From the category archives:

How To/Tips

dark-eye-circles-panda-eyes

Aw pandas. They are so cute, no? Their eyes are so soft and innocent – a look, however that does not suit humans… . I’m talking about dark eye circles. Dark eye circles and I are best friends. Or rather, she’s one of those friends that won’t go away even after several attempts to ditch her. Well, I’ve decided she and I should stop our toxic relationship, because she makes me look horrid; which lead me to this post.

OK seriously though – I have eye circles from hell. After realizing that concealer isn’t really doing anything anymore, I decided to dig deep as to what dark eye circles are and how to banish them for good. Unfortunately it’s not so good news.

What are the causes?

Even doctors agree that dark eye circles are difficult to treat. Most of the causes come from discoloration, poor blood circulation … and get this – your parents! Yup, dark eye circles is a combination of heredity and genetics.

Brownish colors are pigmentation common in dark skinned ladies, while purple and blues are a sign of bad circulation and poor sleeping patterns. Fragile and damanged blood vessels underneath the skin can also be a cause, as well as allergies.

How do we get rid of them?

Like I said – not too good news for us who suffer with dark eye circles. Fortunately, there are a few options out there:

  • Sleep. It’s more effective than any cream or laser procedure. Unfortunately for us, 12 hours of sleep everynight is just not going to happen. A good 8 hours minimum should decrease some of the color in your eye circles. My post, 10 ways to get better sleep may be of interest too.
  • Eye creams. Although they rarely do much work, its worth a try. I have some friends who swear by them, but me … well, I don’t think they work for me. (I’ve been using Clinique’s All About Eyes, though I think it’s great for prevention, it’s not really helping my dark eye circles). Either way, look for ingredients such as glycolic acid, which gently exfoliates. Vitamin C, Vitamin K and kojic acid are good for lightening, and green-tea is great for anti-inflammatory.
  • Concealer. Yup, when all else fails, use makeup. I haven’t used many concealers but I highly recommend Benefit’s Boi-ing and Clinique’s Derma White Concealer. So far, they are the only ones that seems to banish my hideous eye circles.

Sigh. This post is as dissapointing as my post about getting rid of cellulite! There are laser and plastic surgery options for dark eye circles as well, but if you are going to go down that road, I suggest you do your research very carefully and choose a doctor that has been recommended to you.

Do you suffer from dark eye circles? What products do you use? It’ll be great if my fellow dark eye circle sisters can give us all some recommendations or extra tips! Thanks in advance. :)

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Ah, the holiday season is upon us! I for one am very excited, I always feel like the whole year is a blur and last months are when all the fun happens! And with all the upcoming Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Eve dinners and parties, I know all of you are going to ignore my rants and (more rants) and are gonna enjoy yourselves and party hard! That’s fine, the end of the year (and all your accomplishments you have done this year!) is worth celebrating – it’s OK to break the rules a bit (although please, no smoking! There’s just no point to it). And as always, drink in moderation and never drink and drive.

However, you already know the post-party characteristics: hangovers, tiredness, bags, zits and feeling like you are never getting out of bed is part of the aftermath. Whether it’s a small gathering or a big dance club, here are some tips on how to look fresh and have energy the next day after a night of celebrating.

  • Before going to a party, don’t forget to eat something. You know the drill; empty stomach and alcohol do not match.
  • At a party, don’t mix your drinks. You are likely to get drunk too fast – you want to remember the good times the next day, don’t you?
  • Also, if you’re at a place where you don’t know the people. Never leave your drink unattended. Get a trustworthy friend to look after your drink or buy a new one.
  • Before you sleep, you absolutely have to wash your face and remove your makeup. No excuses, lady, this is the number one makeup rule, after all. I don’t care how tired I am, I always do it and always feel relieved that I did the next day. Forgetting to wash your face and removing your makeup and sleeping will lead to clogged pores, zits, eye infections, you name it. Not very pretty at all!
  • Also, whether you’ve been drinking (and especially so if you have) drink two big glasses of water before you sleep.
  • When you wake up, drink fresh juice that is rich in Vitamin C. First of all – yum; and second of all it wakes you up and refreshes you.
  • A warm shower and a good scrub of all the previous nights second hand smoke (don’t you hate that?!), grime and dirt is also needed. Finish off your shower with a rinse of cool water to wake you up!
  • Grab some tea bags and put them in the freezer for 2 minutes, then take them out and put them over your eyes. It instantly refreshes tired eyes and calms eye bags.
  • This is my personal favorite. Some cold eye drops (put them in the fridge the night before!) will cool your eyes and wake them up as well. I love doing this, highly recommended! You can really ‘feel’ all the coolness in your eyeballs!

Those are my tips on how to look remotely alive after a long night. :) What are some of your tricks you do to look fresh ‘the morning after’? I’d love to hear, do add them in!

Image: MorphoMir
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eyeliner Speaking of eyeliners (guyliners to be exact), V asked me this question recently and I thought it’d be a good post – no one likes smudged eye makeup, do they?!

How do I put on eyeliner so it doesn’t smudge within a few hours?

It may be extra hard for those with oilier lids to keep eye makeup and eyeliner on. Apart from getting a good eyeliner that doesn’t smudge (waterproof formulas are the best), there are a few tricks you can try out.

First, sweep your eyelid with some loose powder to soak up any oil. Apply your eyeliner, whether it is ink or pencil. (Here’s how to apply eyeliner).

Next, take a fine eyeliner brush and apply a eyeshadow over your eyeliner line to really ‘set’ the eyeliner. I like to do this step twice, just to be extra careful – and I never get smudges. It also works for the lower lash line as well.

So to sum it up – the best way for eyeliner to stay put and not smudge is to have a base and top ‘coat’ of powder.

What do you do to keep your eyeliner from smudging? Oh, and if you have beauty question as well, just e-mail me and I’ll be more than happy to help!

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bad-haircut

I write about this topic today because I have once again gotten a bad haircut. (Story of my life.)

I asked for a ‘Jennifer Aniston‘, and … I didn’t get it. It’s horrible and definitely not what I asked for – now I shall go through the 6 months grieving period! However, most haircuts tend to grow out after 2 to 3 months, so it’s not too long if you think about it, although very painful at first! Here’s what you do when you have get a terrible haircut.

  • Complain

I don’t like to do this – but sometimes it’s needed. If you are truly unhappy and it’s completely different than what you asked for, you as a customer has the right to voice your concern and get what you actually asked for. None of the, ‘B*TCH, OH NO YOU DID-N’T’ and finger wagging, just politely go up to the hairdresser and try not to make a scene. Chances are they will be more than happy to fix it for you – it is a business and they want happy customers.

  • Find another hairdresser

This is pretty risky as well, but if the haircut is so horrible and you fear that if you talk to the hairdresser you might strangle her, go somewhere else. And please follow my tip on how to get the hair you want from a hairstylist. Find photos of what you want – and don’t want – and ask them if there is anyway your awful cut can be saved. Find a place that has a good reputation or ask a friend to recommend her hairdresser.

  • Hair Extensions

Most (by most I mean all) of my disaster haircuts were that they cut off too much. I’d always ask for a 2 inch trim, and get 6 inches instead. Why does that always happen?! Either way, you can bet I have spent my fair share of money on hair extensions. There are many options available: clip ins, weaves, glue, braided in, you name it. The best I’d recommend are the braided in ones – it’s not damaging to the hair like those crazy glue ones. Also, clip ins are the most convenient, you can always take them off before bed (hair extensions are really annoying to sleep with).

  • Play around with new looks

This is a good time to get your creative juices flowing. Also, it could be good to get a new ‘look’, especially if you’ve had the same hair for years. You might even find a look you like! Sometimes, a bad haircut can look better styled differently. For example, my God-awful cut looks decent curled, so I’ll be bringing out the hot rollers for the next few months! Try changing the style – it might look better straight/wavy/curly. For example, if you have curly hair and it was cut too much, straightening it will make it look longer. You can also try to change the parting to play around with the lengths. Tie it up, pin it back, twist it around, curl it, crimp it; anything. Hopefully something will look acceptable.

I won’t suggest wearing a ponytail everyday for the next 6 months (although you could), but there are plenty of awesome hairstyles that are updos. These hairstyles I wrote about will hide any weird cuts, and are very stylish and beautiful!

  • Accessories

Bring out the hats, scarves, wigs; everything. If you’re that ashamed, I guess a face mask would solve everything. Hair will grow out after 2 months and your haircut could look surprisingly OK after that. Meanwhile, you could always use accessories to hide it.

  • Hair Vitamins

I have never tried any before but I do hear that some may work. I have heard prenatal tablets also do wonders for hair growth. HOWEVER please do your research and ask your doctor before you take anything. Hopefully no one is that desperate or has that bad a haircut – I really hate screwing up with your body just for the sake of ‘beauty’!

  • Shave it off

My friend (who is male and doesn’t understand our pain, obviously) says the only way to save yourself from a horrible haircut is to shave it all off. Yeah, right.

  • … Or, just accept it

So the shaving thing didn’t sound so appealing, did it? But really, what can you do? After the millionth bad haircut (like me) you learn to accept it. It’s only hair after all. In the meantime, it’s always good to take care of the hair you do have right now. Avoid harsh heat and chemicals, and deep condition regulary. That way, your hair will grow out nice and healthy.

For tips on how to grow out your bangs/fringe, check out this post.

Those are my tips on surviving a bad haircut. At the end of the day, like I said, as horrible as it looks – it’s only hair. I would say the best tips that have helped me the most were tying my hair in updos (which I do most of the time anyway so I think I’m safe) and hair extensions. However, most of my problems were lopsided and too short cuts; it could be way different for you! What do you do when you get a bad haircut? I’d love to hear any added tips and any horror stories of haircuts from hell! :)

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bobbi-brown-teenage-beauty

One beauty book I really like is Bobbi Brown Teenage Beauty: Everything You Need to Look Pretty, Natural, Sexy and Awesome. Not only is is pack full of beauty and makeup tips for beginners, Bobbi emphasizes on the importance of inner beauty; which is especially important for women in this age group. The book starts off with Bobbi’s ten basic rules of teenage beauty, which I feel is great advice for every age – so great I have to steal it and share it with you all (I give credit of course). So, without further ado, makeup queen Bobbi Brown’s basic rules of teenage beauty …

  • Rules do apply. Knowing what’s appropriate with makeup really matters. Save the drama for the school play or going out. Whether you are 13 or 19, just keep makeup simple and natural for school and everyday hanging with your friends.
  • Finger paint. It’s not cool or modern to be too perfect with makeup. Dabbing  on a lip stain with your finger is the way to go. Be loose. Spread it on. Have fun with it. Don’t be too glued to the mirror. Express yourself! What’s the worst thing that could happen? You’ll have to blend a color to tone it down or, if you’re really unhappy, wash it off and start over.
  • Skip foundation. You don’t need all-over foundation. And don’t be concerned with highly technical makeup techniques, like contouring or shadowing. Just cover up what really bugs you and let your skin show through everywhere else. (For girls who are older than their teens, all-over foundation is completely fine; here’s how to do it.)
  • Sheer genius. The perfect teen colors are sheer ones that you can see through. I like to use pale shades that look like natural washes of color on the face. Look for natural or soft pastel tones, nothing dark or bright. (P.S. These colors tend to be pretty mistake-proof, too.)
  • It’s fine to shine. I love shimmer shadows and lip glosses for teens – nothing looks more beautiful. The exception: Super shiny faces, which look good in fashion magazines but not on the face in the mirror. Don’t try this at home.
  • Dewy is awesome. Think cream, not powder. When buying look for a creamy formula – it looks more natural and goes on more easily. (Dewy is great for all ages – remember my last post on Charla Krupp’s book, How Not to Look Old? This was one of her tips to look younger as well.)
  • It’s only nail polish … Bright orange? Army green? Metallic blue? Why not? It’s inexpensive, easy to change and fun to look at.
  • Shop around. Your local shop may be perfect for glam but you may want to invest more in your skin-care products.
  • Avoid a makeup war. As long as you are still a minor, your parents still make the rules and you should try to be respectful of their wishes. If you choose to go against the rules, just be smart enough to go to something natural like brown mascara or pink lip gloss.
  • Never say never. Keep an open mind about new ways to wear makeup.

What do you think of Bobbi Brown’s tips? I agree on all of her tips, maybe except the sheer makeup and pastel colors; you guys know how much I love my black eyeliner :) And how great is the model on her book? I think she’s gorgeous and her makeup is amazing – natural, simple and shows off her stunning face. I love it; this is what makeup is all about!

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A reader recently asked me (hello Emma!) whether I would do a post on hair updos, which I am very happy to say I have tons of experience on – that’s all I do to my hair! I researched some simple ones, some classic ones, something for everyone. Hope you enjoy! :)

56988375

Kristen Stewart

I start with Kristen Stewart not because I think I love her, but because this is the style I am seriously doing on my hair everyday! This style is SO simple to do:

  1. Make sure your hair is at least 2 days unwashed. This is a messy style, so the dirtier, the better!
  2. Spray on some dry shampoo to soak up the greasy bits and to give a little volume.
  3. Turn your head upside down, and gather all your hair in a low ponytail and tie it. Make sure that on your crown, there is no hair parting – it should all look pulled back together.
  4. Take your pony tail and backcomb all of your ponytail. It should look like a big, poofy mess.
  5. Take the tail (right at the end) of this poofy ponytail, grab it firmly, and tightly aim for the base of your ponytail (where the rubberband is) and roll around, creating a bun.
  6. Secure with as many bobby pins as possible.
  7. To create a messy look, take a rat-tail comb and just mess up the crown area by combing random areas.
  8. Set with hairspray.

kate-beckinsale-prom-hairstyles

Kate Beckinsale

  1. Pretty much the same as Kristen’s above, minus Step 3. Instead, when gathering your hair into a bun, leave a lot of loose bits in the front. (This hairstyle will work create for those who has a layered haircut.
  2. Take a curling tong and curl the loose bits.
  3. Set with hairspray.

[read more…]

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facial

As a woman, I say it is a must to be pampered once in a while all the time!

Don’t know about you, but manicures, massages and facials for me are in the ‘once in a while’ category – it’s far too pricy if I go regularly. Well, no one said you can’t get great skin at home – so why not try a DIY facial in the comfort of your own home? Here’s how.

What you’ll need:

  • A headband to keep your hair away from your face
  • A gentle cleanser
  • An exfoliating scrub
  • A bowl of just-boiled water
  • A fridge nearby!
  • A cleansing mask
  • A light moisturizer
  • A clean towel
  • Facial Tissues

facial-2The very first tip of your at-home facial: RELAX.
This is your time to enjoy and pamper yourself. Do your at-home facial on a day where you are alone and will have no distractions. Hide your cellphone and remove yourself from the world and its stresses for a while.

What to do:

1. First things first, pull your hair away from your face (I also put it in a low bun) and put your headband on, making sure there is absolutely no hair near your face. Trust me, this makes everything much easier – you wouldn’t want to be fussing over your hair this whole time!

2. Start by cleansing your skin to remove all dirt and makeup. Take a squirt of cleanser in your palm, dap two fingers in it, and pat it in these areas: chin, nose, cheeks and forehead. From those points, rub the cleanser in circular motions all ober your face, concentrating on those parts. Rinse your face with luke warm water and pat your skin until it’s not wet, but damp.

3. Next, smooth your exfoliating scrub all over your face. And most of all – enjoy it! I always love how the grains feel on my skin. Massage your skin with the scrub in gentle circular motions. Remember to keep it gentle – too rough and your skin will become very irritated, breakout, and peel off. Then rinse your skin.

4. Warning: Be very careful when you do this next step. In fact, make sure there is someone with you. Take a bowl of hot water on a secure table, away from you. Hold your face away at least 30cm (about a foot) away from the water, above the steam. Put your towel above your head and hold it over the bowl, creating a “tent” over the bowl. This will allow the steam to go straight to your face, and really go into your pores, instead of the whole ‘open your pores’ stuff you hear (remember, pores can’t open or close) so that the next step will go deeper down into the skin! Stay there for about 3 minutes. After that, carefully pour away the water (or get someone to do it for you) so that no accidents happen. While you’re cleaning up the bowl, take your moisturizer and pop it in the fridge – you’ll see why later!

5. Now it’s time for your deep cleansing mask. Your skin should now feel warm, clean and ready to “suck” it all the product. Apply your face mask in a thin layer all over your face, and leave it on for as long as the label says to leave it on – some masks take longer, some shorter.

6. Relax! Lie on the bed and start day dreaming – this is your pampering time. :) Once your time’s up, rinse the mask off. Make sure to get every trace of the mask off. If you want, use a small drop of cleanser to help get rid of the mask. Rinse well and pat your skin dry with some facial tissues.

7. Now it’s time for my favorite bit. Take out your moisturizer that you’ve left in the fridge, and apply it. Isn’t it heavenly?! The cool product will absorb into your warm skin. Massage gently and enjoy the tingling feeling.

Extra Tips

After your facial, it would be even better to try avoiding makeup for at least a few hours, if not the whole day – try to do this facial on a day you’ll be staying in. Here are some tips for making your facial even better in your ‘relaxing’ room, where you are waiting for your mask to work:

  • Play soft, relaxing music
  • Close the shades or curtains – it’s always so much cozier when your surroundings are dimly light
  • Wear thick, comfy clothes – how about a thick robe?
  • Lie in your bed! What’s more comfortable than that?!
  • Lie still. Keep your body straight
  • Concentrate on breathing deeply and slowly

And that’s all you need for a relaxing at-home facial and pampering session. Remember the first rule of your at-home facial? Enjoy yourself – relax, woman! No thoughts about what’s going on in your life allowed – this is your time. Do you do at-home facials? Let me if you have any tips on how to make your facial even better, I’d love to hear! :)

Image: Newsobserver, Vogue.co.uk
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