Fashion Trend : Denim On Denim

Fashion rules are meant to be broken, and lately that includes wearing denim on denim. The look has been seen on Kim Kardashian, Cameron Diaz, and Rihanna, among other A-listers. “Mixing denim is exciting because it has infinite possibilities.

After years of shunning denim on denim, why is it suddenly a trend?

It certainly had a pretty bad rap. I think for a long time we couldn’t get the image of Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake at the 2001 American Music Awards, wearing matching head-to-toe light wash, out of our minds. No one wanted to touch it. The shift can really be attributed to the rise of bloggers and street style. They offered up a host of styling ideas, making the thought of pairing a chambray shirt with jeans feel fresh again.

What’s the secret to pulling off the look?

The secret is balance. A lightweight pale shirt looks great with a dark denim skirt. It’s about knowing your body, and flattering your shape. When wearing denim on denim, lighter shades of denim draw attention to the body areas they cover, while darker washes create a slimming effect. Celebrities like Kate Bosworth, Miranda Kerr, and Alexa Chung always get it right. But if you pay attention to proportions, this look is easily accessible to anyone.

What is the most common mistake people make?

There are two major denim on denim pitfalls: picking denim that’s all the same weight and wash, and accessorizing with busy pieces. Both of these choices will leave you looking like a bit of a miss.

How do you know when you’ve gone overboard?

When you look more Jay Leno than J.Crew.

Should you look for pieces that are similar in colour or is it best to mix washes?

Mixing is best. When it’s all in one shade, head to toe denim can easily look you’re headed to the rodeo. But it’s not just a matter of wash—the weight of the fabrics should vary as well. A lightweight chambray shirt paired with dark skinnies and an amazing pair of heels can look very glam.

How can you dress it up or down?

For a casual look, try mixing light distressed denim shorts with a medium wash, over-sized, denim shirt and a great pair of motorcycle boots. A denim blazer and trouser-cut jeans are perfect for the office. If you want to look chic and sophisticated, accessorize with a sexy, slinky heel.

Which silhouettes work best?

Skinny jeans are probably the easiest to pull off. But it’s all about proportions. Any silhouette can work if it’s done right. The key is balance. Slouchy boyfriend jeans can pair nicely with a more feminine lightweight chambray shirt and instantly give a street style vibe that looks effortlessly put together.

M*A*C - LOOK IN A BOX COLLECTION

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STEP AWAY FROM THE EYELINER!!

Hi there

My cousin sent me this by e-mail and I laughed so hard that I new I had to share this on my blog.
These are the scariest eyebrows I have ever seen!

JUST THE LINER
Want thick, luscious eyebrows but you’re low on pencil? Just draw the outline and let people’s imaginations take it from there.

THE STRAIGHT AND NARROW
Not good at drawing arches? Why bother?

THE SQUIGGLE
Want to stand out in a crowd? Abandon traditional shapes for something a little more unique.

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
When it comes to eyebrows, sometimes you’ve got to go big and crazy or go home.

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
Can’t decide between thick or thin brows? Why not both?

THEY GROW ON YOU
Why settle for plain old eyebrows when the artistic possibilities are endless?

A CONVERSATION PIECE
When it comes to eyebrows, never be afraid to take height into consideration.

PLEASANTLY SURPRISED
Why not use your eyebrows to brighten your mood?

PRODUCT PLACEMENT
Why settle for run of the mill eyebrows and waste prime advertising real estate?

A SMALLER STATEMENT
Sick of big brows? Why not try something itty bitty for a change?

YOU'RE RIGHT
You know what’s easier to draw than arches? Right angles.

CLOSER 

Do your eyebrows look lonely? Why not have them meet in the middle for an all day facial fist bump? 

NOT SEEING EYE TO EYE
Whatever you do, never forget that eyebrows have feelings too

THE POINT

Want to make sure your eyebrows are on point? Sometimes you have to take it literally.

FLEXIBLE
Why settle for just one emotion when you can express them all?

The 12 Best Makeup Shades for Work

Dramatic smoky eyes and glossy purple lips don't really have a place at the office (well, unless you work at a nightclub). Here's what does have a place at the office: flushed cheeks, rose-gold eyes, and bright lips. So loosen up, lean in a little, and discover 12 shades to get you through the daily grind.


FOUNDATION
Yes, we have always been told to find the perfect foundation for your skin tone. The experts say forget this rule between the hours of nine and five, at least. Fluorescent office lighting tends to lend a greenish cast to your complexion, but you can beat it by wearing a foundation shade that's a half shade darker than your skin.
Crazy? Yes. But it works.  Choose a medium-coverage formula, since it evens out skin without looking streaky or cakey.  If you are not happy with this rule, try a bronzing powder instead to warm up your complexion.

PEACH BLUSH
It doesn't matter if you're going on a date or to a 9 A.M. status meeting: A washed-out complexion won't do you any favors. That's where peach blush comes in. It keeps you skin from looking sallow and goes great with warm metallic eye shadow, like bronze, copper, rose-gold, or champagne. Use a blush with a matte finish that is subtle, natural-looking, and nearly impossible to overdo.

HOT CORAL BLUSH
It's a myth that you can't pull off bright makeup at work. A punchy coral blush gives fair complexions a lively flush any day of the week. We know it looks loud in the pan, but choose a cream formula, tread lightly, and blend like crazy to avoid clown cheeks.

REDDISH POPPY BLUSH
Dark complexions should add this saturated hue to their weekly agenda: The deep poppy-red imparts a gorgeous rosy glow that leaves skin looking fresh and healthy. Try a

Cream Blush in Cranberry; its creamy formula won't quit all day.

ROSE-GOLD SHADOW
Beige eye shadow is a snoozefest. You know what's not? Rose-gold. It's still a neutral, but a pink tinge and hint of shimmer boosts the most conservative office uniforms. Try brushing one of these shades over your lids, and finish with a dark brown pencil and black mascara.

CHAMPAGNE SHADOW
Remember how wide-eyed you were on your first day on the job? Classic and subtle, champagne makes re-creating that look a cinch. Seriously: A dab of the glistening shade makes eyes look bigger and younger (bonus!)

COPPER SHADOW
This burnished shade is warm and just a little sexy, but not in an in-your-face, office-inappropriate kind of way. Below: Clinique Chubby Stick Shadow Tint for Eyes in Fuller Fudge.

ESPRESSO OR SLATE EYELINER
Don't toss your staple black liner, but try working a new but still subdued shade, like espresso or slate, into the rotation to lighten things up during the week. These shades give eyes gorgeous definition without looking harsh.  Below: A brown eyeliner which is a dark espresso brown with a rich colour payoff.

BRIGHT RED
A quick way to look polished: Add a jolt of bright red and keep the rest of your makeup simple. Revlon Cherries In The Snow is a go-to creamy blue-based red, which flatters even the fairest complexions. It's vibrant but not shocking, so it won't look radioactive under those unflattering fluorescent bulbs.

BRIGHT PINK
Medium complexions can pull off orangey pinks, like M.A.C. Lustre Lipstick in Lustering. Skip the glossy finish, but not only because supershiny lips are too much for coffee with your boss: Reapplication will pretty much become your full-time job.

BRIGHT ORANGE
Vivid orange hues are standouts against dark skin. The key to making it office-appropriate is precise application: To keep color from bleeding, paint it on with a brush, pat on translucent powder, and top with another layer of lipstick. Keep a mirror on standby for checks and touch-ups throughout the day, too. When you're going bright, you have to commit. Below: Mac Morange Lipstick

BERRY STAIN
For days you'd rather not go bold, get out the door fast with a rosy stain. Pat it on with your fingers, pair it with just a little liner and mascara, and you'll quickly look pulled together. Below: L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Caresse Wet Shine Stain, Berry Persistent

The 10 Anti Ageing Commandments

The onset of fine lines is inevitable, but knowing what to avoid and promote can assist in slowing down the process of ageing.

#1. Thou Shalt use Paraban Free Skincare
Its is a little ironic that parabans, which are widely used in anti-aging products, have been linked to premature ageing. The most common are butylparaben, methylparaben, and propylparaben. You’ll find these listed on up to 75% of personal care and cosmetic products. Paraban free brands include Aveda, Beaucience, L’occitane & Dr Hauschka.

#2. Thou Shalt Avoid Rubbing Tired Eyes
As good as it feels, the skin around our eyes is the most vulnerable to probing paws. Ensure the skin around the eyes is hydrated with a gel based product for this sensitive area.

#3. Thou Shalt Avoid White Sugar
According to dermatologists, eating processed sugar speeds up the ageing process by binding to and eventually weakening the collagen in your skin, thus leading to premature wrinkles.

#4. Thou Shalt Stay Hydrated
Drinking 2 litres of water a day helps deliver vital nutrients to the deeper layers of the skin

#5. Thou Shalt Avoid Heavy Foundation
Not only does heavy foundation settle into fine lines making them more obvious, but it enlarges your pours which contributes to the long term drying out and ageing of the skin. I figure it’s counter productive to fork out on paraban free skincare products to then go and top it off with a heavy chemical filled foundation.

On a day-to-day basis, try to a paraban free tinted moisturiser, and limit my MAC foundation to nights out.

#6. Thou Shalt Avoid Heavy Concealer
The eye area is the most delicate area on our face in which face creams can be highly  irritable. To avoid the early onset of crows feet around the eye area, pamper the eyes with specific eye gels / moisturisers before applying a hydrating specific concealer.

#7. Thou Shalt Follow A Retinol Regime
Slow down the clock by introducing the use of retinol, which minimises already existing fine lines. Dermatologists advise that this is a must for ladies in their 30′s, and recommend beginning in your mid-late 20′s. These can be very sensitising so try using it 3 times a week to begin with to gauge how your skin tolerates it.

#8. Though Shalt Say No to Smoking
Smoking destroys collagen and elastin which is needed to maintain firm, youthful skin. Smokers often develop fine lines around the mouth area.

#9. Thou Shalt Stay Out of the Sun
As obvious as this sounds as we all know that UV Rays dry out the skin causing it to age prematurely, but now dermatologists recommend using SPF on your face, chest and hands all year round. And don’t forget your sunglasses! Constant squinting of your eyes to avoid sunlight can cause lines around the eyes.

#10. Thou Shalt Wash Your Face Daily
Foundation and dry powders take its toll on our skin so make sure to remove these at night. After washing your face, sleep with an intense  night cream to help hydrate and repair the damage from make-up while you sleep.

The 10 Commandments Of Blush

Blush can either make or break your look. A peachy glow can be the cherry on top of a fresh-face look, but one heavy handed stroke can take you from chic to clown in no time. The seasons may change but you can bet on these 10 commandments never budging an inch!

#1.   Thou shalt start with a clean canvas
A rosy glow is gorgeous, but when you suffer from rosacea or redness your blush can compete with the natural colour of your cheeks. Buff your favourite foundation onto clean skin to pop on colour where you want it!

#2.  Thou shalt find the right formula
For normal to dry skin: Try a cream blush.  It blends in more easily than other formulations and generally looks a little more natural.  It's almost like an added layer of moisture.

For normal to oily skin: Go with a powder formula which helps soak up oil. It will last longer than a cream blush, which can migrate and fade.

For oily skin: A gel (which can be hard to blend on drier skin) stays put. Try Almay Smart Shade Blush.

#3. Thou shalt choose the proper tools

The wrong tools are usually culprits of uneven blush. For bright powder blush, a good fan brush is a must.  It's best at distributing colour evenly and creating a soft effect.

A fan or a big, fluffy brush works with other powder blushes, as long as it's soft. The bigger brushes can be too thick, giving you too dense an application.. I likes both natural and synthetic bristles.  There are also goat- and pony-hair ones for their softness. For cream or gel blush, the best tool is your fingers.

#4. Thou shalt prime first
Blush can exacerbate redness and look blotchy on uneven skin. The fix? A great primer.  That way you have a smooth base for your blush to go over.

#5. Thou shalt always powder before blush
Give your blush a fighting chance by setting your liquid foundation with a powder. Not only will your foundation stay in place but the powder will soak up the oil, leaving your blush sitting pretty.
Even if your skin isn't oily, a layer of translucent powder used as a primer for your powder blush will help the pigment go on uniformly and last longer. If you like a dewy look and normally avoid powder, just powder the area where you'll be applying blush.

#6.  Thou shalt learn proper placement
For the most natural look, begin your blush application at the top of the apple of your cheek. The idea is to deposit most of the pigment "where rosiness would first appear naturally, if you were simply flushing,  If you can't see where that spot is, smile to push the apples up. Then, placing the colour on the part that lies directly below your pupil, blend outward, toward the ear.

The proper method to apply blush depends on your face shape:
Round face Apply blush starting from the top of your cheekbone, above the contour colour. Come down at about a 45 degree angle and curve up to the apples of your cheeks.
Thin face Apply blush to the middle of your cheeks in circular motions. Then, blend it to the cheekbones as far as your ears.
Long face Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks and extend to your temples.
Square face Apply blush to your apples and hollows of your cheeks (you can find the hollows by puckering your lips).

#7. Thou shalt layer if necessary 
Some woman complain that their skin "drinks up" the cheek colour by midday. To keep the colour going strong, first apply a little cream blush and let it sink in, then dust a bit of translucent powder over the area and finish with powder blush. The colour should last for hours.

#8. Thou shalt pick a finish
First, think of the lighting: Certain lights reflect more than others—fluorescent especially—so skip anything too sparkly at the office.

Then consider your skin: Blushes with shimmer bring sallow skin back to life, while matte blushes are ideal for oily skin, eliminating shine and staying put longer. Sheer blushes, which tend to be creams or gels, look best on very dark or very pale complexions, since they allow the skin to show through.

#9.  Thou shalt know how to tone it down

Tap off the excess powder from your blush before you apply it. When using gel and cream, dab your fingers.  Just in case you went overboard with the blush, don’t panic — there’s a fix. Dab a tiny bit of foundation onto a stippling brush and apply it to cheeks to lightly diffuse the colour. If you have a damp beauty blender on hand tap it over the colour until the clownish effect is gone.
Another tip is to tone it down with your setting powder.  Dab your brush lighlty over the over-done blush until it has been toned down.

#10. Thou shalt remember to blend!
Blush can easily look uneven and overdone. For fool-proof application, designate one brush to apply the color and one clean brush to blend with.  You can pull off even the most intimidating blushes by blending like a pro.
Without blending blush can appear unnatural and sharp.

Additional tip:-
The whole idea of putting colour on your cheeks is to mimic a healthy glow. Though there's room for variation, rose shades are best for pale skin, apricot shades work for medium complexions, and muted brick reds flatter dark skin.