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How to Take a Flattering Photograph

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How to take a flattering photograph (of the face)

Guest Post

Photograph’s allow us to look back on memories and serve as a time machine for the years’ to come. Often, when a photo isn’t that great of us, people describe themselves as extremely un-photogenic, however the truth is that the person taking your photograph most probably isn’t very good, or is in-experienced as to capture you at your most beautiful.

Today, then, we are going to offer a quick guide and ways in which you can take a flattering photograph of the face, as this is where most photograph complaints happen: red eye, eyes being closed, murky shadows, bags under the eyes – all of these things plus more serve to create a less than ideal photograph however with the right techniques, you can capture wonderful photographs.
Without further ado, then, let’s begin: how to take a flattering photograph of the face.

Smile!

How many people look dull as dishwater in a photograph? A lot, and it’s all because they fail to smile. A smile is a natural expression, and triggers something wonderful: it increases the amount of moisture produced in the eyes, and shapes them, perfect for a photograph. By smiling, you or your subject will look beautiful and completely natural also. This is also a part of relaxation, which leads me on to our second tip.

Get your subject to relax (or relax yourself)

This is the most important part to any photograph. Ideally, you want to capture people when they look their most natural, and for this you need them to relax. Models and actors regularly practice poses in the mirror, as well as expressions, so your subject or yourself should do the same. Try different smiles, take test photographs, and practice before you take that single perfect shot.

Fiddle your cameras settings

If you regularly use a smartphone to take photograph’s of yourself, you are treated to apps like Instagram and photo editing settings to make a photo better than it really is. For compact cameras, however, here are some do’s and don’ts: A flash can wash a subject’s face out hugely and whilst this may be great if you or your subject is spotty, it can serve to make you look like a ghost. As well as this, try to keep your camera still, so that blur does not occur. Ideally, use a small tripod.


An interesting background can make any photo much better

Any image can be edited after it has been taken to increase its exposure, add a filter or decrease saturation, however a background cannot be added, unless you are a Photoshop guru. For this reason an interesting background is a must, even if you are just taking a photograph of one’s face. A blank canvas may seem artsy or hip, however an interesting background, such as a beautiful landscape or well decorated room can transform a subject.

Holly Powell writes for Cosmetics 4 Less, a UK based quality cosmetics store with extremely affordable prices. Complete your look today with one of their amazing makeup products.

Everyday Tips for Growing Long, Healthy Hair

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Everyday Tips for Growing Long, Healthy Hair
Some everyday tips which we at times ignore, and that does affect our mane.


Do not over-wash your hair

Many think that they should be washing their hair every day, when, in fact, every other day is best for your hair. Otherwise, you risk stripping your precious strands of the vital natural oils that they need to keep their moisture and strength. If you want to get rid of greasiness between washings, consider purchasing a dry shampoo. On the days you do a complete wash, Use a high-quality shampoo and conditioner that is formulated to build strength and restore moisture. It is important not to compromise quality for price when it comes to conditioner, because it really does make a difference.

Use a leave-in conditioner

It can be very beneficial when you are trying to grow long hair. It adds a layer of protection you your locks, and makes combing wet hair effortless. This reduces hair breakage significantly, which leads to healthier and longer hair. One leave-in conditioner that works really well is “Let It Be” leave-in conditioner by TIGI.

Avoid heat styling

If you feel like you must heat style, use a heat tamer or heat shield product. It is also important to use blow driers, curling irons, and straighteners at the lowest heat setting possible for the effect you are trying to achieve, and never apply heat for an extended amount of time to one particular part of your hair. When purchasing your heat styling tools, it is better to purchase brand-name products. They may cost a little more, but many of them have unique designs intended to cause less damage to the hair than their cheaper counterparts.

Protect your hair from your surroundings

Your everyday environment can be one of your hair’s worst enemies. Things like extreme cold, wind, humidity, and pollution can all lead to broken, brittle, and damaged hair. Take precautions like wearing a hat if you plan on spending the day in the sun, and always make sure your hair is completely dry before going out in cold weather. There are a variety of different treatments that are made to protect hair from these stresses, and also many to repair damage that has already been done. Products containing keratin have been found to be very beneficial in protecting and treating damaged hair, and many believe Moroccan oil is even better. Another time that hair is subjected to stress is while you are sleeping. Tossing and turning on the pillow can cause friction that leads to hair breakage. It is a good idea to use a satin pillow case, and if your hair is very long, secure it into a loose braid or consider wearing a hair net to bed.

Do NOT brush your hair when wet

Brush your hair with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb. When hair is wet, it is very elastic and easily causes breakage.

Get rid of the split ends

You may want to visit your local salon if you have any split ends. Do this about every six to eight weeks. Doing so will make your hair appear much healthier.

Brush your hair and/or stimulate your scalp

Stimulating blood flow to your scalp is another proven way to speed up the growth process as well. Massage your scalp while conditioning for 2-5 minutes. However, take care to brush your hair with soft bristles and not to brush too often. Brushing your hair stimulates the scalp, but it also can cause breakage and will pull healthy hair from your head, making your hair look thinner.

About the Author:

Cynthia Williams is an expert freelance beauty writer who has gained a passion for hair care after she began frequenting www.thesalonlook.com for tigi hair products.

Do you protect your hair ? Do you follow any of these ?

How to Treat Dark Circles and Bags Under Your Eyes

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How to Treat Dark Circles and Bags Under Your Eyes

Guest Post

No one likes getting dark circles under the eyes, but most of us have them at some point in time. Stress, sleep deprivation, poor dieting, and heredity can all lead to a less-than-perfect reflection in the mirror, and there’s only so much you can cover with makeup. Before matters get any worse, you should try some of the treatment options listed below. Here are a few ways to treat dark circles under the eyes.

Stop the Causes

In order to get rid of dark circles and bags, you need to know what is causing them in the first place. If you’re running on Redbull and power naps, you probably need more sleep. If your stack of unpaid bills is larger than your stack of paid bills, you probably need less stress. Think about what might be causing the issues under your eyes, and then do whatever you can to avoid it. If you can’t do that, you might as well get used to the way you look.

Moisturize the Skin

A boost of moisture can revitalize your skin and make it look soft and supple. Apply moisturizing makeup under your eyes throughout the day, and then use sesame or avocado oil before you go to bed at night. Look for natural ingredients in whatever products you use, especially if they include vitamin K and vitamin E. Both of those ingredients will do wonders for your skin.

Massage the Eyes

It sounds silly to give your eyes a massage, but that really can help get rid of the dark circles and bags. Test this out the next time you feel a bruise coming on. Rub the area of the skin where the bruise might form, and you may not even see a spot come to the surface. That’s because you’re encouraging circulation in the area, which will keep all of your cells right where they need to be. The same thing happens with you dark circles. Use almond oil to really get your skin active again, and your circles will just fade away.

Protect the Face

Wear sun block throughout the day, even if you’re just going outside for a few moments. UV rays can damage your skin, and that damage can lead to bags and circles. Look for moisturizing foundation with built-in SPF, or wear mineral makeup designed for sun protection. Then throw on some sunglasses, and you should be able to keep your skin looking healthy.

Release the Toxins

Believe it or not, you could be experiencing dark circles because of built-up toxins in your body. Go in for a colon cleanse when you have time, or try a cleansing diet instead. Yoga is a great workout routine for releasing toxins because it forces your body into unexpected positions. You could get your body in shape and make your face look better at the same time. Talk about a win-win!

Rejuvenate the Surface

You could use an in-home microdermabrasion treatment to get rid of your outer layer of skin. This will encourage new skin cells to grow, which will help you look younger. You may be red for a day or two, but then you will have a whole new face to look at in the mirror. Hopefully that face is dark circle free.

Being frustrated with your dark circles and bags under the eyes won’t make them go away. You have to put forth a positive effort to keep your skin looking its best. Use the tips above to correct your skin problems, and you’re sure to feel refreshed in no time.

About the Author: Hilary Swanson is a teacher, mother, and grad student who leads an incredibly stressful life. She treats her dark circles and keratosis pilaris with the microdermabrasion products on http://www.Riiviva.com 

How To Get Rid of a Tan ?

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How To Get Rid of a Tan ?
It is common for the hands and the legs to become darker than most of the body parts, this is because they are overexposed to sun rays in daily life. It may be unappealing if only the hands and legs are tanned, leaving rest of the body in lighter shade. The best way is to avoid getting tanned in the first place, by taking preventive measures…like wearing covered clothes and proper sunscreen, etc..UV radiation from sun rays and tanning beds increase the production of melanin (a skin pigment). As a result the skin gets tanned. Even though there is no safe method to lighten the skin cells that are tanned, you can surely boost the renewal process of skin cells that are beneath the layer of tanned skin cells.
Source

There are after sun products too..which can be used immediately after coming from outside..they have anti tan skin soothing ingredients..that might control the tan to a certain extent..

But do not worry; even if it is too late, here are some of the remedies that can give an even complexion with a glowing skin.

Make a paste of one almond, 5 drops of lemon and a teaspoon of milk. Apply on face and leave it on overnight and wash with warm water the next morning. This helps even out complexion and will give you a healthy summer glow! You could also try coconut milk. Leave this too on all night. If you breakout often, then rub on tomato juice all over your face and leave for ten minutes. Do this a few times during the week to get rid of tan.

Potato: one of the natural remedy to remove tan from the hands and legs is use of peeled potato skin. Simply rub the peeled skin of potato on the tanned area of hands and legs as a daily routine. You can also apply raw potato juice instead of peeled skin.

A paste made from turmeric powder, curd and gram flour is effective in changing the darker complexion after tanning. Mix a pinch of turmeric powder with two teaspoon of curd and two teaspoon of gram flour. Add one to two teaspoon of water and prepare a paste. Now apply it on your hands and legs half hour before you take bath. Do it regularly and you can see the difference within a week.

Lime juice is a natural beach. Prepare a mixture of lime juice and honey with a pinch of turmeric powder perfectly dissolved in it. Apply it on the darkened hands and legs.

Raw milk: apply milk on the tanned area of your hand regularly. You should apply it half hour before bathing. Slowly but surely, after few days the tanned skin surface of hands will fade out.

Aloe vera gel: Apply aloe vera gel on your hands at least two to three times in a day.

A popular natural remedy for removing tanning is the use of sunflower oil, lemon juice and sugar. Mix all the products equally to make a smooth paste. Apply the paste on your hands and let it remain for 30 minutes before you rinse it off with cold water.

Make fine powder of dried orange peels. Now mix it in a cup of yogurt. Apply the prepared mixture on the hands and rub it gently with your hands. Let it remain for 10 to 20 minutes, after which you wash your hands with normal tap water. Pat the skin dry with a clean towel.

Mix salt (or sugar) and essential oil in a small bowl. Now add a teaspoon of honey and blend till you get a smooth texture. Finally add lemon juice and blend with spoon. Use this scrub with special concentration on the darkest areas of the face. Gently scrub in circular motion to exfoliate the top layer of the skin. Do this twice a week to remove tan from the face.

Mix gram flour with water and rub it all over your skin. When you wash it off, tan gets lightened.

Another way to remove sun tan from face is to apply curd as a face pack.

Lemon Glycerine Pack: Mix glycerine and lemon juice in equal ratio. Apply the mixture on the affected area and wash when it dries. This mixture can also be used as night cream to remove tan and get supple skin

Sandal Wood Turmeric Pack: Sandalwood and turmeric are essential part of many beauty enhancement treatments which includes the treatment for removing sun tan. Mix sandal wood and pure turmeric powder in a ration of 1:1. Add rose water to form a paste. Leave for half an hour or till it is dry and the wash using cold water.

Prepare a mixture of oats and buttermilk. This mixture should be rubbed onto the tanned area as the oats will help in exfoliating the skin and on the other hand the butter milk is known to be extremely soothing for the skin.

A regular use of fresh coconut water on the hands and face is known to be very effective in getting rid of a tan as well as making the skin supple and soft.

A cream with equal parts of milk powder, lemon juice, honey and almond oil can be applied and left on for 20 minutes. This will help lighten your tan. You can store this for about a week and use it thrice daily for best results.

Mash the papaya pulp and massage the sun tanned area. Papaya is excellent for the skin and also helps in anti-aging.

Combining ash gourd juice (Petha or Safed Kaddu as it is called) with multan mitti and applying it all over the face helps reduce the tan considerably.

Nature’s Essence Lacto Tan Clear Soap and Mask are also very helpful to get rid of tan.

So here I gave you so many at home remedies to get rid of your tan…enjoy the summers but use a sunscreen..and if you get tanned then use these remedies 😉

Source: 1, 2

Do share your remedies or products if any, to get rid of tan..

7 Effortless Supermodel Beauty Secrets

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7 Effortless Supermodel Beauty Secrets

Ever wonder how those highly-paid, super popular fashion models keep their looks in check, while being so busy and active? Well, supermodels learn a few things along their journey in the modeling industry, here are a few of their best kept beauty secrets.

How to Look Great In Photos

When taking photos it’s all about the lighting, always try to face the light source and try to steer clear of overhead light that will make you appear to have dark circles and may cast shadows on your face. Moisturize your lips with a balm or gloss before taking photos as well, as lips that appear dry will make you look older. It’s all about the light. Always face it, because that’s how you give your face good angles. If you’re outside when the sun is overhead, you’re going to have dark circles from the sun creating shadows on your face. So no outdoor pictures between 12 and two!

What to Do About a Zit

Many supermodels swear by using Tea Tree Oil on pop up zits to help battle the swelling and eliminate the bacteria. Tea Tree Oil is a great natural approach to fight those unwanted breakouts.

How to Make Your Eyes Appear Larger

Tyra Banks is the most known for this great supermodel secret as she shared it with the world on her television show. She suggests wearing white eyeliner on your bottom water line will make your eyes appear larger and make you appear more awake. This is a great tip for those days when you feel drained but still want to look great.

How to Get an Even Complexion

Many supermodels swear by using lemon juice to even their complexion. Lemon juice is a natural cleanser and disinfectant. Lemon is also known as a natural lightener, and will lighten any dark spots on your face to create a more even skin tone. To do this simply squeeze the juice from a lemon, apply the juice to the face with a cotton ball, wait about 5 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

How to Get Strong Shiny Hair

Using coconut oil as a hair treatment is very popular in the modeling industry. Coconut oil supplies the scalp and hair with moisture as well as vitamins and protein to make it stronger. To use coconut oil as a hair treatment, simply apply the oil to the hair from the roots to the ends. Massage the scalp for about a minute, and leave the oil in the hair for one hour. After one hour massage the scalp again, then shampoo well, condition the hair, and style as usual.

Keep Makeup Brushes Clean

One of the most common beauty mistakes is not cleaning your makeup brushes. When your makeup brushes are not cleaned regularly they build up bacteria, and this can mean trouble for your face. One tip on this comes from Linda Vojtova, “I wash all my makeup brushes with baby shampoo. It keeps them clean, and the brushes last longer”.

The Importance of Moisture

Moisture is important in every part of the body. Make sure you are staying well hydrated as this will help keep your skin soft and dewy. If you are lacking moisture and want some fast results try using Vitamin E oil. Just take a capsule of Vitamin E pierce the side, squeeze out the oil, and apply to the face, this can be used on the lips as well. You will see results almost instantly. Vitamin E oil is great for the skin, and will make your skin glow. Many supermodels also believe in hydrating the skin from the inside out and recommend drinking coconut water, coconut water is high in potassium and contains antioxidants and is naturally rich in electrolytes.

Some other secrets:

  • Cool slices of cucumber laid upon closed eyes for 10 minutes prior to foundation applications also works wonders.
  • Super model beauty tips advise on the use of Epsom salts to soften the skin and also as an exfoliating agent. Fine Epsom Salt mixed with your cleanser will wipe away all traces of make-up and when added to your conditioner and warmed, gives that extra bounce and volume to limp hair.
  • Always powder your T-zone and the lines going from your nose down around your mouth so you don’t look like a bulldog. When those areas are shiny, it’s awful.
  • If you’re wearing smoky eye makeup, a little beige or gold pencil on the inner eye corners will open up the area, but you only want to do it if the shadow is really dark. Otherwise, light pencil makes your eyes look too far apart, like a fish.
  • Using Nivea cream to remove eye makeup.
  • For an at home Alpha Glycolic Peel, blend the seeds of a Papaya with an all natural sugar free Greek Yogurt and smooth over your face and neck as a mask for 10 minutes.
  • Drink warm water and lemon every morning.
  • Dry body brush everyday before taking a shower to keep your skin smooth all over, and to activate your lymph system.
  • Discover what supplements are right for your body and then take them as directed. Almost everyone needs a supplement to balance his or her busy lifestyle.
  • Every woman should have Organic rosehip oil in her handbag. It’s a product that’s rejuvenating and packed full of natural goodness. Rosehip oil is also a natural way to remove eye makeup.
  • Ever wonder how Kim gets that gorgeous contour on her cheekbones? To contour, the secret to doing it so it’s not in-your-face is to use a darker foundation. Use professional makeup concealer, which has a heavier consistency, and apply it with a brush and blend it with a sponge. Then set it with translucent powder.

I totally Swear by Vitamin E capsule, lemon juice and Tea Tree oil and also white eyeliner on waterline to awaken the eyes..for my hair, I use a blend of oils and not just coconut oil..and yes warm water and lemon every morning is a must !

Source: 1, 2

Which secret do you swear by ? Do you follow these ?

Common Exfoliation Mistakes

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Common Exfoliation Mistakes

While it’s true that no skin care regimen is complete with regular exfoliation, this task does require some basic guidelines to be effective. An important component of regular skin care, an exfoliating product should be strong enough to whisk away dead skin cells and, thus, help to clear out your pores. A good routine can result in skin that is fresher, brighter, less acne-prone, and more youthful.

Exfoliation helps encourage cell renewal and leaves skin looking and feeling radiant. Exfoliation works by gently lifting and removing dead skin cells that leave the skin dull and lack lustre, and gently sloughs them away to reveal brighter, healthier, newer layers of skin. This fresher layer of skin leaves your complexion looking fresh, radiant and youthful. Always make sure you use a quality exfoliator with smaller grains, instead of scrubs with larger grains as these can tear and cause irritation to the delicate skin area, doing more harm than good.

Commit some of these mistakes, however, and you might be cancelling out the supreme benefits of that scrub.

Mistake #1 – You scrub without water.

Before you exfoliate, it’s important to lubricate the skin with warm water. A “dry rub” can irritate the skin, causing redness, rashes, and painful after effects. Do yourself a favor and rinse your face first, then get to the scrubbing while your skin is still wet.

Mistake #2 – You scrub too hard.

Some people think that, to be effective, their exfoliating product must be mushed and mashed all over their face. On the contrary, the product is designed to do most of the work on its own. Instead of pushing and pulling the skin which leads to redness, stretching of the pores, and micro-level damage you won’t see until your older, go easy on your skin. Gently massage your fingertips over the skin in little circles for about 10-15 seconds, then move on to the next area. Any more is just overkill.

Mistake #3 – You scrub too often.

Exfoliation is definitely one of those things where the less-is-more philosophy works. While some of us might think exfoliating every day is a good idea (hey–you’ll get rid of lots of dead skin that way, right?), that’s too much. This kind of routine can leave your skin sore, damaged, and overexposed. For oily skin types, exfoliating twice a week is enough to keep cells turning over at a good pace and pores clear. Combination or dry skin types, however, can stick to a once a week schedule.

Mistake #4 – You scrub without follow-up care.

Scrubbing is important, but it’s a big deal for your skin. After you exfoliate the skin, you should always follow-up with a good moisturizer. Skipping this step can leave your skin over-dry and irritated, which can lead to overproduction of oil and lots of other issues. Quench skin’s thirst right away to avoid a dangerous cycle.

Mistake #5 – You scrub your face, but not everywhere else.

Many of us concentrate our healthy skin habits on one area: the face. But the rest of our bodies need some TLC once in a while today. Beyond washing daily, you should also moisturize daily and use a scrub once a week. Your rough elbows and knees will thank you for the extra attention.

Mistake #6 – You scrub with the wrong tools.

Before you scrub, make sure you’re using the right products for the right parts. Don’t use foot scrubs on your face (too harsh) or face scrubs on your body (not strong enough). The same goes for your scrubbing tools. Using a moderately rough loofah or sponge is okay for the body, but can be too much for the delicate skin on your face. Instead, stick to using your fingers with a scrub or a light exfoliating pad with regular face wash. Both will get the job done without causing irritation.


Mistake #7 – You scrub and carry on as usual.

Ignoring the fact that your skin is sensitive after scrubbing is an all-too-common error. When you scrub, the pores open up, brand new skin cells are exposed, and the moisture balance is a little off-kilter. Yes, stick to using that moisturizer as I mentioned in #4. Beyond that, go easy on your skin the day you exfoliate. After scrubbing, avoid sun exposure, harsh masks or facial peels, and hair removal products. The extra sensitivity can make it much easier to harm, irritate, and dry your skin after your weekly exfoliation.

Following exfoliation, the skin is primed and at it’s peak for absorbing products. This is why you should apply your moisturiser or a masque as the ingredients will absorb quicker and more deeper into the skin for maximum results.

Just by avoiding these common errors, your skin care routine can be greatly improved by regular exfoliation. Treat the skin kindly and it will pay off for years to come.

Source: 1,2

How often do you exfoliate ? Do you commit any of these mistakes ?

Lashem Measurable Difference Lash Gel Review, Photos

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Lashem Measurable Difference Lash Gel Review, Photos

What the Company claims: Experience the difference with our dual-patented lash boosting formula that is sure to condition those beautiful lashes! This lash boosting product works great on short, brittle and weak lashes. When it comes down to beauty we know it’s all about the eyes. Also works great on eyebrows. Irritation free, prostaglandin free and no prescription needed!

Benefits
Eyelash boosting formula.
Protects your lashes and is designed to help improve the overall condition and appearance of eyelashes. 
Specifically formulated to deliver essential proteins, vitamins and rejuvenating ingredients that can nourish the structure of lashes, while adding shine and appearance. 
It is ideal for women and men with brittle, weak, thin or short eyelashes. 
Helps amplify volume by strengthening and rejuvenating lashes. 
Helps promote lash flexibility and durability. 
Adds moisture and shine to lashes and improve elasticity. 
Can also be used on eyebrow. 
Great for lash extension users! Help those broken, brittle lashes.

Directions

Apply LASHEM with one gentle continuous stroke across base of lashes. Recommended application is twice daily, can also apply one a night. Eyes should be clear of any makeup or cream residue; contact lenses should also be removed.

Ingredients:

MRP: 69.99$ for 3.5 ml

This is something innovative and different..and surely something that would attract someone with not so dense or brittle lashes…I am not though..when I was asked to review this..I thought why not give a try..

I took the pictures before and after..I have been using it once daily at night before bed from the last 15 days..and I was surprised by the results after 7 days only ! Guys this thing works !

I have never seen my lashes so long and thick untill now..seems magical..especially at the outer corners.

Before- After

It comes in a long slender mascara like tube and has a thin liner like brush..and is to be used on the base of the lashes..in just one gentle stroke as mentioned.

The only issue is there are too many ingredients and I am not very sure of them..though it is ophthalmologically tested and did not irritate or bother the eye at all. And secondly its very expensive.

But if you do not mind shelling that much or desperately need thicker lashes or have very weak and brittle or sparse lashes..this thing is surely for you ! Totally recommended.

You can buy it here

Rating:

Quality: 4.5/5
Value for money: 3.75/5
Availability: 3.5/5

Overall rating: 3.75/5

Would I buy it again: I do not need it..but if I do ever..Yes

P.S: Product sent by brand for review but it has not affected my opinion.

Picking an Outfit for the New Year

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Picking an Outfit for the New Year

Guest Post by Nisha Sharma

When the ball drops and everyone raises their glass, you want to sparkle and shine as much as that first glorious moment of the New Year. No matter what type of New Year’s Eve party you’re attending or what kind of attire is expected, you can let your personality and expectations of the New Year shine through by choosing an outfit that’s unique and sophisticated. Follow the advice in this guide to find the hidden fashion gems in your closet whether it’s pretty small shoes, or accessories incorporate them into your party ensemble so you look gorgeous and feel comfortable until the wee hours of the morning.

Combine That Little Black Dress With Killer Accents

The little black dress is a fashion essential that’s solved many wardrobe crises for decades. While it’s perfectly fine to wear your little black dress with minimal accessories, you can also turn it into the backdrop for colourful, killer accents. Add bold and bright colour to your black dress with brightly-coloured high heels, a wide belt cinching your waist, a glittery handbag or a scarf around your neck.

If you prefer to stand out at a party, rather than blend into the scenery, bright colours are the way to go. When everyone else is wearing their traditional, black attire, your bold statement of colour will get you noticed, and then it’s up to you to make a great first impression.

Don’t Let Casual = No Personality

Not all New Year’s Eve parties are dressy. When the invitation says “Casual Dress” you can still look like a knockout. Choose leggings, skinny jeans or black pants to start with. Add a sleeveless top in show-stopping yellow, hot pink or turquoise. High heels or flats are both fine for a casual party, but choose a pair that adds glamour and colour. Don’t forget your jewellery. While you may not need all the sparkly jewellery you’d normally wear at a black tie gala, a pretty pair of chandelier earrings add a beautiful finishing touch to your outfit.

Sparkle, Shine and Luxurious Fabric

Sometimes it’s not so much the outfit, but what it’s made with that creates a dazzling look. New Year’s Eve is the night on which you can get away with wearing many clothing items that will remain in the closet for the rest of the year. Dust off that sparkly, sequined silver or gold top and pair it with a black skirt, black pants or a pair of jeans.

You might not wear a velvet dress to many other parties, but on New Year’s Eve a luxurious velvet dress calls attention at a fancy, black tie affair. If bright colours aren’t your thing, but you don’t want to wear black either, pay more attention to the fabric and sparkle in the clothing for a party-worthy outfit.

Don’t Forget the Important Things

Whether you plan to party all night long or not, you want a New Year’s Eve party outfit that looks beautiful and feels comfortable the entire night. Consider the party atmosphere and what your activity level will be so you don’t have to call it a night early or spend the night in misery due to being uncomfortable.

If you’re going to dance the night away or be in a location with a lot of other people, you need an outfit that allows your skin to breathe and lets you move. Clothing that’s too tight make it hard to dance and can result in embarrassment if something rips. High-heeled shoes look sexy, but if you can’t stand, walk and dance in them all night long, there’s no point in wearing them. When you’re comfortable, you can feel confident, which is as important as looking gorgeous as you join in the countdown.

About the Author:
My name is Nisha Sharma, I love to write about fashion and design. There are some great sites with pretty small shoes.

Pictures Source: 1

5 Surprising Ways to Prevent Wrinkles

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5 Surprising Ways to Prevent Wrinkles


I liked this article on Yahoo on how to prevent wrinkles in old age by taking care of a few things now…and thought of sharing with you guys..
Source

Genes influence how fast your skin will age, but unhealthy habits accelerate the damage. The term “smoker’s face” has long been used to describe the telltale pattern of deep lines and creases that form around the mouth and eyes of tobacco users, from constant squinting sparked by smoke irritation and lip puckering while inhaling. Some studies show that smoking cuts production of elastin and collagen by up to 40 percent, leading to premature fine lines that may start to appear as early as age 20, offering yet another reason to snuff out the habit if you smoke.

What else can you do to fight skin creases? Here’s a look at science-based strategies that help keep your skin looking young and healthy:

1. Swap coffee for cocoa.

Dietary flavonoids called epicatechin and catechin, found in cocoa, help keep blood vessels elastic, raising nourishing flow to both the skin and internal organs. A German study published in Journal of Nutrition found that after three months, women who drank an epicatechin-rich cocoa drink daily not only had smoother skin, but were also more resistant to sun damage (with less redness and scaling when their skin was exposed to UV light).

2. Sleep on your back.

Ironically, beauty sleep can actually increase wrinkles. Over the years, habitually snoozing on your side or belly, with your face mashed into the pillow, gradually etches “sleep lines” that eventually become permanent. According to a study published in Scandinavian Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Hand Surgery, side sleeping contributes to more wrinkling of the cheeks and chin, while slumbering facedown furrows the brow. Sleeping on your back prevents sleep lines or may even reverse the problem. Getting enough Z’s spurs release of a “youth hormone” called human growth hormone, leading to thicker, healthier skin and fewer lines, says Nicholas Perricone, MD, author of The Wrinkle Cure.

3. Wear sunscreen—even when driving.

Ever wonder why age spots are most likely to sprout on the left side of the face? Many people don’t realize that UVA rays, the culprits in most wrinkling, easily penetrate car windows, even on cloudy days, accelerating such signs of aging as brown spots and creases on the left side of the driver’s face. The best defense is using broad-spectrum SPF30 sunscreen every day, even in the winter, since the sun’s damaging rays are the number one cause of wrinkles. If you drive frequently, you may also want to invest in tinted car windows, which help block UVA.

4. Eat more fish and soy.

Salmon, tuna, mackerel and other cold-water fish are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which nourish skin and help keep it smooth, glowing and youthful. Other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which also help protect against heart disease and stroke, include walnuts, flaxseed oil, and canola oil. Another age-defying food is soy: A 2009 study also found that consuming an isoflavones-rich soy supplement reduced skin wrinkling and increased collagen in 86 percent of the women studied, after just six months of daily use.

5. Avoid squinting—and get your vision checked.

A common cause of crow’s feet and bunny lines on the nose is overworking the facial muscles, creates grooves that turn into wrinkles. The underlying problem is often presbyopia, age-related vision changes that affect almost everyone after age 40—and if you get reading glasses soon enough, it could help relax lines that are starting to form from straining to read fine print. It’s also crucial to wear sunglasses outdoors, both to reduce squinting and to protect skin around the eyes from sun damage.

So some daily changes in your lifestyle..could keep the wrinkles at bay 🙂

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Sponge Ball Hair Curlers Review and How To

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Sponge Ball Hair Curlers Review and How To

Now these are pink soft sponge curlers..you might not get a very strong curl as with heated rollers..but then I do like soft curls..and I also prefer keeping my hair away from heat as far as I can..

These come in a pack of 6..and in various shapes and colors like yellow,pink,red,strawberry,etc..

Description:  Use this cute sponge curler, you can be a magic hairdresser too!
* Just 20-30 minutes, DIY by yourself at home!
* Easy and simple to use. Strong modeling!
* Soft and light weight design, easy to carry
* Time-saving design, the balls are super soft, you can go to sleep with them, no pains at all
* And get up the next day with a fresh new hair style
* Convenient to use, automatically lock in place, no pins, no clips needed
* Simple usage, perfect for DIY

Two using methods:
* — When hair is about 80 to 90% dry after washing, curl with the sponge curlers and go to sleep
* Wake up with natural looking curls the next day

* — Spray little water and curl hair with sponge curlers. Blow dry with hair dryer on low heat for about 15 to 20 minutes
* Remove sponge curlers. That’s it

* Color: pink
* Material: sponge

Here is the image for steps:

A set of six is enough for medium length hair..you may need more for longer hair.

MRP: 3.83$

Now still I did not get the exact way to roll it and make it stay…This video helped..

You won’t get very professional results but nonetheless I like them..they are cute,handy,do not damage the hair and gives curls depending on the time you keep it on..blow drying does help more though..Plus they are pink..and not even too expensive..most of these innovative cute South Asian stuff is so awesome..

You can buy them here. You can also use the code ‘NMJ61’ for 7% off..

You like ? Have you tried them before ? Any tips ?

P.S: Product sent by site for review but it has not affected my opinion.