Eyelash Extensions - Pros & Cons

Every girl loves long, thick, luscious lashes, but some people are just not blessed with them!  Glue-on strips may work on a girls night out to hit the town, but who has the time to put them on everyday?!  The lash serums are great, but there's obviously side effects to it, and once you stop using them they'll go back to your natural length.  Eyelash extensions have been around for several years and they're now popular than ever, but like any other lash lengthening solution, they have their downsides.  Some people love them, and some people couldn't handle them!

If you're considering getting lash extensions, you're gonna want to read this!

Pros
1. You never have to wear mascara again!
2. You can go shower and even swim with them on and still have beautiful long lashes.
3. You never have to curl (and ruin!) your lashes ever again!
4. You don't have to worry about them coming off- they'll last you a good 3/4 weeks!
5. Say goodbye to raccoon eyes.
6. Have long, thick lashes semi-permanently!
7. You get to relax and snooze at your lash appointment for about an 1-1.5 hours.
8. You can wear mascara if you want a dramatic look for a night out!
9. They look so natural!
10. They come in different length, color, and type (mink or silk fibers).

Cons
1. It's just another thing that you need to keep up with.  They're just like getting your nails done!
2. You can't use oil-based products- especially makeup removers.
3. Depending on where you get them done, they can get pretty pricey!
4. Make sure to do some research on a technician before you go with them, they can ruin your lashes if it isn't done right!
5. Can't rub your eyes.  If you have allergies, eyelash extensions may not be a good decision for you.
6. Once you get your lashes wet, you have to brush them out.
7. If you go too long without getting a fill, your lashes will grow out and all the lashes can get twisted.
8. Your lashes won't necessarily get ruined, but if you don't take care of them, they can wear down your real lashes.

Helpful Tips

• Average lash length is size 12.  They look natural, but long and pretty!
• Salons are going to be more expensive than independent technicians.
• Going to get them filled every 3 weeks is the perfect amount of time.
• Take a break from your lashes every now and then. 
• Full set appoints last about 2 hours, and fills usually last about an hour.
• Some people are allergic to certain glues, so make sure to ask your technicians about the glue that they use and previous experiences with other clients.
• Make sure your technician doesn't put anymore than 3 lashes per lash!  
• FYI, they're addicting.  Once you start, you can't stop!

Again, eyelash extensions aren't for everyone so try them out and see how you like them!  

Cate McNabb Cosmetics Giveaway WINNERS!

Thanks to everyone who participated in our Cate McNabb Cosmetics Giveaway. We loved reading what lip products you loved from their collection and hope that even if you're not a winner that you try them out soon! Please find the list of winners below. If you are a winner, please email us at giveaway@thesororitysecrets.com with your best mailing address, your final choice of lip product, and full name so Cate McNabb Cosmetics can ship you your winning lip product. Don't forget to snap lots of photos in your Cate McNabb Cosmetics lip product and Instagram direct message it to us for a possible social media feature. xoxo!

1. Katherine Brunty
"I have been dying to try a new Cate McNabb product! I am totally in love with the lipstick; my shade? BAKED! It being summer, this is the perfect shade along with a sun kissed bod and your staple, white flowy crop and denim shorts! To pull the outfit together, pair it with a turquoise, chunky, statement necklace, and your lips will look fab!"

2. Nora Mihalick

"So excited to share my favorite Cate McNabb Lip Color! :) After deciding between two fabulous lip gloss colors, I have decided my absolute favorite would have to be Belle Red.

The reason I love this color so much is because I think it is a color that can be worn during the day, or when going out at night. Being a new college grad and opening my own yoga studio, I need a colored gloss that can go from the studio to happy hour and look great throughout the day. I think that Belle Red is just that colored gloss to do the job! Not only will the color look great with yoga pants and yoga mats, it will also look great with a cute pair of wedges and a sundress to go out at night."

3. @ktaie (Kiana T)

"Cafe Au Lait; I've been looking for a new nude gloss!!"

4. @jerikendal ( Jeri Shanks)

"Obsessed with Wednesday Pink!"

5. Najada Hester

"My favorite color was Sakura's pick. The Cherry Bomb Lacquer is a great color on me, that I have found so far since I started trying to wear make up a couple of months ago. I would pair it with the outfit below to make a bold but cute outfit. The reason I love this color is because it is a bold color and almost everyone can pull it off. This color can make anyone standout just with it being so bold. Thank you and have a nice day!!"

6. Lynzee Halvorson

"I would choose the Wednesday Pink Lip Gloss for a relaxing day at the beach when I am going for the more natural look but want to add a little color and a glossy lip!"

7. @chelsayylane (Chelsea Lane)

"@chelljones91 because Be Mine is obviously our color!"

8. Kristen Yurkowski

"I'd want to try the Clementine Lipstick; I haven't any orange colors and would love a punchy orange to try this summer! I think I'd style it with a nude eye, but I'm not sure. I'd love to just play around with it!"

9. @annabarnes1 (Anna Barnes)

" In LOVE with Cherry Bomb Lip Lacquer. Simply the perfect pop".

10. @annetaylor_ (Adreanne M.)

"Pink Lemonade Lip Lacquer!"

Ali Ties the Knot In Cabo

Photographer: Amy Bennett Photography // Wedding Planner: Infinity Weddings, Rachel Hansen

Venue: Hacienda Cocina y Cantina // Ali's Dress: Mariee Bridal // Hair & Makeup: Alan Torres @ Casa Dorada

Here comes the bride!  This past May (May 25th, to be exact) TSS Co-Founder Ali tied the knot to her hubby, Jon, in sunny Cabo San Lucas.  Ali & Jon dreamed of a wedding day on the sand with the ocean as their backdrop, and knew that Cabo was just the place to have it.  They always loved going to destination weddings for their friends' nuptials, because let's face it-- it's the perfect opportunity to take a vacation with all of your family and loved ones!  Not only was their wedding a fabulous night, but they also were able to turn the celebration into an entire weekend long fiesta.  Guests included immediate family and closest friends, for an intimate ceremony.

Ali chose a color scheme of shades of white & soft pink, accented with gold and hints of turquoise.  Guests were given locally handmade maracas (in both light pink & white) as favors... which ended up being a big hit in both pictures and on the dance floor!  Keeping close to their own personal style, Ali wore an elegant 2-piece dress, with a sparkly lace up corset top and a full skirt.  Ali loved the idea of a formal gown in the casual beach setting... not your typical beach ceremony wedding attire, which is exactly what she had in mind!  Jon opted for a more casual suit instead of a tuxedo, paired with his signature footwear of choice... white boating shoes.  Bridesmaids wore mix & match dresses from Nordstrom, each with their own personal touches for accessories.  

The wedding party walked down the aisle to live music.  A Spanish guitarist & violinist duo played to the crowd, and Jon's cousin Shae sang "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri as the couple met at the beachside altar.  Another special touch, Ali's father in law became ordained for the occasion, and conducted the wedding ceremony.  Once the ceremony concluded, a mariachi band led the guests into cocktail hour... it was time to party!

Wedding guests dined on dishes with local flavor.  Margaritas, guacamole, and churros (YUM) were all on the menu.  The wedding cake was classic vanilla buttercream (the couple's favorite) topped with fondant, a dusting of gold shimmer, and fresh flowers on top.  Everyone danced the night away to songs ranging from Rod Stewart to Calvin Harris.  Instead of a photo booth, Ali & Jon decided to have a video booth for guests to record personal messages... check out the video highlights here!

It was a night (and weekend) that Ali & Jon will cherish forever.  To anyone considering having a destination wedding-- their advice is go for it!!  With life's busy schedules, having an opportunity to get away with your loved ones is truly a once in a lifetime experience.  

Special thanks to our fabulous wedding planner, Rachel Hansen, for turning our dream 

wedding into a reality!  And thank you to Amy Bennett Photography for capturing 

each moment so beautifully.  You both were a joy to work with!

Cate McNabb Giveaway (Ended)

We're currently obsessing over Cate McNabb Cosmetics' products!  They have everything from skin products, lip products, to even amazing makeup brushes!  Cate's products are all cruelty-free & paraben-free.  We tested out their lip products and we're in love!

Ali chose the Wednesday Pink lip gloss for a perfect day look with a pop of color! Sakura on the other hand both went with bright, bold red with the Cherry Bomb lip lacquer to get more of the shiny, plump look.  Karen picked the Clementine Lipstick for a bright orange color to wear during the day or night!

With that said, Cate McNabb & The Sorority Secrets have teamed up to give 10 of our readers their choice of lip products!

Here's How to Enter:

• Email us at giveaway@thesororitysecrets.com and tell us which color you would like and how you would style it!
• Or go to our Instagram account (click here) and comment on our Cate McNabb picture and tell us which color is your favorite and tag your friends!
• Giveaway ends this Sunday, July 6th at 5:00PM

Happy Wednesday!

Heat Wave! 5 Cute & Easy Summer Hairstyles

Photo Credit

With summer right around the corner, so are those pesky heat waves. While long, luxurious hair can be a blessing at times, it can also be a huge burden during those scorching or humid summer days. Even if you have shorter hair, these styles will help keep your hair pulled off of your face so you can be as carefree as possible this summer! 

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• The sock bun
• This is such a sleek way to pull your hair out of your face. It takes only a few seconds and looks beautifully polished

• Fishtail braid
• The fishtail braid is a twist on the classic braid that’s perfect for unruly summer hair.

• Messy top knot
• This is a classic. Take two seconds to pull your hair on the top of your head into a chic yet messy top knot.

• Beachy waves
• Let the heat do all the work! Let your hair air-dry after spraying texturizing spray in it for some beach-worthy waves.

• Miley-worthy double buns!
• Rock Miley’s signature double top knots for a playful, easy hair style! 

Top 5 Summer Scents

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Scents can really take you down memory lane! We have really enjoyed fresh spring scents this spring, but with summer around the corner, we have prepared ourselves to switch it up with more summery scents that welcome the change in weather and feel. Here is a breakdown on our favorite summer scents that we will be wearing throughout one of our favorite seasons:

1. Daisy Delight by Marc Jacobs

- A more fruity smell of the original Daisy by Marc Jacobs

2. Dolce Eau De Parfum by Dolce & Gabbana

-New fragrance by Dolce & Gabbana.  This scent is a gentle, feminine mix of white flowers and freshness!

3. Signorina Eleganza by Salvatore Ferragamo

-Velvety fragrance with hints of grapefruit, pear, and almond powder to name a few!

4.Fabulous by Victoria's Secret

-Fragrance type: Floral

5. Born in Paradise by Escada

-Fruity: Green apple, guava, watermelon, pineapple, coconut milk, jasmine tea

What summer scents are you looking forward to wearing?

Getting Glam {with The Stylist LA}

Dress: Caletto Maxi. Earrings: Forever 21 (old) similar here. Lips: Makeup Forever: Aqua Rouge. Photography: Nikki Closser Photography

Every girl should take glam photos at some point in her life, right?! These were Karen's thoughts exactly as she brainstormed ways to make turning 26 years old memorable. After finding a fabulous photographer in the Seattle area, next came finding the perfect outfits. Karen wasted no time browsing The Stylist LA's closet for some super trendy, photo perfect looks. The Stylist LA is just like your best friend's closet. You can pick up a nice outfit to wear for a day, and then return it! Taking glam photos in dresses that are gorge and you didn't have to spend hundreds of dollars on them for one simple picture is well worth the money if you ask us. Karen opted for a sleek, chic, and sexy look in the Caletto Maxi in black. We love how she paired it with red hot lips from Makeup Forever to go with the glam look. 

You just can't go wrong getting glam with The Stylist LA!

The 10 Commandments of Lipstick

Just by adding lipstick, it can change your outfit or your "look"drastically!  I often hear a lot of people say, "I can't pull off red lipstick" or "Nude just doesn't look good on me", but it's probably because you just aren't used to yourself with a different lip color!  These 10 commandments will help you with any "lipstick problem" you may be having!

1. Start with a clean lip for a fresh base

Remove any and all previous lip color with your normal makeup remover.

2.  Know your formulas

Whether you want a neutral or vibrant color, knowing the different formulas can help perfect your desired look.

3. To intensify a color, use a lip pencil

A lip pencil can help add shape and volume to your lip lines.

4. A brush will help a lipstick last longer

Applying your lipstick with a brush can help the color last.

5. Blot the right way

After applying your lipstick, blot with a Kleenex to get rid of the unnecessary extras.

6. Don't get lipstick on your teeth

Every now and then, check your lipstick and teeth to make sure this embarrassing situation 

does not happen to you.

7. Top with gloss for a more dazzled look

Gloss is a glamorous way to show your flirty side.

8. Don't be afraid to go nude  

A nude lipstick can help add a classy look to any outfit.

9. There is a red for everyone

 Contrary to belief, there is a red for you! Try out different shades of red to find that perfect look.

10. Experiment with colors

A pop of lipstick color can always brighten your day. Don’t be afraid to mix it up every now and then.

Beach Waves Hair Tutorial {by, Maddie}

Stick straight hair can be both a blessing and a curse; it’s easy to manage on a daily basis, but it can look a little flat sometimes. I’ve always loved that beachy hair look (a-la-Olsen twins), but spraying salt water and scrunching my hair does absolutely nothing! Here are my tips for achieving that look that will work if your hair is straight or stubborn.

Tools:

• Heat protectant

• 1 inch Curling iron or rod

• Hairspray

• Pomade

Steps:

1. First, spray the heat protectant on your dry hair and let it fully sink in. Don’t skip this step! We don’t want to compromise the health of your hair with hot tools.

2. Start taking pieces of your hair and wrapping them around the curling iron, wrapping them away from your face.

3. Once you’ve finished your whole head, shake the curls out a little with your hands. Some girls might like this look the way it is, but I like to quickly run a flat iron over some of the really bouncy pieces to get that true “I just went surfing” look.

(TIP: I spray hair protectant over my hair again before straightening just to play it safe)

4. Time for hairspray! If you have pomade, you can also put rub some between your hands and just apply it to random ends of your hair for a piece-y look.
 

Enjoy your beach waves!

Spring Nails {by, Audree}

Help brighten up your outfit this season with the perfect polish! Spring 2014 is all about colorful pastels, vibrant neon, and feminine pinks. This season is all about freshness; keep your nails solid colors to add an extra pop against your outfit. 

Visit your local beauty store and stock up on the season’s newest spring shades. My favorite brands are OPI, Essie and Sally Hansen. They are super cheap and have a great variety of colors. 

My top three choices from OPI are (pictured left to right): ‘Lucky Lucky Lavender’, ‘I Just Can’t Cope-acabana’, and ‘Kiss Me On My Tulips’. 

My top three choices from Essie are:  ‘Resort Fling’, ‘Truth or Flare’, and ‘Dj Play that Song’.

My top three choices from Sally Hansen are: ‘Mint Sprint’, ‘Petal Pusher’, and ‘Peachy Breeze’.

At home manis are great for a quick fix or when you don’t have time to go in, but step up your nail game and try gel polish. Gel lasts 2+ weeks and instantly gives you that straight out of the salon look. Recently I started using an at home gel LED light and my life is now complete! You can purchase lights and polish for under $100 at local beauty supply stores, but check out this portable LED light for only $24.99 at ULTA. What a steal! 

Gel polish goes on like regular nail polish and just curate your polish between coats under your light and, viola! You have the perfect manicure for spring!