The Ultimate Katniss Hair + Makeup Tutorial #MockingjayPart2

Happy Thursday Beautiful! 

Today's article is a two-for-one beauty tutorial dedicated to everyone who has been patiently waiting for the release of Mockingjay Part 2. 

I for one, am super excited to go and watch the movie this weekend. It's been a few months since the last time my husband and I have gone to the theater, so this weekend will be the perfect time to go. 

In honor of Mockingjay Part 2, Wendy Rose Gould (beauty expert for Latest-Hairstyles.com) has recreated the hair + makeup from the movie. 

So, if you were searching for hair and makeup inspiration for this weekend, look no further....everything you need to know continues below.  

The Ultimate Katniss Braid & Makeup Tutorial

[Just in Time for Mockingjay Part 2!]

Re-Create The Hair

"This is a relatively straightforward hairstyle. But to recreate the Katniss braid, you may want to get some hair extensions," explains Wendy Rose Gould, beauty expert for hair tutorial and advice site www.Latest-Hairstyles.com. 

"We’re using Effortless Exensions’ Sip On Hair, which is temporary and easy to work with. If you don’t need to add length, skip to step three."

Step 1: Apply Serum

Prep your hair by apply hair serum. This will tame frizz, make your hair easier to manage, and will also help create the same kind of shine that a lot of faux hair pieces have, thereby allowing it to blend a little easier. We’re using Cureology Smoothing Anti-Frizz Hair Serum.

Step 2: Apply Extensions

This step will vary depending on what kind of extensions you’re adding.

Step 3: Move Hair

Shift all your hair to one side of your head.

Step 4: Part Hair

Part your hair down the center.

Step 5: Fishtail Braid

Now for the most arduous part of this hair tutorial: creating your fishtail braid (and it’s not even difficult). To do this, divide your hair into two sections, then drag an outer piece of hair from one section over to the other section. Pull tight, then repeat on the opposite side. Continue pulling tight as your braid the length of your hair, securing with a clear elastic on the end. Make sure all your hair is draped to one side of your head (secure with bobby pins if necessary), and then pull out sections of hair for that “piece-y,” and lived in look. You can use a texturizer or more serum to get those strands. Also twist each of these pieces to keep them separated.

Re-Create The Makeup: 

"In three words, Katniss’ makeup is natural, dewy, and bronzed," says Wendy Rose Gould, beauty expert for hair tutorial and advice site www.Latest-Hairstyles.com.

To achieve this, I first applied Etude House Precious Mineral BB Cream to my skin. I then applied the bronzer in Paula Choice’s Blush it On Contour Palette with a bushy brush onto the apples of my cheeks. I also applied the bronzer to my forehead and chin, slowly building color. From the same palette and with the same brush, I added highlighter to the applies of my cheeks and the center of my forehead, then followed up with the darkest blush to add color onto my cheeks.

For my eyes, I used Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette. I filled in my brows with Faint, then applied Naked 2 across my eyelids. I used Faint in my eye creases to create dimension, and blended out with W.O.S. The colors you choose for this eye look will depend on my coloring. In general, stick with a matte brown that’s darker than your skin for the eyelids, followed by a slightly darker brown in the creases. The blending color should match the color of your skin.

I also applied tre’StiQue’s Swiss Chocolate Line, Sharpen & Smudge Eye Pencil to my upper lash line and blended with an angled eyeliner brush, then threw on some Sigma Sinuosity mascara. For lips, I dabbed on a pinkish nude lacquer and blended it into my lips with my pinky.

If you like, watch the video tutorial HERE

Are you excited to see #MockingjayPart2 tomorrow? Will you be recreating Katniss' hair and makeup?  If you do, please tag us on your photos so we can share them too! 

Instagram: @latinflavadesigns

Twitter: @latncookndiva

Facebook: @LatinFlavaDesignsInc 

Red + Gold Ombre Nail Tutorial

Hello there Gorgeous! 

Can you believe that the month of November is almost over?  I can't. It's crazy how quickly the days go by once Halloween is over. But, there is a silver lining: the Holidays are right around the corner. 

And that's something we all look forward to, amiright? 

So, if you’re starting to feel the holiday vibes, then you’ll want to check out this new nail art tutorial from our close friends at Julep. 

Recently, they shared a gold-and-red ombre nail look that will bump up those festive feelings and get you ready for Turkey Day and beyond.  Best part about it is that this ombre tutorial is so easy, you don’t have to be a nail artist to create this shimmery look.

To begin, this is what you'll need to accomplish these beautiful red + gold ombre nails. 

This nail tutorial uses two polish shades from Julep's new Jingle Bells Welcome Box – which you can get for FREE when you join the Julep beauty box subscription. Once you join, you’ll get a box of on-trend, gorgeous, and good-for-you products delivered to your doorstep every month.  On the other hand, if you’re already a Maven (like I am!), you can snag these colors in Julep's  Very Merry Polish Duo gift set.

Now it's time to get into this easy Red + Gold Ombre Nail Tutorial. 

To get started, pick a gold and a sparkly red polish (they are using Margot Bombshell and Neely from the Jingle Bells box) and follow these simple steps:

1) Paint one coat of Gold, then let dry completely.

2) Dab a makeup sponge with the red glitter polish

3) Blot the makeup sponge on the tip of the nail to create the ombre effect.

Then, add the top coat, and you’re done!

These red + gold ombre nails are perfect for the upcoming Holidays. You can wear these nails for Thanksgiving dinner or for Christmas - while opening your gifts ;) 

For those of you who may not be all about red and gold, here is another similar ombre nail tutorial we shared a few weeks ago: Galaxy Inspired Ombre Nail Tutorial 

Hopefully this easy to follow ombre nail tutorial inspires you to treat yourself to a little glam this weekend. If you enjoy reading nail tutorials + nail related articles, I invite you to sign up for our weekly newsletter where we promise to only share good stuff with you once a week (typically on Friday evening). 

Subscribe to The Daily weekly newsletter

* indicates required

Email Address *

First Name

Last Name

PS. We are currently in the process of creating a few lifestyle (beauty + fashion + foodie) related eBooks within the next few weeks - if you're getting our newsletter, you'll be among the first to have vip access to each one! 

Hers + His Holiday Gift Guide 2015

A few exclusive fashion and beauty gift ideas for that special lady or man in your life hand picked from some of our top favorite online shopping sites.

1. Tory Burch Brodie Pebbled Leather Bucket Bag at Neiman Marcus  2. Anastasia Beverly Hills Lustrous Lip Gloss Set exclusively at Macy's  3. Aurora Stripe Mug at Neiman Marcus   4. Tarte Home For The Holidaze Collectors Set at Macy's   5.  Need For Bead Sweatshirt at latinflavadesigns.com   6. Nordic Sunrise Journals (set of 3) at Anthropologie   7. Fresh Skincare Affair (limited edition) at Sephora  8. Anja Howlite Layered Necklace at latinflavadesigns.com   
9. Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 90 Brown Instant Film Camera at Amazon  10. Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black Gift Set (limited edition) at Sephora   11. Gold Luster Stemless Glasses (set of 4) at One Kings Lane   12. Cover Me Cozy Sweater at latinflavadesigns  13. KMB Suede High Tops at Anthropologie   14. Sephora Favorites Superstars at Sephora  15. Ethan Blanket Scarf at latinflavadesigns.com  

1. Wine Aerobics Stemless Wine Glasses (set of 4) at One Kings Lane  2. The Art of Shaving - The 4 Elements of the Perfect Shave - Sandalwood at Sephora  3. Jonathan Adler 7 Days of Socks Box Set at Neiman Marcus  4. Amazon Echo at Amazon  5. Bluedio R+ Legend Bluetooth Headphones in Silver at Amazon  6. Sony Alpha a6000 MP Interchangeable Lens Camera + Accessories Kit at Amazon     7. Drake Two Tone Watch at latinflavadesigns  
8. Sephora Favorites The Leading Man Cologne Sampler (limited edition) at Sephora   
9. Shinola Journal Set with Leather Cover at Neiman Marcus   10. Foreo LUNA for Men Ultimate Grooming Collection with PRORASO (limited edition, available online only) at Sephora  11. Neronote Digital Gift Card at Neronote

What's In My Purse? - #BeHealthyForEveryPartOfLife

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BeHealthyForEveryPartOfLife #CollectiveBias 

Hello My Lovelies! 

In today's article I'll be sharing what's in my purse on a daily basis. I've wanted to do a post like this for a while and now that I was given the opportunity to do so...I'm excited to get right into it! 

But, here's a sincere disclaimer: I carry way too many things with me. Although, everything that is in my purse helps me get through the day, there are times when I feel like I'm carrying around my entire office (which is partially true). 

However, I did manage to pick only my daily essentials. You know, those items that somehow always find their way into your bag no matter what?   

Yeah, those essentials. 

1. My iPad2 + keyboard:  I love having my iPad2 with me when I'm on the go. I use it to keep notes while I'm working with my local clients, create my shopping lists, and occasionally I will use it to write article drafts. 

2. Daily Planner: In order to get everything done, I have to write it down. Taking a pen to paper helps me to remember what errands I need to tackle and what appointments I have scheduled. It also makes it easier to schedule new clients I meet while I am out. 

3. Centrum VitaMints: I cannot even stress how crucial it is for me to take a daily vitamin. These New Centrum VitaMints are adult multivitamins with a refreshingly minty taste you can take/enjoy any time of the day with or without food or water. I always make sure to have them on hand since most mornings I  tend to forget to take them before leaving the house. Having them inside my purse - I can take them at anytime and anywhere. 

4. Emergen-C Immune+ Chewables: Two words: immune support. During the week, my days begin at 3:15 am when my cell phone alarm rings. During the first few hours of the morning, I am helping my husband get off to work on time and making sure that my daughter gets to her bus stop. These first few hours of my morning can be hectic. So, by the time I come back to the house to officially begin my day, I'm feeling somewhat lack-luster. That's when I reach into my purse and pull out this bottle of Emergen-C. These chewable tablets work every.single.time! 

5. Headphones: I like to pull these out when I'm at a coffee house or when I'm in the car waiting for my daughter to arrive at her bus stop.  There's nothing like taking a break while listening to some music or watching an episode of a favorite TV show that I may have missed the evening before. 

6. ChapStick Total Hydration: The last thing anyone wants is to walk around town speaking with people while having dry chapped lips. I cant live without my ChapStick. I lather it on in the car before pulling out of the driveway, after I eat, and before going to bed at night. The advanced nourishing formula with argan oil and avocado butter and rosehip oils soothes my lips keeping them soft and plump. 

7. Cellphone: This is a no-brainer. My cell phone never leave my side let alone my purse. (I think many of you can relate to me on this one!). 

8. Wallet: Another standard purse essential. I carry my driver's license, corporate cards, and shopping cards inside. 

9. Mini makeup bag: For the most part, I like to keep my everyday makeup very simple. I do, however always carry a few liquid lipsticks, a finishing powder, mini mascara, and a travel size makeup brush with me in the event I need to touch-up my makeup. 

10. A mini tripod: Having this tripod with me allows me to take photos with both my cell phone or camera at any given time. I use it to take outfit photos for my clients or just to practice taking photos with my camera. 

And...that's it. 

As you can see, I wasn't lying about carrying my entire office inside my purse. But, if you were to ask me which items I swear by, I would have to say the Centrum VitaMints, Emergen-C Immune+ Chewables and Chapstick Total Hydration are my "ride or die" purse essentials. 

If you haven't given these a try yet, you really should. You can find them in the Health&Beauty aisles of your local Walmart. 

Now that I've shared with you what's in my purse, I'm curious to see what your purse essentials are. 

Tell me: What do you carry in your purse?  Let me know in the comments or tag me on social media if you'd like to share a photo - I'd love to see + share them! 

Twitter: @latncookndiva

Instagram: @latinflavadesigns

Facebook: @LatinFlavaDesignsInc

Pinterest: @latinflavadesgn