Sunday, 14 December 2014

How to How to look stylish with those curvesstylish with those curves

How to look stylish with those curves
(Photo: evening dresses online)
You may not have the reed-thin frame of a model to carry off ramp-wear, but that does not mean curvy women cannot look stylish.
You may not have the reed-thin frame of a model to carry off ramp-wear, but that does not mean curvy women cannot look stylish. Co-ordinate your separates and choose silhouettes that narrow down your figure to make the most of your assets. Here are some looks you could try out with the basics that you already possess in your wardrobe this summer. Follow these tips and tricks to give the illusion of a slimmer figure.
Opt for flares
Women who are pear-shaped — with a heavier lower body — should avoid wearing skinny jeans or slim-fit pants because they draw attention to the lower body and make it look bulkier. A flared silhouette works — it flatters the wearer's curves rather than accentuating them in the wrong way. Contrary to popular belief, oversized and flared shapes actually make you look thinner. There are a variety of options for the lower body to choose from to get this trick right — palazzos, culottes, A-line skirts and maxi skirts. For a slouchy-chic take, pair them with a well-fitted blouse, T-shirt or ganji. A loose blouse teamed with a flared bottom will end up making you looking like a sack.
Cinch your waist
Use a belt to accentuate your waist and reduce the appearance of flab from your torso. Wear a fitted broad belt to lend shape to a plain sheath dress or a narrow belt to define your waist in a close-fitting but comfortable ensemble. The belt will draw attention away from your belly, specially if you are middle-heavy.
Don't go too short
Hot pants and high-waisted cropped shorts are trending on catwalks and the high street this season. However, they are not meant for you if you have unsightly cellulite around your thighs and legs. Avoid them unless you want to look like an overgrown baby. Instead opt for shorts of a longer length, which end a little over the knee or skirts that end at the ankles.
Avoid plunging necklines

Apple-shaped women — heavy on top with a big bust and narrow hips — often make fashion faux pas since they are confused about how to balance out their curves. They either go too tight on the hips or too loose on the bust. To take the attention away from your decolletage, wear tops that have a modest neckline and comfortable fit. Team them with lowers that have a busy print for emphasis on the lower body. Read more here:formal dresses for women

Thursday, 11 December 2014

Trying to be friends with your colleagues?

Trying to be friends with your colleagues?
(Photo:unique prom dressess )
Office, agreed, is a tricky place to forge friendships as one moment you are treading on thin ice, and in the other sharing like a soul mate. Whoever has said workplace only attracts fair weather friends has forgotten to consider the strong emotional and political undercurrents that run in a charged up work atmosphere.
Where a colleague's promotion can make you thoughtful, jealous or even spiteful, a jointly received dressing-down from the boss suddenly irons out all differences. It is easy to end up as friends in an office setup than otherwise, as colleagues at a certain level turn into confidantes, and realise in the true sense your professional woes. Admits Manmeet Ahluwalia, marketing head with an online travel company, "Our work schedules are such that we end up spending most of the day in office. In such a situation forging friendships with immediate colleagues is but natural."
He also feels that interaction level is higher with colleagues than friends, and in the process you get to know each other better. Explains senior clinical psychologist Dr Bhavna Barmi, "Friendship entails a sense of intimacy and inter-dependence based on common goals and interests. Therefore, people relating closely at work are bound to develop friendships. Besides, it fosters a sense of competition and camaraderie as well."
Just as office friendship is a reality, instances of friend turning foe are commonplace too. A jealous colleague is capable of spoiling things for you by baring your personal details, or worse still, a gossip about the boss. But, does that mean real friendship in an office setup is only wishful thinking? Avers Ravneet Kaur, writer and food enthusiast, "You can make friends at work provided the two of you are from different teams, as misunderstandings are inevitable. After all, you are in a competitive atmosphere, and your paths are bound to intercept." Gopika Misra, content manager with an online travel company, too feels the same way. "If you have friends in different departments it would be smooth sailing, but if it is a reporting relationship or you have regular work dealing, stress would creep in," she opines.
But there is another facet of this blow hot, blow cold relationship. Ravneet recounts an experience with an ex-colleague whom she considered a friend. "She used to come up with advises in the most difficult situation and expressed so with all honesty, or so I felt. Later I realised that she wanted me to cut a sorry figure before the editor, while she got away with brownie points." While you make friends in all innocence, it is hard to negate the fact that a vindictive colleague in the guise of a friend is a threat to your job and can mar your terms with fellow colleagues including the boss.
Guy de Noronha, a senior journalist, explains the phenomenon well, "This happens in the early phase of your career when you are busy climbing the ladder, and are hardly tolerant towards others. Friendships at this stage are surface-level, like going together to the pub on a Friday night and getting drunk. But with more years of work, you create your own space and no longer feel threatened by your colleagues. Lasting friendships happen only then, once you are over your insecurities." He goes on to add, "My greatest friends have come from work. Never have I left an organisation without earning a good friend."
Dr Bhavna sheds more light on this apparent friendship between colleagues. Says she, "Workplace friends help navigate through a difficult work environment, are better placed to relate to your grievances, and offer advice from an empathetic standpoint. Having said that, it is imperative to consider that lack of trust among employees, an extremely competitive work environment, back-stabbing and sabotage, undermines common goals and hampers team spirit." She warns, "For such friendships to survive, both parties must act responsibly and respect each other's professional commitment. To say the least, a broken friendship can zap productivity and spread discontentment."
However, Manmeet feels misunderstanding between colleague-friends should not be considered the end of the road. "It is like any other friendship with its share of ups and downs. I don't see any demarcation. As long as it is peer to peer, and there isn't a conflict of interest, it shouldn't be a problem. Complications arise only when it involves a superior and subordinate."
But, what is it that makes an employee-boss friendship farfetched? Admits Guy, "With a superior it wouldn't be an honest relationship because at the end of the day it boils down to business. You might be courteous to your boss if you ran into him in a cinema hall, but certainly wouldn't enjoy sitting next to each other while watching the movie!"

But it is possible to be friends with an ex-boss, offers Gopika. "I am friends with my ex-boss now, and have told him honestly about how we hated his ways. Today, those professional barriers are gone and we have discovered fresh friendship," she signs off. Read more here: bridesmaid dresses uk

Tuesday, 9 December 2014

What’s ailing your pet dog?

What’s ailing your pet dog?
(Photo:bridesmaid dresses )
A lowdown on ailments that can affect your furry companion, and ways to prevent them before they get worse
It helps to know the health issues your pet goes through, not just to prevent them from happening and ease out your canine's pain, but also to combat them when they do happen. Here are some of the most common illnesses your dog goes through and what you can do about them.
Fleas
Fleas can give both you and your pet nightmares. Fleas are extremely easy for your dog to pick up and can soon infest from one to thousand! Unlike other ailments, fleas are easy to spot and hence can be treated soon too. Experts advise against using synthetic and artificial repellents unless the condition gets really bad. Common symptoms of fleas are scratching, biting, hair loss or excessive licking. You can however prevent these blood-sucking creatures from latching on to your four-legged friend.
Help your canine heal:
- Washing your dog regularly is one of the safest precautions you can take. Wash your dog with lukewarm water and a mild soap.
- Use a flea comb or collar to ward off the fleas. Flea combs can physically take out fleas from your dog's coat. Flea sprays are also available and the additional benefit of using these is that your dog gets a shiny coat as well.
- "Go natural. Lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, lavender oil are all known to have a positive affect on dogs, if they have fleas," says Tisha Matthew, who volunteers at an animal care shelter.
Ear infections
One of the most common infections among dogs is ear infection. Breeds like Beagles with hanging ears and Cocker Spaniels with narrow ear canals are more prone to infections in the ears. Ear infections typically begin with the inflammation of the outer ear canal, and can be caused by a variety of reasons right from bacteria to allergies to excess moisture. You may notice a strange odour from the ear. Additionally, there could also be some swelling or redness. If you notice your dog scratching or vigorously shaking his head often, it could be time to take some safety precautions.
Help your canine heal:
- Since the ear is sensitive, clean it thoroughly with a gentle cleanser, one that is preferably prescribed by the veterinarian. If your dog can tolerate it, you can repeat the cleaning several times, but if he shows signs of irritation or pain don't overdo it.
- Find out if your dog has a hereditary condition or if the climate or food is incompatible with him.
- "Keep your dog out of the water, as extra moisture might aggravate the infection and make his condition worse," says Himanshu Sharma, who's pet Labrador recently had a serious ear infection.
Worms
Worms are common parasites in dogs, particularly tapeworms, roundworms and whipworms. Your dog can get worms either by eating or drinking something containing worms or by being bitten by a carrier i.e. fleas or mosquitoes. Worms are usually difficult to spot and dogs may only show subtle signs if infected only getting more prononuced when the situation worsens. Noticing and treating the worms' presence is of utmost importance as they can have dire effects on your dogs health. Some of the common symptoms of worms are: coughing, vomiting, pot-bellies, low energy, change in apetite, itching, signs of irritation and a dull coat. If you notice your dog losing weight rapidly, it could be another symptom.
Help your canine heal:
- "Your pet will in most likelihood, need to be checked and administered proper medication," says Rina Dubey, an animal care specialist.
- Prevent fleas and ticks, as these are common carriers of worms.
- Ensure that your pet is checked every three to six months by your veterinarian.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a common ailment among dogs but surprisingly, is difficult to spot. "If you see your dog with a slight limp or favouring one leg over the other, it's a sure sign of arthritis. He might also seem reluctant to walk or run around and may tire of physical activity easily," says Veterinarian Anushka Tripathi. Though arthritis is difficult to completely heal, there are a few procedures that one can follow to ease out the pain your faithful friend is facing.
Help your canine heal:
- Arthritis can be a serious condition, hence, expert's advice that you use the help and guidance of a professional to help your pet.
- Exercise if done in moderation can help. Additionally, if your dog is arthritic, ensure that he doesn't jump around or exert himself.
- Overweight dogs should be encouraged to lose weight and indulge in physical activity.
Monitoring your pet's health
- Learn how to identify infections and treat them as soon as possible.
- Flea products or medication to prevent itching can have a negative affect on your dog as well. Make sure you consult a vet.
- Never use products prescribed for cats on dogs or other animals and vice-versa.
- If your dog is over weight, make sure he exercises regularly and take him for regular check-ups.
- It's okay to spoil your pet silly, but remember — an active dog is a healthy dog.
- Be careful when you take your dog for walks or treks. Their soft fur is susceptible to scratches and burns.
How do you feed a sick dog?
Nutrition among pets is extremely important, but more so during sickness. First and most importantly, check with your vet to see what you should be feeding him and what you should be avoiding.
- Feed him a little at a time, and give breaks in between meals.
- Avoid feeding your pet food that is too hot or too cold. Warm it a little and keep it at room temperature.
- Make sure the food is fresh and not stale.
- If you notice a lack of apetite in your dog, you can feed him by liquefying the food. Add some water to it and feed it to him as a fluid.
Indoors or outdoors — What's more suitable for a sick dog?
If the weather is favourable and your dog wants to run around a bit, by all means take him out, but ensure that certain precautions are taken.
If the weather is too cold, protect him with a light coat, and if it's too hot make sure that you protect his paws. Occassional walks outside are advised by experts as well, even if just a short stroll so that your pet can relieve himself.
Giving medicine to your dog
Dogs can be extremely troublesome when it comes to giving them medicine. But it is important that your pet has his medicines on time. If he absolutely refuses to budge, you can call in the vet.
You can hold your dog's muzzle while feeding him the medicines with his head tilted a bit. Keep talking to him and stroking his head while you do this. Keep his head up and encourage him to swallow it before he spits it out.
The way you feed your dog medicine can vary considering how big or small your dog is.
If your beloved pet seems a bit dull, it could be more than 'just a bad day.' Your pets behaviour itself could indicate towards illness. Beware of the signs:
- An otherwise energetic and happy dog could start acting lethargic or dull.
- Decrease in or complete loss of apetite.
- Shedding or bald patches across the body or certain areas.
- Incessant vomiting or diarrhea.
- He may start hiding or sleeping more than usual.
- Difficulty in running around or indulging in any sort of physical exercise.
- He may start crying or whining for no particular reason.
Taking care of a sick dog
- Make a warm, comfortable bed for him. Much like us, dogs need a quiet, calm place to heal as well.
- Place his favourite toy besides him and make sure there is water around. It's important that he gets enough fluids.
- Good nutrition is important, especially during sickness.
- It's important to monitor your dog's process as he heals.
- Be aware of any special needs of your pet.
- Make sure that children or loud music, talking etc doesn't bother him.

- If he gets worse or shows no sign so of progress, take him to the vet. Read more here: evening dresses

10 tips for email etiquette

10 tips for email etiquette
(Photo:prom dresses 2014 )
The digital age has made communication much easier and more hassle-free, what with several apps available for mobile phone chat.
However, people often forget that they have to use a different, more formal tone for official email correspondence, and end up peppering their emails with too many emojis and abbreviations. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you're sending out a work email.
1. INTRODUCTIONS ARE IMPORTANT:Always introduce yourself if you are writing to someone you don't know or haven't corresponded with previously. If you've got the sender's address from a mutual friend, mention that in your email. Introducing yourself is especially important if you're sending out a survey or questionnaire to people whose addresses you have got from a database.
2. ALWAYS RUN A SPELL-CHECK: It's important to run a spell-check for official correspondence, especially if you're sending an email from your phone. You don't want the auto-correct feature to backfire on an official email, after all. Ensure your grammar and punctuation are correct as well.
3. USE THE REPLY-ALL FEATURE SPARINGLY: Only use the reply-all feature for an email that really needs it. If the reply is meant for only one person, just reply to him/her. And don't use it to reply to a sender's greetings for the festive season — you could find yourself being blamed for starting an unnecessary email thread.
4. USE BCC FOR GENERIC MAILS: Use the Bcc field for when you are sending out mails to a very large number of people who may not all know each other. It's also a way to ensure that all your contacts' addresses are not out there for people unknown to them to access.
5. RESTRICT THE NUMBER OF ATTACHMENTS YOU SEND: Send heavy files via file-hosting services so that you don't clog the recipient's inbox. You could also zip files or resize pictures. If you know you're sending an email to someone who accesses his/her inbox on the phone, don't send several attachments with it.
6. DON'T OVER-ABBREVIATE: Don't use too many abbreviations or in your email, like FYI, PFA, PDF or FYR. It may confuse the recipient, who may also get the impression that you don't have the time to type out a proper email. If you must use them, restrict it only to the subject line.
7. FORMATTING FUNDAS: Do not use all caps and bold fonts as this will give the recipient the impression that you are shouting at him/her. The same goes for underlining in the middle of a lot of text. Don't use fancy fonts or multiple font colours either.
8. WATCH YOUR TONE: Always be careful about how your email sounds. It may be an official email, but it should not sound too abrupt. You shouldn't sound over-friendly either, especially if this is the first time you are corresponding with the recipient. Moreover, don't send out an email if you're upset. Save it as a draft and re-read it when you're calmer.
9. FIX YOUR FORWARDS: Make it a point to clean up forwards before you, in turn, forward them to other people. Not only does this make the email look cleaner, but it also ensures that you don't give away anyone else's email addresses.
10. CHECK WHO YOU'RE SENDING AN EMAIL TO: Always check the To field of an unsent email before you send it. You don't want the wrong email being sent to the wrong person.
What every official email should contain
Subject line: This is the first thing that recipients will see in their inboxes and it will determine whether they will read it or not. It should be clear and direct.
Salutation: Always start an email by greeting the recipient by using the word 'dear' followed by his/her name. If you aren't on a first-name basis with the recipient, use a title and a surname.
Concise body: Get straight to the point. If you have more than one issue to address, start with the most important, and list the rest point-by-point.

Sign off: Always sign off on your emails. Phrases like 'Yours sincerely' and 'yours faithfully' are acceptable for formal emails. 'Best regards' or 'kind regards' work in most other situations. Read more here:red prom dresses uk

Sunday, 7 December 2014

Winter style essentials from the Indian runway

Winter style essentials from the Indian runway
(Photo: cocktail dresses)
Here are some winter must-haves inspired by the Indian runway, along with tips on how you can own the style to perfection!
The winter season brings with it the endless possibilities of an exciting winter wardrobe - the choice of textiles, the fun of layering and the feeling of being comfortably wrapped up. Take a look at what Indian designers presented as their choices for winterwear this year, and how you can make them your own.
Leather: Winter is a great time to bring out your leather pieces. Experiment with skirts, pants and jackets by pairing them with other materials like wool or faux fur, and separates like wind cheaters and mufflers for a well-balanced look. Footwear and accessories such as gloves are also great leather items to stock up on for the season.
Take a cue from this high-waisted leather skirt with an asymmetrical hem presented by label '431-88'. This style can be paired with a warm shirt or a turtle neck sweater and woolen stockings.
A basic overcoat: A basic overcoat is your best friend in cold weather, keeping the cold off your entire body while still making you look like the diva that you are. Choose from thigh-high, knee length, midi, or ankle length options in universal colours to compliment both day and night outfits. Play up your look by wearing it open or semi-buttoned, and create interesting layers by pairing bright-coloured separates under it.
Label 'Akaaro' shows knee-length coats in earthy, muted hues combined with understated pieces like shirts, skirts and culottes.
Boots: A great pair of boots is a winter must-have that cannot be stressed on enough. Boots not only keep your feet warm but also add an amazing sense of style to any winter outfit. A varied choice of materials, ankle lengths and heel heights are available to choose from. Pick heeled boots for an evening out, or flat ones to take you comfortably through the day.
Designer Tanvi Kedia adds an edge to her vintage-inspired collection with these calf-length boots.
Metallic accents: Winter can get dull and boring, and you may not feel like wearing a bright colour for the fear of sticking out like a sore thumb. This is where metallics come to the rescue. Whether it is fabrics that have an innate sheen, or some muted embellishment to create eye-catching patterns on a plain surface, dull metallics are the way to go when you need to add just the right amount of shine to your day.
'Ilk' by designers Shikha and Vinita showcases controlled metallic embellishments and muted shimmer, making it wearable without attracting too much attention.
A big wrap/ shawl: There's nothing like a giant, warm wrap to throw on to feel cozy as a cocoon in the midst of a wintry breeze. You can choose to match it with the rest of your outfit, or wear a bright contrasting one to cut through the winter gloom. Drape it casually over your shoulders for a chic statement.
'Huemn' by designers Pranav Mishra and Shyma Shetty shows you how it's done with this sporty style.
Caps: Caps are usually worn in the winter season to keep warm, but who say it has to be a fluffy woolen beanie? Choose a larger snapback style cap to exude a more youthful, androgynous feel. It's also a great cover up for a bad hair-day!
Take a cue from designers Hemant and Nandita, who topped off their winter looks with a statement-making bold cap.
Cropped trousers: Winter doesn't mean covering yourself up from head to toe. You can show some skin, as long as it's done the right way. Cropped pants are an extremely stylish global trend, which is right for adding some fun to winter dressing. Top it with warm layers, and attract attention to your ankles by sporting an interesting pair of shoes.
Designer Payal Pratap shows you how to cut it in style with these cropped printed trousers. An interesting choice of ankle-clasping footwear makes sure that the shorter trouser length doesn't go unnoticed.
Loose silhouettes: Who says that winter means wearing only fitted jeans and woolen trousers? Opt for looser silhouettes and layer them interestingly to create an offbeat outfit. Asymmetry is a great element to play with by tucking in only half of a long sweater into your lowers.
'Rishta' by designer Arjun Saluja displays the dhoti-trouser style for winter wear. The high waistline and contrasting colours ensure that there's nothing predictable about this look.
Layering: The key to staying warm in winter is layering, and when done correctly, it can lend oodles of style to your look irrespective of how low the mercury drops. Hats, scarves, boots, leg warmers and multiple jackets all lend their own character to build up both the heat and your fashion quotient.

Take a cue from this impeccably styled Pero outfit with the juxtaposition of checks, block colours, and colourful eye-catching buttons. Read more here: black prom dresses

Wednesday, 3 December 2014

The right diet after 40!

The right diet after 40!
(Photo: pink prom dresses 2014)
As the metabolism slows down in the 40s, it's necessary for women to follow a healthy diet pattern.
Women in their 40s need to take their health seriously. For this, the most important thing is following a healthy diet. Mumbai based Dr Mohan Thomas, a leading cosmetic surgeon and Medical Director of the Cosmetic Surgery Institute takes a holistic look at diet and gives a 'To Do List' of what to avoid and what to include in your diet.
Whole grains help combat two things that a woman at this age might be battling with: first, an increasing blood pressure (thanks to heart and artery walls thickening and stiffening over the years); second, a slowing metabolism (metabolism slows by 1 to 2 percent each decade after age 30). Swapping refined grains like white bread and white rice for whole grains (whole wheat bread, brown rice and oats ) will help get more fibre in the body. Adding fibre to the diet helps in prevention of weight gain and even encourages weight loss. Some studies suggest that whole grains help the body hang on to potassium, a mineral that helps maintain normal blood pressure.
Other ways to consume fibre is salad. A maximum nutrient intake by building a vibrantly coloured salad - spinach, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, red radish, green or black olives or fruits like raisins, oranges and strawberries, help the body immensely. All these ingredients offer fibre, potassium, antioxidants and vitamin C. It also helps keep the skin firm and protect it against UV Rays.
Cut out the white stuff - Salt. Too much salt in the diet negatively impacts blood pressure because it causes the body to retain water. It is this extra water that raises blood pressure. This in turn strains the heart, kidneys, arteries and the brain.
It is not just about stopping fried and spicy stuff. Salt lurks stealthily in other processed foods like cured meats, cheese, frozen food, pizza and breakfast cereals too.
The evil side of sugar: People avoid having sugar for fear of gaining weight, but there's more to it. Having too much of sweets can accelerate the aging process in innumerable ways. Whether it is in ice cream or in a chocolate bar, the body converts this sugar to glucose. A major health issue linked to high blood glucose is diabetes. However it can also lead to other health problems such as cardiovascular disease, kidney or nerve damage. Diabetics can also experience skin, mouth and bone problems that make the body look and feel older than it should.
Bacon is not your friend: Research has proved that COX-2 enzymes are more active and cause more joint inflammation when a lot of Omega-6 fatty acids than Omega-3 fatty acids are consumed. High up on the Arthritis Foundation's list of "No-No" foods is bacon, along with processed meats, egg yolks, margarine, pretty much anything fried and oils like corn, sunflower, safflower, soybean and cottonseed.
The third glass of wine: It is a proven fact that moderate amount of red wine is good for the heart. But what's the right definition of 'moderate'? According to the National Institutes of Health, light-to-moderate alcohol use means: having two to seven drinks per week. More than that is risky for the heart and liver. Alcohol is the leading cause of heart disease.

Aerated beverages: A 300 ml bottle of regular soft drink has about 150 calories and 40 grams of carbohydrates. This is the same amount of carbohydrates contained in 10 teaspoons of sugar. Read more here: plus size evening dresses uk

Monday, 24 November 2014

Makeup Matters In The Workplace — Here's How To Wear It

Today's Insider Picks is from guest writer Kara Manos, creator of Politics of Pretty, a DC beauty blog dedicated to helping Washington women look their very best.
She’s covered numerous NYC Fashion Weeks and is a frequent host for beauty trend and education events. As a senior marketing consultant for OutMarket by day, Kara balances a busy schedule between weekly manicures.
Think wearing makeup in the workplace doesn’t matter? Think again. Wearing makeup is just as important as the outfit and shoes you pick out. In fact, studies have shown that wearing makeup (but not an absurd amount) increases people’s perceptions of a woman’s likability. Plus, makeup helps you look more polished and professional. From long-wearing eyeshadow to moisturizing lip color, I’ve rounded up the best work-appropriate makeup products.
Stila Eye Shadow
(Photo: formal dresses for women)
Eyes:
Dark eye makeup can yield many touch-ups and not-so-pretty meltdowns, and it can be distracting in a business meeting. If you have fair skin, sweep a long-wearing glimmering champagne shadow like Stila Eyeshadow in Kitten across the lid and blend up to the crease. If you have a medium to dark skin tone, try Estee Lauder Pure Color Eyeshadow in Sizzling Copper, a metallic brown that brightens without being too sparkly.Stila Eye ShadowGo easy on the mascara by focusing on defining and lengthening lashes with CoverGirl Clump Crusher Extensions Lashblast Mascara. Start by rolling the wand from the base to the tip of your lashes to help separate lashes. Tame your brows with Benefit Gimme Brow, a volumizing fiber gel that fills in where needed and shapes arches for a polished look.
Wearing concealer is important because it conceals blemishes and discoloration around the eye area so you look more awake. I tested a bevy of products to find the best drugstore concealer on my blog, and to this day I’m still using Maybelline Age Rewind Eraser because of its ability to conceal dark circles and brighten my under eye area. Apply product in the shape of a piece of pie (not a crescent) for a natural finish.
Face:
Foundation isn’t necessary unless you feel like you need more coverage than a tinted moisturizer or BB cream. Personally, I love NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 30, which keeps skin hydrated and helps improve complexion over time.
Nars
(Photo:graduation dresses )
NARS Pure Radiant Tinted MoisturizerAs for bronzer, it’s OK to add a little faux color with a matte finish like The Body Shop Honey Bronze Powder. Using a bronzer brush, create the number “3” on both sides of your face, starting at the top of your forehead, dusting it along your cheeks and sweep it across your jawline. Don’t forget to blend it into your neck for a natural finish. For blush, I prefer sheer, buildable coverage in a creamy formula.
Laura Mercier Crème Cheek Color in Blaze is equal parts natural looking and long-lasting. It adds warmth to medium-deep complexions and a sun-kissed touch to fair-to-medium tones.
Lips:
AmazonTom Ford in Blush NudeLip color isn’t necessary, but a sheer finish can enhance your overall appearance. At the very least, use a light tinted lip balm like AERIN Beauty Rose Lip Balm. You can add color to your lips without overdoing it by sporting a dreamy nude-pink lip color. Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss in Buff is pretty and non-sticky with a beige pink hue.
I believe a red lip is no longer reserved for date night—just make sure you apply in moderation. For example, eye makeup should be neutral and light if you wear MAC Lipstick in Russian Red, which is universally flattering on all skin tones and undertones. Using a lip brush, apply the color, starting at the center of the upper lip and moving outward toward each corner. Not a fan of red lipstick? Opt for a barely there hue from Tom Ford in Blush Nude.
You can visit Kara's website here for everything from extensive drugstore guides to salon reviews and industry tool breakdowns. Her insider tips and tricks help determine the type of products best-suited for your specific needs. She’s been featured in Washingtonian Magazine, People StyleWatch and Byrdie.com as a top ten beauty blog to bookmark.

Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Business Insider's Insider Picks team. We aim to highlight products and services you might find interesting, and if you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale. This is not an advertiser sponsored post and we operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Have something you think we should know about?