If youre looking to switch up your Afro for the night, youre in the right place: This fro-hawk is bound to steal the spotlight. Slick on the sides and with tons of height on top, this style isnt exactly for the wallflowers out there. But thats kind of the point: Its the sort of hairstyle thatll turn heads and make your whole look seem 10 times cooler. And best of all? Its easy to DIY in minutes.

First, prep and hydrate curls by warming a small amount of DevaCurl Styling Cream Touchable Curl Definer between your hands and scrunching it throughout hair. Using the end of a comb (which helps create clean lines) separate hair into three equal sections and secure each with a hair tie. Then, divide each section in half, roll it into a mini bun, and secure with a bobby pin, making six buns in total. Finally, use R+Co DART Pomade Stick to smooth down any frizz or flyaways.

Channel your inner rockstar for the night with this cool fro-hawk, which makes the most of full, kinky curls.

A party-ready pony is as easy as tease, pin, and wrap, plus a little Touchable Hairspray from amika!

Step 1: Separate a section of hair at your crown and tease to add volume. Pin teased section near the crown to maintain volume.

Step 2: Gather hair into a ponytail that sits just below your pinned section. Keep chin lifted as you gather for a smooth finish at the nape of your neck.

Step 3: Separate a small section of hair from your ponytail. Wrap this small section around the base of your ponytail and secure with a pin.

Step 4: Spray with a touchable hairspray to secure all night!

Lily's beautiful dress and accessories are from Rent the Runway.

A pretty ponytail tutorial to step up the everyday staple. 

Whether youre hosting the gathering or heading to it, being punctual is key to a successful event. If youre throwing the party, have everything ready at least an hour prior to your guests arrival. Doing so will keep your stress level lowyou dont want to be scrambling to get the table set or the decorations up as your guests are walking through the door.

On the flip side, if youre invited to the party try to arrive on time (not before). Your hostess put a great deal of effort into the event, and showing up late not only is a big NO, but also potentially puts the festivities on hold for the rest of the attendees. If for some reason youre running latewe get it, things happenlet the host know with a phone call or a quick text, that way they arent waiting around wondering where you are.

Dont show up empty-handed. Theres a good chance your host will tell you not to bring anything other than yourself, but offering is always in good taste. Its also a way to show your appreciation to the hostess, who probably spent a lot of time putting the shindig together. While food, flowers, and wine are always at the top of the list, why not bring your host a beauty or lifestyle gift they can enjoy for themselves during or after the party ends?

For the Host:
- Limited Edition: A Toast to the Host
- Stila Cosmetics Ready to Jet Makeup Trio
- thisworks sleep tight ornament

If youre hosting, party favors are a great way to let your guests know how happy you are they made the time to come to your event. If youre having a sit-down meal, its a nice touch to leave little presents on your guests place settings. If youre having a cocktail party, send them home with little gifts they can use after the party is over.

For the Guests:	
- beautyblender midas touch ornament
- The Birchbox x Dr. Jart+ Kit
- Kiehls Lip Balm #1

When creating the menu for your festive fte, keep in mind your guests dietary needs. If you know you have a group of people with varying food preferences, make sure to include vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options so that everyone can enjoy the party. Plus, itll save you any awkwardness later if you dont have treats that everyone attending can feast on.

You know everyone on the list, but your guests might not. If you have guests who dont know each other, try seating them next to someone theyve never spoken to beforeyou never know, you may end up being responsible for a lifelong friendship. If youre an attendee, step outside of your comfort zone and use this as an opportunity to get to know other party-goers you dont know. Taking the time to chat with new people not only helps you (hey, youve made a new a friend), but also takes some stress off of the host if there are a few guests who may not know anyone else at the party.

Its easy to get wrapped up (literally!) in preparing for the party that you forget to say thank you to your guests for coming or to the host for throwing the get-together. Make yourself a reminder in your phone to send a thank you card, a text, or an email to let your host or guests know how much fun you had and how much you appreciate their time and all the effort they put into the event.

Follow these six tips for being the best holiday party host or guest.

The most wonderful time of the year is a reason to celebrate, and chances are youre probably hosting or a attending a holiday party or two over the next month. While parties are surely a fun way to bring in the joyous season, they can also be a bit stressful and difficult to navigate. Whether youre headed to or throwing a festive fte, a last-minute party, or a holiday-inspired brunch, weve got you covered with six tips so you can be the best holiday party host or guest on the list.

How to be the Perfect Guest or Hostess with the Mostest

We teamed up with Rent the Runway on four-holiday beauty and fashion looks for every occasion. For our second look, we've paired a precise red lip with a sophisticated, lacy dress and statement earrings to match. It's perfect for any holiday party but particularly your office holiday party.

Step 1: Prime lips with a gentle lip exfoliator like Laura Geller's New York Lip Strip Smoothing Sugar Scrub to remove flakes. Wipe away.

Step 2: Warm up lip liner on your hand to soften the tip before applying. Carefully outline lips, starting at the cupid's bow and working your way around.

Step 3: Fill in with lipstick and press lips together to blend.

Step 4: Use a small angled brush and a touch of concealer to clean up the edges.

Step 5: Impress your colleagues at your office holiday party!

Anna's dress and accessories are from Rent the Runway. Learn more about their new subscription, Update, at RenttheRunway.com

A precise red lip you can wear throughout the holidays and beyond. 

We teamed up with Rent the Runway on four-holiday beauty and fashion looks for every occasion. First up is a protective hairstyle paired with trendy wide-leg jeans and a cozy sweater thats perfect for all your Thanksgiving dinners.

Step 1: Part hair to the side and use a gel, like Bumble and bumble. Bb. Curl Anti-Humidity Gel-Oil, near the roots.

Step 2: Begin twisting hair from the front of one side, adding pieces as you go, and pin behind your head.

Step 4: Stack one twist on top of the other, tucking ends underneath.

Step 5: Impress your family and friends at Thanksgiving!

Yinersi's outfit and accessories are from Rent the Runway. Learn more about their new subscription, Update, at RenttheRunway.com

A protective hairstyle for your holiday parties and the outfit inspiration to match. 

Hesitant to venture into glitter lip territory? Before you decide it's not for you, hear us out. Sporting shimmer on the lips does more than just add a bit of sparklethe shimmer flecks actually reflect light, giving your lips a fuller and more plump appearance. To rock glittery lips without the mess, skip actual glitter and opt for a gloss or lip topper with pearlescent pigments that can be worn alone or layered over your favorite lipsticks. Pair with a few coats of mascara and a touch of blush to really let your lips do the talking.

We love:
- Jouer Cosmetics Long-Wear Lip Topper - Skinny Dip
- MAC Cosmetics Dazzleglass - Money Honey
- Lipstick Queen Altered Universe Sparkle Gloss - Time Warp

We totally understand that the first thing that may come to mind when you think of glitter eyeshadow is a chunky, cheesy mess. But we're here to tell you that glitter-infused makeup formulas have come a long way to be much more wearable and easy to apply. To start, we suggest skipping loose powder eyeshadows and reaching for a pressed powder formula in a chic metallic finish. For a foiled effect, apply using your finger or a damp eyeshadow brush with densely-packed bristles like Sigma Beauty E55 - Eye Shading Brush to really amp up the pigment. Or, try a liquid or cream formula to add a touch of twinkle to your eyesno brush required. To apply, start with a single swipe, let dry, and then build up to your desired intensity. You can also add a pop to the center of your lids or inner corners to finish off any eye look.

We love:
- Smashbox Cosmetics Cover Shot Eye Palette
- Stila Cosmetics Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow
- Love of Color One & Done Shadow Stick - Champagne Problems
- Wander Beauty Exquisite Eye Liquid Shadow

There's no better time than the holidays to add dazzle to your digits with a glitter-based nail polish. To keep your sparkly tips looking chic (read: not garish or gaudy), apply one coat over a creamy solid base for a sheer kiss of shimmer, or add multiple coats for a full-on sequin effect. You can also concentrate the glitter towards the tips or at the base for a nail art effectno salon pro necessary.

We love:
- Smith & Cult Nailed Lacquer - Glass Souls
- Smith & Cult Nailed Lacquer - Shattered Souls
- Smith & Cult Nailed Lacquer - Dirty Baby

Get your shimmer on with glittery makeup picks and tips.

Just in time for holiday party season: the latest makeup products we're crushing over are oozing with glitter, shimmer, and shine. And while were all about adding a little extra glitz to our look, it can be easy to go from sophisticated shimmer to sparkle overload real quick. To ease you into the glitter game for the festive season ahead, were breaking down the best ways to try the trend on your lids, lips, and tips.

How to Shine This Holiday Season | Birchbox

For those who love a nude nail but want to switch things up as the temperatures drop, a smoky white takes a minimalist look to the next level. The pearlescent hue brightens your nails (and your hands) without appearing too stark or chalky. Apply one coat for a more sheer finish or apply two for an opaque pearly look.
We love: Smith & Cult Nailed Lacquer in Sugarette

While we adore a rose gold polish, a metallic terracotta is our tried-and-trues moodier equivalent. It has that same foiled feel, but the orange undertone pairs perfectly with your Thanksgiving decor. The best part? The metallic hue acts as an accessory even when youre not wearing any.
We love: Smith & Cult Nailed Lacquer in Fosse Fingers

Deep wine shades are usual suspects in the fall and winter polish lineup. This year, opt for a color that leans more purple and less red for a fresher spin on the shade. Heading to a festive fte? Pair your merlot mani with a wine-colored lip like this Stila Cosmetics Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Chianti for a monochromatic moment.
We love: Smith & Cult Nailed Lacquer in Dark Like Me

Reserve the winter blues solely for your mani. A dark inky cobalt looks totally luxe on your tips and complements any neutral outfit. Plus, the almost-black color works well with both gold and silver jewelry.
We love: Smith & Cult Nailed Lacquer in Kings & Thieves

Tis the season to rock a warm, mossy mani. A deep green shade is a nice change from your average vampy color (think: deep purple and rich wine), and flatters all skin tones. 
We love: Smith & Cult Nailed Lacquer in Darjeeling Darling

A gilded glitter will take your tips from flat to festive with just a few swipes. Layer over another polish for a touch of sparkle or wear alone for some major shimmer and shine. 
We love: Smith & Cult Nailed Lacquer in Shattered Souls

Our favorite seasonal-friendly hues for any holiday occasion.

Were all for rocking any nail polish you want all year round, but the holidays are an extra special time to change up your hues. Keep reading for our favorite oh-so-festive shades to get you set for the season ahead.

Smoky eyes are a staple of evening makeup looksconstantly reinvented and never boring. But lots of tutorials make this look seem way harder than it has to be. Heres the easiest way to get a smoky eye with minimal products. Heres what you need: a dark shadow stick, one eye shadow, eyeliner, and mascara. An eyelid primer will also help keep your look on all night long.

Steps:  

1.	Apply eyelid primer all over lid 

2.	Apply shadow stick up to crease and blend with a flat brush 

3.	Use a fluffy brush to blend a light shadow in your crease 

4.	Apply eyeliner on top and bottom lashes 

5.	Curl lashes and apply mascara

Shop this video: 

Benefit Cosmetics Air Patrol BB Cream Eyelid Primer 

Jouer Crme Eyeshadow Crayon in Renaissance  

Smashbox Cosmetics On The Rocks Photo Op Eye Shadow Palette 

Marcelle Forever Sharp Eyeliner 

Tweezerman Procurl Lash Curler 

Smashbox Cosmetics Full Exposure Mascara

This video is part of our Beauty Essentials series, where we provide the building blocks of beauty routines from basic to advanced. With our step-by-step tutorials, you'll learn the skills you need to master the looks you want.

Master the smoky eye in minutes with our easiest eye makeup tutorial yet. 

If you like to keep your makeup routine shorter than 5 minutes, look no further than this simple, luminous look created by celebrity makeup artist Nam Vo using LOC products.

After filling in her lid with the LOC One & Done Shadow Stick in Nite Owl, a rich eggplant, Nam lines her lower lashes with Impress Me and applies Day Trip to the inner corners of her eyes to add a few pops of gold. She draws on a sleek cat-eye with brown liquid liner and dots some cream blush on her cheeks before painting on a pinky-nude lip courtesy of LOC's Vibrant Matte Lipstick in First Kiss. Easy breezy.

Follow along above and check out more of Nam's sage makeup advice on Instagram, @NamVo.

LOC One & Done Shadow Sticks in Nite Owl, Day Trip, and Impress Me

LOC Vibrant Matte Lipstick in First Kiss

Jouer Tint in Petal

Club Clio Waterproof Pen Liner in Kill Brown

Combine LOC's shadow sticks and creamy lipstick for this feminine fall makeup look you can create without any brushes!

Combine LOC's shadow sticks and matte lipstick for this feminine fall makeup look you can create without any brushes!

Easy, Shimmery Fall Makeup Look Using LOC

You don't need a pricey appointment to get a salon-worthy blowout. All it really takes is a smoothing blowout primer, a trusty round brush, a shine-boosting hair oil, and a little bit practice for you and your hairdryer to recreate the same touchable bounce and sleek finish and that you get in the salon chairright at home.

Featured Products:

The Beachwaver Co. Darby Hair Clips

Number 4 Super Detangling Comb

PARLOR by Jeff Chastain Smoothing Blowout Spray

CHI Air Classic 2 Ceramic Hair Dryer 

Number 4 Lumiere dhiver Fluoro5 Elixer Restore & Repair Oil

Spornette Ion Fusion Aerated Rounding Brush 3 in.

Birchbox's Perfect Blowout Collection

Other Hairstyling Essentials to Master: 

How to Trim Your Own Bangs

How to Curl Your Hair with a Flat Iron 

How to Create a Simple Ballerina Bun

You don't have to spend a lot of money to get a great blowout. Learn how to create the same look at home. 

The Doable Updo: Fro-Hawk

How to Get a Party-Ready Ponytail

How to be the Perfect Guest or Hostess with the Mostest

How to Create the Perfect Red Lip

How to: Protective Twist Updo

How to Shine This Holiday Season | Birchbox

6 Must-Have Holiday Nail Polishes

How to Get an Easy Smoky Eye

Easy, Shimmery Fall Makeup Look Using LOC

How to Get a Smooth Blowout