Trying New Things for a Changed Look


Wednesday, February 3, 2010 2:11:12 AM EST

A popular fallacy is that changing your look completely or even subtly, takes far more time, effort and money than it’s worth. This is probably the most foolish assumption you can ever make; without change, everything about you can become predictable and boring. Trying new things gives you the spark of freshness that you need to transform your everyday, comfy look into something that makes you look sensational and yet completely yourself.


How do you go about getting the perfect “changed” look without overdoing it? Here’s a guide to changing various aspects of your look, with some great ideas about new things that you could try.

 

Hair:

 

This is probably the first thing we think of when we thing about changing our look, and for good reason. Your hair is one of the most important tools in expressing who you are. A great new haircut boosts your confidence and makes a statement in a way that few other things can. Here are some great ideas for changing your hair.

 

Getting a fab new haircut:


You can get as drastic or as subtle as you like with a brand new haircut. For instance, you could get bangs, and wear them side swept, soft, long and wispy, or short and choppy, depending on which style suits your face shape the most. With haircuts, try to stick with a style that allows your hair to fall naturally into shape, requiring minimal hassle and maintenance.

 

Dyeing your hair:


Dyeing hair can be a lot more than a traditional one color dye. You can go for streaks, highlights and low lights, or you can simply add a splash of color like a single red strand in your ponytail. Hair color dyes, shampoos, mousses, temporary hairsprays and gels have made it difficult to resist experimenting with your hair color. This can be just the spark you need to set off your brand new look.



Changing your Hairdo:


You can change the way you wear your hair. For instance, you can change the way you part it. A striaght part can be replaced with a zig zag part for a more sporty, daring look. Also, you can change the texture, by using curling, waving or straightening products.  If you have unruly curls that make it difficult to wear your hair loose, get them straightened for a few months for a sleek, neat look.

 

Getting Hair Extensions:

It’s amazing what a woman can do to her hair these days. Great natural looking hair extensions can be the way to go if you want to completely change your look. Hair extensions are available in the highest quality now, with curly, wavy and straight varieties to suit your needs. Virgin remy hair is the best option, but cheaper alternatives are also available.

 

Makeup:


While makeup is an everyday necessity, it is also something that you can use to change your look. Wearing it just a little differently from how you usually wear it can do wonders to your appearance, and lend immense freshness to your style. Here are some ways to change your look with makeup:

Make your eyes appear brighter: For this, you can use cometics like Joey New York Opti-Brite Eye Trios, which are shades incorporating blue botanicals that make your eyes look clearer and whiter.


Refine your look: Use moisturizers and care intensively for your skin, hair and nails. Polish and manicure your nails well, and use glowing products on your face to make your skin radiant. The subtle changes in your appearance add up to a wonderfully fresh look.

 

Change the way you wear makeup: For instance, change your lip colour, your usual way of wearing eye shadow, or incorporate a new blush or sparkling face powder into your makeup routine, enhancing your look.

 

Accessories:

 

If you want to look different while staying safe and not getting too drastic, accessories are the way to go. With just the addition of a few great accessories, you can completely change the impression you make, and also feel great about yourself. Here are some ideas:

 

Pin some ornaments to your hair: For instance, beads, tortoise shell barrettes, glittery clips, antique-look ornaments, and other trinkets can really set off a great hairstyle. Plus, they can cover up a bad hair day with a lot of style into the bargain!

 

Add color: All too often, we tend to stick to a single color or just a limited range of colors, which defines our comfort zone. If you are only comfortable wearing dark shades, complement those with a bright or light colored scarf or jacket; this will make your complexion look different and improved.

 

Invest in Jewellery: If you are a casual dresser and ignore jewelry, then adding a few jewels will go a long way in getting the look you want. Wear a simple, elegant set of pearls, a pair of diamond earrings, or, if you want a more hip look, then sport chunky costume jewelry to give yourself a great new look.

0 Comments | Posted in Extend your Glamour! By Natural Strands

5 Steps for getting the Tyra Banks look


Tuesday, December 8, 2009 10:33:58 AM EST

Tyra Banks is acclaimed to be one of the most stunning models in the world, and surely not without reason. Her incredible style, grace and beauty make her every woman’s idol, and there are few who wouldn’t want her perfect look. Here are five simple steps to achieving what we call the “Tyra Banks look”, some of them straight from Tyra Banks herself. However, while you strive to imitate her style, make sure you do not lose your individuality – remember to modify the techniques given to suit your personal complexion, physique, and most importantly, your comfort zone.

Makeup:


·The first step is to apply sufficient moisturizer to ensure an even, smooth texture. Start the makeup by applying the concealer and foundation. Tyra recommends using a concealer to hide eye-bags and any skin blemishes (such as around the mouth). She further instructs that foundation be applied with a wet sponge after squeezing out excess water. A foundation stick is preferable to liquid foundation or cake.

·Once the foundation is applied, set it using two shades of translucent powder. Tyra recommends that you apply the lighter powder under the eyes, and after brushing off the excess, apply the darker shade all over your face. Finally, Tyra applies blush by dabbing some onto a brush and applying it over the apples of the cheeks.

·Now that the base is set, work on the eyes. After applying a layer of lighter translucent powder under the eyes to prevent dark circles forming from the eye shadow, brush a dark brown shade (darker than your skin tone) over your lids, creating the cat-eye effect seen on Tyra. This is done by turning the shadow outward and upward beyond the outer eye corners. Deepen the eyes to set them off from surrounding skin. To define and enlarge the eyes, apply white eyeliner on the lower inner rim. This according to Tyra makes you appear energetic even if you are tired. Apply mascara (just a single coat) and curl your upper lashes with a lash curler.

·Finally, just darken your brows using eyebrow pencil and apply lip gloss. Tyra prefers a sparse application followed by rubbing with the fingertips to get a natural look. Your makeup is now all set.



Hair Styles: 

 

The large variety of hairstyles that Tyra Banks has sported makes it possible for you to choose a hairdo according to your mood and the occasion, and yet still look like her. Here are a few of the top Tyra Banks hair styles from which you can choose:

·Full and Shiny: This hairstyle is good for just about any occasion, and can be achieved by using rollers to give your hair volume and spraying with a glossing mist to add shine.

 



·Bouncy Layers: This is especially good for a night out partying. The hair is cut in layers that get longer and longer, and is curled at the bottom. You can use rollers and hairspray to create this style. You will need to invest in a good haircut for this though.



·Soft Waves: This look is perfect for everything from a dinner to an office day, and works well with longer hair without the need for a specific haircut.


Accessorizing:

Tyra is often seen wearing long, dangly jewelry as this complements her height and brings out elegance. She generally favors white or translucent gemstone or diamond jewelry, for this brings out the color of her eyes. However, imitate her in this aspect with care: jewelry is one thing that is very close to your personal expression of your individuality, and imitating a celebrity may not be the way to go here. You can tailor the trends set by Tyra to your own style and you’re sure to look perfect!



Clothes:


Tyra Banks seems to favor well fitted outfits, often with a cinched waist, since they highlight her perfect figure and height. To achieve her look, you would need to invest in very perfectly sized clothes that complement your figure. Tyra advises wearing knee length dresses if you need to appear taller, and recommends higher waistlines for petite women. Plus, skinny pants, platform shoes, and short jackets should all achieve the same effect.

You may have to pay the designer stores a visit to find the right outfit for the right occasion, but the investment in time and money is worth it if at the end you find something that looks good on your body.



Overall Styling Balance:


After choosing the perfect outfit, accessories, hairdo and makeup, you are ready to set the town on fire. However, just one last step before you step out. Just check to make sure that everything from hair to makeup to accessories is balancing perfectly. Proportion, according to Tyra, is the key to looking good. If the top is oversized, wear skinny jeans or straight skirt. If earrings are large, omit the choker round the neck. Glittery, shimmery makeup should be balanced by minimal hair accessories. Your dressing should be complimenting your body and not highlighting the flaws. Keeping this balance is a tough act, but with some help from styling experts, you can achieve the exact Tyra Banks look you crave and become the talk of the town!

 

0 Comments | Posted in Extend your Glamour! By Natural Strands Writer