This summer its all about funky nail colors and designs, easy yet fun hairstyles, and bright playful makeup. Summer 2012 is all about great looks that you could enjoy at the beach, while playing in the sun!

Nail designs and colors could be inspired by everything and anything that is around us. You may see a certain pattern you like, or a specific color may catch your attention, helping you recreate it on your nails, it’s that easy. For example, I went shopping and saw this adorable bag that is great for this summer 2012, so I had to get it! The color of the bag is an aqua/green color with a coral pink zipper and interior, definitely two colors that pop! Any-who, the bag inspired me to do my nails with those two different colors, which I find to be colorful and girly. Since I currently have a polka dot obsession, I decided to use that “look” to design my nails. If you don’t know how to create dots, it’s very easy.

I first used the Revlon #85 Minted Color Nail polish as a base coat. I applied two coats and waited for it to dry. After it was completely dry and smudge free, I took the Bubble Gums nail polish tube and a piece of paper. I dropped a little dot of nail polish onto the paper for easier access. I then took my dotting tool, and dipped it into the nail polish(on the paper), and began creating dots on my nails. When applying the dots, lightly tap your nail, do not press too hard or it will create an oval looking shape. Also, do not add excess nail polish onto the dotting tool or it will create a thick coating.

Tip: Start your first dot in the middle.

Nail polishes: Revlon #85; Minted Color and The Love and Beauty Scented nail polish; Bubble Gum color
Dotting Tool: So Easy Double Up Detailing/Dotting Nail Brush

Many people love to go on vacation during summer and spend family time together. Usually you will spend many hours of the day outside, doing outdoor activities. No matter where we go, we always want our hair to look the absolute best, right?! No problem… You could look great in matter of minutes, with a few easy hair styles. As you may notice in some of the pictures, I have a few different hair styles that would look great on anyone! Sometimes we may be a little indecisive like I was, but the end results are always amazing. When I started doing my hair, I had lots of curls, my hair was very wavy. These curls were created naturally which is the best part about it all. I created the curls by washing my hair, then towel drying it, and putting my hair up in a ponytail (not too tight or else you will get a crease). Then finishing it off by braiding the pony tail. For the specific curls I had, I left the braids in overnight. The greatest part about it is that you don’t have to add any chemicals to your hair, no gel/moose is needed. All you have to do is put it up and it will create these curls (if you notice your hair becoming frizzy on the top, you can add a little bit of leave in conditioner). However, if you don’t want to wait a whole day, you do have the option of using a curling wand, just remember to use a hot tool heat protector so you wont damage your hair.

When I decided to style my hair, I just removed the braid and the hair tie, then began to softly brush through my hair with my hands. I started from the roots, and worked myself down to the tip of my hair to create that “beachy” look to it.

When I finished, I thought I’d switch it up, so I gathered the top half of my hair,starting from the sides, and secured the hair with some bobby pins. I brushed through the bottom half, and left it loose. I liked the hairstyle, but I wanted to experiment a little more. I began by removing the bobby pins from my hair, and brushed through it with my fingers again and started styling my hair into a messy bun, then I just applied a brown headband to complete that look. I then, did my makeup, and created another hairstyle by removing the bun. I combed my hair back, once again, then put the headband on top of my head down towards the middle of my forehead. This look was very cute and girly, reminded me of Rihanna. I was then able to create a hairstyle that best suited my makeup for the day. I wanted to create a hairstyle that looked a bit more natural and easy to do. I decided to remove the headband and tease the top of my hair since it was flat due to it being combed back. I parted my bangs to the side with my fingers and my hair was ready to go! These are fun and simple hair styles that we could all do on a nice summer night.

Your make up is key when completing your look. You can incorporate the seasons trends through your makeup. Summer 2012 is all about bright colors such as neon colors, and color blocking. Don’t be afraid to use all the playful colors on your palette! The hot season will make you want to be outside, enjoying the sunshine, so why not have your makeup shine as well? Have it bring life to your outfits. The look I created has a little bit of all of this. Great bright colors that will surely attract some attention. I wanted something to match my nails and my cute mini clutch, but didn’t want to over-do it with too much color and too much makeup, so I did the following steps:

Primer: Stila One Step Correct Triple Swirl Helix Primer

Foundation: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid in Natural beige #60

Powder: Benefit Get Even

Setting Spray: Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

Eyelid Primer: Urban Decay Original Eyeshadow Primer

Eye-shadows: Coastal Scents 88 Original Palette

Mascara: Essence I Love Extreme-Volume Mascara

Blush: Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush

Lipstick: Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick

Mascara Wand e.l.f. Studio Mascara Wands (pack of 12)

My look is done! Now you can try it out! If you do, don’t hesitate in posting your pictures or emailing them to me. Would love to see what you all come up with. XOXO