From the beach to the beach house party, braid waves are a perfect hair chameleon for summer. Simple to achieve, gentile on hair and ultra-stylish—these waves are definitely a go-to. Follow these steps to create sexy beach waves.

Step 1: Start with towel-dried hair; spray a de-tangler throughout to prepare for combing.
Step 2: Gently comb through hair.
Step 3: Run a golf ball-sized amount of mousse from root to mid-length using your fingers. Leave hair ends product free to prevent a crisp feel.
Steps 4 & 5: Rough dry hair using a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment until hair is about 75 percent dry.
Step 6: Do one classic braid on each side of the head.
Step 7: Use your fingers to gently loosen the braids—this is the best way to avoid that super crimped pattern braids often leave. Don’t stress about loose pieces that fall out; let them be!
Step 8: Blow dry the braids for about five minutes per side.
Step 9: Get dressed or do your makeup, allowing hair to set after blow drying.
Step 10: Unravel the braids gently and make sure hair is completely dry.
Step 11: If some pieces are still damp, go back in with the dryer on a cool wind setting and dry wet pieces.
Step 12: For a faultless summer night look, add an embellished headband that sits back an inch from the hairline and behind face-framing pieces of hair.

Voila! Good luck and happy braiding!

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Contouring is a makeup technique used to define and enhance a face’s natural features—not only will this look create the perfect glow for summer, it will also slim your face — who doesn’t want that? Follow this contouring routine for radiant, slim-tastic perfection.

Step 1: Start with foundation on and problem areas, like acne, concealed. Using a concealer one shade lighter than your skin tone, highlight by sweeping the product across the top and bottom portion of the lips, the bridge of your nose, under eyes, to the brow bone and atop cheekbones.

Step 2: Blend the highlighting concealer with a stippling brush.

Step 3, 4 & 5: To create sharp, bronzed lines, use a large eye shadow brush to apply bronzer diagonally under your cheekbones, at the base of the your hairline, on the sides of your nose, on your jaw line and under your chin. This contouring technique will add an elongating affect to a rounder face.

Step 6: Using a large blunt-cut brush, blend the bronzer; be sure to blend in the direction of the facial lines you are contouring.

Step 7: To make cheekbones stand out even more, apply a shimmery cream product to the top of the cheekbones and to the apples of the cheeks using a blush brush.

Step 8: Set and blend the highlighting and contouring products with a loose powder.

Voila!

The post Contour Queen: Master Your Technique appeared first on Kouturekiss.

Chanel your inner bohemian goddess this summer with the mini half-up double waterfall twist — a version of the classic waterfall twist, this ultra-cool style is easy-to-do and gives an effortlessly beachy vibe.

1. Start with hair’s natural texture—subtle waves will enhance this style’s beachy feel.
2. Take a small section of hair close to the temple, leaving some pieces to hang loosely in front, and separate that section into two equal pieces.
3. Twist the piece closest to the hairline over the second piece.
4. Holding the two pieces of hair in one hand, grab a small piece of hair from above the twisted section in your other hand and place it between the first and second pieces. Let the new piece hang loosely—you will never add hair to the original sections.
5. Twist the piece closest to the hairline over the second piece again and place a new section of hair from above the twist between the original two pieces.
6. Continue twisting the two original sections, adding a new piece of hair between each one, until the braid reaches the back of your head; secure the braid with a bobby pin.
7. Repeat steps two through six on the opposite side—make sure to use sections of hair even with and similar in size to the first side.
8. Once both sides of the head have been braided, unpin the braids and secure them with a thin or clear elastic.
9. Disguise the elastic by wrapping a strand of hair from underneath a braid around the elastic.
10. Secure the wrapping strand with a bobby pin.

Voila!

The post The Mini Half-Up Double Waterfall Twist appeared first on Kouturekiss.

The fishtail braid may look elaborate but—here’s a secret—it’s surprisingly easy to do! Follow these simple steps to achieve the perfect go-to on rushed mornings:

Steps 1 & 2: Start by brushing your hair—for a messier braid, opt for using your fingers, instead of a brush, to detangle hair while preserving hair’s natural texture.
Step 3: Create a ponytail with an elastic (Psst! This is the secret that makes this braid simple to do).
Step 4: Separate the pony tail into two sections. 
Step 5: Take a small piece from the outer edge of the first section and cross it over to the inner edge of the second.
Step 6: Take a new piece from the outer edge of the second section and pass it to the inner edge of the first.
Steps 7 & 8: Continue repeating steps 5 & 6: don’t overthink it—once you cross a piece over let it go and just focus on the next piece.
Step 9: Once you’ve finished your fishtail braid, secure the bottom with an elastic. Unless you plan to use a clear elastic, chose one that has a decoration attached—plain, colored elastics are too noticeable and distract from the delicacy of the braid.
Step 10: Use a pair of scissors to carefully cut the elastic at the top of the braid.
Voila!

The post The Side Fishtail Braid appeared first on Kouturekiss.