9 French Girl-Inspired Updos to Live in for Summer 2017

Mark our words: The laissez-faire mentality of the French-girl hair trend will reign supreme this summer 2017. With an affinity for overgrown bangs, undone buns, and messy-pretty textures for days, French women have mastered the effortlessly chic updo. So grab your heat-proof beauty products and get to creating one of the nine most perfect French-girl hairstyles to live-in this summer.

1. Undone Banana Bun: French women sport undone hairstyles because not trying too hard is tres chic. Opt for natural looks like this undone banana bun to putt your texture on display.

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2. Messy Bun + Fringe: Follain’s lived-in updo tops our list of styles to try. Featuring eye-grazing fringe and soft, face-framing flyaways, she epitomizes the lazy-chic mentality of French beauty.

3. Banana Bun: This banana bun has the lived-in quality we love without the fuss of bobby pins and hairspray. Embrace the messy-pretty look of a ‘do that’s perfectly imperfect for “woke up like this” charm.

4. Hand-Parted Updo With Bangs: A hasty hand-part and mega-volume for days are classic French qualities. This romantic style makes us long for Bardot-inspired hair.

5. Tousled, Textured Updo: The French la-la-LOVE texture. The gently tousled appeal of a casually parted updo is the ideal match for tousled strands.

6. Twist and Tuck: This style is tailor made for those mornings you hit snooze one too many times. (via Beauty High)

7. Messy French Twist: Looking to add French-girl flare to more formal occasions? Bobby pins and hairspray secure the shape of this beehive bun, which is teased at the crown for extra height. (via Once Wed)

8. Chignon: On extra muggy summer days, a chignon is perfect for keeping your locks tidy and contained. Le sigh.

9. Textured Braided Bun: Combine two French-girl staples (chignon and braids) for your nine-to-five and warm-weather weddings.A plaited bun is an ah-mazing way to ensure that hot summer days don’t damage your ‘do.

Looking to perfect your French-girl style? Follow us on Pinterest!

Summertime, and you know what they say about the living being oh-so-easy. Your hair should be easy, too! The best thing about summer hairstyles is that somehow the more messy and undone the finished look is, the better. Can't really beat that, can you? Here are three super easy, super fresh updos to add to the mix this summer.

Now, can someone mix me up a refreshing cocktail? ;)

Totally Twisted

1. Start off by separating your hair on one side, a little behind your ear.

2. Use a clip to hold the front section in place and out of your way.

3. Do the same thing on the other side.

4. Now, working with the back section, split it into two sections (it is okay if it is not perfectly even) and twist each section.

5. Join the two twists together and secure in place with an elastic.

6. Remove the clip from one of the sections in the front.

7. Twist the front section until you get to the ends.

8. Cross the twisted front section over the back ponytail and then secure the end of the twisted hair with a bobby pin into the previously twisted section.

9. Repeat the same steps for the other side.

10. Back comb the hair that is in the original ponytail to create a messy, fuller look.

11. Pull out some random pieces in the front to keep the look more playful and undone.

We love this take on the low pony.

Effortlessly Tousled

1. Pick up a small section of hair from the front and twist it in the direction away from your face.

2. Using a fine toothed comb, backcomb gently to create a messy curl that will stay in place.

3. Do this all throughout your hair on both sides of your head remembering to twist away from your face.

4. Gently pull your hair back in a low pony trying not to pull out the shape you just back combed in.

5. Twist the hair around until it is in a secure place to pin.

6. Using bobby pins that match your hair color, pin the twisted hair into place. Don't worry about a few stray hairs — they add to the tousled look.

7. Repeat the same steps on the other side of your head. Done!

Va va voom!

Ultimate Texture

1. Pick up a small section of hair from one side of your head leaving out some of your bangs or front section of your hair.

2. Braid that section and use a bobby pin to hold in place. You can set this braid aside for now.

3. Backcomb the back section of your hair to create volume.

4. Place another small braid on the same side.

5. Repeat the same thing on the other side of your head.

6. Pin the braid towards the back of your head in the lower back section of your head.

7. Pick up another small section of hair and this time twist it back and then pin it as well.

8. Pull all the hair from that side into a low pony in the back of your head, twist it up and secure it with a few bobby pins.

9. Now, pull the original braid you placed in the front section back and pin it in place.

10. Repeat these steps on the opposite side of you head.

11. For all those stray hairs that fell out and the section of hair you left out in the front, use a ½-inch curling iron to place tiny random curls for a contrasting texture.

12. Use your fingers to pull some of the curls a little looser for an even more textured look.

That's it!

We can't wait to lounge on the beach, go window shopping, and grab our favorite lattes this summer. After a year spent indoors, we're ready to throw our hair up and get outside. Good thing these summer hairstyles only take five minutes!

Follow us on Pinterest for more beauty inspo!

This post has been updated.

Tourism can be a blessing for the economy of many cities around the world, but it often comes at a price. Destinations like Venice and Bali are iconic for a reason — they’re unique, breathtaking places that lure travelers from around the globe. But when a travel destination becomes too popular, it risks losing its charm and overcrowding can strain infrastructure, inflate costs for locals, and disrupt the peace and quiet of small, serene towns.

Here are 12 destinations that have struggled with overtourism. The good news? Many are implementing smart strategies to balance tourism with sustainability. Planning to visit? Consider booking during the off-season for a more authentic and enjoyable experience or try these hidden gems.

Pixabay

Venice, Italy

Cruise ships and swarms of tourists have overwhelmed this picturesque city, leading to overcrowded canals, damaged infrastructure, and skyrocketing prices. The local population is dwindling as Venetians leave due to the city’s unsustainable tourism boom. Last spring, in an effort to manage the influx, the city put into effect an entry fee for day-trippers and has limited cruise ships docking its shores.

Oleksandr P

Bali, Indonesia

Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.

Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.

Darren Lawrence

Tulum, Mexico

Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.

Jimmy Teoh

Santorini, Greece

Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.

Chait Goli

Cinque Terre, Italy

Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.

Rudy Kirchner

Reykjavík, Iceland

Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.

youseflns

Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.

Pixabay

Kyoto, Japan

Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.

Prabin Sunar

Mount Everest, Nepal

The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.

Mateusz Popek

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.

Helena I

Lisbon, Portugal

Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.

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Deciding who to marry is arguably the biggest decision of your life (no pressure). But even after you've chosen the person, the decisions just keep coming: the place, the cake, the dress, and, of course, your hairstyle. With seemingly endless options out there, we're here to assist you with the best look for your big day. Are you leaning towards soft, romantic waves? Or perhaps a classic updo? Or maybe you're all about standout accessories? Whatever the case may be, below you'll find 37 wedding hair ideasto help you decide on a 'do to say “I do" in.

1. A Braid Crown (via Brit + Co)

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2. Pony Perfection

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3. Voluminous Twist Updo

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4. Khaleesi-Approved Side Braid

5. Twists and Vines (via Angelo Pantazis/Unsplash)

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6. Half-Up Twist

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7. Classic Wrapped Pony

8. Pearl Pony (via With Love Caila)

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9. Messy Center Part

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10. Feather Headband

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11. Braided Pony

12. Nourished Natural Curls (via Brit + Co)

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13. Loose Top Knot

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14. Sleek Swoop

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15. Pancaked Pull-Through Braids

16. Wispy Face-Framing Curls (via 小谢/Unsplash)

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17. Shimmering Chignon

18. Statement Accessory (via With Love Caila)

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19. Daisy Side Braid

20. Touch of Feathers (via Brit + Co)

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21. Boho Crown Braids

22. Edgy Bubble Braid (via Kimson Doan/Unsplash)

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23. Sleek Side Pony

24. Sophisticated Low Pony (via VellaSyah/Unsplash)

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25. Piecey Braid

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26. Floral Hair Accessory

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27. Vintage Headpiece

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28. Twisted Rainbow Updo

29. Bubbled Half-Up Look (via Lindsay McGrath/Unsplash)

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30. Shiny Low Bun

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31. Piecey Updo

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32. Rapunzel-Esque Mane

33. Half-Up Half-Down Braid (via Maria Nila)

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34. Flirty Fishtail Waves

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35. Lace Details

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36. Flower Clip

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37. Beachy Curls


What wedding hairstyle do you love? Tell us @BritandCo!

This piece has been updated.

Christmas cookie decorating is holiday tradition for us here at B+C, so we were so stoked to find this recipe for paleo cookies that adds a healthy twist to this classic holiday dessert. These sweet treats will shine among the rest of your Christmastime tablescape, and they are super easy to make. Plus, they'll pair well with just about any Christmas dessert. Just combine your paleo-friendly ingredients to prep the dough, let it sit overnight, then bake for ten minutes! The best part about this recipe is of course, all of the fun holiday-time shapes you can cut. Consider this recipe your go-to for healthy cookies, though, since you can make them year-round in any shape you like. Let's get to decorating!

Ingredients for Paleo Christmas Cookies

Brit + Co

For the cookies:

  • 1/2 cup grass-fed salted butter, softened
  • 6 tablespoons raw honey
  • 2 eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 3 cups almond flour
  • 1/2 cup coconut flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

For the frosting:

  • 6 tablespoons coconut butter or coconut manna
  • 1/4 cup cacao butter
  • 1-2 tablespoons honey
  • Plant-based food coloring
  • Vegetable-dyed sprinkles, for topping*
* Look for vegetable and fruit-dyed food coloring and sprinkles in natural grocery stores or online, and avoid artificial colors to keep these cookies Paleo friendly!

How to Make Paleo Christmas Cookies

Brit + Co

  1. Add the softened butter and honey to a large mixing bowl. Cream the mixture together using a handheld mixer until it is smooth. Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract and whisk until they are well combined. Pour in the almond flour, coconut flour, and baking soda, and continue mixing until the batter has come together smoothly.
  2. Separate the dough into two, and place each one on top of a piece of plastic wrap. Roll each dough into a ball, then flatten to a thick disk, cover completely with the plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator to firm up for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Remove one of the dough discs from the refrigerator, unwrap the plastic and place the dough on top of a piece of parchment paper, then top it with another piece of parchment paper. Use a roller to flatten out the dough to about 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch thick. Work quickly with your favorite Christmas cookie cutters, and use a thin spatula to lift the cut cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Bake the cookies in the oven for 10 minutes. Let them cool for a few minutes, then place on a wire rack for further cooling. Gather the leftover scraps back into a ball in the plastic wrap or parchment paper and place it back in the refrigerator, while working with the other piece of dough. Do this in batches to keep the dough from getting too warm and so you don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.
  5. While the batches of cookies are baking, use a small saucepan to lightly melt the coconut butter and cacao butter together over low heat on the stovetop. Remove the pan from the heat when the ingredients have just melted together. Stir in the desired amount of honey, then set aside to cool and thicken up slightly. If you are using food coloring, add in the desired amount into the frosting mixture (1-2 teaspoons of green or red should do the trick). If you plan on only using white frosting, only use a small amount of honey, as it can make the frosting an off-white or light brown color.
  6. After the cookies have completely cooled, decorate them with the frosting and sprinkles as desired. If you don’t have any professional piping tools, an easy fix is to place the frosting in a plastic sandwich bag and remove all the air when sealing the top. Cut a tiny tip off one corner of the plastic bag, then gently squeeze and pipe over the cookies. Use one plastic bag or piping bag for each color of frosting. Top with corresponding sprinkles and enjoy!

Is your mouth watering yet? Check out our newsletter for more delicious holiday recipe ideas!

Recipe development and photography by Sarah Anderson.

Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.

If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.

The Noshery

Mantecaditos con Guayaba

These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)

Broma Bakery

Meringues

French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)

Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

Alfajores

Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)

Fancy Peasant

Melomakarona

These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)

Very Eatalian

Baci di Dama

The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)

Cooking Classy

Linzer Cookies

These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)

Olivia’s Cuisine

Basler Brunsli

If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

Cilantro Parsley

Buñuelos

These tender miniature fritters from Mexico are a mix between a donut and cookie. Whatever you want to call them, they’re delicious. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Chef Lindsey Farr

Apricot Kolachys

The Hungarians definitely know what’s up when tart apricot jam gets wrapped in a blanket of flaky pastry. They’re a bright spot on a cold Christmas day. (via Chef Lindsey Farr)

Life, Love and Sugar

Cutout Sugar Cookies

In the United States, a plate of these festively decorated sugar cookies is just what Santa ordered. (via Life, Love and Sugar)

Saveur

Polvorones

You’ll find these simple pecan shortbread cookies all over Mexico around this time of year. The coating of powdered sugar and canela, a type of Mexican cinnamon, really bring the flavor to the next level. (via Saveur)

A Healthy Life for Me

Pignoli

These Italian Christmas cookies are made of a chewy almond base and topped with pine nuts. (via A Healthy Life for Me)

Fancy Peasant

Kourabiedes

These Greek Christmas cookies feature a buttery biscuit topped with mass amounts of powdered sugar. (via Fancy Peasant)

Does your family have a traditional cookie recipe for the holidays? Tag us @BritandBo in your Instagram photos and let us know!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.