Parody: Men are less beautiful than they think.

By now, I'm sure everyone has seen the viral Dove beauty campaign showing that women are more beautiful than they think. In the three-minute ad, a forensic scientist draws women twice—once from their own description and once from someone else's description. By comparing the two photos, the women can see that they're overly critical of their looks and prettier than they realize.

Well, this parody video—about how men are less beautiful than they think—made me laugh out loud.
(Via NYMag)

Packing for the beach

In the past, I've posted about a few vacation outfits, just for fun, but here's what we're actually packing for the beach this weekend...
J.Crew swimsuit: When I was pregnant with Toby, I was shy about wearing a two-piece swimsuit, and I still am a little bit. I mean, there's just so much belly. But for our babymoon trip, I decided just to go for it and chose this pretty one. I've been loyal to J.Crew swimsuits since I was in my early 20s. The cuts are always flattering, and they actually cover your bum:)
Straw sunhat: Four years ago, on our honeymoon, Alex gave me a sunhat and insisted I wear it everyday to protect my alabaster skin from the harsh sun. Have you ever worn one? They're great for reading on the beach. Ever since, I've toted one on every trip.
Yellow tote: Obviously, you don't want your nicer bags to get wet and sandy at the beach, so this $35 tote comes in handy! It's the ideal size for a picnic, books and towels.
Natural sunscreen: I wear Josie Maran's face moisturizer with SPF 40 everyday. It's chemical-free, goes on smoothly, and makes your skin glow. (We use Badger for our bodies.)
NARS multiple stick: You can look instantly pretty with pink rosy cheeks on the beach.
Leather flip flops: Flip flops are the perfect beach shoes, but plastic pairs can look cheap. Then, SEVEN YEARS ago, I bought a leather pair, and they've lasted every summer since then! They look pretty with sundresses and you can wear them to restaurants without feeling like a five-year-old.
A good book: Have you ever read The Newlyweds? I just picked it up at a bookstore this week and can't wait to dive in!

What do you always pack for a trip? Any other book recommendations?

Do or don't: White polish

My friend Yolanda recently spotted this bright white nail polish, which I love. She joked that it looks like White Out, but it feels so fresh and modern for spring. The prettiest matte polish seems to be Amazing Grace (and Revlon's Spirit is similar, if you're on a budget). Would you try it?

P.S. Nail polish inspiration.

(Via Momfilter)

How to get perfect beachy curls

Today I'm excited to share a second hair tutorial for curly hair (here's the first!). My hair-stylist friend Reagan agreed to reveal her secret to getting loose bohemian curls. How gorgeous is her hair, above? Here's her easy trick...
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Watercolor nail polish

One of my New Year's resolutions was to stop biting my nails like a five-year-old. I already bought this crazy stuff (which makes your nails taste bitter). But after stumbling upon these beautiful watercolor nails, I feel even more inspired. And they're surprisingly easy: the tutorial just calls for a few pastel colors and a sponge. Will you try them this spring?

P.S. Navy nails and galaxy nails.

(Photos by Small Good Things, via Shoko)

Amazing mascara

I secretly used to think all mascara was created equal; drugstore brands seemed fine. But recently I was walking down a street in Soho when I saw a sign for the world's best mascara. Intrigued, I stepped into the store to try it out. The mascara was Benefit's They're Real, and after a couple coats, my eyelashes looked ten times thicker and longer. Check out this before-and-after photo of British blogger Charlotte for proof of how well it works...
Have you ever tried it? Crazy, right?

(Bottom photos by the wonderful Charlotte)

Half-up braided crown

Whenever we did hair tutorials in the past, we got tons of comments requesting curly hair and short hair tutorials. So we've put together four new posts—two for curly hair and two for short hair. Thanks for the encouragement! Here, my hair-stylist friend Reagan, who has gorgeous curls, shows how to do a half-up braided crown. Here are her steps...

1. Part your hair down the middle, and gather together a large section of hair on one side. (I like to pull pieces down in the front so I have softness around my face.)
2-4. Braid the section. Start loosely at the top, working backwards in the direction that you want the braid to go (so rather than braiding straight down, you want to braid back, so the braid is at a slight slant). Secure with an elastic.
5. Repeat on the other side.
6-7. Cross the first braid behind your head so that the braid swoops down to the nape of your neck (it’s a more feminine, flattering and grown-up look than crossing it directly across the back of your head). Pin in place with bobby pins, making sure to tuck in the tail. (If your braid is quite long, you can fold the tail in half and tuck it behind the braid.)
8. Repeat on the other side.
Thank you so much, Reagan! This would be perfect for Valentine's Day or night out with friends; it's so relaxed and beautiful.

P.S. 14 more hair tutorials...

(Photos by Alpha Smoot for Cup of Jo. Styling and modeling by Reagan Baker of Hairdresser on Fire)

Do or Don’t: Dark red lipstick

My friend Caroline recently posted a few instagram photos of herself wearing dark red lipstick. How gorgeous and sultry does that color look? It would look beautiful on a winter evening or a date to a cozy restaurant.

The trick is to choose a color that has enough red and isn't so dark that it looks scary. Caroline's color is sold out, but two other fantastic colors are the burgundy MAC Diva (below left), and the black cherry NARS Terre de Feu (below right):
Thoughts? Would you wear dark red lipstick?

P.S. Caroline's 14 hair tutorials, and more do or don'ts.

Gold nails

Have you ever worn gold nail polish? It's such a pretty color for the holidays (and New Year's Eve!), and I love that even if you're wearing pajamas, this nail polish makes you feel celebratory. I'm a big fan of West End Wonderland (and if you take a bottle home, you could do family manicures on Christmas morning:) Thoughts? Would you wear it?

P.S. Navy nails and galaxy nails.

(Photos by Alpha Smoot for A Cup of Jo. Styling by Kendra Smoot. Gold necklace from Madewell)

Holiday hair tutorials

For holiday parties and dinners (and even the flight home), feel free to look back through Caroline's hair tutorials. Wouldn't it be pretty to wear three twisted buns with a sparkly dress, or a mermaid braid with a wool sweater? You can find all fourteen tutorials here...

Braids:
* Mermaid tail braid
* Braided top bun
* Braided crown
* Pretzel braid
* Four-strand braid

Ponytails:
* Messy side ponytail
* Ponytail twist
* Sleek parted ponytail

Buns:
* Three twisted buns
* Top knot
* Rope bun
* Gibson roll
* Chestnut bun
* Messy French bun

P.S. Also, this year's holiday gift guide will kick off this Thursday, I hope you like it:)

(Photos by Jamie Beck for Cup of Jo)

My beauty routine for dates

What's your typical beauty routine before going on a date? It's funny how loyal people are to their routines; I've had mine since college! The only thing that has changed is that I now use more natural products and pay more attention to ingredients. When I go to dinner with Alex these days, I start...
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Four-strand braid

On a much lighter note, I'm excited to share another hair tutorial today...
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Favorite fall hair

Oooh, yes, middle parts, fishtails and tiny braids. That's my hair plan for the fall:) What's yours? Anyone getting a brave haircut or doing anything drastic?

P.S. 15 hair tutorials...

(Photos from Teen Vogue, Tory Burch, Holly Fulton. Graphic design by Rachel for Cup of Jo)

Fall trend: Navy nails

This fall, I've been spotting beautiful women all around the city with navy nails, which look incredibly chic and elegant. Here, my friend Kendra is wearing this polish (Midnight Cami). Thoughts? Will you wear navy nails this fall?

(Photos by Alpha Smoot for Cup of Jo; styling by Kendra Smoot. Army jacket from Urban Outfitters, similar chambray shirts here and here, and pouch from American Apparel)

Motherhood Mondays: Princess crown braid

This month, I'm excited to feature back-to-school hair tutorials for girls every Monday. (And of course we grown-ups can wear them, too:) My friend Reagan of Hairdresser on Fire did a princess crown on adorable five-year-old Stella. What a pretty fall look, and I loved Stella's goofy personality! Here are Reagan's steps and more photos...
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Dry shampoo trick

Dry shampoo has been part of my morning routine for ages, but here's a great new way to apply it. Rebecca recommends applying dry shampoo before bedtime to wake up with voluminous bedhead. "My theory is that either tossing and turning in the night rubs in the powder, or a full night's sleep allows the powder to completely soak in," she says. "Either way, it works."

Genius! I tried it last night. You wake up feeling like Anna Karina.

P.S. In the photo above, my friend Caroline hadn't washed her hair in over three days! But dry shampoo kept it looking beautiful and not greasy.

(Photo by Maya)

Motherhood Mondays: Heart braid

How gorgeous is this heart braid?! It would make everyone around you smile. My friend Reagan of Hairdresser on Fire came up with this back-to-school braid, and ten-year-old Vivian was our beautiful model. Here are the steps...Read More >

Motherhood Mondays: Braided princess crown

When school starts in September, little girls everywhere ask their moms for cool hairstyles. So I thought it would be fun to feature four hair tutorials for girls this month—one every Monday! My friend Reagan of Hairdresser on Fire was the hair stylist, and seven-year-old Ella was our beautiful model. Here are Reagan's steps, if you'd like to try...
The only thing cuter than a little girl with Heidi braids, is a little girl with a ribbon in her Heidi braids.

Prep: You'll need two hair elastics (I like Goody's clear ones) and a few bobby pins. You'll also need a ribbon to braid into the hair; it's best to leave the ribbon quite long so that it can be cut to your preference after the style is complete.

1. Part the hair down the middle into two equal sections.
2. Take your first section, and split it into three equal sections.
3. Place the center of the ribbon against the back of the head, and add the ribbon into the center parting.
4-5. Braid (with the ribbon included) and secure with an elastic.
6. Repeat on the other side.
7. Pull each braid up to the top of the head, tucking the tails underneath each other and pinning in place.
8. Tie the ribbon into a bow. (Bow would also look mighty cute worn off-center.)

Try your hardest to not hug and squeeze her cuteness too much or she'll be late for school!
Adorable! Thank you so much, Reagan! xoxo

P.S. And grown-up hair tutorials...

(Photos by Alpha Smoot for A Cup of Jo. Hair by Reagan Baker. Styling by Kendra Smoot. Clothing credits: Cape and socks from GAP; shorts from Zara)

Travel beauty

Years ago I went on a business trip with a photographer, and she spritzed rosewater on her face during the flight. It was such a lovely (and fancy!) ritual, and after that, I was inspired to come up with my own trusty beauty arsenal when traveling. (I basically pare down my everyday makeup to the essentials.) Here's what I've packed every trip since...

1. Hair powder. Dry shampoo has changed my life, since you can skip showers and still have beautiful bedhead hair. This travel size smells like lavender and clary sage. $10.
2. Supercurl mascara. This mascara curls and thickens lashes so you'll look wide awake when you land. $20.
3. Chloe perfume is a fresh floral fragrance to keep you feeling pretty. $25.
4. Dopp kit. Unison Home has canvas toiletry bags in three different sizes to hold all those lotions and potions. $35.
5. Cucumber towelettes. I use these every night at home to wash my face (the lazy way!), but they're also perfect for traveling. The cucumber scent feels fresh and invigorating, $9.99.
6. Benetint gives your lips and cheeks a rosy glow, so it's my go-to cosmetic for a trip. (My sister actually wears this, and once I was raving about how pretty she looked, so she let me try it, and now I'm hooked:)
7. Muji Travel Pillow. This comfy pillow folds into a pouch and helps you actually sleep on a plane, $9.95.

(Plus, of course, I pack my face powder!)

What beauty products do you pack when you travel? I'd love to hear your tips...

P.S. Plane picnics (pack an orange!), and five best shoes for traveling.

(Post by Joanna. Layout design by Rachel from Elephantine for Cup of Jo. Top photo from Villa Brunella. I mentioned a couple of my travel staples on CNT, as well.)

Fall trend: Dark red lipstick

I usually wear bright red lipstick, but this fall, lips are going dark. Yesterday Toby and I walked over to the NARS store and found the prettiest color: Terre de Feu. Afterward, I felt really sexy, even in jeans and a T-shirt and with a baby on my hip.

The trick is to apply the lipstick, and then kiss it off on a tissue, so it's more of a stain; and then reapply a top coat. That way, it stays on for ages (and won't rub off if you have drinks or dinner).

Will you be wearing dark red lipstick this fall?

P.S. Dark red nails, and fall wedges...

(Photo by Stockholm Street Style)