Product Test Drive: Hana Pro Flat Iron From Misikko

How was your weekend? I had a day at the beach with my family to celebrate my sister's 18th birthday! I came home to dreary weather and no internet, so I filmed a video (up in two weeks!) and watched Felicity on DVD. Anyone else remember that show? #TeamNoel

Today I'm sharing a review of a Hana Pro Flat Iron from Misikko sent to me. Could it be the best hair straightener I've used? Read below to find out:

I'm a huge fan of their hair dryers--it's the best one I've tried, so I couldn't wait to review the Hana Pro Flat Iron. Of course they sent a box of fun goodies, too.

Features:

• Advanced Tourmaline Ceramic Plates for Accelerated Ion Generation and Maximum Frizz-Free, Conditioning Shine
• Ceramic is naturally hygienic, protects color & retards fading
• Floating 1" Plates Auto-Adjust To Glide Over Any Hair Texture
• Curved Plate Edges For Versatile Styling - Curl, Flip or Straighten!
• Adjustable Temperature Dial - 5 Settings from 140-450° F for All Hair Types
• Flash Heats in Seconds with Instant Compensation for Heat Loss
• Ergonomic Handle Design with No-Slip Grip
• Smooth Grooves Keep Hair Strands Separate and Snag-Free
• Tangle-Free Salon Quality Cord Swivels 360°; Convenient Hanging Loop
• Energy Efficient at 38 Watts
• Independent On/Off Switch
• Includes Luxe Heat Proof Storage Pouch, Heat Proof Silicone Mat, & Special Edition Tin Case
• Two Year Warranty

After/Before

Results:

Straight hair

Waves made with flat iron

• The Hana Pro Flat Iron was very easy to use and I'm very impressed with my results.
• Usually my crown is the hardest area to straighten, but it was a breeze, with only one pass-through.
• I experienced no drag in the plates.
• I admittedly don't wear my hair straight very often, so I loved being able to put loose waves in six minutes.
• I would recommend this flat iron and their hair dryer.

Troubleshooting Mascara Problems Tips & Tricks

Hey you! What are your weekend plans? It's my sister's 18th birthday (omg! tears!) and my family is headed to the beach for the day. I can't wait! In the meantime, I'm back with another video! I'm sharing tips and tricks to fix those mascara problems, like smudges, clumps, and even help for oily lids. Every time I make a video, something is wrong with me--it's the nerves of filming. This time I broke out in a rash on my neck, so that's why I'm not wearing a necklace (check out Instagram for a pic).

• Awkward Disclaimer: I had a cold, had on zero makeup, and had just gotten back from a 5-hour drive, so I was looking rough.
• I really pronounce "oil" in one syllable. It sounds like "bowl" minus the "b" but I knew that would be hard to understand, hehe.

Oily Lids

• Try an oil-free primer under the eye. I used one from Pixi.
• Drier formula mascaras
• Waterproof mascara--if you don't want to use it, just try it as a top coat or on the tips.

Smudges

• Clean your mascara wand completely and then reload.
• Avoid putting mascara on the tips--just brush on the roots and up
• Tilt you head back when applying.

Clumps

• Remove excess product before you apply to avoid clumps
• Brush a clean spoolie through your lashes after applying mascara

FOR MORE TIPS, PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEO!

Have a great weekend! Be safe, behave and be well. Love, Elle

Product Test Drive: Batiste Dry Shampoo

I'm a huge fan of dry shampoo--please see my How to Use Dry Shampoo post of you haven't--and Batiste is one of my favorites. This dry shampoo brand in #1 in the UK for a reason--it's great! I have used their brown hair version for a few years, and Batiste has around 9 different dry shampoos! Needless to say, I was tickled to receive one of their dry shampoos, and I chose Tropical. I'm in love! Check out my review:

l-my purchase, r-sample given for review

Scent:

• Summer is almost here, and coconut is one of my favorite smells, so naturally I was drawn to this pina colada scent! And let me tell you, the scent is great and not overpowering at all. I'm very sensitive to scents (most perfumes give me migraines) and the Batiste never bothers me.

Formula:

• This is the thickest dry shampoo formula I've used, which really helps in absorbing oil and keeping it away longer!
• The spray is white, meaning blondes will have an easier time with it, but if used correctly, brunettes can use it without the white residue. As mentioned earlier, there is a formula for light/blonde hair and one for brown/black hair if a thinner formula is desired.

Performance:

• Batiste does a great job at absorbing oil and giving texture, helping to revive hair
• The spray is thick, so be sure to use it as directed.

Uses:

• Extending a blow out
• Volume in hair
• Texture in hair
• Refreshing hair
• When traveling, I spray a little inside my stinky shoes and let them dry overnight, before putting them back in my suitcase!
• I've sprayed a little on wet nails to give them a matte look.
• Spray bobby pins before using to help them stay in fine hair.
• Try using dry shampoo the night before and then brushing through in the morning.
• If you're too tired after a long night out to wash your hair, spray dry shampoo all over your hair, then brush through, to quickly rid stinky hair before sleeping. You'll probably have white powder residue, but the function here is to rid the smell. 

Tips:

• Short sprays, from about 8 inches away, on the roots only
• Allow to dry for about a minute before massaging into roots. I use a towel, but fingertips work too. Brush through or leave for extra volume.
• If you sprayed too much, try using a hairdryer on the area and brushing through.

Thanks, Batiste!

Ask Elle: Choosing the Right Shade of Lipstick

Have a beauty question? Ask Elle!

Leave your question below or email me. Thanks!

orig

Formal Fringe asked, "How do I choose the right shade of lipstick without looking like a clown?"

These rules apply for lipglosses as well! Color trends come and go, but the easiest way to pick the right shade of lipstick is to choose it according to skin tone. These are general guidelines I'm sharing, taken from various cosmetology textbooks, beauty books, articles, and professionals. Lighter colors go better with lighter skin tones and dark colors go better with darker skin tones. Darker lipsticks can age you if worn with the wrong skin tone. However, full lips tend to be more pigmented and can pull off darker shades easier. Thinner lips can look larger by wearing lighter colors, depending on skin tone, believe it or not! I have thin lips that are not heavily pigmented, so wearing a regular nude lipstick looks awful on me. Instead, I need to wear a brown or pink-based nude and it will work!

Light: light pinks, light peaches, beiges, orange-based reds

Medium: medium pinks & peaches, mocha-caramels, blue-based reds

Olive: dark pinks & apricot peaches, berry, mauve, toffee browns, true-to-brown-based reds

Dark: deep--berry, fuchsia, red, golden beige

What's your favorite lipstick? Lip gloss?

Pink + Gold Glitter Triangle Nails

I have this crazy theory that wearing sparkly things or bright colors will make me feel better when I'm sick. But both combined? I should be better by tomorrow, then! ;) Seriously though, I was contacted by Born Pretty, an online nail & beauty store, to review a couple of their many polishes. They were great to work with, I received my polishes in a reasonable amount of time, and was very pleased with the colors. With summer in mind, I chose the neon pink (it glows under blacklight! I tested it!) and the nude shimmer polish. These colors are cute for a fun night out or prom! I decided to do this quick and easy triangle nail design. Enjoy!

TOOLS:

• scissors
• post-it notes (or tape)
• pink neon polish (via born pretty)
• nude shimmer gold polish (via born pretty)
• base/top coat

TECHNIQUE:

Apply base coat and allow to dry.

Apply first color lightly and allow to dry. Apply a light second coat if needed.

Once nails are completely dry, cut the Post-it note into two triangles. Apply them to the nail, overlapping them, and leaving an exposed triangle.

Paint exposed part the other color and allow to dry. I painted some nails gold with pink triangles and some pink with gold triangles. Carefully remove the triangles. I like using Post-its instead of tape because they aren't as sticky, but tape does work if careful.

Seal with a top coat. Enjoy!

WHY NOT TRY:

• All pink nails
• All gold nails
• Four pink nails with a gold accent nail
• Four gold with one pink
• Stripes or polka dots

Born Pretty is giving Elle Sees readers 10% off with coupon code "GDJ61". Free shipping!

Ipsy Glam Bag & PopSugar Must Have Box: April

Hey you! How was your weekend? I have a cold, but I didn't let that stop my from driving back home to see my Lil Sis star as "Marty" in Grease. I was so proud of her and she did well! Since she was one of the Pink Ladies, I thought it was only fitting to start off with this month's Ipsy bag, themed "Pretty in Pink."
Three of the products were full size, which I really liked.

• Be A Bombshell Blush--A highly pigmented pressed powder blush that highlights the complexion and provides long lasting color. Can be used both as a blush or a bronzer. Glam Bag subscribers will receive Beach Please, a bright matte pink OR Sweet Cheeks, a medium rose pink with shimmer. I received Sweet Cheeks.
• Sexy Hair Soy Renewal-- The nourishing styling treatment with multiple benefits! Speeds up blow drying time, nourishes and protects hair, and enhances shine. Made with Moroccan Argan Oil, Soy Renewal addresses moisture, frizz, smoothness, elasticity and shine concerns, while protecting against heat and environmental stresses. It made my hair softer and did ok with frizz. The other sample others received was a hair powder.

• MicaBeauty Mineral Eyeshadows--Extremely gentle, free of preservatives, chemicals, dyes, talc, oils, and other fillers. With this unique formula, the eyeshadows will look ultra smooth and stay put for hours without creasing or pulling the delicate eye area. Can be mixed with clear lip-gloss, clear mascara, and clear nail polish to add pigment to lips, eyelashes and nails! Glam Bag subscribers who receive this product will receive Earth, a light shimmery pink. It is a pretty shadow but I rarely wear something this shimmery, and would have preferred the sample others received. I'll probably turn this into polish.
• Sation Nail Lacquer--A contemporary beauty company, infusing a creative direction in nail care through a blend of lifestyle aesthetics. The collection features 120 colors from its seasonal & limited collections.
• Glam Bag subscribers will receive Of Corset I'll Call You, a romantic lavender-rose OR Love At First Byte, a light peachy pink. I received the former. It's a pretty color but takes many coats to see the true color.

My PopSugar Must-Have Box was a little underwhelming, to say the least. But I do like that it's eco-themed, in honor of today's Earth Day. Here's what I got:

• The Green Garmento Four-in-One Reusable Dry-Cleaning Bag--It looks like a black garment bag, but it's much more than that. It can be used as a laundry bag, hamper, duffel, and garment bag. I do love a multi-purpose product!
• Tatcha Petal Fresh Evening Aburatorigami Beauty Papers--What's the deal with the long names for products this month? This mouthful translates to "blotting papers." I like using my Starbucks napkins, but these are small and they work well.
• Shashi New Nugget Bracelet--As you can see in the pic, it doesn't form a circle, so it fits awkwardly on my wrist. I like adding it to other bracelets.
• Kai Perfume Oil--This classic scent of gardenia and white exotic flowers has a devoted celebrity following. It smells like a Demeter perfume.
• Alter Eco Dark Quinoa Chocolate--This is like a fanicer, darker, and healthier (?) version of a Nestle Crunch. It's fair trade and organic. It was tasty.

Leave links to your subscription boxes and bags so I can read your reviews!

Reader Request Week: Q&A With ElleSees

Hey you! I had such a sweet and positive response to the first video that I decided to do another one. I'm thinking about making this a weekly thing. What do you think? I admit I wasn't feeling too hot in this one, so it's not as entertaining, but learning from my video mistakes and getting comfortable in front of the camera is what it's all about.

One of the possible entries in my $75 Sephora Giveaway is to ask me a question. I randomly chose 13 of them and made a video, so check to see if your question was answered! Enjoy!

Highlights:

• Me, being awkward as usual
• The Southern Accent Returns!
• Charlie, who was asleep most of the video
• The fact that I found an almond in my bra after filming (what the??)

I'm off to Waycross to see my youngest sister perform in her high school's version of Grease! I'll be back Monday with more tutorials and tricks. Have a great weekend. Be safe, behave, and be well. Love, Elle

PS: If you really want your question answered, or if you can't understand my accent, let me know in the comments. Thanks for watching!

Reader Request Week: Easy Brown Smokey Eye Using 1 Drugstore Shadow

I had a lot of requests for this one! A smokey eye is just...sexy. I adore wearing this for a night out, and I seem to wear it a lot during summer. I love how it's brown, making it a little more wearable; uses one shadow that's $3; and it's easy. It is! Here we go:

is it summer yet?

Ok, the trick to a smokey eye is to create an ombre effect--you want it lightest at the crease and darkest at the lash line. While I'm doing my eyes lightest to darkest, feel free to work in reverse. I'm using the $3 Wet N Wild shadow trio in On Cloud Nine. I'm using only the matte brown shade. Seriously, pick this up!

Mega Length mascara $3, shadow trio $3, lipstick $3

1. Apply eyelid primer on the lid and underneath your bottom lashes to make sure your shadow stays.

2. Using a fluffy brush, sweep a very light layer of brown from upper lash line to crease.

3. Dip a flat shader brush into the brown and pat the color onto the lid only--not the crease.

4. With the fluffy brush, and using small circular motions, blend the light brown crease and the dark brown together at the crease. The blend up a little past the crease. Again, it should be lightest at the top.

5. Add a drop of water or saline solution to your flat brush and dip into the brown. This intensified dark brown shade will be applied in the outer corner and slighted dragged onto the upper lash line. Use the fluffy brush to softly blend out any harsh lines.

6. Use a pencil brush and smudge the brown along the lower lash line.

7. Add a brown or black liner to the water and tight lines. 

8. Add several coats of mascara after curling lashes.

9. Finish with a pink-nude lipstick/gloss. 

TIPS:

• To make this a black smokey eye, use black on the lid and brown (or a coppery brown) in the crease.
• Instead of using the wet brown shadow, feel free to use a matte black instead.
• I added a little of my DIY Lip Butter onto my lips and lids for extra shine.
• For that summer glow, add bronzer and highlighter.

Reader Request Week: How to Wear Red Lips

Hi! This week I'm posting YOUR requests, in honor of my 3rd blogiversary. Enjoy!

There's just something so classic about a red lip. But it seems so intimidating to apply or to pull off. Today I'll show you it really is easy to wear a red lip. Just use the steps below:

1--Choose your product.

stains, glosses

Stains--These are the easiest to apply for that just-bitten, natural looking red. These can be dotted on the lips and rubbed in with a finger and the color is buildable. Plus, lip stains can be used for cheeks, too, making them a good value. The staying power depends on how much stain you apply.

lip balm stain, lip butters

Lipgloss and lip balm stains--These are also easy to apply, and can be applied to bare lips or over lipstick. The color payoff depends on the brand.

blue-based red is better for medium/darker skin tones, orange-based is better for fair skin

Lipstick--This is the one I'm focusing on for this post. Red lipstick can be matte or shiny. There are blue-based reds, orange-based, and "true" reds. I say to pick out a couple and see what shade looks best on you. Usually these can be returned to the store with a receipt (check beforehand). In general, blue-based reds are far too intense for fair skin. Orange-based reds tend to pop. I usually wear darker reds (wearing left lipstick as shown).

2--Exfoliate and moisturize
This step is crucial before applying any lipstick. I'm using the $3 lip exfoliator from ELF, but I make my own lip exfoliator. Then apply a lip balm and allow it to soak in for a minute.

3--Apply a base
Wipe off extra lip balm and apply a drop of creamy foundation or concealer. I use this as a "primer" to make sure my lipstick lasts.

4--Use matching lip liner
Outline lips and lightly fill them in with a matching lip liner.

5--Apply lipstick
I don't suggest applying red lipstick like you would Chapstick. Either use a lip brush to apply the color or dab the lipstick onto lips, gently pressing lips and then blending with your pinkie finger. A clear or matching red lip gloss can be applied, if that look is desired.

6--Clean up
Once you have the color how you'd like, it's time to clean up. Using a concealer or "everything" pencil, like this one from Studio Gear Cosmetics, outline outside of the lip to clean it up. This really makes the difference and helps with bleeding lipstick.

7--Blot and set
The easiest way to ruin a red lip is when it travels to teeth. Blotting will help stop this. Also, dust some translucent powder onto a tissue and blot lips with it to set the lipstick.

8--Eyes
With red lips, the rest of your makeup should be minimal (no red blush!!!). However, the eyes need to balance out the red lips. I use lots of mascara and a slight winged liner.

What's your favorite red lip product?

PS: I'm giving away $75 to Sephora, if you'd like to enter.

Reader Request Week: Ombre Gel Nails With SensatioNail

ElleSees turned 3 last week (did you see the celebratory video? or enter my $75 Sephora Giveaway?) and I'm dedicating this week to YOU! I asked what posts you'd like to see, 

and I'm sharing them all week. Enjoy!

I'm a huge fan of gel (shellac) nails. They last for a couple of weeks, which I love. They're my must-do before traveling and they're fast. No smudges, either! I prefer to do them at home with a kit (better investment and no waiting at the salon). I find that they don't damage my nails--normally I'm changing my polish every couple of days, but with gel nails, the polish lasts, so there's no need to change my polish. Even my friends who aren't into polish on their fingers have been sold! I have friends who love just having shiny, clear polish or those who use the gel polish for pedis only. Therefore, I was delighted when SensatioNail sent me some new shades to try! I won a kit of theirs last year (see the original review here) and have purchased more shades since. These are the colors that I received:

Packaging and the two shades used

Jelly Sherbert, Scarlet Red, Island Oasis, Purple Orchid

These shades appear exactly as shown on the label. I love when a polish actually rings true to the bottle/label, don't you?

Since nail art was requested, I wanted to show a look that is really easy. I admit I typically exclude gel polish when I do nail art, but I wanted to show it can easily be done. And this was a great reminder of more versatility of gel polish! I'm creating ombre nails, totally inspired by my Lisa Frank sticker book I had as a kid. I loved the pink and purple combo!

First, make sure your nails are clean. Apply the gel primer--it dries in seconds. 

Next, apply a clear coat and place under the lamp for 30 seconds. The lamp will beep.

Choose your shade and apply. I used Jelly Sherbert. Place under the lamp for a minute. Make sure to cap the nails. Add a second coat if needed (mine didn't need it).

Using a makeup sponge, paint a small amount of Purple Orchid, and dab onto 3/4 of the nail. Depending on how you'd like the ombre effect, it should be darkest at the top (or bottom) and slowing fading into the pink. Place under the lamp for 1 minute. Repeat if desired.

Finish with another coat of the base/top coat, and place under the lamp for 30 seconds. Remove the sticky moisture layer with Gel Cleanser, and that's it!  Sensationail can be purchased in stores or online!

*Optional: I added a gel glitter polish to my thumb, before sealing with a top coat.

*Soak in acetone (they have a kit available for removal) to remove.

*More gel nail art: Christmas Glitter Gel Nails

Happy 3rd Blogiversary ElleSees!

Three years ago today I started this blog! As a token of thanks, I'm giving $75 to Sephora to one lucky reader. I'm also dedicating next week to YOU with my annual Reader Request Week. And finally, I did the scariest thing possible: a video to share with you! I've never made a video before, as you will definitely see, and I'm so shy! This video was this week's The 52 Project goal, and it was a huge step for me. I'm taking you behind the scenes on a mini-tour of my apartment to show secrets from the "glamorous" world of blogging! Spoiler alert: it's not glamorous. Enjoy getting to know me better AND the most embarrassing 2 minutes and 40 seconds of my life! No, seriously, watch! :)

In case the video doesn't load, try this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRTnG3bhF3w

Highlights:

• my embarrassing southern accent
• my camera awkwardness
• my attempt at trying to be funny
• my satin pillow--I told y'all I was serious about my hair!
• that I puked twice out of nerves, sorry, tmi
• that I wish I was that relaxed, blogging on the bed in real life
• that I had to bribe a certain someone to be in the video
• watch past the credits!
• A SURPRISE SPECIAL GUEST (skip to the 2 min mark to see!)

Thank you so much for reading, commenting, and following my blog/social media. I know I take this silly blog way too seriously, but it means the world to me! So thank you, thank you, thank you! Here's to many more years to come! THANK YOU! xo, Elle

Win $75 Sephora Giftcard!

In honor of tomorrow's 3rd Blogiversary, I'm giving away $75 to Sephora!
This giveaway is international and ends May 11, 2013.
GOOD LUCK and thanks for supporting my blog!

Enter below:

Life Lesson Learned

me.

This Friday marks the third year I've had this blog--I hope you stop by then. I made you something! Today I'm sharing an important lesson I've learned that applies not only to blogging, but to life. Enjoy.

Trust Your Gut

We all love to give advice, don't we? I do, and it's one of the reasons I started this blog. I love to get advice as well. I work hard on ElleSees, but I welcome constructive criticism, especially for things that I need to improve upon, or things I might have missed. But I finally learned to listen to advice, and to trust my gut.

I always intended ElleSees to be a beauty blog, but when I told bloggers/ friends I was starting a blog, I was surprised at their responses. They ranged from "don't start a blog" to "only blog about your life" to "be a style blogger." And so I took everyone's advice, and my blog had a little of everything at first. This is true for many beginning bloggers; we post random topics to find our blog niche. But I knew what mine was: quick, easy, and on-budget beauty. My first beauty post sat in the draft folder for months; I was too nervous to post it. Random: I also learned no one wants to see what you cooked for dinner unless (a) the photos are amazing or (b) your recipe is something original. Yeah.

So slowly I started incorporating more beauty posts into my blog and retracting the topics that didn't hold my passion. My stats went down, the comments and emails arrived, with threats to unfollow/not view my blog because it changed. But you know what? ALL of those former followers either started a beauty blog or now blog beauty regularly. I should've just listened to my gut and blogged what holds my passion, not what is popular.

But still, I had not learned my lesson. Here's another example: my blog used to be more personal, but an email changed that: "Stop talking about yourself so much. Just get on with the tutorial. You use too many words." And so I stopped mentioning myself. But I felt like my blog was becoming more of a resource, less me. Knowing there's a person there, that you can trust, that could be a friend, is what makes blogging different, from say, a magazine. I admit, it can be a challenge to blend personal with beauty information, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I want you to know there's an intelligent, funny, and shy girl, who adores her dog, loves her family, is drawn to anything coconut-scented, and has a constant state of wanderlust behind this blog.

And she's finally learned her lesson.


PS: Ask Me Anything time is here! Ask your personal (or beauty) questions and I'll post my answers next week. Thanks.

Beauty DIY: Depuffing Mask

I've tried to write this post about seven different ways, each leaving me frustrated. Life has been rough lately, with lots of tears due to news in my family. While it's not my news to share, I will ask for prayers and thoughts. All of this crying has left my eyes and face puffy and swollen. Given the circumstances, most people would choose to stay that way, but for me, that would yield lots of questions and even more tears. I didn't have any of my regular remedies around, like cucumbers or potato slices, and decided to go with this old stand-by. If you find yourself in need of a Depuffing Mask, give this a try.

You'll Need:
1/3 c cool, whole milk
6 tbsp baking soda

Directions:
Mix together and apply to the face. Don't scrub the skin. Leave 20 minutes before off.

Notes:
--The milk helps to soothe, soften and tighten skin. The baking soda helps to tighten skin as well.
--You can also use powdered milk and a little water to make a thicker paste if desired.
--Feel free to half this recipe if applying just to puffy under eye bags.
--I also like dipping cotton pads into the mix and putting under my eyes.
--Preparation H sold in the US does NOT work for puffy eyes. It's a myth.
--More Puffy Posts you might've missed:

• Asian eye pads
• DIY Soothing Eye Pads
• Travel beauty puffy eyes
• Peppermint tea benefits
• Ask Elle--How to get rid of puffy eyes
• How to look better when sick

PS: In honor of my 3rd blogiversary, I'm doing my annual READER REQUEST WEEK!

I'll be answering YOUR questions, whether beauty or personal, so ask away. :)