Break Your Bad Beauty Habits

Break Your Bad Beauty Habits


Part ways with your beauty sins

They may seem harmless, but your bad beauty habits aren’t so beautiful. In fact, they can even be dangerous to your health. Here’s how to stop them in their tracks:

Stop biting your nails

It may seem like an innocent way to unleash your stress, but when you chew on your nails, you run the risk of ingesting the nasty bacteria that linger underneath. (Not to mention the cracked, split nails and painful hangnails you’ll pick up along the way.) Kick the habit by treating yourself to a manicure. If your nails are pristine and polished, you’ll have a harder time taking out your stress on them. Not the polish type of girl? Tuck a travel-size nail file in your purse for on-the-go weak moments.

Don’t leave home without sunscreen

Sunscreen and summertime always go hand in hand but the winter months pose similar sun threats. Any sun exposure without adequate protection is a direct cause of premature aging, including increased wrinkles and age spots. Extensive sun damage also increases your chances of developing various skin cancers. To break this unhealthy pattern, make sunscreen a part of your morning routine by using a daily facial moisturizer with an SPF already built in (I like Dove’s Deep Moisture Day Lotion with SPF 15).

Don’t pick at pimples

It may be the most satisfying part of your beauty routine, but popping and prodding your pimples will do you no good. Indulging in this nasty habit can leave you with permanent scars, infection, and in a lot of cases, squeezing a pimple will actually push the bacteria and oil even deeper into the glands. Break the habit by using this DIY spot treatment: crush an ibuprofen and create a thick paste with some water. Apply directly to the pimple, let dry, then wash off for reduced swelling and redness.

Not taking your eye makeup off before bed

You just got home from a night out and the first (and only) thing you want to do is head to bed. But leaving your eye makeup on overnight can cause major eye irritation and inflammation while blocking your skin’s natural ability to repair itself. Other awful side effects include clogged glands, dry skin and eyelashes more prone to falling out. If time is your biggest issue, skip the cleanser and invest in some moist makeup remover wipes, which will take off the day’s grime in seconds.

Touching your face constantly

Touching our face is a beauty crime we’re all guilty of doing. The trouble is that you transfer excess oil and dirt from your fingers to your pores, which can cause breakouts and even worse, infection. This habit is especially hazardous during the cold and flu season, when bacteria and viruses are widespread and likely to be on your hands. It may be tricky to break the pattern, so carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your purse to disinfect your hands before you primp.

Beauty Bad Habits That Make You Look Older

Beauty Bad Habits That Make You Look Older



These bad habits can sabotage the way you look

We have all heard it before: if you don’t want your skin to shrivel up like a raisin, guard yourself from excessive sun exposure. Now that summer has come and gone, relief sinks in. But whether the sun is beaming or forever hidden behind the clouds, there are other aspects in life that can bear the same aging effects on our skin. Here are ways to reduce these problems before they take hold:

Stress
When it comes to creases in our skin, stress is not only the outcome, but also an underlying cause. Medical studies have proven that ongoing stress can expose one to wrinkles at a younger age (yikes!). But if you sleep through the buzz of your alarm and are frantic to get to work on time, don’t fret; stress is a normal part of life. Just make sure you don’t let it get the better of you.

How to deal:
Learn to cope with stress in a positive way. If you feel your anxiety rising and on the verge of bubbling over, turn down the temperature. Whether this means going on a 15-minute walk or listening to soothing music, taking your mind off the issue can help to shed some perspective.

Alcohol
We are well-aware that an over-consumption of alcohol can cause extensive harm to our liver, but your appearance too? Yes, it’s true. Alcohol interferes with the body’s ability to absorb calcium, which can result in brittle bones. In other words, your physique may appear frail long before you hit your eightieth birthday. Alcohol can also lead to aging skin and weight gain. Just remember, for every unit of alcohol consumed, you need to walk a mile to fully ditch those calories.

How to deal:
The sad truth: It takes longer for women to process alcohol than it does men. So as tempting as it may be to prove you are capable of drinking just as much as the next guy (no matter how likely the case) resist the urge. Yes, we have all been subjects to those cringeworthy “what happened last night” evenings, but for the most part, drink in moderation. Before you know it, you will be clinking your glass to rejuvenation.

Smoking
Since alcohol is known to generate aging effects, it’s no surprise that smoking falls under the same category, only worse. A combination of both could be deadly. Apart from sun exposure, smoking cigarettes is the second leading cause of skin damage. Women who smoke regularly tend to notice deeper wrinkles and discolouration in the skin in their early 30s. So not only will you be throwing away money on packs of cigarettes, but on tubes of anti-aging cream.

How to deal:
Even if smoking the occasional cigarette is intended to be a social act, do not be deceived. The nicotine concentration in tobacco acts as a stimulant, which is the reason they become highly addictive. The best solution: quit before it becomes a problem. Aging effects are only one of several damaging outcomes.

Pollution
The last three aging agents may have been predicted, but one typically doesn’t expect to get wrinkles from living in a prosperous city. If you live in a larger urban area, one big downfall is the amount of pollution. Toxins produce free-radicals (highly chemically reactive molecules), which can accelerate the aging process.

How to Deal:
As much as ordinary wrinkle creams can create miracles, most are not formulated to protect against environmental pollution. Yet another reason to benefit from the pureness of nature: avoid walking through highly-polluted areas when possible. You can also purchase a Phase-2 antioxidant, which is to be applied on the skin every morning before stepping outside.

As the years pass us by and we begin to get older, the natural process of aging is inevitable. Just make sure that when the time arrives, your wrinkles are a product of your stage in life and not poor life choices.

Summerize Your Skin

Summerize Your Skin

Transition your skin care routine to suit the changing temps


While the climate changes from sub-zero to sunshine, you need to adjust your skin care regimen to suit the change of seasons (and the dynamic needs of the skin).

Cleanse and exfoliate

In the summer, you're subjected to more dirt, oil and impurities on the skin (since we tend to perspire more and wear heavier sunscreens and makeup that can readily clog pores). That said, skin will need a more thorough cleanse. Try one of the new facial cleansing brushes help to give a deeper clean compared to washing with your hands or a face cloth. We like Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Brusher Gel-Cleanser.

Exfoliate once a week to remove dead skin cells that clog pores (since clogged pores can actually make pores appear larger). Remove the dead skin cells and voilà -- a radiant complexion.

Moisturize

Now that we have said goodbye to winter, you should also bid adieu to the body butters and oil-based creams since they can feel heavy on the skin. Because we sweat much more in the summer heat, go for a light-weight water based moisturizer or lotion. The oil free moisturizer will not feel heavy or sticky on your skin.

Apply sunscreen

Of course this is an important rule all year round, but sunscreen is paramount in summer since the days are longer and we spend far more time outside.

Sunscreen is important for all skin tones to protect from damage caused by ultra violet (UVA & UVB) rays. If you've avoided using sun block until now because you detest the white pasty look and feel, there is a variety of non-greasy, light sprays and gels from which you can choose. You'll want a sunscreen with broad-spectrum or multi-spectrum protection for both UVB and UVA.

Ingredients with broad-spectrum protection include ingredients like benzophenones (oxybenzone), titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. If you've always wandered what the SPF number stands for like 15 or 45, it means the amount of time that should elapse before you re-apply. A teaspoon size should be applied to the face and remember often neglected areas like the ears, neck and back of the hands.

Remember that last year's left over stock should be discarded since sunscreen ingredients are often volatile and can be degraded.

A Look Ahead to The Biggest Fashion & Beauty Trends for 2012

A Look Ahead to The Biggest Fashion & Beauty Trends for 2012

What you can expect in 2012

With 2011 reflections come 2012 resolutions, and what better way to look forward (literally) to the year ahead than to let you in on what we think is going to be huge? Beauty, fashion and even style icons – this is almost as good as Oprah’s Favourite Things.

10) Bright Colours
A contrast to the minimalistic palette of 2010, neon promises to reign supreme come springtime 2011 – meaning that it’s time to head to your local thrift store and buy that over-the-top windbreaker you otherwise wouldn’t have justified. Suddenly, the phrase “not with a fizzle, but with a bang” has a whole new meaning.

9) Slicked Back
Potentially cringe-worthy, we know, but hear us out. With Spring/Summer 2011 models taking the runways by storm with slick, sleek-looking hair, it’s only fair we assume that a messy disheveled ‘do is less appropriate than something finely polished – at least for formal affairs. (Breath a sigh of relief: that messy bun on a Saturday afternoon isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.)

8) Mini Backbacks
Again? We know. But when we told you that the 1990s had plans to stick around, we weren’t leading you astray. Stores like Urban Outfitters and H&M have been stocking up on the likes of these retro throwbacks for sometime, while thrift and vintage shops have had trouble keeping new arrivals in stock – especially recently. Just be grateful fashion’s taking after My So-Called Life and not the “stuffed animal on your back” look of 1998.

7) Slip-Ons
Thanks to TOMS or our affinity for laziness, slip-on sneakers look like the answer to casual outings come snow’s departure – especially in bright colours and floral prints that have cemented themselves as springtime’s calling card.

6) Desert Aesthetic
Every year, we give our annual nod to either the military or safari-inspired look, and springtime 2011 is absolutely no different. Browns, taupe, blacks and neutrals are making up much of the “transitional” pallet, but instead of linen ensembles and loud prints (though some do exist), fashion’s taking the geometric approach: think less Sex and the City 2 and more desert-in-a-1960s-living-room.

5) Pleated Trousers
We saw them this year, we’ll see them next: high-waisted pleated ankle trousers are continuing to channel nearly three decades with their rise, cut and controversial fit. Suddenly those McDonalds’ uniform pants seem borderline wearable.

4) Emma Watson
It may have been her pixie cut that won her attention at the close of 2010, but having cemented herself as a bona fide icon, 2011 only promises a whole heap of Emma Watson. And with the premiere of the last portion of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows out this summer, you can expect her to garner even more love for her take on mid-year trends.

3) The 70s
Don’t worry, grunge and post-punk fans – your aesthetic isn’t going anywhere. But if you’ve been pining for bright colours, bold patterns and a wardrobe that mimics That 70s Show, you’re officially in luck. Spring and summer look to embody the kitsch of the disco era, bringing with it retro prints, beads, patterned knee socks and if you’re daring, even pigtails.

2) Socks
Socks and shoes staged a comeback in spring 2011, but with next season’s looks being worn alongside ankle, knee and thigh-high socks, the barefoot phenomenon of years past have seemingly come to a close.

1) Skins
There is a very high possibility that the US version of Skins will be exceedingly terrible – but that doesn’t mean the fashion will be. From what we’ve seen, the UK knock-off will rival the likes of Gossip Girl aesthetic-wise, and since the show’s already more buzzed about than most Brooklyn bands, you know they’ll step it up style-wise. Odds of Skins-inspired trends? Higher than the show’s controversial existence.

Summerize Your Beauty Routine

Summerize Your Beauty Routine


Weather changes have the ability to affect more than one might think. Frizzy hair, dry skin, or even those pesky bug bites that not only itch, but are bright red and puffy -- all of these things can be caused by even the slightest of temperature changes. But rather than panicking each time the weather man calls for a little rain or a raise in temperature, nip these seasonal problems in the bud. If you live in the heat, you know the disasters that summer can cause. Follow these tips for the upcoming heat to be most prepared at any temperature.

Face
Use a daily moisturizer with an SPF, especially for those who are light-complected. Ensuring facial skin, which is also the most sensitive, is protected will reduce chances of burning and more serious health problems later on.

Scents
Avoid using sweet-smelling perfumes, hairsprays, or lotions that will attract bugs. These products (minus the perfume) come in unscented versions that will get the job done without bringing in unwanted critters.

Bug Bites
And when the bugs do bite, help subdue the swelling and itch by dabbing on a little hairspray (pray a finger first and then dab the bite; spraying the entire area will cause sticky skin). Hairspray seals the bite and keeps it from getting any air. Still itchy? For those super-stubborn bites, paint on a little nail polish. It's thicker than hair spray and works wonders on chigger bites. Have a drawer full of colors? Clear will do the trick -- blue or sparkly dots might look worse than the actual bite itself.

Makeup
When it comes to summer, the lighter the makeup routine, the better. Heavy make up will look cakey and unattractive in the heat and will often crease or smear. Use powder foundation; not only will it help hide the summer stress, it will look more natural. For those who are self conscious about their skin, powder foundations come in varying stages of coverage, so there's no need to worry about problem skin. Powder eyeshadows are a must as well. And when it comes to lipstick, stick to a tinted lip balm or gloss; these products will stay in place through the heat.

Hair
Hair should get the summer treatment as well. Next time at the salon, be brave and try a short summer cut, such as the bob. Or if that's a little too daring, try the extra healthy trim -- just an extra few inches will make a huge difference in the heat. Another way to take out some of the body is by a simple thinning; it take out the heaviness without taking the length. And for those who just can't part with their long hair, try some new summer up-dos. Get some fun hair clips or ponys and make a hairstyle into a fashion statement.

Use these tricks throughout the upcoming summer months for a fresh and fun update to a mundane beauty routine. Following these tips will not only provide a fashionable look, but they will ensure a healthy and fresh summer routine.

How to Find Your Perfect White Shirt

How to Find Your Perfect White Shirt




5 things to look for when shopping for this timeless staple

How to shop for one

The most important thing when shopping for your perfect white shirt is willingness to try on different styles and see what works for you. You want it to be fitted to your body, not so tight that the buttons are pulling, and not so baggy that you can’t see your shape. A rule of thumb if it doesn’t fit every part of you? Pick the size that fits the largest part of you, and bring it to a tailor to take it in. The result? A shirt that is made especially for you—at a fraction of the price.

Who looks good in it

Everyone! There are just a couple of things to keep in mind for different body types. Bigger-busted gals shouldn’t button all the way up, as it could make them look disproportionate, while smaller-chested ladies can go for higher necklines, as it will only enhance their chest. If you’re looking to hide any trouble areas, a structured shirt that cuts in at your smallest part is your best bet.

What to pair it with

The beauty of the perfect white shirt is that it looks good with just about everything. Polish off jeans and heels with a crisp white button-up and some sweet accessories that take denim from day to night. Tuck it in to a pencil skirt for a sleek office look, pair it with a suit for meetings and interviews or layer it under a sweater for a preppy look.

White shirt care

Wash in cold water with other whites and lay flat or hang to dry. To finish off, and make wrinkles disappear, use a steamer. It’s a great alternative to an iron, because shirts come out looking fresh but not overdone or stiff.

How to prevent it from looking dingy

Although most people would look to bleach to keep their whites bright, it can actually wear away the material and end up making clothes look scraggly and worn-out. A mixture of baking soda and vinegar works great as a spot treatment to lift stains away (and makes a satisfying fizzy sound). And baking soda added to your laundry load keeps clothes white naturally.

Wearing the Oversized T-Shirt

Wearing the Oversized T-Shirt


Wearing the Oversized T-Shirt
How to don Spring's simple staple

Just when you thought oversized pieces were limited to flannel, dress shirts and pajama clothes, the t-shirt returned to stake its claim on breezy summertime options and provide the perfect solution to “I’m bloated today – what do I wear?” But of course, seemingly simple items are not always so straight-forward, so in order to help you look your finest, here’s our guide to the oversized t-shirt.

Fit

Because you wouldn’t wear an extra large men’s flannel (regardless of how 90s or grunge you may be, don’t – don’t you dare), it’s key to find a style that fits you well regardless of its oversized connotations. As for what that means: stay away from baggy sleeves with copious length since a fitted neck will only make it seem like you’re wearing hand-me-downs. And if you’ve thrifted a unique retro number? Consider cutting the neck for an off-the-shoulder style and roll up the sleeves for a laid-back vibe. Just remember that if the underarms droop or your silhouette’s lost, it’s time to find a new style.

Get the perfect fit with American Apparel's El Salvador Lace Tee, $45.

Beware the Novelty

True, an oversized t-shirt is a novelty unto itself, but unless you want to look like a thrift session gone awry (and we’ve all been there), it’s important to scale down the novelty if your shirt borders on a dress. Abide by a simple rule: the larger the shirt, the less the “LOL”, so if you’ve found a one-of-a-kind band or wolf deco t-shirt, make sure it’s not falling off or belted for kitsch overload. Less is more, so if your style is defined by bold patterns or bright designs, couple with neutrals and Oxford shoes.

Make a statement with Urban Outfitters' Oversized Geo Striped Tee, $19.99.

Start Small

We understand the irony of using “small” in an oversized how-to, but if you’re not sure about donning a novelty, you may want to spend less or invest in a neutral style that’s less flashy or head turning. If you’re not sold on length, check out H&M’s selection of crop tops, or even American Apparel’s solid t-shirts that you can top with a vest or denim jacket. And if price has you worried? Head to a Value Village or Salvation Army: not only can you find some retro band tees, but you’ll also spend minimal on a piece that’s meant to incredibly stress-free.

Stick to H&M's Broderie Anglaise Crop Top for a basic look, $29.95.

Do vs. Don’t

Oversized t-shirts can conjure up images of painting the house or 1980s don’ts, but if you’re hoping to avoid the Linda in The Wedding Singer look of 1998, be sure to wear your t-shirt as a balanced part of a complete outfit, not its focal point. By pairing high-waisted skinny shorts, riding boots and a white leather bomber with a black t-oversize tee, you’re building an ensemble as opposed to hiding behind something too large – which is especially risky on days when we don’t want any attention brought to our middles.

Pair your oversized t-shirt with American Eagle's Vintage Denim High-Waisted Shorts, on sale for $24.95.

How to Choose a Bridesmaid Dress

How to Choose a Bridesmaid Dress


How to Choose a Bridesmaid Dress
Find a style your bridal party can actually wear again

Brides always want to be the centre of attention on their big day. Sometimes that can come at the cost of their bridesmaids. Bridesmaids are your friends and their dresses should compliment the theme of your wedding and your dress. They should NOT look so bad you look great in comparison.

Finding a style that will work with all your bridesmaids’ body types can be a challenge, but by following these trends you should be able to please your bridal party and yourself.

Colours

Think carefully about the colour choice of your dresses. Is it so bright and loud it will detract from the ceremony? Will it go with the rest of your decor? Will it look good with the skin tones of all of your bridesmaids? Your safest bet is to pick a colour in a subdued jewel tone since almost everyone looks good in those colours! It doesn't have to (and probably shouldn’t) match your decor exactly, but it should compliment the overall look and feel of the wedding. If it's a formal event stick with darker, traditional colours. If it's a simple, more casual wedding go with light colours that won't wash out paler bridesmaids.

Avoid black, since it’s not a funeral and many of your guests will probably be wearing it anyways (unless you have really fashionable guests). Avoid all shiny, satin-like fabrics (so last decade) and stick to more natural, classy materials.

Check out J.Crew's Silk Chiffon Arabelle Dress, available in a wide variety of beautiful shades, $225. Available at J.Crew or jcrew.com.

Cuts

There are several styles of dress that will work for everyone. A-line cuts at the knee are universally flattering. Unless everyone in your party has a small bust and Madonna arms try to avoid strapless gowns, which will case unnecessary tugging through the ceremony and reception. No wardrobe malfunctions please!

If you actually want to give your bridesmaid's a dress they can wear again don't get anything too ornate and poofy. Long dresses give a formal look to your wedding but probably can't be worn again by your bridesmaids and may look overwhelming on shorter girls. If all else fails you could always select a fabric and allow your bridesmaid's to choose their own style, so long as they are relatively similar in design and length.

You can look at current dress trends to see what’s but classic, simple shapes are definitely making a comeback.

Try BHLDN's Beribboned Dress for a figure-flattering look for all, $200. Available at bhldn.com.

Accessories

If you're going with a simple dress design consider using bolder jewellery to make your bridesmaids look modern. Buying jewellery can make a nice present for the bridal party and won't leave you worrying about what your bridesmaid’s will show up in. Take a look at current jewelry trends, but remember that the pictures are forever. Going with something classic will always look timeless and last your bridesmaids a long time.

Can you really go wrong with Tiffany's? Accessorize with their Sterling Silver Bow Pendant, $150. Available at Tiffany & Co.

Shoes

Shoes can generally be the choice of your bridesmaid’s so try to pick a colour or style everyone has. If that doesn't work out, consider a neutral pair of kitten heals your bridesmaid's can wear again (and will be okay to dance the night away in). Keep it closed toed for a formal affair or open toed or sandal-like if it's more casual.

Top off your ensemble with Aldo's Abadi Peep-Toe Pumps in Bone, $80. Available at Aldo Shoes

Six tips for buying and wearing new rain boots

Six tips for buying and wearing new rain boots
Rain boots are a smart addition to any footwear wardrobe

Rain boots have evolved from clunky, unattractive, and cheap-looking to style statements in themselves, perfect for erratic fall weather. While it wouldn't be recommended to wear them with a strapless evening gown or sleek pencil skirt, there are many cute, casual, and fun ways to turn drizzly weather into a fashionable moment.

Be aware: Rain boots (also known as Wellingtons) are available in everything from basic brown to crazy designs featuring hearts, rainbows, colourful stripes, florals and neon shades. Autumn's leopard and zebra prints have even managed to make their way onto them! Are you daring enough to draw all your attention to your feet? If so, an exciting psychedelic pair may be for you, but be careful how you accessorize your boots with your outfit and jewellery. When in doubt, a chic solid black pair looks fantastic with everything.

Be classy: Avoid pairing these boots with bottoms which are bulky (for example, trendy harem pants, your favourite sweats, or wide-leg jeans are not recommended). As the thick sole and rubber material already make the boot itself quite heavy, skinny jeans, leggings, or perhaps tights with a sweater dress are your best friends when it comes to this look. Complete the funky fall vibe with a trench coat, shirtdress or brightly coloured scarf.

Be detail-oriented: Rain boots for this season come complete with shearling lining, buckles, a glossy finish and Doc Martens-style laces, to name a few styles. They are edgy, fashion-forward, versatile, and most importantly- they're comfortable!

Be budget conscious: From the $20 pair at your local Wal-Mart to the higher-end Tretorn, Burberry, and Hunter wellies (the Jimmy Choos of the rain boot world!) which are often spotted on celebrities, there's truly a boot for every woman out there on every type of budget.

Be yourself: We all have days when we just feel like jumping into puddles and capturing the spirit of childhood again. Can you do this in your rain boots? If water leaks through the soles of the brand-new wellies which you just spent half a paycheque on, then maybe they're not really as good-quality as the price tag indicated. Look for a pair which is not only stylish, but will also be long-lasting, weatherproof, and well-fitting.

Be determined: It may take a while, but there's a pair out there that fit you perfectly, and they're bound to make a splash!

Tips for Wearing Faux Fur

Tips for Wearing Faux Fur

It's everywhere this season, but can you pull it off?
by Fatima Syed
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Faux fur has many advantages- it's perfectly stylish for this season, can keep a girl warm on a snowy winter day, and is both less expensive and more politically correct than the real thing. Wearing faux fur is definitely a challenge, however, as you want to avoid looking like a gorilla and come across as a stylish lady instead!

Here's a list of outfit ideas and inspiration for rocking the popular fabric this season:

Sweaters
When you're in doubt about wearing a great deal of faux fur, it may be best to tone down the trend into a more subtle, wearable item such as a sweater. A casual fur-lined zip-up or fur-trimmed collar helps you incorporate the look into your daily wardrobe, perhaps with a pair of dark-washed skinny jeans for a chic city vibe.

Coats
For all you risk-taking fashionistas out there, a fur-accented or even entirely faux fur coat may be just the thing you need in your closet this winter. Try not to overdo the trend by pairing loud, flashy prints with your outerwear, or by adding other furry pieces into the outfit. A fur coat looks great with solids and with simple, blousy tops and sophisticated high-heeled boots. To add a bit of 1940's glamour, try a bright red lip colour with a white fur jacket, dark stockings, and a black pencil skirt.

Vests
The cropped faux fur vest has got to be one of the easiest and most versatile ways to add another layer to your outfit, whether it's over a white babydoll tank, a classic button-down, a striped off-shoulder top, or even a minidress. Look out for sleeveless or cap-sleeved shrug-style vests, featuring animal prints, two-toned colour combinations, and a variety of collar styles.

Footwear
Faux fur on boots is back again for yet another season! This time, quirky zebra, leopard, and tiger prints join the mainstream plain, dark-coloured fur which has become popular on winter boots over the past few years. The variety of textures and materials which is in fashion as of late allows us to combine fur-trimmed boots with leather leggings, lace tights, or plaid jackets.

Gloves
You may not think of fur as typically appearing on gloves, but this winter furry accents are every bit as stylish as wilder, more noticeable pieces. These are certainly a better and more fashion-forward approach to winter accessorizing (too often, women who are otherwise dressed well leave home in tattered, cheap-quality yarn mittens which clash with their expensive jackets). Look for a neutral colour (a neon pink may not be the best bet for gloves you'll need almost everyday till spring), a pair which is sturdy yet sleek, and comfort. You'll find that supple, ladylike leather gloves trimmed in soft faux fur are to die for!

Tips for Wearing Fragrance

Tips for Wearing Fragrance

How to get the most mileage out of your favourite perfume
by Sally Murphy
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A fragrance can be as intimate as a woman’s touch, and many women have what they consider their “signature scent”, as well as several other scents for other occasions. But the way you wear your fragrance can be as important as what you wear. Try a few of the ideas below to make the most of your fragrance choices.

Consider your strength. Of your fragrance, that is. Fragrance is made from a mix of scented oils (natural or synthetic), alcohol and water. The stronger the concentration of oils, the stronger (and longer lasting) your fragrance will be. Perfume is the strongest, followed by Eau de Perfume, Eau de Toilette, and Eau de Cologne. An Eau de Cologne may need to be (lightly) reapplied after a few hours, but a Perfume should get you through pretty much your whole day.

Layer it. Try wearing a bath gel, lotion, and spritz of light cologne in the same scent. Many fragrances even come pre-packed in gift sets for layering. By using the same fragrance of shower gel, body lotion and cologne, you will give your fragrance lasting power throughout the day without having to squirt yourself with an overwhelming amount of scent.

Apply to your pulse points. This means wearing it on your wrists, cleavage, even behind your knees. The heat from your body will help your perfume dissipate during the day. But don’t rub your wrists together after applying your fragrance – you can actually damage the scent that way! You can also spray a little into your hair for longer lasting fragrance (blonds, try a test patch before doing this to be sure the fragrance oils don’t affect your color. Not that you’re not a natural blond…)

Walk through a cloud. Another fun way to wear perfume is to spritz some into the air and then walk through it. This will let the fragrance cling to your hair, clothes, exposed skin, etc., in a fun and sexy way. If you are wearing delicate fabrics or jewelry (especially anything with pearls), don’t do this, as you don’t want to damage or discolor anything.

Remember, less is more. Never wear more than three sprays of a fragrance, less if you are wearing a perfume or other form that has more concentrated oils. You don’t want your perfume to enter a room before you do, or cling to anything you touch (a co-worker's phone, an elevator button, a door handle – yuck!) If you’re not sure, ask a friend. You’ll become used to your perfume after time and may think you aren’t wearing enough, making it easier to overdo it.

Mix but don’t clash. It’s fun to mix scents, and many fragrances will complement each other. This can be especially true with shower gels, lotions, and perfumes that aren’t the same fragrance but somehow blend together deliciously. Floral perfumes seem to do this especially well (try using a fruity shower gel and see how it mixes.) But try wearing your new combo at home, first, so you don’t end up smelling like something, well, odd.