Beauty collected

Whether it’s peeling nails, a head full of dandruff or patched skin, beauty in general is, or at least should be every woman’s concern. It may be true that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. However, it pays to add a little effort to achieve beauty, whether it’s on the inside or the outside. It takes sacrifice in many ways and that includes time and money but the end result is always evident. This simple beauty review will help you in your quest to achieving a fabulous look from head to toe.

Hair care
We have all suffered bad hair days in trying to achieve a certain look but I recommend persistence. For example, if you are trying hard to grow your hair, it will take a bit of patience and extra hair care to get it to the desired length, thickness, fullness or shine. Invest in the right products that will bring growth and glow to the hair. Avoid cheap products that will instead break the hair and visit a professional who can be of help.
Note: you need to know your hair type in order to be sure you are purchasing the right product.

Facial care
Taking care of the face should be a daily task to avoid clogging of the pores. Also using skin bleaching products will only harm the skin cells and the end result will be horrible. Instead, you need to know your skin type, whether it is oily, dry or a combination of the two; and use the appropriate products for a well-balanced complexion.

Nail care
Most nail problems are related to lack of adequate nutrition. The right diet combined with a little time spent on pampering your nails each day can create a huge difference regarding nail care. This little, but critical part of our bodies speaks volumes about what we take seriously. Ignoring it therefore, may portray a negative image about you. Nail care should be as essential as selecting an outfit, a pair of shoes to match or just the right hairstyle to go with.

Put simply, your success in achieving the beauty you are looking for depends on a combination of factors, neither of which should be ignored.

A quick fix on beauty…

When you look great, you feel great and there is nothing wrong with pampering yourself at times to maintain that beautiful look. Being beautiful is what every woman craves. However, remaining constant is never appealing to anybody’s eyes. You will sometimes get tired of looking at the same old sight in the mirror and people will get so used to your trade mark style which in time becomes an ordinary look. This sometimes calls for radical changes. Whether it is a five minute hairstyle change or sensual eyes make over, getting a prominent cheek bone with blush or nutrition and exercise, the effect of a makeover is simply stunning. It always creates the feeling of something new.

The first thing you would want to do is go out and shop for clothes. It is advisable to bring a friend along to help figure out which clothes flatter you best. If you are up to picking a particular kind of dress, ask your friend to choose something different which will make you feel great.

Now this is where the transformation really kicks in. With the hair, you need to go all the way. If your make over involves wigs or weaves, choose colors which you can wear every day. Something that you will not regret having on your head for a certain period of time…go with magazine cut outs to show a stylist if need be.

You will also have to learn how to wear makeup - lip stick, blush and any other cosmetics to accentuate your new look. You don’t have to do it heavily but it’s advisable to invest in good products. MAC, Sleek and L’Oreal products are authentic and will make you look your best.

Other major changes could involve hitting the gym. It is cheaper when you look for one around your area and get membership. Also, if you need a push into doing some exercises, you can get a personal trainer but above all, go all the way with a makeover, you will fall in love with yourself.

Nail care

Nails are a very important part of the body and they give shape to the fingers. What's more, nails that are well taken care of will add such beauty to your hands that you will deem it very essential to take care of this little, but vital part of your body.

Bloody or mottled finger nails aren't pretty, but they can be dealt with quite easily. How about making a fragrant lotion in the comfort of your house, which you will use prior to applying nail varnish?

Our Recipe

• Glycerin
• hydrogen peroxide (3 percent solution)- Orange flower water

Equipment

• Measuring spoon
• Measuring cup
• Funnel
• 8-Ounce bottle with cap

Steps

1. Buy glycerin and orange flower water at a pharmacy
2. Yield 8 ounces
3. Measure 2 tablespoons of glycerin and 5/8 cap of 3 percent
hydrogen peroxide solution into an 8-ounce bottle, fill the bottle with orange
water, cap the bottle and shake it well.
To use the bleach, soak your nails in this mixture for about 15 minutes. Repeat as needed before applying clear vanish to the nails.

• Use remover to remove the grease from nails before soaking them
• File your nails regularly to maintain a good shape

• Apply hardener or remover to keep the nails original color.

With clean and beautiful hands, you will feel more beautiful and confident. You have all the rights to flaunt those attractive assets then, and the bloody or mottled fingernails will be a thing of the past.

Wear it Up!

Floral headbands will always give you a trendy look

If you can accessorize your clothes, why not your hair? It is a simple act of adding a dash of color here or there or simply clipping the hair that will create a tremendous change in the appearance of a person. Some accessories can make you look a million bucks worth yet you do not have to spend that much to look that good. All it takes is having the right head gear to match your dress.

Accessorizing the hair has become a worldwide trend as seen on the recent jean Paul Gautier and Chanel fashion shows. They have even extended from the conventional head wraps to a variety of product brands, from simple to super luxe ones. They have been made particularly big in order to give the hair more attention and add more sophistication to an entire look, and that is what is selling lately.
Hair clips are very fashionable and can be held in a bun or with the hair let loose while Head bands are back and bigger than ever. You can update your look with trendy colors, pretty prints and fabulous selection of shapes and sizes to fit your personal style. So make an effort to stock up those whimsical accessories that will transform you from bland to beautiful in an instant. The same applies to the trend with hair clips, hair claws and ribbons. Flowers and feathers create an elegant look so go for it for a perfect day or night look.

Some ways in which you can wear your hair is pulling the hair back into a ponytail, and then pulling the tail through to create a loop and fasten with beaded accessories or hair bands or simply hold the front of your hair with a scarf, it is trendy. Just go ahead and let your imagination run wild.

Tip
You can accessorize short hair too. Buy basic colors that blend well with almost all your favorite colors so that your head gear is not limited.

Images from make up for life.net

Flash your Best Lash!

Mascara - an everyday essential for lashes…instantly opens up your eyes!

Mascara is a cosmetic used to darken, lighten, color, thicken or lengthen the eyelashes. It comes in 3 different formulas say liquid, cake and cream. There are a range of mascara products such as sleek, Maybelline, M.A.C, Bobbi Brown to mention but a few.

Did you know that wearing mascara in any form is the greatest way to play with ones look? You know what they say about eyes-they are the window to the soul. Taking great care of your eyes means you have to pamper them a bit and bring out the best look. Mascara is available in tubes with wand applicators. So, whether it is volume or length that you are looking for, you will get your lash look with mascara it all depends on how you wear it.

Wearing mascara should not be a difficult task as many product packages have been redesigned for easier application than before. Today, we’ll take you through the art of wearing mascara and the different techniques to acquire the look you so long for.

First, apply a thin coat. Let it dry and then build up with a second coat of mascara. When applying mascara to the lower lashes, gently brush the tip of the applicator across them. Always allow the first coat to dry before applying the second. At the end comb to separate the hairs and to remove the excess mascara.

If you are looking for party effect mascara with lots of volume, then go for the extreme party mascara for the bolder look.

Our Recommendations...

No smudge mascara is another type of L’Oreal mascara (Available at Shear Illusions). Use it if you are looking for length without smudging. It creates a perfectly normal look. Another good product is the MAC mascara which is essential for an everyday look. It is an all in one formula that lenghthens, thickens and defines lashes without smudging or smearing.

More Tips

• Never add water to mascara
• To remove the excess mascara, blot the lashes with tissue.

In Fashion's Pace

While trends come and go, style is eternal. The ever changing, ever evolving fashioniser - the one who is always ahead of the pack - is the most stylish of all. We all have that girl around the corner we know who has everything in place each day or that celebrity who is always on point on the red carpet right? Now being them is practically impossible but one thing you can do is get in touch with your fashion sense and put an effort towards that.

Style comes in a number of ways. There is the trend setter-one who is always creating their own and moving forward to allow people to take up the style. This kind of person usually has a creative or artistic trait. Who do you think invents the color or material of the year? One thing I have realized about colors and blends is that they do not just come up. If you know the previous year color, find something that blends closest with it and it will pick up the next year. Some fashionisers find that in the color contrast. You too can start a color revolution that will create a huge following.

And then, there is the trend follower who sees what everybody is wearing and vows to buy the same thing. There is nothing wrong with that. The majority of us fall under the trend follower category anyway. I would say it is a good way to keep in style and stay ahead or in tune with fashion. There are some who buy fashion and beauty magazines and do the trend way before it has become something everybody is seen with. You could consider them fashionistas and follow suit.

So, how does one get ahead of the pack? There are So many easy ways to get the look and come ahead if you please. However, the easy way may bring your face first on the ground. Patience is what rules here. Imagine a world of ever changing trends being rushed as it unfolds, never ending in its show.

The secret by Rhonda Byrnes talks of asking and you will receive. Something of the sorts, you know-the law of attraction? I would say asking could be the first move. Consider asking for a bit of creativity and insight into the world of fashion. You have to tap into your creativity and live by Spirit because it takes a lot of energy to stay at the top of your game. We all know how fashion can be fickle. This means having a sixth sense on fashion. Any artist or creative person will tell you that. Although you may predict the older fashions that were in the industry and try to modernize them, you still have to be very keen on everyday trends.

A number of things that have been taken in as a trend; from our hair to the shoes that grace our feet, all keep revolving and must all complement each other in one form or the other.

Let’s take a look at how all these components are interrelated.

Hair styles say a lot about a person. It could range from simplicity to sophistication. Hair and fashion should always collide and be in tune. For example, the latest trend is the Lace Front wig, something new on the market .it and other new hair do’s match the latest trends in clothing and shoes. So create a statement look starting from your hair.

Accessorizing is another plus. Many clothes become even more glamorous when accessorized. There are various ways of doing this which include using scarves, belts, hats, pantyhose, bags and porches, shoes and many more additional ways of having a chic or sexy look. With accessories matching an outfit and the right hair, one is meant to make a huge fashion statement.

It is easy for a trendy person to choose the clothes, however, mixing and matching the accessories and the hairstyle should be done with caution as this can make or break an entire look.

Perfect finish always makes the difference. And that is what it means to look smashing from head to toe. Bringing your face to life with fresh and attractive effects such as lipgloss, blush, lip stick, eyeshadows and foundations create the perfect finish.

A Bridal Experience

Have you received a marriage proposal lately and do not know how to plan your next move? Well, you will be way too busy to prepare on your own so you need to get a team together so that everything moves smoothly for that special day. Most probably, the wedding planner will come in handy. But again, you do not want the wedding planner to follow their heart; you want your desires to be met for the occasion. In our African society, the wedding planners come in form of sisters, aunts and any female friends close by. For this article, we will refer to them as “friend”. Sometimes they can be a nuisance and yet the best thing that ever happened to you. But the best thing for you to do is to put your foot down and assign each one of them their special duties they should stick to for this is your special day.

Here are a few things they should be able to handle.

• Saving for your wedding. After you have been proposed to and are making a plan, you don’t need to beg for money from friends around. Do not rely on parents or relatives to fund the wedding either, it wears them down. Allow people to bring in what they can and work the rest. This means if you have a job, save enough for that day and share the bills with your spouse to be. It is also encouraged to get this special friend who will keep you in check with your finances. They could also help to host a few meetings and plan the dates if you plan on having a few of them.


• Planning the wedding. You need a site to get married. A location could range from a home to a hired venue. Most traditional marriages take place at home but if you feel like hosting an after party or having more liberal views on the venue and more creativity, you need to find places that are not too expensive. Finding the right site can save you a lot of money and this friend should help you plan for that and minimize the costs. This person should also make sure you detail your dream wedding so that it can turn out exactly how you have visualized it before. Arrangements for flowers and music should also be taken care of by them.


• Getting the clothes ready and well fitting. To avoid last minute cramming into a dress or having to reduce the dress, you need to keep fitting into the clothes and that should go on continuously. This friend should monitor your diet and regimes to keep you fit for the day. If you want to lose some weight, this friend will be there for you. Remember to have someone who is honest and whose opinions you truly trust in order to get through the process.


• Food preparations. Food is expensive and you have to put together a plan that would suit everybody who will attend your wedding. Make sure to include the drinks therein. This friend should look out to see whether you can find yourself cheaper offers in order to cut the cost. Without the right food, you will have grumpy guests who would not appreciate the entire wedding. The friend should also take care of your needs before the wedding say; help you with feeding schedules before the wedding in order to achieve a perfect skin and figure for the special day.


• The minister or Imam or the person in charge of carrying out the wedding ceremony should be taken care of by someone in charge. Make sure you have booked him for the right time. Get someone to keep in check with him, paying the fee or taking care of the banns.


• Ending notes. Don’t forget to say your thank you to the people who have been there for you all through the arrangements and to the people, who attended, say thank you to them after the wedding. The friend in charge should be able to send out those notes on time.
  
  I bet you’ll have a fabulous wedding if you keep up with the friends on these matters. But what matters most is you. So give it your all and look your best for this.