Fashion Tips

How to Wear Those Layers To Look Like Megan Fox

sarah.nospam@nospam.fashion-tips.co.uk (Sarah) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:09:00 -0600

How To Wear Layers To Look Fantastic - And Keep Warm!

Yes, its autumn time and heading towards Christmas and although we all want to keep looking great on a Saturday afternoon in town shopping, dressing for it sometimes comes down to a choice of looking fantastic and being an itty bit chilly, or keeping warm and looking like a big bundle of all the contents of your wardrobe thrown together.

Have a look at this picture of Megan though - doesn't she look fantastic, and that is because she is following all the rules for successfully dressing with layers. If you look at each individual item she is wearing, none of them are really amazing and if they were worn individually you probably wouldn't give them a second glance. However, layered together with a cool hat they look great - so here are a few tips for layering up which you can use with items from your own wardrobe.

Choose lots of light and breathable fabrics, several layers of these types of fabrics work a lot better than two layers of thicker fabrics such as wool or cotton.
Using light fabrics means you can still wear some of those pretty summer strappy tops - coloured and patterned ones look great worn over a white scoop neck lycra long-sleeve top.
Remember those leggings you have been wearing all summer, they look fantastic under longer casual skirts, worn like footless tights, especially the ones with lace or sequins around the bottom for a boho look.
With patterns, like the striped vest top in the picture, they need layering with plainer fabrics, but you could get away with a subtly striped top worn underneath a plain jacket or blouse with a flowered lining for a more interesting look.
Hoodies still work for me over a vintage denim jacket, but only if they are teamed up with a feminine skirt or girly-top underneath, otherwise it can just look too boyish. A fantastic look is materials such as denim or leather mixed with chiffons and silks - so cool.
If you love bright colours wear them in moderation when layering - go for layers of neutral colours, such as greys, creams, chocolates, and add a belt, scarf or bag in a bright colour such as this season's purple or scarlet.
Even scarves can be layered, a favourite look of mine is to take two small pashmina type scarves and lay them out one on top of the other, then twist them together. Fold them in half, wrap around your neck and tuck the ends in - you have a unique look no one else will have. With other accessories, layer up your necklaces - look through your jewellery box for some of those long beads and chains and mix them together.
Remember to give yourself some definition, if you are wearing a flared jacket or top then team them with skinny jeans tucked in boots, but if you are wearing a flared skirt or wide pants then wear a fitted top or jacket of pull in your waist with a wide belt.

What I love about layering is that you can create a world of new looks from your existing wardrobe by mixing and matching clothes which you had perhaps got a bit tired of, but which you can now give a whole new lease of life to.

Tips On How To Create The Scarlett Johansson Makeup Look

sarah.nospam@nospam.fashion-tips.co.uk (Sarah) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:37:00 -0600

How To Create The Movie Star Look Of Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson is blessed with a perfect complexion and movie star looks of the old fashioned kind - she has sworn that she will never be pressurised into losing her curves and for someone who is only 24 she carries her sophisticated style very naturally. Her makeup is relatively simple but very effective and is just a perfect look for glamorous parties or nights out. So if you have a cocktail dress or two lying around and you would like your makeup to have the sophistication to match - Scarlett's look is the one to create, especially if you team it with an up-do of softly waving hair and some sparkling hair pins. Just follow these easy steps:

Cleanse and Moisturise: A perfect face needs a perfect canvas - cleanse away with a gentle facial scrub to create a complexion as soft as a baby's and then apply your favourite moisturiser and allow to soak in.
Foundation: If your skin is perfect then apply only a concealer where needed around the eyes, or if you are not confident without your foundation, apply a light foundation with your fingers or a sponge, ensuring a perfect finish before you proceed to the next step.
Eyeshadow: Scarlett often uses coloured eyeshadows, but subtly. Using an eyeshadow brush and a silver-grey shadow, sweep this over the whole of your upper eyelid and blend out towards your eyebrows.
Eyeliner: Using a liquid eyeliner in black or dark brown sweep the liner from the inner third of your upper eye-lid to the outer corners of your eye making the line wider as you go. A steady hand is needed and you might want to practice this beforehand if you are not used to applying this kind of eyeliner. No eyeliner is applied to the bottom lid.
Mascara: Using a shade which matches your eyeliner, apply two generous coats to your top eyelashes, and finish your lower lashes with one coat of mascara - the emphasis is on the upper lashes to create a glamorous look.
Blusher: Using a large round blusher brush, apply a rose pink powder blusher along your cheekbones finishing on the apples of your cheeks.
Powder: With a translucent powder and a large powder brush set your makeup and also create a "finished" look - you are nearly there now.
Lipcolour: Using a plummy pink lipstick carefully fill in your lips with a long-lasting lipstick and then finish this off with a clear gloss.

Gorgeous...

How To Avoid Problems With Long Hair

sarah.nospam@nospam.fashion-tips.co.uk (Sarah) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:37:00 -0600

If You Have Dull, Brittle Hair With Split Ends Read On To Find Out How To Solve These Long Hair Problems.

I know lots of attractive women who have short hair and who look absolutely amazing, but this has never ended my love affair and fascination with having long hair. I have spent the last 10 years or so battling with the main problems you can have when you grow your hair long and sometimes when my hair is tangled after washing for a few seconds I think of running to the hairdresser and getting a short, short cut ... but this thought only lasts for a minute - I don't want to be parted from my long locks. However, I thought I would list here some of the problems with longer hair and a few of the remedies and cures that I have found helpful. I hope that they help you too if you have long hair or you are in the process of growing it.

How To Help and Repair Hair That Is Brittle and Dull

Firstly, if possible, cut down on the amount of chemical treatments you apply to your hair, such as colours or relaxing solutions for curly hair. Also try and let hair dry naturally and reduce the use of hair straighteners and curlers. However, if your hair is suffering already, you need to treat your hair to help it recover. Use a mild shampoo as infrequently as possible, sometimes even just rinsing your hair through in the shower in the morning if you wash your hair daily and then applying a rich conditioner. Ideally use a hot oil treatment at least twice a week as well.

How To Improve The Look Of Split Ends

It is not really possible to repair split ends - once they are split the only remedy is to have them trimmed off at the hairdresser. However, you can stop them becoming any worse and improve the look of them (they tend to look fuzzy) by applying a leave-in conditioner which will improve the condition of your unhappy hair. Split ends are caused in lots of ways, not just by hair being exposed to the elements such as sun and wind, but by combing hair when it is wet when it can stretch by up to 25%, or just by vigorous brushing which can disturb the hair cuticle.

How To Stop Your Hair Breaking Off

Hair breakage can have many causes, but one of the main ones is having a high peroxide or high tint colour applied to your roots month after month at the hairdressers - where the new colour seeps onto the already colour treated hair it can break off as it becomes extremely over-processed and weak. In addition, if you colour your hair and then clip it up or tie it back you can suffer breakage at the hairline where the hair is pulled away from the scalp, and also where the band or clips are fastening the hair. To avoid breakage, don't over-colour your hair, treat it gently, don't tie it up whilst sleeping and apply the best moisturising conditioner you can afford.

What To Do With Knotty And Tangled Hair

One of my pet hates is trying to get knots and tangles out of my hair even after it has been conditioned - of course using a wide tooth comb! There are specific detangling products available which can help, but the main causes of tangled hair are dry ends which need trimming or hair which has highlights or has been lightened by several shades. This happens because over processing the hair with highlighting treatments causes the cuticle to become porous rather than smooth leading it to tangle easily. Again a leave in conditioner which will temporarily smooth the cuticle is the answer to easier combing.

Top Tips On How To Wear A Sparkly Sequinned Dress

sarah.nospam@nospam.fashion-tips.co.uk (Sarah) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:48:00 -0600

Do You Want To Sparkle And Shimmer This Season - Here's How To Make The Most of A Glittering Wardrobe

Wow, this season it is hot, hot, hot to wear anything that glitters. Sequins were more than abundant on the autumn/winter catwalks of 2009 and this trend has also made its way out into our high street and designer stores. This is fantastic as we are flying towards the party outfit season but how much of our outfit should shimmer and glitter? What do we wear with our glittering dress, how much glitter is too much glitter?

Here are some great tips on how wear this latest trend, so you can sparkle with style, alongside Jennifer Lopez who actually wore this shimmering bronze dress to a celebration at the White House this month (picture courtesy of Getty Images).

Jennifer looks fantastic in this sweet, short, bronze dress, which suits her darker skin tones and hair - but many of us might feel uncomfortable in something which glitters like gold, so look for the LBD which is accessorised with sequins - this looks very classy, but the sequins will add glamorous shimmer.
If you do want to go for a gold or silver dress think about accessorising in black, with a black clutch bag and sandals and possibly a black shrug or pashmina to throw around your shoulders.
Black opaque tights will also look fantastic with a coloured, sequinned dress, or if you have lovely pins then get them out and wear your short sequinned dress with some of the latest ankle boots for an on trend look.
If you want to wear a toned down glittering look, wear a sequinned or shimmering skirt with a black top and again either opaque tights or ankle boots.
Remember if you are dressed in a shimmering ensemble, then the jewellery you choose to accompany your outfit should not distract from it but complement it. Look for simple designs - if you are wearing a black, sequinned dress look for simply designed silver jewellery.

Tips To Get The Cheryl Cole Make Up Look

sarah.nospam@nospam.fashion-tips.co.uk (Sarah) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:10:00 -0600

How To Create The Cheryl Cole Smoky Eyes Look

Cheryl Cole has been voted the "Sexiest Woman in the World 2009" and has also been labelled "the nation's new sweetheart" and the reason for this is no surprise when you see pictures of her looking amazingly well groomed and perfectly presented. One of her greatest trademark features is her smoky eyes which can be seen here. She wears the look perfectly, not over the top but just cool and sultry enough. If you want to try and create the Cheryl Cole look yourself it is pretty straightforward and you will need the following products:

Loose face powder
Eye primer
Good quality medium grey and charcoal eyeshadows
A high-lighter
Eyebrow pencil
Black length building mascara

How To Create The Cheryl Cole Smoky Eye

After applying a light foundation or eye primer apply your grey eyeshadow to your upper lid working from the centre of your eye to the outer corner and winging the colour out from your eye.
Next, using the darker charcoal eyeshadow line this along your upper and lower lids, blending with an eyeshadow brush along your lash line, leaving no harsh lines.
Using your highlighter apply this along your outer brow bone and then using your eyebrow pencil carefully darken your eyebrows along their natural line. Darker brows are required for definition when creating a smoky eye look.
Using a lash lengthening mascara, apply two coats in black, allowing the first to dry before applying the second.
Match this up with a nude, but glossy lip colour, and there you have it - the perfect Cheryl smoky eye look with glossy lips.

Earlier on today, I listened to an interview with Lauren Luke, the amazing lady who has become a celebrity in her own right making YouTube clips with great tips on how to create celebrity make up looks. Have a look at her Cheryl Cole video for more in depth detail on creating the Cheryl Cole make up look.

If you want to see more of Lauren Luke's great tips for celebrity make up they can be found in her great book on Amazon.co.uk with free delivery.

The Star Turn Of London Fashion Week - The Mulberry Bayswater Handbag

sarah.nospam@nospam.fashion-tips.co.uk (Sarah) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:28:00 -0600

The Mulberry Bayswater Handbag Has A New Look At London Fashion Week - Do You Want One?

Well I do! I am as happy as any girl to tote around a new handbag - seriously it can make or break my day, and the new Mulberry Bayswater handbag in coral smudged leopard print is a seriously heart-breaking handbag with its postman's lock and tiny hidden padlock. The only thing stopping me from clicking on the buy-it-now button on the Mulberry site is the price - around £650. Yes, I know this is an iconic bag and brand that we are talking about but can I seriously justify paying what is the equivalent of a month's rent for a bag? Plus, my other half would seriously be unhappy .... So, I decided to do some investigating to find out what the more errm.... thrifty options were, and I did manage to find these rather more pocket friendly alternatives - plus remember everyone, it won't be long until the season of goodwill is upon us, so you might want to add one of these little beauties to your Christmas wish list.

The Cheap And Cheerful Alternative To The Mulberry Bayswater Bag

For those who have under a tenner to spend, and who are searching for the Mulberry look, this bag makes a very good attempt. It's not leather but it is in a fashionable raspberry shade and has a great little padlock on the front. Slightly bargain-basement, but still a very good bag with lots of room - great to take to work and available in lots of colours.

It features:

Padlock detail
Zip-top closure for security
Soft faux leather material and the lining inside includes pockets for bits and pieces aherend your mobile.

View this bag on Amazon here

The Everyday Alternative Bag to the Mulberry Bayswater Bag

This bag has the ever popular crocodile effect finish in a lovely brown shade and is the perfect tote size which will fit either hooked over your arm (very celebrity style) or on your shoulder. Still a pretty pocket-friendly alternative but a very smart looking bag.

It features:

Lovely shiny faux brown crocodile skin finish
Padlock detail
Lining with lots of pockets and generally a lot of room - this bag can even be used as a weekend bag.

View this bag on Amazon here

The Alternative To The Bayswater Bag To Put On Your Wish List ...

This bag is gorgeous high quality leather, and it has a super twist lock on the front which is very similar to the postman's lock on the Bayswater - it is super roomy too and promises to be a long lasting and stylish bag.

It features:

Lots of pockets inside and out, including a mobile phone pocket and a feature detachable outer front Postman's lock pocket.
Beautiful and soft premium leather and a luxury fabric lining.
Double handles which can be unfastened and clipped together diagonally to create a cross-body bag.
Complete with a dust bag for storage.

View this bag on Amazon here

How To Get A Stylish Fringe That Suits You

sarah.nospam@nospam.fashion-tips.co.uk (Sarah) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:38:00 -0600

Tips On How To Get A Beautiful And Stylish Supermodel Fringe

Like many girls I know, I've had shoulder length hair for more years than I care to think about, but the last time I had a fringe - well it wasn't too much of a success. I had it styled at a very well known hairdressing salon (think of the initials "T" and "G") but it was just too trendy and totally did not suit me. At the time it was de rigueur to have a straight, very short, and block cut fringe above the eyebrows - now this may have worked for some catwalk supermodels, but on me - it just looked bizarre and out of place. I could not wait for it to grow out long enough so I could clip it up. Of course, whilst I had been at the hairdressers, I "aahhhed" and "oooohed" along with the stylist pretending that I was comfortable with this ultra-trendy image - and then cringed when I got home. Does anyone else feel familiar with this scenario...

Anyway, I think that I may take the fringe plunge again soon, but having learned my lesson as above, I think I will be following the tips below which are courtesy of a certain British supermodel's hairstylist, and I don't think you can really go wrong (I hope..).

Supermodel Tips To Get The Perfect Fringe

Keep your fringe a bit longer - nothing above the eyebrows please - as I found out to my cost - this is a very strong look which is hard to carry off.
Beware of fringes if you have curly hair - a fringe that is relatively long when it is straight can become curly in damp weather and will spring up.
When you go to the hairdresser speak to your stylist and ask them to leave the fringe slightly longer than you think you will want it - if you do need an extra few millimetres trimming off they should be happy for you to call back and many hairdressers will re-trim the fringe at no extra cost.
The benefit of a fringe is that it can soften a look if perhaps you have a very high hairline or very strong features.
A fringe can be very sexy if it styled right - with your fringe a little long, break it up using a little styling balm or spray and separate it into different sections. Use your fingers to break up the sections and keep them in place with a little hairspray.
For more detailed hairstyling tips and tricks that can make the most of your hair and help you avoid any styling mishaps this book is highly recommended.

Tips To Avoid The Five Most Common Mistakes We Make With Our Nails

sarah.nospam@nospam.fashion-tips.co.uk (Sarah) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:01:00 -0600

How To Avoid Making Mistakes With Your Nails And Keep Them Looking Fantastic

Yes, we seem to write a lot about nails, but that's because looking after them and making the most of our nails, long or short, is so important. They can make or break the look you want, and there is nothing so annoying as tatty, uneven, broken nails or cuticles .... it makes you just want to hide your hands away. If you are unhappy with your home manicure, it is unlikely to be the products you are using, such as your nail polish, which is at fault - it's more likely to be your nail care techniques which are not quite up to scratch - so here are some helpful hints to look after your pinkies.

File Your Nails In One Direction

Don't use your nail file like a see-saw on your nails as this causes the nail ends to split and flake. File gently from each corner towards the centre with smooth strokes.

Never Cut Your Cuticles

Your cuticle is there for a purpose - it seals your skin against bacteria. Cutting cuticles is not a good idea, they will normally end up ragged and sore. Instead soak your hands in warm water (you can add a few drops of almond oil to the water to moisturise as well), and then using a cotton bud or orange stick gently push your cuticles back from your nail.

If You Have Dry and Cracking Cuticles - Moisturise Them

If you have had your hands in water a lot or it is wintery weather you may experience dry and cracked cuticles. Use either a specially formulated cuticle cream or oil to moisturise them each night before going to bed to soothe them.

Change Your Nail Polish At Least Once A Week

Nail polish remover should not be used too often on your nails as it is very drying and you should avoid the ones containing acetone if possible. But make sure you remove any polish from your nails at least once a week as leaving on chipped nail polish does not only look horrible, it can also start peeling off the top layer of your nail as it comes away.

Always Use A Base Coat Before Applying Polish

Never use nail polish - particularly dark or vibrant shades - without a base coat first as your nails are likely to become stained a nasty yellow colour, which does not look good on anyone. Also some base coats contain Vitamin E and other nutrients which are good for your nails and help them remain strong.

Top Tips On Using A Facial Tanning Cream To Give You an All Year Summer Glow

sarah.nospam@nospam.fashion-tips.co.uk (Sarah) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:01:00 -0600

How To Apply Sunless Tanning Cream To Your Face For A Natural Summertime Glow

There are lots of good reasons to use a facial tanning cream to create a pretty and natural tanned look, however, many people are scared to take the first step in case they find themselves with an orange or streaky face that they can't hide away for several days. It has to be said if you make a mistake with fake tanning cream on your legs you can always wear trousers, but if the mistake is on your face it's a little different.

However, if you follow these few, simple steps you will be able to create a natural glow with no streaks or discolouration. There are many benefits to using these creams, not only the lovely moisturising qualities of many of them, but also there is no need to sunbathe with your face in direct sunlight, which can cause premature ageing, discolouration and wrinkles.

Five Easy Steps To Apply A Natural Looking Fake Tan On Your Face

The day before you plan to apply your fake tan, exfoliate your face using either a facial scrub, facial buffer or exfoliating face mask. You should exfoliate 24 hours before applying any kind of fake tanning product as applying it straight after exfoliation can cause redness and irritation.
Combine together your preferred sunless tanning cream together with a simple facial moisturiser, or use one of the ready mixed facial moisturisers with a hint of tanning cream. Many of the main beauty brands offer a version of their moisturisers with a sunless tanner included in the formulation.
Using your finger tips apply your moisturiser, or mix of tanning cream and moisturiser, to your face using circular and upward gentle motions. Make sure to be careful around your hairline, eyebrows and ears as this is where the tanning lotion can collect and create streaks and discolouration. Be particularly careful if you have very fair hair as the tanning lotion can stain your hairline.
Make sure to wash your hands and around your nails. If you think that you may have some tanning lotion in your eyebrows or around your ears, run a cotton bud over the area to remove any excess.
It's ideal to do this at night just before going to bed as your tanning lotion will be undisturbed until morning and you should wake up to a new day with a pretty golden glow, that will make your day all the brighter!

Top Five Tips On Choosing The Right Mascara For You

sarah.nospam@nospam.fashion-tips.co.uk (Sarah) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 18:01:00 -0600

How To Choose The Right Type Of Mascara For You

Sometimes it's a nightmare at the beauty counter ... there are so many products to choose from that even choosing a mascara can become a big decision. There are so many different types, with different formulations and different style brushes that it can be difficult to know where to start! So we've decided to list the five main types below, with hints and tips about when to use them and help with what types will suit you best.

Waterproof Mascara

Waterproof mascara is perfect when you are going to be in a situation where non-smudging is essential - think weddings. Seriously, these are great to wear if you are partaking in sporting activities, going to the beach or you will be out and about in the good old rainy weather. Waterproof mascara contains special synthetic formulas which help repel moisture. The only pitfall with waterproof mascara is removing it - you need to be careful and use a specially designed eye-make up remover or you can end up breaking your lashes. If you want to be extra kind to your lashes after using an eye-make up remover coat your lashes with Vaseline using an old clean mascara wand - but remember to clean this often.

Lengthening Mascara

A lengthening mascara can be used if you consider you have short eyelashes or you want to create a more dramatic look. The ingredients are the typical mascara ingredients which include water, wax thickeners, film-formers, and preservative with the addition of short synthetic fibres which act like tiny fake lashes and which are normally made of nylon or rayon. These fibres create extensions to your natural lashes and are much more effective than trying to apply fake lashes at home unless you have a very steady hand.

Thickening Mascara

If you think that your eyelashes are rather sparse, then try a thickening mascara. Thickening mascaras contain a higher percentage of waxes and silicone polymers to coat your lashes and will make them appear thicker.

Curling Mascara

A curling mascara is not much different in formula to a standard mascara apart from it should have greater hold to keep lashes curled. The curling effect comes from the brush or applicator which has a curved head rather than a straight one which allows the brush to cover the whole lid at once and sweep the colour upward with a curling effect. The jury is out on how effective curling mascaras actually are and how well they work will depend on how strong your own lashes are. It is sometimes more successful to apply eyelash curlers to fix the curl.

Coloured Mascara

Coloured mascaras mean holidays and party time, they can look fantastic in shades of plums, blues and navy, especially when applied alongside sparkling eye shadow. Personally, we think they are a bit startling for day wear, when browns and blacks are preferable.

What do you think? What is your favourite or latest mascara - let us know.