06 Dec '16

Tips For Achieving A Clutter Free Mind

Calm Your Mind From Everyday Noise with These Activities

Woman Feeling Stressed Out | ISA Professional

How many times have you thought you needed a break from the everyday noise of school, work, errands, and everything else in between? It’s common to be so focused on your goals and responsibilities that you barely give yourself some ‘me’ time. But believe me, it’s time that changed. Even though it’s important to follow through with your to-do list, it’s just as important to give your mind and body a break from it all, once in a while. You may think you have superpowers that allow you to do it all and still be happy, but relaxing and calming your mind will make you see what you were missing. By taking some time to pamper yourself, you will see how your productivity and peace of mind are related. You will have more energy and feel more relaxed to take on whatever the day brings your way by finding an activity that calms or soothes you. Below, I’ll share my favorite ways of get a clutter free mind. If you feel like your schedule doesn’t allow you to do anything like this, reconsider, and make time. Your peace of mind comes first; you can’t be productive and helpful if you’re overwhelmed!

Listen to Music

Woman Listening To Music To Relax | ISA Professional

Music is such a therapeutic tool; it can help us feel nostalgic, happy, calm and sometimes even sad. I find that music is an amazing way to de-clutter my mind, it’s one of my favorite things to do. Whether you listen to an old song that reminds you of happy times from your past, or decide to listen to a new artist you’ve been meaning to check out; music will help you feel better. Studies have shown that music can play a large role for anyone feeling stressed or depressed and I am so grateful to have so much amazing music to choose from. Now, you may feel tempted to multitask and listen to music while you work or do another chore from your list... DON'T! Listen to music with or without headphones but don’t add anything else to it, unless you find it calming. I like to dance while I listen to my music and just stay in the moment. You’ll feel your stress just ooze away!

Yoga

Woman Enjoying Yoga To Relax | ISA Professional

Yoga is an activity I recently started practicing and it has helped my mental health so much! Yoga has so many benefits; it helps lower blood pressure and stress, helps you become more flexible, increases muscle strength, helps you lose weight and even improves your circulatory and heart health! If you feel a bit intimidated from the yoga pictures you’ve seen on Instagram, don’t worry. All of these incredible yogis had to start somewhere; you just have to be determined to start and you’ll see how much easier it gets every time you practice. You can look up beginner yoga videos on the internet, or if you prefer a teacher, find a yoga class near you. Whether you practice yoga at home or in a group class, you will start feeling the relaxing effects after your first session. Having a clutter free mind is what defines yoga and I’m sure you’ll find yourself looking forward to your yoga ‘me’ time!

Read

Woman Reading A Book To Relax | ISA Professional

My family taught me to love and respect books from a very early age, showing me how amazing it is to just get lost in a story. My love for books has only gotten stronger through the years, leading me to get out of my comfort zone and try new genres and authors. Whether it’s fiction, non fiction, fantasy, history or even comics, just find something that interests you and take some time during the week to just sit down and read. My clutter filled mind is no match against a book; it helps me disconnect from the world and immerse myself in a new one. I like to take advantage of this ‘me’ time by making myself a snack and applying deep conditioner on my hair. Try to do this once a week to have shiny hair and be relaxed, at the same time! If you need more reasons, reading also helps you expand your vocabulary, improve your memory retention and give you better analytical skills! So dust off that book that you’ve been meaning to read but haven’t had time for, and make some, even if it isn’t much. Remember, you don’t have to finish the book in one sitting but you’ll never finish what you don’t start!

Woman Feeling Relaxed and Happy | ISA Professional

What do you like to do to relax and de-clutter your mind? Let me know in the comments!

28 Nov '16

Winter Hair Is Coming

Beautiful Winter Hair

Woman Outside in Winter with Updo Hair | ISA Professional

Winter’s not just coming: it’s here, and the Starks can wave their banners with vindicated pride. It’s cold outside, which can be great for your wardrobe if you love cozy coats, brilliant scarves, and chunky knit hats. (Also longswords and direwolves.) What that cold weather isn’t great for is your hair - chilly temperatures and cutting winds dry out your scalp, your hair becomes brittle and breaks easily, and all those cozy layers can encourage staticy fly-away hair.

So what do you do? How do you protect your hair from winter?

We’re so glad you asked! Because, unlike Jon Snow, we actually do know some things. Read on for our guide to great winter hair.

Quality Conquers Much

First rule: invest in some quality hair care products. A quality shampoo and conditioner are a must; inexpensive products are more likely to strip your hair, leaving strands both damaged and vulnerable. It’s important that you give your hair its best chance at health, so don’t skimp on your cleansers if at all possible.

Try to avoid products which cause build-up in your hair, since clarifying during the winter can worsen dry hair by removing natural oils. Honestly, much of winter hair care focuses on adding protective oils to the scalp and hair, so try not to use products that remove them unduly.

Speaking of oils, there are a few you might want to keep on hand. Coconut oil or argan oil are great for hot oil treatments. Argan oil can be used as an all-over treatment, and olive oil or jojoba oils are great for locking in moisture post-shower. A few targeted Google searches should introduce you to the best oil treatment regimens for your hair.

Wash Less, Treat More

You’ll want to wash your hair less during the winter months - no matter how careful you are, warm water and cleansing shampoo are going to cost your hair moisture. Washing your hair about twice a week will minimize this; you should also deep condition at least once a week. Make sure you avoid incredibly hot water as the heat will likewise dry out your scalp and hair.

If you have natural hair, you’ll similarly want to wet it less during the cold season. However, steaming your hair is a great idea: keep your head bare in your toasty shower, avoid getting it wet, and let your hair soak up moisture via steam. Make sure to follow up with your usual sealing process to lock moisture into your strands.

Most hair types can benefit from a hair mask or reconstructor once a week as well. These products smooth your hair, plug holes in hair shafts, leave shine, and strengthen your hair. Another option is to use a hot oil treatment, which is like a spa day for your scalp, leaving both skin and hair healthy and nourished. (If you skip the hot oil but suffer from dry, itchy scalp, try massaging Vitamin E into your scalp to soothe your skin and improve circulation.)

Style it Smart

It’s good to let your hair dry naturally, but who has time for that? Using the cool setting on your hairdryer is a good choice. If you do use heat styling tools, protect your hair first: use a leave-in conditioner (argan oil is great for this!) or a heat defense spray. Finally, don’t brush your hair while wet - use a wide-toothed comb or your fingers for gentle detangling. This will help avoid breakage when your hair’s at its most vulnerable.

Protective styling is also an ingenious method for preserving your hair in these frigid times. For those with natural hair, use braids, twists, and killer styles like French Rolls and Bantu Knots to keep your ends hidden away and minimize how much of your hair’s exposed to the elements. For many other hair types, using braids and updos can also discourage frizz by keeping your hair in place and away from static-prone sweaters.

A photo posted by ⠀⠀⠀⠀🖥/👻: GabyTheMUA✨Miami,FL☀️ (@_gabriellaelena) on Nov 16, 2016 at 6:09pm PST

Mama Already Told You

By now, you’ve got the basic process for best winter hair care practices. What we have left are those few miscellaneous tips that you’ve already heard a million times from your mom and/or are just good sense:

Don’t leave the house with wet hair. Just like your mama said, you’ll likely catch cold. It can also result in chilled hair follicles breaking easily.

Bundle up out there - wear a hat to protect your hair from dry air and cold winds. To avoid the dreaded static or hat hair, wrap your hair in a silk scarf first. (This is especially important for natural hair.)

Don’t neglect hair maintenance, even if you’re rocking protective styles or hats most of the time. Keeping your hair trimmed will promote healthy growth.

Last of all, run a humidifier while you sleep - your sinuses will thank you along with your hair. Heaters dry out the air inside, after all, and the humidifier will help put that to rights.

And now you know, so Jon Snow is the only one left out in the cold. As usual. There’s just no helping some people. Or maybe there is… after all, Jon Snow does have some fabulous hair.

A photo posted by kit harrington🎬 (@kitharrington.official) on Sep 14, 2016 at 3:14pm PDT

I know, Jon. We’re shocked, too! Do you even have conditioner on the Wall?

Alright, enough Game of Thrones. Join us in the comments and share your winter hair care routine!

First photo by Alexander Annenkov, some rights reserved.

22 Nov '16

Healthy Hair with 3 Oils

Transform Your Hair with These 3 Oils

Woman With Split Ends | ISA Professional

No matter what your hair type is, we all struggle once in a while to get our locks looking like we want. Some curly haired individuals struggle with fly aways and frizz, while some individuals with dry hair have to deal with dandruff and lack of softness. You try all these different products that claim to do what you want, but in the end it just isn’t enough. Isn’t it frustrating to try a new product, only to find that your hair looks even worse than before? I had this issue for a long time until I decided to try another approach to control and revitalize my thin and frizzy hair. It was then that I discovered an item that would change my hair game forever: oil! Now, I know what you’re thinking; ‘I’ve been trying to stay as far away from oil as possible, I don’t want to look greasy!’. Well, you need to pay attention now, because even if you have oil prone hair or skin, these 3 oils will help combat that, along with bringing even more benefits to your beauty routine! But before getting into my favorite oils for hair care, I’d like to remind you that not all oils are the same. You need to keep an eye out for the ingredient label and ensure that it is only 100% pure oil. Pure oils are best kept in a dark place and stored in a dark, glass bottle to ensure its freshness and shelf life. Now that you’re sure of your oil’s pureness, it’s time to put them to good use to achieve beautiful and healthy hair!

Argan Oil

Argan Oil | ISA Professional

I wanted to start the list with my personal favorite, argan oil, or as I like to call it: ‘liquid gold’. This oil is taken from the fruit of a tree that only grows in the driest areas of the world; this makes it an extremely valuable oil that will just amaze you with its many benefits. Argan oil is a wonderful moisturizer for both hair and skin; this is because it’s high in vitamin A, E and omega 6 fatty acids. Not only does it deeply moisturize, it’s also a natural cell booster, which makes it ideal for any anti aging regimen. Remember to apply it on your face and neck in circular motions using your warm hands, once or twice a day. For beautiful and shiny hair, apply it liberally as a weekly treatment and leave it on for about 30 minutes before washing as normal. You can also use argan oil as a heat protectant before using a flat iron or hair straightener, or even use it as a frizz fighter by applying on the ends and working your way up (don’t apply on the scalp if you’re using it as a leave in moisturizer).

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba Oil | ISA Professional

Now for the oil that works best with those that suffer from an oily prone scalp: jojoba. Jojoba oil is so great for dry scalps, it even helps relieve scalp psoriasis! By applying this oil to your scalp, it helps clear up dead cell buildup (which can sometimes be confused with dandruff since it also leaves flakes in your hair). This makes it perfect for those suffering from oily hair because it helps control your oil production and is also anti fungal! It’s high in vitamin E, A, D and antioxidants that can help diminish inflamed skin and itchiness and can also be used to moisturize your hair after washing it. Just apply the jojoba oil with your warm hands to get all the benefits; you can also use it as a weekly conditioning treatment.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil | ISA Professional

Lastly, tea tree oil is highly beneficial to those suffering from dandruff, hair loss or head lice. This powerful little herb has it all: it’s antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral and antiseptic; making it ideal to fight different hair problems that many people suffer from. It helps prevent hair loss! Tea tree can also help unclog hair follicles while getting rid of dead cells, which is so convenient since it leaves you with a healthy, dandruff free scalp. Since I rarely get dandruff and don’t suffer from hair loss, I don’t really use tea tree as much as other oils, but it works wonders on those who desperately need it (my friends rave about tea tree oil all the time). To use tea tree oil, mix it with a carrier oil such as argan oil or olive oil (too much tea tree oil can just leave your hair too dry and brittle, so it’s best when mixed). A mixture of 8 oz. carrier oil with a few drops tea tree oil in a squirt bottle is best. Then apply on your scalp using your warm hands and massage gently for a few minutes; the circular motions help the blood flow, which then helps hair growth and health. Leave it on for about 5 minutes and wash your hair as usual.

Woman Applying Product On Her Hair | ISA Professional

Which oil do you swear by for your hair’s health and beauty? Let me know in the comments below!

15 Nov '16

Our Favorite Fall Eyeshadow Trends

Best Fall Eye Makeup 2016

Welcome to November, that dark, cold month where we’re wrapping up and just trying to hold out until the winter solstice - when the days will lengthen once again, and brighten the world around us. November’s not just a time of long nights, of course! It’s also a time of gratitude and small fires, generosity and bright flashes. Nowhere is this duality as perfectly reflected as it is in Fall 2016’s eye makeup trends, where you’ll find metallic bursts of warmth and smoky clouds of plum. Read on to discover some of our favorite looks!

Copper Storms Glitter

Copper is very much an it color this season, bringing that welcome pop of brightness to chilly, cloudy days. Working with a metallic eyeshadow or incorporating glitter give it that extra edge of oomph to dazzle and provoke grins of appreciation. Copper works beautifully on its own, or blends strikingly into a smoky outer eye.

A photo posted by Bianca Hertz Shwartz (@the_bianca_show) on Nov 10, 2016 at 7:39pm PST

Smoke and Plums

Rich, smudgy smokes are also in, particularly drawn out from a plum or burgundy core. Rather than rebelling against darker days, you embrace them with dramatic flair, invoking mystery and the rich depths of autumn. This style is for the bold, drawing attention to your eyes and leaving them stunningly framed. One gorgeous example is in this matte look tutorial from Melissa Alatorre:

Another look - stunning and intense - is to go for a full jet eyelid sharply intercut with glittering silver.

Fields of Yellow

By this point in the year, traditionally, the harvest is largely done and our larders prepared against winter’s chill. Our modern grocery stores have generally separated us from these traditions, but we can still use them to inspire our makeup - as with this playful multicolor look, all greens and yellows elegantly done:

A photo posted by Wies (@xwiesx) on Oct 4, 2016 at 11:54am PDT

There’s nothing hokey about this color combination, evoking the greens and yellows of ripe corn (and a touch of that it color copper). For a sharper look, consider an extended wing with a metallic yellow edge blended on the edges by a matte green fading up into sunset shades.

Blue Sky Longing

Blue is one of those classic eyeshadow colors, a definite must for any eye makeup arsenal. But we’re not talking turquoise 80’s blue today - we’re talking about those stunning shades popping up in these Fall 2016 looks, enchanting and amazing in turn. Just look at this pop of color from Arnell Armon, counterbalancing her golden lids:

A post shared by Wies (@xwiesx) on Jul 13, 2017 at 1:54pm PDT

That is absolute blue-sky longing, and it’s captivating. But if you’re looking for a more subtle blue, try using a deeper shade underneath the eye, accentuating lighter lids under smoky brows.

For you one-color fans, I’m not leaving you out in a cold November night! There’s a place for all-over midnight lids too, especially those ever so gently dusted with stars. Shimmer is in, my friends!

Under Eye Drama

Rarely seen in fashion a year ago, under eye makeup has turned up in a big way. You can see it in nearly every photo featured above, and on one of our favorite MUAs, Hosway Morbak: the real estate immediately under your eyes isn’t just for tight lining anymore. Now it’s an integral part of your canvas, a little slice of skin with which to add serious drama or ensure your smoky eye is full-figured. You can play it subtle and safe with the lightest of accent colors, or go big and bold and have it define your whole look. Or take the middle path and be organically balanced.

A photo posted by Jeeshan Umar (@beautydosage) on Oct 9, 2016 at 8:38am PDT

Line Those Eyes

In many ways, this last look is both the most traditional and the most radical - depending on how you approach it. Again, a quick glance at our favorite looks showcases the importance of eyeliner to your eye makeup creations: half of them include heavy, crisp wings.

Fashion is inviting us to take our eyeliner even farther now, moving past wings and eschewing much eye makeup at all. Many Fall and Winter looks are inspired by April’s fashion shows, as Bazaar excellently captures for us each year. This year, elaborate liner looks are on that cutting edge, with possibilities including neon liner following your eye line just above your eye, triangular wings with a boldly-lined crease, or daring a style best described as fashionable barbed wire arcing around your eye. (Maybe save that last one for a more avant-garde setting than your office. Unless you work at a fashion magazine.) This is the best time to get a little adventurous, and see just what you can get away with.

The days may be short on light, but they don’t have to be short on color - pull those eyeshadow palettes out and get to work. Whether you go metallic or smoky, bold or subtle, just have fun and your efforts will never be wasted.

Now, quick - before you grab your brushes, hit the comments and tell us which trend you’ll be trying out first!

08 Nov '16

Best Braids of 2016

Our Favorite Braids

If you follow our social feed the you know a simple fact, we love braids. Braids are a bit of an obsession with us, a form of wearable art. It's hard work, practice and dedication all summed up in one gorgeous hairstyle. That's why we pride ourselves in featuring so many braids by countless talented hair artists. So as a tribute to our ongoing braid mania and fixation with all things hair, we've gathered some of our faves of the past season in order to share it with all of you. Enjoy!

A photo posted by Seal Beach,Ca OC Hair Stylist (@hairbyfranco) on Aug 25, 2016 at 8:57pm PDT

This first braid is a look by Franco H (@hairbyfranco) a very talented stylist and color wizard from Seal Beach, California. This look shows off his work perfectly because it allows us to admire his color blending and balancing skills. You can tell that time and effort was taken to ensure these gorgeous results. At the same time, it is some of the most gorgeous braid work we've seen ever, not just in the last year!

A photo posted by Ricardo Santiago✌🏽️Orlando FL (@stylistricardosantiago) on Sep 15, 2016 at 4:46pm PDT

Talk about having it all! This looks has unusual yet perfectly combined color work, it is one of the most original works we've seen! This is the work of another hair artist and professional stylist that is brimming with talent, Ricardo Santiago (@stylistricardosantigo) from Orlando, FL. If you are prepared for an endless barrage of gorgeous colors, braids and stunning hairstyles, then you have to follow him on social media. We certainly can't get enough of him!

A photo posted by Bend Oregon Mermaid Ombre Hair (@rainbowrage) on Sep 29, 2016 at 6:03pm PDT

Let there be color! If you're looking for total hair transformation or just looking to put more color into your life, then you can miss out on Savannah Harris (@rainbowrage). Her talent is evident and it's obvious her clients trust her completely and she never fail to impress us with their bold choices in color and style. So if you find yourself in or around Bend, Oregon and you're thinking of injecting some attitude to your style, you know where to look. Also don't miss her video with our titanium straightener !

A photo posted by Los Angeles Hair Colorist (@stephhstyles) on Oct 5, 2016 at 10:39pm PDT

This last look is by the supremely talented color conjurer, Stephani Hodges (@stephhstyles) from LA. Her braid work is nothing short of epic and her coloring is almost impossibly spot on. If you're looking for hair inspiration then her profile is it. Her updo's are simply to die for, constant jealousy on this end! She has videos of her working her braid magic so you can be amazed at her impressive skills.

Hope you enjoyed our collection and follow our social for more looks!

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