jose eber hair curling wand [+] giveaway

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Alyssa Longobucco

If you caught my tutorial yesterday, you know that I’m pretty much obsessed with my Jose Eber curling wand. I’ve long wrestled with my naturally curly hair, and it wasn’t until I bought a Jose Eber wand about a year ago (in pink, naturally) that I really got my method for loose, undone waves down pat. The great thing about their newer tripple barrel iron (which I use now) is how straightforward and easy it is to create whatever style you want–beach waves, tight ringlets or loose curls. One styling session with this baby, and I promise you’ll never go back!

The crew over at Jose Eber is generous enough to give one lucky reader of The Glossy Life their very own Trio Clipless Curling Iron–simply enter for your chance to win in the rafflecopter below between now and May 8, 2013. Can’t wait that long? No worries! Head on over to their site and pick out a few goodies for yourself–everything is 15% off with the code GlossyLife15!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

short waves hair tutorial

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Alyssa Longobucco

Loose Waves Tutorial from Alyssa Longobucco on Vimeo.

As you can see from spending a little time around here, there’s a hairstyle I tend to stick to quite often, and that is loose, messy waves. Ever since I was little, I’ve had very curly hair, so styling it into smooth waves seems at once more polished and still true to myself.

I did a tutorial about a year back on how I did my hair when it was a bit longer, but my strategy is different after the big chop–as every short-haired gal knows, it’s important to conserve length when you can, so that’s my number one aim while curling my hair now, while still giving it body and texture.

My secret weapon? The Jose Eber curling wands. You guys, these things are no joke. I’m pretty sure every girl needs one in her beauty arsenal–they create lasting curls that look super natural, without damaging my hair. I’ve been a fan since my first tutorial (that bright pink baby was the best thing I’ve ever bought!) and the folks over at Jose Eber were kind enough to send me over another iron to try out, so that’s what I’m using here. The great thing is it comes with three different sized barrels, so achieving just the right wave for your style is pretty much a given.

I hope you guys enjoy the tutorial! I tried to make it as simple, helpful and least dorky as possible (not sure if I achieved that last one). Any questions about products you see or tips you hear, just let me know! And if you have a great tip you didn’t hear here, do share–I want to know!

Also, head on over this way and enter for a chance to win your own Jose Eber Curling Wand!

By the way, I’m using: Jose Eber Curling wand (℅) | Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo | Fekkai Coiff Defense | Fekkai Sheer Hold Hair Spray

spring (hair) awakening

Posted on April 19, 2013 by Alyssa Longobucco

springhair spring (hair) awakening

If there’s ever a time to accessorize your noggin, it’s the months between April and August. Not only are the options extra cute, but they’re so fun to wear that you might even forget you hair is a greasy, frizzy mess (or maybe that’s just me).

The trends this year are a little hippie-chic, a little downtown cool. Grab a fedora for a beach weekend with the girls, a printed head scarf for a Saturday wander ’round the flea market and a floral crown for an upcoming music festival–that’s the one I have my eye on for sure, I’m just waiting for my floral crown moment (what’s that you say? Every moment is a floral crown moment? Music to my ears). Between the inspiration above and the pieces below, there’s no way you’re missing out on spring and summer’s hottest hair accessories.

Springaccessories spring (hair) awakening

one | two | three | four | five | six

What hair accessories are you going to be rocking this spring and summer? Are you a floral crown gal or a floppy hat lady?

short styles: the neon bobby

Posted on March 1, 2013 by Alyssa Longobucco

IMG 1902 short styles: the neon bobby

As some of you may have noticed (and sweetly commented on!), I recently chopped my hair–big time. With over seven inches gone, it soon became fairly evident (over a few blow-drying freak outs) that some of my go-to styles were no longer possible. I sadly waved goodbye to my ol’ faithful top knot and ventured into the great unknown.

And so began the quest for cute short hairstyles, past the typical undone wave look I do. Because there’s not a ton out there for short hair, I figured I’d share anything good I came up with on here on the off chance that some of you short haired gals are in the same pickle. Enter my first ‘do–the neon bobby.

IMG 1907 short styles: the neon bobby

You’ll need:

8 bobby pins, preferably in a bright color (I picked these up from Sephora)
Patience
Skillful bobby pin mastery

bobbytwo short styles: the neon bobby

Insert the bobby pins rigid side down (did you know that’s the way it’s supposed to go?!) into the front part of your hair, pining back the area where you either have bangs, or bangs would reside.

IMG 1932 short styles: the neon bobby

Create a row of three, evenly spaced, and then add an additional bobby going diagonally across the trio.

bobbythree short styles: the neon bobby

Move toward the back of your head about one inch and create an X with the bobby pins. Repeat again another inch back.

IMG 1945 short styles: the neon bobby

And there you have it! All it really consists of is a few bobby pins, but it’s a fun way to jazz up your hair when the length doesn’t allow for something fancy like a double fishtail tripple axel twist top knot. You know, that old thing…

IMG 1956 short styles: the neon bobby

be a date night beauty

Posted on February 6, 2013 by Alyssa Longobucco

be a date night beauty

source: Liz Von Hoene for Nordstroms

We’re going to talk about date looks, but trust me when I say we’re not going to talk about the whole “here are beauty looks guys like so do this” thing. I’m a firm believer in wearing and rocking what you like–trust me when I tell you the guy you like will love it either way.

We are, however, going to talk about not overdoing it on Valentine’s Day–or any other date night. It hurts my heart when I see otherwise gorgeous girls caking on the foundation and piling on the bronzer for a night out with their guy, only to find that the cute-in-the-movies head on the shoulder moment turns not so cute when your guy’s shirt becomes orange. This Valentine’s Day, opt for a little sumthin’ sumthin’ like this:

romantichair be a date night beauty

Romantic, Retro Waves: These pretty curls are a step up from a normal straight or tousled look, but they stay out of that “too dolled up” territory. Keep ‘em soft and simple, and please–go easy on the hairspray. No guy wants to hear a distinct crunch when they go in for a hug! If you’re looking for a simple, easy tutorial, The Beauty Department has a great one. I plan on trying it myself for the blog once my hair grows a few inches (sigh!).

beautyromantic be a date night beauty

Soft, Pretty Makeup: When in doubt, go natural. A guy is out on a date with you to see you, not you and your entire Sephora collection. Choose a glow-y foundation (I love Make Up Forever’s Invisible Cover Foundation), a touch of blush and a good dose of mascara and you’re set. If you’re a perfume girl, spritz it on, don’t soak in it. And because I’ve never met a guy who looks good with a red lip (unless it’s from a 7-Eleven slushy), don’t rock a serious shade if you plan on a little kissing (which uh, you should). Go natural with a light cream lipstick or tint–something like Revlon’s Just Bitten Stain in Sweetheart is perfect!

What are your date beauty do’s and don’ts? Do share!

making friends with hair oil

Posted on November 6, 2012 by Alyssa Longobucco

From L to R: Oscar Blandi|Shu Uemura|Organix|Ojon|Josie Maran

I’m here to tell you this: forget everything you thought you knew about oil. It’s not the enemy (shocking, I know). If you’re worried that using it will lead to you looking like a huge grease ball, don’t be. Oil is actually your saving grace.

I wasn’t always so sure about my feelings for hair oil. Like a 8th grade girl with her first crush, I waffled between loving it (and subsequently writing I <3 oil all over my notebooks), to rejecting it. I attribute this to a heavy hand (because yes, too much WILL make you look greasy) and an underdeveloped knowledge of how to use the product.

It wasn’t until I asked my hair dresser how to properly use it that I really started reaping the benefits. Turns out, these products to quadruple duty, protecting, nourishing, scenting and saving your hair. Here are some tips:

-Dime-sized amounts when styling are perfect. Any more, and you’ll risk over-saturating hair, which is a big no-no.

-If you’re applying when your hair is dry, go light on other products such as straightening balm and frizz tamers–the oil will already do most of the work for you, so no need to round the bases twice.

-When applying after styling, stick to the ends. Your roots already receive the most natural oil from your hair.

-Don’t care about looking silly for an hour? Do this: Work the oil through your hair and scalp (you can use a bit more when doing this), then pin on top of your head. Wrap your hair in Saran Wrap (I’d told you you’d look silly) and run a small towel under warm water. Wring until it’s moist but no longer dripping and wrap around your head. Leave on for 15-20 minutes. Repeat the “steaming” towel portion again. Rinse your hair with lukewarm water and wait a day to shampoo.

I’ve rounded up a few of my favorites, above. Some are more pricey than others, but all are worth it, especially the Oscar Blondi and Josie Maran picks (those two never are NOT in my house at all times). Do you have a favorite brand I didn’t include?

easy (and pretty!) braid tutorial

Posted on October 17, 2012 by Alyssa Longobucco

How did you learn to braid? If you were anything like me, it was probably with your American Girl dolls (I couldn’t decide whether I liked Samantha or Molly better) and at slumber parties–and to be honest, I never really came out a pro. If I needed my hair french braided, my mom would take care of it for me. Obviously I can handle a simple three-piece braid, but my fingers become all sorts of twisted when trying to fancy up my own hair.

Luckily, I have my friend Carolyn. I swear, name a braid and she’s mastered it; crown braids, fishtail braids, waterfall braids, reverse braids…there’s no end to her braid talent (amongst other talents, obviously!). When I told her how smitten I was with soft looks like this one, she offered to show me an easy way to pull it off myself. Never one to keep fun knowledge to myself, I had to share!

Start with your hair parted down the middle (or slightly to either side, depending on your part). The great thing about this braid is that it works for any length hair. Carolyn’s is just past her shoulders!

Tie hair off to one side and brush out the other until smooth.

Begin by pulling up the front-most section of your hair and dividing it into two pieces. Twist over each other, like shown, and then gather hair from the top and bottom respectively (as you would with a french braid) and twist again. Keep gathering and twisting, maintaining an even amount of hair in each of the two sections.

Continue until you reach the base of your neck, then gather the remaining hair and secure with a ponytail holder.

Repeat the same process with the opposite side of your head. Use the goldilocks strategy when doing these braids; too lose, and you’ll just look sloppy, but too tight and your face will look like it’s attended one too many Real Housewives reunions. When you reach the base of your neck and are satisfied with the briad, gather all the hair from both sides into your hand and create a messy bun.

There you have it! I absolutely love pretty, simple styles like this (I bet it would look great with a piece of hair jewelry added for a night out!). Do you have any styles you’re dying to master? Fill me in–I’m always looking for new inspiration to pin!

hair jewelry

Posted on October 11, 2012 by Alyssa Longobucco

When I was younger, the thing I was most proud about–besides my rock collection (yes) and spy notebook (again, yes)–was my scrunchie stockpile. I was all about the hair accessories growing up, and I’m re-discovering how fun they can be yet again.

Right now, I’m all about pretty, sparkly hair jewelry. I love the idea of turning a broach, or even a necklace, into an accent for your mane. I mean, come on–how pretty are those little stars, above? This trend has been popping up all over the runway (and celebs–that’s Jennifer Lawrence you see, middle right) and I think it’s the perfect special touch for the holiday season coming up.

I’m totally into the idea of DIY-ing a few pieces, but here are some pretties I found online. I don’t know about you, but I think this is a suitable replacement for my velour neon scrunchies. Maybe.

1|2|3|4|5|6|7

Can you picture yourself fancying up your ‘do with some of these?

snip snip, bang bang

Posted on September 28, 2012 by Alyssa Longobucco

If there’s one hair style I’m constantly finding myself attracted to, it’s bangs. I just love the effortlessly cool vibe they lend and the “finish” they give a look. Once upon a time (aka a year ago), I tried them myself. See example A:

I wish I had a better picture to show you, rather than this college bar slop-fest. I really do. The thing is, this was the only weekend I actually wore my bangs down. I gave my bang-ed lifestyle a real half-assed effort, I must admit. There were several issues, including but not limited to: lack of grooming time, frizz, practicality, frizz, lack of confidence, time, frizz. I liked them, I really did, but they just weren’t fitting with my lifestyle at the time.

Things have definitely changed since Bangs 1.0. I have a place to go every day where I can look fancy and profesh (work), it’s the time of year where my hair is arguably the most in-control (fall) and well, I have an overwhelming desire to have them again.

I know what you’re thinking; if it didn’t work the first time, why try again? Well, mostly because I’m ready to commit to Bangs 2.0. I’m all in. It’s not going to be easy, it’s going to be really hard and I’m going to have to work at this every day, but I’m going to do that because I want you–I want all of you, forever (or until you grow out…) you and me, everyday. OK…I’ll stop with the Notebook references.

In reality, I need help. I need to hear that some of you guys made really good hair decisions that you were nervous about at first–or really bad ones that turned good the second time around. I pulled together a little inspiration board (above) to show you what I’m envisioning–thoughts? Concerns? Warnings? What’s the biggest hair risk you’ve ever taken?

I think I’m going to do it…

DIY ribbon elastic hair ties–and a giveaway!

Posted on September 19, 2012 by Alyssa Longobucco

142

I become easily obsessed with hair do-dads (or hair pretties, as I used to call them when I was younger). Second grade was the era of the butterfly clip, in fourth grade hair wraps reigned supreme and 7th grade was the dreaded glitter hair gel phase (just be happy you didn’t know me then…and if you did, sorry). Somewhere in between fell scrunchies, hair bows, the topsy tail and thin leather ropes to tie my hair (actually, still sort of a fan of that one).

Needless to say, I love my hair accessories. Which could maybe explain why I fell (hard) for the pretty ribbon elastic hair ties that have been everywhere recently. I picked up a few from Anthropologie a while back and have pretty much worn them to death in the months since–they’re so gentle on my hair (it’s stopped breaking from over-elastic-use) and much prettier hanging out on my wrist than a black elastic. But $12 for 5, really? That just seemed all sorts of overpriced to me, so I decided to see if I could somehow MacGyver up a few of my own when I found myself in need of a refill.

This is the kind of thing people tend to balk “You really need DIY instructions for THAT?!” at. And the truth is no, you don’t. But it took me a while to get the measurements, so why not share, right?

You can snag some elastic from here or here and measure each piece to 8 and 3/4 inches (again, what worked for me, feel free to experiment!). Fold the elastic in half and tie a small (and tight!) lopped knot at the end of the elastic, leaving about 1/4 of an inch free. If you find that the ends of the elastic are fraying where you cut them, simply burn them slightly with a lighter to seal them. Voila!

The other thing I forgot to mention? My eyes are often bigger than my stomach (or my bank account or my closet…). In this case, a supply that I thought would make 10 or so ties really created…45. Considering there’s no way I’m ever going to use all those, I thought it might be fun to give away sets of three to five of you! If you’d like, enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter below, sometime between now and Tuesday (Sept. 25) night at midnight for a chance to win. Much easier than handing over $12.00 and a trip to Anthro, right?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

the glossy life

Tag Archives: hair

jose eber hair curling wand [+] giveaway

short waves hair tutorial

spring (hair) awakening

short styles: the neon bobby

be a date night beauty

making friends with hair oil

easy (and pretty!) braid tutorial

hair jewelry

snip snip, bang bang

DIY ribbon elastic hair ties–and a giveaway!