The Brunette Diaries

The expert’s guide to office makeup

Putting your best face forward at work can be tricky. You have to strike a balance between being too fancy and just right for a work day. The lipstick that looks gorgeous at a party will certainly not be appropriate for a work day. That thin line is what you have to tread on. Let us have a look at an expert’s guide to office makeup:

Big meeting

If you have a big meeting coming up, try and keep the look polished. Stick to lipstick rather than lip gloss as it looks more professional. Try adding colour to the cheeks and a little mascara will do the trick.

Applying foundation

Ensure that your skin is perfectly primed and hydrated with a good moisturiser. It should be applied with a good foundation brush so that you can get the right finish unlike when you do it with your fingers. Start from the centre, where you tend to have maximum redness, if present. Slowly work your way outward into your jaw line and neckline. If you do this, lines will not be so visible. The final step is to set the foundation with pressed powder.

Office essentials

Always keep lip gloss, a blush and some eye shadows in your handbag or cabinet. You never know when an after office dinner or party may spring up and you may need them.

Day to evening transition

You may not always have the time to remove your makeup entirely. Try refreshing instead. Start by applying a few drops of night repair cream and slowly work it into your skin. This will bring a radiant glow.

It is essential that you never overdo your makeup, because at the end of the day you are at your work place.

Tips to keep your kitchen healthy and clean

Ants, mouldy residue, dirty sink, dirty stove, and dirty food cabinets are some of the ways in which your kitchen can seem ugly. Usually, unless you have enough time on your hands, keeping your kitchen clean is not on the top of your agenda for the day. However, kitchen cleanliness is of utmost importance as it is the same place where your food comes from. Here are a few tips to keep your kitchen clean and protect against the following problems:

Let keeping your kitchen clean be at the top of your agenda

Ants

Ants can be a severe menace in your kitchen and they can infest the place if not taken care of in time. Usually, a solution of boric acid and water works like magic. Mix a tablespoon of boric acid powder in a cup of water and put the solution in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the trail of ants, along skirtings and even in the corners of kitchen cabinets.

Spoiling food

If you aren’t used to keeping your food in the fridge all the time, don’t forget that food gets spoilt faster in the summer than in the winter thanks to the excess heat. Hence, it is important to keep your kitchen cool. Opt for a window covering that prevents harsh sunlight from coming in the house.

Trash

Usually, you are not required to change your trash-can linen every day; but in the summer, leftover food tends to rot faster. If you don’t change your trash-can linen, it can leave your kitchen with a foul odour.

Cleaning

Dusting of all the kitchen appliances is one more necessary job. Your refrigerator, microwave, food cabinets and your gas stove are places you must keep dust and grease free as this can be a harbour for bacteria.

Mould

The kitchen platform can develop mouldy residue if not cleaned well. Therefore, it is important to give it a wash before you turn off the lights each night.

Make sure you do all you can in your space of time and effort to keep your kitchen clean. Do not overlook this as it is imperative for healthy and clean food, and it lowers the risk of any disease.

Things you can do with your dog outdoors

Most people think that having a dog means spending a lot of time at home. However, your dog needs exercise too, just like you. Your dog needs to experience fresh air and would feel claustrophobic all day in the house, just like you would. So, here are a few things you can do with your dog outdoors.

(Also read – Things that may destroy your dog’s spirit)

Walks

Walks are a great way to bond with your dog. Take him for a long walk and enjoy fresh air while you get to meet people as well. This way you’re giving your dog the exercise he needs while you get the mini workout too! Best of both worlds! Make sure you carry a spare bag, however, since outside is not a pooping place for your dog!

Go to the park

A park with grass is a great place to play with your dog. Just like your children, if you have any, would like to go to the park and roll on the grass, so would your pooch.

(You may find this interesting – Foods that can poison your dog)

Swimming

Get your pooch in the pool if it is allowed, or take him to a river or lake for a swim on a hot summer day. The water helps cool the heated skin and offers an alternative form of exercise when it is too hot outside.

Hiking

Your dog loves the outdoors and hiking would be a good exercise for him, especially when it means bonding time as well with you!

(Try reading – Things to consider before bringing home a dog)

Games

Take your dog to the backyard or the building playground and play catch with your dog. Use a ball, a frisbee or a baton to make him improve his reflexes as he fetches.

Vacations

Instead of keeping your dog home or at a dog crèche, take your dog along with you on your vacation. He will love it if you care that much!

(Also read – 4 reasons why you should adopt a homeless dog)

If you have decided to parent a dog, make sure you love it and care for it like you would as a proper parent! Do not neglect it because it is an animal!