The Brunette Diaries

10 most common makeup blunders and how to avoid them

Come on ladies let’s face it; a little bit of good makeup is all that we ever need and we’re good to go! “Wake-up-and-makeup” is very common place in today’s times. But who would want to pay a bomb to any regular makeup artist every time? It’s the DIY age and makeup enthusiasts are not at all lagging behind when it comes to teaching or learning newer techniques to enhance your favorite features.

But hold your horses, ladies! It’s true that makeup if done right can work wonders for a woman, but there’s always a flipside to it. If your makeup goes wrong it can actually make you look 10 years older! And no makeup artist will tell you this but there are some really easy mistakes that you could make even with the traditional techniques. But worry not, because we at The Brunette Diaries have got your back. Read on to know what to avoid during your daily makeup routine and still look ever so pretty.

Moisturizer

Rule of the thumb: Always moisturise well! A good shine-free moisturizer is a must-have for every woman. But mind you, one can easily go wrong with this one. Using a heavy moisturizer will only make your skin shiny and allow your makeup to sink into your pores. Not only that, it could even result in highlighting your lines and wrinkles let alone hide them. So make sure to use the right moisturizer for your skin. A light oil-free moisturizer would be the best bet.

Foundation

Using the wrong colour of the foundation or the wrong type depending on your skin will only add to your woes. Choose the best foundation by applying some on the jaw line and checking whether it blends in with your skin shade. Powder foundations are best for oily skin; however, liquid foundations are easier to apply and blend well.

Concealer

This one can be really tricky. Going too heavy with concealer under your eyes will only make your dark circles standout. Make sure to use the right shade of concealer and try using minimal amount. The best shade is just one tone lighter than your skin.

Mascara

This makeup must-have is meant to lengthen the lashes and make the eyes look bigger. But if the mascara isn’t applied correctly it could give your lashes a clumpy look. This mistake is usually committed when you don’t curl and brush your lashes before using mascara on them. Using a wrong mascara brush will also do no good. Take this tip: use a water-resistant light mascara to help keep it from running.

Blush-on

The old adage goes by smiling wide and applying blush-on to the apples of your cheeks. But the clown-like rounds are far from flattering. Besides, that makes your face look saggy or jowly. Avoid using too much blush-on if you want to keep your makeup simple yet chic.

Lip Liner

Wearing a lip liner that is too dark in comparison with your lipstick may give the illusion of having a ring on your lips. Your lip liner should be of the same shade as your lipstick to avoid jarring.

Eye Liner

Too much liner will attract attention to your eyes are and sometimes, if gone wrong, you may end up looking ‘Goth-like’. Make sure to apply a thin stroke very close to your eyelid.

Powder/Compact

You’d think that powder or a compact can never go wrong. We’re sorry to say that it sometimes does. Women who apply powder or compact to set the makeup in place don’t usually realise that it accentuates the wrinkles and fine lines on their face. Make sure to apply compact sparingly and avoid the under eye area.

Eyebrows

Overly tweezed eyebrows make a face look considerably thinner and older. Go for a shape that suits your face type. If you have scanty brows, use a pencil two shades lighter than you hair colour and make soft, short strokes and blend them in properly. This will give your face a lift while adding to the oomph.

Blending it in

Any makeup artist would agree that when wearing makeup it shouldn’t be overwhelmingly obvious. Learn to blend your makeup well. Using a soft round sponge, blend your makeup keeping in mind to highlight your best features and downplay the flaws.

And you’re good to go! We hope this helps you when you wear makeup next time around. Remember ‘Less is more’.

Beauty shortcuts that cost you more than what your makeup did

At times, in this fast-paced life we hardly find time to spare for vanity. Hence, you may find yourself rushing through your makeup routine more often than not. While taking the easy way out is okay at certain times, some of the beauty shortcuts are best avoided. It must be understood that beauty does not come with the swish of a wand. Here is a list of some beauty shortcuts to avoid.

Sleeping with your makeup on:

Makeup certainly makes you look pretty and helps you feel more confident. But if you are too lazy to remove your makeup before bed, you might do a lot of harm to your skin. Sleeping with makeup enlarges the pores which may lead to bacteria that would only bring more acne. Be sure to use a good cleanser to remove your makeup. Coconut oil is also an effective natural option for makeup removal. But be sure to use a toner afterwards to help close the pores.

Applying makeup over makeup:

In a bid to save time, some women tend to apply makeup on a face that already has previous makeup on. This must be avoided at any cost, as too much makeup will harm your skin and clog your pores resulting in blackheads.

Avoiding sunscreens:

Stepping out for a lunch date and it is bright outside? Taking a trip to the beach? Planning to go shopping on a sunny afternoon? Don’t forget to apply sunscreen. The sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays can profusely harm your skin and in the long run it may lead to different types of skin cancer.

Using dirty makeup brushes:

Using an unclean brush to apply makeup will badly contaminate your skin. When it comes to skin care, one cannot take any chances. If you don’t have time to clean your brush, use a new spare one.

Heat-styling wet hair:

While it is alright to blow dry your hair once in a blue moon, try not to heat-style your hair very often. Too much blow drying or ironing could damage the hair beyond repair. Your hair may become dry and brittle and lose its shine. If it’s really necessary to use a drier, make sure you keep the temperature not very high.

Fashion habits that are bad for your health

Many people describe fashion as an exciting, transformative and communicative attitude. Although they may be right to an extent, they fail to include (and understand) the most important aspect that goes with fashion. That aspect is – comfort. It is upsetting that there are some facets of fashion that cause more harm to you than anything else does. Some fashion habits could damage your body and overall well-being; read on to know what to avoid and still stay fashionably healthy.

High heels:

We all have a separate shoe-closet filled with all our ‘sole-mates’. But wearing high heels is one of the worst things you can do for your body alignment. When you walk on the balls of your feet your torso tilts forward and you lean backward which puts an incredible amount of stress on the spine and compresses its discs over time. Try not wearing high heels very often.

Crash diets:

So your best friend is getting married in a week or two and you want to look the second best after the pretty bride. Do you find yourself resorting to crash diets or heavy workout sessions? Beware ladies; you might be risking a lot here. Suddenly restricting your food intake for the sake of looking “skinny” can ultimately slow down your metabolism, which can cause weight gain in the long run. Fasting does not help either as it may lead you to overeat later.

Heavy bags:

The bigger the bag, the more things you find to put in it. But take a moment to observe this: you probably carry your bag on one side all the time. This uneven weight distribution can cause muscle imbalances and influence your posture. Moreover, heavy bags also cause neck, shoulder, and spine pain when your torso shifts in order to deal with the uneven weight. Instead, give your body a break, and carry a small, light bag that’s free of extraneous objects.

Plastic face:

Some women are so used to applying makeup on a daily basis that they cannot recognize themselves without it. Having a plastic doll face daily can cause serious harm to your facial skin. Your skin would not be able to breathe and eventually become dull, dry and lack-lustrous, not to forget blackheads and acne prone.

So ladies, make sure you stay away from these unhealthy aspects of fashion that we all are prone to.

How to enhance your best features using makeup

Do you have a hard time enhancing your facial assets? Ever had a makeup-gone-bad experience? We all did. But what we did not do was take advice from the right source. No problem, there’s good news for all. The Brunette Diaries spoke to a few local MUAs and makeup pros and had all our doubts cleared about how to enhance the best facial features without looking caked-up.

Also read: 10 most common makeup blunders and how to avoid them

Our experts had us turning red in shame when they quizzed us about the CTM. We stood guilty. So lesson number one is: Always cleanse, tone and moisturise your face! Healthy and flawless skin is essential if you want to sport minimal makeup. Experts suggested a weekly face pack for a healthy glow.

The primary rule is, to prime before applying makeup. This takes care of the uneven skin and makes application of products easier.

Then we proceeded to the base of the matter – yes, the base. It’s best to use a foundation in a shade exactly matching your skin tone. Natural looking skin grabs the most attention. So it is crucial to pick the right shade. Further, use a concealer and highlighter to make thin lines on your favourite areas and best features.

Pick a foundation that matches your skin tone

If you have sexy, high cheek bones, use a little bit of blush to highlight them. If your eyes give competition to a doe (just saying!) then mascara should be your best friend. Apply some highlighter on the inner crease of your eyes to enhance them further.

Blush on is best to highlight cheek bones

This may interest you: Beauty shortcuts that cost you more than what your makeup did

If you’re proud of your pout, flaunt your favourite colours on your lips. We’re talking peaches, plums, hot pinks, scarlet, fuchsia etc. Apply little bit of foundation on the centre of your upper lip before finishing off with gloss, and voila!

Experiment with bolder colours on your lips

Finally, take a clean, fluffy blending brush and work your way all over the face.

Check out: Fashion habits that are bad for your health

This year, flirt with the skirt!

One piece of clothing that can easily flatter any woman’s body is a skirt. If you want to flaunt your vibrant personality (and the sexy derriere), your love for unique fashion, and captivating creativity, then skirts are the way to go! What’s more is that you get a whole range of styles and sizes to choose from. Maxi, midi or mini, peplum or pleats, whatever you choose, striking a balance is essential. If you’re still wondering on how to sport the trend, don’t worry. We’ve got a few interesting combinations that you must try.

Here’s how you can wear the flair this year…

Maxi skirt

It’s no wonder the maxi skirt continues to be a major trend after making a splash seasons ago. This closet staple works year-round, but feels most at home in our summer wardrobes—lightweight fabrics and pretty prints go hand-in-hand with the super-feminine style. Go for floral printed ones in pastel shades and pair them with bold colours on top. Keep the accessories to a bare minimum.

Pleated skirt

Pleated skirts might have a school dress feel but truth is that, this style flatters most body types. It glides as you walk, leading the eye away from problem areas. Choose a fabric with an easy drape, like silk crepe, wear a crop top and your favourite boots, which will clash with the skirt’s ladylike vibe and give you a sexy new image.

Denim skirts

Denim skirts are back in style in a big way. You may have noticed the comeback of this fabric in a variety of styles and the best part is that you can wear it perpetually all the time. Denim skirts look great on weekends, as a cute date outfit, or even when paired with tailored tops and great accessories, to wear to work. Get a get black washed pencil style denim skirt and wear it with your favourite checked shirt, tying your hair in a sexy loose bun.

Midi skirts

The midi skirt has been making a comeback for several years now. Midis are the one skirt style to try this season. Wear watercolour prints and bold blooms to make them a versatile garment. Our fashion forecasters tell us this skirt trend is here to stay.

Minis

Ladies, it’s time you wax your legs and slather on some moisturizer, truncated hem lengths are back in vogue this season. Choose neon colours like oranges and yellows and team them up with chiffon shirts. Add some bling in the accessories for an uber cool look.

Peplum Skirt

There’s a lot of flounce for the ounce here, so select a soft material for your peplum skirt. Rule of thumb to rock this look is to wear it with a full top that runs into the peplum and wear your sexy peep-toes or strappy heels to complete the feminine look.

Skorts

The high-waist trend has been around since the 1940s and we are so glad it will never leave! This trend is best carried off in skorts – skirts meets shorts. Skorts are actually shorts, but with one little piece of fabric that disguises them as skirts.

2014 fashion trends – what sizzles and what will fizzle

Somebody has rightly stated that “Fashion is like seasons, it comes and goes and leaves the world wanting for more.” Whenever a new trend in fashion is doing the rounds, people all over the world turn to their fashion gurus for a word about how to rock the trend best. Some trends die out soon while others are more grounded for longer periods. Let’s take a look at which ones will stay on this year and what is fast disappearing.

Colours!

Orchid is the colour of 2014. We are extremely excited about this one because this vibrant and fresh colour can be worn on all skin tones. Plus the rosy-flowery touch to it makes it an out-and-out fashion staple. Rock this colour in accessories or go for a colour block wardrobe. Neons have made their splash but pastel shades are again making a promising comeback. We’re talking baby blue, lavender, subtle yellow and creamy-smoothie colours like shades of a prim rose… so romantic!

Culottes and Palazzos are here to stay

Culottes and Palazzos are making a splash this year

Culottes or wide legged short pants are back again and this time they will stay for a longer bracket. Also Palazzos will be widely accepted and preferred over skinny jeans. The high waist varieties will add length to your frame and make you look instantly taller and leaner. We give them a huge thumbs-up!

Tea-length skirts

Tea-length skirts have always been around and now with their colour palette going neutral, they never looked prettier! Mini-skirts can totally go into hiding now.

Crop tops

Crop tops will be a huge rage this year. If you dare to bare your mid-riff then you must try this sexy trend. They come in many variants depending on asymmetric hems and varying sizes. The bra-top or a bustier-top will soon make a mark.

Say no to Anarkali suits

The flared Anarkalis are completely out of fashion this year. These wedding staples will soon vanish from the mandap and straight kurta style dresses will take over the fashion scene instead.

Sarees

The traditional 6 or 9 yard saree will be swapped for one that’s pre-tailored. Textured fabrics will be more popular and pallu and pleats will be stitched as per the wearer’s body. Also the blouse will take a backseat with the young and bold; only to be replaced by a shirt or a tee for that edgy sassy look. Mainstream designers like Sabyasachi Mukherjee and Masaba are already popularising this trend in the markets.

Hair trends

Shorter hair will be the hot favourite this season. Wind-swept pixie cuts or the classic bob will be popular. Beautiful and romantic braids will linger on for a long time.

Jewellery

India is known for its love for jewellery and this year too jewellery will be a huge fashion statement. Chunky designs inspired by history and nature will be hugely popular. Gold will remain wedding-loyal, and silver and platinum will be a preferred option for casual outings.

Transitioning from conservative to chic

Any girl would tell you that the biggest question in the whole wide world is – “What do I wear today?”

The most embarrassing situation would be stepping out for a party with your pals and looking trashy, just because you crossed a thin line that differentiates between class and crass. This usually happens with girls who have always been simple and traditional in dressing up, and were never exposed to modern ways of making a style statement. In a bid to go from simple to chic you may sometimes go a little overboard and end up looking indecent with the new found cleavage baring dress that you thought made you look like a million bucks.

If you don’t want to look like the most promiscuous girl at the next party, here’s help. And you can thank us later…

Also read: 5 secret hair tricks that really work

Always take a second opinion while choosing new items to dress up for a special occasion. You may feel that a bandage dress can look good on you, but probably your girls may give you an honest opinion. And that in turn would save you from looking like a victim of a fashion “accident” in need of a bandage. Choose a maxi dress that will not look like you strayed far away from your usual salwar kameez and still make you look gorgeous.

If you’re thinking of wearing a skirt instead of a sari at your friends pre-wedding cocktail party, go easy with the length. Your friends are used to seeing you covered up in the 9 yard drape, and if you make a sudden appearance wearing an ultra mini skirt, everybody’s going to think you’re craving to be noticed. Swap the mini skirt for a tea-length pencil one and accessorise it well.

We all dream of wearing a cute bodycon dress, but wearing one and having to constantly pull it down is a huge turn off. Here’s a helpful tip: when shopping for a bodycon dress if it feels like it’s a little short, try to pick a size bigger and preferably one that has a crew neck. This way you’ll have a more conservative ensemble that balances out the skin show.

Also read: 2014 fashion trends – what sizzles and what will fizzle

If you’ve never worn denims before, you may probably not want to directly jump to stone washed skinny jeans, or low rise and distressed ones. Pick a pair of simple mid waist jeans instead, and wear them with long tunics. Yes, we know crops tops are in and you’re probably thinking of flaunting your midriff, but you need to remember it’s a transition that must be carefully made.

Lastly, be sure to look and feel confident when you decide to go for a style makeover. It shouldn’t make you feel like you have had to jeopardise your self-image in the society. After all, beauty is in simplicity.

Also read: This year flirt with the skirt

This summer, go head over heels!

Summer has come in full swing and brought along sunshine and heat. Not to forget the humidity in our environment that adds to our woes. Most of us, especially women, dismally underestimate the value of sun protection for our hair. Come on ladies! You have to comprehend the dangers that you expose your hair to, every time that you walk out in the sun. We can hardly think of reasons why a woman would avoid wearing a headgear. In addition to the obvious fashion statement that hats can make, they shield your face from the harmful UV rays of the sun, keep you cool when you need it most and, lest we forget, they’re lifesavers on bad hair days!

Here’s a list of 6 must-have hats for the summer in a variety of shapes, and colours. What are you waiting for, pick-and-choose!

Straw hats:

Vintage straw boater hats can add a nautical charm to any outfit. The best part about straw hats is that one can sport them with dresses or jeans or even a bikini! They’re perfect for a day picnic as well as for a trip to the zoo.

Panama hats:

Ironically enough, Panama hats don’t come from Panama but from Ecuador. Authentic hand-woven panamas are extremely durable and chic. If you are a travel-person, make this hat your travel-buddy.

Sun hats:

This is one piece that you must never forget to carry if you are headed to the beach. Sun hats come in different colours and designs that give fresh feel to the classic topper.

Caps:

Caps are no longer just a sport-player’s headgear. Apart from being casual and cute, caps also save you from the sun keeping your head cool.

Flapper hats:

If The Great Gatsby left you longing for the glamour of the 1920s, worry not. It’s not late yet to don your favourite flapper style cloche hat. Wear it to a high profile party or a midnight summer ball.

Wide-brimmed floppy hats:

Increase your oomph factor with a huge wide-brimmed floppy hat. A ’70s-inspired floppy hat will provide a chic and sexy element to your outfit. This is the ultimate lady’s hat and you can never go wrong it.

Hurry up, take your pick and get the inner fashionista out in the sun!

Stylish ways to wear a scarf

Many of my friends have been asking me how I manage to wear my scarf in so many styles. So I thought of doing a tutorial. Basically, I usually wear a scarf in 3 simple ways and later style them differently according to my outfit and the occasion. Here are few styles that I absolutely love and do them very often.