2010 May | whoorl

A 7-Minute Braided Style for Busy Chicks

May 14, 2010

Do any of you all receive Gwyneth Paltrow’s GOOP newsletter? I love it. Despite the mixed reviews I’ve heard, I think it’s chock full of great tips on dining, exercise, fashion and beauty.

Imagine my joy when this week’s newsletter was all about hair. HURRAH! In the newsletter, she highlighted Orlando Pita’s “easygoing hairstyle” for this season. Now, I adore Orlando Pita. I thoroughly enjoyed him on the greatest show ever, Shear Genius. Orlando was the contestants’ mentor, although his docile temperament and great advice made me think of him as more than just a mentor. A personal buddha. Or Obi Wan. Yes! The Obi Wan of Hair.

photo credit: bravotv.com

Teach me, Obi Wan.

Look at his sweet smile! Orlando, I love you! Kisses!

Anyhoo, here’s the dish from Gwyneth’s newsletter on how to achieve this great style, and you can read tons more about her style and product picks here.

Then, I’ll show you MY MUCH EASIER VERSION.

Okay, that’s gorgeous. GORGEOUS. The fishtail braids are so incredibly lovely.

But here’s the deal. Given the limited time I have in the morning to get my 8 1/2-month pregnant ass out the door with my preschooler in check, I don’t have the patience to perfect this look.

(I also don’t have Obi Wan Pita at my beck and call to personally create this look on my head.)

(Or, frankly, the arm strength to hold my hands over my head for 45 minutes.)

(Although, Orlando! Call me!)

So! Would you like to see the Orlando Pita-inspired hairstyle that took me 7 minutes to complete?

Sure, this is NOT as lovely or intricate as Pita’s version. It just involves regular braids and no flat iron, but I really like the simplicity of the look, as well as highlighting my hair’s natural texture. Plus, the look is so loose and flowing that you absolutely don’t need to worry about making the look perfect.

What you need:

A hairband that matches your hair color
A ribbon (optional)

What to do:

1. Grab a a 1 to 1.5-inch section at the front of your hair

2. Braid about halfway down the length of the hair

3. Secure the braid with a bobby pin

4. Repeat on the other side

5. Pull the bobby pin out of the first side and join the two braids together

6. Wrap a hairband around the two braids to secure

7. Add a ribbon or accessory if you feel the need

Voilá! How easy was that? I timed myself and it truly took 7 minutes. Give it a try – the weekend is coming up and it would be a perfect look for a lazy Sunday.

hair thursday makeover 88

May 13, 2010

Take a look at Jessica’s hair both long and short.

Jessica’s hair:

Thick, straight
Normal condition
Can go several days in between washes without looking dirty
No preference for length – (that’s where you come in!)
Doesn’t spend more than 10 minutes styling
Doesn’t use styling tools
The above photos are without any product and air dried
Doesn’t wear ponytails

Soooo…what do you all think? Long or short? I have to admit that if her shorter style looks THAT smooth and glossy with no effort, I’m leaning towards a shorter cut.

Here are some above-the-shoulder options to get your brain working.

Let Jessica know. Feel free to leave any ideas for styles in the comments too!

My New Undereye Concealer Crush

May 12, 2010

Oh, you all. I am loving Benefit’s Boi-Ing Concealer (in Light), and I must shout it from the rooftops. Before buying it a couple of weeks ago, I would have NEVER thought I would be a fan of this product. Why?

1. I hate makeup in pots.

2. I was perfectly happy with my Amazing Concealer in Light Golden, except for the fact that it was a smidge too yellow for my cooler complexion.

3. I haven’t had much luck with Benefit’s products in the past.

4. By first glance, the consistency looked too dry to blend well on my skin.

5. It only costs $18! Considering I was paying $42 for the Amazing Concealer, how could this product be absolutely fantastic at $18? You all know how much concealers cost these days….

Anyway, I bought it. Knowing that I could return it to Sephora if I didn’t like it.

AND I LOVE IT.

Seriously, it blends beautifully. The consistency isn’t too creamy, which means not having to deal with getting it underneath your fingernail when you dab your finger across the surface. (Like hell if I am going to use a concealer brush. Too lazy, peeps.) Perfect coverage, light as air, bye-bye dark circles. And I think we ALL know who is going to be sporting some seriously dark circles come next month when my little girl arrives…

Check it out. Let me know what you think. Kisses!