The Grammys is touted as ‘the biggest event’ in the industry I work in. Unfortunately, the last few years, it’s been a bit lackluster. Every year I say I’m not going to watch but every year I tune in, just so I’m lost during the water cooler conversations at work the next day. I tuned in Sunday night, on breaks from Brothers & Sisters (love that show). Here’s a quick summary of my thoughts:

-Lady GaGa rocks – she can sing, she can write, she can design, and she can truly ENTERTAIN
-Pink sang upside down, twirling from a piece of fabric, all in a wet, nude body suit. Need I say more?
- Beyonce covering Alanis. Awesome.
- Oh Taylor Swift. Yes, she’s America’s sweetheart. And yes she can song write (which many top selling artists can’t do), but she can’t sing. Well, she can sing, but off-key.
- Didn’t understand Jamie Foxx’s performance though it was cool to see Slash.
-Taylor Swift won over GaGa? WTF.

The one thing I do love about the Grammys is the fashion. It’s less about elegance and old Hollywood, and more about funky, outrageous and avant garde.

My favourite of the evening – Rihanna. Fun, flirty and feathery. Love it.

Who’s outfit was your favourite?

Makeup Tips for Dark Skin

Similarly to skin type, different skin tones require a different guide for finding the perfect makeup. Indeed dark skin is from all kinds of perspectives more resistant than its fair counterpart.
As professionals claim, this skin tone can withstand the many harmful effects of the sun and UV rays. Due to the high pigment content it is able to fight the weather conditions. Makeup is a different issue, to emphasize what’s best in a skin tone it is worth knowing some basic makeup tips for dark skin.

Foundation

The base of the makeup is vital to achieve a perfect, flawless outcome. Those who own a dark complexion should choose foundation as well as the basic elements as concealer and powder according to the basic features of their skin tone.

To avoid the mask effect keep away of opting for shades that are lighter than the natural tone. Undoubtedly makeup is more visible on a darker skin than on the fair one.
Liquid foundations are the perfect option for this skin tone.

Make it oil-free and rather water-based, this will guarantee that your whole makeup will be the closest in shade to your natural skin color.
Blending is the key to success, choose powders that are rather translucent to add a soft finish to your look. Keep away from the shiny look, it might spoil your whole makeup.

Eye Makeup

The next step is to accentuate the eyes, indeed there are special shades that can add a glamorous flair to your skin tone. Apply a tiny transparent powder on the eyelids for the long-lasting effect. Then experiment with shades as prunes, burgundies, copper and dark browns.
Dark colors seem to complement this complexion more, rather than the light and powdery tints. If you feel the need to shine choose metallic shades. These will look fabulous especially if applied for a special night or an evening event.

During the day feel free to use brown or gray eyeliners, these will brighten up your eye makeup making it more sensitive and spectacular. Top your look with black or copperish mascara for a classy touch.

Lips
Depending on the particular event and the time of the day opt rather for a matte one and avoid the frosted ones. Dark complexion looks amazing with burgundies, brownish and berry shades. However the color palette can be further widened with mochas, coffee, chocolates,gold, soft pink and beige colors.The only no-no would be the orange tones, these seem to match fair skin tones rather than dark ones.

Blush

As the final touch to the perfect makeup blush has an essential role in crowning the overall look. That’s why it is necessary to take great care when choosing the right shade. Brown and peach shades were not designed for dark complexion.

On he contrary deep orange, coral shades as well as rose are the no.1 favorites of makeup artists when it comes of emphasizing the beauties of dark skin.For an evening meeting or activity you can add a tint of gold to your makeup. The goldish colors work fabulously with your skin tone.

Tags: dark skin makeup, makeup for dark skin, makeup looks, makeup ideas, black skin makeup, black girls makeup, makeup

Here are two recipes you could try making yourself -

Chamomile Skin Toner

This is a gentle toner for dry, normal, or sensitive skin. Use after cleansing, or whenever you need to freshen your skin.

1. 1/2 cup distilled witch hazel
2. 1 cup strongly prepared chamomile tea

Combine the two ingredients in a glass jar or plastic container and store in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Saga Vodka Astringent

This sage-vodka astringent is for oily or acne-prone skin. Use after cleansing, or when you need to freshen your skin.

1. 1/3 cup dried sage leaves
2. 1 cup water
3. 1/2 cup unflavoured vodka

In a small pot, mix the water and dried sage leaves. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and boil for 5 minutes. Allow it to cool. Strain out the sage leaves and combine the liquid and the vodka in a glass jar or plastic container.

How to Do Your Own Manicure

Manicured nails create the gorgeous hand aspect every woman desired and the best thing about it is that manicures can be performed in the comfort of your own home. Find out how you can perform your own manicure easily.

Manicured nails are one of the best things that could have happened since make-up and it is clear why. The hands well groomed appearance inspire confidence and style, so no wonder manicurists are trying to revolutionize manicure.

For decades manicures were done relatively simple: cut cuticles, filed nails and a simple coat of nail varnish, but nowadays, since the cosmetic industry has evolved the manicures can be performed a bit different. There are a variety of products destined for nail care, products meant to bring out the best out of each nail.

To do your own manicure one must understand the basic steps in manicure. There are certain steps that need to be followed in order to make the manicuring process much easier. To perform a home manicure you will need the following utensils before you begin:

To start your own manicure choose a place with plenty of light, next to a window or next to a lamp to ensure that you have a the best lighting to do the best job. Start by placing one of your hands in a bowl of warm water to allow your hand to soften and let it soak for about 2 minutes. Take your hand out and dry the water off using a clean towel. Apply the cuticle remover on the cuticles or used the cuticle pusher to to push back the cuticles.
Using the nail clipper clip your nails the desired length as they are less likely to break after they have soaked in water and use the nail file of buffer to gently smooth or shape the nails as desired. After obtaining the desired shape follow the same steps on your other hand as well.

As soon as your nails are done wash your hands with soap and rinse them with water to remove any residue from the nail filing and ensure a proper application of the nail polish. Apply your favorite nail polish on your dry nails in a uniform coat and wait for it to dry. You can use a quick dry spray if you are in a hurry, as they help speed up the drying process. The most appreciated and used colors are red, pink and obviously french style manicures.

Apply a second coat of nail varnish if necessary, let the coat dry and apply a top coat over each nail as it will help give a shiny finish to your nail polish. If you are looking for something more spectacular you can try to create your own nail art design using a toothpick. Use the toothpick to make small dots that connect to create a cute flower design. You can use any color you like for the flower as they all look beautiful.

Make sure your nail polish is dry before you perform a relaxing massage using the hand cream on each hand. This way the cream will offer your hands the hydration they need in order to have a gorgeous and smooth appearance. Your manicured nails will look beautiful with a minimum amount of effort and pay.

Tags: manicure, nail polish, manicured nails, french manicure, groomed nails, homemade manicure, nails, nail care, nail varnish

Get Sparkling Eyes Naturally

Are you tired of applying tons of eye makeup to have starry eyes? Then why not experiment with some natural remedies that would banish the puffy eye look and would add a fabulous sparkle to your look. The natural ingredients in these treatments will offer you more benefits than the slightly artificial look a glam makeup would create.

‘The eyes are windows to our souls’ and especially our body. Indeed this sensitive spot can reveal both different deficiencies as well as illnesses our body might suffer from. However in order to not only fake but also have the natural sparkle in our eyes it is enough to experiment with ancient tricks that our grandmothers might have applied to charm grandpa. Often the little bags under the eyes might give the impression of a tired and worn-out look.

As one of the most prominent parts on our face, the eyes should be carefully taken care of in order to look flawless. Chemical-based cosmetics can often harm the skin around this area and also our sight, instead there are organic options that can jazz up our look in a few minutes. The following tricks will help us in getting sparkling eyes naturally.

Healthy Diet

Rose Water

Hands Trick

Cold Tea

Apple Juice

Tags: sparkling eyes naturally, natural treatment for eyes, organic treatment for eyes, eye care, puffy eyes, sparkling eyes

Nail Care Tips for the Cold Season

Some women’s nails are just as sensitive to the cold weather as their skin. Indeed both our skin as well as nail care routine should be adjusted to the cozy season. Instead of sticking to the traditional nail treatments take preventions and learn more about the effect of the chilly season with these nail care tips for the cold season.

The cold season brings several changes both in our wardrobe and body care routine. Our nails make no exception when it comes of witnesses of chapping and dehydration due to the damages the cold season might generate. There are several methods that can be used either ti reduce the gravity of deterioration or completely avoid it. The cosmetic industry furnishes us with a wide selection of products that will help us face the dangerous factors.

Our nails are more prone to breakage and deterioration even more than during the hot season. Since the immunity to harmful chemicals and even cold water decreases we might face breakage and even discoloration. It is vital to cover them with a protective shield that would eliminate the possible manicure disasters. Be prepared for the worst by learning more on cold weather and nail care.