Makeup + Hair Tutorial for a Summer Glow at the Office

In today's post, I'm going to be sharing a makeup and hair tutorial for those summer days at the office using a few of my favorite tools from EcoTools. 

During the warmer months, I like to pull back my hair and wear lightweight makeup to the office. 

For my beauty routine, I start with Joise Maran daily moisturizer with SPF 47 (not pictured) and then I apply Vita Liverata face tanning moisturizer. Throughout the year, I always apply moisturizer SPF to my face, so my face is typically 2-3 shades lighter than my body in the summer. This gives you a sun-kissed look with the sun

After moisturizing, I apply powder foundation with the EcoTools Angled Kabuki brush ($9.99). I like the larger brush because it's not isolating my powder foundation to one area. Instead, it allows for even application across my face. 

If you're on the hunt for a larger makeup brush for powder and bronzer, I'd highly recommend the Kabuki brush. EcoTools brushes have the softest bristles out of all the makeup brushes own. I've owned a few brushes that have medium to harder bristles and they irritated my skin, it's great to have these brushes for a lightweight application. I own two Kabuki brushes; one for power application and one for bronzer application. 

Then I apply a coral color blush with the EcoTools Tapered Blush Brush ($6.99). The shape of the brush allows for me to apply directly to my cheekbones to brighten up my face in the morning. 

Next, I apply eyeliner, mascara and lipstick to complete the look. 

Moving on to my hair, I'm using the EcoTools Smoothing Detangler Hair Brush ($10.99) to get out tangles and smooth out my hair. Paddle brushes have always been one of my favorite brushes to use on my hair. What I like most about this brush is the way it feels through my hair. The soft bristles and padded cushion is very soothing to my head. 

Using a rubber band, I put my hair up in a half ponytail. 

Using the topsy tail technique, I part my hair and then flip my hair through the middle of section to create the first twist.

I repeat on the next section. I pull back my hair and include the hair from the first twist to create a second twist. 

Repeat on the last layer of my hair. I like the look to be a little messy. Most pieces can be pinned using bobby pins. 

On the last section, I pin my hair under the third twist. For an out of the office look, leave your hair unpinned for a casual vibe. 

The look is complete. I pull out a few hairs in the front to frame my face. It's an easy look to recreate in less than five minutes when you're in a hurry to the office and you don't want to put your hair in a bun or a pony tail. 

Thank you EcoTools for sponsoring this post! It's such a pleasure to work with EcoTools. They're an eco-friendly company with great products at a great price point! 

Direct links to the tools used in today's tutorial

Angled Kabuki Brush $9.99

Tapered Blush Brush $6.99

Smoothing Detangler Hair Brush $10.99

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

Dresses to Wear to Formal Weddings in the Summer

Dress - DressBar c/o wearing size 4

Heels - Zara old (similar here)

Bag - Brahmin 

For those who are on the lookout for the perfect dress for an upcoming wedding, DressBarn recently launched a new line of dresses which gives you a variety of dress options for wedding attire. They have dresses for every occasion - from beach to formal weddings.  Two of my favorite dresses from the new DressBar wedding collection are the Floral V-Neck Dress and the Db RSVP Long Sweetheart Dress. 

This time last year, Matt and I were on our way back to New York from our wedding in Mexico. Although we got married in Playa del Carmen, we had a formal wedding and reception. We asked our guests to also wear formal attire. These two dresses from DressBar would have been great options for our wedding guests, especially for the price! 
 
The floral v-neck dress is a great option for a formal wedding in the summer. For my body type, the neckline and bow belt fit my petite frame. The nude strappy heels elongate my legs with the midi cut skirt. I paired the floral print with a black textured clutch. 

The black sweetheart dress (see below) resembles the dresses my bridesmaids wore at my wedding - without the price tag. The dress zips in the back and ties at the neck. This dress can easily double as a bridesmaid dress. 

Here are a few of my favorite dresses for summer weddings.

Dress - Dressbar c/o wearing size 4

Bag - Brahmin

Heels - Schultz

Thank you DressBarn for sponsoring this post!

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

Weekend Casual | White Dress + Chambray Shirt

Hope everyone is having a good weekend. I've been meaning to put up this post since Friday morning. Since we got back from Mexico, I've been playing catch up at work. I've said this a few times in previous blog posts, but I'm so thankful for my colleagues and management. It's always a good feeling to return to work after vacation and have a team that supports you during your absence. Times like that makes me want to work that much harder for my company.

Here's a little about today's outfit. This little white dress I picked up at Banana Republic. It's a good staple for the summer. It's lightweight and comfortable. I also love the texture of the dress. This particular dress looks great with a belt or a shirt tied around the waist. The nude tote and sandals has proven to be a great additions to my closet. The bag can be used for work and play and the sandals look great with my summer dresses and rompers.

Here are a few of my favorite summer dresses from the Bloomingdales friends and family sales. Everything is currently 20%-25% off!

Dress - Banana Republic similar here
Shirt - Banana Republic
Tote - J.Crew
Sandals - Schutz Erlina Sandals c/o
Watch - Guess on sale

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

Home Tour | New York Apartment

Today I'm excited to share a few photos from my living room and office area. Over the last few years I've done a few updates to our apartment, but looking forward to updating everything this summer! Here's a look back at our place in 2013.

About the photos above, I somehow convinced Matt to help me strip the fireplace of all the paint and repaint it black. Our building is almost 100 years old, so several layers of paint have been applied to the fireplace over the years. After a week of scrapping off paint, we were finally done! Matt might disagree, but it was worth all the time and effort to restore this beauty. 

Sofa - ABC Home

Moroccan Rug - Overstock 

Coffee Table - Vintage 

Pillows - WestElm

Curtains - West Elm 

Papier- Mâché Deer Sculpture (photo above)

Batman loves his section sofa. Who knew a little pup needed to much space! 

What I'm wearing: 

ASOS Top

Reiss Trousers on sale

Zara Heels similar by Stuart Weitzman

The wall gallery is my favorite wall in our home. Most of the photos came from books and online prints. We also added our wedding signs "Señor" and "Señora" to our bar area. It's a reminder of our beautiful wedding day. 

The faux leather soft and vintage chairs are both from Craigslist. 

Desk - WestElem

Mirror table - WestElm

The mid century credenza is another find from Craigslist. I picked up the record player from Urban Outfitters. The Ficus Lyrata is one of my favorite plants. Growing up my mom always had beautiful plants in our house. I've always consulted my mom when taking care of plants, but it wasn't till I got the ficus lyrata that I learned how to "listen" to your plants.  They're very temperamental. So I'm careful about watering and sunlight. 

Coffee Table - Vintage
Mantel Painting - WestElm

Moroccan Pouf 

Side table - Vintage

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

Work Wear | Brightening Up Your Office Wardrobe

Wearing color to the office seems to be a struggle for a lot of corporate girls. I talk to my friends at work about this all the time. We all want to wear more colorful pieces to the office, but when you're out shopping the last thing we're thinking about is "work clothes".  J.Crew is on the top of my list (these are my favorite pencil skirts) when I want to brighten up my work wardrobe. If you're on a budget, check out J.Crew Factory and ASOS as they have a wide selection of skirts for the office.

For anyone who is looking for a lighter bag for the office, I picked up this tote from J.Crew (when I purchased the skirt) and it's been great to wear to work throughout the week.

Skirt - J.Crew 30% with code GOSHOPPING
Top - Banana Republic
Heels - DvF Bethany
Sunglasses - House of Harlow 1961
Lipstick - MAC Ruby Woo
Bag - J.Crew 30% of with code GOSHOPPING

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

Easy Hairstyle for Busy Mornings | Featuring Harry Josh Dryer

Like most corporate women, mornings are hectic and I don’t always have time to wash and curl my hair.

Just to give you an idea on my hair type, I have curly, frizzy hair -- and I have a lot of it! It can take 30-45 minutes to dry my hair after a shower. As you can imagine, I only do this twice a week. One trick I’ve learned, a twisted side braid is an easy way to quickly fix my hair and still look professional at the office. Here’s how I maintain my hair throughout the workweek.

I use a serum and dry shampoo to freshen up my bedhead. For anyone who hasn’t tried dry shampoo, the Klorane dry shampoo is my absolute favorite. I’ve been using it for three years and you’ll always find multiple bottles in my apartment (the travel size bottle is essential for business trips). Not to get too off subject, but Klorane just released a brunette-colored dry shampoo.  It still comes out a little chalky, but it can easily be absorbed in the hair by using a hair dryer and round bristle brush.  After using these two products, I blow dry the front of my hair to smooth out frizz and curls from sleeping.

For most of my adult life I’ve used drugstore hairdryers. I’m tough on my hair dryers, so I tend to buy a new dryer once a year. The Harry Josh 2000 Pro Dryer has been great to use the last few months. I love that it’s lightweight and compact. The dryer can easily fit in any suitcase. When traveling for business or pleasure I use hotel dryers and for my hair, it typically takes 10-15 additional minutes to blow dry my hair, which is never good when I’m on a tight schedule for meetings. A little about the Harry Josh dryer. It offers two power levels, high and low and gives you the option to use ion functionality. The ion feature is always on when I dry my hair because it reduces frizz in my hair. There is also a “cold air” option. If you want to put serum or dry shampoo in your hair, without the heat, this is a good option for you.

On the mornings I’m rushing to the office, here’s how I fix my hair to look professional at work. The best part about this look is that people think you spent hours doing your hair. I always get compliments from the men and women in my office when I do this to my hair.

Step 1: Apply a condition serum to your hair. I’m applying the Prive vanishing oil, that helps condition and restore my hair. It also leaves my hair soft and reduces frizz.

Step 2: Apply Klorane dry shampoo to your hairline and oily areas.

Step 3: Use a round brush and a hair dryer, I'm using the 2.5 inch Harry Josh round brush and the Harry John 2000 Pro Dryer, to blow out any curls or frizz.

Step 4: Begin by sectioning off a top portion and bring a second section over the top portion. It’s a basic twist, but you pull hair from your hairline.

Step 5: After braided, tie off with a small plastic rubber band. 

Step 6: Start twisting any remaining hair into a bun and bobby pin around the bun. 

That's it! You're done. Off to work you go! 

Right now, the DermStore is offering the Harry Josh 2000 Pro Dryer for 33% off with 3 free gifts.

Hope you enjoyed the tutorial! This post was sponsored by DermStore. All options and thoughts were my own. Thank you for reading.  

Prive Vanishing Oil,
Klorane dry shampoo
Harry Josh 2.5 inch Round Brush
Harry Josh 2000 Pro Dryer

Photos by Lydia Hudgens