21 Oktober 2009

Bridal Beauty Tips

You've found the perfect wedding dress. Now you need some tips to complete the rest of your wedding day "look." Read on for some timeless bridal beauty tips.

Makeup:
When it comes to bridal makeup, remember the mantra: "less is more." You want your guests to gasp in wonder and admiration of your beauty- not in shock! Save the bright and glittery eyeshadow for the clubs.

Your wedding face should appear natural and flawless. There will be lots of photos taken of you throughout the day so your bridal makeup should include cosmetics that reduce shine. Experiment with different formulations of matte foundation to see if a cream, liquid, or powder-to-cream finish works well on your skin. Include a makeup primer which not only mattifies skin but also helps makeup last longer on your skin. For touch ups throughout the day, keep a compact of translucent powder at hand in your bag or with a trusted friend.

Take a look at some pictures of brides in magazines. You'll notice that any colors used tend to be pinks, plums, grays and browns, all of which are universally neutral, but still flattering. Again, the emphasis is on achieving a natural look. Some artists avoid dark colors on the eyelids since they give the "black eye" look in photos. Always curl your eyelashes since that opens your eyes and give you a fresh, awake look. Adding a bit of white or light color beneath the brow and at the corners of eyes also gives a bright look. Do wear waterproof mascara if you're worried about crying happy tears on your wedding day.

Live up to the "blushing bride" title with caution since you don't want to look like a clown. Your best bet is to apply a soft shade to the apples of your cheeks. Don't over do it because the excitement and the energy of the day is sure to add to the color of your face. A word of advice, though: for professional photos it is best to go with a bit more intense color since flash photography tends to "wash out" features. Your best bet is to take a few shots with a camera and see how your face appears. Also take into account if you're taking photos indoors or outdoors, as well as the time of day. It may be worthwhile, especially if having a long photoshoot, to have your makeup kit at hand.

You're going to be doing lots of smooching so make your lip color last by layering a lip tint or stain, lipstick and even lip gloss. A tip is to line lips first so a bit of color stays even if your lipstick eventually wears off.

Hair:
There have been many arguments whether to leave hair up or down for the wedding. The final decision should be based on your dress and accessories. Both styles can look elegant and sophisticated as long as you remember a few tips.

If opting for an up-do, be sure to do several trial runs. An up-do can be elaborate and time consuming. Some brides even have their hair done the night before, though you would then anticipate awkward sleeping positions. The classic chignon is timeless but modern versions of the "bun" are quite popular as well. You can start by putting hair up in a high ponytail (add extensions if your hair is short or uneven), then use a curling iron on small sections of hair and pin them loosely. Other options are pinned up braids or a half-twist (French twist) with loose sections of hair curled into spirals or soft waves.

You'll have the most success with a stylist or friend who is good with hair. You'll also need lots of hairspray and bobby pins! In fact, keep some on hand throughout the day.

Leaving hair down does not necessarily mean you can just wash it and forget it. You'll need to use styling tools to give straight hair volume, and serum or gel to tame frizz and give it a nice shine. You'll need to keep hair controlled and not covering or falling into your face at crucial moments. Consider an elegant headband or even a half-up hairstyle to pin back longer bangs or front sections of hair while leaving the rest cascading beautifully down.

Some last tips on other bridal beauty topics:
Remember- when you smile, you show your teeth, too, so don't neglect the health and condition of your gums and teeth. If you want to whiten teeth, start doing so slowly months before the wedding.

If you regularly visit the tanning salon, go easy before the wedding to avoid the "oompa loompa" fake-bake look.

Beauty comes from within so remember to exercise regularly, drink lots of water, avoid smoking, and eat healthy. With these tips, you'll be the bride everyone is talking about!

Please visit our website and organise your wedding the easy way, with our wedding planning guide and services directory with wedding receptions and bridal wear to car hire and caterers.

20 Oktober 2009

Beauty Colleges - What Beauty Career Programs Are Available?

There are a lot of factors that you need to consider before choosing from among the many beauty colleges that are currently available. Time and travel are just a few of the things that you would need to consider before making a choice. One of the best ways to easily compare different schools, and the cost of tuition, would be by doing an online search.

It's both quick and simple to compare different schools side by side by seeing what programs are being offered. By narrowing your search this way, you have a better idea of what each school offers so you will know that you will be able to focus on what interests you most.

If you desire to be a skin care specialist and give facial massages and skin treatments, then you would take the aesthetician program. These individuals provide beauty and skin advice to their clients and can find work in spa's and resorts. A beautician, on the other hand, offers many different services such as hair and scalp care as well as cosmetics and skin care advice. Individuals who complete this program at area beauty colleges can find employment in many fine salons.

Cosmetologists are salon professionals who provide specialized services that help clients to look and feel their absolute best. There are three different career tracks you can pursue when you study this program at local beauty institutes; hair, skin and nails. Tasks of a skin care specialist include the care and treatment and maintaining skin's youthful appearance. Hair design specialists provide hair care services that enhance the appearance of clients and a nail technician works exclusively with nails and provides manicures and pedicures to clients.

The perfect career in the field of beauty is waiting for you, the only thing you need to decide is which career do you want to pursue. Once you narrow down your choice to a specific field, finding beauty colleges that offer these programs is the easy part. You will then be on your way to doing what you love and helping others to look and feel their vest everyday.

Louis Zhang, Accrbeautyschools.com

To learn more about beauty colleges and find an accredited beauty institute in your area go to Accrbeautyschools.com

Vintage Style Home Decoration

The most important thing about vintage style home decoration is to find a great source. You'll need to find your local antique store, thrift shop, vintage store, flea market or car boot sale, try them all out and start hunting for unique vintage furnishings.

Remember to be patient when you are looking for things, and choose only quality items that will suit the look you are going for. Take a list with you of items you might want in your home, like a classic vintage chair or an antique mirror, then search hard for these items. Try to stick to the list, and really think through every item before purchasing, it's easy to get carried away when you are shopping for vintage.

When you are styling your home, you can either opt for a shabby chic look which is a mix of modern and vintage, or you can choose all vintage pieces, but edit them by hand to bring them up to date. Or you can simply choose to have a few vintage pieces to make a very eclectic looking home.

There are several key items that anyone wishing to start vintage styling their home should keep their eye out for:

- Chairs & Sofas
These are the most practical items you could purchase, and they are very easy to update with a little polish, paint or re-upholster. Elegant french chairs give bedrooms a sexy update, 60s bubble chairs make childrens bedrooms a fun place, and thrift highchairs look great in any kitchen.

- Thrift Furniture
Make sure you go to your local garage sales and flea markets for some cheap vintage furnishings. Always check the quality of the items before buying, and visualise exactly where and how it would fit in your home. Keep your eye out for rare items with great detailing and craftsmanship that you wouldn't be able to find at your nearest Home Depot store.

- Cushions & Vintage Bedding
An item that will instantly give your house that vintage feel is some antique cushions. Comfortable, homemade, embroidered cushions on every surface will make any house feel more homely. Vintage eiderdowns and throws can give a quaint, chintzy update to a bedroom. Keep an eye out for great colors and fabrics that will best reflect your home style personality.

- Crockery & Glass
You can never have too much vintage glassware or tins, as they really give off a great antique vibe and aren't usually too expensive. Crockery, especially blue and white, is another fabulous addition to the kitchen table, that looks beautiful and will be timeless. Choose high quality glass and ceramic vintage items, as these will be valuable but not extortionate.

When you are piecing all of these items together, remember to keep it simple. Don't overcrowd your space with too many items, or you run the risk of your house looking museum like or dowdy. Instead, choose specific items that will enhance your home, and keep the space fresh with light colors that will make every room feel spacious and classic.

To give a bedroom a touch of vintage style:

Start by painting it white, then add a great bed frame and mattress, a great bed cover and loads of cushions. Attach pins to the walls to display your favorite vintage hats in a quirky and interesting way, and reflect the same on the opposite wall but with your favorite photos in thrift bought frames. Pile vintage suitcases in the corner of your room, and store any other items in a gorgeous wooden chest. Hang clothes on a modern rail covered with fairy lights and flower clips. And find a great old chandelier to put in your room. Put wood flooring down, and cover with a stylish antique rug, and you are finished!

This article was submitted by Alissa Carter. Find decor ideas and vintage home ware styles at Room Elegance.

For great homemade craft ideas, visit Homemade Gifts.