As an Asian woman, I find it impossible to follow the instructions in conventional smoky eye tutorials. My attempts to fill in my crease always end in a string of expletives. And it’s not because I don’t have a crease; my eyelids actually have multiple creases. This is pretty common among people of Chinese heritage—they’re traditionally known as “double eyelids,” though the term is now used interchangeably for surgically altered eyes. I’ve always embraced my natural eye shape, but for years I stuck to liner because eyeshadow was just too confusing.
After watching editor Candice’s Asian eye makeup video, I was inspired to experiment more with eyeshadows. Read on for a five-step gradient smoky-eyed tutorial for Asian multi-crease eyes. I devised this look through tons of trial and error—it’s subtle enough to wear to work and requires a minimal amount of time.
How To Contour Your Face, DIY Fresh Flower Crown, 1 Product 4 Ways, and More: Reading List
We know you don’t have oodles of time to browse through everything on the Birchbox blog and in the magazine each week. Here’s a short list of the top blog posts, articles, videos, and news you need to read this weekend.
How To: Contour Your Face: Self-confessed contour addict and Birchbox staffer Deepica shares her tips for an every day contour that looks natural and helps define the face.
How to Make a DIY Fresh Flower Crown: Floral crowns are everywhere these days and now you can make your own whimsical hair piece with this easy-to-follow tutorial.
1 Product, 4 Birchboxers: Four staffers show how they each use one versatile eyeliner to create four unique looks. Consider us impressed!
Summer is approaching, which means that many of us will be visiting the salon for a lighter hair shade, highlights, or both. This year, we’re getting smart about protecting our expensively dyed hair from the sun. Protect your strands against UV rays with our handy round-up of the best color-protecting ingredients:
We fell hard for Natalie Alcala last fall, when the LA-based writer and blogger spent a week guest blogging for us. In fact, we loved her posts so much that we asked her to be a contributing editor. In addition to blogging for us once a week, she’ll also be writing for the Birchbox Magazine and keeping us up to speed on all things fashion, beauty, and fun.
It happened! Last Saturday I got married, and it was as a dreamy as I hoped it would be. Everyone was spot-on when they told me that the day goes by ridiculously fast, so I’m glad that I savored every second of it. As previously mentioned, I went for a bohemian luxe look that matched my Pacific Palisades venue’s picture-perfect setting. Take a peek at some snaps, along with fashion and beauty credits, below!
A Curly Hair Routine That Prevents Frizz and Defines Curls Once and For All
Staffer Caroline is a frequent source of hair admiration around the office since her natural curls somehow achieve that perfect balance of weightlessness and a total lack of frizz. Luckily, we convinced her to show us exactly what she does each morning to get her curls so defined and lovely. Check out the video below to see her routine and the products she swears by—there’s even a trick in there I’m appropriating for my naturally straight hair!
—Lorelei
Caroline isn’t the only one sharing her go-to products: find our Cofounders’ and Editorial Director’s must-haves in the Birchbox Shop.
We first became enamored with Annie Dean earlier this year after stumbling across her site AnnieDean.com. Combining tips for entertaining and etiquette, this modern day Miss Manners proves that you can juggle a hectic lifestyle (did we mention she’s a lawyer?) and still be ultra chic. This week she’s sharing her five easy tricks to make spring a little more fabulous.
Here’s a secret: Essential oils are the best way to make your home feel a little extra glam and to keep your guests wondering how you manage to have everything in your home smell so fantastically clean. Whole Foods, and many health stores, offer a variety of essential oils for $10 or less. You’ll only need a drop or two for each use, so these little bottles pack a big punch. After you’ve cleaned up, rub two drops of essential oil into your countertop for a deliciously fresh scent that will last for hours. And don’t stop there.
It’s not every celebrity that feels comfortable talking publicly about the nitty gritty of hair removal. But after sitting down with Jenny McCarthy on Wednesday to chat about her role as spokesperson for at-home laser hair removal device Tria, she could not have broached a delicate subject more gracefully. As someone who takes a deep breath before pulling off Band-Aids, I must admit that her endearing candor and sense of humor made me wonder if this isn’t something every woman should own. Read on to find out what McCarthy said about the at-home treatment, as well as her best summer beauty tip and biggest beauty splurge:
We’ve been planning our dream weddings since we were five years old. So it’s no surprise that we can’t get enough of Lover.ly, a wedding inspiration site that lets you search through pics of swoon-worthy gowns, bouquets, and everything else you need for the big day. Once a week, the ladies behind Lover.ly will be sharing their best tips for getting through the craziness of the season—whether you’re standing at the altar or enjoying a view of it from the audience.
When it comes to wedding hairstyles, our current favorite is the bun. It’s such a classic look, but still feels fresh when paired with today’s bridal styles. Anyone can master this no-fuss look and it works for brides, bridesmaids, and guests. Here are our favorite versions from Lover.ly:
1. From the feathered bolero to the smoky eyes, this Black Swan-esque look brings the drama and is so glamorous. (Bridal Musings via Lover.ly)
5. We love the idea of a high bun for your entire bridal party! It helps create a more coordinated look that doesn’t draw attention away from the bride. (Jonathan Wherrett on Polka Dot Bride via Lover.ly)
If anyone knows how to do a proper French manicure it’s, well, the French. And leave it to them to also update it in a simple, yet eye-catching way. The lovely ladies over at Joliebox show us how to create a colorful twist on the classic manicure. Cute, n’est-ce pas?
For another modern French mani, try diagonal french tips with the help of a little scotch tape and a bright poppy polish.
—Bre
Want more nail inspiration? Check out our ongoing Mani Monday series.
![Change Your Hair Gene, Kate Upton’s Personal Trainer Shares His Favorite Moves, and More
Will science find a way to change the gene that determines hair type and texture? Find out here. [New York Times]
Kate Upton’s personal trainer demonstrate’s his top three workout moves. [Glamour]
Make sure your strands are ready for summer with this ultimate hair guide. [Beauty High]
Get ready for a night out in 60 seconds with this superquick smoky eye tutorial. [BellaSugar]
Find the best toner for your skin that promises to deliver some even results. [Well + Good NYC]
—Charisse
We love Vine! Check out this awesome video one of our subscribers made of opening her May box.
(Photo: Victoria Roberts)](http://25.media.tumblr.com/73c8dc7c507f7987c759319a6eba4054/tumblr_mmwtwdz5jj1qbz3xno1_500.jpg)
