Brighten up your Spring!

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Spring is the time, when everything starts to wake up from cold and long winter and shows its brightest and most wonderful colours. What else could be more fun in spring time like to be shiny and beautiful and explore your own colours of beauty? Here are some small tips what can help you look fabulous, sexy and brighter in this wonderful time of the year - Spring!!!

1. Freshen and awake your skin:

That's rights... it is time to change your thick face foundation and moisturizer to something totally light and with thin texture. It is also good for you to choose body and face lotions or gel creme with SPF protection, which is very important for your skin safeness and youth. My favorite products for this summer are: Derma Genesis line by L'Oreal, Face gel creme by Garnier and Garnier anti dark circle roller with tint.

2. Add more colours:

In my face make-up I always was a very conservative person, but this spring I decided to try something totally different and go a little bit crazy. So, for this spring I choose RED lipstick! Wow... Even in writing it still sounds a bit too brave for me :-) But I like it!!! I always liked how the red lipstick looked on someone else, however never was too brave to go for it. Finally, I made a decision that this spring will be all about shiny colours that will brighten my days and will put smile on my face while I am looking in the mirror! So here it is - my new crazy spring friend, MaxFactor tint pen in colour 07.

3. Be romantic:

Say no to "plastic" hair! Be natural and flow(ish), so no only your skin could breath, but also your hair. Slightly wavy hair or lazy braid will boost your romantic mood, - so these are my number one hair styles for this spring, inspired by Kate Hudson, Jessica Biel and Kristen Bell.

 4. Find your spring scent:

So now, when the nature wakes up from long hours of sleeping and everything becomes fresh and light, it is time to switch your favorite perfume to something much softer and flowery. The perfect scent choice for the Spring time are lavender, jasmine, citrus orchards blossom, lilacs and other. For this summer I choose Bight Crystal by Versace, Chance Eau Fraîche by Channel or Japanese Cherry Blossom by The Body Shop (may be not so new perfumes, but I totally LOVE THEM!!!).

Enjoy the Spring 

Stay happy and be Yourself!

  

Disclaimer: I was not paid for my review and article nor am I affiliated in anyway with the brand, mentioned in my article. This is my 100% honest opinion.

Figure out your Body Shape

As was already mentioned in my previous articles, we all are unique and individual, thus our body also has its own figure shape which was given to us since we've been born. Whether you’re curvy, slim, full-figure, with smaller/bigger bust, smaller/bigger bottom or a mix of everything - there is no good or bad figure, it's just individuality of our body and by knowing our personal body shape, we can make our look as flawless and comfortable for us, as we want to.

There are 5 main figure body shapes, that can be classified as: pear shape, athletic shape, boyish shape, hourglass shape and apple shape. Below you can find a mini-guide about all six figure types, as well as short suggestions what can suit you the most if you have a certain type of figure, and what are the big "no-no" in terms of fashion that will make you look less flattering.

1. Pear body shape

  

Distinctive features: Smaller top and wider bottom

Woman with pear body shape tend to easily get weight on the bottom part of their body, this means that they have narrow shoulder, small to average breast, slim waist and their legs are likely full or muscular. 

What will suit you: To bring the balance into your figure, wear flawless and loose tops or blouses with brighter colours or large prints. Wide-neck tops, or blouses one shoulder will look fabulous on you, as it will make your upper body i.e. shoulders and bust, look wider, which will create a balance with your hips. Big and chunky necklaces will also help you to bring a balance into your outfit and will compensate smaller proportions of your shoulders and chest.For the bottom part, to wear darker colors for your bottom, which will make your bottom looks smaller and slimmer. If you like to wear trousers, than go for straight, bootleg or wide leg pants - these will make your hips and thighs look more slender. A-line skirts, flared skirts or pleated full skirts that hit just above the knees will look amazing on your figure and will hide your fuller hips.

Try to avoid: Wearing pants or skirts in bright, light colors, which will bring even more attention to your lower body. Pants or skirts with side pockets are also a big "no-no" for your figures, as it will make your hips look even bigger, than they actually are. Also try not to wear tight fitting tops, as it will make your smaller shoulders and bust even more visible.

Celebrities with your body shape: Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Shakira, Jennifer Love-Hewitt


2. Athletic body shape (or inverted triangle)

Distinctive features: Bigger top and smaller bottom

Woman with athletic body shape have wider shoulders, larger chest, bigger bust, possibly massive or masculine arms and small hips. So generally speaking, women who have bigger top and slender bottom, which visually creates a shape of inverted triangle or masculine body figure.

What will suit you: To balance your body, you need to pay more attention to your lower body and make your upper body look smaller and tinier. You can do this by wearing pants or skirts with plain brighter colors, or fabrics with large prints and by choosing darker colors for you upper part. Go for A-line skirts, balloon skirts, skirts with layers and detailing etc. anything that will flare around the hemline and will add more puffiness and volume around your hips. Palazzo pants, flared pants, harem pants or pants with cargo pockets will look amazing on you and will balance out your shape. In terms of tops - choose long tops, shirts or sweaters that nip at your waistline or flare out from your waist or bust. Tops with V-neck will help you vertically slim down your chest and make it look smaller.

Try to avoid: Be careful with short skirts or shorts, as these can make your upper body look even larger and more massive. Try to avoid wearing tops with wide neck and chunky necklaces, as it will visually bring even more volume to your upper body and will cause bigger misbalance to your body proportion. Also you need to be carreful to wear tops with horizontal stripes, which may visually make your upper body wider.

Celebrities with your body shape: Rene Zellweger, Naomi Campbell, Victoria Beckham, Demi Moore

3. Hourglass body shape

Distinctive features: Upper and lower body parts have equal proportions, waist is slim and defined

When woman with hourglass body shape gain weight, then the fat usually stores evenly throughout your curves i.e. bust and hips. Visually, women with such figure shape have balanced proportions between shoulders, bust and hips, But! you don't  need to have a big bust to be an hourglass. The waist is 8"(24.4 cm) to 12"(36.6cm) smaller than hip or bust measurements.

What will suit you: Your waist is your focal point, as it is the tiniest part between you curvy upper and lower body. So high-wasted skirts, trousers, jeans or shorts will look totally amazing on you. Also you will definitely win if you will keep in your closet a number of different waist belts (wide and thin), which will define your waist and will make your perfectly balanced promotions even more visible. You can wear all types of jeans and pants, depends on how much you would like to enhance your curves. Basically, if you are an hourglass shape, you can wear anything you like and play with your style.

Try to avoid: Being shy and dull. Go and enjoy your life and play with your imagination.

Celebrities with your body shape:Marilyn Monroe, Scarlett Johansson, Selma Hayek, Kate Winslet


4. Boyish body shape (or rectangle)

Distinctive features: Bust and hips of approximately the same width, little or no waist definition.

When women with boyish body shape gain weight, then the fat distributes evenly throughout the whole body. Sometimes, due to wide waist, boyish figures may look a bit heavier on the top, than they really are; that is why sometimes a boyish body shape may mistakenly seen as athletic.

What will suit you: You best friends should be wide waist belts, which will help to define your waist and to visually add curves into your body. For example, you can wear a black dress and add curves into your body by breaking it apart with a bright colour waist belt. You can weal all types of jeans or trousers, but if you would like to add a little bit of volume into your hips, than choose wide and flared leg styles. For tops go for deep U-or-V-necklines (perfect if your top has shoulder pads), because these will ad curves to your upper body and elongate your wide chest. Another great tip for you is to wear clothes e.g. dress with an empire waist, which will visually makes your upper body looks slimmer. Maxi dresses would look great on your tall slim frame. Try to choose "puffy" skirts, such as A-line skirts, circle or a balloon skirts, because it will add a bit of a volume into your bottom. 

Try to avoid: Try to avoid wearing tight fitting dresses, skirts or tops; but at the same time do not wear over-loose garments that hide your curves. You can also be careful with jeans and skirts that sit on your waist (i.e. high-wasted), which will put an accent on the undefined waist.

Celebrities with your body shape: Cameron Diaz, Nicole Kidman, Hilary Duff, Kate Hudson


5. Apple body shape (oval or round)

Distinctive features: Wide chest and upper back, with no waist or very small waist definition.


If you have an apple-shaped figure, than when you gain weight the fat normally gets stored around your upper half. This type of figure usually looks as top heavy, where bust and midsection of the body are bigger than hips.


What will suit you: Your main goal is make your bottom part more visible than your upper body, which you can do by wearing light or very bright colored shoes. Also try to stay away from very bright and colorful tops that will accentuate your upper half even more. Do not be scared of a very fitted tops in dark colours, because it will help your upper body look slimmer and will balance your overall look. Dresses in solid dark colours will look flattering on your figure and visually elongate your figure. Another tip that can help to elongate your chest is a deep V-neck. In terms of trousers or jeans, go for straight, wide or flare styles - these will help you to bring volume into lower balance and create balanced body proportions.

Try to avoid: Try not to wear loose sweaters or blouses, because it make you look bigger and heavier on the top than you actually are. Stay away from big prints in tops and large accents in accessories at your upper half.

Celebrities with your body shape: Rosie O'Donnell, Jennifer Hudson

And remember, there is no such thing as perfect body shape! We all are different and unique!!!

Stay happy and be Yourself!

Style is a joy that is easy and manageable by everyone. All you need is to "feel it" and make it your own and unique

There are so many different styles that can perfectly match and suit to your unique and individual body shape, your height, your color of eyes / skin and hair as well as correspond to your personal taste. There is no need to wear trending clothes if it is something that you are not feeling comfortable with. What is the most important is to stay natural, to be yourself and to be happy with who you are and the way you look like (!which of course does not mean that dirty trainers and old sport pants are acceptable).

Believe it or not, but being stylish is not always hard-working, even though you have to put some hard-work in it. Being stylish and to increase your confidence in your own individual style is fun, interesting and sometimes even relaxing. Here is the list of very simple tips and instruments that could help you in your journey to natural beauty and style:

1. Take care of your face and body skin

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In order to help your skin look young, fresh and rested, it needs to be gently cleaned, moisturized and refreshed during the day. Gentle scrubbing of your face and body skin will help to take off dead cells, open pores and will allow your skin to breath. Please do not use same scrub for face and body. There are a variety of different facial and body scrubs available at beauty shops that will help you to keep your skin younger and smoother.

Always make sure that you've rinsed off all the scrub product from your face, before moisturizing it. After scrubbing procedure, you should always use a moisturizing cream, suitable for your skin type, which will calm your skin. Use separate moisturizers for your body and face.

To keep your face fresh during the whole day, please do not use lots of cosmetics on your face. Tons of cosmetics will not cover your imperfections, but will make them look bigger, dirtier and more visible for others. Instead, use naturally looking make-up that will keep your face fresh and will allow your skin to breathe!

In summer time, as well as in areas with conditioning, your skin can become under-hydrated, which can lead to dryness and uncomfortable feeling. Use natural water sprays on your face, decollete zone and arms if necessary. This simple procedure will keep your skin hydrated during the whole day, will keep your make-up fresh, and will safe your skin from dryness.

2. Work on  your body

I am not saying here that you have to be certain weight parameters; but it is not allowed and not appropriate for anybody not to take any sport activities and then to claim about untrained body and over-weightiness.  Yes, we all are perfect and beautiful from the nature, but the nature also gave to us the will an power to become better. So all we need to do is just to use this inner strength for our own development.

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First of all it is important to eat healthy food. You do not have to eliminate all the junk food that you like so much; but what you can do, as a first step, is at least to minimize the amount and frequency of eating e.g. hamburgers, pizzas, candies, etc. Try to replace your be-loved junk food with something healthier, like vegetables, fruits, water, green tea, not over-sugary yogurts, smoothies, etc. Does not sound too tasty? Well it will become tasty as soon, as your tongue and stomach will used to different food taste and will get rid off of all junk taste, that you were eating all these years.

Include at least some sport activities into your daily routine. Not able to do it daily? Well… do it at least 2-3 times per week. Your activates will become easier when your body will used to it; also it will become easier for you to train your body, if you will keep eating healthy and will not feed yourself with fat food. Do not overload yourself, but make your activities fun, easy and enjoyable.

3. Stop damaging your hair

If you used to style your hair, using different heating tools, this can be one of the main reasons why your hair looks dull, over-dry, damaged and not shiny. Natural hair masks and treatments can help your hair become healthier and stronger. 
If your hair is already very much damaged and you think that there is no way anything can help it, than a new haircut can help you to rid off from dry, damaged and split ends and will make your hair look fuller and much healthier. Please consider your face shape before choosing the new hair style. Some of the hairstyles can make you look older, some younger; so decide on what you want before going to hairdresser and consult with professional if you are not sure.

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4. Do not forget about your hands and feet

24/7, 365 days a year, we always have to remember to take care of our hands and feet. It not only involves care of skin, but also nails. Deep moisturizing for hands and feet, as well as gentle peeling of your feet, will make them look prettier and more esthetic. At least once per week, keep your hands in a specially prepared water bath, which will make the skin of hands and feet very soft and pleasant. Natural manicure in pink or peach colors will help your soft and beautiful hands and feet look even more stylish and even more attractive.

5. Know your matching colors

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This topic might seem for someone very complicated, and believe it or not - it was complicated to me. Why? Because I was trying to learn ALL colors for ALL skin / eyes / hair undertones, and that was my main mistake. You do not need to know all the theory to know your own colors. In order to know YOUR matching colors and to be able to wear colors that suit you need to learn your own personal undertone of skin, hair and eyes and then use the color palettes that were already prepared by other professional stylist for your easier usage and understanding.

6. Choose your clothing style

First of all find what you feel the most comfortable with and do not forget that you do NOT have to look like everybody else to be stylish. We all are unique and those, who can use his /her uniqueness to explore his/her own style - the lucky ones! Use your own body shape to make the clothes fit you. Do not try to wear clothes

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that do not suit you and make you look worse. The clothing needs to become your friend - not the enemy. You have to love what you are wearing, and your clothing needs to support your taste.

To make the right choice in clothing styles, take a closer look on your body shape. By using the right style of clothing, you can make yourself looking thinner, taller, more feminine, and so on - just as you wish. Again, you do not need to explore new complicated things, - it's all already there for you; so just use the information you were given and have fun with your personal style.

Did I still miss something? - Of course I am! Because there are no limits or any boundaries for your own imagination and ideas of how you can make your own style and beauty to glow. It is only YOUR own choice and YOUR decision what is better for you. I am just happy to be here with you and to give you some small tips on what can be used as a supportive tools or instruments for your natural beauty. If it helps at least one of my readers - I am already very happy and pleased!!! So thank you for that and for making my inner beauty to smile! :-)

Stay happy and be Yourself!

We All have our own and unique Style, given to us by Nature!

Modern expression and meaning of Style became a cliché that aggressively pushed to us by different media channels, PR agents, celebrities and “yellow” press. The way of how personal Beauty and Fashion is described, presented and promoted nowadays can seriously affect and damage general perception and acceptance of our own beauty that comes from Mother Nature. How many times we’ve been told, that in order to be stylish and beautiful we need to have a certain body measurements, certain color of hair, skin oreyes, certain shape and size of our lips, nose, bust and so on…

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Tired of this? Tired of being compared to all of these strange looking “dolls” with plastic or gel body parts? Believe it or not, but nothing can be more attracting and pleasant for the opposite gender and for yourself, than your natural beauty that was given to you as a gift from above. Your body, your hair, your own sense of style, fashion and your natural overall appearance – these are the key tools, which help you to be unique, to be individual and not to become a “clone” of commerce and PR.

BUT! By reading this, please do not mislead yourself that being natural means the same as to stay inactive, lazy and passive – which of course is absolutely wrong! Your natural beauty sooner or later can become dull and unseen for others, if you will not work on it to keep it glowing and alive! By using simple tips and techniques regarding different body shapes, clothing styles, colors, skincare products and procedures, easy make-up tutorials and many others – step by step you can learn how to strengthen your already existing sense of style and beauty and to boost your confidence.

How do I know that? I know! I used to be very unsure and shy teenager. All my teenage years I’ve been told about my over-weight body, wrongly chosen clothing for different occasions, inappropriate make-up look and some other things that were disappointing. Was it hurtful? - YES! Did I allow anybody to let me down? - NO! I have started to use my inner tools to become more confident about myself. I have started to learn how to use my existing power and strong will to explore my beauty and make others to see it too. What helped me? - Dance classes; gymnastics; school of make-up, fashion and style – all these workouts and hobbies made me confident and happy for who I am and learned me not to be afraid of challenges and peoples’
judgments about myself. If I managed to do this, why can’t you?

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I am not an expert or a super-professional stylist, even though I do have a diploma from make-up school. I am just like you – natural, alive, not made from plastic and I want to keep my natural beauty without putting myself under knife of plastic surgery. Until now I think am doing it perfectly well :-)! How do I know that? I know…. Because I believe in me and I love myself for my own unique Beauty and Style that was blessed to me by Nature.

Stay happy and be Yourself!