Copycat: Messy Braid & Orange-Red Lips
Josie Maran Bohemian Waves Argan Hair Mist Texture Volume & Moisture / bareMinerals Matte Foundation / L’Oreal Paris Colour Caresse Lipstick in “Fiery Veil” / NARS Lipliner Pencil in “Amazon” / Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Mascara
Since I haven’t cut my long hair in a few months, I’ve found myself turning to simple braids for hairstyles to keep the hair out of my face/shoulders/everywhere. I hate wearing braids that are too girly-girl or simple, so roughing them up a bit (and adding a little extra makeup on those days) is my go-to. I’m working on growing out my layers so I can master the pretty fishtail braid, so the photo above was the perfect inspiration. And that red-orange lipstick- it’s the perfect balance between too playful and too dark. Here’s how to steal the look yourself:
Start off by spraying your hair with a texturizing or sea salt spray, like the Josie Maran Bohemian Waves Argan Hair Mist Texture Volume & Moisture spray. This will give your hair a rougher texture and make the braid stay in place easier (this is especially crucial if you have tons of layers in your hair like me!) Next, part your hair far on one side, leaving any face-framing pieces or bangs out to deal with later. Follow these directions to create a fishtail braid and secure with an elastic. Then pull on the braid to create a looser, less perfect look. Blow-dry bangs or shorter layers in the front for a piece-y look.
Embrace your the winter pale (unless you’re blessed with tan or dark skin) with a light-colored foundation, like bareMinerals Matte Foundation. The key to perfect skin is the matte finish this powder gives. Next, curl your lashes and apply a bombshell mascara like Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Mascara. There’s no need to go heavy on the eyeliner here- the mascara and lips will get all the attention you need.
For the main attraction- the lips- you’ll need to use two products. First, start off by lining your lips outer edges with a darker lip pencil, like NARS Lipliner Pencil in “Amazon”. Apply a bit more from the outer lines moving inward, but leave the center of your lips bare. Using a lip brush, get rid of any harsh lines. Then, apply a red-orange shade, like L’Oreal Paris Colour Caresse Lipstick in “Fiery Veil to the center of your lips. This creates an ombre lip that’s easy to pull off.
Now throw on a sparkly dress and some pretty earrings and you’re good to go!
I recently pinned this pic on Pinterest, love this look.
im going purchase this lip color immediately.
this braid is so pretty!!! x
I love the red-orange lips. I have that lip pencil and it’s awesome. Super smooth!
I love this look! I’m sad I can’t recreate it since I cut my hair…but pinning for future reference!
That braid is so pretty but I’m not sure it would hold in my hair!
I wish I could get my lips to look like that in bold lipstick!
This is so beautiful! I love red orange lips… Revlon’s Fire & Ice is one of my favorite red-orange shades! Also, if only I could get my hair to cooperate like this!
Messy braids are my favorite! And I love that bricky-orange lip look!
I’m obsessed with this beauty look, and your little collage is perfect! You are so good at these. And, I am trying to fully embrace my [super] pale skin this winter!
I love this look! Messy braids are the reason that I decided to grow my hair out… someday I’ll get there!
The side braid is my favorite hair style. So chic!
adore! i miss my hair being long enough for a messy braid 🙁
i LOVE that braid. i can never get mine to look that way because my hair is so fine!
I’m actually rocking a bit of a messy side braid today- no bright lip though, haha.
I love that messy braid. I totally wish I could do that to my hair!
Love the lipstick inspiration, so pretty! And definitely perfect for pale winter skin.
Love this look!! I am really into braids right now and I love it with the bright lips! Must do this soon!
oooh so pretty! i love love a good messy braid!
Oh la la! This look is SO GOOD! I love the messy braid – I’m going to have to try it once my hair is long enough again! xx
Wow, this look is gorgeous Rachel! I love the messy side braid and her makeup is perfection! Perfect holiday look!
i love this look! i just need more hair…
I love orange-red lips, it’s one of my favorite beauty things. I also love this messy side braid. Great inspiration!
Love this whole look, but I have yet to master the messy braid very well. I need to find that texture spray stat!
this is totally my style! all about the messy hair 😀
I am always a fan of the messy braid…it is so put together yet effortless at the same time.
I wish I could do my hair as fabulous as that picture! Of course I would need longer hair too 🙂