You've heard the hype over the Beautyblender sponge, but are you using it correctly? This egg-shaped sponge isn't your ordinary makeup applicator, after all. You may be missing one crucial step to getting the most flawless, even foundation application out there (besides, of course, using an airbrush).
Stockists: Beautyblender
The top knot trend seems like it's going to be sticking around for a while, and it's not hard to see why. The style is easy enough for everyday wear, keeps your neck cool, and can transition to a casual night out with just the addition of some bold makeup. But like all styles that look like they're not hard to do (hello, beachy waves), the top knot can be a little tricky to master. For a simple step-by-step to get this chic yet undone bun, just keep reading.
When you stop into the salon for a professional blow dry, your hair just seems to behave better. Women with thick hair get the polished look they crave, while ladies with flat strands get the volume they desire. Save time and money with these at-home blow dry tricks that won't have you blasting your hair with heat either.
Full-on volume: If you just can't contort your arms into the perfect position to get a great blow dry at home, you're better off trying hot rollers. Roll large sections using medium to jumbo rollers. As they cool down, you'll get the same root-lifting effect of a round-brush blow dry (without all the exercise). Opt for a flexible-hold hair spray and brush through with your fingers, so the curls fall out for a more natural bounce.
Sleek and smooth: Let your hair air dry until 90 percent of the moisture is gone, then blow-dry hair with a round brush until sleek. Use a flat iron to smooth roots, and spritz hair with dry shampoo like Batiste Dry Shampoo ($8.49) as a finishing touch for the ultimate volume.
You've bought your own gel manicure kit, but now what? With so many bottles and tools contained within, it can be overwhelming figuring out where to start. Here a few pro tricks and tips to ensure your manicure stays long-lasting, featuring the Gelish Basix Kit ($39.95). On Kirbie: Forever 21 necklace and Cameo shirt.
The Costume Institute Benefit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is synonymous with A-list stars in both fashion and celebrity. While some ladies played up the punk theme of the exhibition, Punk: Chaos to Couture, there were a few who kept it classic. Luckily, we've got the inside scoop on some of the best looks of the night, from Blake Lively's chic ponytail to Kerry Washington's rock-star smoky eye. Get a step-by-step guide to re-creating the top hair and makeup from the 2013 Met Gala when you click through.
— Additional reporting by Maria Del Russo
Give your hairstyle a trendy boost this season with a braided topknot, much like the one Nina Dobrev was spotted wearing earlier this year. The style, which starts as a reverse French braid at the nape and flows up to the crown in a voluminous topknot, only looks difficult to re-create. In fact, this easy up 'do is best when you're not striving for total perfection. On Kirbie: Club Monaco top.
Glasses may make a big fashion statement, but they can sometimes stifle your creativity when it comes to eye makeup. The lenses in your glasses actually magnify your eyes, so it's the perfect opportunity to highlight one of your best features. Find out how to modify your favourite makeup looks for frames.
Aside from the hassle rain can cause on your commute, it also puts a, er, damper on doing your hair in the morning. These three styles are guaranteed to look good when you leave your home and even hold up against the rain or humidity. Plus, they all look great on just-out-of-the-shower hair, too. On Kirbie: Greylin top.
To add even more intensity near the lash line, Levin smudged a large black eye pencil with a Q-tip. Of course, no eye makeup is complete without voluminous lashes. Levin primed Gwyneth's lashes first before adding three coats of black mascara plus one coat on the bottom lashes. Gwyneth's cheeks were highlighted with a pale bronzing powder, and finally lips were accented with a pink gloss, Chanels' Glossimer in Rose Sauvage, ($50, available from June). All together, the natural palette played up the beauty she was born with. She is the World's Most Beautiful Woman after all!
Chanel stockists: 1300 242 635
When you spend the time and money to get your hair done, the last thing you want is it to fade after a few washes. Instead of going in for a touch-up every few weeks, learn how to keep your hair colour from fading by using three at-home products. On Kirbie: dress from Rent the Runway.
