JANUARY FAVORITES

Happppyyyy Friiidaaayyy! I'm so excited that today is Friday, I can't even tell you. I just...I CAN'T with this weather!!! I need some sunshine in my life, you know what I mean?? Anyway, I'll stop whining to you guys about the weather now (ps if any of my readers live in California, I hate you. Not really - I love you. I just...can I visit??).

Now that I've been Youtubing it up for a little while, I thought I might as well join the monthly favorites fun that so many Youtubers partake in. So if you'd like to see my favorite products for the month of January, check out the video below. I also added my favorite product from the shop last month as well as my best seller in January for a little somethin' different. 

PRODUCTS MENTIONED:

Proactiv+

Covergirl TruBlend Foundation

Maybelline Falsies Volume Express in "Blackest Black"

Revlon Matte Lipstick in 003 "Mauve It Over" (pretty sure I pronounced that wrong in the video)

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in 815 "Fuchsia Shock"

MAC Fix+

Anthropologie Monogram Doorknocker

Charm & Gumption Cold Hands, Warm Heart Tumbler

my January Best Seller: Charm & Gumption "What Would Bey Do" Gold Foil Print

BEACHY, WAVY HAIR

My hair is naturally wavy, but like most girls with this type of hair, I usually straighten it or curl it because I feel like it is not enough of either to look polished. Some days though, I just own it. Beachy, textured hair can be really pretty and definitely creates a cool, laid back vibe.

I thought I would share some ways to create beachy waves. This picture is of me today with nothing done to my hair whatsoever. I just washed it last night and woke up like this so as you can see, I don't really use any product because this is my natural texture. But, if you want to create waves or amp up your natural waves, here are some ways to do it:

1. Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray - This stuff is pretty legendary, and is known for creating the perfect beachy waves. It mimics the effect of salt water, creating body with a light hold, but is better for your hair. It's $24 but it lasts forever.

2. Hair dryer with a diffuser - Girls with curly hair use these a lot. A diffuser is an attachment for your hair dryer that blows air across a broader surface area, rather than a straight shot of air, which makes your hair less frizzy and keeps the curls from flattening out.

3. Sleep in braids - This is the good old fashioned way to get wavy hair. I used to do this all the time in high school. Just french braid your hair at night when it's wet (I would just do one braid down the middle to keep the waves loose) and in the morning take it out and dry your hair. This brings me to my next tip:

4. Dry your hair with a t-shirt. If your hair is damp and you just want to towel dry it, don't use a towel! I know that sounds weird, but use a t-shirt instead. The fabric is softer and makes your hair less frizzy.

I know there are lots of Youtube tutorials with different ideas too.

I hope you enjoyed these tips - do you have any other ways to create beachy, wavy hair? 

Photo Sources:

ImgFave, williamyan tumblr, they all hate us blog, madeleine magnolia tumblr, cape cod collegiate tumblr

CREATE THE PERFECT BUN

I hope everyone had a great weekend and stayed cool! It was a scorcher. 

In my Monday morning web-browsing, I stumbled upon this cool thing from Asos called the hair donut, which goes around your ponytail to help you shape the perfect bun!

Perfect for anyone struggling to create a chic top knot.

Will you be trying out the hair donut? It seems great for a formal event or something where you want your hair to be really polished.

TATTOOS

Do you have any tattoos? I have zero, but I love clever, meaningful tattoos on other people. I could just never commit (and I don't like pain).

a unique couple tattoo

via Fuel Called Love

via Tattoologist

via Tattoologist

I think if I ever did get one, it would have to be something super tiny like these 2. So then what's the point in getting one? Exactly...

via Trash and Treasure

source unknown

PS temporary tattoos for commitment phobes, like myself.

TOP KNOT

I wear my hair in a bun a lot - in fact, it's in a bun right now. Buns are easy, and they keep your hair off your neck in the summer or when you're working out. The good news is, they're also really in style right now! In fact, there is an entire blog dedicated to this simple, messy hairstyle which is where I found all of the photos below:

If you need a little help achieving the perfect mix of messy and sophisticated, The Beauty Department has a great tutorial.

PS. Some pretty ponytail ideas

PRETTY PONYTAILS

It has been extremely hot in Nashville lately which means I've been wearing my hair in a ponytail a lot. I've been feeling really bored with my regular ponytail so I found some fun ways to make it more interesting:

Sources:

(* = tutorial included)

1. Love Maegan*

2. Citified*

3. We Heart It

4. I Know Hair

5. Everything Just Pure Lovely

6. Dear Emmie*