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Jun 14, 2012

Stay Cool Yet Look Great At Outdoor Summer Events

June 14, 2012 By Carleenp Leave a Comment

While summer means fun in the sun, you may already be glaring at the outdoors. For many of us, its far easier to look cool and collected in the winter, when layers and lovely textiles are the order of the day. In summer, it’s far too easy to look like a lank mess, so consider these important tips for keeping your cool even when it is sweltering out.

Wear Natural Fibers

To understand why you want to wear natural fibers, consider the science. When you sweat in a cotton shirt, the natural fibers pick up the moisture and pull it away from your skin, allowing it to evaporate. Polyester fibers do not pick up the moisture and instead you end up sitting in your own sweat all day. Keep cool in cotton and linen, the standard summer fabrics.

Up with Up-Dos

Summer is no time to have your hair down on your neck or hanging around your face. Not only does this allow your hair to get dirtier and faster, you’ll find that it can also conspire to make you look more tired and hot. Instead, put up your hair in a but, tie it up in a ponytail or braid it close to your head. This keeps you wonderfully cool when the breeze hits the back of your neck.

Keep the Makeup Minimal.

Here’s a horrible summer fact for you: in temperatures that are hot enough, makeup melts off of you. As you sweat, the powders on your face can turn into a muddy sludge, and that is the last thing you want. When you want to get made up for a summer event, stick with waterproof mascara and tinted lip gloss. That is a wonderfully fresh look for you in the summer sun.

Consider Sandals

One of the great pleasures of the summer is wearing sandals and having a great time outside. However, if you are tired of your old sandals, take advantage of some of the new styles that are available to you. This summer is seeing a lot of strappy sandals, ones with very narrow straps and just a little bit of metal detailing. Choose sandals that are stylish and remember that it is hard for one kind of shoe to do anything. If you have to get sandals for both the beach and the mall, so be it!

Sun Block and Lots of It

Nothing puts a damper on a fun summer day as much as sunburn or the specter of skin cancer. The sun’s rays are very harsh, especially on those beautiful bright days, so wherever you go, put on some sun block. The higher the SPF, the more protective it will be for your skin. If you have very pale skin, always slather this stuff on before you leave the house. Even darker skin won’t protect you, so be safe rather than sorry!

Moisturize

The sun and the warmth are great, but remember that they can dry your skin out very quickly. No one likes the itchy, uncomfortable feel of dry skin, so take the time to slather on some of your favorite lotion. Do this right after you come out from the shower and use a fresh, summer-scented lotion. Citrus and freesia are both great summer scents.

Consider what you want to look like this summer, and leave the lank hair and dull skin behind!

Disclosures: Girl Gloss at times reviews products provided by a representative of the company. When we do so, we specifically state so. We also use affiliate links. For more, please see the disclosure page

About the Author: Carleen Coulter

Filed Under: Bling, Color, Fashion, Hair, Makeup Tagged With: Fashion, Hair, Skin

May 30, 2012

How Short Dare You Go?

May 30, 2012 By Guest Post Leave a Comment

Deciding to go for a short or cropped hairstyle is a great choice; not only will your new hairstyle be easily managed and maintained but will give you plenty of freedom for different styles and appearances.

However, you shouldn’t make the decision lightly as once the hair is cut, there’s no going back. Consider the following points before you give your hairdresser the nod to chop:

Tip 1 – Your Face Shape

Although it’s often said that the majority of face shapes can cope with and work a short hair style, there’s also a lot to be said for getting the right shape for your face. Whilst round faces tend to work a style which is longer than the chin and therefore elongates the face rather than a style which sits around the ears and looks like a helmet, a longer face can really pull a longer style down and you may feel that your face is unnecessarily long as a result. In either event, it’s always wise to consider your face shape before choosing a style, although none should prevent you from having a short style.

Tip 2 – Your Neck

If you’ve only ever had long hair before then you might not have had to consider your shoulders, jawline and neck when deciding on a hairstyle. The best way of seeing if the style suits you and the shape of your neck and shoulders is to try a strapless top with your hair tied up. If you like the way the style makes your neck and shoulders look, then the chances are that you’ll like the way short hairstyles will look.

Tip 3 – Your Hair Type

Although hair which has a natural wave to it often suits short hair as it sits nicely, if you have tight curls and struggle to tame these under normal circumstances then a short style could leave you with an unfortunate mushroom shape. Some stylists (especially one who doesn’t know you) may refuse or try to persuade you out of having a short cut if you have particularly curly hair but it’s always worth being careful yourself as stylists might not take into account how you’re going to style your hair yourself.

Furthermore, if your hair is overly thick then you might want to reconsider any prospects of a short choppy do as eve thinning scissors can do so much and thick, short hair may look clumpy and bulky rather than choppy and fresh.

Tip 4 – Maintenance

Consider the amount of time you have to maintain the style. Contrary to popular belief, short cuts aren’t always the easiest to look after and you may need a lot of styling, masses of products and regular cuts to maintain the shape, length and effect of the cut. If you’re a get out of bed, pull hair into ponytail and leave home kind of person then you may find that the daily routine of daily washing and styling are too much for you to cope with.

Barry Wells enjoys rock climbing and blogs on fashion, celebrities and short hairstyles.

Filed Under: Hair Tagged With: Hair, Hair Syles

May 24, 2012

Pixies, Afros and Mod Bobs – Short Hair Trends for 2012

May 24, 2012 By Carleenp Leave a Comment

2012 is all about revival and re-branding. Fashion designers are looking to the past to create the collections of the future, and the hairstyles on the catwalk are shaping the trends of today. A hairstyle is far more than just a cut, it reflects a person’s style and individuality even more so than their outfit. After all, clothes are changeable but a haircut is (at least semi!) permanent.

Although they may not have the gym-toned body to pull off a celebrity outfit, any woman can take a picture of Scarlett Johansson or Emma Watson into a hair salon and – several hours later – they can emerge with a nearly perfect resemblance. The women of 2012 have more choice than ever in how they style their hair, and the choices available can often seem overwhelming.

Hair Trends for 2012

The Pixie/Rock Crop

The ubiquitous pixie crop, so popular in recent years, isn’t going anywhere – but, like most aspects of the 2012 hair scene, it is undergoing a re-branding. It’s emerging on the catwalks as the “rock crop”, best suited to those with androgynous facial features and short, angular cut fringes. This short, choppy cut can either be spiked up with gel for maximum rockabilly style, or slicked down for a sleeker appearance. This versatility makes the Rock Crop the perfect day-to-night style.

The Mod Bob

The Sixties Revival is still going strong in 2012, with several designers releasing collections that look like wardrobes from the set of Across the Universe. This wavy, mussy bob with the characteristic peak at the crown could be lifted straight from the head of Sixties goddesses Twiggy or Brigitte Bardot. Part hair at the side and fasten with a bobby pin for a maximum Sixties vibe.

The ‘Softfro’

Alongside its earlier counterpart, the Seventies comeback is making waves across the West. Based on the traditional afro, the re-branded is softer and dreamier than its edgy predecessor. Think fuzzy halo rather than bouncing curls – this is a look that can be paired with delicate lace and chiffon, in addition to bold patterns and animal print.

Hair Extensions

The great thing about having short hair is that it’s easily transformed into long hair with very popular extensions for hair – a transition which our longer haired sisters are unable to do without a pair of scissors! Hair extensions can be professionally woven in at a hair salon, although this can be eye-wateringly expensive (sometimes up to $300 for 50 extensions). Clip-in extensions are usually cheaper, can be applied at home, and can be removed and re-used. The more expensive hair extensions are made from authentic human hair and can be curled and straightened.

Styling Essentials For Short Hair

A good quality set of combs is vital for maintaining short hair. Use a variety of fine and wide tooth combs to create your style. Styling wax is usually better for creating texture in short hair. Finish off the style with a firm-hold hairspray to maintain the volume.

Brenda is a passionate bloger and a big animal lover. In her free time she likes to write about fashion, beauty and home decoration.

Filed Under: Hair Tagged With: Hair, Hair Extensions, Hair Styles