10 Unconventional Ways to Style a Braid
Braids have been the rage for a while now, and we’re totally on board. We already use braid techniques all the time in our DIY projects, why not bring them back to beauty? Here are 10 creative takes on the classic braid, inspired by looks found on the red carpet, Pinterest, and here at Brit HQ. 1. Fishtail Accent Piece For this look, we were inspired by a shot of Ciara Harris rocking blond ombre locks with a sneaky little fishtail braid thrown into the mix. 2. Side braids can look glamorous too! 3. Instead of a simple bun, why not add a few fishtail details to the whole affair? 4. Pinterest and the blogging community went nuts when the waterfall braid hit the scene, so we had to give it a try. 5. This one of the most classic braid looks around, and we particularly love how it looks on Scarlett Johansson. 6. You read that right. 7. This one was inspired by Blake Lively‘s recent penchant for rocking serious fishtail braids. 8. Gwen Stefani knows how to rock a pair of cornrows. 9. 10.
KITCHEN BEAUTICIAN: HOMEMADE LIP STAIN
photos + post by amy nadine, graphic design by eunice chun For those of you concerned about what chemicals we’re putting in and on our bodies, you can’t get more natural than this homemade berry lip stain! We love it because it adds the perfect “just-bitten” hint of color to fake that Snow White luscious lip! Here’s how to do it yourself: INGREDIENTS: 3 Blackberries (for their bright berry color), 1 Raspberry (for its feminine pink color), 3 Pomegranate Seeds (for their vibrant red color), 1/2 teaspoon edible oil (I used Extra Virgin Olive Oil), a small Bowl + Spoon (or mortar + pestle if you have them), Fork or Sifter to drain, small 5-gram Pot/Jar with screw top from any craft store STEP 1: Mash the blackberries and raspberry in the bowl thoroughly with the back of your spoon. STEP 2: Add the pomegranate juice into the mixture by individually squeezing them between your thumb and index fingers over the bowl. For application, use your fingers, a lip brush or a Q-tip. Related posts:
Upcycled Fabric + Paper Owls
This has been quite the week for me. Its so funny how things come in spurts, but I’ll tell you, I’m not knocking it. I am happy to tell you that this sweet owl-y DIY project is featured over at Design*Sponge today. When Charlie told me he wanted a Harry Potter Birthday party, I have to admit I got pretty excited! Let’s have Potions Class and mix some crazy stuff! Let’s play Quidditch on bikes! The owls came out so well, I wanted to keep a flock of them for myself. These are quite easy to make and use just fabric scraps, paperboard (my favorite) and some decorative items. Pop on over to Design Sponge and give it a whirl. Happy Halloween!
6 drinks that shrink your belly
That ice-cold lemonade may hit the spot on a 90-degree day, but it’s not doing your waistline any favors. A 20-ounce Minute Maid Lemonade contains 250 calories and 68 g of sugar. Fortunately, there are plenty of refreshing summer drinks that you can drink without guilt—and they may actually help you lose weight. Here are six ways to quench your thirst without packing on pounds. 6 Super Smoothie Recipes Flat Belly Drink: Flavored Water Staying hydrated is important when you’re trying to lose weight. Get the full Sassy Water Recipe Flat Belly Drink: Watermelon Smoothie As long as they’re made without sugary mixers like sherbet, smoothies are a guilt-free way to hydrate—and watermelon is a terrific, low-cal smoothie base. Try This Watermelon Smoothie Recipe Flat Belly Drink: Iced Peppermint Tea This minty thirst quencher is super refreshing on a hot summer day, but it’s also a super-effective belly flattener. 7 Healing Herbal Teas Flat Belly Drink: Pineapple Frappe Flat Belly Drink: Green Tea
DIY Rosemary Foot Soak & Olive Oil Scrub
So I got this crazy thought, that it might be nicer for me (and my fellow gym-goers) if my feet got a little extra attention. You know, every once in a while. I find it really challenging doing anything to my feet during winter, since they're tightly shoved into boots all the time anyway. I should, though, and it would be so easy to just do while I watch some tv show I'm gonna watch anyways! So, I've noticed a few articles about using epsom salt in foot soaks, and started digging. Turns out it will soothe aches, eliminate smells and softens up rough skin. My feet feel so happy right now, why don't you give it a go? (The epsom salt package says not to use it in a foot bath in some cases, read the package!) How to: First, make the scrub! The soak: Boil a few branches of rosemary in water for a couple of minutes. Slice up 2 lemons in whatever it is you're using as the "bath" for your feet. Add 1/2 cup of epsom salt. After that, scrub with your olive oil scrub. Rinse. Done!
DIY: Make Your Own Natural Organic Lipbalm | Yiskah Knits
Lipbalm seems to be one of those things that people hoard, myself included. I can never resist a pretty pot or unusual smell. That’s probably why i’ve wanted to make my own for so long. Here’s an incredibly simple recipe and method. These will last up to 2 years so make up a batch and keep them on hand for quick gifts, party favours, stocking fillers, teacher gifts, fundraising, anything you like! Makes: 20 (easily halved or quartered) Ingredients 28g beeswax20g solid cocoa butter50ml almond oil50 drops flavour essence (I used 25 drops lime and 25 drops coconut) You can find all of these ingredients online really easily. Equipment Heatproof or stainless steel bowlSaucepanMeasuring jug / scalesPipette (optional)Containers of your choice, mine are 4.5ml Method Quick warning: You’re free to use these lipbalms yourself (obviously!) How easy was that?
mon makes things: Star Light Star Bright Light Garland
So as I mentioned in my Craft Envy post about pretty twinkle lights, I've been longing for the soft glow of string lights since I reluctantly put away my light-up palette Christmas tree (in February...) And I finally managed to check this project off my "idea" list! This was one of those projects that took a few tries... It was actually inspired by a stack of cardboard scraps. But this isn't made with cardboard. I scratched that method when it SUCKED. Stuff you'll need: several sheets of white craft foam, exacto knife, cutting mat, globe string lights, white spray paint (optional) (Optional): I bought my lights just after Christmas (clearance, hayoo!) I hung my lights with little cord clips from 3M; I'm a big fan of them. What do you think of my star light star bright garland? Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter this past weekend!
Rainforest Lip Butter Recipe
This creamy, moisturizing lip butter is made with some of the most beneficial skin care ingredients that the rainforest has to offer. Rich Cupuacu Butter, nourishing Acai and Maracuja Oils are blended with natural Beeswax and Andiroba Oil to create a soft, conditioning lip treatment. Mango Flavor Oil adds an exotic aroma to this recipe, but if you prefer an all natural balm, try using 1/2 teaspoon of your favorite Mint Essential Oil in its place. Rainforest Lip Butter Makes about 5 Ounces, enough to fill about 15 1/4 oz. Slider Tins. Ingredients 1/2 ounce Maracuja (Passion Fruit) Oil 1/2 0unce Acai Berry Oil 1 ounce Andiroba Oil 2 ounces Cupuacu Butter 1 ounce Beeswax 1 teaspoon Mango Flavor Oil Directions In a double boiler, gently melt the Beeswax and Cupuacu Butters together. Usage & Packaging This nourishing Lip Balm can be applied to dry lips as often as you like.
