Video tutorial: How to curl your hair with a flat iron

With the holidays coming up, many of you will be going to parties, which is the perfect time to try out a cute new hairstyle. In this video tutorial, I demonstrate how to achieve the super curly, voluminous hairstyle pictured below using only a flat iron! It took me about 30 minutes to curl my hair like this -- much longer than it usually takes to style my hair -- but let's face it, sometimes a great hairstyle takes time.

I hope you enjoy the video! Let me know if you have any questions at all!

P.S. I first learned this curling technique from YouTuber Rosebud143. Click here to watch her video demonstrating the same curling method. 

Did you already know how to curl your hair this way? If not, do you think you will you give this technique a try?

Nail of the day - OPI Lincoln Park After Dark

You know how when you were a kid you had a big box of crayons? My favorite color was Crayola's Robin Egg Blue. Now that we're older, instead of crayons we have nail polish! And one of my favorite colors nowadays is OPI's Lincoln Park After Dark.

Today I decided to treat myself to a manicure after work. I've been doing so well all month with my goal of saving money that I felt like I deserved it. So, when I walked into the salon and took a peek at the colors, I immediately plucked out Lincoln Park After Dark. It's a deep purple -- almost black, and it's perfect for this time of year. It's just a no-brainer.

This color has been a favorite for what seems like several years now. I just can't get enough of it. Is Lincoln Park After Dark one of your favorites as well? Or, are you sick of it?

Fabulous handmade goodies found on Etsy

From ornate soaps and yummy body scrubs to chic bobby pins and headbands, Etsy has it all. It's an online community where people can buy and sell handmade or vintage items - and you must check it out, if you're not already hooked! Look at what I found: 

French chic set of 3 gold bobby pins - $9

The importance of eyeshadow primer: My scientific experiment

Pretties, I have been undertaking a little experiment for the past few days having to do with eyeshadow primer. Check out all the details below:

Abstract: I have only been using eyeshadow primer for about six months, and in that short time it has become an essential part of my makeup collection. In this experiment, I set out to prove that eyeshadow primer provides substantial benefits to makeup-wearers.

Hypothesis: Using eyeshadow primer causes shadow to be more vibrant and stay on longer.

Equipment: 

I'll take a "Lipstick Martini," please!

Hey Pretties! I just got back to New York after spending a few days in Toronto, Ontario for work.

While out to dinner at a swanky restaurant called Bymark in the heart of downtown Toronto I came across the coolest cocktail that I just had to share with all my fellow beauty addicts. It's called the "lipstick martini!"

My No. 1 most essential makeup product

You know how people ask -- if you were stranded on a deserted island but could take one thing, what would you bring? Well, in terms of makeup, what would your answer be? 

For me, the most important piece of makeup in my collection is, without a doubt, concealer.

See, I do not have perfect skin, by any means. About once a month I tend to break out. I'm actually just now recovering from a breakout on my chin. It's really annoying but it's just something I have to deal with.

Needless to say, I have tried tons of concealers over the years. Here are two of my absolute favorites:

Lancome Maquicomplet - $28.50

Beauty inspiration: braided hairstyles

With the holidays coming up, most of us will be going to parties to catch up with friends and family. This holiday season, consider trying a cute braided hairstyle! There are so many different braided styles out there. Some can add a cool, bohemian feeling to your look, while others are totally sophisticated. Check out the photos below for some inspiration.

Braided updos: