We have an exciting new addition to the blog, and her name is Alaina! Come to find out, our sweet web associate has all sorts of hidden talents, but her prowess with a makeup brush is no secret. Alaina’s perfectly coiffed tresses and flawless skin is a constant topic of conversation around here, so we’re picking her brain for beauty tips to share with you. Get to know Alaina with our quick Q&A session:

Tell us a little about yourself. Outside of Frock Candy, what’s your average day like? 

I’m a junior at Louisiana State University studying Journalism and I spend most of my day in class or doing homework, so I really cherish time with friends – be it a posh sushi date or just relaxing in my apartment near campus with my sister/roomie. An ideal night-in for me always brings me back to my love for fashion though – my friends and I will raid the closest Winn Dixie’s magazine rack and settle in for a night of page flipping and nail painting!

How long have you been interested in hair and makeup? How have you honed your craft?

I remember when I was about 5 years old it became this huge deal to me for my mom to let me do my own hair for school. I would practice at it and show her, “See?! I can do it myself!” I just started doing my hair after that. Naturally it was rough at first, but gradually I got to the point where my friends would ask me to do their hair for them too. In high school, I used to have everyone over to my house before school dances so I could do everyone’s hair and makeup. I look back now and see all sorts of things I would do differently, but at the time my friends and I were both happy with the results. Hair and makeup is definitely a “live and learn” type thing.

What’s been your biggest beauty blunder over the years?

My first tube of eyeliner and I did battle in middle school. I switched from Catholic schools to public schools, and I could finally start wearing makeup to school for the first time. I guess I thought “the more the merrier” because I just attacked my eyeballs with that thing. I looked like a raccoon for a while. Learning how much is too much for any sort of makeup or hair product is something that takes a while, and it’s different for everyone. I’ve settled into a much less dramatic way of wearing eyeliner, but sometimes it does take a little experimentation to get it just right. You have to start somewhere!

If you were on a deserted island and could only take three beauty products with you, what would they be?

I always struggle with creating an even complexion, so I would definitely grab some concealer – right now I’m digging the pump mousse kind, it doubles as sunscreen. Next would be mascara because I always find that makes the most dramatic difference to my look. Finally I would probably take some lip balm/lip stick for both practical and aesthetic reasons.

What makeup trend for the fall are you most looking forward to?

The fashionista in me is dying to try this new dark lips trend – it’s very “vamp-y” and 30s-40s-esque. I love the drama of it. I think I may try a deep burgundy color as soon as it gets a little colder!

What’s your favorite everyday hairstyle?

I am thrilled beyond belief right now that buns are all the rage. I just cut bangs and it’s so easy to quickly blow-dry my bangs and tossle my hair into a messy bun. Buns are all over the place right now and there’s a lot of versatility to it – you can wear your hair sleek and perfectly styled in a sock bun, or tease a pony and quickly pin it for a messy look. Either way, it cuts down on my primping for class in a major way!

Do you have any other special talents you’d like to tell us about?

Well, in addition to studying Journalism, I’m also a Voice minor. I love to sing and I’ve recently started a YouTube channel with cover videos. I’m still getting used to the recording process and working out all the little kinks, but it’s such an incredible form of self expression and I’m getting great feedback! I hope to do some more live performances in the coming months as well!

Oh yeah, and she’s an amazing singer too… we told you she had many talents! Check back in the next few weeks for Alaina’s first video blog. Who knows, maybe we can get her to sing a tutorial for us!

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Let us know in the comments what beauty questions you’re dying to have answered – we’ll pass it along to Alaina!