13 Feb '19

Fall In Love With Your Nail Art This Valentines Day

5 Valentines Day Manicure Inspirations

Valentines Day Beauty Look | ISA Professional

Chocolate lovers, rejoice, Valentines Day is almost here and you know what that means: plenty of chocolate and candy to choose from; or if you're like me, a little less to pick from in the 15th's clearance bin. Even if you don't look forward to the candy selection as much as I do, you do know that the 14th is really about showing your loved ones you care about them (a little extra than every other day of the year, of course). Maybe you bought your gifts or made them yourself, maybe you decided to cook something special or already have dinner reservations; what really matters is spending time together. Now, just because it's a day to go the extra mile for those around you, doesn't mean you shouldn't look gorgeous doing it. Valentines Day is also a day to love yourself a little more and that means more pampering! Beauty can be so much fun and has so many styles to choose from, like a new fashionable outfit, a bold pink hairstyle or a dramatic red lipstick. Personally, I love trying a new nail art look every year and I have to say, it really makes the day a little more special to me. It's as if I remember how lucky I am to have my family, friends and spouse in my life when I look at my love themed manicure. I've rounded up my current inspirations for Valentines Day this year to help you get started:

Black Polka Dot Nails

A post shared by Visible Changes Salon (@visiblechangessalon) on Feb 12, 2019 at 3:45pm PST

Looking for something this Valentines that isn't pink or red colored? No worries, @visiblechangessalon created this mostly black look with cute pink details that would look amazing on anyone's nails. The contrast of colors work so well and the difference in textures between the smooth polka dots and the textured hearts is just genius attention to detail.

Heart Shaped Tipped Nails

A post shared by Kristine (@kaebaby_nails) on Feb 12, 2019 at 5:27pm PST

Are you feeling daring this Valentines Day and want to get out of your comfort zone a little more? Then go bold with this nail design by @kaebaby_nails and be prepared for the compliments and double takes to come your way. Choosing two different shades of bright red to act as the canvas, she decorated them with different sized crystals and finished them with large heart shaped acrylic tips. I'm in love!

Pink Crystal Nails

A post shared by Dm Me 🌸⠀Mia🌴⠀(Spanish/English) (@kleidys_nails) on Feb 11, 2019 at 5:45pm PST

If you can't make up your mind between a pink or a red manicure, then take a breather and just go with both like @kleidys_nails did. She combined pink ombre nails with classic red ones, letting the crystals do most of the talking in their heart shaped form.

Matte Hearts Nails

A post shared by Nails By Fariha Ali (@nailjob) on Feb 11, 2019 at 8:44pm PST

Matte nail colors are a lot of fun to play with because it adds a certain look to a manicure and @nailjob is putting it on display to show us how it's supposed to be done. The nail tips are shaped in small colorful hearts, filling me with joy just looking at them. Remember, just because they're matte colors doesn't mean they can't be neon or bright!

Ombre Nails

A post shared by Eiko Oohara (@tuguluv.orange) on Dec 27, 2018 at 2:05pm PST

Hearts are the most popular choice for Valentines Day looks but it doesn't mean you have to use any in your feel good manicure. Pink nails are very popular with so many different shades to choose from, making it easier for someone to find their perfect color. What if I told you you could choose several shades to be used in the same manicure? The artist @tuguluv.orange did just that with this pink ombre (gradual blending of different shades), but you can choose whatever color combinations you want to fit your tastes. Just have fun!

Which of these Valentines Day nail art designs would you go for? Let us know in the comments!

04 Feb '19

5 Silver Hair Transformations To Admire

Dare To Go To The Gray Side With These Silver Makeovers

Woman Getting Her Hair Dyed | ISA Professional

I’ve found myself drawn to silver and gray hairstyles lately thanks to the internet allowing me to see so many gorgeous makeovers. While blonde hair has been in style for a long time, the more drastic whites and silvers are now making themselves known and seen. Some choose these colors because of their natural hair turning gray, others choose these cold colors because they like how they look. Either way, silver hair definitely makes an impact and gives you more wiggle room to play around with your makeup color choices, especially with your lipstick. Whether you have virgin hair or already have your hair dyed, this type of color needs to be left to the professionals. In order to get this white look, you need to strip the color from your hair, which can easily lead to breakage and extreme hair damage. Just trust me and book an appointment with your stylist; they’re there to help you find the right process to get what you want. Many times, it takes more than one hair session to achieve this look so if you want this hair color, then you need to be very patient with the bleaching process. Remember, good things come to those who wait and these silver hairstyles prove it:

Braided Ponytail

A post shared by Shayla 🇺🇿🇺🇸 (@samirasjewelry) on Jan 4, 2019 at 5:27am PST

This hairstyle has it all: gray hair color styled in a braided ponytail, which @samirasjewelry then expanded to give the final result more volume! It almost looks like a banana bushel and the pearl accessories give it a nice detail, this is such a cute hairstyle.

Double Fishtail Braids

A post shared by 𝚖𝚛𝚜. 𝚎𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚢 𝚋𝚞𝚏𝚏𝚒 (@buffithehairslayer) on Nov 30, 2018 at 10:00am PST

By leaving your roots naturally dark, you allow the stylist to make the gray blend seamlessly into your natural color. This hairdo by @buffithehairslayer did so perfectly and the puffy double fishtail braids that transition to those buns are very chic.

Platinum Updo

A post shared by Braids • Videos • Pulp Riot (@liz.colors) on Nov 26, 2018 at 3:39pm PST

Hair accessories can be so much fun, they really add to a hairstyle and no one knows this better than @liz.colors She chose golden pieces to make her platinum transformation stand out even more; my favorite being those shiny lions! Gold and platinum go so well together and this hairstyle proves you can have it all.

Fantasy Tips

A post shared by кошачий (@nanameuw) on Aug 30, 2018 at 5:01am PDT

It’s no secret that fantasy hair colors are extremely in right now in the beauty world. Maybe you’ve been considering going with something colorful but are afraid it may be too much boldness for everyday. No worries, this makeover by @nanameuw has the solution for you: just place the fantasy color on your tips and let your silver goddess thrive with a little pop of color.

Romantic Bride

A post shared by Sydney Wedding Hair Stylist (@caraclyne.bridal) on Aug 2, 2018 at 5:22am PDT

If you’re getting married or have a big event coming up in the near future, I suggest you take inspiration from this gorgeous hairstyle by @caraclyne.bridal A half updo style is so popular because it allows your hair to stay out of your face, without hiding your prized, long locks. Imagine wearing a formal dress that fits you perfectly, as you debut your new silver hair color; sounds pretty awesome, right?

Which one of these silver hairstyles would you go with? Let us know in the comments!

22 Jan '19

Beauty Product Safety: Keep Your Looks Healthy With Safe Beauty Practices

Brush Up On Your Beauty Product Knowledge With These Three Safety Tips

Platinum Blonde Haircolor Makeover | ISA Professional

Do you know when your beauty products expire? If you’re wondering what in the world we’re talking about, you’re not alone - the majority of folks don’t even think to check their shampoo or skin cream or mascara for expiration dates. However, these products can expire and eventually either not work or become dangerous to the user.

For a fresh start this New Year, don’t do a fad diet or too-ambitious exercise regimen - go through your cosmetics and beauty products drawer and clean them out! Clean out your shower, and check the dates on all those bath bombs. In fact, do a health check overall on your beauty routines, and make sure you know what you’re putting on your body and when your goods expire. Your hair and skin will thank you.

Here are our top 3 tips for cleansing your beauty routine:

Read The Directions

Open Organic Shampoo Bottle | ISA Professional

When’s the last time that you read the directions on a product like shampoo or bath oil or mascara? For those poor unfortunate souls who dyed themselves pink a few years ago, the answer was probably “read the what now?” It’s important to understand how to use your products, and not just so you avoid discolored skin - the directions tell you how often to use a product, what to do if you get it in your eyes, and more.

For example, did you know you’re not supposed to exfoliate every day? It can lead to irritated and damaged skin if you exfoliate too often.

Pay Attention To Expiration Dates

Woman Checking Her Beauty Products | ISA Professional

It may seem strange that products meant to clean our bodies can go bad, but they can and they do. The same goes for makeup - even those which don’t include organic matter. Pretty much everything has an expiration date, even Twinkies. And when our beauty products go bad, they can go from the best thing ever to the worst: not working, causing breakouts, or giving you chemical burns or bacterial infections.

Check your product labels for the Period After Opening (PAO) illustration of a little jar with the lid off - inside this icon or alongside it, you should see a number and a letter. This tells you the length of time the product remains good after it’s been opened - for example, a foundation labeled “18M” would be good for use for a period of 18 months after you open it.

Not all products will have an expiration date listed, but this doesn’t mean they won’t expire. It just means the companies aren’t legally required to advertise when they might go off. In these cases, you should use the same skills you use to tell when food goes bad: pay attention to the physical state of your products and their smell. If the smell goes off, the consistency changes, or the ingredients start to separate, get rid of the product and replace it.

For a more detailed look at various beauty product categories and their respective shelf lives, check out “Toss or Save: How to Know If Your Beauty Products Have Gone Bad” by Lindsay Tigar.

Watch Out For Toxic Ingredients

Woman Getting Hairspray Applied | ISA Professional

There is much we still don’t understand about how the human body reacts to certain substances - especially if those substances were created in a lab and haven’t necessarily had long-term studies done on them. Then there’s the fact that a substance that may be fine in micro-doses isn’t great when you use it day after day. Like sulfates in shampoo - these ingredients are what quickly turn your shampoo into lather after you add water, but extensive regular use may damage your hair and your cells. Parabens are a preservative and another common ingredient in most modern shampoos, but they can be absorbed into the body through the skin and could possibly disrupt your hormones by mimicking estrogen. Phthalates can be found in nail polish, body washes, and other products - they may also cause issues with the body's endocrine or reproductive systems, among others.

We may no longer use lead- and arsenic-based makeup, but that doesn’t automatically make the products we use every day good for us.

Educate yourself on the ingredients that go into your favorite cosmetics and beauty products; strive to make sure your favorite brands are acting ethically without testing on animals or selling you dangerous products. Get help on your quest from the resources maintained by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and remember to read everything critically.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with alternative products outside the big manufacturers - just make sure you put as much research into their products as anyone else’s. “Natural” and “organic” aren’t safety guarantees, so you’ll need to check their ingredients as well to see if they back up their claims. There are some great options out there in cleansers, hair and skin moisturizers, lip tints, and more that’ll help you look your best with minimal chemical exposure.

What’s your favorite natural ingredient in your beauty routine? Tell us in the comments!

24 Dec '18

Perfect Beauty Products As Holiday Gifts

Give The Gift Of Beauty These Holidays

Woman Touching Her Moisturized Skin | ISA Professional

The holiday shopping season is in full swing! If you participate in gift-giving, you’re probably feeling the pressure now: agonizing over what to get a loved one or feeling like the most lost Secret Santa ever. Happily, we can help with some of that - if you’re giving beauty products this holiday season, we’ve got the strategies you need to choose the right gifts.

Pay Attention to What They Love

Woman Getting A Professional Massage | ISA Professional

First, follow the first tenet of friendship: pay attention to what your giftee likes! Every day you see your friend is an opportunity for gift-giving recon, from catching a whiff of their favorite shampoo wafting off their hair to admiring their perfectly drawn cat eye or stunning shade of lipstick. When you notice they seem to favor the same product often, or constantly have perfectly styled hair, ask them about it - try to get the brand name and product line (or color) as appropriate. You can pretend you just want it for yourself, but sneakily be plotting the best holiday gift ever.

Be sure to keep your list updated when they mix it up, and have conversations about the beauty industry. You wouldn’t want to accidentally purchase them something from a brand they can’t ethically support, for example. These chats can provide great bonding opportunities with your friend, too, as you learn more about each other and maybe even pick up some new recommendations for your own beauty routine.

Discover What They Want

Woman Applying Rich Facial Cream | ISA Professional

Of course, your friend might be eager to try a new product that they haven’t had the chance to buy for themselves yet. Maybe they don’t have the cash to spend when it comes to more luxury products or haven’t worked themselves up to buying something in a brilliant and unconventional color. Whatever the reason, giving a holiday gift is one of the best excuses to indulge your friend and their passions! (As long as it fits into your own budget; going into debt over holiday gifts is not a good look for your pocketbook.)

How do you find out what they want? That’s super easy! (Barely an inconvenience.) Check for any wishlists they might have, whether on certain large online retailers or at specific beauty retailer sites. You could also go on beauty shopping trips with them and check out what they’re interested in but don’t buy.

Don’t Fear the Gift Card

Woman Giving A Gift For The Holidays | ISA Professional

I know that some of us might feel that the gift card is a lazy choice, but it’s not! When you’re not totally sure what your giftee would enjoy the most, a gift card is a valid choice. You can make it feel special by purchasing one from their favorite beauty retailer and pairing it with brand-relevant packaging - wrap a small box in the colors of their favorite brand, and print out a copy of the logo to paste on the outside. You can nestle the gift card inside the box in delicate tissue paper.

If you want to maximize their choices, don’t buy a card from a particular retailer - research options for prepaid cards that aren’t locked to a specific store. Pair it with the perfect gift card and sentiment that you hope they’ll indulge their beauty cravings.

Stocking Stuffer Ideas

Lavender Essential Oil | ISA Professional

Are you responsible for filling some stockings from (secretly stylish) Santa? How lucky! When you’re limited to small gifts, you have the perfect opportunity to select an assortment of trial sizes of beauty products across the spectrum - providing an indulgent smorgasbord for your giftee. You can snag shampoo and conditioner samples to help her find that next great hair routine, and throw in a few K-beauty face masks while you’re at it. Don’t forget to choose a couple of different aromatherapy lotions or even beneficial argan oil.

Lip products are perfect for stockings too, although those can get a little pricey - stick to one you know they’ll love. If they love to play with a ton of different makeup looks, consider a fun and funky set of new application brushes. If they’ve been dying to dye their hair, you could gift them some hair chalk or similar temporary coloring products. Don’t forget the wide world of hair decorations from clips to combs to wraps either! See? Having the opportunity to fill a stocking is a gift in itself. (Or maybe that’s just me. I love putting together gift baskets, too.)

What Not to Gift

Good Friends Enjoying Quality Time Together | ISA Professional

It’s as important to know what NOT to gift your recipient as it is to choose the right gift for them. I mentioned previously that you want to avoid purchasing them any products from brands they don’t support on whatever grounds - whether they’re ethically opposed to them or they condemn their use of toxic ingredients. You should also make sure that your giftee isn’t allergic to anything in the product they’re purchasing - for example, if someone develops a latex allergy, it could be fatal for them to use a makeup product containing latex or cross-reactive ingredients.

There are also some beauty products that could feel insensitive when purchased for someone else - anti-aging products or skin-firming products pushed as helping people look as if they weigh less than they do. This isn’t something you’d necessarily enjoy receiving from a friend - unless you specifically ask for them! Best skip it.

Feeling more at ease with your holiday shopping now? Glad we could help! Hit the comments and tell us what kind of beauty products you love giving and receiving during the holidays.

14 Dec '18

Five Festive Red Lipstick Looks That Are Ideal For The Holidays

Stop Them In Their Tracks With These Red Lips

Woman Applying Red Lipstick | ISA Professional

I don’t know about you, but Christmas really sneaked up on me this year. I still feel like Halloween just passed by, while my neighbors are already putting up their lights and cheerful ornaments. December can be a month for self reflection and goodwill (even though we should strive for those things all year long but somehow Christmas reminds us to do so, more than any other month of the year). While gift giving (and receiving) can be extremely fun this time of the year, we shouldn’t lose focus of what the holidays are about: spending time with friends and family. What does this mean? A whole lot of parties and get togethers all month long, bringing people closer together with beautiful, twinkling lights in the background. It allows families and old friends to reunite for a while, making it especially important for those who live far away the rest of the year. With all of these holiday invitations comes the usual question: what should I wear? You know the cameras will be out all night and since you treasure these memories, you want to look good while making them. It makes it a bit more special when you dress up (even though you’re just staying in with everyone), and let’s face it, photos are to be cherished and looked back on with a smile. You don’t want to look disheveled and what better way to look gorgeous and festive than with a statement red lipstick? Red lips looks good on everyone, it just takes a bit of courage and a steady hand. If you’re looking to really stand out at your next party, then these 5 red lipped looks are for you. Which one would you rock this month?

Dewy Red Lips

A post shared by Martha Butterworth (@marthamakeupartist)) on Nov 30, 2018 at 8:23am PST

Gloss over the lipstick is an old trick we’ve all used before, it gives you the staying power of lipstick and the beautiful shine of gloss. Well, @marthamakeupartist knows this well and has knocked it out of the park with this gorgeous dewy red lip. A tip if you decide to rock this look: wear your hair up in a braid or ponytail, no one wants their hair to get stuck to their lip gloss!

Green Wreath Lips

A post shared by Chloe Young (@chloeybeauty) on Dec 24, 2017 at 3:31pm PST

If you want something that screams the holidays, then this look by @chloeybeauty is perfect for you! Maybe you’re known by everyone as the Christmas lover that will always look the part for their parties and why disappoint them this year? Drawing those red and white stripes and giving the green wreath some texture will take time but will completely worth it!

Candy Cane Lips

A post shared by Chastity Dimitra Leos (@chassydimitra) on Mar 8, 2018 at 2:05pm PST

Looking for something that isn’t completely red these holidays? By creating an ombre effect with your reds and blues, you can create a lovely look like this one by @chassydimitra. The candy cane stripes are so cute and those lining skills are out of this world!

Metallic Mosaic Lips

A post shared by Vlada Haggerty (@vladamua) on May 31, 2018 at 11:38am PDT

For anyone that follows makeup artists on Instagram, @vladmua is one of the most talented and well known. She creates lip art like no other and her skill and determination show clearly in her work. This holiday look will leave anyone that looks at you a bit dizzy thanks to the red metallic details, making it impossible to look away. Definitely drink through a straw with this look, though!

Golden Red Lips

A post shared by megbaldini (@megbaldini) on Aug 1, 2018 at 9:16am PDT

Do you love gold? I love how it’s a color that pairs well with anything and joining it with these coral red lips is a genius move by @megbaldini. The detail work she put into it is stunning and that coral red hue is perfect for your next party (or lets be honest, any other time of the year). Just imagine having this art on your lips paired with a sleek black dress these holidays!

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