My Girl Crushes – Jennifer Lopez & Kim Kardashian

Anyone who knows me understands my love for Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian. I’ve had a crush on Jennifer Lopez since the day she did the movie, “Selena”. I fell in love with Kim Kardashian when everyone fell in love with her, after the whole sex-tape with Ray J scandal…Lol

Obviously I don’t admire these two women based on their moral code or intelligence. I simply love them because their hair, makeup, and styles are always flawless. Every heterosexual woman has had a girl crush at least once in her lifetime. A woman you admire for her beauty, style, body, etc….

Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian are two public figures I look to for hair and makeup inspiration. Here are some of my all-time favorite looks!!!

Kim K – Soft, hollywood glamour.

JLo- I’m not a fan of updos, but she pulls this one off fabulously!

Kim K – Love her haIr & makeup in this photo.

Kim K – a more natural & simple look

Kim K – curly locks.

Kim K w/ bangs.

Kim K – Rocker Chic

Kim K – Long, effortless hair.

Kim K – Large waves…Long hair don’t care.

JLo – Lioness hair….Raaawwwrrrr!

JLo- I prefer her with lighter hair.

Kim K – She’s a little more dramatic w/ the makeup than JLo but I love it…

JLo – Simply Stunning

JLo – Sleek half-up, half-down hairstyle w/ a glowing complexion.

Kim K – Glamorous

JLo – Nude lips, tan skin, straight hair…

JLo & Kim K – Looking like twins!

JLo – Super long hair

JLo, Kim K, & Nicki Minaj

My two favorite girls hanging out at the Saints/Dolphins game

Kim K & JLo – Divas

Kim K – Love this Herve Leger dress & her hair

JLo video with Pitbull

Who’s your girl crush?????????????

Hair Tutorial: Summer Waves

Hello Hair-nistas!!!!!!

Recently I’ve received a ton of emails regarding this particular hairstyle I do along with many women approaching me complimenting my hair. I’m extremely flattered and I had no idea how popular this particular style has become, yet many women have no clue how to do it themselves. It’s fairly easy but slightly time consuming if you have extensions or really long hair. Anyhow, I want all my hair-nistas to look fabulous so a tutorial is in order!

The hairstyle is called “Summer Waves”. Now, this is not an official title and I’m sure there are many names for it, but it’s the name I’ve coined. I tend to name all my hairstyles because I’m crazy and that’s what I do…lol

Summer Waves

Summer Waves (Front View)

Summer Waves (Back View)

As you can see from the photos above the waves are very tight. The smaller the curling iron, the tighter the waves. Usually I use a 1 1/4 inch barrel curling iron to do most of my hairstyles, which gives a loose wave effect. On this particular occassion I wanted to try something different so I used 2 different curling irons. First & foremost I only use Hot Tools curling irons (gold barrels). In my opinion they are the best and I’ve used their curling irons for years. The Hot Tools curling irons are priced between $30-$40 and you can purchase them at your local beauty supply store or order them online at www.amazon.com.

Hot Tools Curling Irons
3/4 inch curling iron
1 inch curling iron

Fusion Energy of Beauty Finishing Spray

For the Summer Waves hairstyle I used a 1 inch barrel and a 3/4 inch barrel curling iron. I alternated each curling iron making sure to curl away from my face. Also, spray each strand of hair with a medium hold hairspray before and after you curl. I used Fusion Finishing Spray because it was on sale and I’m a sucker for a good deal. It actually worked really well and I just bought it again. I purchased it at my local Sally Beauty Supply store.

To create a wavy look you have to turn the curling iron upside-down and wrap a strand of hair around the outside of the barrel. Do not open the curling iron. Hold the strand of hair with your fingers at the bottom for about 10 seconds then slowly release. Be careful not to burn your fingers with the curling iron as I have done many times before. I suggest wearing a winter glove of some kind.

Curling iron should be closed facing downward. Hold hair at tip. (Used 1 of my hair extensions for demonstration photo lol)

Now for women who have clip-in extensions I suggest curling your hair extensions seperately from your natural hair. This will create a more dramatic look and the waves will stay longer. I stick the top part of my hair extension piece in my dresser draw and close it tightly. Then I sit on the floor and curl my extensions piece by piece. The dresser draw works great! It holds the hair extension piece in place and I can pull the hair while wrapping it securely around my curling iron. I’m also able to watch t.v., check emails, twitter, facebook, instagram, etc…

Using my dresser draw to hold extensions while I curl them…

Hair Extensions (Before seperating waves)

While I let my hair extensions set, I begin to curl my natural hair the same way. I leave my bangs straight and only curl the very ends allowing them to blend in nicely with the rest of my hair. Before I apply my extensions, I run my fingers through the waves making sure to seperate them. Apply a smoothing serum and lightly mist extensions with hair spray. I do the same process to my natural hair, then I apply my extensions. I play around with my hair once all the extensions are in securely. Flip your head upside down, seperate the waves a little more, fluff the hair up, and voila!!!!! Big, polished, Summer Waves!

                       

Model Shot!

I did my best friend’s hair in waves using only the 1 inch barrel curling iron. No extensions, all natural, only took 30 mins.

One of my clients – waves done with a 1 1/4 inch barrel curling iron. 22inch hair extensions added also.

The best part of this hairstyle is that it will last you about 2 days!!! All you have to do is add a little smoothing serum and go! The waves will loosen slightly but the hairstyle will look effortless.

Let me know if you try this hairstyle and if you have any tips of your own. I also welcome any hair tutorial request as I love trying new styles!!!

Introducing My New Website!!! 10% OFF To All My Readers!!

 

 

 

 

 

Recently I just launched my new website, http://www.extensions-by-erica.com.

 

I sell custom made, luxury Remy & Indian Virgin Remy human hair clip-in extensions. I offer a variety of colors & the lengths available are 14 inch, 18 inch, & 22 inch. If you need help matching your hair color or have any questions feel free to email me at extensionsbyerica@yahoo.com.

While I am very proud of my little online shop, I consider it a work in progress &  will continue to update it with new products & photos. I am constantly looking to improve so I welcome any comments and/or suggestions.

For the month of April I am giving all my readers 10% off all hair extensions!!

All you have to do is subscribe to my blog & email me at extensionsbyerica@yahoo.com with PROMO CODE: EBEBLOG10 before you place your order.

FOR TODAY & TOMOROW ONLY – I’m offering my readers FREE SHIPPING on all orders!!!!!

Simply go to http://www.extensions-by-erica.com and place your order!

Thank you to my family, friends, & readers for the continued support & encouragement.

 

 

 

Natural Blonde 18 inch 100% Remy human hair clip in extensions

 

Medium Brown 22 inch Indian Virgin Remy human hair clip in extensions

 

22 inch Black Indian Virgin Remy human hair clip in extensions

 

Highlighted 100% Remy human hair extesions. (18 inches)

 

 

10 Hair Tips Your Mother Never Told You

Here are a few hair secrets I have locked away in my little beauty closet. When I die I can’t take them with me, so I figured I’d share these gems with you. You’re welcome in advance…lol. Happy Wednesday my lovely Hair-nistas!!!!

1. Bye, Bye Flyaways – Hate those little stray hairs that stick up on your head or around your face?? Go to your laundry closet & grab 1-2 fabric softener sheets, rub them gently over the top of your head whereever the flyaway strands exist. (Yes, I’m serious it works!)  Also, when you’re lotioning your body & have a little lotion left on your palms, just run your fingers through your hair. Two products I love for flyaways – Sunsilk Hairapy Hydra Tlc 24/7 Creme ($9.99, amazon.com) & Garnier Fructis Style Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity Milk ($4.00, drugstores). I apply Sunsilk Hairapy Hydra Tlc 24/7 Creme before I blowdry my hair. I only apply a quarter-size amount to my ends & a dime-size amount to the front of my head, where flyaways are common. I use Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity Smoothing Milk when my hair is dry. I apply a small amount throughout my hair & on my extensions. It smoothes away all stray hairs. Both products smell amazing too!

2. Paper Towel Power – After you get out of the shower do you use a regular bath towel to dry your hair? Believe it or not, using a paper towel to gently remove water from your tresses absorbs more water & prevents frizz.  Your hair will end up less frizzy because the paper towel does’t create as much friction as a bath towel.

3. Slow Down On Protein Products – Protein – enriched products are all the rage right now. What consumers don’t realize is that you can put too much protein in your hair causing the hair to become dry, brittle, & weak. A deep protein treatment should only be used once every 2-3 months.

4. Use Your Tootbrush On Your Hair – Sometimes the hair around your crown area can become extremely flat & lifeless. Many women reach for a comb & immediately begin back-combing their hair only to look in the mirror & find Snooki from  The Jersey Shore staring back at them. Also,  using a comb to tease hair actually rips your hair strands causing major breakage. Use a toothbrush to gently back-comb the hair around the top of your head. This will create volume & lift without ripping your hair to shreds.

5. Use Hot Rollers for Hollywood Hair –  To create big, soft Old-Hollywood curls opt for a hot roller set.  Using hot rollers promotes healthy hair because the heat is not as harsh compared to using a large barrel curling iron. Hot rollers create smooth, silky hair while eliminating all frizz. I use Jilbere de Paris Ceramic Tools Porcelain Series Professional Hair Setter ($21.99). It comes with 12 large rollers & you can buy more rollers seperately if needed. I bought mine at Sally Beauty Store.

6. Finding the Right Hair Color for YOU – The trick to finding the right hair color is to complement your skin’s undertones. If you have:  Pink/Blue Undertones – Use deep browns, reds, or blonds. Choose ash, golden, or honey highlights for added contrast & depth. Yellow Undertones – Use a deep, rich base color, such as mahogany, dark chocolate, auburn, or chestnut. Get highlights in shades of deep copper, red, cinnamon,  or burgundy. These colors will help neutralize the yellow in your skin. Red Undertones – Try not to over process your hair by going too blond &  going too dark. Stay away from a yellow or golden hair color also. Stick with a honey brown or golden base color. You can add rich, caramel highlights for a sun-kissed appearance.

7. Never Tell Your Stylist You Want Bangs – Usually when a girl says she wants bangs she really means, “I’m hormonal, I’m having a bad hair, I hate everyone & new bangs will make everything better.” Try to overcome that impulse feeling for at least a week & if you still truly desire bangs, talk about it throughly with your hairstylist. Not everyone views bangs the same so be sure to bring a clear photo of the look you want.

8. Use A Humidifier – Hair is constantly exposed to dry air, heat styling, etc., causing our beautiful tresses to become parched hay-like strands. Using  a humidifier at night will distribute needed moisture back into your hair reigniting healthy, full, soft locks.

9. Love Your Scalp – Too much product build up on your scalp could be the reason your hair is a slightly unruly. This could slow hair growth, clog hair follicles, &  weaken hair strands. Use Sea Breeze Astringent ($5.00, drugstores) on your scalp. Apply with a cotton ball, then wash your hair as usual.

10. Olive Oil Isn’t Just For Cooking –  Indian women always have soft, silky, thick hair. What’s their secret? For centuries Indian women have been using olive oil to treat their tresses. Olive oil works as a natural conditioner. It helps to make your hair softer & more manageable. You can also add fresh rosemary to the olive oil. Rosemary is well known for its tonic effects & is also a natural conditioner. It is best to use room temperature extra virgin olive oil. Use your fingertips to apply the olive oil throughout your hair, starting from the scalp working your way down to the ends. Wrap your head in a towel & let set for 30 minutes. Sometimes I leave it on for an hour for extra conditioning. Wash the olive oil out of your hair, shampoo & condition.

What are your hair secrets???? Feel free to leave comments with your own hair tips!

Eat Makeup – It’s Good For You. Lol

 

I saw this on www.kimkardashian.celebuzz.com and I thought it was hilarious! Just wanted to share with you. I guess I know what I’m having for dinner. Yummy! Happy Monday everyone =)

2012 Academy Awards Hairstyles & Makeup Looks – FAIL!!

Yaaaaawwnnn……

That’s my feeling of the the hair and makeup at the Academy Awards last night. I was not impressed at all. Everyone played it safe and the same tired looks were on display. The ladies on the red carpet went for Old Hollywood Glam when it came to hair and makeup looks. I love Old Hollywood Glam, but with some kind of drama or pop. Nothing “popped” for me last night and I found myself completely uninspired.

I looked for my usual hair/makeup love interest, Ms. Jennifer Lopez, and she dissapointed me with a simple bun! I wanted to smack her face! Don’t get me wrong I love a large, high, polished bun occassionally but I’ve been seeing the same style bun for over a year now on different celebrities. Switch it up hunny!!! Although, I did love her makeup. I’m angry with you “Jenny from the block“. Next time bring it and stop being lazy with the hair….

Even the long, wavy hairstyles looked blah… Pump up the volume, throw a few extensions on that head and work the red carpet for me!!! Jesus Christ, is that so much to ask for these days??? I would love to know how much money the celebrity stylists received for doing hair last night. One word – REFUND!!

Now – my sweet, little Katy Perry. I want to punch your colorist right in the mouth. Blue hair?? Really? I love you and your music but get a grip on your hair color baby doll.  On a positive note, I did adore your haircut.  It was sharp, sexy, and sophisticated.

The makeup was understated and rightfully so, it is the Academy Awards. I liked the makeup but I didn’t love it. I saw lots of winged eyeliner and soft neutral eyes. An ocasssional red lip which I’m not the biggest fan of, I only believe a few select women can pull it off flawlessly (i.e. Gwen Stefani).

I apologize for my violant frustration but I’m very passionate when it comes to hair & makeup. I look forward to award shows and red carpets for inspiration. Unfortunately, last night I was not inspired.

Below are photos of the hairstyle & makeup looks. What is your opinion???

Mara Rooney

Ellie Kemper

Berenice Bejo

Berenice Bejo - From Side

Jennifer Lopez - Front

Jennifer Lopez - Back

Katy Perry

Katy Perry - Full effect

Angelina Jolie

Maria Menunos

Emma Stone

Emma Stone - From Side

Brooklyn Decker

Shailene Woodley

Gwyneth Paltrow

Kate Mara

Miley Cyrus

Sandra Bullock

Milla Jovovich

Stacy Kiebler

All About Nails: Loving Cotton Candy by Orly!!

I recently made a trip to Sally Beauty Supply in search of a nail color that was soft and fun.

Bingo!!! I found it!! Its a new color by Orly called Cotton Candy.

The name alone is fabulous. I love when people ask me, “What color are you wearing?” I get to reply in a playful, Paris Hilton, little-girl voice – “cotton candy”. It’s cheap too – only $3.99!! On orlybeauty.com, it lists the nail polish at $7.50 and I couldn’t find the Cotton Candy color. I suggest heading to your nearest Sally Beauty Supply store or visit sallybeauty.com to purchase a bottle. Enjoy!!!

Orly Cotton Candy

Me wearing Cotton Candy. (Excuse the baby oil all over my hands...lol)

Product Haul: MAC Makeup – My Secret Love Affair

Anyone who knows me understands my love affair with MAC makeup products. To me, they are the best! It’s like candy to a baby or crack to a crackhead. I need my MAC fix!!!!!!!! When entering Macy’s I navigate straight to the MAC makeup counter. The girls all know me already at all MAC makeup counters in NJ. Yes, it’s that bad. I have put myself on a strict budget now and I’ve been good. A few weeks ago, I relapsed…

MAC Costa Riche eyeliner, MAC Stepping Out lipglass, MAC Angel cremestick lipstick, & a tester bottle MAC matchmaster foundation 4.0

MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus, MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation

MAC foundation & powder - out of box

MAC eye kohl, lipglass, lipstick, & foundation - out of box

This haul will hold me over for a little while. Lol. Anyhow let’s begin my review of MAC’s fabulous makeup products!

1. MAC Costa Riche Eye Kohl

This eyeliner is a rich dark brown color. It’s very creamy in consistency so it glides on easily.  It can line, define, and shade your eyes. I use it to line the top and bottom of my eyes. Sometimes, I wear it alone with just some mascara or I add a shimmery brown shadow on top of the liner. Adding the liner first makes the shimmery shadow look slightly darker and dramatic. This liner can also act as a brown shadow. Just apply on your top lid and blend up and out. Amazing!

2. MAC Angel  Lipstick

This product is probably MAC’s best-selling lipstick of all time. It was made famous by Kim Kardashian because this is the lipstick she wears most. Honestly, it’s a great lipstick. I would never buy something based on the opinion of a celebrity but having tried this lipstick I’m absolutely sold. It’s the perfect, soft pink color with a light shimmer. It goes great on olive or tan skin. I love that it’s super creamy and moisturizes my lips. This will definitely be my spring/summer go-to lipstick.

3. MAC Steppin Out Lipglass

I have worn MAC’s lipglass for years. The shine it gives to your lips could stop traffic. I always bought the Rags to Riches color, but I got a little frisky and went with Steppin Out. It’s very pink with lots of sparkle and pairs perfectly with the MAC Angel lipstick. This lipglass is thick, and somewhat sticky, in consistency – but in a good way. It holds all day long. I apply lip liner, MAC Angel lipstick, and seal the look with Steppin Out lipglass. A glamorous, soft pink shine that oozes sex appeal.

4. MAC Match Master Liquid Foundation

Ok, so for years I have used Makeup Forever Velvet Foundation, but it’s very expensive – $42.00 a bottle.  I will always love Makeup Forever’s foundation and may go back to them one day. On this particular day though,  I wanted to try something new. The girl at the MAC counter suggested this NEW foundation. I loved the price – only $27.00!!! Also, how could I refuse a FREE sample bottle? (Go to any MAC counter & ask for a free sample bottle of foundation). This foundation was good. It goes on smooth and adds light to medium coverage. Supposedly, it has a technology that uses translucent pigments to get a personalized finish influenced by your skin’s undertones. However, in my experience this wasn’t the case…1) The girl at the counter failed to match my skin color correctly,  2) I’m not so sure this groundbreaking technology works (or exists).  Average product but I’m not in love with it, sorry MAC.

5. MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation

I have fallen deeply in love with this foundation!!! I’ve officially switched to this product. It is only $27.00, a whopping $15.00 cheaper than Makeup Forever’s Velvet Foundation! It provides medium to heavy coverage so I only apply a small amount. That way the bottle will last much longer. I have tan skin so I chose the NW40 color. This foundation goes on smooth, gives you a flawless finish, and lasts all day long. I have several tiny beauty marks on my face and with just a small amount it makes them invisible! While it is a heavier coverage it is not “cakey.” Very impressed. Love, love, love this foundation.

6. MAC STudio Fix Powder Plus Foundation

Before I discovered this little gem, I was using Makeup Forever’s Loose Powder. Although Makeup Forever’s powder is amazing, MAC’s powder is just a little more amazing in my opinion. It’s also cheaper – $27.00!! I think MAC has stolen me from Makeup Forever’s products FOREVER!!! This product eliminates unwanted shine and gives you a polished look.  Ever since I started using this powder combined with MAC’s Studio Fix Foundation I’ve received numerous compliments about my skin. Recently, I was told my skin looked “picture perfect” and “flawless.” I feel like a movie star with this product. After I apply my MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation, I apply the Studio Fix Powder with a large brush all over my face. BELLA! BELLA!

I hope you’ve enjoyed my Product Haul as much as I did!!! Please feel free to ask me any questions you have regarding the products above. I will definitely give you my honest opinion. I’m a self-proclaimed “product whore” as I’ve tried almost every one on the market. Although, I’ve always had a loyalty to MAC…I just can’t shake this secret love affair I have with MAC makeup…I’m convinced it’s true love.

 

Keep a look out for my next Product Haul!!! I sometimes cheat on MAC with Clinique (gasps). I know, it’s my dirty little secret. I’ll share details with you next time. =)

To purchase the products above go to http://www.maccosmetics.com

 

Remy hair & Indian Virgin Remy human hair explained. Why is it so special???

Remy Human Hair

Remy Hair, Indian hair, Virgin Remy hair….what the hell does it all mean???

The word “Remy” is probably one of the most misunderstood and overused phrases in our industry. Some common misconceptions about Remy human hair are: Remy hair is only Indian hair, Remy hair is an extremely rare blend of fine/thin hair, Remy hair can only be purchased in high-end salons, or Remy hair costs thousands of dollars.

Remy human hair consists of hair extensions made from virgin human hair of the highest quality grade. There may be some chemical treatments involved after the raw material is acquired (hair dye or cuticle removal). Indian Virgin Remy hair is completely pure. To be considered Indian Virgin Remy hair, chemicals of any kind must have never touched the hair and it must be imported from India. With all Remy hair, the strands must follow the same direction and be of the same length to ensure a high quality set free of tangling.

Indian Virgin Remy Human Hair

Many years ago the definition of remy hair was used to describe human hair that was the highest grade of virgin hair with an intact cuticle. Remy hair was also required to be mono-directional. Maintaining hair direction is very difficult, since a majority of the raw material (recently cut human hair) is gathered at temples and not from a controlled environment like a lab or hair salon.

Therefore, the original distinction of Remy hair was established to represent hair extensions that were strong and healthy virgin hair that was free of chemical processing. The hair has to be carefully collected to ensure all strands maintain a mono-directional form and an intact cuticle to protect the hair shaft.

Over time some consumers actually began to prefer non-cuticle hair extensions. So the term Remy or Remi Hair Extensions (as used in European countries) lost some of its meaning, since cuticle hair was not necessarily a requirement of fine, much desired hair extensions.

22 inch Indian Virgin Remy hair (Lighter shades chemically altered by manufacturers)

Also, many women in Europe and in the United States began to purchase hair extensions that required hair colors of lighter brown and blond. Unfortunately, most of the world marketplaces of human hair do not include these shades. To achieve the lighter shades, the hair has to be chemically altered (bleached, highlighted). Therefore, the hair is no longer “Virgin” hair, but the quality of hair is still considered Remy hair. While I offer all shades of color in the Remy human hair, I only sell dark shades in Indian Virgin Remy hair. It is extremely expensive and hard to find lighter shades of what wholesale companies consider Indian Virgin Remy hair. In reality, there is no such thing as blond or light brown Indian Virgin Remy hair. The true form of this hair is imported from India cut from the heads of young Indian women & children. Any so-called Indian Virgin Remy hair that is of a lighter shade, has in some way been chemically altered by the manufacturer.

India is a country dominated by a huge religious population of Hindus. A belief in Hinduism is sacrificing ones hair in the name of God.

Hair, for most people, is what defines their physical appearance. It can be an expression of social conformity & affiliation. In hinduism, sacrificing your hair in the name of God means you are letting go of your ego & your everyday life routine & devoting time to God.

Indian women donate their hair to a temple. The temple collects the hair & sets it aside to be auctioned. Only affluent people take part in these auctions as the hair has to be bought in bulk & literally costs millions of dollars. Food for thought.

I hope I haven’t confused you! Haha….

If you are in the process of purchasing high-quality extensions via the Internet, you probably have came across hundreds of sites that offer human hair extensions. The market is saturated and rightfully so…the sale of hair extensions is a 100 billion dollar a year industry. When in doubt purchase your extensions from me!!!

Go to Extensions-By-Erica.com for the highest quality hair! (Come on – what kind of business woman would I be if I didn’t throw in a little self-promotion?? Lol)

Indian Virgin Remy Human Hair