Seriously Cute Handbags for Summer

I don't have an overabundance of designer shoes. I have never become obsessed with dressing my feet. Maybe that comes from years of standing on my feet behind the chair for 12+ hours a day. I prefer sensible over fashionable. But I have to admit, I have a thing for handbags.

I'm excited to share with you that for a limited time, Layla Grayce is offering 15% off Designer Handbags with promo code NEWPURSE. 

Stay fashion forward this summer and shop beautiful bags like the Botkier Lucy Sea Glass Shoulder Bag or the Botkier Lucy Powder Cross Body Bag. A fun and flirty option is the Be&D Parker Teal Combo Bag that is perfect for a night out on the town. 

I always say, "It can't hurt to look, right?"  So go. Look. Don't miss your chance to shop this fabulous sale!

Peace, Love, and Beauty,

the Beauty Lady

Disclosure: Sometimes, I will be compensated if you click on certain links and decide to purchase the products I recommend. These recommendations are always based on a positive experience with the person or company whose product I am recommending.

6 Reasons Why Olive Oil is Good For Your Skin

Guest Post Disclaimer: The following is a guest post. From time to time I like to share interesting articles by guest bloggers with various points of view. The opinions, references, images,  and information expressed in the following article are from the author, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Go Inspire Beauty. Please perform your own due diligence when considering the information provided here. I was in no way compensated for this post or it's included links.

Olive oil has always been touted as a healthy culinary addition, but did you know that it can also work wonders for your skin and hair?

Ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians were well aware of olive oil's beauty-enhancing properties and used it extensively in their skin and hair care regimens. Now that scientific research has established that olive oil poses multiple beauty benefits, many companies have started using it as a key ingredient in their natural and organic range of cosmetics. Here are some properties that make olive oil absolute elixir for the skin.

Olive Oil As A Moisturizer

Olive oil is a time-tested remedy for dry skin. Direct application of olive oil forms a protective sheath over the skin and locks in moisture without disturbing the skin's natural balance. If used regularly, it also imparts a healthy glow to the skin and fights off signs of ageing like wrinkles, fine lines and pigmentation. Olive oil's super-hydrating properties not only make it the perfect natural moisturizer, it is also great for oily skin since it balances out sebum production. Unlike commercially available skin care products, it does not clog the pores and is suitable for all skin types.

Olive Oil As A Hair Conditioner

Olive Oil is the perfect tonic for dry, damaged, color-treated or frizzy hair. While a deep massage is usually recommended, a drop or two may be smoothened over hair shafts in place of a hair serum to take care of flyaway's and lend a glossy shine to the hair. Suffering from dandruff and scalp irritation? A weekly massage with warm olive oil can fix that too!

Olive Oil as An Antioxidant

Olive Oil is a rich source of Vitamin A, Vitamin E and four other antioxidants, which protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. In fact, some studies suggest that Olive Oil may have a role to play in the prevention of skin cancer.

Olive Oil As An Anti-Inflammatory

Olive oil possesses skin-soothing properties and makes for a great home remedy for irritable skin conditions like eczema, insect bites, sunburn and severe dryness. It can be used to fight acne and can even be used as a substitute for aftershaves and diaper rash creams.

Olive Oil As A Natural Scrub

One may not think of using oil as an exfoliating agent but olive oil does the job better than any store-bought scrub. When mixed with sea salt or sugar granules, olive oil effectively sloughs away dead skin cells and nourishes the new skin beneath, leaving you feeling silky smooth. Due to its natural cleansing properties, it may also be used as a gentle makeup remover. You will be surprised to find that it can effortlessly remove even the most stubborn mascara!

Olive Oil As A Hypoallergenic

Since Olive Oil is 100% natural, it does not contain any synthetic ingredients or harmful chemicals. As a result, it is much more gentle and safe for your skin. There have been virtually no reports of allergy or hypersensitivity with pure olive oil, and it is good enough for babies too.

Sarah Broder works for Botani Australia Pty Ltd which is a successful organic skin care provider in the country. She likes to write about a variety of things that interest her during her time off from work.

Gatsby's Great Vintage Fashion Inspiration

Today is the day for the much-anticipated movie, The Great Gatsby. So, let's talk Vintage!

Full of glitz, glamour, ornate details, and a true style all its own - what girl wouldn't want "The Great Gatsby" look? Whether you are looking to enjoy a casual Gatsby themed garden party or don your most glamorous look at a fabulous cocktail evening, there are plenty of ways with ModCloth to add a flapper-esque flair to any look this spring/summer. 

• Details, details, details. Epaulets, pearls, rhinestones, and sequins were highly used during this time period to add glitz to an evening outfit.
• Slender silhouettes. While you could still see a full skirt, long hemline, and high neck, the robe de style dress featuring a drop waist and straight cut was the most popular style. 
• Haute headpieces. To top off the entire look, add a whimsical & decadent headpiece from ModCloth. You can even DIY a fabulous headband with ribbon, feathers, and gemstones!

For more tips & tricks to achieve the perfect flapper-esque look, you can visit the ModStylists here: ModCloth ModStylists Will Style You Up! The ModStylists can put together a look-book specifically for you! 

Peace, Love, and Beauty,
the Beauty Lady

Disclosure: Sometimes, I will be compensated if you click on certain links and decide to purchase the products I recommend. These recommendations are always based on a positive experience with the person or company whose product I am recommending.

Style Remix - Prom Hairstyles and Embellishments

It was nineteen-ninety-something. Two high school besties preparing for the biggest night of their teen lives came to see me for their prom updos.

It was an exciting and enjoyable few hours as the girls giggled and planned and had some really great beauty bonding time.

These styles were created using a knot technique. With one, the ends were left out for a playful, whimsical look. With the other, I tucked the ends into curls for a more formal and sophisticated style.

*Style Note: Knotting the hair is a great way to upstyle really heavy or excessively long hair, as it balances the weight of the hair and assures the style is comfortable and secure. It's really beautiful, too! Brides considering their formal upstyling may like this option, as well.  With the long day and the festivities, this secure and fabulous hairstyle is perfect for a wedding.

Dried flowers and velcro rhinestones added unique finishing touches.

What do you think of these upstyles from the 90s? Would you wear them today? Please comment below.

Peace, Love, and Beauty,
the Beauty Lady

Disclosure: Sometimes, I will be compensated if you click on certain links and decide to purchase the products I recommend. These recommendations are always based on a positive experience with the person or company whose product I am recommending. Pretty please, always do your OWN due-diligence before making any purchases and be a good steward of your money - never purchase anything that you cannot afford.

Beautiful Mother's Day Gift Ideas for Your Beautiful Mom

I Heart Mom.

Mother's Day is quickly approaching and now is the time to find that stylish and unique gift that shows how much your mom means to you! 

This year, Layla Grayce has posted a Mother's Day blog post suggesting the top ten gift ideas and essentials for mom and is offering 15% off these gifts with code 4URMOM valid through 5/1. Below are a few of my favorite gift ideas. 

Lollia's Relax Handcream

My Mom constantly has her hands in water. This soothing handcream will be a nice treat for her hands.

Antique Rose Blue Teapot

I don't think my Mom has ever bought a new teapot. She still uses the one she had when I was a little girl. This beautiful Antique Rose Blue teapot will brighten up her kitchen and it is something she needs but would never buy for herself.

Printed Canvas Tote

My Mom's purse is a virtual treasure chest. If you need it, it is probably in her bag! A bottomless pit of necessities, Mom's handbag could use a refresh. This is a great choice for my Mom.

Have you found the perfect gift for your Mom? If not, check out the Layla Grace Mother's Day blog post  to find something she will treasure!

Disclosure: Sometimes, I will be compensated if you click on certain links and decide to purchase the products I recommend. These recommendations are always based on a positive experience with the person or company whose product I am recommending. Pretty please, always do your OWN due-diligence before making any purchases and be a good steward of your money - never purchase anything that you cannot afford.

Easy Hairstyles for the Busy Woman

Guest Post Disclaimer: The following is a guest post. From time to time I like to share interesting articles by guest bloggers with various points of view. The opinions, references, and information expressed in the following article are from the author, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Go Inspire Beauty. Please perform your own due diligence when considering the information provided here. I was in no way compensated for this post or it's included links.

Today, many women don’t get enough sleep as it is, and they wake up worrying about what their hair will look like. Many women skip breakfast simply so they have enough time to style their hair in a way they feel comfortable. If you are one of these women, you may be wondering what you can do to make life with your hair simpler. There are many things that you can do and many ways that you can style your hair to save you time. Here are a few thoughts.

Love Your Natural Hair

The first thing you want to do is decide that you like your natural hair. That’s right. If you have straight hair, just be happy with it. If you have curly hair, be happy with that as well, because there is someone out there wishing for hair just like yours. The best thing you can do if you have curly hair is to put a little bit of mousse in your hair to define your curls and forget about it. If you have straight hair, a little bit of root amplifier will be just fine and you’ll be set to go. You can always wear a cute hairclip or headband if you want to add a little bit of a fashionable touch.

You Can Never Put it Back On

Another thing for you to consider is to never get your hair cut too short. When you do, you may find it poking out all over the place and it will take you so much more time to try and get it to sit right. You may think you like short hair now, but you won’t once you cut it and find that it takes you longer than ever before to style. Leave your hair a decent length and avoid cutting it.

Get The Color Right

Finally, dye your hair a color where you won’t have to worry about your roots showing each and every day. If you want to dye your hair, consider highlights over a full color job. You can’t tell when they are growing out nearly as easily.
There are many things you can do to make life easier and save yourself time in the morning. Just accept and be happy with the hair you have naturally. Use a hairclip or a headband to accessorize and you will see that you are less stressed out in the morning. After all, it is just hair, but it is important.

About the Author:  Max Willis is a Los Angeles cosmetologist who works with celebrities and fashion stars. He blogs about hair cair, makeup and beauty. He is a guest author for the Mandalyn Beauty School newsletter.

What Do I Do With This Thing?

The Elusive Directional Nozzle.

What exactly is it and what is it good for?

Although it may have eluded you until now, it is time to shine a light on a little used, but very useful tool in your hair styling arsenal.

Yep, that funky little doohickey that should have come in the blow dryer box has a purpose.

Often neglected, the directional nozzle makes blow-dry styling so much easier! With the directional nozzle on the end of your blow dryer, it is easy to keep the flow of air right where you are working, instead of blowing the other hair willy-nilly, causing frizz.

Using the directional nozzle will give you more control, making your morning style a breeze!

Note:

Not all blowdryers come with a directional nozzle in the box. Make sure when you shop for your next blowdryer that you choose one with a directional nozzle. The more narrow the opening of the nozzle, the more control you will have while styling.

Do you use a directional nozzle? What difference has it made in your styling? Please leave a comment below.

Peace, Love, and Beauty

The Beauty Lady