How to Be Cute

Young hearts know that being 'cute' is one of the best ways to get noticed. And if you think about it logically, 'cute' could mean a number of things. A concept as vague as 'cute' can get difficult to explain. And yet we labor on, 'coz when it comes to the matters of the heart, logic hardly ever plays a part. So young boys and girls (especially) and older men and women (sometimes) realize that being 'cute' is going to win them the edge and get them noticed. Is it good to be cute, though? Sure, what could be the harm in being cute? If nothing else, it is definitely an esteem booster. Then how to be cute is the eternal question that remains to be answered. In this article, we will try and look for an answer to that very query and understand what goes into becoming cute (for yourself, or for someone special). Read on for some answers.

Ways to Be Cute

Being cute could inculcate a whole lot of things. Attitude, looks, dressing, mannerisms...the list is endless. And at the end of it all, it is rather impossible to decide whether what one person finds cute and endearing is something that the other will find cute and endearing. But we can definitely try to give you some general rules that you can follow. Here's how to be cute and flirty with someone that you want to impress, or notice.

Accessories
Girls? Find a characteristic style to accessorize with. An accessory that sets you apart? A cute hair piece with a bunch of hair out (one of the best ways of how to be cute for a guy!). Nothing like a hairband to get the cute factor running. It has something to do with the whole phenomenon of being on the playground as kids again, with frilly frocks and bows and ribbons. Think about it. And while you can't go about emulating that style in middle school (and please don't), you can definitely carry the essence through with some cute ways to do your hair like using a hairband. Think of some other accessory you think you can make even cuter and use it to your advantage like glasses or hats perhaps? As for the guys? And I've seen this work, slightly untidy hair is perceived as really, really cute. The coaxed, pulled back and gelled hair might look awesome, but the way it just peeks out can be very appealing. Just make sure you don't look like a maniac. The idea is to get the slight out-of-bed look.

Dress to Impress
There are some clothes that are sexy - like leather pants or halter tops or guys with white crisp shirts and blue jeans. But then there are those that have a universal cute factor attached to it. For girls? Cute outfits like frilly tops, paired with cute skirts always seem to make a mark. And the guys? Try keeping the first two buttons of your shirt open, or try pulling the shirt out of your pants a little and letting it be out (This could work out to be one of the best ways of how to be cute to a girl.) You might think that girls don't notice these things, but they do!

Making Pretty
Here's the deal...you have a face, make it cuter by highlighting your features! A simple shave can get a guy noticed just so easily! And girls? A lip gloss of a subtle color that draws attention to your lips? Why not think in that direction? You can also try applying a little mascara or an eye liner and get a lot cuter. Applying a fruity perfume or a more masculine musk one can get you noticed just as easily and there's nothing like a whiff of it to set the cute factor in place.

It's All in the Talk
How you interact and what you say to the other, can instantly give you the cute status. Be funny, be flirty and talk sense. You could even use these cute pickup lines or cute messages to make the impression last.

Nicknames
Cliché? Hell no. It works, it so works. Now imagine you have a bunch of friends who call you by your name and then someone comes up with a cute nickname for you (not sickening, cute) or finds a cute way of saying an already existing nickname. Wouldn't that warm your heart? Why do you think guys come up with cute nicknames for girlfriend and vice versa? That is one of the charms of getting an exclusive name for yourself and one of the best ways to be cute is to start calling someone by a sweet moniker. (But be sure that they aren't irritated by it in any way.) So go on and find something cute from this list of cute names to call your girlfriend or cute nicknames for boyfriends.

Smile
You try to find whatever ways you need of how to be cute in middle school or any other section of school, but there is nothing, and I mean nothing that is as good as a smile. A potent smile. A smile can literally take away the awkwardness of any situation and make you feel warm. And if it's a dimpled smile, you're really done for. If you haven't realized the power of the smile then I suggest you get to it right now. Cute, cute, cute.

And that's how to be cute the right way and make it last and linger on. These are some of the ways that you can try out, after that it is all a matter of trial and error to see the kind of reactions that you get from people or that someone special and then change what you want. But then again, being cute for yourself and for no one in particular is something that'll give a confidence like no other. Try it for yourself and see what I mean.

Ways to Sweat-Proof Your Makeup

 

Makeup malfunctions are like disasters that can strike anytime. Be it at the hottest party when you check your makeup in the mirror after strutting your stuff through the night or a hot summer day at your important meeting! You may have come in looking like a goddess but now, you realize that you look like a homeless crackhead. Makeup half washed out due to sweat can ruin your carefully picked out trendy outfit. It would be absolutely ludicrous to use a heavier quantity of your cosmetics in a bid to have additional color and prevent looking drab. Either you can opt for a no-makeup look and risk it or learn the way to sweat-proof your makeup and never be worried about sweating again. The basic rule of make-up, "less is more", applies especially in the case of sweat-proofing your make-up. Applying heavy coats will make it difficult for the make-up to stay on your skin and it will easily glide off your skin. Using less will ensure that your make up dries of quickly on your skin and lasts longer. The brilliance lies in not loading up on makeup but in preparing your skin pre and post application to sweat-proof it.

Ways to Sweat-Proof Your Makeup

Go Oil Free
Everyone knows that applying oil-based make up is not a smart idea especially if you perspire a lot. So instead, opt for a water-based or matte foundation and concealer. If you have a dry skin, which is common in most people after the twenties, moisturize your skin well with a double coat of a mild lotion. Do not weigh down your skin with a heavy moisturizer because it will clog your pores and make the skin slippery. Use a liquid eye-liner instead of an eye-pencil as it does not smudge once dry.
Try: Clinique's Stay True Makeup Oil-Free Formula and Bobbi Brown Oil-free Even Finish Foundation. LycoGel's Camouflage foundation and concealer is suitable for sensitive and fragile skin. Victoria's Secret Oil Free Cream-to-Powder foundation is priced only at $15.

It's Primer Time
A primer is a good base to use under your foundation and concealer. It helps the make-up last longer, brings out the color and reduces sheen on your face due to oiliness. Skimping on primer is essentially inviting a makeup disaster to befall upon yourself.
Tip: If you are in a rush and have run out of a good primer, try this tip. Use a baby talcum powder and lightly dust it on your T-zone with your makeup brush. Alternatively, you can alse a an eyeshadow that most resembles your skin tone. Lightly dab the tip of your fingertip over it and with a feather touch motion, apply it around your eyes and other areas. This will prevent the makeup from running off and hide spots too.
Try: Bare Escentuals Prime Time Oil Control Foundation Primer at $21 and Alcone's Super Matte Antishine Kit at $28.

Killer Eyes All Through the Night
To ensure that your eye makeup lasts throughout, use a cream-to-powder eye shadow. Cream-to-powder formulas help apply the eye shadow easily, give your eyes a subtle sheen (sparkle) and stick to your skin. A cream to powder based make up is present in a cream form and transforms into fine micro particles when it gets in contact with skin. It is very light and gives the skin a natural look (finish). However, it is not suitable for oily skin as it can make it appear shinier. Or you can apply primer on your eyes before using a powder eye-shadow to avoid having your eyes look chalky. It also reinforces and peps up your eye-shadow's color. You can seal your eye-make up with light strokes of pressed powder. Use a gel or a liquid liner with a felt tip to avoid smudging for best results. Fluid gel liners are very easy to apply and stay longer than their liquid or pencil counterparts.
Try: Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion, L'Oréal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara at $11 and Mac fluid line at $14.50.

Soak in the Minerals
Mineral powder contains silica which helps reduce oil without causing you to break out because its particles are light weight and loose. Many foundations and concealers are now available with minerals as a vital ingredient. In fact, mineral makeup also acts as a good concealer without clogging up your pores. It makes your skin look fresh and not cakey.
Try: Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil is available at $19 in various types.

Perfect Pout
Use a more natural shade of lipstick and it should closely match your actual lip color. If the lipstick fades away after a few hours, it will not give you a ghastly appearance by having a different color on the outer line of your lips and different color in the center. However, if you need to go bright or dark, then apply a coat of primer under your lipstick for it to stay longer. After applying your lipstick, put a sheet of tissue on top of your lips and press. Apply a second coat and repeat. Take minimal quantity of translucent powder on your brush and light tap on top of you lips over the tissue. Don't forget to line your lips with a long-lasting lip liner. Apply a coat of lip gloss on top. If during the night you cannot touch up your lips, even out the lipstick by smudging it with your finger. I would recommend using water-proof liners.
Tip: Peachy shades with gloss over them look fresh and natural. Also, use your lipstick to stain your cheeks instead of opting for a blusher.
Try: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye and Lip Pencils at $18 and Revlon's color stay dip line.

Blot it Away
Blotting paper is an absolute must-have in your bag. It will help you remove excess oil off your face without fading away your make-up like an ordinary tissue. Some also have powder in them so you can touch up your makeup. However, it can make oily skin look flaky so go in for a normal blotting sheet.
Tip: Sarah Jessica Parker advises the use of toilet seat covers when a blotting paper is not at hand as way to sweat-proof your makeup in case of emergency. Don't have or want to use a toilet seat cover? Try the toilet roll.
Try: Clean & Clear Touch Oil-Absorbing Sheets are available only for $5. Shiseido Pureness Oil-Control Blotting Paper is already infused with powder but Sephora's Roll Up Blotting Papers are powder-free.

Fake Bare Skin
A tinted moisturizer is a smart way of keeping your skin moisturized as well as giving your complexion an even tone. It is hard to tell if someone has used a tinted moisturizer because it blends in with the skin so easily and gives a very natural look. It prevents dry skin from getting flaky and oily skin from getting blotchy. You can even refrigerate your moisturizer as the temperature cools the skin and reduces oiliness caused from open pores.
Tip: How to make your own: Mix your foundation with equal amount of a matte water-resistant sunscreen lotion or moisturizer. You can use Biore's Shine-Control moisturizer available at $5.99.
Try: MAC tinted moisturizer

Remember to apply make-up that will stick to your skin and not fade away or wash off in sweat. Avoid using cosmetics that say comedogenic on the label. They cause break-outs and blemishes as you reapply your cosmetics and clog your pores. Rice powder is a new discovery in the cosmetics industry that, when added to cosmetics as an ingredient, can boost sun-protection, prevent blocked pores and enhance long-lasting power of your make-up. It doesn't make your skin look shiny and instead it gives a silky appearance. Rice powder is an upcoming technology in make-up predicted to soon be a trend to stay. But why wait for it to be added to you favorite cosmetics? You can grind rice into a fine powder and use it as a scrub or cleanser with water. It is especially favored for acne-prone skin. Palladio Beauty offers several rice powder imbibed products like herbal concealer, foundation, mineral powder and oil-absorbing sheets at very budget-friendly prices. Another useful product by Urban Decay, the De-Slick Mattifying Powder contains rice powder that sits light on skin and keeps it shine-free. With so many tips in your kitty, I hope you won't have another sweat and makeup run-down again.

Wedding Day Perfume Ideas

The desire to look as stunning as possible on her wedding day is what every girl hopes for. All she would like is for all eyes to be on her. Within reason too. After all, it is her big day. But has it ever occurred to anyone that looking good is only one part of it. The other part, which is an equally important part is, smelling good. However, when it comes to choosing the right fragrance, how do you know what's perfect for your own wedding? Here's how you could decide... For starters, you must make sure that the fragrance suits you in terms of both, your personality, as well as being only as strong a scent as you can handle (the last thing you would want is a headache from wearing it for too long). What comes into play while choosing the right perfume is the time of the day and year that has been chosen for the wedding. While a morning wedding is perfect for a clean, fresh and exotic fragrance, an evening wedding makes for the perfect setting for something more sensual. Needless to say, a light scent would be more appropriate for a summer wedding, while something strong would be better suited for a winter wedding. So how about a look at some good wedding perfume ideas...

Top Perfumes to Use on a Wedding Day

Since we've been talking about having the right fragrance, all throughout, here is a selection of some of the top perfumes that you can choose from on your wedding day...

Vera Wang Anniversary (Vera Wang)
The queen of wedding dresses, you know that you aren't wrong if you opt for a Vera Wang perfume for your wedding day too. With notes of red apple leaves, mandarin orange, Sicilian bergamot, orange blossom, rose, gardenia, cedar, amber, musk and orris root, this perfume is just right for all those women who like a little of everything, because that's exactly what this perfume offers... A floral yet musky scent.

Chanel # 5 (Chanel)
This one's a classic that needs no introduction at all. Chanel # 5 has been around since forever, and its popularity is well justified too. The first perfume ever launched by Coco Chanel, this one dates back to the 1920s. A perfect blend of floral and musky, this one is a composition that "smells like a woman should", which is exactly what Coco Chanel was looking for when creating this perfume.

Beautiful (Estee Lauder)
Next in line is something from Estee Lauder. Beautiful will sure make you feel beautiful on your big day. The top notes for this perfume are supposed to be lily, rose, tuberose, mandarin and marigold. Middle notes are, ylang-ylang, jasmine, orange flower and muguet, and the base notes of this one are sandalwood and vetiver. With a combination of all these ingredients, this perfume lasts fairly long, and can go on for anything up to 10 hours too, making it appropriate for a wedding.

Miss Dior Chérie (Dior)
If you've always been a Dior fan, chances are you've already used this perfume, but for those of who always intended to use it, but never had the chance, here is your chance. You must be warned that this perfume doesn't last too long, but it is so pleasant a fragrance that it would be a little hard to resist. It is perfectly "citrusy", making it a great pick for a day time summer wedding.

Parisienne à l'Extrême (Yves Saint Lauren)
An extremely full bodied fragrance, Parisienne à l'Extrême from YSL is a really good option for someone who likes an exotic scent. A touch of musk and suede combined with vanilla, blackberry, cranberry, violet, rose and patchouli, this is one intense fragrance, that is for sure. Anyone that loves a sensual and sexy perfume must pick this one for their wedding day, because there is no going wrong with this one.

Classique (Jean Paul Gaultier)
The first thing that comes to your notice with this perfume is its interesting bottle. Once you move beyond that and concentrate on the fragrance itself, you will notice that it is all about scents like rum essence, rose essence, amber, sandalwood, daffodil, vanilla orchid and bourbon vanilla. Given that it is a bold scent, it may not be for everybody, but for those who dare, it makes for one of the better wedding perfume ideas.

The above mentioned was a selection of some of the best that there are to choose from. Others to opt from are: Romance (Ralph Lauren), Beige (Chanel), Beauty (Calvin Klein), Princess (Vera Wang). Hopefully you will find a scent that suits you from amongst these. If not, feel free to go ahead with what you love most. A suggestion though, don't use something you use on a regular basis, because you would want to have a fragrance that the significant other can always think of you by, especially on one of the best day of your lives.

How to Apply Makeup for the Beach

Summertime is all about the beach, isn't it? It's all about holidaying at the beach, partying there and just having some nice time. Time to also get tanned! When you are at it, you still have to look your beautiful self, isn't it? Of course you do! Applying makeup for the beach is really simple and shouldn't take you more than 10 minutes for the entire process. Summer and spring both demand a fresh natural look. The look has to be more natural in the summers. So while you are at the beach, keep your makeup as simple as possible. Someone crossing you just once, shouldn't be able to see any makeup. To achieve this simple task, just continue reading through the beach makeup tips mentioned below!

How You Can Apply Makeup for the Beach

The following steps will start from your forehead and will end towards your chin. It is not necessary that you follow the steps in the same chronological order. After reading through all of them, you can start from any step that you like. Remember, all the makeup that you apply isn't going to last you the whole day at the beach, and you might require touch-ups every now and then. Before you start with the makeup, use sunscreen on your entire face. Anything that is SPF 20 is good.

    Your forehead might look as though it doesn't need much attention. However, it does need all the attention possible, specially when it is a bit large in size. Since we are going to keep the look as natural as possible, apply a little bit of foundation on your forehead and leave it there. Use the concealer only and only if it's absolutely necessary. Don't use powdered foundation at all, as it might fall down on your nose sometimes.
    Now we come to your eyes. Use a little bit of primer on your eyelids before applying the eye shadow of your choice. Try to choose a color that resembles your skin tone, maybe just a shade darker. A silicon based primer is a better option. Use transparent mascara in the day, but if you plan on staying the night at the beach, use a brown or black. In the night, you can apply a thin line of kohl and eyeliner.
    Coming down to your cheeks and cheekbone, these need some careful makeup. The best idea is to keep them bare. However, if you feel you don't have even looking skin, you can apply foundation and the concealer where you need to hide blemishes. Throughout the day, let this be your only makeup. Being in a natural environment, it's important you look natural. During the night, you can use blush that is the shade of your skin tone and highlight the cheekbone.
    Your nose is the most prominently visible part of your face. You have to make sure that it looks just fine. After the applying of sunscreen, foundation and concealer, apply just a little bit of powdered foundation or normal powder to make your nose look less oily. You sweat the most on your nose, and this powder will help to hide just that. If you are not going to play on the beach, leave the powder out.
    Your lips are one of the many parts you can enhance while at the beach. Just like you did on your eyelids, apply a little primer on your lips, which will help the gloss, lipstick or lip color to stay on your lips for a longer time. A natural nude shade will work wonders for this beach makeup. Keeping it simple is the best way to go about it. For the night, you can treat yourself to any shade you like.
    Now we come to the last part of your face, your chin. If you have oily skin, chances are you will see some sweat settled on your chin too. Follow the same steps as those mentioned for the nose. However, on the chin, you need be careful about one more thing. Don't apply a concealer on your chin as it is hardly needed there, leaving out the chances of acne. Take a big brush, use the lightest shade of powdered foundation and apply just one very light stroke.

These simple steps will tell you how to apply makeup for the beach, once you start with them. Remember, beach makeup is all about keeping it natural. It is very important that you don't use too much of makeup, as it might just get spoiled due to the water and all the sweating. Always, always keep oil blotting paper handy. Make sure you drink enough of water to keep your skin hydrated throughout the day.

Permanent French Manicure

 

with an air of sophistication when you spot a woman with a job well done on the manicure front. There was a time when I was fixated with the whole French manicure thing, sporting the look every chance I got to head down to the salon. It's a style of manicuring that is still a trend setter till date, with girls and women falling in love repeatedly with this chic nail look. There are so many other ways of showing off a well manicured pair of hands with nail art, colorful abstract nail paint work and shimmery, eye blinding mixes.

The French manicure manages to stay at the top of the list, with its all round elegance and ever fashionable look. It goes well with practically any outfit, with the classic stark white tips carefully bordering the outlines of a woman's cuticles. Who doesn't love to sit down and get her nails done herself or sit back while someone else does them for you? If you're into a French manicure and it frustrates you when it starts to chip away on day 2 or 3, then a permanent French manicure is just what you need.

How Does One Get a Permanent Manicure Done?

The new way that's been catching on now with a French manicure, is to interchange the color with what you love, working out the same principle but replacing the white nail polish. Neat right? The whole look of the French manicure seems incomplete with that perfect white strip bordering the cuticle, with the entire nail painted to perfection to make it glossy and pearl like. To have a permanent French manicure done, it costs around $50 or more depending on where you get it done. Permanent French manicures need tending to, every 3 weeks or so by going back to the same salon that had it done for you.

A basic, temporary French manicure doesn't use permanent based materials, whereas a permanent one covers a completely different technique. Make sure you know what you're getting yourself into, since the nail coating used is strong, and can make your nail brittle over time. A good salon is the best place to have it done, and not a place that wouldn't qualify as professional.
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The manicurist will use a technique called airbrushing instead of the usual apply and dry. After the nail is airbrushed, a UV sealant is used to protect the underlying layer. This sealant is similar to that of nail polish but is much durable.
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It is applied like regular nail polish except for the drying process where your hands are placed under UV light for quick drying, and hardening.
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Avoid going to salons that use acrylic during the process, which is a mix of a powder and liquid that is applied to the nails before it is sealed in. This contains methyl methacrylate liquid monomers which hardens over time, forming porcelain like nails over your natural ones. It can penetrate your skin and cause a series of allergic reactions and irritations that are quite poisonous for use in salons. The known side effects that MMA can induce are damage done to the nervous system, abnormal functioning of the reproductive system, damaging a fetus in development, causing kidney problems and much more.

Having a permanent French manicure done is a technique that needs to be tip-toed towards with caution, since this over time can lead to brittle nails. Stock up on vitamins that help strengthen nails with traces of iodine and magnesium in them. For those who want to stay safe, should always inquire about if acrylic is used during the procedure and if it is, then just opt for a regular French manicure or go someplace else.

6 solutions for skin trouble

Let’s look at six common problems.

No. 1 You can feel a spot developing but it’s still quite deep

• Leave it alone, and don’t squeeze it. It just might go away.
• Clean your skin and apply an organic clay-based mask (from a pharmacy or health food store) or zinc paste to the affected area.
• If you can’t resist squeezing, have clean hands & skin too.
• Wrap a tissue around your fingers when cleaning the spot.
• Clean it again afterwards, and apply the clay or zinc paste to the area - this may help with healing.

No. 2 The spot has healed, but there’s still a red crust

• Again, leave it alone. The skin will eventually heal.
• The red crust may not look good, but it is still the spot. Underneath is fresh skin.
• If you scratch it, you will see a pinkish red mark. ALWAYS put sun cream on this mark to prevent photo damage your skin (dark pigmentation)
   
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  No. 3 Allergic reaction: red, itchy, swollen!

  • Try to identify what you are reacting to. If it’s food and it’s getting worse, see a doctor.
  • If it’s cosmetics, apply a cold compress: Wet a small towel in cold water. Press it into your face for 10 seconds. Repeat this at least five times or longer if you feel it’s good for you.
  • If it’s on your body, take a cold shower or bath. Immerse a bed sheet in cold water and wrap yourself in it. If this doesn’t help, see a doctor.
  • Leave your skin bare of any creams until the reaction disappears. 
    No. 4 Sunburn

    • Drink as much water as you can, at least 2 litres a day (hydration from inside).
    • Take only cold showers, baths, and apply a cold towel or sheet (see No. 3).
    • Mix the flesh of a fresh aloe vera leaf in the blender and apply the mixture.
    • Keep the mixture in the fridge – it’s very cooling. Use often - your skin is de-hydrated and needs plenty of moisture.
      NEVER use warm or hot water (this dries your skin more).
      Massage organic coconut oil into your skin (250 ml costs around AU$8-$9).
       
      No. 5 Blackheads

      
      Our skin is biggest organ on our body and it breathes. It contains glands that are working 24/7. The sebaceous glands (found on all our skin except the soles and palms) are most abundant on the face and scalp. They continuously secrete a substance called sebum. Under the skin surface this is white/yellow, but once exposed to the air it darkens through oxidation: this is what we call blackheads.

       

      Because sebum is always being produced, we can get our skin looking clean one day, but a couple of days later, we see blackheads again. You can’t stop the glands producing sebum, though this does slow down as we age. That’s why young people tend to have oily skin, and older people have drier skin.

       

      Here are some tips

      • Clean the area often with cleanser, using your fingertips.
      • Exfoliate regularly with a good product-.
      • Use a clay-base mask. It draws oil from the skin and keeps it clean. BUT as explained, blemishes will continue to appear because our glands are always active.
      • If you have constant blemishes or severe acne, consult a doctor. For occasional problems, you could consult a professional beautician, who can treat them without causing damage to your skin. 
        No. 6 Wrinkles

        • Drink plenty of water
        • Always use sunscreen and avoid staying out in the sun.
        • Use skin care which really supports your skin (see my Good food for dry skin blog to learn about ingredients)
        • Eat antioxidants (Vitamin C, E, beta carotene: found in papaya, citrus fruit, berries, cereal grains, nuts and oils derived from plants, cocoa, wheat bran, yeast grains, meats (especially organs and fish), green vegetables.
        • Exfoliate with scrub 
        • Use a rejuvenating mask twice a week