Meet Kelsey

Photo by: Rory M.

Hello Beauty Bloggers!

Let me (Rory) introduce you to my friend, Kelsey. When I was entering my junior year of high school, I transferred schools, and I attribute much of the quality of my transfer (and the remainder of my time in high school) to this girl. It's the typical cafeteria scene- New girl walks in, nobody notices, she shuffles left and right, thinks she recognizes someone, then doesn't. Finally, when she concludes that there's nowhere to eat but the corner bathroom stall, she's approached tentatively and invited to sit with some classmates. From there it was Shakespeare, prom dresses, writing poetry in Physics, AP exams, eating cookie dough in Chemistry, and eventually graduation. I'm a lucky gal, and am so excited to share my friend and her thoughts on health and body image. So without further ado, heeere's Kelsey!

~

If you had asked me two and a half years ago, when I was halfway through my senior year and over one hundred pounds heavier, what I wanted out of being thin, one of my first answers would have been “to be desirable”. (Although if we’re truthful, it probably would have been phrased more coarsely, like “a boyfriend” or “to be hot”. I’d like to think my vocabulary and tact have matured a bit since then).  Fast forward, and if I could go back in time, I’d tell fat me “not so fast”. 

One of the things that happens when you’re young and heavy is that people are quick to define you by anything other than your weight. You become “you know, that junior that played the guard in the fall play” or “the girl with brown hair that ran the Christmas Toy Drive”. Anything to avoid stating the most obvious identifier as “the fat girl from English class”. In hindsight, it was a blessing in disguise: acquaintances and even strangers knew that I was smart, bold, driven, before I had a chance to show them.

I didn’t notice it right away, but being thin erased the need to identify me by my accomplishments. In conjunction with this, my talents were no longer recognized; it was no longer necessary knowledge that I was an actress or in the National Honor Society. People didn’t have to peel back the layers to find something pleasant to identify me with. I was pretty; that was enough.

This shift became even more obvious during my first real relationship. For the first time in my life, I would frequently feel like I was only valued for my appearance. It didn’t matter that I had landed a role in the newest Renaissance play or that I’d made the Dean’s list for three consecutive semesters. That I was smart or clever or kind was suddenly a bonus, an afterthought. I was an object, a trophy, a pretty little number on my man’s arm. I was something to ogle, something for my boyfriend’s friends to congratulate him for obtaining. Something. No one had to look past my appearance to find value in my intelligence, wit, or charisma. And sometimes I wished they would. 

It’s a sad situation in society where the layers of a person are judged from appearance in. I’ve learned that in order to remain in someone’s memory as someone of substance, I have to project that substance that much more.  It’s difficult not to get cynical, but I’m learning that although society will always judge me appearance-first, I can give them more on top of it. I can be friendly and kind and honest and sarcastic and pretty. My outer beauty doesn't have to be my only beauty if I don't let it be. 

Kelsey

The New Normal

 

 

Photo by: Rory M.

Hello Beauty Bloggers! Remember me?

I know it's been awhile, so let me catch you up with what's been going on around here! 

Alysha has been globe-trotting to Senegal and Spain, and I've been taking some time to myself and working on other projects as well. But we're back, and we're looking forward to some exciting guest posts this week! But first, a word from your editors, or just me.


One of my favorite parts of taking a shower is trying the new products that I find there (i.e. sister's shampoo, mom's body wash, dad's shaving cream, etc.). Maybe that's weird, but before you judge too harshly, keep reading. 


Last night, I found a 2-in-1 shampoo for "Normal Hair". Wait, what?! What is normal hair? I asked myself. Then I got angry, and I asked that shampoo-conditioner-hybrid-freak what in the world it knows about normal hair, and where does it get off telling me that there even is such a thing as normal hair? 


Okay, maybe I overreacted, but to me it seems a little silly to assume that "normal" is a concept that is universal, constant, and objective. For instance, it may be considered "abnormal" for my sister to have curly red hair when you look at the rest of my family that has straight brown hair. However, if you were to unravel her DNA, you would find that she is actually wired to have fabulous red curls. 


Like most things, I started to relay this encounter with my life at this point. (It was a fairly long shower.) I began to think about how I interpret normalcy, and if I, like this product, am limiting myself. You see, I came to the conclusion that "normal" is relative to a specific environment. For instance, it is considered abnormal to sing aloud at work. I sing aloud all the time when I'm not at work. However, if my boss began singing aloud at work, perhaps I would also, and then maybe my co-workers would. Then, with time, it could be abnormal to not sing at work. How awesome would that be?


With that example, I began to replace singing at work with other things. These include smiling at strangers, loading the dishwasher when it's "not my turn", and telling friends and family that I love them. Perhaps this is idealist and far-fetched, but maybe if we all took time to establish a better "normal", it could make a difference in how we live and treat other people. At least it'd be a good use of shower time. 


Happy Monday,
Rory



 

Challenge Accepted (Finger Waves)

Original Photo:

 

Challenge Accepted:

Photo by: Rory M.

Photo by: Rory M

Meet Kristin!! Kristin is an awesome lady with a fabulous pixie cut! 

We received a request quite some time ago for a finger wave style. I (Rory) was actually very nervous about this challenge. It seemed like a very difficult style, and it was one that I had never done before! We chose to do it with short hair because it seemed like a great way to add variation to a shorter style.

Photo by: Tessa M.

Step 1: Begin with wet hair. We sprayed dry hair with water, but it would have probably been better to start with drenched hair, and then patted it dry. We also used a lot of mousse. Mousse can be substituted for gel, or other hair-holding products.
Step 2: Part the hair. It seems simple enough, but the part is essential to the overall look, and its placement makes a difference. We gave Kristin a deep side part.

Step 3: Place finger parallel to the part, about a half-inch from the line.

Step 4:(While finger is in place)Holding fine-toothed comb perpendicular to the part, comb hair forward, towards the face. 

Step 5: Remove finger, and gently replace it with bobby pin. 

Photo by: Tessa M.

Step 6: While hair is still combed towards face, place finger a half-to-full inch below pin, and  begin combing hair away from face.

Step 7:

Gently secure bobby pin.

Step 8:

Repeat Steps 3-7.

After pins are all securely in place, begin drying hair. We used hot air on a low setting. Too much force will blow hair out of place.

When hair is at its desired texture, remove pins and spray lightly with hairspray (we used aerosol). 

Photo by: Rory M.

For more information, including how to extend the waves to fit longer hair: 

• http://www.wikihow.com/Style-a-1930%27s-Finger-Wave-Hairstyle

• http://www.ehow.com/how_7175571_do-finger-waves-short-hair.html

Got a hair question? Send us a challenge at anewbeautyblog@gmail.com! 

Rory

Tessa's Just-About-Any-Occasion Look

Today, we're featuring a beauty tutorial from my (Rory's) sister, Tessa! Last week, she went to an event, and was not sure how formal it was. These events can be so difficult because when it's summer, we want to be comfortable, but still be appropriate for the occasion. I think it worked out very well, and I wanted her to describe her look in her own words. So without further ado, heeere's Tessa! 

Skin:

First, I applied my liquid foundation all over my face. I used my fingers instead of a brush because I wanted my skin to look flawless, and when I use my fingers I am able to rub the makeup into my skin more easily. I also applied foundation on my eyes to act as a primer.

Eyes:

Photo by: Rory M.

Next, I moved onto eyes. The eye shadow palette I chose had soft pastel colors, which looks good on pale skin. I first applied the orange color all over my eye. I then applied the green color onto my lid. Using the same brush, I applied the purple on the inner corners of my eyes, and I put a little bit under my eyes in the inner corner. I took the darkest shade (brown), and put it into the crease to add some definition. I then took my plum-colored eyeliner and made a very thin line as close to the roots of my lashes as I could. I then took the brown color and, using an eyeliner smudging brush, I smudged the brown color into the eyeliner, very soft, yet still defined. Lastly, I applied my mascara. I did not curl them simply because my lashes don't stay curled. But I didn't want my eyes to be the center of attention; this look is all about the overall look, meaning that it's not about having one feature pop. The entire look should be the main focus.

Cheeks:

Photo by: Rory M.

Next, I applied a light layer of powder. I didn't want my face to look photoshopped, but I wanted it to look flawless in a natural way. Then, I applied my blush. I went with a rosie red-pink because it looked cheerful and youthful. I applied it on the apples of my cheeks, going up along the cheekbone. I then applied some bronzer a little below the cheek bones to add some contouring.

Lips:

I finished with chapstick. I felt that my natural lips went well with the rest of the look, so I didn't really touch them. 

Dress:

My dress from American Eagle was perfect for the occasion. It was a great day dress, but could easily be worn for a special occasion, or a night event. I felt that the style was mature, yet was not over-the-top. All-in-all, I believe this look is carefree and bright.

Photo by: Rory M.

The Definition of Whimsy

Photo by: Rory M.

"I asked him what he meant by whimsy, and he struggled to define it. He said it's that nagging idea that life could be magical; it could be special if we were only willing to take a few risks." (Donald Miller, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years)

This summer, I've been challenging myself to take some risks, mostly social. These have included reaching out to people I don't know very well, forgiving past hurts, rekindling relationships, talking to strangers, and befriending a very sweet homeless woman named Jessie. These risks may not always end well, but so far, I haven't regretted taking them. 

A couple weeks ago, I made a pact with a girl that I work with that we would be sure to do something over the weekend that we hadn't done in a while. (I went mini-golfing.) It's that sort of thing that wakes me up inside; it makes life just a little more magical.

This weekend, I challenge you to take some risks. Try something new. Be whimsical.


And then tell me about it.
Rory

"When we look back on our lives, what we will remember are the crazy things we did, the times we worked harder to make a day stand out." (Donald Miller, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years)

66 Years and Counting

Did you know that the modern bikini is 66 years old? Well, it is, and it's never looked better! When first introduced July 5, 1946 by Frenchman, Louis Rèard, the bikini redefined summer fashion. So whether you love 'em, hate 'em, or just don't care, let's tip our hats to the bathing suit that is one of the most successful staples of beachwear.  


Happy Birthday! 

Friday & Feeling Free

Photo by: Rory M.

Happy Happy

Photo by: Sam D.

Today, I want to give a special shout-out to my friend, Sam. It's her birthday, and I want to take some time to educate the masses as to why she is so darn cool. 

The first week of my freshman year in college, I heard a knock at the door, and found a crowd of overly-excited freshmen. (I was the type that preferred to sit in the corner of my bed and count ceiling tiles over talking to new people.) The scary, happy crowd was led by a tiny, freckle-faced girl who wore a very large grin.

"Hi! I'm Sam! We're going to every floor and meeting people! Want to join?"

Nononononoooo..."Sure!" Crap. 

Somehow, I ended up in the back of the crowd, and by the end of the night I had met some of my favorite people in college.

This year, when Sam would invite me over for after-dinner tea (Yes, we do that.), I had to ask myself, "What time do you want to be in bed? 12am or 4am?" Sam and I could sit and talk for, literally, hours. As long as the tea kept coming, we would go over food, fashion, family, makeup, boys, music, theater, films, books, hair, crafts, more boys, nails, and we might have touched on Boston weather. 

I admire Sam for her inviting persona, both in real life and in her writing. You can't help but be excited about what she's excited about, and I think the world needs more passionate people like her. 

Happy Birthday Sam!!

Rory

Bangspiration

Photo by: Rory M.

Recently, I made the decision to get my bangs cut.  Alert the media. Big deal, right? A friend of mine just cut her own hair in a bob. The point of this isn't to share a sensationalistic tale, because, apparently, stranger things have happened (No offense, Sam.). However, at the time, it felt like a much bigger deal than it really was. 

Like most people who are considering a change to their style, I asked the opinions of others. A lot. I had been asking and getting people's opinions on the matter since last semester. Even when I decided that I wanted bangs (and I wanted them now!), I still continued asking. I even considered posting a poll to see how the blogosphere felt about this, when I came to this realization: I want bangs, so who cares if anyone else likes it? 

Forget the fact that most people can't and will not be bothered by the subtle changes in my appearance, I was so focused on the opinions of others that I became disillusioned, and ignored these two facts:

1. No one is nearly as invested in my hair as I am.

2. I want bangs. 

Although it's beneficial to heed the advice of others, you can never please everyone. When it comes to personal beauty, it's in the eye of the beholder, and you're the beholder that counts. 

Rory

PS: I love my bangs! 

Summer Nights

I am a summer beauty nerd. It's the only time of the year where fearlessness is truly embraced. Case in point, summer cliff diving=crazy, but is socially acceptable, winter cliff diving=you have a death wish.

Now is the time to test out new looks! We've got cook outs, drive-ins, family reunions, road trips, romantic beach dates, summer flings, (insert the favorite summer activity of your choice), let's get fearless!

Turns out for gingers (or at least the only ginger in my life, Tay) summer beauty is daunting. Golden bronze glows are really seas of freckles, porcelain skin turns the color of lobsters and ginger hair turns carrot top orange. So, she really didn't share my summer-time beauty excitement but after some coercing, I convinced her to let me handle her make-up for her aunt's evening baby shower on Cape Cod.

Photo by: Alysha Marie

 TA-DA! Summer Nights was born! Inspired by summer nights on the beach, we focused on a bronze eye with glowing skin and rosy lips. Subtle enough to wear near your grandma but  interesting enough to attract the interest of your fashionable cousins. Did I mention that it's SUPER easy.......

Ingredients:

1. Flirt! Eyeshadow in Peach Champagne and Bronze Splash-Khols

2. Almay Ideal Lip Gloss in Berry Shimmer- CVS

3. E.L.F. Golden Bronzer-Target

4. Angled Eye Shadow Brush- Amazon.com

5. Small Round Eye Shadow Brush-Amazon.com

6. Big Round Blush Brush- Amazon.com

7. (not pictured) bowl of luke-warm water

8. (not pictures) Q-tips

Photo by: Alysha Marie

How To:
1. Dip Angled Eye Shadow Brush into cup of water; Get damp but not dripping water. Dip brush into Bronze Splash (the third color in from your left) and then draw a line from the inner corner of your eye to the end of your lash line. Now, thinly line the bottom of your lashes using the same method with the shadow and water. Repeat for your other eye.
2. Take a Q-tip and smug the bronze line you just created on your lid. I found rubbing it in a small circle motion upwards (about 1/8 of an inch), gives you the perfect smokey eye.
3. Using your Small Round Eye-Shadow Brush apply Peach Champagne (1st shadow on your left) to your  brow bone and extend up towards the arch of your eyebrow.
4. Take your Big Round Blush Brush and apply Golden Bronzer to the apples of your checks, along your hairline and along your jaw bone. This is an awesome highlighter that works for all skin types and didn't hide her freckles but gave her a nice glow.
5. Apply lip gloss and your ready to go!

Test it out and be fearless.
In fearlessness, we might find unexposed beauty within us.
OX Alysha Marie