Check it Out : Insta Update

Summer vacation is finally over and everyone is getting back into the grove of things. I have been one busy person over the past couple of weeks! I haven't had much time to write since Monday, but hopefully things will slowly calm down and everyone's schedule will get back on track! Here is my past couple weeks via instagram! Don't forget to follow me there for more updates! You can do that by clicking here or in your instagram search for flairbybrandi!

Coloring Time                                                      My grandmother, me, and mom in 1999


My ombre nails                                                     Cute coral purse I just got


Me                                                                         Loose curls for the day


Nails                                                                      Me again


Date Night at Bottles N Brushes                           Our Pictures we painted. So fun!



Back to school                                                       Love these two!


My new Madden boots                                          Trying to organize my purses



I hope you are all having a great week!

Your Shadow and Lipstick Guide : What Works

Makeup is meant to enhance your beauty, not cover it up. When someone looks at you they should see you, not a crazy amount of makeup that hides your features. If you want to play up your eyes, then tone down on the lips. If you want dark vibrant lips, then the eyes should appear softer.

If you have ever questioned your shadow and lip combinations here is a quick guide to help you avoid overdoing it! I know at some point all of us have run into someone caked in makeup. They may have had a deep smokey eye and some dark violet lips. Or maybe it was a Vibrant shadow combination mixed with dark coral lips. That is definitely the wrong color combination!

Don't let your makeup overpower you! Here is a quick guide to help you avoid overdoing it!

Here are some more good shade combinations:

 

 

I hope this helps some! Have a fabulous day and let me know what your favorite combinations are!

 

Wardrobe Staples Every Woman Should Have In Her Closet : The Basics

We all know how much I love clothes! I am always on the lookout for great pieces and amazing deals! Shopping for fashionable and statement pieces is great, but you should start with the basics! There are a few staple pieces every woman should own, and then build from there.

Your basic staple pieces are classic pieces that will never go out of style or season. These pieces are great for mixing and matching in your newer, seasonal, or more trendy items. Keep in mind I stuck with black, white, and neutrals here because they are your basics! These are the building blocks to a great wardrobe! Here are your basics:

 

1) Classic White Button Down - This shirt has been around for decades as a staple. This can be easily dressed up or down and is definitely a must! A classic button down will always look chic and sophisticated as long as it fits properly!

2) Your Basic Camisole - Every woman should own at least one (if not more) ! I love these easy camisoles or tanks! These are also a very versatile piece and are great for layering.

3) Black Slacks- These should always be on hand! Make sure you have a pair that fit properly and look classic. Try to go for a fit that isn't too tight or too low in the rise. These will be great to pair with a blazer for a totally pulled together look.

4) Classic V Neck Tee- What can I say? You can't go wrong with your basic V Neck. Another piece that is easily transformed with the right accessories!

5) A Sandal- Every woman should own a great pair of sandals. These shouldn't be too dressy or too   "flip-flop" casual. I would go with a basic black, brown, or nude.

6) The Perfect Jeans - You should have a pair of well fitting jeans in a darker wash. These don't have to be deep indigo or black, but they shouldn't be stonewashed either. Just make sure they aren't too low cut or tight, and try to stick with a boot cut fit for your basics.

7) Black Blazer- This should be well fitting and a classic cut. Try not to go for over the top buttons, cuts, or embellishments when picking a basic. Pair this with slacks, a skirt, or even jeans for a polished look.

8) Skirt- A well fitting skirt will always be a necessity. Make sure it fits properly and isn't too long or too short!

9) A Well Structured Black Bag - A good structured bag is a must in a basic black.

10) LBD- Every woman should own a little black dress! This is another piece that has been around forever as a wardrobe staple! This should be well fitted and not too long or short. Try a classic cut and something that isn't too low cut if you are going for a basic.

11) A Comfy Shoe- This could either be a ballet flat, mule, etc. Try to avoid the "sneaker" for a basic. These shouldn't be too casual or too dressy.

12) Ballet Flats - Basic black, brown, or neutral colors work best.

13) A Nude Pump- These will go with everything! Did I mention nude pumps will elongate the look of your leg when paired with a skirt or dress?

14) The Classic Black Pump- Every woman should own a pair! These can be worn with almost anything to dress it up or down!

15) A Brown or Nude Purse- Again this should be a well structured piece. A nude will go with anything and is a great addition to your collection. It is still a basic, but in a shade other than black. A must in my opinion!


I hope you are all having a great week so far! Check back for my jewelry and accessory basics! If you didn't see my Beauty Basics you can read that HERE!

Don't forget to find me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter!

Peplum with a Pop : Outfit Inspiration

Peplum has been pretty popular for a little over a year now. There have been several variations to the classic peplum style. I came across this adorable cutout neon yellow peplum top. This is definitely on my shopping list! I love the two tone color combo of your basic black and pop of bright yellow! I paired it with some cute and casual shorts, a classic black bag, fun accessories, and some bright shoes to add an extra pop!

Check below on where to pick up these great items! What's on your shopping list?

 

Neon yellow shirt
$23 - fashionunion.com

H m
$12 - hm.com

Giuseppe Zanotti leather shoes
amazon.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors shoulder tote bag
zappos.com

Michael kors jewelry
$280 - houseoffraser.co.uk

LK Designs wrap bracelet
$120 - pret-a-beaute.com

Akira charm bracelet
shopakira.com

Pieces dangle earrings
$23 - pieces.com

Guess by marciano
guessbymarciano.guess.com

 

Makeup Must Haves

I love makeup! That is definitely not a secret! I love to try new products and finding great deals. Regardless of the products I try I always keep my basics or "must haves"! Here is a guide to some of the items on my must have list! Below are a few different selections of each item.

 

 

Left to right and top to bottom:

 

1) Concealer- I always keep a basic concealer on hand. This is great for problem areas and dark circles. You can also use a dab of concealer as a shadow base if you don't like regular primers.

 

2) BB Cream- This is a primer used under your foundation. I don't use this all the time, but on certain occasions when I want extra coverage and to look flawless I add this in my routine before applying my foundation.

 

3) Foundation- There are so many varieties of foundation. Use what works best for you. I am currently using Maybelline's Dream Matte Mousse and I love it!

 

4) Powder- This also comes in a variety of types. I usually go with a pressed powder. This helps set your foundation.

 

5) Eyebrow Pencil or Fillers - Makeup looks ten times better when you make sure your eyebrows look their best. I am currently using Glimmersticks in Blonde from Avon. It fills in any sparse areas and makes my eyebrows look manicured! Love it!

 

6) Eyeliner- I actually use several types of eyeliners depending on the look I'm going for. I have a gel liner, liquid liner, and a classic pencil eyeliner.

 

7) Mascara- I have naturally light eyelashes, so mascara is a must. I like lengthening and plumping mascara.

 

8) Shadow Primer- This isn't an absolute must, because as I mentioned before a dab of concealer or even foundation will also help prime for shadow. I do always use some type of primer when wearing shadow. Primer helps the shadow go on smoother for a more polished look. It will also help your shadow last longer!

 

9) Shadow- I love playing with different shadows! I suggest that everyone own the basic or neutral tones. I also think you should get some fun colors to play with as well! Shadow can totally transform your look!

 

10) Blush, Bronzer, Contour, etc- I always keep a blush and bronzer on hand. Blush I apply to my cheeks for a sun kissed glow and bronzer I use to contour and add dimension. You can even get these in a duo compact if that works best for you!

 

11) Lip Liner- I like to keep lip liner on handy. This helps prevent your lipstick from smearing outside the lip area and will also help it last longer!

 

12) Lipstick and Gloss- Lipstick is another makeup item that can transform your look. I have shades ranging from deep reds, hot pinks, and nude tones. If you haven't experimented with different lip shades you should! You might be surprised with what you end up loving!

 

13) Tools - Ok this is one of the most important things in your makeup must haves! If you don't have the right tools you won't be able to apply properly! Make sure you grab a variety of brushes for each makeup application. Here is a sample of which brush does what via pinterest!

 

 

What's in your list of makeup must haves? I would love to hear! Have a fabulous day!

No Poo Three Week Update : Back to the Basics

Ok, ok I know. I didn't make it! I tried to keep an open mind and think positively about this! I made it three weeks, then broke down and pulled out the shampoo. This method just didn't work for me. Here is why...

My hair seemed to feel brittle and I assume that was due to the baking soda. When washing my hair I like it to feel smooth and silky, not brittle and dull. The combination of the baking soda and vinegar just didn't cut it for me personally. It just didn't really feel clean, and way too much hair was breaking off!

I do like the fact that baking soda does deep clean hair and help remove excess product, so I will still use it once or twice a week in addition to my shampoo. Coconut oil will still remain a huge part in my hair care. It does some amazing things! I also use Cholesterol as an additional deep conditioner and love the effects of that as well.

I use the coconut oil and Cholesterol as a pre-wash deep conditioner. After that has time to soak in I shampoo. I will add in the baking soda to remove extra product once a week. Coconut oil helps coat hair naturally so the shampoo won't damage hair nearly as much and will also prevent breakage. I will follow with my usual conditioner, then style as usual.

What are your thoughts on this? Did you, or do you still use the "No poo" method or do you prefer regular shampoo? Do you deep condition or use baking soda to help in the shampoo process? I hope you are all having a fabulous day!

Favorite Pins This Week

Pinterest can be addictive! I love to relax with a cup of coffee and browse the site! It is definitely great for inspirations, cool projects, and some yummy food! Here are some of my favorites that I pinned over the past week. Don't forget to follow me on pinterest to see more of my favorites! Click HERE to visit my page!

Love this hair! I am really debating doing this to mine! Maybe not so dark on the bottom, but something similar!

 

How cute are these owl nails! I might have to try this out!

 

 

Hahaha! I love the humor section. Sometimes this stuff totally cracks me up!

 

 

This is such a great shimmer gloss! Looks amazing!

 

 

 

We all know I love coconut oil! Check out all these awesome benefits!

 

 

These are great nails too! Another on my list to try!

 

 

This one is great! Since I am from Charleston, SC this phrase is heard quite often along with many that are similar. Too funny!

 

 

Go check out my boards to see these and several more inspirational pins! By clicking the links on my board you will also see where the pin originated from. Hope you enjoy these! Have a fab day!

 

 

 

 

 

In My Beauty Bag : Six of My Favorites

It would take all day if I told you all of my favorite beauty products! Today I decided to pick six of them and tell you why they are so great! I love to try new things and am constantly on the lookout for great affordable products to try. Some of these I've been using a while, but still love them!

1) Maybelline Baby Lips In Peach. This stuff feels amazing! I picked this shade because it was a neutral tone. I love how well it moisturizes! Great stuff!!

2) Elf Contour and Blush Compact. These come in several shades and are great to add just the right amount of color and dimension! It is super affordable too!

3) Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse. Wow! I am in love with this stuff! I have tried so many foundations, bb creams, etc. This stuff is great! After working all day and running around my face still looks smooth and fresh. This stuff is a keeper!

4) Coconut Oil. Ok I know...I talk about this stuff a lot, but what can I say? This is a huge favorite! It works wonders on your hair and skin!

5) Rimmel Scandaleyes Mascara. Love the way it lengthens my lashes and doesn't smudge or clump.

6) Avon Glimmersticks Brow Definer in Blonde. This is the perfect brow filler in my opinion. I have tried several and this one is definitely my match! It blends great and doesn't leave any harsh lines!

What are your favorite beauty products right now? Would love to hear!

 

How to Clean Your Purse Like A Pro for Less

From Coach and Michael Kors to Nine West and Guess we all have accidents with our handbags. Somehow ink stains or everyday use will cause us to loose our cool when we think we have ruined our bags. Today I'm going to tell you how to clean your bag like a pro for a tiny fraction of the cost!

Materials :
Shoe Cleaner and a cloth! Yep, that's it!  I like the shoe cleaner that has the bristles on the cap. These can be picked up at most shoe stores and Target. This is a much more affordable option than expensive handbag cleaners and professional cleaning! This will do the exact same thing and for a fraction of what you would spend elsewhere! Trust me, I've been there and done that! This also has a built in protector so it will help prevent new stains from setting in! Great, huh?

Step One:

Grab your bag and turn it inside out. Make sure the inside lining is now on the outside. This will make it much easier to clean. Make sure you have your cleaner and your washcloth. I use the washcloth to wipe away the excess after scrubbing!  This is a handbag I am cleaning for a friend and it definitely needed some work!

 

 

Step Two:

Once your bag is ready start spraying the cleaner on the fabric. Most will foam up like this one.

 

 

If you have tougher spots or ink stains you will want to let the foam sit for a few minutes. Then start scrubbing with the bristle top that is included with the cleaner. If you don't have one with this type of lid a regular scrub brush or toothbrush will work too!

 

The bottom of the liner looks pretty rough!

Step Three:

After you have scrubbed (didn't take pictures of that part unfortunately, but you know how to scrub!) wipe the remainder off and leave inside out to dry. The bag shouldn't take more than a few hours to dry out, and you should end up with a handbag that is good as new!

 

 

 

 

I didn't actually intend to post these pictures or write about cleaning a handbag, but after showing my friend decided it might be a good idea. If I would have thought about this sooner I would have taken more detailed pictures of an actual tutorial for you! No worries, I have several more handbags that need to be renewed! If you have any questions feel free to email me or comment below!

 

 

Have a fabulous day and let me know how well yours turns out!