Sock Bun 101

If you guys follow me on Twitter, you probably already know that I am absolutely loving the sock bun right now. It's quick, easy, and creates a completely flawless bun with almost no effort. Trust me, once you try it you will just fall in love like I did.

The problem is, most of the information out there about sock buns is super complicated and confusing so they can seem a bit intimidating at first. So I've decided to throw together a simple tutorial to cover all the basics of the sock bun. I'll be going over where to buy a sock bun, the easiest way I've found to put it in, and different ways to style it once you've gotten the hang of everything. Plus, a few other random tricks I've picked up along the way!


Where To Get the Sock Bun Donut
There are actually a couple different options for getting your hands on the base of a sock bun. The first one is pretty self-explanatory, you can buy a fresh pair of socks and make the bun from there. Basically, all you need to do is cut off the toe area of a sock and then roll the fabric down into a donut shape. Obviously, the longer the sock you use the bigger the bun you'll end up with. I'm actually not crazy about this method just because I find that the rolled up fabric doesn't stay put. I kept needing to re-roll the sock which got pretty frustrating after awhile. Plus, I'm not sure why but it bothers me knowing that there is literally a sock in my hair.

That's why I prefer to use the pre-made sock bun donuts that you can grab at pretty much any beauty or accessory store. I got mine at Charming Charlie's for just a few dollars, so if you have a store location by you I would definitely recommend checking it out since they don't have an online store yet. I also tracked them down online at Ulta for super cheap.

How To Use the Sock Bun
Before I go over the steps for putting in a sock bun, here is a photo tutorial from Beautylish to get you started:

Now here is how I like to put my sock bun in:

1. Tie your hair into a high ponytail with an elastic. Be sure to smooth out any bumps or flyaways.

2. Holding the ponytail straight up above your head, pull about an inch of your hair through the donut. 

3. Take the hair that is above the donut and tuck and roll it into the donut. Be sure that the hair is evenly distributed all around the circle. 

4. Begin working the donut down your ponytail, tucking and rolling as you make your way to the base. You might end up needing a few do-overs for this step to make sure the hair is tucked in neatly and evenly. I definitely did the first time around!

5. Fix any minor flaws and secure the bun with bobby pins and/or hairspray. 

How To Style the Sock Bun

Although I generally like to stick with the traditional ballerina bun look, I've also experimented with a few other cute styles you can create with the sock bun. Here are some of my favorites:

Upside Down French Braid (LoveIt)

With a Bow (Hair Tutorials)

Low Bun with a Braid (The Girl Next Dior)

That's all for Sock Bun 101! If you have any other tips for the perfect sock bun, feel free to share down below in the comments! ♥

How-To: Build the Perfect Stack of Arm Candy!

Up until about a year ago, I was super reluctant to wear almost any kind of jewelry. I just felt like I didn't know how to put everything together and make it look good, so I stood by and admired pretty sparkly things wishing I was able to effortlessly pull them off. But to all the girls who are just as intimidated by bracelet stacks as I was- don't worry, there is hope! 

In fact, I've found that once you get the hang of it, building a perfect stack of arm candy actually is pretty effortless. Read on to learn all my tips and tricks!

- The first thing I do when deciding what bracelets to wear for the day is choose one statement piece that I will build my whole look around. This generally means something that is a bright, fun color or a chunkier piece that takes up a lot of space on my wrist. Here are some of my favorite statement bracelets right now:

Locked In Thin Bangle by Kate Spade

Pyramid Stud Bracelet Set by Charlotte Russe

Lacquered Zig Zag Bangle Set by Forever 21

Purple Link Cuff by BaubleBar

Jet Gold Hinged Enamel Bangle from Target 

"Love" Script Enamel Bangle from Charlotte Russe

- Next, I like to add a few beaded bracelets to give the look more texture and compliment whatever color scheme I have going on. I usually buy these kind of bracelets in sets for super cheap just because they break so easily anyway. Here are some beaded bracelets I absolutely adore:

Beaded Stretch Bracelets with Rhinestone Skulls by Target

Mixed Bead Stretch Bracelet Set by Charlotte Russe

Noir Pop Bracelet by BaubleBar

Spike & Pearlescent Bracelet Set by Forever 21

- I generally finish off my stack with a few basic bangles in whatever color of metal I'm wearing. I like to keep an assortment in gold, silver, and rose gold just so that I have something to match for every metal. I tend to splurge a little more on classics like these just because I get so much use out of them. Here are a few of my favorite basic pieces:

Metal Bangle Set by BaubleBar

Skinny Mini Bow Bangle by Kate Spade

Pyramid Stud Bangle Set by Forever 21

Bangle Set by Juicy Couture

Black Gold Enamel Bangle Set by Target

And there you have it! I'd love to hear your tips for stacking, or favorite bracelets to include in your stack down in the comments! ♥ 

Answers To Your FAQ's!

I've been getting tons of questions coming in lately, so I figured I would just put my responses all together in a handy FAQ post. If you have any more questions for me, feel free to ask them in the comments below! ♥

Where did the name sparkle & mine come from? What does it mean?
I've wanted to start a blog for years now, and I remember probably 2 or 3 years ago I was just thinking what I would want to name my blog if I ever made one. I honestly can't remember exactly how or why, but sparkle & mine popped into my head and it just kind of stuck with me. I think it may have been because it sounded catchy? Plus, it's random and involves sparkles...so it does kind of fit perfectly!

Where did you get your blog design from?
The Cutest Blog On the Block! They seriously have the cutest stuff for every single form of social media you could think of. Go visit them!

Do you work in the beauty or fashion industry?
Nope, but I hope to one day! Right now I'm a sophomore in college majoring in Public Relations. I'm definitely not an expert on anything I discuss on this blog, I just talk about what I know and love and that happens to be fashion and beauty!

Do you have any advice for an aspiring blogger?
The biggest thing I would say is...go for it! If you have a passion for something and you want to share it with the world, there is no better way to do it than blogging. It's definitely a lot of hard work, but if you love what you're blogging about then it's the best kind of work there is!

Do you have a Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest/YouTube?
Facebook- Yep! https://www.facebook.com/sparkleandmine. I don't accept friend requests on my personal account from anyone I don't know...sorry!
Twitter- Yep! https://twitter.com/sparkleandmine
Pinterest- Yep! https://pinterest.com/sparkleandmine
YouTube- Nope! Vlogging is definitely something I've considered, but as of right now I just don't have the time or equipment to start.

Budget Beauty: (More!) Drugstore Dupes

So I have been getting comments, tweets, messages, emails, and everything else imaginable all with the same request: you guys want more drugstore dupes!

In case you missed it the first time around, drugstore dupes are basically just a cheaper and more easily accessible (hello Walmart!) version of high-end cosmetics. I have tested out all of these products and found that they are nearly identical in every way but the price tag!


The Original: Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Color Balm- $16
These guys are seriously my new favorite lip product! I love that they have the sheer color payoff of a lip gloss, but they moisturize like a lip balm! The only downside- they are pretty darn expensive for a lip balm.

 Drugstore Dupe: Covergirl Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balm- $7
I literally cannot tell the difference between the Covergirl version and the original. And since these are so much cheaper, you can pick up more colors. Score! (P.S.- For a full review including my thoughts on different colors, click here!)

The Original: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil- $19
A friend of mine had been absolutely raving about this liner for years, so a few months ago I finally decided to try it. The pigment is super rich and goes on really smooth. However, I just cannot justify spending almost $20 for one eyeliner pencil!

Drugstore Dupe: Prestige Total Intensity Eyeliner- $6
Thankfully, I discovered this little miracle! The only difference I noticed between this eyeliner and the Urban Decay 24/7 is that this one lasts longer. Yeah, you might want to go ahead and stock up.

The Original: MAC Fluidline Gel Eyeliner- $16
Is there any MAC product that isn't awesome? This gel eyeliner happens to be one of my absolute faves though because it goes on silky smooth and lasts all day long without a hint of raccoon eyes (unless that's the look you're going for).

Drugstore Dupe: Wet n' Wild Mega Eyes Cream Eyeliner- $4
This eyeliner pot is nearly identical to it's MAC counterpart. The only problem with these guys is that the packaging is pretty bad and causes the liner to dry out if you don't check to make sure it's screwed on super tight.

The Original: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation- $60
Yeah, I can't believe I spent $60 on foundation either. I had just heard so many good things about this foundation and I was dying to try it for myself. Although it does give really great coverage without caking up- it's still not worth $60 unless it's plated in gold. Which it's not.

Drugstore Dupe: CoverGirl NatureLuxe Silk Foundation- $10
NatureLuxe, just like it's pricey counterpart, goes on super smooth and lasts me all day. The formula is slightly lighter than Armani's, but it still gives medium coverage which is more than enough for me.

The Original: Dior Diorshow Mascara- $25
Diorshow is one of those iconic mascaras that every girl should try at least once in her life. It creates super long lashes (thanks to the amazing brush!) with zero clumps.

Drugstore Dupe: L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Mascara- $6
I actually tried applying this mascara on one eye and Diorshow on the other, and there was absolutely no difference. This one is also great at lengthening lashes for a fraction of the price.

The Original: Nars Blush/Bronzer Duo in Orgasm/Laguna- $41
This compact is basically my favorite thing ever. Both the blush and the bronzer are universally flattering and super handy when you just need to throw something in your bag or apply makeup on the go.

Drugstore Dupe: e.l.f. Studio Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder- $3
If you don't have $40 to shell out on Nars, this e.l.f. compact is definitely worth a shot. The powder in this palette was a bit more loose and messy for me, but it comes out as an equally beautiful color on the cheeks!

Want more drugstore dupe posts in the future? Have a dupe you'd like to share? Let me know in the comments down below! ♥

How-To: Cover Up Blemishes Like a Pro!

Is it just me, or do pimples seem to pop up in the worst possible place at the worst possible time for you guys too? Just a few weeks ago, I was sporting a lovely Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer-esque pimple right on the tip of my nose. I know, super cute. And although we can't control when and where a pesky breakout will develop, we can definitely keep them covered up and out of sight with the right tools and techniques!


Step 1: Treat that stubborn pimple with an acne-fighting product that contains salicylic acid. This will dry out the blemish to help it go away faster, and reduce redness. I have really sensitive skin, so I find that products like Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment work really well without being too harsh.

Step 2: Apply your moisturizer, primer, and foundation as usual. Be sure to avoid putting on any powders at this point, as layering cream products over powder can make your makeup cake up.

Step 3: Using a small concealer brush, dab heavy duty cream concealer (I use Hard Candy Glamoflauge or Physicians Formula Conceal Rx) over the blemish. Be sure to make short dabbing motions with the brush as opposed to strokes, as this will keep the formula concentrated and provide more coverage.

Step 4: Once the cream concealer is fully blended, finish it off with a dusting of powder concealer. Try to find  a powder that is yellow-tinted, as it will counteract the redness of the pimple. I use the e.l.f. Mineral Blemish Kit, which is not only good for setting concealer but also has ingredients that will help fight acne.

Have any other tips for covering up blemishes? Feel free to share them in the comments down below! ♥

Let's Be Facebook Friends! ♥

Guess who just made a Facebook?! Yep, sparkle & mine! I'd love it if you guys would head over to the official Facebook page and "like" it for updates on new blog posts and other randomness right on your newsfeed (there is also a handy "like" box on the blog's sidebar if you scroll down a bit!). I have some really exciting new things in store for the future, so you definitely don't want to miss out!

Thanks so much for your support girlies!! ♥

P.S.- You can also come say hi to me on these sites:

https://twitter.com/sparkleandmine

http://pinterest.com/sparkleandmine

How-To: Look Flawless In Photos!

Okay girlies, time for us to fess up. We all have that one (or more!) truly awful picture of us floating around out there that we wish we could burn or delete off of social media forever. Unfortunately, there's not much we can do about those pictures that have already been taken (besides Photoshop), but there is hope! Throughout the years I've learned some really useful tips for looking your best in photos. From what to buy to how you should apply, I've got it all covered for you!


Apply Your Makeup In Natural Light
Artificial light can seriously alter the appearance of your makeup. I've had so many times where I think my makeup looks really subtle, and then I do a quick check in my car and my face is a complete streaky mess. I can't give you a super technical reason behind it, but what I can tell you is that artificial or dim light washes out the look of color on your skin. Of course, this doesn't mean that you have to go do your makeup in an open field or anything. Just open up your curtains and set up your makeup in front of a window and that should do the trick!

Stick with Mattes
Shimmery products tend to intensify and make skin look greasy with the flash of a camera. Even on the eyes or lips, any sort of glitter is likely to pick up light in an unflattering way. I actually like to take it one step further and take a matifying powder compact with me to any events where I know my picture will be taken.

Create Contrast
Try to avoid using any eye or lip products that are too close to your skin tone. For example, stay clear of nude lipsticks or brown eyeliner. A little bit of contrast in your look, like a bright lip stain or dramatic black winged eyeliner, will keep you looking vibrant in photos.

Test-Drive Your Look
Before going out, grab your digital camera and take a few self portraits to make sure that everything translates well on camera. That way, you can fix any mistakes and take note of what works for you. I try to do this before any occasion where I know people will be taking pictures to avoid potential Facebook tag disasters.

Have Fun!
My best pictures always come from moments when I am genuinely happy and confident. So get all dolled up, have fun with your friends, and smile!

Have any other tips for looking your best in photos? I'd love to hear what you think in the comments below! ♥

Photo Credit: Nasty Gal

10 Wardrobe Essentials Every Girl Should Own

As much fun as shopping can be, it can also get a little stressful. There is just so much great (and not so great!) fashion out there, it's hard to sort through the racks to find pieces that are trendy, flattering, and affordable. 

That's why I like to start each season by stocking up my wardrobe with an updated collection of classic pieces that I know will never fail me. While fads like Ugg boots and crop tops have made their way in and out of my closet, these are the kind of pieces that will always stick around. 

So what are you waiting for? Break out the checklist and open those closet doors for my ten must-have wardrobe essentials! 

1. White T-Shirt
A good portion of my outfits include some version of a white t-shirt. Although it's not exciting, a basic t-shirt is super versatile and can be worked in to almost any outfit. I wear mine for every occasion- from running errands in sweats to more formal events tucked in with a cute skirt or with some fun accessories.

2. Dark Skinny Jeans
No matter your size or shape, I've found that dark skinnies are universally flattering. A dark blue or black color is great for slimming out your legs and the fit doesn't add any loose bulky fabric onto your frame. I tend to stay away from any sort of whiskering or distressing on my denim just because I feel like it can be unflattering and look a little cheesy.

3. Black Blazer
Whenever I feel like my look needs a little something extra to pull it together and look a bit more polished, the first piece I grab is my black blazer. I love pairing my blazer with a button down shirt or a t-shirt and a statement necklace. I feel like it just makes any outfit look really classy and elegant.

4. Riding Boots
A great pair of tall boots in a classic silhouette are perfect for fall and winter. I like to have a pair in brown and black so that I have a lot of styling options. Plus, they are perfect to pair with your dark skinny jeans!

5. Peacoat
I used to only wear puffy down jackets because I felt like they would keep me warmer in the harsh Mid-West winters. Then one day, I decided to try on a gorgeous belted wool peacoat and it was just love at first sight. Not only are peacoats incredibly flattering, but they also look tons better than your average winter jacket. I will literally throw mine on over sweats and still feel like the most stylish and put together person ever just because my coat is that awesome.

6. Cute Scarf
This one may be debatable for some people, but I absolutely cannot live without my scarves. I wear a lot of neutral colors, so I often find myself using bright patterned scarves to give my look some much needed color.

7. Little Black Dress
I just couldn't do a wardrobe essentials list without mentioning the LBD. Whether it's for a formal event or just a night out with your girlfriends, this classic piece looks great for every occasion. I tend to gravitate towards a basic tank dress and then add on fun accessories like a colorful belt or a bold statement necklace.

8. Chunky Knit Cardigan
This is another one that may not be essential for everyone, but it definitely is for me. I have a whole collection of oversized cardigans that I can throw on over a basic top and jeans. Just like blazers, a cute cardigan can really pull together an outfit (and keep you nice and warm!).

9. Button Down Blouse
Button downs can take you anywhere from a job interview to a date to class in the morning. I like to have some available not only in black and white, but also in bright colors and cute prints like polka dots. These guys are seriously a wardrobe classic- you know they will always look good and they'll never go out of style!

10. Comfy Flats
I have to confess, I almost never wear heels. To me, the blisters and constant discomfort are just not worth the cuteness. And with so many cute flats out there, who needs them anyways? I generally stick with either boho moccasins or really girly ballet flats. Lately I've been getting into boat shoes as well, they are incredibly comfy and versatile!

I'd love to hear what your wardrobe essentials are in the comments down below! ♥

Photo Credits: Real Simple, Piperlime