DIY: How to Make a Flower Crown or Headband

When I made my flower/leaf crown for my deer girl Halloween costume, I took a few photos along the way to show the process! Making your own flower headband is really easy - it probably took me 10 minutes and only requires hot glue skills. (The only thing that didn't work out, actually, was the antlers I made - they just wouldn't stay put and the hot glue melted them. C'est la vie!)

I used this method to make both the crown pictured and the crown I wore in this outfit.

A few more tips... 

• Use a headband that's the same color as your hair or the flowers you'll be using. I usually use a lighter one since I'm blonde, but I picked brown this time since I knew I'd be in a darker wig for this costume. 
• If you can, use a wig head! It's so much easier to see how end result with a styrofoam head to work on.
• Use the scissors to cut the canvas mesh and trim the flowers/other accents to the height you want them.
• Arrange your pieces BEFORE you glue them!
• Play around with angles to see which way you want your flowers. Some look better when glued facing up from the crown, rather than straight.

If you make a crown, show me photos! I'd love to see how it turns out!

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e.l.f. Haul + Review

Vegan, Cruelty-Free Makeup?

Today I'm trying something a little different -- I made a video of a beauty haul and I'm going to be reviewing some makeup I got from e.l.f.! In the video, I show all the products I'm going to review and also why I'm switching makeup brands. I'm making an effort to switch over to cruelty-free and vegan cosmetics, so when I heard that e.l.f. was all of that plus affordable, I had to make an order! Everything from e.l.f. is so inexpensive; the most expensive item I bought was still only $6. They also have specials and promotions constantly -- almost half of the items I received were free. Disclaimer: The links in this post are affiliate links, meaning I get a small kickback if you choose to purchase through them. However, all opinions are my own, and honestly? I am smitten with e.l.f. I joined the affiliate program after trying all their products, and I truly believe that e.l.f. is a great company.

Foundation and Concealer

Maximum Coverage Concealer, Mineral Booster, Tinted Moisturizer, Mineral Foundation, Flawless Finish Foundation

I tried out a few different foundations, concealers, and other skin fixers. I'm happy to say first off that everything matched my skin tone! I usually have the issue of getting makeup that is too orange or dark for me, but everything worked for my pale skin with pink undertones. Next, everything hydrated my skin. This is a big deal for me because with my dry skin, it is difficult to wear liquid or powder foundations because either one can make my skin flaky. That simply wasn't the case with e.l.f.! My overall favorite is the Mineral Foundation and Mineral Booster. The coverage was a little more than I anticipated, and I like it for daily use. They really smooth out my skin and make it look naturally flawless! I also enjoyed the Studio Maximum Coverage Concealer and the Studio Flawless Finish Foundation. The concealer covered most of my blemishes well, although I will always be cursed with undereye circles, and the liquid foundation is perfect for days where I want more coverage.The Studio Tinted Moisturizer wasn't moisturizing enough for me on its own and felt kind of heavy compared to the other products I got. As an added bonus, my face has really cleared up since I switched to this makeup. Is it possible that my previous, much more expensive foundation was breaking me out? Possibly.

Primers and Potions

Mineral Infused Face Primer, Eyelid Primer, High Definition Powder

I bought a Mineral Infused Face Primer and the Essential Eyelid Primer. I used to use the famed Smashbox primer, and I've found the e.l.f. primer to be a perfect replica of that! It helps everything glide on nicely and fills in any imperfections in your skin, without making it greasy. The eyelid primer is also great quality and stayed on all day when I used it. Both options come in corrective colors or clear. I chose clear and a neutral shade for the eyelid primer, but if you have any sort of discoloration give the colors a try. Another product I had heard a lot about was the Studio High Definition Powder. Let me tell you, it does not disappoint! Even though my skin already looked fabulous with concealer and foundation, the powder on top of it really sets everything and makes everything look even better. It's hard to explain, but I definitely think it's worth a purchase.

Eyes

Triple Tip Waterproof Eyeliner Pen, Eyeshadow Brush, Eye Crease Brush, Regular & Waterproof Mascara Duo, 100-Piece Eyeshadow Palette

As I stated in the video, I don't tend to do a lot of eye makeup. I'm actually working on expanding my makeup repertoire, and that means adding in eyeshadow and eyeliner into my regular rotation! The main reason I ordered when I did was to get the bonus 100-Piece Eyeshadow Palette as a gift. I was not disappointed! While I haven't used every color yet -- not even close! -- the range is impressive and I really enjoyed the color payoff of the colors I have tried. I think having more colors than just browns will help me experiment with makeup more. Another bonus I recieved was the Essential Triple Tip Waterproof Eyeliner Pen and the Essential Regular & Waterproof Mascara Duo. I love both of these products! I was skeptical to try the eyeliner pen, but it is actually the easiest way I have ever applied eyeliner. The only issue is that if you aren't holding it at an angle, the eyeliner has difficulty coming out of the pen, and it takes a little while to dry. The two-in-one mascara duo is also one of my new favorite products. The waterproof and regular formulas are both excellent and give me lashes comparable to my last mascara, Maybelline's Great Lash. The one product I wasn't satisfied with were the brushes, the Essential Eyeshadow Brush and the Essential Eye Crease Brush. They shed and felt very rough on my skin. Compared to my other synthetic brushes, they just didn't stack up, although they are a little bit less expensive.

Lips

Shimmer Lip Gloss

I only got one lip product this time around -- the Essential Shimmer Lip Gloss! It was sent as part of the promo deal I got, but might be one of my favorite items. The color is really flattering on me, it doesn't feel goopy and sticky, and it lasts a while. It also has a pleasant scent (and flavor?!). I actually already bought some in a different color because I loved it so much!

I'm an e.l.f. Convert!

It's official -- I love e.l.f.! I have always been skeptical of budget beauty brands, but e.l.f. far exceeded my expectations. I actually already made another order (Don't look at me like that, they have excellent promotions!) and I'm looking forward to trying to find the perfect vegan red lipstick.

I think e.l.f. is perfect for those trying to be humane with their makeup while on a tight budget, but it works so well that anyone could benefit from trying it out!

Have you tried e.l.f. before? What did you think?

Let me know in the comments if you have any favorite e.l.f. products or any favorite vegan, cruelty-free cosmetics!

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Social Media: Gym-Pact App

I have followed Gym-Pact's story since the beginning -- it started as the brainchild of two Harvard students, who created the concept for a project. After graduation, they launched it! It was originally just for iPhone, so I waited patiently, and on New Year's Day, the Android version came out.

Screencaps courtesy of my new Galaxy S III!

Essentially, Gym-Pact rewards you for going to the gym. You check in to your gym/yoga studio/silks class or go running outside, and then if you hit your goal number of visits by the end of the week, you get paid! It's a gamble, though -- if you miss a workout for the week, you get fined (which pays the winners).

Gym-Pact has some incredible success rates -- people who use Gym-Pact meet their workout goals 90% of the time. Pretty incredible, right?

You choose how many days to go each week and what your stakes are for missing a workout.

I've been using it the past few weeks for silks and yoga, and so far, so good! I haven't had any major issues with it. I can't say for sure if it's motivating me to work out more, but I will say that it's fun to earn a little extra cash for going anyway.

If you work out consistently or need an extra push to start, definitely check it out! And, if you use my sign up code, dumbbMiaMo, we each earn a $5 bonus after your first workout!

Do you have any favorite apps?

Beauty: How to get Great Hair for Under $10

If you know me, you know that I like to feel good about my appearance for as little effort and money as possible. I don’t usually style my hair or wear a lot of makeup, but I’ll do the bare minimum so can feel good about the way I look. As a student especially, finding ways to make beauty cheap and quick is important to me, although not always easy!

What I'm about to tell you might change your life. Are you ready? Are you sitting down?

Okay, good. I just wanted to make sure you were prepared.

The secret to getting great haircuts and color at a low, low price? Beauty schools. 

I know what you are thinking. How do I know if it'll turn out right? What if the student decides to shave off half my head?  Here's 4 reasons that going to a beauty school is totally worth it:

1. The Price Can't be Beat

The reason I first gave beauty school a chance was the price. A haircut can range from $6 to $15, and color, highlights, nail and skin treatments, and so on are equally cheap. That's right -- you can have an all-day spa trip if you really want to! But keep in mind, because the students are learning, the low price is sometimes balanced out by how long it takes from start to finish.

Although this price point falls in the range of some mega chains, I have found that the service is much higher quality, sometimes including free massages, and the quality of work is more consistent at the schools I've been to rather than chains. Which brings me to number two....

2. It's Not as Risky as You Think

I was nervous my first time going to a cosmetology school rather than a salon, but every school I have been to has fairly intense requirements. First, the student practices on mannequin heads before ever touching a real human head. You will never, ever be someone's first-ever time holding a pair of shears -- and if you are, run to a different salon!

Even more important than training, each school requires the student to have the instructor check their work several times through the service. Before even touching your hair, the student will discuss with the instructor what you want, how to do it, and when to check up with the instructor. This has prevented hair disasters for me -- the teacher will sometimes take the reigns to correct a cut or show how to do a certain technique. Nearly every time I have left a cosmetology school, I have left happy with my hair.

If you are really concerned about getting the wrong person, check out some Yelp! reviews beforehand to see which stylists have rave reviews, or if a certain beauty school consistently dishes out bad results.

Another tip -- sometimes a school will have "level 2" students who are closer to graduation. At a slightly more expensive rate, you are almost guaranteed to achieve excellent results.

Most importantly, remember to discuss any issues you  have with the instructor before you leave! That way, they can offer a solution to any problem you might have.

If you are still skeptical, remember: You can get a bad haircut anywhere, no matter how high-end or expensive a salon may be. The main difference between a chain, a salon, and a beauty school is experience and, therefore, price... but experience doesn't always guarantee a successful visit. Just some food for thought!

3. You are Supporting a Small Business

A hair stylist must maintain their own clients and their income can be extremely inconsistent. Going to somebody at a beauty school can lead to a lasting customer-client relationship, which the stylist will be eternally grateful for! Even if you never go to the same stylist again, leaving a small tip is a great way to support someone who is trying to make it on their own.

My own hair done by Amanda D. at Ogle! Love it!

4. You are Not Committed to One Stylist

For some, this is a lifesaver, and for others, a deal breaker, but you are in no means required to go to the same stylist over and over again. If you ever feel awkward with small talk, find someone that you don't click with, or get a style you didn't quite like, this can be a huge relief because you are not obligated to see the same person again, whether they graduate from the school or you simply choose another stylist. Because of the nature of cosmetology school, it is unlikely for you to have the same student for years.

On the other hand, if you love your stylist, find out when they graduate and stick with them as long as possible. You  might even follow them to their first salon gig if you love their work. Win-win!

As you can see, although I haven't had perfect luck, I have loved my experiences with going to beauty school. If you're in the Dallas area, I love Aveda and Ogle (see Amanda D.!), and in the Houston area, Regency has always been good to me.

Have you ever been to a cosmetology school for a haircut or color? How did it turn out?