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

9 hottest nail polish

Today we're talking about nail polish.

With Spring headed our way - a lot of us girls will be looking for the newest trend in polish color. The HOTTEST nail polish in my opinion is Tom Ford. Why?

Because it stays on.  A few weeks ago I bought only (1) by Mr. Ford to try it out, Bordeaux Lust & it's lasted me up to 4 days without even chipping! On top of that, the color is gorgeous & rich. The price is on the high-side, so if you can't see yourself scooping up $35 - I would opt for Illamasqua which is only $17 (mid-range) and is also long-lasting.

What is your favorite polish brand & why??

-top image via YSL

-post by jen ramos

Beauty: Two Toned Lips

Hi ladies, it's me again- Rachel from Life Unsweetened. Today I'm going to give my thoughts on how to pull off the two-tone lip. I know what you're thinking- two colors at once, that seems a bit scary- but I promise it's not. The best part about this trend is that there are a ton of different ways to wear it. So whether you're a lipstick newbie or a daring lady who wants to make a statement, here's how to pull off the two-tone lip trend.  

Beginner- A touch of color on the center. If you're scared to try the two-toned lip, this is the best way to start. Apply your regular color, a tawny pink like Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Lipstick in "Nude Beige" works well for most skintones, lightly all over your lips. Then add the pop of color to the center of your lips with a glossy red stain, like Tarte LipSurgence™ Lip Tint in "Swank". Pat it on with your fingers to control the amount of color you want, this way you can't go overboard. If you've applied too much, simply blot with a tissue and you're good to go!

Intermediate- A true ombre lip. If you want to try something a bit bolder, an ombre lip is the way to go. The basic look of an ombre lip is dark on the outside and gradually gets lighter as you go to the center. The best part about this look is you can choose any color group  you want. For example, for a red ombre lip, you'd use a burgundy lip liner, a brick red lipstick for the middle and then a pinky-rude on the center. To copy the look above, first apply a deep red lip liner (like NARS Lipliner Pencil in "Amazon"). Fill in your lips with a perfect red shade, like Maybelline Color Sensation Lipcolor in "Are You Red-dy". Finally, add a fuschia-pink (like MAC "Candy Yum Yum" Lipstsick) to the center for some drama. Top it off with a clear gloss if you dare!

Expert- Different colors on bottom & top lip. I've only seen this look on the runways or in pages of Allure, but I commend any woman who tries this in real life. While it may not be appropriate for work, you could try it for a fun girl's night out. As crazy as it may look to you, it's actually the simplest look of the three. Apply two contrasting colors to your lips- one on the top and one on the bottom. A color combo that can't go wrong? A hot orange on top and a bright pink on the bottom. I suggest Revlon Super Lustrous Creme Lipstick in "Siren" and Sephora Collection Rouge Shine Lipstick in "Just Dating".  

Which one of these looks would you try? 

-post by rachel 

Beauty: Mascara for Every Lash Type

Hi, I'm Rachel from Life Unsweetened. I'm so excited to share my first post as a MADE BY GIRL beauty contributor. As a beauty-obsessed woman, finding the perfect mascara formula has been a longtime goal of mine. While I haven't quite found "the one", I have found a bunch of different brands and formulas that work for each type of lash.  So whether your lashes are lacking volume or you're searching for a mascara that stays put all day long, here are a few of my personal favorites.

Volumizing- Just as the name says, the L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara is a cult-favorite for a reason. From the classic packaging to the awesome price tag, this product has it all. Years ago, I turned to online mascara reviews to find a solution to my naturally thin lashes, and this formula was a clear winner. I suggest choosing the "Carbon Black" formula- it's truly the darkest shade that provides thick and lush lashes that everyone will envy.

Lengthening- Unless you were born with butterfly lashes (in which case, I envy you), falsies are a solution to add some length. However, applying them every day can be a bit time-consuming and expensive. Benefit's 'They're Real" Mascara gives my lashes the falsie effect- without the eyelash glue and mishaps. Although it's a bit pricier than what you'll find at your local drugstore, the formula lasts long and is worth every penny. I personally love the long brush with a spiked end to coat each and every corner for a doe-eyed look.

Colored- I typically reserve colored mascara for a fun night out or special event, but some ladies prefer to wear it daily. If you're tired of the same makeup routine, colored mascara is an easy way to make your eyes pop. Almay Intense I-Color Volumizing Mascara comes in 4 expertly-crafted shades to enhance the natural color of your eyes. I love the plum shade- it draws attention to my big brown eyes.

Waterproof- Waterproof mascara is a must-have for summer heat, busy days at the office and weddings. Maybelline The Falsies Waterproof Mascara is one of the few waterproof formulas that worked for me. It not only gives your lashes thickness and length, but stays put during a full day at the beach.

Natural- For the ladies who prefer organic beauty products, natural mascara can be tough to spot. My go-to is the tarte lights, camera, lashesô 4-in-1 Mascara. †The olive esters conditions, treats and protects lashes without any harmful chemicals. In addition, I'm in love with the mascara brush and cute packaging. Win- win!



- post by rachel

AERIN Eau De Parfum

Hey everyone!! How are you guys enjoying 2014 so far??

Why don't we start the week with something sweet!!  I love wearing perfume, don't you? So, today I wanted to let you in on a hot new fragrance line called AERIN.  The garden inspired scents are unbelievable – I actually went ahead about bought myself a little Christmas present: the Amber Musk. The packaging is also gorgeous as you can see below - the beautiful fabric-like boxes sold me right away! Check out some of the wonderful scents they offer, and start your year off on the right "note".

Have you tried Aerin yet? Which is your favorite scent from the collection??

 1. Aerin Fragrances /// 2. Ikat Jasmine /// 3. Amber Musk /// 4. Fragrance Coffret /// 5. All Fragrances

- post by jen ramos

Contributors Wanted

The time has come again! Contributors are such a joy to have at MadeByGirl & we are now looking for a few good ones! Love to see beautiful posts, don't you?  Time to switch out the current contributors & bring in FRESH FACES & posts! I'm usually busy managing my MBG Shop, painting for my Cocoa & Hearts gallery, marketing, answering e-mail & maintaining my personal life.  Looking for new contributors to start around  February 1st or 15th!!!!
 

I'd love to recruit 5-6 contributors to blog here on Made By Girl!  It's not going to be an easy task - but I'll choose bloggers for each category below.  Categories are:
 

• Decor/Interior Design
• Fashion
• Beauty
• Food

Below I've outlined the details:

HOW OFTEN WILL YOU POST: 
1-2x per month for 6 months.
 
EXPERIENCE:  
Yes - Must have an active/updated blog. I'm looking for bloggers who have some knowledge of programs like Photoshop & have a 'similar aesthetic' as Made By Girl. The posts you write for MBG cannot be posted on your own blog, but you can link to it from your blog.
 

WILL THERE BE COMPENSATION: 
Not at this time. But it's a great chance to gain more exposure & collaborate with MBG blog. I will also gift a LOVE print to all the new contributors who are chosen!
 
BIO PAGES: 
We'll be adding a page with photos & short bios of all the current contributors - here's an example. .

RESOURCES: 
It's very important to credit 'all' images properly.

PRETTY POST PLS: 
I love pretty & interesting posts. So pls put some LOVE into it! 

FASHION BLOGGER SUBMISSIONS: 
 I will need some collage-style posts from you, NOT all outfit posts. 

HOW DO YOU SUBMIT: 
If you you want to submit, email here  & let us know 'which category' you're interested in. Write 'Contributors' in the email subject pls. ALSO, pls email me your blog so I can see your style! If you submitted last yr. don't be afraid to submit again! 
   
WHEN WILL WE SELECT CONTRIBUTORS: 
If you don't hear from someone at Made By Girl in about 2-3 weeks from this post, it means someone else was selected.  Unfortunately, we may not be able to respond to everyone. We will post the selected contributors in an upcoming post!

Thanks & looking forward to hearing from you! 

Beauty: 2013 Beauty Favorites

Hello everyone! Kelsey from Kelsey Nicole here. Today, I am going to share with you my top ten beauty products from this past year, 2013. Let's get to it!

Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder | Tarte EmphasEYES Inner Rim Eye Brightener | Clarisonic Deep Pore Daily Cleanser | Benefit They're Real! Mascara | Josie Maran 100 Percent Pure Argan Oil | Wen by Chaz Dean Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner | Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion | Urban Decay Naked3 Palette | Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss in Petal | bareMinerals Matte Foundation

What were your beauty favorites in 2013?

- post by kelsey

BEAUTY: 5 Facial Oils

Hello everyone! Kelsey from Kelsey Nicole here again. Winter seems to be officially here and weather in Maryland has been awfully cold the last few days. One of my favorite things to do when I get home from running around in the cold all day, besides putting on warm pajamas, is wash my face and put on facial oil. Facial oil is quickly absorbed and provides numerous benefits to dry skin. Here are a few of my favorites:

Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Cell Repair Night Oil | Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil | Boscia Tsubaki Beauty Oil | Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil | Caudalie Divine Oil

- post by kelsey

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 

Beauty: Holiday Value Sets

Hi again! Kelsey from Kelsey Nicole here. It's the beginning of December, & it's the perfect time to to start thinking about holiday presents. Below are a few value sets that are perfect for a relative, a friend, a coworker, or yourself! See anything you like??

Philosophy Festive Favorites Gift Set // Laura Mercier Just Bare Mini Lip Glace Collection // Drybar VIP Kit // Bobbi Brown Old Hollywood Luxe Travel Brush Set // Stila Holiday Essentials Kit // Wen by Chaz Dean Healthy Hair Care Kit

- post by kelsey