How to Choose the Right Makeup

Treat your skin well by using quality cosmetics that are non-comedogenic (essentially, something that won't clog pores and/or otherwise make your skin more breakout-prone). Seek out products that will keep your face hydrated but not make it oily. Remember that what is an almost-magic potion for one person may not work at all for another, so be prepared for some trial and error! After moisturizing, use a light foundation with SPF 15 or above to even out your skin tone and keep your skin protected.

If your face is naturally oily, you can choose to use a powder foundation rather than a liquid. Powder foundations contain less oil and will leave your skin with a beautiful matte finish. On the other hand, if your skin is dry, select a liquid or cream foundation that is labeled "moisturizing" or "hydrating."

Also look for make-up containing mineral powder. These all-natural cosmetics are very good for your skin and do not contain chemicals, dyes or fragrances -- which can cause irritation and allergies.

Make Your Skin Glow

If you want to start the day off right, you need to begin thinking about your skin the night before. Here are some tips to help you glow, girl!

Evening skincare routine

First, be sure to remove your make-up completely before going to bed. Your mother has probably been telling you this since you were a teenager, but it's good advice. Leaving makeup on overnight will lead to breakouts caused by clogged pores and excess oil. Also, leaving eye makeup on while you sleep can cause temporary inflammation and swelling (and will wreak havoc with your contact lenses).

Use a product such as Biore Daily Cleansing Cloths or Olay Daily Facials Cleansing Cloths to remove oil, dirt and makeup before you go to sleep. The soft, alcohol-free cloths can deep clean your skin down to the pores, but are also gentle enough to remove eye makeup -- even waterproof mascara.

Follow up with a toner followed by a light oil-free moisturizer before going to sleep.

And when it comes to sleep: Be sure to change your pillow cases often, as dirt trapped in fabrics can cause irritation and breakouts.

Don't forget about your hands and feet. If you feet are dry and cracked, apply a thick layer of Vaseline or moisturizing body lotion to your feet. Then, wear a pair of clean, cotton socks to bed. Moisturize your hands, arms and legs too -- particularly in the cool months of fall and winter when your skin can get dehydrated.

Morning skincare routine

Start in the shower by rejuvenating your skin with a face steam. Hold a steamy wash cloth up to your face and let the steam penetrate your pores for a few minutes.

Cleanser

Cleansing will remove dirt, oil and bacteria from your skin that may cause breakouts. It will also stimulate the blood circulation in your face, rejuvenating your skin to a healthy glow.

Use a skin cleanser suited for your skin type. A foaming cleanser, such as Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser, Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser or Biore Skin Recharging Cleanser, will awaken your tired, sluggish skin and leave it healthy and vibrant. This cleanser uses natural lemon, pineapple and grapefruit juice to leave your skin feeling and looking refreshed -- and is a treat for your other senses, too.

Work the cleanser into lather in your hands. Wash your face and neck in a circular motion for a couple minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water. Pat dry with a clean towel. Be sure not to scrub too vigorously or too long. Overdoing it may cause inflammation, redness and lead to breakouts and swelling -- exactly what you don't want.

Toner

Many people tend to skip the toner in the morning. But it's actually a very important step because it balances the pH of your skin and preps it for moisturizing.

Look for toners without alcohol, which can severely dry your skin. Also be sure to select a toner for your skin type; many companies offer toners especially formulated for sensitive skin or acne-prone skin. Dab toner onto a cotton ball and apply to your face and neck. After applying toner, do not dry your skin with a towel before applying moisturizer -- just let your skin breathe and air-dry.

Moisturizer

Everybody needs a product to help their skin say soft and smooth and to remain hydrated. Even if you have oily skin, you need to keep it moisturized. Again, be sure to pick a product suited for your skin type. It's also a good idea to find a moisturizer that will give you protection from the sun throughout the day. You want something that gives your face just enough moisture without feeling oily or greasy.

Apply moisturizer on your face and neck, paying special attention to the area around your eyes and lips, which can get excessively dry.

Easy Makeup Tips for Busy Women

Look Your Best In Minutes

Moms are busy. Some days you’re lucky to get a shower and have your teeth brushed, let alone apply your make-up. It’s time to change that way of thinking. Just because you’re a mom doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice looking good. These easy tips will have you looking and feeling your best in no time flat.

Combine steps

Shave precious minutes off your morning routine by using products that combine several steps into one. Use a tinted moisturizer with added SPF. This product combines your facial moisturizer, foundation and protection from the sun into one easy-to-apply product. The moisturizer makes the product light and creamy and it usually only has a slight tint of color. This means it packs just enough power to brighten your face, without needing a precise application. Look for a product with at least an SPF 15 to help keep your skin safe from the sun's harmful rays.

Skip the lipstick

Instead of taking the time to apply lipstick, slap on some tinted lip gloss. Gloss can be applied in seconds without worry of going outside of the lines. It also doesn't look bad when it starts to fade, so there's no need for mirror checks and second applications throughout the day. Long-lasting lip glosses are available as well, meaning they won't just save you time in the morning, but all day long.

Go easy on the eyeshadow

Choose a light shade of eyeshadow that's similar to your own skin tone. When the color isn't drastic and bold, there's no need for complicated applications. Slap on a shade of brown or warm peach to add a punch of color without going overboard. If you aren't getting much shut-eye at night, stay away from eyeshadows in shades of red or purple. Those colors tend to make dark circles even more obvious.

Make mascara last

Use waterproof mascara, even if your plans for the day don't include a swim or dancing in the rain. Waterproof mascara usually has more staying power than other types, so one application in the morning will stick with you all day long.

Know what you need

If you only have limited time in the morning, focus on your feature that needs the most attention. If your skin looks drained and dry, make sure you have time to moisturize. If you always have dark circles under your eyes, a brightening concealer should be your number one priority. If your skin looks great but you need a kick of color, you may be able to get by with just mascara and a splash of lip gloss.

Natural Hair for Natural You

Natural hair is the greatest blessing for both gender in human but especially for females it is considered as the core or vital part of the female entity. Our hair is like ultimate beauty in ourselves. Your natural hair reflects the basic personality whether you are male or a female. For example if someone have well combed and organized then there are chances that someone keep things clean and well managed. Respectively if you have the negative awareness about the cleaning of hair then you may be going for new hair style or that you are too much busy with other things.

If you want your hair to be the perfect, all you need to do is to start care about your natural hair and follow the professional tips for the betterment of your personality. Here are some impressive and passionate tips to keep your hair well clean and cared:

Wash your hair every other day so that you can manage to handle the curly locks daily. But don't go for frequent washing which cause damage as well.

Use smooth and bigger comb with sharp tooth that will prevent the damage to hair roots and shafts.

Don't encounter any treatment and repairing process for example hair rebounding, ironing and blow dryers, these thing make your hair look beautiful but will remove the core portions from your natural hair resultantly weaken.

Like the skin care your hair needs the same level of care like damage from harmful UV (ultra violet) rays from the sun. Wear hats, umbrella or hood to block these rays that harm the natural hair.

Scalp massage is good for natural growth, don't go for the pressured massage this will resultantly damage the roots of the hair shaft.

Your hair look depends on the shape of hair shaft weather you have curly hair the straight one. That also determines the positions of your hair follicle. A cross section view of the curly hair appears as the oval in shape. This shape can be firm through the generic nature. People also think that there is need of special care for the curly hair but that's true.

The best routine of take care of your curly hair is to shampoo hair every other day, use conditions daily and also go for the intense moisturizing treatment every other week to get the best result out of the curly hair formation.

The popular way is to use of modern, lightweight and less oily content gels, creams and serums that can instantly add the body to your hair which transform the dry and dull hair into impossibly glossy, humidity resistant and smooth hair.

Dark-skinned Makeup Tips

Dark skin or ethnic skin cosmetics tips and information is often challenging to find. After all, dark skinned ladies require a very unique set of makeup rules to help them get the look they desire. Most of the light skinned makeup rules, just won’t apply! Use these makeup tips and techniques for dark skin beauties to help you learn how to look the best you can!

Choose Foundation Color or Shade Wisely: When it comes to brown or dark skin, it’s important to choose an oil-free foundation that is actually a bit lighter in tint than your skin’s tone. This will allow a natural highlight to your skin and give you a nice glow.

Use Powder: If your skin is dark, using powder is a must. Choose a loose powder with a sheer quality. This will help your skin look fresh, without looking oily or shiny.

Always Wear Sunscreen: Many dark skin ladies don’t think about wearing sunscreen every day, because they don’t usually get sunburnt to remind them of the immediate need. However, it’s very important not only to prevent wrinkles and sun damage to your skin, but also to prevent skin cancer. Even if you don’t tan or get burnt, be sure you wear a daily sunscreen.

All About The Eyes: Some women find it challenging to find eye shadow colors that will allow them to get smoky looks or that blend nicely with their complexion. However, if you use dark browns, prunes, copper or burgundies, you can easily get a dramatic look without looking over the top. Try to find a compact with several of these colors in it, so you can experiment with various shades to find the best one. Just be sure to avoid any iridescent colors on your entire eyelid. If you want a little shimmer in tone, simply use translucent powder over the lid for a slight glow.

Cheeks Need Color Too: When it comes to dark skin and cheek color, it’s best to try to contour with blush shades of cocoa, dark peach, cinnamon or dusty pink. Always add a little blush, then examine yourself in natural light before you go back to add more. It’s much easier to add more than lighten it if you’ve gone overboard. However, if you do go overboard on accident, simply use powder or foundation to help tone down your mistake.

Choosing a Flattering Lip Color: There are many different colors of lipstick that look wonderful on dark skinned ladies. If you want to play it safe, consider using shades of berry or plum. However, for a little more dramatic edge, you can easily get away with beiges, golds, soft pinks, nudes, coffee, chocolate or wines. Just be sure to stay far away from any color with orange or an orange tint in it.

Don’t Forget to Moisturize: Although many dark skinned ladies struggle with oily skin, moisturizing is still very important. In fact, if you don’t drink enough water or moisturize properly, your skin will produce even more oil. So, use a light moisturizer that is oil-free every morning and evening after you’ve cleansed your face. In addition, be sure you’re drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water every day to ensure your skin and body stays hydrated.

How to Groom Your Hair

Beautiful hair is cherished by everyone. However, to keep those in healthy condition require a little but regular effort. Let us start with basics of hair grooming:

Keep your brushes & combs clean, wash them weekly using soap or shampoo. Do not damage your hair by using sharp tooth combs as they can cause split ends, & scratch your scalp. Always use brushes & combs with wide spaced bristles & smooth tips. Also, do not use plastic brushes or combs; they create static electricity, thus resulting in causing damage to your hair. Before brushing comb your hair to remove any tangles. Always brush/comb with a downwards stroke. Avoid brushing or combing wet hairs as they are most fragile. Wait until your hair is dry.

Before applying shampoo, rinse your hair thoroughly to remove any dust, dirt, & any other foreign particles. Apply the shampoo onto your scalp & massage it gently with your finger tips & work your way outwards. Leave shampoo on your scalp for few minutes & then rinse your hair. Ensure no shampoo residue is left as they may dry your scalp/hair & or attract dirt.

Use a conditioner after shampooing, it'll moisturize your hair, give it extra protection, add shine, reduce static, & makes it easier to untangle. Always apply conditioner from the ears down & never on the scalp, the roots of your hair contain the most oils & usually don't need the extra conditioning.

Use shampoos & conditioners that match your hair type. It is better to use natural hair care products extracted from herbs as they are generally devoid of harmful chemicals & their associated health hazards.

Haircut that flatters your neckline

Matching your hairstyle to your outfit is no easy feat. But there are a few good guidelines to keep in mind that can help you get the best out of your look. Here, we've chosen a few of the most popular necklines and the haircuts and styles that flatter them most.

Short hair

Having short hair really allows the attention to fall on your outfit. A great neckline to try is a strapless look as they’re intended to highlight your neck and shoulders. Halter cuts are also a good look for shorter hair as again, this style really showcases the neck and shoulders. Accessorize with a pretty choker and all eyes will fall on your outfit and your hair. If you’d like to try a deep V-neck cut, accessorize your hair with a barrette or headband so the eyes are drawn upwards. This will help keep the overall look more modest and a lot less risqué.

Long hair

If your haircut is long, it can be pretty versatile to different necklines. But one in particular you can definitely pull off is a deep V-neck cut. With longer hair, it balances out the sexiness of this style. Other low-cut styles like empire-cuts and sweetheart necklines are options to try too. Try styling your hair in long waves for a nice contrast to the cut of your top or dress. For strapless styles, pull hair back into a pony or a half up half down style to highlight your shoulders. You can do the same for halter styles too or any neckline that’s heavy on ruffles or embellishments like many of the styles that are out this season. Another style that’s hot right now is asymmetrical tops and dresses. To style this cut, sweep hair to your bare shoulder in a low side ponytail. The opposition of the hair on one side and clothing on the other really balances out the look.

Medium-length

For hair that hits right around the shoulders, bateau, boatneck and crewneck tops and dresses are a good look. The hair skims right around the same area of the neckline and really highlights the style. Other styles that are good to try are empire-cut necklines (not to be confused with an empire-waist) and V-necks. Try a half up half down hairstyle when wearing halter and strapless outfits. If you feel your hair isn’t long enough for a deep V-neck cut, experiment with some clip-in extensions for the night. They can add just the right amount of length and thickness you may be looking to achieve.

 

Any length

No matter what length of hair you have, crewnecks, V-necks and turtlenecks are universally flattering. These styles tend to be very casual so you can experiment with different types of hairstyles to see what you like best. Crewnecks and turtlenecks lend themselves well to ponytail styles or short hair looks while with modest V-necks you can wear your hair just about any way you like best.

MATCH YOUR STYLE WITH WHAT YOU WEAR

Creating a look isn't just about your clothes; you've got to take your hair into account too. Whether you're up for a job interview or invited to a wedding, we've got the perfect hairstyles that'll ensure a truly put-together look.

A formal affair

It used to be with formal wear that a French Twist-type of updo was in order. But now the trend has veered toward less is more. Try some long loose waves or a messy version of an updo when going to a fancy event. Something a little less stiff and polished will give you a natural look. After all, nobody wants to look like they’re trying too hard. 

 

The job interview

If you’ve got long, flowing locks that hang down to your waist supermodel style, this isn’t the time to show that off. For a job interview, you don’t want your potential employer to think all your energy is spent maintaining your hair. Clip it back into something more appropriate like a pony tail, halfway up or another gathered style. If you have short hair, an unfussy do will work just fine. The point here is to not look like your hair is the center of your world. 

 

Date night

Date night is just like a formal event. You don’t want to look like you’re trying too hard. But you don’t want to look like you’ve rolled out of bed either. If you’re in a casual outfit, wear your hair the same way you would on a daily basis. After all, on a date you’re trying to showcase your best-self and the guy wants to get to know the real you.

If the date is more of a fancy affair, feel free to dress up and add some curls or a fun updo. If you’ve got a turtleneck, high-necked top or a dress that’s open in the back, sport your hair in some form of an updo to really showcase your outfit. 

 

Opposites attract

For any event, a good rule of thumb to follow is to play the game of opposites. If you’re wearing a particularly fancy top, a sleek, simple ponytail is unexpected yet classy. For a casual dress an unfussed messy updo is a fun twist. A chignon is a sassy and trendy option too, perfect for a date or an evening event. Whatever look you’re trying to create, just be sure to have fun with it and remember, the only real rule is to be comfortable and love what you’re in.

How to update your look in 5 easy ways

With –ber – month just around the corner, now may be just the time to think about updating your look for those long, hot days and nights ahead. From chic, short bangs to '40s glam locks, here's the lowdown on five ways to instantly refresh your look without splashing cash at the salon.

Bardot bombshell

With a fine-toothed comb, a can of hairspray and a dash of attitude you can re-create this look from the '60s. Take a small section of hair from the crown of the head and backcomb gently from the roots upwards. After 3 or 4 sections, muss the hair with your fingers and spray it lightly with the hairspray.

Beautiful bangs

Frazzled with your high maintenance look? Take five years off in an instant by trimming your bangs. Using your eyebrows as a guide, pull your hair down to just below the brow and cut in a straight line. When the hair dries, the bangs will bounce up so leave a little room for error.

Color me gorgeous!

There's no need to block out a full afternoon at the salon when you can easily wash in the color of your choice at home. Safe in the knowledge that temporary hair color will wash out, be a tad more daring in your choice of color. Choose golden hues that reflect the sunlight or tinge your tresses with deep dramatic reds for impact, volume and drama.

Milkmaid braids

Sienna Miller may have started the craze back in 2007, but it's safe to say that the milkmaid braid represents the hot new trend for 2009. With a little practice, you too can rock this look! Using a wide-toothed comb and a few elastic bands, create a braid on each side of the head. Wrap an elastic band around the braids and then drape around the head. Tuck the ends of the braids underneath themselves and secure with a pin. For a sweet 'haven't tried too hard look' muss the hair with some gentle backcombing and let a few strands fall delicately to the shoulders.

Mermaid waves

From the film set to the cocktail lounge, have you ever wondered how actresses from the past managed to achieve such a manicured look? This retro-glam look may be a blast from the past (the '40s to be exact!) but with mid-length to long hair, you can easily achieve this romantic style. Simply part the hair to the side and set with large rollers. When the hair is dry, release the rollers and allow the hair to fall in waves to the shoulders, and then spray a little hairspray. Result? A style suitable for any starlet! 

Simple hair solutions for working moms

Just because you're a busy mom doesn't mean you want your appearance to take the hit. Looking glamorous may not be priority number one anymore but you don't have to sacrifice much time for a sweet style. Here are 12 hair tips and tricks that will have you looking super stylish in a jiffy.

1. Make waves overnight

For gorgeous, loose waves the good news is you don’t have to invest much time. Braid damp hair before bed and you’ll wake up with beach-worthy waves. Make sure your hair is braided tightly so your hair doesn’t frizz.

Extra hair tip: For even larger curly waves, pin multiple small buns with bobby pins instead of braiding damp hair. The buns will create a sexy loose wave look with even more oomph!

2. Try curlers

Before doing your makeup in the morning, take a few minutes to put some rollers in. By the time you’re done getting ready your hair will be set too. Unroll from the curlers, loosen the curls with your fingers and finish the look with some hair spray.

3. Rock a ponytail

Ponytails are simple, effortlessly chic and stylish again. It’s a great way to keep hair from getting in the way when you’re juggling a million things too. Try a low pony, sleek style or a high pulled-back ponytail look.

Extra hair tip: Even if your ponytail is tight and secure, finish off with a quick spritz of hairspray to prevent loose hairs or fly-aways.

4. Accessorize

Accessories are a fun way to play with your hairstyle and the good news is this season the headband is hotter than ever. Push hair back with a headband in the morning for an instant 2-minute style. Play with different parts too until you find the look you like best.

5. Dry shampoo

Pressed for time to do a wash? Try some dry shampoo or baby powder to soak up the oil in your roots. You’ll save yourself an entire shampoo and blow dry event.

Extra hair tip: An additional benefit of the dry shampoo or powder is the added texture that it brings to your hair. If your hair is newly washed and too slick for an updo or creative styling, add some dry shampoo to help your new 'do stay and last.

6. Do a half-wash

If you don’t have dry shampoo or baby powder on hand, you can wash just the top portion of your hair that’s oily. Part your hair where it’s oiliest and secure the rest with a ponytail. Wash and dry just the top half and your hair will look fresh again.

7. Try a short style

If you feel like long hair is just getting in the way, try a short hairstyle. A sleek bob is easy to maintain and fashion-forward too. Look to celebrities like Katie Holmes and Victoria Beckham for bob-inspiration.

8. Get frequent trims

If you have shorter hair or bangs, go in for frequent trims to keep hair looking fresh.

9. Air dry

Nothing beats the feeling of freshly-washed hair, but many times the thought of a time-sucking blow-dry can be deterrence. Don’t have time to blow dry? Let your hair air dry instead. The good news is that when your hair dries naturally it’s much stronger than when a blow dryer is used. The oil from your scalp helps hair look shinier too.

10. Overnight deep treatments

Strapped for time to make it to the salon? You can do plenty of great deep conditioning treatments at home. Opt for a leave-in deep conditioning treatment and let the product do the work for you while you sleep!