How To: Get Glitter Roots

There has been a new hair trend taking over Instagram and it’s glitter roots! Not only is it a bit space-age but it’s also a little bit festive with all the sparkles. 

It’s a super easy but super effective look to create that is perfect for nights out, Christmas parties or just to make a bold statement. 

You can either go for a glitter that’s similar to your hair colour if it’s already dyed into a colourful shade, or you can go for contrasting colours. In this tutorial we have gone for a holographic blue against brown hair, so it really stands out. 

I've collaborated with Charlie from the fashion blog Chazabella, she has awesome style and you should definitely check out her blog to find out what she wore to style up this hairstyle!

How to recreate the look

Step 1

Section your hair into a middle parting, even down the back and create a high top bun on each side (just like the classic Miley look). This can be done by pulling the hair up into a high pony tail on each side, twisting the hair around into a bun and then securing this with elastics.

Step 2

Mix clear hair gel and your chosen colour of glitter into a bowl. 

Step 3

Using a brush apply the glitter gel to the roots along the middle parting. Apply more product towards the parting and then brush it out to fade outwards. 

Step 4
Go out and make a statement with your new hair do!

Connect With Me 
Twitter | @Alexandraahowe 
Facebook | Alexandra Elizabeth 
Instagram | @Alexandraahowe

Forget Contouring, This Is How To Master Strobing

If you follow me on social media you will probably know that I have been interning at InStyle magazine within their beauty department (a dream come true for a beauty lover!) and they let me write an article for their online beauty section! 

I couldn't believe it either. It didn't feel real until they actually put it live onto the site and to be honest it still seems so surreal! You can read the original article over here. If you don't want to go on head over there, you can read the same article here below. I hope you like it! Let me know what you think in the comments.

Issey Miyake's SS15 Makeup

We've only just mastered the art of Kim K Kontouring but now it's all about 'Strobing'. Not sure what I'm on about? Check out my guide to getting your glow on Strobing style…

Forget Kim K Kontouring, the latest beauty obsession is all about Strobing. It might sound a little sci-fi, but I'm not talking laser quest here, Strobing is officially the latest way to get a glow worthy of the red-carpet. The secret celeb beauty trick to looking, well, completely amazing, everyone's doing it. Miranda Kerr's supermodel skin? That's Strobing. Kendall's totally enviable dewy complexion and sculpted cheekbones? Yup, Strobing as well.

So what even is it?
Unlike contouring, rather than making the low points of the face appear more shadowed, Strobing brightens and illuminates the high points on the face for that fresh futuristic glow. It's way easier to master and a lot lighter on the skin, so there's no need to worry about it melting off! Summer friendly instead of sweaty? Tick.

Why now?
It all started at Issey Miyake's SS15 show where MUA Alex Box transformed models into glowing goddesses with a futuristic touch. Since then celebs like Amanda Seyfried, Kendall Jenner (rebelling against her sister's famous contouring) and Karlie Kloss have jumped on the brightening bandwagon to rock it on the red carpet.

Ok, so what do we do?

1. Hydrate
To start off you want your skin to be plump and hydrated, to do this massage a radiance-enhancing moisturiser into the skin. I love the M.A.C Strobe Cream, £24.50 (appropriate, non?) as it de-stresses and freshens the skin, and also contains iridescent particles to make your skin glow. The best bit? If you're worried about your skin not appreciating the extra layer of makeup everyday, this lightweight formula also contains anti-oxidants and green tea extracts to help improve your skin condition over time. Nice.

2. Prime
Shimmery products have a tendency to highlight and cling to dry patches of skin, not good. Primer is the answer. Smooth any lumps and bumps or large pores with NARS Light Optimising Primer, £26. It's oil-free and contains SPF15 to help protect your skin against sun damage as well as prepping the surface for getting your glow on.

3. Foundation & Concealer
For this look you want flawless looking skin.  NARS' legendary Sheer Glow Liquid Foundation, £31 has a medium coverage and satin finish to give you an airbrushed look. Don't be tempted to go too heavy with your base, we're going for youthful and dewy not contoured and cakey.

Cover any imperfections or dark circles with a slightly warm-toned concealer. Beware of cooler shades, it might seem logical to cover darkness with paler makeup, but a warmer tone will avoid your under eyes looking ashy. And, let's face it, no one wants that.  Laura Mercier's Secret Camouflage, £26.50 is a must. It's two-shade system is super pigmented meaning you can easily get your perfect colour match without piling on loads of product. Remember, the key to Strobing is to make it look as if you just woke up like this. Healthy glow is the goal people!

4. Highlight
The actual strobing part of the process, to get that really intense highlight you need to layer products. A cream highlighter with a powder highlight on top is a guaranteed way to add instant glow with a flawless finish. Benefit's High Beam, £19.50 is a classic cream highlight which has a really easy application with it's handy little brush. Simply dot this along the high points on your face; the cheekbones, cupids bow, bridge of the nose, brow bone, inner corner of the eye and the centre of the forehead.

Set the highlighter in place and remove any hint of greasiness with a light dusting of powder over the same areas of your face. Becca's Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed, £30 powder is perfect for this, just make sure you choose the right shade for your skin tone. If you're a paler lady, Moonstone will work a treat, for those of you lucky enough to work a darker skin tone, Opal will look less chalky

My top tip?  If you're wearing a low cut or shoulderless top, sweep the highlighter across your collarbone, it'll do wonders for your all over glow.

Et voila! Ultra-glowy, healthy looking skin in minutes. Strobing never seemed so easy.

Connect With Me
Twitter | @Alexandraahowe
Facebook | Alexandra Elizabeth
Instagram | @Alexandraahowe

Shop The Trend: Palm Leaves Print

I have recently fallen in the love with the palm leaves print trend, it's the perfect summer staple this year. I've already bought a few products in this print which I will show you all styled up when I go on holiday in a couple of weeks time.
If you aren't into small and busy floral prints, this is the perfect alternative as they tend to come in quite big prints that aren't quite as flouncy. It also comes in such a range of colours and styles you can really incorporate the trend into your own style and wardrobe.
Almost every shop I go into at the moment have featured this print in their summer collections but I've picked out a few items that have stood out to me ranging from high-street to high-end to save you from hours of browsing!

Product links in order from left to right 
Missguided | Tropical Print Halterneck Backless Crop Top £15 and Tropical Print Jersey Culottes £25
ASOS | Mix & Match Multi Leaf Print Bikini £10-£18
Roberto Cavalli | Tropical Print Lace Insert Jersey Dress £670
New Look | Khaki Leaf Print Twist Front Underwired Racer Back Bikini Top £17.99 and Khaki Leaf Print Strappy Side High Waisted Bikini Bottoms £11.99
New Look | Orange Palm Leaf Jacquard Zip Back Skirt £19.99
Warehouse | Tropical Palm Culotte £36

Step away from the #KylieJennerChallenge

This 'challenge' is starting to really grind my gears. I've never seen people be so foolish in my life! I understand that people like to try things out and experiment, but then there is taking things too far. Just because something has become a trend doesn't mean you have to follow it.

These lip suction devices that are going around are so bad for you! I'm no doctor but I have done my research and have read up on what professionals have said. A few people have been stupid enough to use shot glasses, hairspray lids and more random objects to create the effect. I've not seen any have a happy ending.
Is it really worth the risk of premature wrinkles, burst blood vessels, bruising and more for just 30 minutes of plumper lips?
It makes me completely cringe to see people with their lips looking extremely uncomfortable and unnatural, most end up looking like poor Jeff Fungus from Monsters Inc.

This trend should really be called the #JeffFungusChallenge. 

Some beauty bloggers claim that you can use these safely if you don't have them on your lips for too long and use it on occasion, but if you are going to do this on a regular basis it will still cause the long-term effects.
The only positive to this is that at least it's not lip injections where you're pumping chemicals into your body.
I'd be happy to create a tutorial on how to create fuller looking lips with just makeup, if that is what people would like to see? You can simply wipe makeup off at the end of the day.

If you have been thinking about getting these devices, please PLEASE reconsider!

What are your thoughts? Have you tried them out?

Floral Fatale

This Autumn/Winter dark florals are back in trend and I am loving it! I fell in love with this graphic print skirt from Topshop that i bought recently, not only is it super pretty but the material is also really comfortable. I've featured this kimono before in an outfit post, it such a great item to have in your wardrobe as it can really dress up an outfit without being a heavy jacket. The little bag from H&M is perfect for a night out as it's small but big enough for all you need, it zips up and it'll pretty much work with any outfit. I am so ready for the Autumn now, my tan has gone, my dark hair is back and the fashion is much more my style!

Skirt & Necklace - Topshop / Kimono - Missguided / Bag & Top- H&M / Shoes - ASOS 

Lipstick - Captive by MAC / Nails - Pillow Fight by Ciate

Trend: Schiaparelli Pink

On the hight street this summer bright pink is one of the must have colours in your wardrobe, wether it be an accessory or an item of clothing. It can easily been worn with a mix of white and black to make it really pop or with greys and creams to cool it down a bit. You could be extra daring and mix it up with bright orange which is also in this summer.

Not only is it a fashion trend but all over Pinterest I've seen it in beauty and homeware. People have been adding this colour to their homes and offices either as an accent with upholstery and decor whilst others with entire pieces of furniture or even painting their walls the colour.
If you haven't quite got that much money to spend then why not follow the trend in the beauty world and just get a bright pink lipstick or nail polish to finish your look, I'd recommend MAC Candy Yum-Yum for the lipstick and Essie Bottle Service for the polish, they're both the perfect match for this trend.

I'm loving this pink on white so I've created an outfit featuring this trend in a classy evening style. This look could easily be altered to be more suitable for the day by changing the Lulu Guinness bag to a Cambridge Satchel and the heels to flats. I've been head over heels for the Lulu Guinness neon pink perspex lip clutch bag, I've even posted about it before. One day I will have one!

Bright Pink Trend by alexhowe1995

I've seen some rumours that this trend is going to stay for next summer too, so maybe a purchase of a few of these items will be worth while.
What are your views on this trend and how are you wearing, styling or featuring it in your life?

My Top 10 Festival Beauty Essentials

It’s that time of year again, music festival season! Every summer, a killer combo of awesome music and fashion hits the fields around the country. Whether you’ll be attending V fest, Reading & Leeds, 2000 trees or others, the beauty trends pretty much work at all types of music festivals.
For a start you don’t want to be bringing tonnes of products, so I’ve rounded up the top 10 must have beauty products from my own experiences at festivals and the current trends.

For your base makeup a BB cream with SPF is the best way to go, the Rimmel BB Cream 9-In-1 Skin Perfecting Super Makeup £6.99; primes, moisturises, minimizes pores, conceals, covers, smoothes, mattifies, brightens, and helps protect your skin with SPF 25 which is so important if you’re out in the sunshine all day.
A cheek and lip tint is a great multi-purpose product and long-lasting, the Benefit Lip and Cheek Tints £24.50 come in a variety of shades, smell amazing and stay on all day.

For eyes waterproof mascara is a must as there’s a high chance you’ll get sweaty in those big crowds and the last thing you want is to look like a panda, the Maybelline Colossal Mascara - Volum' Express Black Waterproof £7.19, won’t let this happen and it creates great volume without the clumps.
The brow trend is still going strong so keep brows bold and shaped up with the GOSH Long Lasting Brow Pen £6.49 as it’s so easy to use, looks natural and is long-lasting.A big festival trend this summer is bright colours, use a bright coloured eyeliner on your upper or lower lash line instead of black to really make your eyes pop, the Bourjois Contour Clubbing Eyeliners £4.99, are great as they come in lots of fun colours and are also waterproof. If you really want to go all out UV paint or glitter eyeliner is the way to go, you’ll glow and sparkle in all the flashing lights and can create lots of fun shapes and styles especially with the Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Liners, £11.50.

Rights given by Umberto Giannini for photos

Often at festivals it’s difficult to give your hair a proper wash so a dry shampoo is a definite must have, the Umberto Giannini Glam Hair Morning After Dry Shampoo £6.00 is clear meaning it leaves no grey marks whilst creating volume and absorbing excess oils.
A major festival hair trend is tousled waves, which can be easily achieved using a salt spray, the Umberto Giannini Glam Hair Grunge Glamour Tousled Salt Spray £6.00 is perfect as you can use it on wet or dry hair and it creates lovely waves with so much texture. Don’t forget to bring some hairbands and grips as these can help create endless amounts of different styles from braids to up-dos.

At the end of the day its important to remove all your makeup so facial wipes are great to bring along, they’re easy to pack and do the job without the need for loads more products. I recommend Simple Kind To Skin Cleansing Wipes £3.20, as they are gentle on the skin and can even remove waterproof makeup.

Have fun, be creative, stay safe and tweet me your looks or your must have festival products @alexandraahowe

I originally wrote this post for Platform magazine at http://platform-online.net/2014/07/top-10-festival-beauty-essentials/

Trend: Pinafores

I remember wearing them to primary school, but they are back!

I've seen a lot of people wearing pinafores with crop tops which I think is such a cute way to wear them, it'll also keep you cool if the weather heats up (if that'll ever happen here in the UK).

Most blouses, T-shirts and long sleeved tops look good with these too, you can really mix and match with plain or patterned because most pinafores are a plain style.

I found some pinafores which are all pretty affordable from the high street, each slightly different.

1. Miss Selfridge £40 Buy Here

2. Missguided £24.99 Buy Here

3. Topshop £36 Buy Here

Tweet me your pictures of you wearing this trend @Alexandraahowe

 I'd love to see how you style this trend!

Velvet Cut Out Skater Dress

It's almost my 18th birthday (30th January) and I've got a party booked. I don't have a lot of money at the moment and didn't want to wait for my birthday to get a dress and then it not look right on me or something.
I'd heard by many friends that Missguided had really nice dresses at great prices and they were right!
I found this dress, it's right on trend, definitely my kind of style and perfect for my party as it's not too dressy or too casual.
At only £18.99 I couldn't say no!
The great thing about it being velvet is that you don't get visible sweat patches or spillages which may occur at the party. It also has the perfect neckline for my body shape and once I get the tattoo I want, it may be visible from the cut outs.
So here are some photos of me wearing it, it was a bit chilly taking these photos outside in the snow and yes I really am that pale! Photo quality should be much better soon as I'm hoping to get a DSLR.

What I am wearing -

Dress - Link to the dress at Missguided

Necklace - Urban Outfitters

Jeffrey Campbell Lita's Black Suede - Office

Feel free to let me know what you think and I love you Missguided, going to be making many more purchases from you.