The thing you must remember when creating the smoky eye is to cover the whole eye area with a base, (this could be a foundation, concealer or even just a light coloured eyeshadow) the base will help prevent the next layers from creasing.

A smoky eye can be created by using any coloured eyeshadow but blacks, greys and browns do seem to be the most popular and are good for creating that sexy or sophisticated look!

The next step is simply taking a black eyeliner and drawing a soft line across the top of the lashes. Once you’ve done this take a blending brush and slightly smudge the eyeliner.

Now taking a light coloured eyeshadow, highlight under the brow area down to the crease in the eyelid. Next take a medium shade which should be applied from the lash line and end half way between the crease in the eyelid and the eyebrow.

Finally you are ready for the darkest shade to be applied. Starting from the crease at the outer corner of the eye simply apply your darkest shade to the outer half of the eyelid below the crease.

The most important technique when creating the smoky look is blending. Now you have applied the three layers of eyeshadow take a blending brush and starting from the lash line working upwards gently blend the eyeshadows together.

All that’s left to do now is apply eyeliner to the lower lash line and lengthen those lashes with mascara.

Who knew creating the smoky look could be so easy??

Picture courtesy of theinvisiblewombat

Along with drinking plenty of water (around 8-10 glasses a day!) a skin detox might be just what you are in need of.

Non-clogging moisturisers

It is really important that skin can breathe. Moisturising the skin is good; however, if you use an oily moisturiser, it could easily clog and block the pores of your skin, trapping toxins within in. It is extremely tempting to look for reach and deep moisturisers- these will really care for the skin, however this must be avoided, as at the same time the moisturiser is caring for the skin, it is also blocking it. Instead, you should try looking for products that contain natural plant oils as these do not tend to clog as much as other moisturisers.

Brush and scrub up

Exfoliating often helps the body to release toxins, as well as smoothing and firming the skin. A good scrub everyday will not only help your body to release toxins, but will also encourage: blood circulation, lymph removal and the removal of dead skin cells.

Opt for a micro-exfoliant around winter time as skin often becomes a lot more sensitive around this time due to the extra-dry conditions. This will also help keep the skin smooth and radiant.
Pack your bags

According to Chinese medicine, dark lines and eye bags suggest that you are under stress and that there is strain on the kidneys, this often happens after lots of late nights and parties (an often occurrence for the Christmas period!) It is extremely hard to get rid of dark circles, and especially to get rid of them quickly! By helping the body detox, rest and revitalise through a good diet and lots of exercise, you can help tremendously.

Face masks

Face masks have been used for years to draw impurities out of the skin! Face masks effectively absorbs skin secretions and remove impurities and dead skin cells. These are best applied after a facial steam-bath! Clay masks works wonders on dull skin. It will instantly help brighten and tighten the skin and will help keep you looking healthy and fresh.

However, there might now be an alternative! Skin Kiss fake tan tights, claim to help you develop a bronzed, fake tan look in less than two hours!

The way that the tights work is via a patented technology, which ensures microfibres in the tights which contain tanning solution, which then leaves the wearers legs perfectly tanned! It is thought that they are the world’s first ever fake tan tights, which eliminates the need to apply fake tan lotions and potions.

The denier tights have been launched exclusively at an online retailer under the name of Tightsplease.co.uk retailing at £7.99.

After usage the sheer tights can be washed and re-warn. The tights are extra-efficient and come with a pair of plastic gloves to minimize the risk of getting stained hands during removal.

Other Skin Kiss products include the “Caffeine Tights.” These tights work as they contain microcapsules of caffeine which is then used to help break down cellulite. If the tights were worn daily for a three week period, it is reported that a 2 cm reduction on each thigh can be seen, alongside skin appearing smoother.

A spokesperson for the UK brand explained that the demand for the product is truly unprecedented and that the technology and clinical tests have shown positive results.

Due to the technicality and sophistication of the product, the tights have priced at £25.48 for a pack of three – making them by no means ‘cheap.’

Use a ceramic metal round brush

As well as money, time is also wasted on hair. There are also some corners to be cut here too, like using a ceramic metal round brush for example. The hairbrush works like so…When blow-drying your hair, the metal heats up, this helps to dry your hair faster while also adding more shine to it. Because the brush emits heat, you can also style your hair with the brush. Loose curls are easily possible with just your brush and your hairdryer – eliminating the need for those hot roller sets and curling irons, and improving the quality of your hair.

Use less shampoo

Many women will no vary from their favourite, expensive, high-end shampoos and conditioners, but you can make those bottles last longer and save money with just one simple step in the shower. Simply, squeeze a small dollop into the palm your hand, then take several seconds to rub hands together in order to change the product into a rich lather. Because professional products are often highly concentrated, that smidge of product will increase in volume rapidly, gaining more for your money.

Saving on hairspray

If you want to style your hair yourself at home, then the answer is simple. Do not wash your hair. Hair is more moldable on the second day which means you won’t be working your way through cans of hair spray and masses of other styling products, in an attempt to tame wispy bit of hair etc.

Try Balayage highlights

If you want to lighten your hair with highlights and save money at the same time, then you should opt. for the more authentic-looking version called Balayage. Balayage is sexy ad subtle and its main benefit is that it requires little to no upkeep, the technique used places lighter colours casually through the hair in a way that more naturally reflects lightening after sun exposure. Because there is no upkeep needed, then you’re not spending the cash on salon treatment every 4-6 weeks, like you normally would.

Student nights

If you find yourself always at the salon, then why not take advantage of student nights? Many salons throughout the country offer student nights, so that their students can gain experience. This is a brilliant way to get your hair cut at a low price, just make sure you ask if the trainee is being supervised first! Expect to save 50 to 75% off the regular price of services.

The product, retailing at £8.49, is to target lines on the face and neck and help reverse the signs of ageing. People, who are trying out the new beauty scheme, use it as a face mask twice a day, for around 20 minutes.

But anti-aging isn’t the only beneficial property of the honey. The honey has also been proven to be twice as efficient as normal moisturisers in reducing stretchmark’s and preventing sun burnt skin for peeling.

Beauty fans having been rushing to buy the honey in the US and now that it has finally hit the UK it is sure to sell out.

But what is it that makes this honey so different from normal supermarket honey. Firstly it isn’t pasteurised. This means that it hasn’t been stripped of all vitamins and minerals. It is also naturally acidic, high in antioxidants, and contains a variety of enzymes which help break down scar tissue and help make aged and sun-damaged skin more elastic.

Jamie Christie, The Active Honey Company, explained: “Active Chilean Rainforest Honey is a wonderful product as it can be used in such a variety of ways. It’s one of the most exciting skincare products to hit the shelves in Britain for a decade, no question. Chilean Rainforest Honey does have one, small drawback when used as a face cream – it’s a bit sticky.”

Active Chilean Rainforest Honey i

Manicures That Nailed It

Moon manicures with a nude base colour and rounded black French tips with monograms make for a refined, retro-look, while a metallic or gold finish add a touch of glamour.  Those with a flair for nail art can experiment with a number of patterns like checks and stripes in colours like bright pink and bold blues.  Another trend is the polka-dot pattern, now seeing a comeback in clothing and accessory lines.  If you like the neutral look, dress it up a little with pointed black edges or a thin coral line.

For the adventurous, decals have never failed to add that touch of sparkle.  Whether it is a single diamond decal, crushed glass, or Swarovski crystals, a combination of the right decals can get you that stand out look. 

This year’s autumn collection features a shift from the bold pinks and blues to provocative shades like purple and maroon.  The metallic finish is also in, as is the understated, soft cream shades.  Runway shows featured a number of military-inspired greens that have also made their way into this season’s top-selling nail polishes.

Try on a few coats of this year’s daring designs and let your nails make your fashion statement.

Eyelash extensions are increasing in popularity greatly; they have now become the most popular salon service! But, what exactly makes them so good?

The lashes are easily applied. Look natural and Semi permanent lashes last up to three months. The applications of the lashes cause no harm at all to your natural lashes and are applied to fit in with your ‘eyelash cycle.’ This method is a cheap and simple procedure where the eyelash extensions are attached to the eyelashes with the help of an adhesive.

The lashes look realistic and no mascara is needed! The after care of the lashes is pretty simple too… there is none! And when it come to get them off, they do it themselves! Eyelash extensions simple fall off with you base eyelash at the end of its cycle. It couldn’t be easier!

Scrub up well

How do you get the healthy glowing celebrity skin that you admire so much? Body scrubs are perfect for achieving this look, along with making your bod silky smooth to the touch. It’s very important to exfoliate your skin. Your body sheds skin cells at an amazing rate every minute of every day. If you don’t get rid of them, they’ll just keep lying on your skin making you look dull. No matter how much lotion you use, you’re will never achieve glowing skin if you don’t exfoliate. Grab a body scrub and hit the shower! Gently rub your exfoliator in circular movements on your entire body from the shoulders down, focusing on the legs. (You’ll want a facial exfoliator for your face and neck.) After this, rinse clean. Continue to do this 2-3 times a week for beautiful shiny skin.

Fake tan

Ok so here it is, you knew this one was coming, but if you’re a fake tan virgin fear not. Now technology is so advanced and the products so diverse (gradual self-tan moisturisers, wash-off, gels, sprays, lotions) that a fake tanning is virtually foolproof. But, just in case. We have included the top tips of how to apply fakebake successfully!

-Exfoliate properly- Exfoliating is important as a patchy tan is simply due to the skin flaking off at different intervals. Exfoliation gets rid of the dead skin cells and provides an even canvas for a tan to be applied to.
-Avoid waxing- If you’re waxing, do it the day before. Not only will it take off the tan if you do it afterwards,
-Pick your spot! – People always put fake tan on in the bathroom where the light is not particularly great.
-Take your time! –The key to perfect coverage is to give yourself enough time for the entire process including: moisturising, application and, crucially, drying time. This might be as long as an hour.
-Moisturise- Dry areas of the body, such as the knees, elbows, wrists, ankles, feet and hands, soak up more fake tan, making them darker. So apply a moisturiser to make sure your tan is as even as possible.
-Equip yourself- Only a beginners use bare hands to apply a tan. Always wear latex or vinyl gloves to protect my hands and to ensure that you get a streak-free finish.
-Work upwards-To avoid smudging the bits that you’ve already done, work from your feet upwards and do your arms last of all.
-Let it dry- Your tanning product will tell you how long you should leave it to dry. Mousses will generally dry quicker than creams or lotions.

TIP: If your tan is still tacky, use a hairdryer on a cool setting to gently blast your body and help it dry.

Spice up your life

They say, “You are what you eat!” so be a hottie in more ways than one by eating that natural fat burner, chillies. Chillies are really easy to incorporate in a meal, whether you blend them for a spicy chillie sauce or chop them up within a pasta dish!

Oils

From body oils to give you a hot glow to hydrating oils to leave your skin silk smooth, there are many oils out there available to buy which can help enhance your appearance… just get looking!  Feeling stressed? Why not try a healing balm? And for irritated skin, try adding a few drops of pure lavender, tea tree or myrrh to plain lotion, witch hazel or aloe vera gel to soothe everything from spots to sunburn. At this rate you’re going to be scrum-diddly-umpcious on that beach!

And finally…

Body envy affects us all even if you say it doesn’t (and even the celebs!) so resist the urge to keep comparing yourself to other women laid on the beach. Whether it’s your soft skin, gorgeous smile or your strong legs, be happy for the things you do have and try and forget about the other things that you’re maybe not so happy about. Always remember the important rule, as long as you feel beautiful, you look beautiful!

For most of us girl out there, the summer holidays and the sunshine is what we crave. Whether you chilling on the beaches, or shopping in the sun, it’s important to look your best. Here’s some tips and advice that we have put together to ensure you look as hot as you possibly can this summer!

Size wise

Firstly, the right suit for your shape is essential to looking killer on the beach. Which is easier said than done, right? Has anyone else had the awful experience of searching for that one swimsuit/ two piece that’s just right for you, but instead spent hours trailing around shops and trying on endless alternatives that all make you look disgusting?

The key is understanding what body shape you are and what type of bikini looks good on you.

For those who are small on top; you may not want to try the smaller Brazilian-type swim suits as they seem smaller on top,. You could also look for a top with underwire, padding, or a top with a demi-bra style. Avoid tops with too much fabric or tops that don’t fit properly and try to look for separates because then you can mix-and-match your top and bottom sizes. The perfect alternative for you is the ruffled tops or tops of the bandeau band style.

For those who are big on top, what you need is support! Underwire and halter tops are perfect for providing this whilst providing you with cleavage! Look for a one-piece with a structure bust, this style really compliments your body shape and helps balance out your body. Avoid strapless and bandeau tops and again, it is a good idea to buy separate top from bottom sets.

Those with short legs or short bodies look best in suits that are high cut on the thigh, this makes your legs look instantly longer! Vertical stripes and block colored bottoms paired with printed tops are perfect for attracting attention upwards and adding instant inches onto your height. Alternatively, a bloc swimming costume with a ‘plunge’ neckline can also achieve this look! It is very important for smaller people to avoid boy shorts and ‘frilly’ bikini bottoms.

Long body shapes look brilliant in horizontal strips or block bright colors- very ‘in’ right now! Boy shorts are beautiful bikini bottoms are just the thing for you! Although If you prefer wearing a costume rather than a bikini, go for one which has ‘cut-out’ areas as it will break up your body.

If this all seems like a bit too much, why not pass the stress onto a professional? Debenhams Personal Shoppers are the perfect people to search and bring you the best alternatives and are experts in matching up body shapes to swimsuits. They also stock a great range of sizes and best of all the service is free with no pressure to buy.

Get groomed

Great grooming is a sure way to look good and feel confident. A wide range of treatments are available and practical to achieve at home and a variety of methods mean there is something simple and easy out there to suit everyone. If you don’t fancy doing all the work yourself, or you have enough cash to splash-out and book an appointment at a beauticians where a wide range treatments are available ranging from eyebrow waxes to cellulite and stretch marks.

Grab a brew

Throughout the day, try to sip green tea as appose to the regular earl grey. Green tea helps rid your body of fluid and make you feel less bloated. If you can’t stand the bitter taste, you should try a blend made with citrus, which helps promote cleansing in the body and the removal of toxins. Green tea has many other long term benefits such as helping prevent conditions such as: cancer, arthritis, high cholesterol levels, cardiovascular disease, infections and immune problems.

Yoga

Even after just one class we can guarantee you on your way to a firmer stomach, not to mention relaxed body and mind. Along with classes before you go, why not see if there are any at your holiday destination. Otherwise learn a few simple moves so you can do some stretches before you hit the beach!

So what specifically makes the sun so threatening…?

The sun is dangerous because it emits invisible UV rays that are continuously striking our skin when we are in daylight.  This can cause a big issue when being out in the sun for long intervals, as UV rays continuously hitting out skin can lead to sunburn.

Why then, is sunburn a problem?

Many people do not see sunburn as a major problem in the UK. Sunburn is exceptionally bad because once burnt; it means staying inside and missing out on the rest of the holiday, staying covered and an increase in wrinkles. Sunburn often leads to sunstroke and over-exposure to UV lights it the prime cause of skin cancers.

So, how do I protect myself?

There are many methods that can be completed to ensure that you are under maximum protection from the sun, these include: Wearing the right protection, (sun cream, sunhat, sunglasses and when thinking about your wardrobe, choose stylish, but sensible clothing options.) taking regular breaks from being outside and making sure you are inside during the hottest times (mid-day.) Water is also essential when attempting to protect yourself from dehydration.

Which sun cream is right for me?

Various people burn at different rates. Red-haired and blonde people with light-coloured eyes are more inclined to burn faster than dark haired people. This is because ‘Blondes’ and ‘RedHeads’ have a lower amount of melanin in their skin (the stuff that protects you from the sun!) Thus, the type of sun cream you need entirely depends upon your own individual needs.

Sun creams are ranked in accordance to SPF (sun protection factor.) -The higher the SPF number the stronger protection. Whatever SPF you opt for, just bear in mind, sun cream must be applied at least once every two hours and if you find yourself swimming or sweating a lot, it needs to be applied even more.

When selecting your sun cream you should also consider the unique properties of the sun creams available. There are a variety of different types of sun cream available including: waterproof, all day sun creams and invisible sun creams making applying the sun cream more enjoyable and manageable without ruining your ‘flow.’