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Friday, September 28, 2012

Here are 5 fabulous “going out” outfits for five different occasions.

1. Girls’ Night Out Outfit

This look would be perfect for a night out with your favorite girlfriends – whether its dinner and drinks, dancing at a club, or just a cocktail party at your place, this look is cute and fun. The sparkly top adds interest to the look, the green clutch adds a pop of color, and the skinny jeans and heels go perfectly together. I finished it off with some dark metal jewelry for a little bit of a rocker edge.



2. Dinner Date Outfit

This pretty look is perfect for a dinner date with that special guy. The dress is from Forever 21 and includes a built-in belt. Cinched waists are really in right now, so it’s a little taste of that trend. I paired the dress with a simple black high-heeled pump and black opaque tights to keep your legs warm. For accessories, I like sparkly jewelry so I added earrings and a bracelet, but if earrings aren’t your thing, a simple bracelet is enough for this look. And who could forget the final accessory – a Chanel-esque quilted bag with a chain strap. No one has to know it only cost less

3. Keg Party Outfit

When you’re going to a party and there’s a good chance you’ll get beer spilled on you, you have to dress strategically. No expensive leather shoes for this one! This look includes skinny jeans, a sequined top, and a faux leather jacket. I paired the look with ankle boots from Forever 21 , a cute Target clutch, and a trendy layered-look necklace.


4. Casual Night Out Outfit

If you’re heading out to a bar trivia night with your boyfriend or just going to get dinner or a drink with the girls, here’s a cute and casual outfit that still has some sparkle. I paired black skinny jeans with a luxe tank and a bright cardigan for a pop of color. I also added gorgeous jeweled Sigerson Morrison for Target flats (impossible to get online, but in the off chance you find some in a store – buy em!) and some blingy jewelry to finish the look.

5. Cocktail or Dinner Party Outfit

If you’re in the mood to wear something a little more fun, consider throwing a cocktail or dinner party with your best friends. Make a rule that everyone has to dress up in cocktail attire – it’s a great excuse to buy a cute new dress! My friends and I used to do this a lot and it’s so much fun. Here’s an idea for a cute cocktail or dinner party outfit:
The blue shoes add some color, and the black bow clutch is another adorable formal wear reference. I finished it all off with a big black and silver cocktail ring and some dangly earrings to add sparkle.




Home Beauty Tips

Home Beauty Tips

Everyone wants to look their best and as beautiful as they can. Many of us spend a lot of money on branded beauty products and on numerous visits to the beauty parlor. There are a number of simple beauty treatments that we can use with things that are easily available in our homes. Here are a few home beauty tips that you can try using things from the kitchen without any extra cost.
  • To remove puffiness from the eyelids, massage a drop of very fresh castor oil on to them.
  • To cool your eyes, make eye pads using thick slices of cucumber. Another option is to use cotton pads soaked in cold milk. Lie down and place them on your closed eyes and relax for a while.
  • Putting a drop of rose water into each eye just before you sleep can also refresh you eyes.
  • To prevent your lips from chapping, use hot water fermentation on your lips and then apply a mixture of vaseline and honey. Apply this mixture about three times a week.
  • To prevent your lips from drying you can use a ground mixture or rose petals and milk butter.
  • To delay age spots on your hand, use a piece of lemon and rub all over your hand, before washing. This will delay onset of age-spots.
  • If you have no time to shampoo your hair before going out, then brush 1 tablespoon of talcum powder or corn flour through your hair. Try this out first when you are not in hurry to make sure that it works the way you want.
  • To prevent hair loss you should have a biotin rich drink. Blend bananas with honey, yogurt and low fat milk. Drink this for a few weeks.
  • While blow drying and setting your hair, blow-dry at hot on the roots of the hair. Roll your hair inwards or outwards at the ends. To improve the setting make sure the ends are evenly rolled in or rolled out. Heat the hair for a second and then let it cool. This process of setting the hair will last longer and make your hair look beautiful.
  • To condition your hair, after shampooing your hair take some conditioner on your palm and rub it with both hands. Apply from the hair shaft moving downwards. Do not apply on your scalp. Rinse your hair after 5 minutes.
  • To add extra shine and glow to your hair add 2 tablespoons of malt vinegar. Use it as a last rinse and towel dry your hair.
Beauty Food
There is no doubt that all of us want to look beautiful, slim and fit. One has to exercise sufficiently to look good. But it is important to eat the right kind of diet to look beautiful.

Cause of Dark Circles
Our face attracts the most amount of attention. Therefore, we pay most attention to the way our face looks. We take special care of our face, its skin, its appearance and we try to present our face in the most beautiful manner we can.

Beauty Diet
Your diet contributes a great deal towards making you beautiful. Therefore eating a proper healthy diet is important to keep looking beautiful.

Tips to Look Young
There will hardly be any one on this earth who wants to look old. In fact, almost every one of us wants to look young throughout his/ her life. However, time is relentless and you tend to get older every year.

Applying Nail Polish

Applying Nail Polish

Nail polish remover not only wipes off the old color but also the grease from the nails and makes the new color coat stay put for longer period of time. Apply thing coat of nail polish, let it dry and then apply another coat. Even if you want a glossier effect, go for more than two thin coats rather than a thick coat of polish as it dries sooner and lasts longer and do not chip off easily. It is advisable to use the remover and applying nail polish only once or twice a week to prevent your nails from drying. Even if you do this, be sure to use removers with built-in moisturizers to keep your nails healthy. There are some tricks to keep in mind while painting your nails or give them the perfect look:
  • For the flawless French Manicure, use a white nail pencil to line the nail tip from beneath for that pure white clean look instead of white nail polish.
  • Do not forget to a weekly hand massage to pamper yourself, increase your circulation and enhance nail growth.
  • To make the chip-resistant nail enamels last longer, submerge your freshly painted nails in a bowl of ice-cold water for 30 seconds.
  • While running for the car, you will just need five seconds to put a wide stripe of a quick-drying nail varnish down the center and you are ready to go!
  • If your nail polish has chipped to an extent that touchups are of no use, better use the remover rather than trying to hide it under a coat of nail paint that makes the texture of your nails took uneven.
  • You may sometimes even get away with cleaning the nails underneath, rubbing on the buffing cream and use chamois buffer for the healthy shine.
  • Remember never to file the corner of your nails as it weakens them amd make them brittle.
  • Get fashionable and funky by doing your nails in a solid color and allowing them to dry. Then use a toothpick to make a diagonal line across your nails in a different color. More skilled artists can go for more complicated patterns of their own.
  • For club night outs or hot dates, try metallic glints; nail piercing, nail tattoos and embellishments. If your nails are not as long as you desire, you can opt for fake nails too.
  • A hasty French manicure look can be achieved by using a neutral shade as the base paint and the white shade on the tips of your nails.
  • For shimmer and glitter, use a coat of clear gloss or sparkle on your dried nail polish. Silver glitter looks best on dark blue and black shades while gold glitter goes well with red shade. They are the best choices for bridal look or on weddings of near and dear ones and formal wear.

Applying Mascara

Applying Mascara

Mascara gives a finishing touch to your eye makeup and must cover the lashes from roots to the tips. Deposit the color on the mascara wand by twirling it in the pack and then cover the upper lashes from their base to the tips in full strokes to make the lashes look thicker, longer, well defined and separated. Mascara is applied from the underside by holding the wand horizontally parallel to the eyelid and the brush is rolled slowly in the upward stroke. For lower lashes, one has to be more careful so as not to smudge the under eye area and the wand is to be held vertically and mascara is applied from side to side. Less mascara is used on the lower lashes and extra color should be blotted off using the tissue paper. Usually women opt for more than one coat of the mascara, which combs the lashes too so that they do not look stuck together.

If mascara is deposited on the wand more than needed, tissue the extra color off before applying it. Different colors of mascara such as brown, navy and green can make you look funky instantly. It is important that mascara is used on an individual only to avoid transferring eye infections and if it causes even the slightest irritation in the eye, it must be immediately discarded. Wiggle the brush a little at the roots of the lashes as it allows the bristles to move between the eyelashes, combing them and separating them. Let mascara dry between any of the two coats and comb the eyelashes to separate the wet lashes. Do not rub eyes to remove the mascara but use the eye makeup solvent instead. Before applying mascara, use an eyelash comb or damp toothbrush to comb your lashes. Always use a clean and fresh mascara wand on damp lashes.

Black mascara can be used by anybody at anytime though blondes should only use it for bright night makeup. Thin and short brush is best as it is easier to control and gets to the corner of the eye easily. It is also advisable to powder the under-eye area before applying mascara to avoid smudging. Curl the lashes before applying mascara by moving the wand in a zigzag fashion to make the lashes look wider and brighter. Applying mascara only on the upper lashes lend them a dramatic touch, while applying it lightly on the upper and lower lashes, make the eyes seem wider. A gel-based mascara enhances the lashes while thickening mascara looks more dramatic and adds volume to your lashes. Brown, navy and aubergine shades add subtle and sophisticated touch to your eyes while redheads can use burgundy shades. Women with strawberry-blonde hair may try different shades of brown. Be sure not to match your mascara color with your eye color.

Applying Lip Gloss

Applying Lip Gloss

Do you want to accentuate your lips? How about trying lip gloss or shine? The glossy effect is known to add an 'oomph' factor to your face. Lip-gloss makes your lips look voluminous, apart from highlighting them on the face. They can either be applied over the lipstick or alone for a more natural and nude lip look. Lip gloss and lip shine are available in various shapes, size and colors that are convenient to use and give a shimmer and shine to your lips that you have always wished for. Also, lip glosses available today, are mostly water resistant and promise to lasts for long periods of time. One can effectively make the lips look more beautiful with the help of lip gloss and other lip products and use it strategically for lip correction. In the following lines, we have provided some tips on applying lip gloss, just for you.

Tips For Applying Lip Gloss
  • Before putting on a lip gloss, apply a light film of Chapstick or lip balm. It moisturizes and nourishes the lips, keeping them naturally rosy. Apart from protecting and healing, Chapstick also helps the lip color to set more effectively.
  • The best way to get a lasting effect of lip gloss would be to first, apply a lipstick to your lips and then, blot off the extra color using the tissue paper. Later, apply a thin layer of lip powder on them and apply a second coat of color. Complete the look, by applying lip gloss to make your lips look shinier than ever.
  • To tone down the shine, take a tissue paper and put it against on lips and press little loose powder through it. Only a bit of it will get sifted through it and will instantly reduce the shiny effect.
  • In case you are performing for a stage show and are required to radiate an extremely glamorous look, go for lip lacquer. It will give a greater shine to your lips.
  • To give a fuller look, direct the lip-gloss to the center of the mouth. Apply the gloss in short strokes, until the natural line of your lips has been filled.
  • For women who use matte lipsticks, you can avoid it from drying and flaking, by using a lip primer or color fixative, before application.
  • Special effects and highlights can be achieved, by using sheer silver, gold or iridescent lip gloss over lip color. This would be great for an evening wet look.
  • It is recommended to use creamy lipsticks for daily purpose. This would help to keep the lips moisturized. For adding an intense wet look, apply lip gloss to transform your makeup from matte daytime look to glossy night party look.
  • Women with thick lips are advised to use lip gloss very sparingly, as it would make your lips look all the more fuller.

Applying Lip Color

Applying Lip Color

Lip liner is not essential but if used, it should be applied first. It should either be neutral in color or match the shade of your lipstick and not darker than your lipstick, so that if the lipstick fades, you don't walk around with only the outline showing. Lip liner is used to define the look of your lips and normally, you start lining them on your natural lip line starting from the center of your upper lip to the outer edge. For sharpening the lip pencil, chill it in the refrigerator for a few minutes first. To make the lipstick stay longer, use foundation on the lips first, then apply lipstick, blot the extra color with a tissue, reapply the lipstick and then dust the lips with powder. Since foundation and powder make lips drier, use lipstick with a creamy formula to counter the effect.

For applying the color, stretch the lips and starting at the center of the lip and glide the color to the corners. Lip brushes help you to give better finish to coloring your lips and avoid the application of excess color. A quick way of applying lip color is to use the lipstick to stain the bottom lip, press them together to transfer some of the color to the upper lip and then use the angle tip of the sponge applicator to refine lip edges. For more natural looks, you can try tips given below:
  • The beautiful raspberry stain can be obtained by applying the berry color on the lips, blotting it with the tissue and then use brush to apply a second coat of the lipstick.
  • The nude bare lip looks can be obtained by using neutral pink lip color that matches your skin tone. Pale colored women can go for light orange color with a pinkish tint while olive skin can use brownish bronze shade. Avoid lip liners as you don't need the harsh lines. Add clear gloss to the center of your lip and you are ready.
  • There are lipsticks that add warmth and volume to your lips and are also have a flavor and perfume of their own. So buy the favorite fruity, candy or other flavors of your spouse for your honeymoon!
  • Older women should use creamier lipsticks.
  • Orange and brown shades make your teeth appear yellow so until you have that picture-perfect smile, keep them off your lips.
  • In summers, you may have those dreaded dry cracked lips. Simply use your toothbrush to get rid of the dead skin gently and apply lip balm generously on them to heal them soon.
  • Brown toned lips take on brown shades such as apricots, beiges, peaches and cappuccinos better than pink or blue toned lipsticks.

Applying Lip Color

Applying Lip Color

Lip liner is not essential but if used, it should be applied first. It should either be neutral in color or match the shade of your lipstick and not darker than your lipstick, so that if the lipstick fades, you don't walk around with only the outline showing. Lip liner is used to define the look of your lips and normally, you start lining them on your natural lip line starting from the center of your upper lip to the outer edge. For sharpening the lip pencil, chill it in the refrigerator for a few minutes first. To make the lipstick stay longer, use foundation on the lips first, then apply lipstick, blot the extra color with a tissue, reapply the lipstick and then dust the lips with powder. Since foundation and powder make lips drier, use lipstick with a creamy formula to counter the effect.

For applying the color, stretch the lips and starting at the center of the lip and glide the color to the corners. Lip brushes help you to give better finish to coloring your lips and avoid the application of excess color. A quick way of applying lip color is to use the lipstick to stain the bottom lip, press them together to transfer some of the color to the upper lip and then use the angle tip of the sponge applicator to refine lip edges. For more natural looks, you can try tips given below:
  • The beautiful raspberry stain can be obtained by applying the berry color on the lips, blotting it with the tissue and then use brush to apply a second coat of the lipstick.
  • The nude bare lip looks can be obtained by using neutral pink lip color that matches your skin tone. Pale colored women can go for light orange color with a pinkish tint while olive skin can use brownish bronze shade. Avoid lip liners as you don't need the harsh lines. Add clear gloss to the center of your lip and you are ready.
  • There are lipsticks that add warmth and volume to your lips and are also have a flavor and perfume of their own. So buy the favorite fruity, candy or other flavors of your spouse for your honeymoon!
  • Older women should use creamier lipsticks.
  • Orange and brown shades make your teeth appear yellow so until you have that picture-perfect smile, keep them off your lips.
  • In summers, you may have those dreaded dry cracked lips. Simply use your toothbrush to get rid of the dead skin gently and apply lip balm generously on them to heal them soon.
  • Brown toned lips take on brown shades such as apricots, beiges, peaches and cappuccinos better than pink or blue toned lipsticks.

Applying Foundation

Applying Foundation

Choosing the right foundation is the first step to a successful makeup result. Perfect matching foundation can only be assessed by correct estimation of skin type, natural color and skin tone. Since most Caucasian, Latin, African and Asian women have yellow-based skin, they must buy foundation with a yellow base too so that it doesn't look like a mask. However, Asian women from the south-Asian region have skin with a yellow-greenish undertone and thus, need a foundation that has same color of pigment as the base. Experts often use two or more shades of foundation to highlight the best features of the face and underplay the low points. To master those skills, need a lot of practice and study. Yet, there are a few points that we can keep in mind while using the foundation at home to give the best possible results, for daily purposes:
  • Blend the cream foundation smoothly using a cosmetic sponge in long sweeping motions.
  • Cosmetic sponge helps you to manage and apply foundation more easily and gives a better and smoother result.
  • For perfect matching, foundations should not be tested on hands or insides of your wrist as the color of your face definitely differs from the color of these areas of your body. The best way is to test the foundation on your jaw line and see whether it matches the natural color of your neck or not. Matching under different light settings gives you a better idea about the correct foundation for your skin.
  • Foundation needs to be blended, properly, especially under the jaw line, into the hairline, on the ear lobes, corners of the nose and mouth and over and under the eyes, so that they don't let on the difference that the foundation makes to your skin to the viewer.
  • To retouch a particular spot, reapply the foundation there lightly and blend it with the rest of the face. Then powder it lightly with the translucent powder to let it set properly.
  • Touchup with dual active powder foundations can easily help you to change your look from day makeup to night makeup as it works as foundation as well as powder. For sheer finish using this foundation, you just have to dampen your cosmetic sponge a little.
  • While applying liquid foundation, it is better to put small points of foundation at different parts of your face such as forehead, nose tip, chin and cheek bones and then blend a little at a time on the face to give a more finished look.
  • You can use powder foundation just like the normal compact powder.

Applying Eyeshadow

Applying Eyeshadow

Eye shadow is perhaps the most beloved cosmetic of creative makeup artists. Since eyes is the most important focal point of the face, the eye makeup techniques and choice of colors for eyeshadow should suit the shape and color of your eyes. The most important trick to keep in mind is that the light colors highlight the spots while dark colors tame them down. The first step in applying the eyeshadow is to apply a neutral concealer that matches your skin tone on the eyelid and then sweep the lightest shade over the entire area from the lash line to the brow line to create the smudge resistant base. Apply the medium shade on the lower lid and blend it into your base shade. A third color can also be added along the lash line and outer corner of the eyes as an accent to create the depth in eyes. The other tips that you can use are:
  • Blondes with blue eyes should opt for browns and taupes while those with green eyes can go for soft mauves and lilacs.
  • Blue eyeshadow should only be worn only if you either have fair skin, black or platinum hair and brown or gray eyes or very dark skin.
  • Don't match your shadow with your eyes or your clothes so that attention remains with your eyes and not your makeup!
  • Emphasizing the inner corner of the eyes to make them look closer to each other. This can be done by applying a neutral base color over the whole eye and then dust a medium color on the inner half of the eyelid and blend it outward. You can then use eyeliner to line the lid from the inner corner of the eye to the middle and blend it outward.
  • For day makeup, base color and mascara are the only things you need to wear for eyes.
  • High quality powder eyeshadows can be used wet for heavier application by dampening your applicator a little.
  • Lighter shadows help the bigger while darker shades make them look smaller. For bigger eyes, sweep a light shade over lid and darker shade on the outer corner of the lid and the crease. Outline the eyes using the eyeliner on the outer side of upper and lower lids while tapering a bit on the outside the eye to elongate it. Dab a white or cream shadow in the middle of the brow bone as a last step.
  • Neutral shades like browns and beiges look natural while brighter shades like blue and green look dramatic and artificial.
  • On mature skin and puffy eyelids, avoid using iridescent, frosted, light colors and white eyeshadows and opt for soft matte colors instead.
  • Only use cream eyeshadows that do not cause creasing upon application and should be coordinated with powder shadows that are to be used on top of them. They should be applied using fingertips.
  • Sweep a light or medium-tone shade on the lid and slightly darker shade above the eye crease to downplay the brow bone. Eyeliner should be thick in the middle of the eye and tapering at both ends. Add light highlighter to brow bone.
  • To add definition to your eyelids, apply a medium-toned shade across the lid and brow bone and dust the under brow area with a light highlighter shade. Use a very fine pencil liner of natural color to line the upper and lower lash lines.
  • To glamorize eyes for night outs, add shimmer to highlight your eyes.
  • To lift up tired eyes extend the color from the outer corner of the lid upwards to give them a feline shape. A light highlighter on the brow bone without the eyeliner brightens up the eyes. Concentrate mascara on the inner corner of the eye.
  • To make them look wider apart, keep the inside corners of the eyes lighter than the outer edges. Apply concealer one shade lighter than your skin at the inner corner of the lids and the sides of your nose and blend it well. Use a matte medium to dark eyeshadow and stroke it outward and slightly upward from middle of the lid to its outer half. Use the eyeliner a bit in from the inner corner of the eye and make the line tapering up and out a bit past the outer corner of the eyes.

Applying Eyeliner

Applying Eyeliner

Eyeliner is used to give shape to the eyes and define them as desired. An important part of eye makeup, it is often used after eyeshadow and before mascara. Eyeliner can be used to add the dramatic touch to your face or soften the look of your eyes and must be used, keeping the color of eyes and the eyeshadow that you use in mind. Brown, navy and charcoal liners look gorgeous on light colored eyes while brown and plum shades are often used to enhance the beauty of dark brown and black eyes. Precise and dramatic strokes can be achieved by using liquid eyeliner while pencil eyeliner is the best to give soft touch to the eyes. To experiment with colors, you can moisten a small flat brush to use dark eyeshadow as eyeliner or a cake liner and the brush must be held as a pen. Pencil eyeliners need to be sharpened before using them.

While applying the eyeliner, tilt your head back slightly and keep your eyes half-open to let you see yourself in the mirror as you are applying the liner. The line must be drawn on the upper lid from the inner side of the eye to the outer side. Let the liner dry before opening your eyes fully. To soften the look of harsh eyeliner, smudge it a little using the brush. Lower lid is lined from outer edge tapering to the inner side of the eye. Liquid liner has to be applied in one smooth stroke while pencil is applied by stroking the area lightly. Too thick eyeliner does not look good so go for thinner lines. Liquid liners need practice and brushed must always be washed with a makeup remover after using them. If your hand is shaky, stand close to the mirror to provide it support from the mirror.

While using a powder shadow as a liner, it is wise to hold a tissue directly beneath your eye to avoid it from getting all over the dace. The best tool to apply eyeliner is the sponge applicator. Liner applied as a series of dashes or dots or short feather-like strokes on the lash line are much easier to control than a solid line. If your lids are oily, you need to prepare it first just like you did for eyeshadow to avoid eyeliner from moving up to the crease area. Kohl pencils are ideally suited for the inner rims of the upper and lower lids and not the eyeliner as it soon smears easily and is also not good for eyes.

Classic traditional eyeliner look can be achieved by determining the thickness and intensity of the eyeliner according to the eyelid area. Larger eyelid area can use thicker and softer eyeliner while smaller eyelid area needs thinner and more intense liner. Since eyeliner is meant to create depth to the eyes and give thickness to the lashes, traditionally you can stick with dark brown, gray or black eyeshadow for the upper lid and softer tan, taupe, chestnut, brown, gray or black shades for the lower lid.

Applying Concealer

Applying Concealer

Helping to even out the facial skin, concealers are sometimes the only cosmetic that many women prefer to use along with powder for daily purposes. For summer, you may need a shade darker to match your skin tanned and baked in the sun. It basically camouflages facial imperfections and balances out your complexion by hiding out the skin blemishes and under-eye circles. For accurate results, apply the concealer using a small fine tipped brush and blend it well. A yellow-based concealer is a best match for most of the skin tones while translucent powder helps it to set.

A concealer with a high pigment level and having mineral oil as its contents is best for camouflaging purposes as it covers the spot better and stays on the top of the face for more time. It is best to check whether a concealer matches your skin or not in sunlight for correct estimations. Buy the concealer that blends so well that it seems to disappear on the skin and yet hide the targeted spot. Here are some tips to use concealer wisely to get best results:
  • Adding yellow eye shadow to the concealer can effectively cover dark circles.
  • Blue or green eye shadow added to concealer is helpful to mask ruddy tones and broken capillaries.
  • Dry your pimple with the help of a blow dryer on low heat and then use a pointed brush to target the yellow-toned concealer that matches the tone of your foundation, which is dry and has a high pigment level, to the spot. Lightly press around the edges with fingers. Set with loose powder. You can also use concealer pencil for the purpose.
  • Freckles and pigmentation must only be hidden when it is absolutely necessary as it takes a heavy layer of concealer to cover them up and can look worse. Moisturize the skin well and apply a creamy concealer, which is a shade lighter than your foundation and set it with loose powder. For added glamour, you can also dust it with subtle, skin-toned shimmer powder.
  • The inside of the nose bridge, corner of moth and outer corner of eyes are the most susceptible areas and need special attention while applying concealer.
  • The slightly dehydrated residue in the cap of your foundation can be quite an effective concealer that matches your foundation perfectly.
  • To eliminate under-eye dark circles, choose a creamy concealer with medium pigment level and matt finish. Loose powder may end up accentuating the aging lines in the area. A silky make-up primer with a high level of silicone applied to the area before using the concealer, helps to better mask the area while it also hydrates and smoothen the lines. Apply the concealer by using the synthetic concealer brush and then press into the skin with the fingertips.
  • To get rid of red scars and birthmarks, use yellow-based concealers. Apply a matt primer to the scars before using drier concealers with high pigment level to cover them up. For raised scars use a slightly darker shade of concealer than your natural skin tone while lighter shade is for indented scars. Set with loose powder.
  • To hide broken capillaries, you need a yellow-based concealer with a high pigment level and pointed fiber brush for precise application. Press the concealer using the fingertips and then dust with loose powder to let it set.

Applying Blush

Applying Blush

Blush is often the last cosmetic to be used on face while doing makeup. The method of applying blush differs with the facial shape and the right application of blusher can make your face look longer or wider, as desired. Here are some tips to use while applying blush:
  • A little shimmer on the highest point of cheekbone near eyes lends you an instant sexy look.
  • Accentuate the cheekbones by using a slightly darker shade there while blending it down the cheek for a more natural look.
  • Clean blush brushes are very important to avoid bacteria transfer in skin and thus, one should clean them with non-soapy cleansers and baby wipes.
  • Cream blush can be blotted off using a tissue while applying translucent powder can dilute powder blush. However, gel and liquid blush have to be washed from face and the makeup has to be redone.
  • Cream blush can be used on lips for sheer and soft color and should be applied using the fingertip.
  • Dusky pink blush warms and freshens up the face, especially on the tendons below the ears, but blush on chin may not look good, if your neck is lighter than your face.
  • Frosted blush may not be a good idea after all and frost on lips or eyes are more in fashion during night parties. Still, you can get that look by applying a light colored frosted eye shadow or lipstick such as gold, silver, light pink, peach, champagne and beige on the top of the cheekbones. Frosted highlighting powder is also available in the market to be used on any part of your face.
  • Gels and liquids are best to get rosy cheeks but since they stain the skin be sure to wash your hands after applying them.
  • Gels are dabbed as dot on apple of the cheek and two smaller dots on cheekbone and rubbed in small circles to blend them well all the way from cheeks to hairline.
  • Make the face look wider, by looking straight into the mirror and applying blusher on the cheekbone from under the center of the eye to the temple. Suck in cheeks and use the darkest shade in the hollow making a 'C' shape up to the temples but not higher than eyebrows. Use lighter shade on top of cheekbones and stop before the under eye area. You can add a little lush on tip of the nose, forehead and chin.
  • Never use blush on underside of cheekbones.
  • Often the small blush brush that comes with the cosmetic is of no use. A full round brush gives a professional look and make the overall look softer and more desirable. It is important to have separate brushes for the blush and the powder.
  • Powder blush should always be applied in one direction to avoid streaking.
  • The best method to apply a blush is to take the blush on the brush and tap off any extra color in the box itself. Alternately, if you are using gel or cream blush, put a dab of it on your fingers.
  • The best shades are warm, golden browns than cool, grayish browns, especially when used as cheek contour.
  • To find out the actual position of the apple of your cheek, look into the mirror and smile and then sweep the brush upwards in an arc from your cheekbone to your hairline. Color should be light and well blended.
  • To make the face look longer, focus your blush on the outer area of the face and near your hairline. Suck in cheeks and use the darkest color in the hollow making a 'C' shape, no higher than eye on side of face. Use lighter shade on top of the cheekbones and below your darkest blush shade to help slim down the face. Apply lighter shade on apple of the cheeks and chin.

Tips on How to Wear Leggings

Tips on How to Wear Leggings

Start with basics, expand for variety.
Leggings come in every color under the sun, feature different prints, washes, and finishes, and can be worn in all different ways. (Proof: see our list of legging trends for fall!) If you’re just starting out, I’d recommend a solid, opaque pair in a neutral color like black or brown. Sheer, footless tight styles are also great to experiment with, especially under shirt dresses.

Try different lengths.
Leggings come in all lengths, from capri to ankle. Ankle length leggings are definitely the hottest style right now, but play around with proportions and decide which length looks best on you. Leggings that hit mid-calf might look adorable on a tall, skinny girl, but might make a shorter leg look wide.

Consider your shape.
If you’re curvy or just worried leggings might not be flattering to your body type, you may want to stick to slimming black and dark brown. Of course, you can still have fun with solid-colored leggings with fun details as well. If you’re still feeling self-conscious, try your leggings with a minidress or a top that hits just below mid-thigh. That way, the largest part of the leg is covered! If all else fails, I firmly believe that self confidence is really all you need to pull off even the craziest outfit, so if you feel good, you’ll rock your leggings.

Invest in key pieces for pairing.
You need to wear leggings with something! Plan to invest in flowy dresses, tunic tops, and shorter skirts – they pair perfectly with leggings. Some girls love the look of sheer leggings under shorts as well. If you’re planning to wear a shirt with your leggings, it should be long and have some volume to balance out the tightness of your bottoms. Dolman sleeve tops, for example, are perfect with leggings.

When it comes to heel height, less is more.
The combination of sky high stilettos and tight leggings can go from zero to 80′s in 60 seconds flat. This can sometimes work if that’s your desired look, but can also go very wrong. Fortunately, leggings provide the perfect opportunity for you to bust out your favorite flats–ballet style, boat shoes, moccasins, low-heeled boots, and even oxfords all look totally chic with leggings.

Remember: Leggings aren’t pants.
I know they’re comfortable and cute, but traditional leggings are not pants and should not be worn as such! (With the possible exception of jeggings, of course.) Leggings as pants = overexposure. If you’re going to wear leggings, make sure you’re wearing a top, skirt, or dress that covers your butt and your front! You should also avoid wearing anything that’s too tight over your leggings for the most flattering look.

The Look

Formal-feeling button-ups of the past have given way to something silkier, sexier, and distinctly made for a woman. Perfect for layering or solo wear, the style staple's basic shape secures it high-rank in a starlet's wardrobe of go-to favorites. Think of it as the A-list's version of a t-shirt.

The Biggest Fashion Shopping Mistakes

The Biggest Fashion Shopping Mistakes

  1. Don't talk yourself into an outfit that isn't flattering to your frame. There are only two kinds of clothes in this world. Clothes that flatter you and clothes that don't and avoid the latter regardless of how popular and trendy they are.
  2. It is one thing to go shopping with your girlfriends because that can be very social and enjoyable but keep in mind don't shop with a competitive friend because she will cajole you into buying more and possibly unflattering items weather or not you need it.
  3. If you are shopping for a cocktail (event) dress remember to bring your shoes. That way if you need to have in-store alterations you will be all set
  4. .
  5. If you need to power shop remember to bring a list. This can help focus your attention and keep you on task.
  6. Nothing good will come from buying uncomfortable shoes regardless of how fabulous they are.
  7. Don't buy something you don't need because it is a fantastic sale price. I know we have all done this but it is a waste of money and closet space.
  8. Don't buy on impulse. Ask yourself the following questions when deciding if to buy. Do I need this? Does it fit with my lifestyle or wardrobe? Where am I going to wear this? If you are still undecided then put it on hold and if you are still thinking about it at the end of the day -buy it.

Fashion Shopping tips for you

  1. Spend money on great shoes because they can make or break an outfit. You can even wear them with jeans and look fabulous!
  2. Buy items that fit your lifestyle. If you know you are going to live in your jeans then it is ok to spend $150 a pair especially if you had to try on dozens to find the right fit. Buy clothes to suit your lifestyle.
  3. Spend money on staples on shoes, bags, a cashmere sweater, a black pair of pants and skimp on belts, socks, trendy tops, scarves, hats and sunglasses.
  4. .
  5. Before you shop know what you own. Make a point to go through your closet at the beginning of every season.
  6. Invest in undergarments because the right foundation garments can make everything you own look better

How to Wear Cowboy Boots


Cowboy Boots With Jeans

This is probably the most classic way to wear a pair of cowboy boots. There are two ways to do this, and which one you pick depends on your personal style and which type of jeans you prefer!
Under Your Jeans

Your boots will look like high heels, giving you a bit of height while still keeping your outfit casual. This look works the best with flared or wide-leg jeans, because cowboy boots are usually pretty wide around the leg, and could look bulky if you wear a more tapered jean. Also, make sure your jeans are long, because the goal isn’t to show off too much of the boot in this case.
This look is great because the toe of the boots peeking out from under your jeans will make your legs look super-long and thin, always a plus!
Over Your Jeans
Cowboy boots are perfect with the skinny jeans of last season if they’re still in your closet – it’s so easy to tuck skinny jeans in to any boot. If you don’t have any skinny jeans, regular straight legs can be folded over and tucked in to show off the boots. Try pairing this look with a leather jacket and structured bag to tone down the country-ness.

Cowboy Boots With A Dress

I love this look personally, even though it might not be the most “right now” way to wear it. This style has gotten a lot of flack recently because apparently Britney Spears loves to wear her cowboy boots with short dresses around LA. Don’t let Brit deter you though – it’s actually a super-cute way to wear cowboy boots if you pick the right dress and accessories.
With An Airy, Flowery Dress

One popular way to wear cowboy boots is with a flowery, loose and/or casual dress, as seen in the looks above. Go simple and white like Ashley Olsen or Jessica Alba, or for a more extreme look, pair boots with a colorful dress like Miley. (Disclaimer: Miley’s outfit is for the fashion-adventurous only!) Also, your dress should be above the knee, but not too short!
For some dress ideas, try Jovovich-Hawk for Target. I think their dresses would go perfectly with cowboy boots! Also, check out my article on Boho Chic for more dress ideas that work with cowboy boots.
With A Classic & Simple Dress
This way of wearing cowboy boots is my favorite of all! Rachel Bilson pulled this look off perfectly this past fall, when she wore bright red cowboy boots with a simple black dress. I love her look! Although Taylor Swift’s outfit was controversial in the fashion community when she wore the ensemble above (some loved it and some hated it), I think it was cute and showed her personality without being overly “country.” Both ways were cute and casual but still elegant.
To get this look, just wear your cowboy boots with a simple and understated dress. Keep the rest of your look simple: don’t wear too much other stuff or else you’ll risk looking too overdone.

Cowboy Boots With Leggings or Tights

Wearing cowboy boots with leggings or tights is a little bit more daring than the jeans or just a dress looks, but I think it can work really fabulously if you do it right and have the confidence to pull it off!
I like the look of brightly colored tights or leggings under a plain pair of cowboy boots, paired with a simple dress and possibly a cardigan if it’s a little cold out.
With Leggings
The above photo of Mary Kate Olsen circa 2005 was the best picture I could find of someone rocking cowboy boots with leggings. It’s one example of a way to wear cowboy boots with different types of legwear. An extension of this look that might work would be non-ripped leggings, cowboy boots and a tunic dress and cardigan. Remember to keep the colors in your outfit simple because the cowboy boots are a statement in and of themselves.
With Tights
I found the above photo of Flickr user iluvrhinestones on Wardrobe Remix and thought it was a great example of a stylish and unique way to wear cowboy boots. Tights look cute with boots and you can wear them with dresses for a cute spring outfit that doesn’t require bare legs! Take a cue from the photo above and try wearing your cowboy boots with a dress or tunic and bright tights.

How Not To Wear Cowboy Boots

Here are a few examples of what NOT to wear with your cowboy boots.
Don’t go “cowboy themed.” You aren’t trying to wear a costume, you’re trying to incorporate a pair of shoes into an outfit. Leave the checkered tops, fringe and super short Daisy Dukes for other outfits to avoid looking cliche and over-the-top.
Don’t wear them with a loud outfit. Keep the rest of your look simple if you’re going to wear cowboy boots. They make a statement on their own, so let them be the focus!
Don’t wear them every day! Cowboy boots are better as a once-in-a-while thing. While you may love them like crazy, switch off with your other footwear to avoid being branded “that girl with the cowboy boots.”