BEAUTY: How TO GET Straight HAIR

Hi ladies- Rachel from Life Unsweetened here. As much as I love my natural curls, there are days when all I want in sleek, pin-straight hair. Luckily for me and the rest of the women who feel the same, there are a variety of styling products and tools that make this easily achievable. The photo of Doutzen Krous above shows just why women covet the center-parted, straight look.

Want to copy her style without the help of a professional hairdresser? Read on below. Start off by prepping wet hair with a product like Bumble and Bumble Straight Blow Dry.

This lightweight balm allows you to get straight hair while also reducing frizz. Since the product is activated by heat, it's perfect for using right before blow-drying. Plug in your favorite blow dryer and use a GHD Paddle Brush to dry hair in sections, starting on the lower layers by clipping the tops layers out of the way. Straight hair looks amazing with a center part, so if you can pull it off, try it. After the hair is dry from blow drying, it's time to straighten the locks.

Chances are your hair is semi-straight from blow-drying with the paddle brush, but for pin-straight hair you'll want to eliminate any bends or bumps. The GHD Classic 1 Inch Styler gets the job done quickly and efficiently. Lastly, it's time for shine and hold. The Ouidad Climate Control Frizz & Flyaway Fighter Taming Shine Spray will eliminate any frizzies that popped up after blow-drying or straightening. As an added bonus, it adds shine without looking too greasy. Lightly mist your entire head with the Drybar Money Maker Flexible Hold Hairspray. This product has a long-lasting hold and is formulated without parabens.


-post by Rachel

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BEAUTY: Frizz Busters

Everyone has something that they do not like about their hair, for me—it is frizz. And in my case, my “frizzy” hair is the byproduct of damaged, porous hair that has stretched and then broken off.

Unfortunately, there is no reversing this damage, but it can be made less noticeable by using the right product. The right product will temporarily seal the ends and will use ingredients that smooth the hair shaft by coating it and making the hair lay flat.

I am currently using the Monoi Repairing Anti Breakage Spray from the Carol’s Daughter haircare line, which I was introduced to at the Lucky FABB conference. It is a wonderful product and really helps with the detangling which is one of the first steps in preventing further breakage. I also included the Monoi Repairing Split End Sealer. I have not used this product yet, but based on the one I am currently using, I do plan on purchasing it.

I am also considering the Caviar Perfect Iron Spray, it is supposed to protect hair up to 450 degrees and if you are like me and have to blow dry and flat iron your hair on a daily basis, a product that protects it from heat is a must have. The Hot Toddy Heat Protecter by Drybar has also piqued my interest. I like that this product helps to reduce friction, because friction will also make damaged hair look more frizzy. I discovered this when I use to curl my hair by wrapping it around the barrel and not using the clamp. Curling your hair using this method causes it to slide up and down the the barrel, which is more or less like rubbing it against the barrel — and we all know what happens when you rub your hair on a balloon—not pretty! But a product that helps cut down on friction will certainly help with the appearance of frizz.

And the Climate Control Gel by Ouidad, this I must try. A gel that combats heat and humidity? Bring it on! I live in New York which is famous for it’s hot, sweltering, and humid summers. So come next June I will be adding this to my shopping list for sure. Finally, The Full Thickening Cream by Living Proof is a product I have used in the past, it is very light and has a wonderful scent—not too sweet. It helps by adding volume and coating the hair shaft. Damaged hair is generally thinner then healthy hair due to breakage, so a thickening cream can definitely be a big help. Well I hope this helps you bust your frizzies!


- post by alicia

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BEAUTY: PLAITES + PONIES

Hey girls, Kimberly here and I'm currently trying to source some beauty inspiration for the upcoming Spring 2014 season that will be upon us before we know it! And upon doing so, I couldn't help but to take notice of a couple of trends that seemed to dominate the runways (whether bedazzled or woven): Plaits and Ponies. Pictured Above: Mara Hoffman, Spring 2014 // Beleza Extraordinaria // Verão 2013 - SPFW // CZAR Cesar Galindo's Spring/Summer 2014 




No matter the length of your mane anyone can pull off a braided or pulled up 'do. But the essentials for doing so successfully, remain the same. You'll need a few hair pins, a couple of hair ties, a serum of your choice, brush and combs that'll pull the entire look together, and a unique accessory to add a little flair to the otherwise traditional 'do. Some of my favorite hair'cessories are pictured below. One thing I love about this plait and pony trend is it's effortless ability to transition from Fall to Spring! It's all in the way you execute it! For fall, I'll be rocking this trend with bold brows and bold lips whereas for Spring I'll be playing up neutral lips, maintaining dewy skin, and making sure to flaunt bronzed cheek bones!


Pictured Above: Nicole Miller Spring 2014 Ready-to-Wear Beauty // Tia Cibani Spring 2014 // VPL Spring 2014 // Rebecca Minkoff Spring 2014 // Naeem Khan Spring 2014



Topshop, Premium Rhinestone Crown ($90) // Jenny Packham, Navette Comb ($504) // River Island, Gold-Tone Encrusted Hair Crown ($18)

Are you feeling the trend? And are you a Pony or Plait kinda girl?

-post by kimberly luxe 

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Oscar Blandi Hair & Beauty Giveaway

TGIF right?? Well, I'd like to leave you all with a wonderful giveaway!

This week, you're in for a treat!  We're working with Oscar Blandi and giving away some of his awesome hair & beauty products valued at over $300.00!  PLUS, we're not stopping there. We're also gonna throw in some freebies from the MADE BY GIRL shop. To give you a total prize valued at over $400.00!!! Check out below how you can enter.

What Will I Win?

Oscar Blandi Hair & beauty products valued at over $300.00! Products include:

• (1) Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo
• (1) Oscar Blandi Dry Conditioner Spray
• (1) Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo Powder Spray
• (1) Oscar Blandi Dry Texture & Volume Spray
• (1) Oscar Blandi Olio di Jasmine Hair Serum
• (1) Oscar Blandi Pronto Gloss Instant Glossing Cream
• (1) Freeze 24•7 Skin Glacé
• (1) Freeze 24•7 Skin Smoothie 
• (1) Cargo HD Picture Perfect Translucent Powder

PLUS : Extra gifts from the MADE BY GIRL.  Including:

• (1) Small Gold LOVE (8"x10") print 
• (1) Fashionable Zoey (Brown) Tote
• (1) Flora Gold Wire Bracelet

 Total Value of Products: $416.00

 How Do I Enter?

• All you have to do is follow MADE BY GIRL on instgram here & REGRAM this photo onto your Instagram. 
• You must use tag:  #MADEBYGIRL - so we can find you!! 

Giveaway ends?

You have ONE WEEK to enter! Giveaway ends on: November 15, 2013.



- post by jen ramos

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THE HAIR WISHLIST

Hello Monday! It's back to work right? 

Well, before you go, I think it's time we have a serious discussion about a pretty serious topic -- our hair.  Let's be real. You could have the nicest top-designer shoes & an outfit that compliments your figure so well, you'd think you were born for each other. BUT.....if your hair isn't as healthy and beautiful & styled the way you'd like, then it really doesn't matter what you're wearing.

I think we can admit it: the hair makes the outfit. The hair boosts our confidence!! There's a reason there's no such thing as "a bad shoe day" or "a bad nail day"...

So now that the summer has done it's damage & we brace ourselves for a new, cooler season, it's time to take a second look at our hair care regimen. Cleanse, treat, replenish? What do YOU want to work on as you welcome fall?

Here's a few items I have on my "Hair Wishlist" - you should def consider!

1. Phylia Re-Connect // 2. Oscar Blandi Jasmine // 3. Kérastase Elixir Ultime // 4. Oscar Blandi Pronto // 5. Phylia Connect // 6. Kérsastase Masque Elixir Ultime

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Ban.do - Couture & Handmade

Ban.do is owned & run by designers, Jen & Jamie in Los Angeles, California. They create the most gorgeous headpieces I've ever seen! In so many colors, Ban.do offers a wide variety for brides-to-be who want something original. Their exclusive designs are great for parties, birthdays & most of all weddings! If you're on a budget, they have the Heart by Ban.do collection, super affordable and every piece is $50 or less! Here are a few of my favorites below....enjoy your weekend!

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