A new year brings new trends. This winter 2019 is no exception, especially in the fashion world. This winter is all about classics but also fun and glamour. And as it is still winter, we want to feel cosy and warm. How does this translates into looks? Let’s talk about the winter 2019 fashion trends.

Layering: having fun and staying warm

Layering is the accumulation of items and colours. It is really convenient in winter to stay warm and create a shield against the cold. If you want to play it bold and colourful, you can add layers of different colours as seen in the Balenciaga fashion show. To keep it more simple, play with textures instead and add a hoodie and a padded jacket on a leather or lace dress. Knitwear is also a must and you can wear a nice sweater over a shirt and under a parka for example. Clothing stores are full of options for layering as there are so many ways of following this trend.

Bringing back old trends

As fashion works in cycles, it is no surprise to see looks inspired from the 60s, 70s, 80s and even 90s. Mini-dresses and mini-skirts are perfect to bring back the free spirit of the 60s. Free the hippie in you by mixing and matching patterns and get a folk look with capes and fringes. The 80s and the structured jackets are also back. We like the 80s shoulders in dresses or blazers and short or oversize jackets. Glitter is also allowed both day and night. Mom jeans remind us of the 90s and also the fluo colours.

Prints

As for prints, you can almost try anything. Leopard and python are must-haves wether in a small touch with a belt or bag or a stronger piece like a skirt or trousers. Checks are also everywhere and in a lot of colours as is the chic houndstooth check.

Take Care of Your Feet There is a well known saying that if you take care of your feet then they will look after you. Think about how much you use yours every day – they carry you everywhere. From rocky terrains to city streets, many people take their feet for granted until it’s too late and they start experiencing painful problems with them. Fortunately, here are a few helpful tips on how to take care of them without breaking the bank. Good Quality Footwear One of the worst ways in which we can cause damage to our feet is by wearing uncomfortable or ill fitting footwear. Shoes are a fashion statement, and our choice of them says a lot about the people we are. Whilst you may have to wear your stilettos to a high end fashion event, it would be unwise to wear them in everyday life. Good shoes will provide decent support for the arch of your foot, and be large enough to give your feet room to breathe properly when they get hot. If you exercise on a regular basis, go to your local sports shop and ask them advice on the best types of shoe to wear for your particularly sport. If you are the type of person who has to stand up for the majority of the day at work, make sure that your shoes are comfortable, smart, and durable. Pamper and Moisturise Whilst it is not necessary to do this on every night, it may be a good idea for you to invest in a quality foot moisturiser to apply at least once a week. If you already have existing problems such as Athletes Foot or dry skin, book yourself an appointment with a recognised chiropodist. Not only will they be able to provide you with suitable treatment, they will give you industry recognised tips on how to look after them in the future. Foot spas can be found at a number of high street shops, and there is nothing better than having a soak in bubbly hot water at the end of a long hard day. Even better, treat yourself to a trip to a local spa and let other people pamper you instead. Treat your feet like a true best friend. No matter what you do or how you treat them, they will always be there for you as long as you give a bit of time to looking after them now and then!  

For many people, a good scrub at the end of a rough day is a must. Scrubbing not only eliminates stubborn dirt on the skin, it does much more than that. For starters, it improves blood circulation. The ‘roughness’ in the scrub invigorates the skin, especially if applied in a way that mimics massaging. This brings about a relaxing state of mind. You feel both pampered and calmed, not to mention fresh and clean at the end of the scrubbing session! Go For Homemade Body Scrubs While there are many commercial body scrubs available out there, many people swear that the best are the ones that they make themselves. It is not so much the money factor that makes people want to create their own, although some body scrubs can be very expensive indeed. Making your own scrub is both easy and satisfying that it becomes part of the calming and relaxing activity that occurs before the actual body scrubbing routine takes place. There are many recipes that can be used for making body scrubs. Some are simple while others are sophisticated. Generally, there are three main categories of ingredients present in any body scrub recipe – exfoliant, carrier oil, and fragrance. The exfoliant is the gritty stuff that provides the ‘roughness’ so desired in any scrub. The most common exfoliants are salt and sugar, because these dilute in water and hence you need not worry about dealing with a messy bathtub after use. However, some people like to try more ‘exotic’ exfoliants like ground coffee, oatmeal, almond meal, rice bran, and several others. Ground coffee gives a fantastic aroma, making it rather popular among scrub lovers. Carrier oil (or base oil) is the stuff that holds the potion together, and at the same time, it moisturizes your skin. Sunflower oil, grape seed oil, and hazelnut oil are quite common. Some oils tend to be heavy, leaving your skin rather greasy after use. Which oil to choose depends on how you like your skin to feel after the scrub. Many recipes call for 1/3 cup of carrier oil for every cup of exfoliant used. The last ingredient is fragrance, which comes from essential oil or synthetic fragrance oil. Essential oil is, of course, the better option, and choosing one depends on the type of skin you own. For example, if your skin is normal, then several drops of germanium, lavender, and ylang-ylang will work out wonders. Experiment and Enjoy the Result! Try out a few simple recipes first, and see how the body scrubs of your very own creation suit your skin and your mind. Experiment with different combinations of exfoliants, base oils, and fragrances. You will find that the whole routine of making, storing, and then using the body scrubs is a comforting and soothing experience that is well worth your time!

Putting on make-up can be fun, especially if the reason for putting it on is to look your best for the great event you are attending. However, removing the make-up is another story, because this job usually comes at the end of the day, when you just feel like jumping into bed and falling asleep. While jumping straight into bed is the more tempting option, it is important that you spend enough time and effort on make-up removal. For, without a good and proper make-up removal routine, you will find that your skin will not behave the way you like it to be. Easy Make-up Removal Techniques I have two make-up removal routines – the first is the short version, and another is the long, elaborate one. At times when I am very tired, I use the shorter version. I start by squeezing a bit of cosmetic remover cream onto a few pieces of square cotton puffs. Some people use regular moisturizer or lotion when doing this, which can work out just fine. Then, I gently wipe my eyes with the cotton puffs. If I have stubborn make-up like waterproof mascara, I do this several times. Once my eyes are rid of cosmetics, I repeat the step on my T-bone and cheeks using either the square cotton puffs or some make-up wipes. Either way, the puffs or the wipes must be fresh. I do not ‘recycle’ the puffs or wipes after they are used at other parts of my face. The short make-up removal routine ends here. Of course, this over-simplistic regime is the barest minimum one. Going a few more steps beyond this is much better in the long run. So, if what I have on my face is heavy, or if I still have the energy to pamper my face some more, I would then proceed to apply a cleanser, followed by a toner, and then moisturizer. The toner picks up on whatever left-over traces of make-up on the face, while the moisturizer serves as a kind of balm on my skin after it has been subjected to the rather harsh make-up removal routine earlier. This full regime will not only make my skin feel better, it is also psychologically calming as I lay down to sleep. Only the Best Products for Me I have been using only the best make-up removal products. They smell fresh, and are gentle to my rather sensitive skin. This means they are water-based, and without any perfume or alcohol. I believe that a good facial cleanser applied with a spiral motion on the skin goes a long way to improve blood circulation, opens up pores, and does cleansing, exfoliating, and toning on the skin. Most of the time, I actually enjoy my make-up removal routine!

Find the Perfect Eyeshadow Eye make-up is perhaps one of the trickier products to buy and even to apply. With such a diverse selection of colours, styles, brands, palettes and varieties, it’s not always easy to understand what the best product is for your needs and also what suits your look. Should you match it to the colour of your eyes? Do you apply it both above and below the eye? Must you stick to one colour or can you mix them? What type of brush is best for application? And how do you create a smoky eye look? Natural and Everyday Looks While most people see eyeshadow as a fundamental part of their going-out and party image, very often women avoid eyeshadow for every day looks as it can be seen as too heavy. This does not have to be the case. Eye-make-up can still look very subtle and flattering even if it is light and natural looking. The key is to choose the most appropriate shade and apply it correctly. For example, if you have brown, hazel or dark eyes, opt for a palette of warm, earthy, neutral tones such as browns, beiges, golds and taupes in a range of strengths. These shades should be applied lightly and subtly over the lid to compliment the eye – not overpower it. Sticking to these neutral tones creates a natural look that flatters. If you have blue eyes, stick to light shades of blues and greys. Do not saturate the eye area in a single sheet of shadow – simply apply it to the crease of the eye socket and gently sweep it out towards the outer corners. Glam Looks Weekend make-up is a great excuse for creating more dramatic looks like the smoky eye. To do this, you must first identify the different sections of the eye area, namely, the lid, the outer corner, inner corner, the socket line and above the socket, and under the eye. Each section requires a slightly different shade or strength to create a dramatic look that enhances the eye and makes it look bigger and better. Begin by sweeping the entire eyelid with the lightest shade. Blend in a darker shade towards the outer corner and the darkest shade within the crease of the socket. You can also apply a little under the eye but be careful not to overdo it here as it is easy to end up with a panda-eye look without even realising!

The skill to apply mascara can be mastered fast and easily. The eye product is available in many colors to suit many different kinds of eyes and eyelashes. You have to ensure you pick the right mascara before proceeding to application. Once you learn the basics of application you will be in a position to refine your skill until you become a fan. Applying mascara will enhance your eyes and define your eyelashes. In addition, it can give you pretty and natural-looking lashes. The steps are simple to follow to achieve a fantastic mascara-look that you have always wanted. Use an eye curler to give your lashes some curls. Open the type of mascara you have chosen to complement your look. Pull the wand out and remove any unnecessary mascara by scraping the tip or dabbing it on tissue. Hold the mascara and start applying with an exterior motion. Place the wand near the roots and wiggle it to apply the lash line and work your way to the tips. The wiggling gives the illusion of depth, reduces clumping and helps to separate the eyelashes. While still wiggling, move the wand through your eyelashes by using the upward motion. Use the wand to pull the eyelashes outward and against your temple. Apply more coats preferably 2 or 3 to acquire a more defined look. Apply the other coats while the first coat is not too dry to avoid clumps.

Tips to Applying Mascara Properly

Make sure you clean your eyelashes well before you apply mascara. Keep your eyes open so you can see how you are doing with the application and to avoid smearing. If you have to apply mascara on the lower lashes ensure you place tissue under the lashes. Do not apply all the lower eyelashes. Instead, give the lashes at the outer corner of your eyes a light touch to avoid a doll-like look. Pumping the wand in and out allows air in the tube which can cause the mascara to dry quickly. A color that is slightly darker than the color of your eyebrow can give you a more natural look. Bend the wand at the best angle that gives you a steady hand. Curling your eye lashes before application can give your eyes a brighter and wider appearance.

How to Remove Mascara Lumps

You can learn to apply mascara like a professional once you learn the steps, tricks and tips. However, you may get occasional clumps on your lashes. Clumps give the eyelashes an inconsistent and shady look. You can remove the clumps by using an eyelash comb to brush your eyelashes after the mascara has dried.

In a world where beauty is prized, skin care reigns supreme. But before a good skin care regime can be developed, it is important to know and understand the type of skin you have. This vital knowledge should be used as the basis to devise the most suitable cleansing, toning, and moisturizing routine for yourself. If you keep to this routine religiously, then, over a period of time, you will see the fruits of your labor. Basic Skin Types In general, there are five main skin categories – dry, normal, oily, combination, and sensitive. Of course, normal skin is the best because it is the least problematic. It looks clean, and has a feel of elasticity and suppleness when touched. Even with age, those with normal skin type look good. Dry skin, on the other hand, tend to have reddish patches, alongside flakes and fine wrinkles, resulting in a dull and ashy appearance. In contrast, those with oily skin suffer from shine and rather large pores. To add, blackheads and blemishes are a part of this skin type. Most people have combination skin, which is probably the most difficult to take care of. For, you will have to deal with two different types of skin behaviors at any one time – an oily T-zone, and dry cheeks. Breakouts are quite frequent, and skin pores, especially at the nose area, are likely to be quite visible. How to Determine Your Skin Type In order to determine your skin type, just answer some basic questions like your skin’s texture, pore appearance, feeling of tightness around the mouth and the eyes, and the existence of shine, wrinkles and pimples. There are many internet sites that provide these easy tests. The diagnosis will be given in a fraction of a second after you have completed the test. Of course, if you prefer, just visit some departmental stores that stock upmarket skin care products. There are surely some beauticians on duty who can help you determine the skin category you belong to. Care for Your Skin Once you know the category of your skin, you can look for the most suitable products to buy and how best to use them. For example, if you have combination skin, a balance between oil control in the T-zone, and moisture application at other areas, is needed in order to ensure an even and healthy skin tone. A good, mild cleanser used twice a day would be sufficient. If you have sensitive skin, sun-screen creams and lotions should always be applied. The cleanser to choose here is the basic, mild, baby soap. On the other hand, dry skin calls for creamer or lotion cleansers rather than bar soaps. No matter what your skin type, there are thousands of products out there you can choose from. Choose and use the products wisely for the best skin results!

What is a BB Cream? BB creams are everywhere having made a massive impact upon the world of everyday cosmetics and beauty over the course of the last 2 years. Originating in Asia where they have long been popular, this miracle cream has made its way to become one of the beauty essentials of recent years with almost every known make-up and beauty brand developing its own version. The BB in BB cream actually stands for Blemish Balm although this can be slightly deceptive as it is certainly not just aimed at spot-prone skin. Essentially it is a highly multi-functional or all-in-one cosmetic that serves a multitude of purposes. It is this convenience and functionality that have attracted many women and made it a fundamental part of many beauty regimens. Protection and Nourishment While the creams vary to some extent depending upon the brand, they essentially all have the same properties, one of which is to protect and nourish the skin. These lotions are infused with several skin-boosting nutrients and essential vitamins and minerals that serve to hydrate the skin while also creating a defensive layer against harmful environmental effects. Most are also inclusive of a degree of UV protection and pore-refining and smoothing ingredients which altogether help to moisturise and protect the skin on a daily basis. Alternative to Foundation As well as the hydrating and protective factors that the cream provides, it can also be used as a foundation or basic cover-up instead of make-up. The cream is tinted so you can usually choose which shade you want – much like real foundation but with less colour variety – and provides a great level of coverage for blemishes, uneven skin tone, enlarged pores or any other areas that need correction or coverage. While more severe blemishes and spots would likely warrant a stronger concealer, this cream is perfect for everyday milder blemishes that do not require a strong concealment. Dewy Appearance One of the many factors that women admire in this product is the dewy and soft coverage that it gives too the face. Rather than looking caked-on or heavily made-up, this cream is designed to look extremely natural and fresh and creates a dewy glow and radiance when applied properly. This look is very on trend at the moment and the cream makes it very easy to achieve. Overall, the multi-functionality of the cream and the convenience it provides makes it a great option for busy women, or women who do not like to wear much make-up, as it saves time and hassle particularly in the morning when every moment is precious!

You can transform your look within five minutes by cutting your own bang. A hair bang is also known as a “fringe”. You can achieve looks such as pin-up, choppy, straight, shaved, parted and side fringes among many others. To know how to cut the hairstyle you need materials such as scissors, comb and a mirror. Follow these steps to achieve a great fringe: a. Sit in front of the mirror and visualize where you want your trims to hang when learning how to cut bang. b. Comb the hair to the front and let it fall freely. c. Select the hair to cut and part it to create a triangle. d. Use the pins to secure hair you do not want to cut. e. Grasp the hair you want to cut between your fingers. f. Keep the hair you want to trim centered, hold it with your weak hand and twist it to secure all the hairs. g. Cut your hair using your dominant hand to ensure steady trimming. h. Start at the center of the forehead and snip a quarter-inch at a time until you are satisfied. Cutting your own hair is tricky and can be a disaster if you do it wrong. You should note that it is easy to cut hair but impossible to attach it back. These tips will guide you to know how to cut it perfectly. Tips When Cutting your Own Bang Prior cutting, ensure your hair is dry. Do not wet it because you are likely to make a mistake when cutting it. You can begin cutting your wet hair only to end up with shorter hair than you wanted. You also need to decide the size of your fringe before cutting. If you desire a thicker trim go further back to find where it will start. In addition, choose sharp hair-cutting scissors for the work. Begin by separating the rest of the hair with a band or clips to avoid accidentally cutting it. Thereafter, twist the hair before snipping to allow a “wispy” look rather than a blunt chop. While cutting the selected hair, comb it down to decide on the length. Tips When Trimming your Existing Bang First, style your hair as you do normally including the fringe to make sure your trim will fit. Then hold the hair back and leave the cuts out. You should pull the cuts in front of your face and trim. Furthermore, make sure the cuts are even and snip while holding the scissors up. You can begin from the center and trim outward until you obtain the desired length but do not cut across. Lastly, comb your hair using your fingers and cut hairs that are out of place.