STRAIGHT TO THE POINT WITH L'OREAL PROFESSIONNEL STEAMPOD 2.0
Written by: Diana Aldea
Photography by: Nathalie Martin
As I write this, it's been a couple of weeks since the release of Beyonce's Lemonade and everyone is losing their mind, hating on "Becky with the good hair". While I won't get into the politics behind the phrase (dangerous territory), it made me ask myself the question, "what is good hair?"
After putting a lot of though into it, I don't think good hair can be placed into a singular category. However, I think the assessment can be simplified - a 'do that flatters your features and makes you feel good is damn good hair. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
Cue the L'Oréal Professionnel Steam Pod 2.0.
People are freaking out about the new and improved version of the original Steam Pod, which has impressive ratings on MakeupAlley.
Why are people so obsessed?
- Better for your hair - it uses a combination of steam and pro-keratin technology
- Conquers almost any hair texture, leaving it silky smooth
- Multiple heat settings allowing you to customize for your hair type
- Results last days and days
After testing the L'Oréal Professionnel Steam Pod 2.0, all of this proved to be true. However, I'd advise that those with very fine hair use the lowest temperature setting. This tool is incredibly powerful, and putting it at a high setting on fine hair would likely leave it looking limp. It's ideal for those with very thick hair, and it will cut down the time of styling significantly.
Having good hair is achievable - whether you're Becky or not.
GIVEAWAY ALERT!
Now's your turn. I've teamed up with the brand to give away 1 Steam Pod 2.0 to a lucky reader. To enter simply comment below or go on Twitter and retweet my post! Winner will be announced in a couple of weeks. Good luck!
[Diana Aldea is WoahStyle.com's Contributing Beauty Editor]
The L'Oréal Professionnel Steam Pod was gifted to WoahStyle.
All opinions and photos are our own.
CLASSICS
It seems that no matter where trends take us each season, there will always be a place for the classics. Sure, I love a pink sparkly boot as much as Dorothy loves her red Mary Janes, but I'm also a sucker for a good black pump and a button down shirt.
If you guys follow me on Snapchat (@woahstyle), you would have seen my unboxing video and commentary on Frank & Eileen- a brand that has mastered the art of the button down shirt for both men and women. I've worn a few of their tops now and have my fair share of faves each season, but this cut I'm wearing here, called the Eileen, is hands down my new favourite! It's oversized and comfy- perfect for the weekend and running errands around the city. I love how it looks with these distressed jeans and I can't wait to wear it with cutoffs during the summer. I already know that this classic shirt will stick around in my closet for a long time!
Now I want to hear from you; how do you keep your classic pieces looking updated each season and what's your must have? Is it a plain white button down shirt or a pair of loafers? Leave a comment below. ;)
xo, Nathalie
Special thanks to Frank & Eileen for keeping my wardrobe timeless.
All opinions and photos are my own.
LUXE SKINCARE FROM DARPHIN PARIS
I want to start this article by telling you that I've been testing these Darphin products for the last couple of months and comparing them to other products in my beauty drawer - everything from drugstore, to mid-level to natural skincare because I wanted to give you guys a fair assessment of Darphin Paris and answer, "is it really worth the money?".
Just a quick overview before we dive in, Darphin is a Parisian skincare brand that launched in 1958. When I say they're luxe, I mean it. Starting at $36 pimple cream (It's called blemish clearing gel btw) to $235 for Wrinkle Repair Serum, the brand prides themselves in quality ingredients made with the finest botanicals, most which come packaged in beautiful glass bottles and jars. If an entire line of skincare that targets specific troubled-skin isn't enough, you can always swing by the Darphin Vendôme Insitute in Paris for a luxurious spa experience. I know I'm crossing my fingers that I can visit one day!
I used everything from makeup remover to serums, moisturizer and micellar water from Darphin. Now that I'm in my 30's I find my skin is more sensitive and a bit textured on the surface. When I use Darphin, my skin is more hydrated and feels smoother. Makeup applies better and stays on longer too. I also find their products to be really calming and soothing since they smell heavenly- best described as a spa retreat mixed with fresh air and a subtle hint of flowers. They apply very silky on the skin as well so it's fair to say the brand offers are a true sensory experience.
So, is the price worth it? Yes absolutely!
I'm aware the price point on most of these products is high, but if I could recommend 5 must-have items from Darphin they would be:
Hydraskin Light All Day Skin Hydrating Cream Gel, $75
If there's only one Darphin product you can buy, make it this one. My skin feels and looks so good whenever I use it. I'd even go as far to say it's my new favourite moisturizer.Aromatic Cleansing Balm with Rosewood, $45
Warm up a bit of this solid cleanser between your fingers before massaging it onto your face to remove makeup and then rinse away with water. I usually use a micellar water after to make sure all traces of makeup are gone but then again, I do that with every cleanser. I love how this one is gentle on the skin and leaves it moisturized.Micro-Refining Smoothing Fluid for Combination Skin, $90
If you have textured combination skin like me, you're going to love this serum. While doesn't get rid of my texture completely, I find it helps calm my skin A LOT.Dark Circles Relief and De-Puffing Eye Serum, $100
I love using this serum to prep my dark under eyes before my eye cream. I makes me look more awake and it feels really good.Exquisâge Beauty Revealing Eye and Lip Contour Cream, $118
This eye and lip cream firms and feels really soothing. I dab it on my under eyes after the serum and dab a bit on my lips before applying lip balm.
If you guys are convinced you need Darphin in your life, you can find it at Sephora online and in select stores.
This post is in collaboration with Darphin Paris. All opinions and photos are my own.
HELLO JIMMY CHOO!
Okay, okay. So the shoes aren't Jimmy Choos but the handbag is. I borrowed it from Love That Bag because I've worked with them in the past and I wanted to do something different for this spring time post.
I was drawn to this tote for obvious reason - stars!!! If you guys don't know, I love anything with stars - sweaters, necklaces, boots, I freakin' love them! This bag is dripping in star shaped studs and finished in black patent leather. It's easy to wear and super convenient for summer. Think picnics, beach time or toting your laptop to the office. Alternatively, it could be a pretty cool gym bag. (The exact bag in this post is listed for sale here!)
As I already mentioned, I worked with Love That Bag last year and we've maintained a mutual relationship/ appreciation for one another. I'm in the midst of doing a bit of spring cleaning and I'll be putting some pieces up for consignment. Watch out for bags from Alexander Wang and Phillip Lim from my personal collection. Wether you're looking to buy or sell, go have a peek at Love That Bag for drool worthy, Instagram ready bags! ;)
xo, Nathalie
This post is in collaboration with Love That Bag. All opinions and photos are my own.
OVERSIZED BOMBERS & BODY ISSUES
I've been working from home since March now and as a result, I've gained weight and gone up a pant size. Okay, it's actually two.
Sitting at my desk for the better part of my day means I'm almost totally immobile. My bursts of movement come from running up and down the stairs or sprinting to the front door when UPS or FedEx ring the doorbell. Additionally, indulging in cupcakes, decadent meals and being too busy to cook have finally stacked up against me. It's inevitable right? Obviously I'm not proud of how I ended up with a rounder mid-section but it's important for me to share my story with you guys.
Last summer I was my strongest, happiest and most confident self. I was going to bootcamp 4-5 times a week and eating very healthy and clean. Sure my body didn't exactly resemble Gigi's, but I felt good about myself. Fast forward to now and my waistband is quickly expanding. Going up 2 pant sizes in two months is messed up and I need to take control before I get sick.
If you guys have any workout tips for me or any easy vegetarian recipes, let me know! I would love to hear what works for you and adapt it to my routine as I transition back to being healthy.
Happy Friday all and thanks for reading!
xo, Nathalie
Thank goodness for the magic of photography! Geoff's been shooting me in flattering angles for the last while. Hopefully you guys haven't noticed a difference.
BABY BLUE JEANS
I blame Pinterest for refueling my love of blue jeans.
It happened subconsciously where I found myself pinning picture after picture of women in jeans instead of the usual monochrome look. Honestly, I'm SOOOOO over the B&W Instagram accounts. I just can't. Blue jeans just feel right for spring. Plus they're so reliable and classic. We'll never get bored of seeing jeans and we'll always find new ways to wear them. Take Maja Wyh for example - she wears denim like no one else. I'm always amazed that she can make skinnies look so good with her oversized tops and feminine heels. Sarah Harris is another one- she wears jeans like they were made for her. I envy the connection her body seems to have with her jeans. Own it like you mean it!
I'm tempted to put away my black jeans all together but let's face it, that's NEVER going to happen. Instead, prepare to see me wearing lots of blue jeans this spring/summer.
xo, Nathalie
*Special thanks to Cartel Footwear for hooking me up with these awesome boots that go so well with my blue jeans.
BUTTERFLIES IN MY TUMMY
TIP: DIY your own distressed denim by cutting uneven "rips" on the knees. I picked these ones up on super sale for $28 at Banana Republic so I didn't mind cutting them. I also cropped them by cutting 3" off the hem and leaving them undone so they get more frayed with wear.
I legit had butterflies in my tummy when these Isabel Marant Jaeryn sandals reappeared in my size on SSENSE. You know when you want something so bad and it sells out and you're like "FML why did I wait so long?". Well I've been waiting a year to get my hands on these but they always sell out. Needless to say I was over the moon to finally grab a pair. Shopaholics rejoice!
xo, Nathalie
SHOP MY SHIRT
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HOW TO WEAR BLACK LIPSTICK (AND STILL LOOK CHIC)
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think black lipstick? Goth? Ya, me too.
In 1995 I was was rebelling against the world (or so I thought) and I made my biggest fashion statement yet by dying my hair black, shaving half my head into an undercut and wearing black lipstick, red eye liner and black nails. I was an angsty kid with a chip on my shoulder and I don’t even know why because in reality, life was good and I had the happiest childhood growing up. Let’s just sum it up to hormones.
The funny thing is, it wasn't even cool to be goth when I was young, and I certainly didn’t do it in hopes of becoming Miss Popularity. I just wanted to stand out and be original because I was sick of suburban life.
All of this has got me thinking about what it means to wear black, blue or whatever lipstick as a 30-something-year-old and still look respectable and polished. Can it be done? I’d like to think so but there’s certainly a time and a place. For example, you’re not going to show up at the office with black lips, but all signs point to yes for a night out with the girls. Here’s my checklist on how to wear black lipstick while still looking glam and age appropriate.
- BE FLAWLESS - Hydrate and prep your skin for flawless makeup. Conceal any imperfections and use bronzer and a pinky toned blush to warm up your skin. After all, you don’t want to look like The Walking Dead right?
- GET YOUR HAIR DID - Just as your makeup should be flawless, your hair should be too. Smooth away any fly aways with styling creme or go get a blow out.
- KEEP IT SIMPLE - Your lips will be the main focus so make sure the rest of your makeup is clean and simple. I opted for two coats of volume building mascara and skipped out on the eye liner.
- APPLICATION IS KEY - Apply that lipstick perfectly for a polished look. Use a lipliner and keep inside the lines. Erase any mistakes using a small brush and concealer.
- SMILE - Remember, you want to look polished, glamorous and sophisticated so don’t forget to smile!
So, is it socially acceptable to wear black lipstick in 2016? The answer is yes but expect looks along the way.
OBSESSED: BOMBER JACKETS
Clearly there's two things I'm crazy about right now: 1) my mini Dionysus 2) Zara bomber jackets. Anytime I order anything from Zara I end up returning 99% of it because what I get in person isn't the same as what I see online (aka. shit quality), but this season I feel like they're killing it.
Jackets are a cheap way to change up a whole look especially when they're priced well. The one I'm wearing here is on the expensive side for Zara, but I don't mind since the embroidery detail in the back is amazing and it's reversible. It sure helps that it looks go with my bag right? ;)
xo, Nathalie
Gold iPhone 6+ case: FACE by Phantom Glass.