Jun 17 2016

Sometimes a girl’s gotta get all dolled up and go on a date with a gorgeous man. As a newly single gal (wahoo!), I’ve been experimenting with a few date night looks. First dates are a horribly awkward, totally tantalizing experience. Both parties are (admittedly or not) nervous, as first impressions are so crucial to an initial connection. Ladies, have no fear! If I can do it – so can you. Today I’m sharing not one but two first-date-appropriate hairstyles, as well as a makeup look! If you have an upcoming date, make sure to bookmark this page for later!

STEP 1: MAKEUP

A rule of thumb for makeup on first dates is – ~~don’t overdo it~~, ~~less is more~~, ~~red lips is best,~~wear what makes you feel beautiful. Want to go all out and rock red lips? You go, girl! Want to show off your cute freckles and skip the foundation? Work it! Don’t want to wear makeup at all? You do you, babe. I’m sick and tired of being told what makeup appeals to men on first dates. Don’t wear makeup for a man. Wear makeup for yourself. Flaunt it. Own it.

With that being said, this is my version of a date night look. Adopt it or not – at the least I hope you are introduced to one or two new makeup products!

To create this look, I first applied full coverage makeup and foundation to even out my skin tone. Next, I filled in my brows with a brow pencil and brushed them out with a spoolie tool to create a more subtle look. To create definition, I used my new favorite contour palette aka The Pixi Book of Beauty. Do yourself a favour and pick up this palette ASAP. This palette includes 3 highlighters and 3 contours that contain silky, micro-milled powders and make blending a dream! To add a bit of color to my cheeks I used the Pixi By Petra Beauty Blush Duo for a light-diffusing effect. To create a winged liner, I used Pixi By Petra Cat Eye Ink, which is actually a great liner! I am a liquid eyeliner snob, however this one definitely makes the cut with a highly pigmented formula. After applying my favorite mascara, I finished off the look with Pixi Tinted Brilliance Balm in Baby Bare for a pop of color! See below for the finished look!

STEP 2: HAIR

If you’re anything like me – you aren’t adventurous with your hairstyles. In fact, my hair is down in beachy curls 85% of the time. When it comes to experimenting with hairstyles… I am always on the hunt for effortless styles for long hair. I have created a foolproof tutorial for two effortless looks for a date night!

1| BEGIN WITH STRAIGHT HAIR

If you’ve got beach waves on repeat, switch things up by wearing your hair straight! For this look I used my hairdryer to create straight hair. Using a round brush, I angled the dryer down as I brushed from roots to tips.

2 | GATHER 1.5″ SECTION OF HAIR

Now for the fun part – braids! Braids are on trend this year ranging from fishtails to plaits! As I mentioned before, this is an easy, foolproof hairstyle – so we are sticking with a traditional braid. Gather a 1.5″ section of hair to create your braid.

3 | BRAID SECTION

Once you’ve sectioned off a portion of your hair, create a traditional braid and secure with an elastic. I used GOODY Ouchless Black Rubberbands for a discrete look.

4 | LOOSEN BRAID

For this look you will want thick braids. To thicken braids, grab the outer pieces of your braid and tug in the opposite direction. This will create a fuller, more vibrant braid!

5 | REPEAT STEP 2-4 TO CREATE BRAID ON OPPOSITE SIDE

7 | APPLY HAIRSPRAY TO BRAIDS

To complete this look, apply hairspray to secure braids. I’ve been using and loving the Nexxus Frizz Defy Finishing Mist Hairspray for a long-lasting hold. This hairspray also smells like heaven, as does the majority of the Nexxus hair care line. Addicted!

FINAL LOOK:

This is a cute and fun hairstyle that takes less than 10 minutes to accomplish. If you want to wear your hair down, but spice it up a little – this hairstyle is for you!

HAIRSTYLE #2

Next up is my rendition of a side pony! I’m not one to wear my hair “up” often, however I love a great side pony. Keep reading for a foolproof side pony tutorial!

1 | CREATE LOOSE CURLS

For this look, we’re going to create loose curls. I’m using my Nu.Me® Classic Curling Wand to create volume and loose, beachy waves. I’m using a 3/4″ barrel to create soft waves. This wand is super easy to use – and even comes with a heat protected glove for new users!

2 | CREATE A SIDE PONY

Gather your hair into a side pony and secure with an elastic band. I’ve been using Goody Ouchless Elastics for years, as I can rely on them to secure my hair, without causing pain or ripping out a chunk of my hair I’m removing them. #GirlProblems.