We all need a go-to to make things easier throughout our day. As we’re in constant motion from one activity to the next, it’s great when our look can pull a bit of double duty! Each month, our beauty editorials show how you can recreate these looks from our team of MUA and hairstylists that
you should know about. This month, we’re focused on the braided updo which is truly versatile and can be worn when relaxing as well as for special occasions. Within the makeup look, the sun-kissed with a hint of pink hues is one that looks great on an array of skin tones. These essential looks allow you to transition from your studio fitness class to brunch and then the office to a night out! In a few steps, you can adjust between them as you see fit.

This tutorial includes tips from MUA Nydia Figueroa whose work has been seen on the runways of New York Fashion Week, Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, Broadway charity events and published editorials. Dori Sligh created the hairstyles within this shoot. Her work has also been
published within a number of editorials.

STUDIO LOOK (ABOVE): Hair by Dori

STEP 1: Prep the hair with Texture or Volumizing Spray. My favorite products are Kevin Murphy Anti Gravity and Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. Once hair is prepped, it’s easy to control and style!

STEP 2: Make a center part in the hair to create two sections and braid both down the sides of the head towards the back.

STEP 3: Bring the two braids to one side and pop it into an elastic band on the ends. This is an easy look that can be worn to workout and onto brunch right after, as the hair stays in place.

STUDIO LOOK: Makeup by Nydia

STEP 1: I prep the skin with Kiehls Ultra Facial Moisturizer because I believe it helps reduce moisture loss without drawing and absorbing moisture from the air.

STEP 2: Prime the skin with Laura Mercier Oil Free Primer to prepare the skin for foundation. Think of it as double stick tape; which locks moisture in underneath it and keeps the foundation flawless for a longer period of time on top.

STEP 3: I let the skincare sit as I start working the model’s eyes. I do this to let it absorb into the skin. I start with grooming her incredible eyebrows and use Shobha Brow Pencil in the color Earth. I used hair like strokes to achieve a more natural and consistent look throughout the brow. I love
how the pencil is soft and has a sharpener for the finest point.

STEP 4: For the eyes, I did three different types of looks. I gradually added to each look so I can show how easy it is to take a natural look and transform it to a night time look with a few easy steps. For the Studio Look, I did a soft brown color in the crease and popped a center highlight to
give a clean yet glowing look to the makeup. I applied a thin layer of liner on the top lash and applied mascara. I did not apply bottom eyeliner for this look.

STEP 5: I do the eyes first to then wipe off any fall out left under the eyes from the beautiful shadow looks we created. I used the Shobhha Rosewater Freshening Cloths. I love it because it leaves the skin clean with no oily residue.

STEP 6: Now that we let the skincare set, it’s time for foundation and concealer. I used the EVE Pearl HD Dual Foundation and her Dual Salmon Concealer Treatment. It is amazing because it has skincare built into it. It was originally made for HD cameras and allows your skin to breathe while
diminishing the look of imperfections! The Dual Salmon Concealer neutralizes dark circles and is even pigmented enough to cover tattoos.

STEP 7: Next, I set the makeup with Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder. It has a soft focus effect that creates smooth and silky texture to the skin. I also used a MAC Cosmetics Blush in “ Mocha” to add a touch of color to her cheeks.

STEP 8: For the Studio Look I pressed a soft neutral pink into her lips with my finger tips. I used MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in “ Vivaglam V” for a natural sheen.

BRUNCH LOOK (PREVIOUS PAGE): Makeup by Nydia
STEP 1: I kept the gym look and added a slightly darker brown color in the outer third of the
crease and took that same color down to the lash line. Using an angled brush I pressed the color
half way from the corner of the lash line to just below the iris of the eyes to open them up a bit
more.
STEP 2: For the Brunch look I did a baby pink lip to give a pop of color that is wearable for
everyday. MAC Patent Polish Lip Pencil in “ Kittenish”.

Above is a bun that is an updo that works for heading to office. On the right this same look transitions into an enhanced makeup look for a night out. The makeup in this look carries over from brunch to the office. It is then built upon again for the final look.

OFFICE LOOK (ABOVE): Hair by Dori

STEP 1: Hair is prepped with texture spray or volumizing spray.

STEP 2: Starting side part in front and continue the part diagonally into two sections.

STEP 3: Braid both sections down to back and put elastic on the ends.

STEP 4: Pull out little pieces of hair around ear, these wispies will soften the look.

STEP 5: Adjust the fluffiness of the braids and finally pop some bobby pins in to make the braids into a cute bun!

NOTE: Braid them tight first then make it loose for long lasting result. Totally appropriate for the office and night out! An added benefit of this look is that the braids worn here provide nice waves for the next day!

NIGHT OUT LOOK Makeup by Nydia

STEP 1: The office look is the same makeup look from brunch. For the night out look, I used a fluffy brush and added a shimmery brown shade to the inner and outer portions of her eyelids. I left the middle bare to then with a denser brush, add a highlighting color to her center of her eyes. I also added a highlight shade shade to the inner corner of her eyes.

STEP 2: For this look I chose a more dramatic eyeliner and filled in her waterline with a highly pigmented black eyeliner. I then used a pencil brush and using back and fourth sweeping movements, smoked out some of the brown shadow below her lash line. This created a sultry, yet diffused drama effect to her eyes.

STEP 3: For the night out look I left the Kittenish color on and added a deep berry gloss to dress it up a bit. I used Kiko Cosmetics 3D Instant Volume Lip Gloss in the shade “214 Mauve”.

SHOBHA

Our shoot for this beauty editorial took place at Shobha at their Financial District location in NYC. This beauty destination is the go to for women and men for hair removal whether they choose sugaring, threading or laser treatments. In addition, their locations and website have an array of brands (including those made by the brand) to keep up your beauty routine.

During this shoot, we used items from the salon including their rosewater cleansing cloths, eyebrow pencils and their elastic hair ties (proceeds from the purchase of the hair ties goes back to their ongoing efforts in empowering women through education and employment.