From flowers to makeup, I’m going to show my violet love this fall.
Join me!
xox Alana
Eye pigment form MAC
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With wedding season here I’ve been trying to think about creative new ways for brides to show their style.
Along with ma-luxe intern Claire (who is an amazing nail tech) we created a subtle and sweet way to show your love: spelling “I love you” in braille!
We used silver nail beads and a handy nail tool both from Essence Cosmetics.
First we did a few coats with a light pink polish
Pour the Essence nail beads into the lid, and using your tool, place the beads on the nail in the design below.
Finish with a clear top coat! xox Alana
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For a girl with long hair, I’m shockingly inept at doing any sort of hairstyle other than down or up. My one saving grace has long been the sock bun, or as I like to call it: up-do for the lazy.
Marion Groot - the resident hair-wizard at ma-luxe studios – created a perfect twist on the top knot, an elevated style that I’m excited to try in place of my sock bun this summer!
For all the details and instructions to get this do, head on over to ma-luxe mag!
Do you guys love the new top-knot as much as I do? I’d love to hear what you think!
xox Alana
hair – Marion Groot / makeup – Carly Flint / Photos – ME! / model – Criofan
]]>I snapped this picture of Carly on a day when she was focused on everything / everyone but herself, and she just happens to look accidentally stunning. Aside from good genes, I asked her to dish her top three beauty essentials, because clearly she’s doing something right! Her secrets are not so secret, they are actually simple, low maintenance, and super attainable on any budget!
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Today’s beauty DIY is inspired by my obsession with flowers. I love to have flowers all over my house, I love wearing them, photographing them, hell.. I’ve eaten flowers.
I love finding new ways to use them, and with the help of the lovely ma-luxe intern Claire, we’ve created a way to wear flowers on your nails! We stopped by the best source for stunning faux flowers, Chintz & Company and picked up some delicate blossoms.
We tried using real flowers but allegedly they would rather die than be lacquered. Strange.
Tools Needed:
- Small faux flowers
- Clear top coat (we used Seche Vite, it’s awesome)
- nail dotter or a pencil (whatever you have on hand)
- Scissors
- Pale pink nail polish (optional)
1. Break off a flower and cut pairs of petals. Layer on a coat of pale pink nail polish or leave your nails bare (depending on your preference.)
2. Dab some top coat on the nail and place the trimmed petals. Using your nail dotter or pencil, press the petals down so they are smooth on the nail.
3. Finish off with a generous layer of top coat.
We absolutely love the result, and can’t wait to play with different petals all spring!
How would you guys rock the flower petal nails? I’d love to hear!
xo Alana
]]>A quick look at an epic beauty editorial I worked on with the amazing Jennifer Dickinson and the ma-luxe team. I don’t know that there is any better embodiment of the words dream, create…. as a team we dreamed up a vision, a world, and we created it for ourselves. The sky is the limit when you let yourself be free!
xo Alana
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Photography – Jennifer Dickinson
Layout - Alana Kumar
Hair – Marion Groot for ma-luxe
Makeup – Carly Flint
Model – Mary @ barbaracoultish.ca
Flowers – Chocolate Lily Floral
Song – “I Know You” cover by Lana Del Rey
Video – Alana Kumar
Three things I’m all about this spring: tiny rings, delicate gold necklaces and a little touch of glamour. Thanks Jayu for letting sending me one of each!
My talented and super gorgeous intern Claire was kind enough to model my favourite pieces, and ended up falling in love and taking the ring home with her. Which is your favourite?!
heart necklace / statement necklace / ring
xo Alana
makeup by Carly Flint / photos by me
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Loving the vibrant shades and non-toxic-ness of Scotch Naturals nail polish. Don’t you just want to snatch them up!?!
xox Alana
Find Scotch Naturals at The Green Kiss
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A behind the scenes look into ma-luxe mag’s February beauty editorial. I love my job
xo Alana
xo Alana
hair – Marion Groot / makeup & model – Carly Flint / photos – me
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