Beauty & Style

Beauty Tips

Beauty is skin deep and hence, you’d need to nurture it so that it stays with you longer. No one can deny the brilliance that is added by beautiful skin and hair. Women around the globe are in constant search for beauty secrets which will let them hold to eternal beauty. Hence, the market is full of beauty products and treatments to keep one beautiful for longer. However, often after investing hundreds of dollars in these treatments we don’t get the desired results. This can lead to disappointment. But there are homemade beauty tips which are tried and tested against time to deliver excellent results for beautiful hair and radiant skin.

Following are some homemade beauty tips which one can easily prepare and use. The advantage of homemade packs and treatments is that they are often herbal and without harmful chemicals.

Homemade beauty tips for skin

A glowing skin is the prerequisite for beautiful looks and hence, you can’t avoid taking care of your skin. Eating and drinking healthy will let you have radiant and glowing skin; without pimples and blemishes. Now, when food will take care of your skin from within you’d also need to apply homemade beauty packs to complete the process.

Oatmeal
Oatmeal can be an excellent natural scrub. It will help removing the dead cells from your face to give it a fresh look. To prepare the oatmeal pack mix ½ cup of oatmeal with ½ cup water and make a paste.

Clean your face with normal water and then apply the pack evenly on your face. Allow the pack to rest for 10-15 mins and then rinse off with warm water while scrubbing your face with the pack in circular motions.

Cucumber
Cucumber is the natural astringent. It also helps tightening skin and slows down the aging process. Hence, cucumber is a must have in your beauty regime. Grate cucumber and extract the juice. Apply the juice on your face with cotton ball. Let it dry on your face for 20 mins. Time-to-time, reapply the juice. Rinse your face with cold water when the juice dries completely.

You can also preserve the juice in refrigerator and use everyday for brilliantly glowing skin.

Egg yolk
The egg yolk is rich in nutrients that will let you have beautifully glowing skin. To make a face pack of egg yolk- mix 1 egg yolk with ½ tablespoon of olive oil and ½ table spoon of lemon juice. Apply the pack on your face and leave it to dry for around 15 mins. Rinse off the pack completely with water. It is an ideal face pack for normal to dry skin.

Honey, Peach and Yogurt Mask
This is a great face mask which can be used everyday. Honey is the natural moisturizer and therefore is used extensively in face-packs. The honey, peach and yogurt mask will leave your skin beautiful and glowing.

Take the pulp of a large peach and mix honey and yogurt to it. Make a paste and apply it on face. Leave the pack to dry for 30 mins. Once the pack is dry, rinse it off with lukewarm water. Complete the process by applying light moisturizer to your face.

Homemade beauty tips for hair

Hair is your crowning glory and hence, you can’t simply ignore them. Healthy hair is sign of health and beauty. Homemade hair care recipes will help you keep your hair healthy and shining. These can also prevent issues like- dandruff and premature graying.

Brown sugar
Dandruff is caused by dry and flaky scalp and hence, keeping it moisturized and clean is the best way to prevent dandruff. Brown sugar scalp scrub will let you keep your head clean. Mix two parts of brown sugar with one part of conditioner. Lightly rub the mixture on your scalp. However, you must be careful not to tangle your hair. Rinse your hair thoroughly with water.

Moisturize with honey and olive oil
Moisturizing your hair regularly is an important part of your hair care regimen. Hence, you must not avoid moisturizing your hair even if you have oily hair. If you have dry hair you can benefit from adding olive oil and honey to your regular conditioner.

If you have dry hair then you can also benefit from using mayonnaise on your scalp. Apply it on wet hair. Wash your hair thoroughly and shampoo if needed and style accordingly.

Homemade body care

When you are taking every care to improve the quality of your skin and hair you can’t avoid caring for your body too. Flaky skin, cracked heels will put a dampener on your beauty regimen.

Body lotion for dry skin
The homemade body lotion will help you fight skin dryness. Add 2 teaspoon of glycerin with lemon juice and six-teaspoons of petroleum jelly. You may apply this moisturizing lotion on your body to prevent dryness.

Cucumber for sunburn
Cucumber juice can be used to treat sunburn. Peel and grate one cucumber and squeeze juice from it. Refrigerate the juice. Mix the juice with ½ teaspoon of glycerin and rose water. Apply the mixture on the affected area.

Cracked heel
Cracked heels look bad and hence, you can’t ignore them. To treat your cracked heels melt paraffin wax and mix mustard oil with it. Apply the mixture on the affected area and leave overnight. If you use it regularly your heels will become smooth after 10 to 15 days.

Hand care

Even when you can deceive your age with a glowing skin your hands are often the give-away. They will tell your true age if you ignore them. Hence, taking care of your hand is equally crucial.

To clear the dead skin from your hand mix some sea salt with lemon juice and rub your hands with it by using an old toothbrush. Rinse off your hands with lukewarm water.

Keeping your hands moisturized is very important for a great look and hence, apply almond oil to keep them hydrated. To prevent nails from breaking, massage your nails with vitamin E.

Beauty treatment doesn’t always have to be expensive. You can retain the glowing youthful look by using simple ingredients available easily at home.

Marc Jacobs closes New York Fashion Week with dance hall

The Marc Jacobs Spring collection is modelled on Thursday during Fashion Week in New York

Marc Jacobs closed the curtain on New York Fashion Week with a dance hall theme that confirmed some trends for spring and created new ones with a mix of filmy fringe, Western-style shapes and drop-waist dresses.

With a line of models draped over chairs Thursday night, Jacobs mined different eras to shape the new look for next season.

The 1920s, ‘60s and what might pass for blasé in Year 2050 were represented in shades of baby blue, grass green, wine red and luminescent white. Some models wore clear ankle boots and others walked in modernesque turbans. There were beads, athletic influences and tons of tiered skirts.

Stephanie Solomon, vice president for fashion direction at Bloomingdale’s, saw Paris in the Jazz Age – fast-forwarded to today. “It was the speakeasy for the summer of 2011,” she said, “but when you looked at the innovative fabrics and how he styled it, it was very, very modern.”

Jacobs, the industry darling, usually shows earlier during the New York previews, before editors, retailers and stylists flee for Europe. But he changed his slot this go-around to allow more time for deliveries slowed by Hurricane Irene.

Joe Zee, Elle’s creative director, could get used to this. “To end the week like this is how it should be. It’s like he’s the director of this great production,” he said. “I love that it’s not a literal interpretation of any one thing. It’s a potpourri that works.”

Other collections that debuted Thursday included Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein, also very influential runways, and they, too, solidified some must-haves. Put a great blazer or jacket at the top of the list, said Solomon.

“I’m not talking standard black blazers — it’s anything but,” she said.

Lauren featured “Great Gatsby” wide-legged suits — some paired with men’s ties that looked more Tom than Daisy — and Calvin Klein’s Francisco Costa showed long silk and jacquard coats, worn like robes over his slip dresses. Imagine the muse of a wartime spy, dashing out in the dark.

Another classic American brand, Bill Blass, preserved the past and forged a future in the hands of Jeffrey Monteiro. He was chosen almost two years ago to revive the line after years of tough going for the company.

He showed familiar, impeccably tailored navy coats and blazers, but underneath a navy twill peacoat was a bandeau top.

RALPH LAUREN

The intersection of sportswear and elegance happens on the Lauren runway. It gives him a place on the American fashion scene like no one else.

There was a feminine hint of ruffle in a floral print, optic white menswear suits, luxe liquidlike fabrics and Deco beading were all part of Lauren’s reimagining of ‘20s style.

Lauren showed great skill in balancing simple shapes the hardest thing to do well — with glamorous details- an ostrich feather scarf here or beaded bag there.

The ivory skirt suit with a hammered-satin tank top, accessorized with an embroidered linen clutch bag and ivory sandal is a lot harder to pull off than something dripping with decoration.

“He’s so renowned for desirable, memorable and modern clothes,” said Glenda Bailey, editor in chief of Harper’s Bazaar.

Virginia Smith, fashion market director at Vogue, added, “It’s sort of Ralph Lauren’s world and we’re living in it.”

She especially liked the gowns — the knockout floral lame and the off-the-shoulder goddess style — among them. “They were a tour de force.”

Olivia Wilde seemed to show particular interest in the robin’s egg-blue georgette dress with beading on one hip. How fast can the Lauren team get that gown on the plane for Sunday’s Emmy Awards?

PROENZA SCHOULER

Considered one of the most influential collections on the runways here, duo Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough seemed one step ahead with more trim, tailored shapes.

But they also confirmed emerging trends with optimistic flashes of yellow and aqua, clean shapes and a lot of prints.

The first model wore a buttoned-up jacket and tasteful, though super-short, shorts in dark brown with a tiger print.

From there, the designers moved down the spectrum from crocheted raffia, with a slight sheen and geometric details that oozed crafty chic, to very modern tech-crepe fabrics that hug the body. Both showed that Hernandez and McCollough continue to experiment with texture as much as silhouette.

NAEEM KHAN

Khan could have outfitted an entire slate of Oscar nominees with his runway offerings.

It was a glamorous array of sequined, beaded and ruffled gowns with a stylistic focus on Spain.

Khan got a standing ovation after closing with one of his grander creations, a ballgown in silver with a fringed bodice and an extravagantly full skirt.

The Indian-born Khan has famously designed gowns for Michelle Obama at not one but two state dinners.

“It was stunning,” actress Mischa Barton told him after the show.

Colors were not confined to any particular scheme; there were bright oranges and yellows, reds and blues, roses and mauves, grays and burgundies, blacks and whites. (And, of course, gold and silver.)

CALVIN KLEIN

It was an unusually feminine display for Costa.

Dresses had sheer trim on the bustline, or in some cases a sheer top. Hemlines were just a touch asymmetrical.

In a switch from other designer collections previewed over eight days, these were longer in the front and shorter in the back. Fluted and pleated skirts evoked a ‘40s feel, and some of the long silk and jacquard coats were worn like robes, adding to the lingerie look. Imagine the muse of a wartime spy, dashing out in the dark.

“It’s a very exciting season because, you know, I think what I wanted to convey with the collection it was really feminine clothes that was very relevant for today … no tricks just really quality in the making and interesting cuts,” said Costa backstage.

The collection also included wide-leg pants, worn with a shawl-collared vest, and culottes that showed off spiked stiletto heels.

BILL BLASS

Other interesting accents? A shirt tail hem on a black racerback tank, trailing gracefully behind the wearer, and a black organza top with an accordion pleat back. And while a red long-sleeved gown with an accordion pleat skirt seemed a little stodgy, the navy-and-white satin halter gown with a dot georgette skirt looked fresh and chic.

Nodding to the trend of big colour, Monteiro included not only bright red — a signature color of Blass, who left the company in 1999 and died in 2002 — but also a bold yellow. A sequined gown of that color was a surprising, almost jarring burst of brightness.

In a backstage interview, Monteiro made it clear he was honouring the past. “We have the archive, and that’s always the inspiration,” he said. “Classic American sportswear. Sophisticated and easy.”

ELIE TAHARI

What do ancient Egypt and the hourglass silhouettes of the early 20th century have in common?

Nothing, except that they both inspired Tahari’s glammed-up version of his famous daytime wear that made use of longer lengths, lots of gold — think Cleopatra — and sexier accents like harem pants, transparent tops and feathered vests.

Tahari’s show started with an appealing pantsuit, the jacket coming down to the knees and creating a slender, flattering silhouette.

Soon the more glamorous elements appeared- Fluttering, transparent blouses, a bright gold metallic skirt, a fur vest. A long vest-jacket topped a crinkled chiffon skirt, a more whimsical approach to Tahari’s much—admired daywear.

For night, a gold metal tank dress seemed to hit the spot for many of Tahari’s fans.

RALPH RUCCI

To build on artful, architectural and expensive wardrobes, Rucci offered several modern looks with sheer plastic panels. Sometimes it was an inset around the bodice, sometimes more subtle on the cuff of a jacket or hem of a skirt.

And there was a white neoprene coat, paired with a faille straight skirt, like you’ve never seen neoprene before.

He used silver python for a banded skirt that was worn with a sheer chiffon button-front blouse. For evening there was black caviar-beaded blouson dress — using the tiniest beads one could imagine — that had little fringe at the hemline.

The clothes are grand but not showy — and Rucci received a standing ovation for his effort.

Current Hairstyles for Women Over 50

There are plenty of hair style options for women over 50.

The cardinal rule used to be that as soon as a woman turned 30, and certainly if she were a mother, that her long locks had to go. That was back in a more rigid era, however, when there was a rule for everything and women, in particular, tended to obey them. If you are 50 or beyond and want to wear your hair long or dye it purple, go right ahead and do it. Wear the style you think is the most flattering to you and thumb your nose at ridiculous rules.

You Decide 

The length of your hair is no longer dictated by society and your age. Pick your hair style based on your facial structure, the type of hair you have and your lifestyle. According to an article written by Paul Jones for HairdoHairstyles.com, your choice of haircuts and styles is limited only by what fits you, your face, your complexion, your hair texture and, perhaps, primarily, your personality. Older women do, in fact, generally have thinner hair, due to post-menopausal hormone deficiencies, and possibly not as much hair as they did when they were younger. Do not despair. A short hairstyle may be best for disguising thin hair, because people may look at your face rather than your hair. Consider getting your hair cut into a bob and think about getting some bangs, which will cover up forehead wrinkles

Layers 

If you have your hair layered around the face and brushed slightly back and upward, rather than downward, this is a great way to soften your facial features. Women tend to want to do the opposite and opt for styles that keep the hair close to their face, because they think this will disguise their loosening jaw line. Styling the hair with the front portion being slightly shorter around the face and then layered in back actually works better, according to Paul Jones for HairdoHairstyles.com. If you use a round brush, which will fluff up your hair, this will give your hair some lift and, once again, take attention away from those areas of your face that are aging. When the hair is moving upward it will counteract the downward slide of your facial features, which happens with age.

The Right Color 

If your hair is turning gray, resist chopping it all off and then dipping your head into a vat of black dye. Hair that is obviously dyed, and too dark, is very aging. Instead, consider going a little lighter unless you are extremely pale. Those with pale skin can stick with the darker shades well into their fifties if it’s done right. Dark-skinned and olive-skinned women can choose from a variety of colors that will work with their 50-year-old (and plus) face and hair. Choose from burgundy, brown or blond, but make sure that whatever color you choose–and you may not discover this until after the deed is done–flatters your skin and makes you look radiant and vital and not washed out.

Short and Chunky or Up-do

Micheal Cheal and Angel Wheeler for SL Hairstyles note that if a woman has short, chunky layers around her face it will emphasize her eyes rather than her slack jawline. Because older women have to deal with the effects of aging, including dryer and thinner hair, Cheal and Wheeler also advise that short shags and layered crop tops work very well for hair that has seen better days. If you choose to wear your hair long, however, consider wearing it in an up-do, such as a French roll. Once again, you are directing the eye upward and this will detract from the flaws that are occurring due to age. Lifting the hair up and keeping some height on top will make you look taller and leaner.

Bobs

If you opt for a bob, which is considered a classic hairstyle and good for all ages, it can be chin length, longer or shorter, with or without bangs. You can tuck your hair behind your ears, or let it swing to the front. Some like having the back portion of their hair stacked or layered to give a fuller look.

Veto the Matronly Look

If you decide to keep your hair long and want to pull it up on top of your head, it doesn’t have to be sprayed and stiff and look like a helmet, according to BecomeGorgeous.com. You don’t have to look matronly just because you’re on the far side of 50. You can let tendrils trail down the back of your neck and style your up-do in a soft, playful way. If you want to keep your hair short, which can emphasize the eyes, consider getting the ends of your hair razor cut, because this is flattering and uplifting. It also will create the illusion of a longer neck. Get shorter layers on the top, because this will give height to the crown and help boost hair that may have become thin and lifeless.

Miss Universe Angola (leila lopes) pictures

Miss Angola Leila Lopes is crowned by Miss Universe 2010 Ximena Navarrete

Miss Angola Leila Lopes is crowned by Miss Universe 2010 Ximena Navarrete

Miss Angola Leila Lopes (left) is crowned Miss Universe 2011

Miss Angola Leila Lopes (left) is crowned Miss Universe 2011

Leila Lopes Miss Angola Miss Universe 2011

Leila Lopes Miss Angola Miss Universe 2011

Stage view of miss universe angola

Stage view of miss universe angola

Leila Lopes of Angola crowned Miss Universe

Miss Angola Leila Lopes (left) is crowned Miss Universe 2011 by Miss Universe 2010 Ximena Navarrete of Mexico, in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Monday.

Leila Lopes from Angola was crowned Miss Universe Monday night, smoothly handling an interview question about what physical trait she would change if could, while wearing a strapless cream-colored gown.

Lopes, Angola’s first winner, beat out 88 other competitors to win the title during the 60th anniversary of the world’s biggest beauty pageant. She replaces last year’s winner, Ximena Navarrete of Mexico.

“Thank God I’m very satisfied with the way God created me and I wouldn’t change a thing,” Lopes said when asked her interview question. “I consider myself a woman endowed with inner beauty. I have acquired many wonderful principals from my family and I intend to follow these for the rest of my life.”

The first runner-up was 23-year-old Olesia Stefanko of Ukraine and the second runner-up was Priscila Machado of Brazil. The third was Miss Philippines and the fourth Miss China.

Contestants from 89 nations on six continents spent the past three weeks in Sao Paulo, trying to learn samba dance steps, visiting impoverished children and kicking a football around for cameras as the globe’s biggest beauty contest is held in Brazil for the first time.

Before the contest began, judges offered little insight into who they thought might win.

“I know my job and I’ll be tough, but fair,” said pageant judge and journalist Connie Chung. “You have to keep in mind that these women are not objects just to be looked at. They’re to be taken seriously. I want to choose somebody I take seriously and the world takes seriously, too.”

Paula Shugart, president of the Miss Universe organization, was hyped for the night.

“It’s our 60th anniversary, it’s a very big show,” she said. “We’re anticipating close to a billion viewers from around the world.”

Shugart said it was fitting the globe’s biggest beauty pageant be held in Brazil at this time, as the nation prepares to host some major events in the coming years.

“I don’t think there is any doubt in the rest of the world’s mind that Brazil is the place, between hosting the Olympics and hosting the World Cup,” she said. “I love the fact we’re going to kick it off. I always say we’re the ‘World Cup’ of beauty.”

The contestants, who must never have been married or had children and who must be at least 18 years of age and under 27 years of age by Feb. 1 of the competition year.

The pageant, hosted by NBC “Today” anchor Natalie Morales and the Bravo network’s Andy Cohen, will air live on NBC and be distributed to about 170 countries. The contest is co-owned by Donald Trump and NBC, and will be judged by celebrities including Connie Chung, supermodel Isabeli Fontana and Indy race car driver Helio Castroneves.

Morales, who is half Brazilian, said that “what’s most important is for the women to be beautiful inside and out.”

For Cohen, the task of hosting is an easy one.

“It’s a fun job. All I have to do is stand there, smile and scream the names of countries,” he said.

Cohen said after the big event he would be taking advantage of Sao Paulo’s noted nightlife.

“I’m going to party hard tonight. That’s what you do in Sao Paulo. We’re going to see the sunrise tonight,” he said. “I’m going to samba … and then I’m going to samba some more.”

Sharply dressed women and men were jostling for chances to have their photos taken with stars on the red carpet. Some traveled from across the globe to support contestants.

Jehona Dreshaj, 17, arrived from Kosovo to cheer on her sister, Aferdita Dreshaj, who is representing the European country.

“It doesn’t really matter the outcome, she is already a winner in our eye and we are so proud of her,” she said. “This has been an incredible experience for her and for all of us. It’s great for her to be representing our country in an event like this”

There have been no headline—grabbing gaffes going into this year’s competition, as opposed to past years that have seen controversies of various stripes. The show itself went off without a hitch.

Some of the contestants have complained to the local news media about the size of bikinis used in some photo shoots, with Miss Mexico Karin Ontiveros saying they were “very small.”

That was enough to draw chuckles in Brazil, where women from all walks of life, not just beauty queens, sport barely there swimwear on beaches throughout the country.

Miss USA Alyssa Campanella, from California, will be trying to end a long losing spell for the U.S. in the competition. An American has not been named Miss Universe since Brook Lee won the title in 1997.

The pageant started as a local bathing revue in Long Beach, California, organized by a swimwear company.

New Miss Universe set to be crowned in Brazil

The top ten finalists stand together during the Miss Universe pageant in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Monday.

The contest to be the next Miss Universe was narrowed to 10 women on Monday night, including surprise choice Miss Portugal, who only made the first cut because of winning an online fan vote.

Favorites Miss China and Miss Australia also made the top 10, along with home crowd contestant Miss Brazil. Miss USA and a host of Latin American candidates did not make the cut, with only Miss Costa Rica and Miss Panama advancing.

Contestants from 89 nations on six continents spent the past three weeks in Sao Paulo, trying to learn samba dance steps, visiting impoverished children and kicking a football around for cameras as the globe’s biggest beauty contest is held in Brazil for the first time.

Before the contest began, judges offered little insight into who they thought might win.

“I know my job and I’ll be tough, but fair,” said pageant judge and journalist Connie Chung. “You have to keep in mind that these women are not objects just to be looked at. They’re to be taken seriously. I want to choose somebody I take seriously and the world takes seriously, too.”

Miss Universe 2010 Ximena Navarrete arrived at the Credicard Centre in a royal blue, full length, one shoulder gown.

She said the best part of being Miss Universe for the past year was “representing my country, Mexico, and working for different causes. But the main cause of Miss Universe is working with people with HIV. I also like just travelling and knowing about cultures and different things.”

Paula Shugart, president of the Miss Universe organization, was hyped for the night.

“It’s our 60th anniversary, it’s a very big show,” she said. “We’re anticipating close to a billion viewers from around the world.”

Shugart said it was fitting the globe’s biggest beauty pageant be held in Brazil at this time, as the nation prepares to host some major events in the coming years.

“I don’t think there is any doubt in the rest of the world’s mind that Brazil is the place, between hosting the Olympics and hosting the World Cup,” she said. “I love the fact we’re going to kick it off. I always say we’re the ‘World Cup’ of beauty.”

The contestants, who must never have been married or had children and who must be at least 18 years of age and under 27 years of age by Feb. 1 of the competition year.

The pageant, hosted by NBC “Today” anchor Natalie Morales and the Bravo network’s Andy Cohen, will air live on NBC and be distributed to about 170 countries. The contest is co-owned by Donald Trump and NBC, and will be judged by celebrities including Connie Chung, supermodel Isabeli Fontana and Indy race car driver Helio Castroneves.

Morales, who is half Brazilian, said that “what’s most important is for the women to be beautiful inside and out.”

She quickly added that as a Latina herself, she had no doubt “they’re the most beautiful women in the world.”

For Cohen, the task of hosting is an easy one.

“It’s a fun job. All I have to do is stand there, smile and scream the names of countries,” he said.

Cohen said after the big event he would be taking advantage of Sao Paulo’s noted nightlife.

“I’m going to party hard tonight. That’s what you do in Sao Paulo. We’re going to see the sunrise tonight,” he said. “I’m going to samba … and then I’m going to samba some more.”

Sharply dressed women and men were jostling for chances to have their photos taken with stars on the red carpet. Some travelled from across the globe to support contestants.

Jehona Dreshaj, 17, arrived from Kosovo to cheer on her sister, Aferdita Dreshaj, who is representing the European country.

“It doesn’t really matter the outcome, she is already a winner in our eye and we are so proud of her,” she said. “This has been an incredible experience for her and for all of us. It’s great for her to be representing our country in an event like this”

There have been no headline-grabbing gaffes going into this year’s competition, as opposed to past years that have seen controversies of various stripes.

Some of the contestants have complained to the local news media about the size of bikinis used in some photo shoots, with Miss Mexico Karin Ontiveros saying they were “very small.”

That was enough to draw chuckles in Brazil, where women from all walks of life, not just beauty queens, sport barely there swimwear on beaches throughout the country.

Miss USA Alyssa Campanella, from California, will be trying to end a long losing spell for the U.S. in the competition. An American has not been named Miss Universe since Brook Lee won the title in 1997.

The pageant started as a local bathing revue in Long Beach, California, organized by a swimwear company.

DIY Tips for Hassle-Free Hair

DIY Tips for Hassle-Free Hair

Most of us long for perfect tresses but only if one can get them with little effort. It is difficult to maintain one’s hair, go for regular washes at salons and style them perfectly right before your walk out the door. We’ve compiled a list of how to get that chic mane without craking your head on what products to use and how many hours to spend in hair-maintenance. Read on for ways to get that no-fuss yet gorgeous hair, and we bet no on would suspect how lazy you’ve been!

1. The conventional ponytail: The most hassle free yet stylish look with zero maintenance is the sleek ponytail. Not only is it versatile but it is also way too easy as it hardly demands any particular hair type or length. But then there’s a problem with ponytails too, when you get those bumps after tying it up. So all you curly-haired women who associate with the problem, just apply a leave-in conditioner before pulling that hair back into a ponytail.

2. Pre-style into a braid or a bun: A good braid or bun is the most sorted look for dry or curly hair. And yes, it looks classy. Pre-style your hair overnight by setting it into a loose braid or bun right before you crash. Once you wake up in the morning, all you need to do is use a hair product
(serum or spray) just to ensure your hair doesn’t loosen up.

3. Say no to shampoo: Washing your hair less makes it more healthy. And an added benefit is that unwashed, second-day-hair is easier to style. Either use a conditioner (without the shampoo) to get rid of excess oil or use a little shampoo at the roots of your hair. This gives your hair a natural, non-greasy shine. Try this at least once a week. You can also just wash your bangs as it’s the part which goes most greasy.

4. Cut it right: Get low maintenance cuts, like the pixie or bob. If you have medium length hair, go for long layers and get clean angles for your hair, as these will last for about 12 weeks if not more, and will not require much styling.

5. Accessorise: Wear a headscarf or hairband, and you need no hair styling.

Part time beauty queens

Chennai model Yusra

A chat with our very own fashionistas to find out how they balance college and work.

“Models now promote themselves, think like businesswomen and diversify their careers by doing other things as well,” says Tyra Banks Our own queen bee, Aishwarya Rai kick-started her career as a walking mannequin, and she admits that her mission went beyond just winning the Miss World pageant; she wanted to put India on the map through being chosen as the most beautiful woman in the world.

Balancing act

Here, in the city of temples and malli poo, though, modelling has traversed the boundary of a profession. It is a hobby for some, a passion for others, a quick and easy source of pocket money for most, and a confidence booster for a few. What makes this even more intriguing is that most of our Chennai girls pursue this calling, alongside their respective subjects of choice in various colleges around the city.

“Modelling is not about just posing for the camera rather, you deal with different people, different photographers and designers every day. This also helps you learn a lot and work your way through college. It also gives you the satisfaction of doing something that you like besides academics. One gets a lot of exposure at an early age that helps deal with the ways of the real world. For me, it aided in rediscovering myself,” admits Yusra Javed Chaudhry, a second year college student.

The widely touted “conservative” city has shed its jackets to accommodate those who are willing to gaze into the crowd, showcasing the works of some of the most creative designers in the country while thinking about submissions the next day.

“Though modelling has always been my passion, I have my priorities right. I would never give precedence to modelling over college. It takes a lot to go on stage and deal with the criticism that each one faces in the world of fashion. This teaches you to disassociate yourself and learn to formulate your own image and when you do that, it gives you immense confidence to tackle anything that comes your way in college or otherwise. Also, you get a decent amount of pay and the work timings are ideal for college students. It gives me a sense of pride and independence that sometimes I can pay for my own college fees,” says Sahithya Jagannathan, model and college student.

Widening horizons

The city has also accepted with open arms, educational institutions that nurture a woman’s ability to make it big in the world of fashion and media. This extra bit of knowledge combined with the new found thirst for money and fame seems to have propelled a number of college students to the ramp and sets.

“I was 17 when I began my career in modelling. The reason I decided to take up modelling along with college education was because I had an acute interest to study and model. I didn’t want to give up either and so took it up as a part time job to strike a balance. Besides, considering the course I was doing which was Visual Communication, modelling was sure to reap me some benefits. Modelling and media go hand in hand and engaging in both proved to be a win-win situation for me. It helped me build contacts, added on to my profile and at the end of the day I was glad I didn’t waste time,” says Mehndi Jashnani, former college student.

Having just embarked into their twenties, these go-getter women ooze confidence on screen and on stage. It is known that beauty infuses conceit, but that is not what most of these girls abide by.

When these young models step in to the limelight; the admiration, the attention and the awe they see in most eyes, gives them a burst of unbridled confidence. Overall, it is great to know that Chennai is home to these young girls who ably blend both their passions to reach the pinnacle of success.

Shilpa and Megha are students of M.O.P. Vaishnav College for Women.

How Often Should You Wash Your Face?

How Much is Enough?

Washing your face seems like an easy task, but washing too much or too little can lead to over-drying, irritation and acne breakouts. It is important to determine your skin type and wash your face accordingly to maintain the best appearance possible.

How to Wear Plus Size Jeans

Plus size jeans are a must for the plus size woman’s wardrobe. The right pair of jeans can slim a woman as well as feel comfortable enough for everyday wear. You should purchase at least two or three pairs of plus size jeans for your wardrobe.

Instructions

• Locate a store that sells plus size jeans. Avenue and Torrid are two stores that you are likely to find in your local mall that sells plus size clothing.

• Order your plus size jeans online. For a larger selection, pick out plus size denim from online retailers, such as Kiyonna and Silhouettes.

• Choose a boot leg cut. Boot leg jeans are more form flattering and won’t make your legs look bulky like flare jeans.

• Find a jean blend with spandex. Jeans that are manufactured partially from spandex will be stretchier and more comfortable.

• Pick jeans with patch pockets in the back. These types of pockets will create a slimmer look and flatter the rear.

• Wear jeans with a longer hem. The longer that the jeans are, the longer your legs will look. The hem of your jeans should cover at least half of your shoe’s heel.

Tips & Warnings

• Jeans that sit below the waist will be more comfortable for plus size women. The jeans should not ride too low or else you’ll be falling out of the jeans.

• To create an even more slimming look, you should consider wearing plus size jeans in darker denim colors.

• Avoid wide leg and flare jeans in plus sizes. These make a woman appear larger.