The Brunette Diaries

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

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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.

Hairstyles That Can Make You Look Stylish Instantly!

Whenever we need to go out to a party or a function, one of the major things that we are apprehensive about is “How will my hair look?”, “How are they supposed to look?” Here we dole out some tips to you ladies so that you flaunt what you’ve got! So, glam up and look your best.

Before you embark on a mission to change your hairstyle, ensure that it is always well conditioned, and don’t forget that conditioning hair serum – it is a saviour! Now, choose your style!

Up-dos

Opt for a deep side parting, start at the left temple and sweep across to the right ear. You should go for one of them, either go for a super slick wet-look up-do or leave a few strands loose on your face for a soft, dainty feminine feel.

Mermaid Waves

Mermaid curls look extremely casual and sexy

This is good news for all the lazy ones! The latest trend this year is laid-back, fuss-free mermaid waves. The more randomly placed and tousled the better! All you have to do is plait your damp hair and sleep.

Short hair

Bob cut is back and how! This cut has ruled the roost on the ramp this year, and more and more girls out there are opting for this easy-to-maintain look. Try a side part long pixie cut, an undercut inspired by a punk or you can go for a close crop also.

Fringes

Whether you have a short bob cut or a bowl one, you can make a statement from your fringe this year. If you are the one who prefers a soft cut then long fringes will frame your face.

Wet look

The season’s most in look is the wet look and is wearable. Yes, seriously! Spread high shine serum on your hair before styling and go out flaunting that wet look of your hair.

Low ponytail

Abandon bad hair days by mastering the fashion ponytail. Super sleek and secured low at the nape of the neck or brought in front; make a low ponytail and finish with a ‘spritz’ of high gloss hairspray for a chic look.

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.