Red on red

Wearing Nars Flamenco from the Steven Klein Magnificent Obsession Lip Set

Easy reds. What is that? It's a red lippie which:

• Never makes you break a sweat when applying it
• Reinforcements, who needs em'? Read: Q-tips, tissues, and a bottle of micellar water
• And, one that receives the most compliments, and is quite possibly the most universally flattering shade of red.

Why Francois ever decided to permanently pull Flamenco (a sheer, candy apple red) from the shelves, it honestly alludes me to this day. But if you're in a Sephora this particular weekend, and you happen to spy this gift set leftover from the holidays on the shelf, please buy it for your BFF. She will thank you, and maybe even offer to let you borrow it from time to time. I've even been told Flamenco is their "power red," and she's a lawyer.

Mysterious Red Velvet Matte Lip Pencil (bottom), Flamenco (middle), and Misdemeanor Lip Liner (top)

Swatches of Misdemeanor Lip Liner (left), Mysterious Red Velvet Matte Lip Pencil (centre), and Flamenco (right)

Curling irons need not apply

The artillery  

During our latest trip to Kauai, aloha, I haven't done all that much with my hair thanks to the humidity hovering well above 30% on most days. To add insult to injury, my hair is in a wretched state from repeated heat styling, and transitioning from bronde ombré to red. First world problems.

Before leaving for Hawaii I went in search of a leave-in treatment that would protect my fragile strands from the harmful UV rays, as well as give them a potent dose of hydration. Enter De Lorenzo's Intense Hair Moisturiser, specifically formulated for dry, colour treated hair.

There's a bit of a learning curve when it comes to applying this stuff. The first few days of use produced greasy strands near the nape of my neck, while the remainder of my hair continued to feel straw-like. To avoid over hydrating the healthiest bits of my hair, I first concentrated on my ends, and finger combed the rest near the crown of my head.

This post isn't meant to be focussed on hair care product, per se, but I felt it prudent to at least provide a mini review😊

Ponytails (I'll land the plane, promise). I've never liked wearing ponytails, except for when I'm exercising; besides, I don't think I have the profile to pull one off (an odd quirk of mine). In an effort to not fall into yet another hair rut I've gotten into the habit of inverting my ponytail (the one where you split your hair apart just above the hair elastic, and then flip the ends up and through). It looks effortless, especially as it becomes undone throughout the day.

The inverted pony

After leaving my hair to air dry for a few hours never did I expect to unfurl loose, beachy waves. Mind blown.

 Hair how to:

1. Start with damp hair, the saltier the better
2. Part hair down the middle or to one side
3. Comb through a leave-in treatment, focus on the ends
4. Pull hair into a low ponytail and secure with an elastic hair tie
5. Split your hair apart just above the hair tie, twirl the loose ends, and flip them up and through
6. Allow your hair to air dry for around three hours, it should feel dry to the touch
7. Gently remove the hair tie, and finger comb your waves

For an added bonus if you didn't take a dip in the sea, set your waves with a sea salt spray. My personal favourites: Frederic Fekkai's Soleil Beach Waves Tousling Spray, or John Freida's Beach Blonde Salt Spray.

For girls with longer hair: double or triple up on the number of inverted ponytails.

The results

Tip: leave some slack when you're tying on the hair elastic to avoid the dreaded hair dent. If it feels too loose, pull the ends apart to tighten your inverted pony.

Holiday makeup inspiration

Believe it or not these photos were taken back on the Fourth of July, and I suspect I was feeling semi-patriotic with my blue spotty sweater, and Ruby Woo lips.

Here's hoping these photos will give you a bit of holiday inspo for your next holiday party.

Now, some time has passed, so I'll do my best to remember everything that I put on my face.

The look:

• Base: Makeup Forever's HD Foundation set with Chanel's Vitalumiere Loose Powder Foundation
• Contour: Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer
• Highlight: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Luminous Light
• Cheeks: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Luminous Flush
• Eyes: Various shades (Gold, Sable, Lt Bronze, and Espresso) from the Lorac Pro Palette, Marc Jacobs Highliner in Ro(Cocoa) to tightline, and UD's Perversion Mascara
• Lips: Ruby Woo Lip Pencil

What are some of your favourite makeup-y things to wear during the festive season?

How to create effortless waves with your straightening iron || video tutorial

Last week my friend, Diana, e-mailed me with a request to teach her how to create waves with a straightening iron.

Admittedly, this technique takes a little bit of practice, but after a few times I promise you'll be able to do this too.

Before you start, be have the following items handy:

• Dry shampoo (not mentioned in video) -- if the hair framing your forehead is on the greasy side, it's always best to prep this area first.
• Flat/straightening iron with a slim profile, preferably with ceramic plates as I find it leaves hair with a smoother finish.
• Texturising spray to set the waves.
• A comb
• A few hair clips to section the hair off.

Hopefully this video gives me a good kick in the butt to start blogging again.