BB BEAUTY DECODE—HOW TO GET SOFIA VERGARA’S WEDDING LOOK

Beginning a life of matrimonial bliss together last week were ‘Modern Family’ actress Sofia Vegara and ‘Magic Mike’ star Joe Manganiello in a romantic flowery ceremony at Palm Beach, Florida. While the groom looked dashing in a tuxedo, it was the bombshell of a bride who stole the show in her sweetheart neckline lace gown.

Sofia wore a classic beauty look that suited the formal occassion and oozed timelessness. While this stunner wore the look on her D-day, its classic elegance is just right for the festive season. Here is our quick decode to help you adopt this look.

Dewy Skin

Start by prepping your skin with the Lakmé Perfect Radiance Intense Whitening Serum. Using a pea sized quantity, gently apply onto your face with your fingertips, allowing it to nourish deep inside your skin. Not only will the serum penetrate much deeper than a moisturizer but, it will leave your skin dewy and radiant.
Face

The right pick for this look is the Lakmé Absolute Face Stylist Foundation whose gel-like texture will even out your skin tone without weighing it down. Apply a small amount with a foundation makeup brush and blend it in.You can rest assured that its high coverage will take you from day to night. If you find that you would require more coverage, apply the Lakmé Absolute Face Stylist Concealer with its wand on any spots and blend it in gently. As a finishing touch, dust the Lakmé Absolute Face Stylist Compact over your base to secure it in place.

Cheeks
While Sofia’s glow may have been wedded joy, you can replicate it with the Lakmé Absolute Face Stylist Blush Duos. All you need to do is swirl your blush brush combining both the shades together and gently tap it onto the apples of your cheeks.
Eyes

Sofia’s subtle yet sultry brown eyes can be yours in a jiffy. Start with the brown from the Lakme 9 To 5 Eye Color Quartet Eye Shadow in Desert Rose over your lid. Top that up with a darker brown, and follow it up with the plum brown at the very end of your eye. Using a fresh eye makeup brush, blend it all in without shifting the shades. Finally, use the last shade in the quartet, the antique gold, over your inner corner and browbone and blend it in.


Then define your upper lid with of the Lakmé Absolute Forever Silk Eyeliner in Blacklast in a single stroke. Follow it up by lining your lower waterline and lash line with the Lakmé Absolute Kohl Ultimate and using the smudger on the reverse side, give your eyes that smokey glint.

Finish off your eyes by curling your lashes and then applying the Lakmé Absolute Flutter Secrets Volume Mascara to give them a boost.
Lips

While she looked ravishing on the wedding day, it was Sofia’s red lips that stole the show. Get the look with the Lakmé Absolute Sculpt Studio Hi-Definition Matte Lipstick in Red Rush. This deep red with a pink undertone with sculpt your lips and give you a pout that’s as defined as they come.
Hair

Sofia’s tousled waves completed the elegant look and to get them, start by smoothing the BedHead by TIGI Foxy Curls Contour Cream through towel dried hair. Then twist it into curls and pin it tightly in place. Once dried, you’ll discover frizz-free defined curls with a shine. Then place one section of your hair slightly at the back towards your temple and secure it with a jewelled hair pin

EVERYTHING YOU NEEDED TO KNOW ABOUT MAKEUP SPONGES

As makeup lovers, only we know how much we value a good foundation; one that blends perfectly in our skin and hides all our skin problems. That’s the magic of makeup after all—the kind that seamlessly blends into your face and feels light as ever. But do you realise that having the right foundation is of no use if you cannot apply it properly? You might have the best products in place but without the right tools your face will end up looking cakey and unnatural. This is when makeup sponges come handy. Available in variety of shapes and sizes, these sponges make the application of makeup so much simpler. Want to know more about them? Read on...

What?
Makeup sponges are much easier to use when it comes to achieving flawless makeup as they ensure that your face gets the best base makeup ever. Moreover, these sponges last long but this also largely depends on how well you maintain your makeup. Moreover, at times when you apply makeup, people notice it immediately ‘coz your face looks unusually patchy because of the makeup. Well, this might happen because your fingers are not equipped enough to blend the makeup completely. The makeup sponge absorbs excess liquid and ensures that just the right amount of foundation goes into your skin making it look naturally beautiful.

Types of sponges
Acing your makeup depends on the kind of sponge you opt for. The round and rectangular sponges are used mostly for applying foundation on the forehead and the cheeks. You must use the wedge-shaped sponges if you’re looking for contouring. But the egg shaped sponges are mostly used to give your skin even coverage and lends your face an air brush like finish. You can use the tip on your nose and mouth while opt for the wider base when you want to blend makeup on your chin, cheeks and forehead.

How to use a makeup sponge
You must ensure that you wet the sponge before use so it helps smoothen the application. If you’re using liquid foundation, just squeeze on the back of your hand and then dab some on your sponge and apply to the face. Don’t swipe it across your face but ensure that you dab the makeup. Add more foundation to ensure that you get enough coverage over your face and neck.

THERE’S A NUDE LIPSTICK SHADE FOR EVERY SKINTONE

Nude lips are the new bold! Right from the international runways to our very own Bollywood celebrities, barely there lippers are making a loud statement. While it may seem very effortless and easy to sport, the trick lies in finding the appropriate shade that complements your skin tone. Here’s a quick guide...

For Olive and dark skin tones

If you are a dusky beauty like Bipasha Basu then shades with a red undertone or dark shades of melted chocolate should be your choice. Avoid the shades that are lighter than your skin tone as they will tend to make your lips grey and make your face appear washed out. Complete your look with a dewy base and highlighted cheekbones.

For Medium to olive skin tones

If your complexion is anything like that of Priyanka Chopra then nude shades with peach and orange undertones are an ideal match for your skin tone. Avoid shades with pink undertones as they tend you make your skin tone appear dull and darker. Don’t forget to deeply kohl your eyes with a black kajal for a face that looks naturally beautiful.

For lighter skin tones

If you have light skin like Kareena Kapoor Khan then shades with a soft pink undertone would give your face the perfect nude look. Avoid shades with a dark pink undertone as they won’t create that much of an impack. Don’t forget to fill in your brows and define your peepers with tons of mascara for a sharp and bold look.

GENIUS HACKS TO FAKE AN HOURGLASS BODY

It would be so tempting to own an hourglass body, with equal-sized shoulders and hips, and a thin waist! The truth of the matter is, however, that very few of us actually do. In order to look picture perfect, you can always take the help of our styling tricks, which will make you look like you have an hourglass body even when you don’t. Here’s how...

For a pear-shaped body
Your problem area is your hips. Balance it out with your shoulders by going for shoulder-padded blazers and blouses. Also, be very mindful while picking colours. Dark colours for your tops are a complete no-no as they will lay emphasis on your pear shape instead of making it look hourglass. Go for light-hued tops and dark or rich-hued bottoms instead for an hourglass illusion.



For an apple-shaped body
Your problem area is your upper body. Balance it out by going for flared bottoms in lightweight fabrics to create a balance with your shoulders and bust. When it comes to your upper body, stick to dark colours with lesser details especially around the bust and stomach. Palazzo pants paired with denim shirts or A-line skirts with V-neck tops can help you fake the perfect figure.



For a ruler-shaped figure
You just need to define your waist as you already have equal-sized shoulders and hips. Going for A-line dresses and skirts that cinch at the waist or wearing a skinny belt will help lend your figure an hourglass illusion. Wear bright colours for a more feminine appeal.
The ultimate trick: Twin sets work surprisingly well for any body type in order to fake an hourglass figure. But make sure you choose appropriate colours or play safe by going for black, white or solid colours.

8 SEQUINED PIECES FOR NAILING THE PARTY LOOK

Sure, we like to keep it classy and subtle during the day but scream party and we’re on our way to picking out our favourite sequined piece. After all, what’s a party look without some bling, right? If you agree with us, opt for the right makeup and add some va va voom to an upcoming party by flaunting a sizzling sequined piece. Here are your options.

A sequin dress in rich moss green? Yes please! Make sure you keep the other accessories simple ‘coz you don’t want the focus to shift from this stunning dress.


Don’t know about you but we’ve been crushing on sequin shoes for a while now. So when we spotted this one, we were naturally jumping with joy. If you’re brave enough to sport them, go for black sequin ones like these.


Think joggers are boring? Not anymore! Check out these sequin joggers with a drawstring waistband. Have a party coming up? Do it differently by flaunting these jogger


Think a sequined short number is too passé? Go all out and slip into a sequined maxi dress. Comfortable yet high on glam!



Want to be a headturner with a bag? Do it by way of a sequined duffle bag! Perfect for a casual party at a friend’s place, this bag is surely going to up your style quotient


We’ve always envied girls with sequined blazers until we found this gorgeous piece online. If you’re the type to show up in jeans at a party, just jazz things up by wearing a golden blazer like this one. So chic


Think a pencil skirt is more like your style? Go for one with sequins like this. Wear it with a solid coloured crop top and sky high heels


Looking for a glamorous crop top as a party outfit? Make way for one with sequins work like this. Wear it with a pair or denims or black pants and you’ll be a stunner at the party.

HEAD-TO-TOE COLOUR COMBOS THAT FLATTER EVERY BODY TYPE

Most of us tend to focus on the colour of your skin when it comes to choosing what to wear. That’s because very few of us know that being smart about our choice of colours can actually flatter our body types. Yes, colour can actually help with our dressing dilemmas. Here’s how you can flatter your body type by wearing the right colour combos... Pear shape What you need to focus on is your best assets—your shoulders, arms and chest. Draw attention on your upper body by experimenting with colourful blouses, shirts and tanks. Neutral, dark or rich hued bottoms can help deal with your problem areas—your waist or lower body—and make it appear ‘bootylicious’ and alluring. Colour combinations

With separates




With one piece
Apple shape
Broad shoulders and fuller busts are your problem areas. Trick it into looking thinner by playing around with colours in rich and dark tones. Since your legs are thinner, draw focus on them by going for light or pastel hues and fake a thin upper body by going for colours like burgundy, emerald, black or Persian blue. Avoid plain white clothes as it will make your body shape appear fuller and wider.

Colour combinations


With separates


With one piece


Banana shape
Your shoulders are balanced with your waist and hips but there’s hardly any waist definition. In order to lend some curves, wear colours like red, white, yellow or jewel tones and avoid very dark colours like black or darker shades of blue as they tend to make your frame appear boyish.

Colour combinations


With separates




With one piece

EVERYDAY BEAUTY TIPS FOR OILY SKIN

People with oily skin, you have all our sympathies. Tropical weather, a combination of air conditioning and bright sunshine, constant sweating, too much pollution and a ton of other factors that just won’t cut your skin some slack can weigh heavily on your sebaceous glands. The result is a continuously oily T-zone that extends to your whole face! The real problem is actually the amount of oil your pores secrete. Keep a tab on that and you’ll have your skin and acne under control. Wondering how you can get around to doing this? Read on as we list our top beauty tips for oily skin sufferers…

Oily skin is no excuse for not moisturising

If you think that oily skin doesn’t need moisturising, you couldn’t be more wrong. If you skip moisturising, it will only encourage your sebaceous glands to produce more sebum to compensate and end up making your skin further oily. It is advisable, therefore, that you opt for the best cream for oily skin and use it diligently. Our Beauty Editor has been using the Pond’s Silk Crème Moisturiser and the results have been rather pleasing. This cream blends perfectly into the skin without leaving any greasy residue behind. It has a 24-hour moisture lock formula, which means once you use this, you need not worry about your skin feeling dehydrated throughout the day. Such a savior for those struggling to find a solution to oily skin!
Beauty habits

If you’ve been a victim of oily skin for too long, you know that your skin almost always feels greasy. Hence, it is advisable that you carry blotting sheets that will soak in all the oil leaving little chance for acne and other skin woes to crop up. The other thing you must pay attention to is how often you touch your face. Your hands are carriers of dirt, dirt clogs pores and clogged pores result in acne. So the next time, keep your hands to yourself.
Use lukewarm water for cleansing

You might assume that cold water feels absolutely heavenly on irritated skin but it’s far from beneficial for oily skin. Lukewarm water dissolves oil much faster than cold water. Moreover, since oily skin also brings with it clogged pores and acne, lukewarm water ensures that all the dirt and bacteria are washed away effectively from the skin thereby lending you clean and soft skin.
Use gel based products

Gel based products have high water content that instantly provide hydration to the skin without leaving behind a greasy residue, which is crucial if you suffer from oily skin. These products cut down the chances of breakouts and acne as water does not bind itself into the skin clogging pores. One of the best facial creams for oily skin that has a gel based formula is the Lakmé Skin Gloss Gel Crème. It also doubles up as a base for makeup as it plumps the skin and readies it for further makeup.
Drink that green smoothie

While using the right products is important for oily skin, it is just as necessary to cleanse your system from within to ensure that there is no room for bacteria in the body. Take the effort to prepare a green smoothie for yourself. The green smoothie contains spinach, which is rich is chlorophyll—a blood purifier. This will ensure that all the toxins from your body are flushed away reducing your skin problems to a great extent. All you have to do is take a blender and add a cup of spinach, 2 cups of fruits that’ll act as sweeteners such as bananas or apples and a cup of water. Blend this and drink it up for super nourished acne-free skin.

Well, here’s hoping that all these measures we’ve listed above for oily skin care will help you master the skin care game and put up a strong fight against oily skin.

‘HEAVY ON THE HIPS’ GIRLS, NO MORE HIDING BEHIND YOUR CLOTHES

Whether you are a pear, apple or hourglass shape, wide hips and heavy thighs are the most common problems Indian women face. We understand when you say that you want to go grab that pair of sexy skinny trousers on sale but your body just won’t ‘allow’ you to do so! Here’s a quick guide on dressing for your body type and embracing clothes instead of hiding behind them...

GO FOR

Mid-rise and high waist
This will make your hips appear thinner. It helps streamline your upper body with your lower body while giving an illusion of hourglass figure.

Dark and rich colours
Colours like black, deep red, chocolate brown, emerald and ruby slim down your problem areas while turning them into your best assets.

Flare hem
Going for bootcut or bell bottom or a slightly tapered hem will balance out your body while making your shoulders and hips seem the same size. Look for such styles in trousers, denims and jumpsuits.

Bodycon and shift styles
Bodycon skirts and shift dresses make your hips, thighs and legs appear alluring while hugging your curves just the way you always wanted!

AVOID
Skinny and narrow fits
These kinds of fits tend to form a trapeze from your waist to legs and that draws attention to your problem areas making them look bulkier.

Light colours and oversized prints
Choosing colours that are light will only make the areas appear broader. Switch the colours to tops instead for a more balanced look.

Details around the hips, thighs and pockets
Avoid details (that involves anything like lace, pleats, stones or pipings) as it only makes your lower body appear fuller.

Too short hems
When it comes to hems always keep it not more than 2.5 inches above the knees for enough coverage.

SHOP OUR PICKS


Tuck in a fitted light hued shirt for the perfect formal look.
 


Wear it with a vest for a fun weekend out


This colour block shift dress flatters your curves when worn with a pair of black heels for a dinner out.

5 EVERYDAY HABITS OF GIRLS WITH GORGEOUS HAIR

If you’re dealing with way too many bad hair days and constantly covet that celeb perfect mane, this story’s for you. The secret to good hair, doesn’t lie so much in expensive salon treatments as it does in a fool-proof haircare routine. Here’s our roundup of the good-hair habits from all those girls with enviable locks; a to-do list you should start ticking off ASAP…

She knows when to wash her hair

Any woman with great hair will never go overboard when it comes to washing her hair. She knows how often to wash it and will always use the right kind of products meant for her hair type. So, if you stay in a city where pollution is high and you are exposed to a lot of dirt and grime then make sure you wash it every alternate day and if you live in a city where pollution is not much and humidity is low you can wash it twice a week.
She eats all the right things

She understands the inside-out approach when it comes to hair.  Hence, she makes a point to eat for her hair; iron, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and herbs that help keep hair shiny, fuller, stronger and manageable. Want to score big? Add some walnuts, eggs, green leafy vegetables and salmon in your daily diet.
She offers it Sun protection

While most people slather on SPF to sun-proof their ski, girls with good hair know that the sun can spell trouble for their locks too, that’s why they limit their time in the sun as much as possible and always make a point to use a leave-in conditioner while stepping out during the day.
She trims her hair regularly

Even while growing their hair, girls who’ve aced their hair game make it a point to get a trim regularly. For a healthy length, a trim every 6-8 weeks is recommended as a precaution against split ends.
She never washes her hair with hot water

She knows that excess heat is harmful for her hair, can affect its volume and lead to dry and lifeless locks. In addition, a preferred favourite is a bath with lukewarm water instead of hot water and a wash with cold water post conditioning for that healthy lustre.

Sweater Nails

TREND-SPOTTING: COSY UP WITH THE SWEATER NAIL TREND

It is that wonderful time of the year where the chill in the air makes us draw out our woolies and cable knits to bundle up in. But why should our clothing have all the fun! The new sweater nail art trend makes sure that your nails can join in the party too and we’re breaking it down as to just how

There are a number of ways that can be put in practise to flaunt the three-dimensional sweater art trend. Some of them include using an icing technique to create the nail art design and others are carried out by layering an acrylic powder for the indents on the nails.


Want to extend the sweater weather to your talons as well? Here’s how you can nail the trend effectively.

Start by applying a coat of the Lakmé Clear Glass nail polish as a base coat. Once dried, place a few drops of the same transparent shade in a palette for a few second in order for it to thicken slightly. Then use a dotting tool (available online) to spread the layer of nail polish in the desired sweater pattern which could be miniature dots, loops and curls. The thicker the pattern is, the more it will stand out. Finally, finish off by applying a single coat of the Lakme Absolute Gel Stylist nail polish. Replicating cosy woolens as closely as possible, gentle pastel and neutral shades are the ideal choice of colour.


Additionally, you can add a glitter coat, lustre dust or flocking powder within the intricate sweater pattern for your nails to stand apart and make a sweater decked statement this season.

Walk Easy

BEST COMFY, TRAVEL-FRIENDLY SLIDERS FOR A DA

There’s no denying that when we’re up for a glamorous outfit, we dig our heels. But when it comes to easy-breezy dressing, we’ve found our comfort in sliders. Why? They’re simple, they’re super cute and they’re all the rage. If you’re one who likes lazy dressing as much as us, here are some pieces to add to your shopping cart, stat!

Don’t know about you but these nude sliders totally had us lusting after them. Cool yet smart, they need to be in your shoe closet if you want an everyday pair of footwear.



Who says sliders can’t be hot? Pair these silver ones with a simple pair of blue jeans-white shirt combo and you’re going to be a total hottie around town.



Lovers of quirky shoes, here’s something for you—a pair of white shoes with a heart and a smiley on each slider. If you like to keep your wardrobe fun, something like this would match your taste.



Shoes with sharks on them? Hell yeah! Colourful and comfy, these travel-friendly shoes will bring out the cool side in you.



Want to pretty up your feet with some bling? Do it differently by sporting embellished sliders like these. We promise—these are sure to make your feet stand out.




Are you a minimalist? Embrace a pair of grey comfortable footwear in the form of sliders for regular wear. They’ll work with most of your outfits and never go out of style.