Bling Accent Nail

Supplies

• rhinestones
• nail glue

Paint the nails your desired color. Let dry completely. Coat the nail(s) with nail glue. Place the rhinestones so they cover the entire nail.
Note: If the rhinestones are too big or small to evenly cover nail, add small even spaces between each so they look uniform.

Tip: Using bigger rhinestones last longer since they do not get caught in your hair if you run your fingers through it.

Gradient Glitter Nail Polish

What You Will Need

Nail Polish

• Glitter polish- any color
• Top Coat (clear nail polish)

Using a french tip nail will make things easier by having a guide. Paint the polish almost half way down the nail. Slowly work your way up the nail building the glitter so it is more dense towards the tip of the nail than the middle where you started. Paint on a top coat and you are finished.

Keeping Skin Moisturized During Winter

One of the biggest problems people face is dry skin as the days get colder. To avoid the flakes, make sure you have a well trusted moisturizer. Try to avoid anything with scents because they could break out your skin. Apply your moisturizer after you get out of the shower since some soaps dry out skin. Anytime you know that you will be out in the cold, this would be a great time to reapply. Places where you will need moisture the most is on your face and arms. These two areas typically are the most exposed places on your body. This means they lose moisture quickly. Make sure you leave time before going outside to let everything to soak in. Doing these steps will keep your skin soft like it is not even cold outside.

Substitutes for Eyeliner

Running out of eyeliner in the middle of the week can be a real bummer. Luckily there are some alternatives. All you need is some simple items you probably already have. 

If it is your waterline you want to cover with eyeliner, then all you will need is some mascara, black eye shadow, and some sort of slim brush or applicator. What you will want to do first is take the brush and dab a little mascara onto the end. Use the brush to swipe the mascara on your waterline like you would normally. Without blinking too much in between, use the brush to dab on the black shadow over the mascara to seal it in. If you need white eyeliner, you can use clear mascara or just skip right to the shadow part.

If you want to line your upper lash line then you only need the black eye shadow. Load up your brush with the shadow. Then lightly spritz everything on the brush with water. Reload your brush and then apply onto your eye like you normally would.

Using this technique is useful if you want multiple colors without buy lots if different liners. It saves money since you can use things you already have. Also, if you find an eye shadow you love, but wish it was a liner, problem solved.

Parts of the Eye Where Makeup Goes

Different parts of the eye you will apply makeup on.

Perfect Gothic Lips for Halloween

What You Will Need

Black/Dark purple lipstick

White eye shadow

Start with a layer of black lipstick. Depending on the pigmentation of the lipstick, you may need two coats.

In the inner circle of your lips, pat on a layer of the white eye shadow to create a gradient look.

White=Inner circle



As an option, you can put a clear gloss over to finish the look in a less matte way.

Picture Day

During school possibly the most dreaded day of the year is picture day. It is a one-shot photo and if it turns out bad, then you are stuck with it. Half the time you never know when it is! You just go to school the teachers say, "Hey by the way, it is picture day." Here are some tips so in 10 years you will look back and not be wondering what you were thinking.

Clothes

Wearing today's latest styles might seem like a good idea at the time, but later you will laugh at how cheesy you look. So stick with solid colors. Keep in mind you will only see the top half of your body so do not worry too much about what shoes or pants you are wearing.

Makeup

Makeup can be tricky since the style changes all the time. To be safe, wear dark, but still neutral, colors. If you apply the makeup too lightly, it will not show up. It is good to pack on more than you think. You can always wipe some off later if necessary. Or if your picture time is not until mid or later that day, apply more right before the picture. Avoid any shimmer or lip gloss because this may add unwanted shine to your photo.

Hair

No matter what you do, your hair will always look slightly cheesy later on. Hair styles are probably (aside from fashion) the thing that will change the most later on. There really is no avoiding it. The best you can do is make it look good. Then this way later you will say, "Ya, I look cheesy, but I looked nice then!"

Additional Tips

• If you want a good picture, be prepared. Make sure you keep track of the day it is scheduled
• Do not try to force a grin. Smile with your eyes it looks more natural, rather than trying to keep your eyes open wide  
• Tilt your head slightly down and forward to avoid the illusion of a double chin

Summer to Fall

As summer is coming to an end, the days get shorter and colder. To adapt, we change our clothing types. This can not only be expensive, but also wasteful. So before you give away all the tank tops and shorts, think twice.

The basic rule is simple, layers. If you have a cute tank top you do not want to give up just yet, add a jacket or blazer. Have any shorts that were just bought at the end of summer? Add leggings and boots. However do not forget the color scheme for fall. Remember, warmer and softer colors for this time of the year. If you are worried about some of the prints in your closet, just know floral is perfect for around the year.

Boots are a staple piece for fall, and also go into the winter season. So investing in a nice pair of boots that will last is a smart idea. Try to get a neutral color like brown, black, or grey so you can match them with a variety of outfits. Don't forget about the flip flops you have been wearing all summer! Transition them into the early months of fall, (or depending on how cold it gets where you live) by pairing them with a pair of jeans.

Accessories can pull an outfit all together. For fall, belts really add a nice touch, and they also help put variety into your wardrobe. For example, if you want to wear a simple shirt with a belt over it one day, then another day wear it with a jacket instead, it looks like a whole new outfit. Necklaces can make a huge difference also. When picking a necklace, keep in mind the type of shirt. If you are wearing a high neckline shirt, you want to wear a longer necklace. If you are wearing a lower cut shirt, you can usually wear either and that is when you look into the shirt itself. If the shirt is a print or has 3D designs, (such as  ruffles) you want to wear a shorter, more simple necklace. It is alright to wear a louder, longer necklace if the shirt is plain or a simple design. 

Fragrance

   Various scents and smells can complete a whole outfit. Sometimes picking the right fragrance can be difficult, however. So to start out, find out what types of scents you enjoy, make sure you will be able to stand the smell all day. There are three basic categories of scents: sweet, spicy, and fruity. Sweet scents include fragrances from flowers, such as sweet pea, or lavender.  Spicy would be more herbal ingredients such as mint, cinnamon, or anything in the name that has "spice" in it. Fruity contains the obvious, fruit. Some of the classics are peach, watermelon, and apple.

   So how do you decide? Well pick which category you will most likely wear, then pick out different scents within the genre. It is alright if you want one or multiple from each category. It is good to have a variety. On a daily basis, picking which to wear should start by the colors in your outfit. Try and match a fragrance to the color that most stands out in your outfit. So for example, if your shirt is a soft orange color, try a scent like pumpkin spice, since pumpkins are orange. Doing this will complete your outfit and make the scent stand out since your senses can smell and "see" the fragrance. 

   When you are picking a perfume, try to also keep in mind the season. If it is spring time and you are wearing an orange shirt, pumpkin will not be ideal, since pumpkins do not grow in the spring. Try to get a flowery scent to go along with the color. Think of what you will typically see growing that time of the year. 

   There is always that one person that you happen to walk by and are overpowered by fragrance, well you do not want to be that person. Remember that other people smell the scent stronger than you do because you are used to it. Less is more. Some scents are stronger than others however. You should be able to full on smell it for about 30 seconds, then forget it is on. If you can recognize the scent all day, you have way too much on. If you accidentally put too much on, take a wet wipe and remove it where you sprayed it on. 

Tips

• 1-3 sprays usually does the trick
• Spray on the back of your neck to make the scent last all day 
• Try not to spray any perfume in your hair, it will just make it greasy
• Careful when spraying on your clothing, some perfumes have dyes that may stain

Moisturizer

Moisturizing your skin can be important but if used improperly you may be doing more harm then good.  With the endless variety of brands and categories of moisturizing lotions it can be difficult to find the products that are best for your skin.  Remember, some moisturizers are meant for your face while others are best when used on your hands.  Scented lotions are not the best choice if you want to maintain a spot-free face; a moisturizer with added perfumes may make you smell nice but it can irritate your skin and cause breakouts. When added into your nightly routine or applied after a shower, a scentless sensitive skin formula is best for your face.

Those of you with oily or combination skin should especially avoid applying too much or the wrong kind of moisturizer as it can cause more oil to be produced. The idea of moisturizing oily skin to reduce the skin's need to produce so much of it's own oil can be misleading.  The overall concept makes sense but if done improperly can be devastating to your skin.  You should introduce moisturizing into your routine but be sure to read this article for tips on how to select the correct product for your type of skin.

 http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/moisturizing/tips/5-tips-for-moisturizing-oily-skin.htm

Fall Nail Polish

It is starting to feel like the fall season! If you want to get ahead of trend, start stocking up on your favorite colors for the season. Colors for fall are darker and warmer. Try to get inspired by the your surroundings. Notice all the leaves changing colors and falling to the ground. Reflect colors that are around you to fit in with your surroundings.

Plum

Orange

Golden Brown

Gold Sparkles

Dark Purple

Tips on Going Back to School

Regardless of your age, your first day of school can be difficult. Here are some tips to help you feel confident and prepared.

1.  Dress for Success


The first day of school can be quite nerve racking. Wearing your favorite outfit can make you feel more comfortable and confident. Wear something that is both stylish and cozy. Be sure to check up on your school's dress code, you would not want to get in trouble on your first day. As for makeup and fragrances, you want to keep it natural. Try not to over do it.

2.  Be Respectful


Most teachers use the first day of school to establish the class rules and outline their expectations of you as a student. This is a good opportunity to show your teacher that you are a good listener and that you take your education seriously. This can be done without being a "teacher's pet". You don't need to bring apples for the teacher but be sure to give them the respect they deserve. Avoid falling into the bad habits of other students who are just counting down the hours till the final bell. Remember, the more you learn early on, the easier learning becomes.

3.  Eat Breakfast


This tip applies to everyone, not just students.  Eating breakfast wakes you up in the morning and gives you the energy you will need until lunchtime.  If you spend your day staring at the clock waiting for lunch then nothing gets done.

4.  Be Yourself


 Have confidence in yourself, especially when talking to others, your good attitude will shine through and will have a positive effect on those around you. If you lack confidence, fake it but be sure to avoid being cocky and obnoxious. Remember, whether you think you can or whether you think you can't , you're right.

5. Take Your Education Seriously

Teachers and staff will not want to help you when you need it if all you do is disrupt class. Do not be afraid to ask relevant questions, they will add to your understanding of a particular subject.  Remind yourself why you are in school, other than being forced to; making a concerted effort to build your understanding and knowledge base will provide much benefit to you later in life.  An education is the best gift you can give your future self, trust me, you will thank yourself later.