Trending: Matte Eyeshadows

Image from Beautyscene.net

Images via Tumblr & Blogs Belomed

From the runways to the streets, matte eyeshadow is a Fall trend we've got to try! 

Get A Grip Eyeshadow Brush available at Walgreens.com

Grab our Get A Grip Eyeshadow Brush to give this look a try & let us know how it goes!

X’s & O’s and remember to “keep it neat, FREAK!”
SOHO

NAILED IT: The SOHO Pencil Case

What’s your current beauty addiction? Tricked-out nails get the vote at SOHO. Nails are totally taking the beauty industry limelight! 

Factoid: 2012 nail polish sales were at $768 million. That’s a lot of color! (pushes glasses up nose)

Polish, wraps, nail art sets, brushes, tips, we <3 all of it! And regardless if you are a newbie, hobbyist or semi pro, you need to keep it neat. And that’s our area of expertise… mmmkay!

Enter London Soho New York Double Zip Pencil Case. It’s perf for a small collection of polish. It holds up to 11 full size polish bottles and has a separate zippered compartment in the front for storing your nail art tools, nail wraps and any smaller nail accessories. (STUDS! We love nail studs!!)

Not only is it ultra cute and compact, it is durable and cost affective. At $9.99, you can stock up and house tons-o mini collections. By color… by look… whatevs! Put your faves together to carry for quick color changes or mani trips.

Best part? Our Double Zip Pencil case is avail in our BOHO BLEU, GLOWING WILD, and CLAWS & EFFECT collections… go ahead take your pick!

So tell us, which one is your soon-to-be nail solution?

Nails Nails Nails

All images via Madeline Pool's tumblr

Oh em gee, beauty babes - we are DYING right now! So we just came across Madeline Pool's 'Nails, Nails, Nails' book and we are in love. Well, you know what we'll be doing this weekend - those cutout nails, studs & ombré styles are high on our DIY list!


X’s & O’s and remember to “keep it neat, FREAK!”
SOHO

Outta Control: Ways to Organize & Store Your Makeup

SOHO ROYAL TEA Deluxe Front Pocket Weekender
Available at Harmons Face Values Stores

We're totally guilty of being major space cases - messy counter tops, old makeup mixed in with the new & cracked eyeshadows line our makeup bags. Well, we're cleaning up our act and found some great tips and tricks to help us:

Make A Note: Mark the date you opened your makeup with masking tape and a permanent marker - you'll never wonder when to toss that old mascara again!

Plastic Bags Aren't Just For Food Storage: Throw your eyeshadow, blush, powder & anything else that could break into a plastic bag. Bye bye eyeshadow stained makeup bag!

Put It Away: It's always best to keep your makeup in a draw or cabinet. All that moisture in your bathroom could dry your mascara out way faster than you're cool with!

What storage tips and tricks do you swear by?

X’s & O’s and remember to “keep it neat, FREAK!”
SOHO

Get a Naturally Bronzed Look

Image via Speaking Beauty

As much as we all hate to admit it, Summer is coming to a close here soon and our natural glows are going to start fading! Um, so not cool! Well, don't freak out cause we're going to help you get that natural bronze look all year long with these easy steps.

1. Chose the Best One
Just like all other forms of makeup, bronzer comes in different types - liquid, cream, gel, the list goes on. But, powder is the easiest type of bronzer for everyone to get comfortable with. If you're new to this - powder is your friend. If not, feel free to branch out a little bit but don't get too crazy - sometimes tried and true is always the best bet!

2. The Brush
For the most natural looking bronzed look, grab a brush that is super fluffy and not too dense. This brush is the best as it will apply your powder evenly and not look splotchy.

SOHO Beauty Kabuki Brush - Available on amazon.com

3. Where to Apply
Don't just apply your bronzer to your cheeks...the sun gets you on other areas of your face too that you can't ignore! So, the best tip we found that we're totally using these days is imagine making a number three on your face. Begin just above your brows, work down the temple and over the cheek. Keep going down the jawline and towards the chin.

How easy was that?! 

X’s & O’s and remember to “keep it neat, FREAK!”
SOHO

The Best Eyeshadows For Your Eyecolor

Image via Joanne Kowalski

 Yes, it's true that we can all wear whatever color eyeshadow we want but, let's be real, some look way better on than others! Here's your eyecolor eyeshadow cheat sheet...

Blue Eyes:
Blue eyes pop with soft grey hues & light blue colors. We know what you're thinking - blue on blue? No thank you! But, don't knock it 'til you try it...you're in for a treat!

Brown Eyes:
You brown eyed beauties can get away with applying blues, corals, plum & bronze hues to your lids. Make sure to keep the darker shades to the creases though - those bad boys will pop!

Green Eyes:
Green Eyed girls, branch out with silver, copper or other metal like colors. Not wanting to go so heavy? Your eyes will be pretty in pinks and plums for a softer daytime look.

Hazel Eyes:
Well, you lucky ladies won the eyecolor jackpot because you can get away with almost any color you want! Bright greens, periwinkle and sheer gray will really bring your hazel A-game out though.

There you have it! You'll never pick up the wrong eyeshadow for your eyes again!

X’s & O’s and remember to “keep it neat, FREAK!”
SOHO

Glowing Wild Inspiration

All images via Pinterest

We are in love with our Glowing Wild collection and thought it'd be so cool to share some inspiration behind the collection with all you beauty babes!

If you're super into fashion, nail art, prints and everything else that's been popping up on our Pinterest feed lately, you'll get our total obsession with florals, especially those of the neon variety! We love that this print can be totally girly or edgy!

So how will you be sporting this trend? Through your fashion, nail art or letting your makeup cases do the trend talking?

X’s & O’s and remember to “keep it neat, FREAK!”
SOHO

Clean Up Your Act!

All images taken from Pinterest

Beauty Babes, we already told you how often you should be tossing your makeup essentials but we all know that we end up keeping way more than we really need. And let's be real, that can make our makeup drawers a mess and our bathroom counter tops overcrowded and not so glam. 

Good thing we've got a major crush on acrylic storage and organizing solutions so we can spend less time searching for that mascara and more time living life! Ready? Set. Let's get organized!

Clean Up Your Act - Brush Cubes & Organizing Cups

Clean Up Your Act Brush Cube - Aqua/Purple Ombre

Clean Up Your Act Organizing Cups - Neon Coral

These bad boys are perfect for your keeping all your brushes and everyday makeup (like eyeliners, mascara or eyelash curlers) an easy reach away. We love the idea of filling the cubes & cups with coffee beans, sand or small decorative rocks to keep things a little more interesting!

Clean Up Your Act - Mini Tray

Clean Up Your Act Mini Tray

For those of you who are looking for an all in one, we've got your covered! If you don't have too much product to organize, this little guy is a life saver! Not only does it have room for your brushes but you can toss all your lipsticks in one place (um hello, easy to grab and admire!) and you can store your favorite powders, eyeshadows or even nail polishes in it's open tray for easy access. This guy is great to place on your counter top, vanity or in a draw (if it's deep enough). 

Clean Up Your Act - Expandable Beauty Vanity

Clean Up Your Act Expandable Beauty Vanity

If you love the mini tray but need just a wee bit more space, this expandable stunner is for you. Don't let it's smaller size fool you! With awesome cubes and a cup in the middle, your brushes and mascara, eyeliner and other beauty tools are taken care of. The smaller trays on top are awesome for lipsticks, nail polish or your smaller brushes like the kabuki. Now, the base is made up of 2 moveable trays that can store your eyeshadows, powders and palettes. Let's be real, this guy is an all in one!

Clean Up Your Act - Beauty Station

Clean Up Your Act Beauty Station

So, if you're the Beauty Babe who has it all and totally needs a place to store it all, this option is for you! It's an all in one (you can even buy 2 and place them next to each other for the ultimate beauty station) - grab your lipsticks, brushes, eyeshadows, foundations, powders and anything else you can think of and organize away! This guy is perfect to sit atop your vanity or bathroom counter and show off all your product in the best way possible. I mean, if you can't show it off...what's the point?!?

Alright beauty babes, we hope this helped you get in the cleaning mood! With back to school just around the corner, these organizers are sure to start you off on the right foot!

X’s & O’s and remember to “keep it neat, FREAK!”
SOHO

Trending: Purple Lips

Images via Obsessee, Lifestyle MSN,  Gourmet Beauty, Vogue

Summer is still in full force and we're loving this seasonal trend. We have all been guilty of falling into a beauty rutt - sticking with our normal routine and never getting out of our comfort zone with colors, products & trends. Well, this trend is way too easy to not try at least once... hubba hubba, purple lips!

We know what you're thinking - there is no way you're giving this beauty trend a go but, shockingly, purple lips are flattering and totally wearable. Ease yourself into this color with the not so bold shade like lilac or lavender before you go jumping into the deep end with your plum and eggplant like hues.
 
X’s & O’s and remember to “keep it neat, FREAK!” SOHO

How To Use The SOHO Beauty Sponge

Pop quiz!

What's football-shaped, comes in cute colors, and makes your foundation look totally flawless?

It's our fav secret weapon - the SOHO beauty sponge! Now this is one football we can totally get into. Once you know how to use it, we're sure you'll fall in love too!

Step #1 - To Wet, or Not To Wet?

Youtubers and makeup artists alike often suggest wetting a foundation sponge before you use it. We designed this sponge so you can wet it, or forget it. It works great damp, but you don't have to do it that way. Dampening your sponge results in a slightly sheerer application. Just make sure you gently squeeze any excess water out before you begin.

Step #2 - Dip & Dab!

Pump or pour an eensy bit of foundation onto a flat surface like a palette, paper plate, or even the back of your hand if it's clean. Dip the longer, flat side of the sponge into your foundation. You only want a liiiiiittle bit at a time! Then start dabbing away at your cheeks, forehead, and chin! You want to apply the foundation with a stippling/dabbing motion and a light hand. You should feel like you're just bouncing the sponge across your face. Boing, boing boing...

Step #3 - Details, Details...

When you're ready to apply foundation to the harder to reach areas like around your eyes, nose, and mouth, the tips of the sponge will really come in handy! Dip a tip into your foundation and do the same light dabbing application to those areas.

Now What?

If your foundation still looks patchy or streaky, use any unused side of the sponge to keep dabbing and blending.

If you need extra coverage, now it's time for a concealer. You can use your Beauty Sponge with concealers too!

All Screenshots taken from Jackiee Hearts Youu // YouTube Makeup Vlogger

Set your foundation and concealer afterward with a light dusting of translucent powder and your Get a Grip Powder Brush so it lasts and lasts.

Have we convinced you?!

X’s & O’s and remember to “keep it neat, FREAK!”
SOHO

Fast Fixes: Beauty 911 For Those Last Minute Plans

Image via DailyMail

We've all found ourselves in the middle of a beauty emergency right before a date, girls night or last minute plans and just panicked - not knowing how to get ourselves out of the dilemma. Well, that's enough of that! We've done our homework and are giving you some solutions to your recent beauty "OMG" moments...

Your Nails Are A War Zone
You're already halfway out the door when you realize your nails needed a mani like yesterday!

• No Time To Waste: Grab some nail stickers or quickly rub the chipped polish off & throw on a clear coat!
• Got an Hour: Pop into your local nail salon but chose a textured polish - they dry faster!

You Don't Have Your Makeup
Headed from the office to a date and totally don't have your date face on.

• No Time To Waste: Grab your lipstick and swipe some on. Then dab that same color onto the apples of your cheeks - um, hello blush! Grab a damp cloth and wipe along your lash line - this morning's eyeliners has never looked so good!
• Got an Hour: Pop into the nearest department store and hit the makeup counter pronto. You can get a little touch up to this morning's look and discover some new products...you always have time to treat yourself, right?!?

Your Hair Needs Some Major Volume
Your hair is so not putting in overtime and is just flat or greasy

• No Time To Waste: Yes, this is why they invented dry shampoo! Spray or sprinkle your favorite brand onto your roots, let it dry then tossle away any extra residue. 
• Got An Hour: Spoil yourself to a blow out at the salon...yes, we're in love with the dry bar craze that is popping up all over the country 

You Totally Need To Shower
We've all been there - all you want to do is rinse before meeting the girls for drinks but there is just no time!

• No Time To Waste: Well, hello cleansing wipes and your favorite perfume. This is for emergencies only, girls!
• Got An Hour: Head to your gym or if you're close enough, home for a quick body wash.  

You Knew You Should Have Shaved This Morning
Yup, he called for an impromptu date and you skipped shaving your legs this morning...

• No Time To Waste: Run over to your local drug store and buy a razor. You can quickly get the job done by shaving with hand or body lotion
• Got An Hour: Pop into your local waxer - gets the job done quickly! 

 
X’s & O’s and remember to “keep it neat, FREAK!” 
SOHO

Must Have Makeup Brushes

Makeup brushes come in all different shapes & sizes, it's hard to keep track of what we actually need and what's just going to sit and collect dust. Here, we're breaking down what brushes to keep and what you need to go out and buy pronto!

All Over Eyeshadow Brush: The basic eyeshadow tool, also known as an all over lid brush. This brush is great to start any eye look and applies perfect coverage of your base color.
How To Use: Apply shadow to the lid & brow bones, contour the crease and to blend.

Blush Brush: This brush is pretty self explanatory.  It's big fluffy bristles are great for applying blush or bronzers during the warmer months!
How To Use: Apply color to the apples of your cheeks. Place on the center of the apple and blend along your cheekbone.

Eyeliner Brush: The shorts stiff bristles on this brush makes applying liquid or cream eyeliner a piece of cake!
How To Use: Grab your favorite liquid liner and apply along the upper lash line for a clean look.

Foundation Brush: Every girl's secret weapon. This brush allows you to obtain that flawless finish we all wish we just woke up with! How To Use: Apply foundation to face and smooth in for a complete coverage - be sure to blend your foundation down your neck too!

Highlighter Brush: This brush is ultra soft and fluffy to help accentuate and add texture to your overall look. How To Use: Apply your highlighting powder to cheekbones and brow areas. Can even be used to apply your liquid foundation if need be!

Kabuki Brush: This brush can do it all! With extra fluffy bristles, you can apply any loose powder, foundation, highlighters or bronzers with this bad boy! Plus, with it's compact shape, it's perfect for traveling!
How To Use: Apply powder to cheek bones, forehead, nose and chin for an even look!

Powder Brush: This large fluffy brush with soft bristles is great for applying powder to finish off your look.
How To Use: Apply loose and pressed powders under eyes and around the nose.

Alright, these are the 7 brushes we're swearing by right now! Don't forget to get your essential brushes from our Get A Grip brush line (available at Walgreens) - affordable, totally easy to experiment with and gets you through your everyday beauty routine!

X’s & O’s and remember to “keep it neat, FREAK!” 
SOHO