability, recyclables, and organic are all the rave no matter the product nowadays but it’s time to forget the fancy words and go natural. What’s good for the earth is also good for your skin!  Earth Day may only be one day a year but you wear your skin 24/7 which means you’re always in need of a good natural cosmetic. Here is one of our favorites from our all natural selection!

#1 Burt’s Bees Soap Bark and Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream

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Burt’s Bees strives to create natural products that are both positive for the consumer and the environment they’re used in. The brand is best known for their beeswax lip balm and, out of 150+ products, over half of them are 100% natural. The cream is a rich cleanser that is infused with Aloe Vera, Chamomile and Echinacea that helps keeps your skin moisturized and soft. The cleansing abilities come from the Soap Bark which is a natural cleansing agent that removes dirt, oil and make-up.

We currently carry Burt’s Bees 5 piece set and the Head to Toe Starter Kit (6 piece) at a fantastic price, come check it out!

#2 Ahava Extreme Day Cream

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Natural active ingredients from the Dead Sea and the Himalayas help to protect against environmental aggressors and minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles. They help to firm the skin for a more youthful appearance while providing the ultimate in hydration.

#3 Derma E Skin Lighten Natural Fade and Age Spot Cream

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Derma E Skin Lighten Age Spot Cream is a natural fade and age spot cream which contains Licorice, Alpha-Arbutin and Vitamin C. Skin Lighten is a unique, natural blend of vitamins and herbs, a new idea which helps to remove age and liver spots, lighten your complexion and even your skin tone. It uses no harmful bleaches or hydroquinone. Inhibits melanin production (skin pigment) and helps to disperse existing melanin.

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With the advancements in the beauty industry and more health conscious consumers, green can look good on any and everyone. Here’s to nature and the natural beauty!

 

 

 

How to Support Your Home Team & Look Good Doing It!

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Being a team player is something that we have always been encouraged starting from childhood and throughout the years we have been more selective with our teams. When it comes to sports we choose our favorite team based on plenty of aspects such as home state, star quality, mascot and even team colors. In this day and age, sports aren’t just a guy thing as the girls can readily take part in getting into the game, especially when it comes to college sports. Sports are a big part of college life but so is fashion and sometimes wearing your favorite player’s jersey doesn’t quite make the grade in fashion. In fact, it might have the fashion police calling a penalty and benching you for the rest of the game. Fashion and sports may be on opposite ends of the spectrum but, that doesn’t mean you can only have one or the other. Here’s how you can add a little school spirit to your everyday look and look good while doing it.

Blue and Gold

Blue and gold is a popular color combination when it comes to college sports and lucky for the fashionista in you, it is also a combination that allows for super cute and versatile looks. If you bleed blue and gold then you’ll love this college ensemble that you can easily take from the classroom to the bleachers.

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When it comes to dressing for game day, keep it simple and of course comfortable. On a warm day that will have rooting for your team outside, go for a cute tank in white with ruffle detailing or a peplum and pair it with blue pants. All schools use a different blue, so if your team is all about periwinkle, match your pants to that shade as best as possible. To show off your fashionable side, accessorize with a statement necklace that has both of your school colors in it. Make sure you have a good size bag to carry your snacks in because you wouldn’t want to miss the game with having to run to the concession stand. Finally, when it comes to your shoes, flats are a great choice whenever you’re out at a game because they’re perfect to jump up in down in when your team just scored the winning touchdown. When your overall look is tame, go for the gold, literally, when it comes to shoes and throw a little glitter in for a feminine chic touch.

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When you’re dressing up in your school colors be sure not to overdo it when it comes to showing your team spirit so always let the outfit do the work while your makeup compliments. For a blue and gold themed outfit your best bet is to use one color so you don’t look too coordinated; yes there is such a thing. Keep the look clean with a good foundation, nude lip and minimal blush or bronzer. Choose gold for the eyes and pair it with a bronze or brown to go for a smokey eye affect. Touch it up with a little mascara and eye liner and you’re all set.

Purple and Gold

Purple and gold are both in the royal family so your outfit is sure to be a royal flush when it comes to this look.

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If spring isn’t quite here yet, skip the tank top and go for a light weight gold sweater to keep you warm when you’re cooling down during half time. To add some wow factor to your gold toned top, go for purple printed pants such as these purple laced print pants. Sports are all about the last few seconds of the game so, you want to make sure you’re always on time and a great outfit needs a great watch. With so much richness going on, tone it down with neutral colored bag and shoes. Here we have a white bag and black wedges but tan or vice versa would work just as well.

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Just as suggested for the blue and gold look, you want to keep it clean, but with a richer color palette a smidge more won’t hurt. When going for a smokey eye for this look, rely on your purple instead of the gold this time. Avoid using silver as a highlight with this look as it will clash with the gold, instead use a lighter purple or pink. Depending on your complexion as well as the shades of purple you use, you may be able to go for some color on your lips but remember a little goes a long way and to keep it in the family.

Blue and White

Basic colors need a simple look but of course with some fashionable flare to it. Here is how to dress up for your blue and white team.

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Blue and white says simple so when it comes to choosing a look, minimalistic is best. To show your sporty side yet with a flare of spring fashion, a white summer style dress is a great pick, especially pared with a stylish cardigan in blue. When accessorizing, avoid gold as your school colors are blue and white so instead when it comes to jewelry go for silver. Jewelry is also a great way to add a pop of color into your otherwise monotone wardrobe but, remember to stay away from any color that belongs to the team your school is play against that night. To finish the look, don a simplistic cross body bag and white slip on shoes. Feel free to go for blue when it comes to your shoes but, do your best to match it to the blue of your cardigan.

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With blue and white being staple colors, it’s best to go for a natural look to maintain an effortless look. Bronzer is your friend when it comes to the au natural makeup but, use it sparingly. You want to look as you have a slight sun kissed look, not that you were burned by it.

Now that you have some great looks to choose from, no matter your team you’ll be ready to cheer them on. If your school color wasn’t included on the list no worries as these tips can lend themselves easily for whatever school spirit you have to show.