Nail Art at Home

Gone are the days when a simple manicure was enough. Today, nail art has become a rage. From simple designs to funky ones, your nails will, quite simply, do all the talking! Nail art is the art of painting attractive designs on your fingernails to give them a classy look. In fact, it's a fun way to brighten up your monotonous look oe accessorise a special occasion outfit.

There are a variety of nail art designs available, ranging from delicate and understated to funky and outrageous.

Now all of us cannot go to professional nail artist everyday... but it's now possible to create nail magic at home.

• Apply nail vanish remover even if you have no nail paint on. It helps remove dirt and grease so that your nail polish will last longer.

• Let your nail vanish dry properly. Give time for each layer to dry to ensure a lasting finish.

• You can match your nail colour with your apparel or lip colour to give a complete co-ordinated look.

• Always try to apply lots of thin layers rather than giving one quick layer. It not only dries quickly but also lasts for a longer time.

• Make sure each coat is dry before applying the next. Never mix colours together before application since it can give a messy look to your nails.

• If you love wearing rings, wear cool and aatractive ones as your nails will attract attention to your hands so do dress them up a bit!

• Nail piercing can give a trendy look to your nails, but it can also weaken the nails.

• Nail piercing could, and preferably be done on the upper portion of a long nail so that the hole could be filed away without losing much length.

• Don't remove or re-apply nail polish more than one or two times a week as it may dry your nails.

• Choose a remover with built-in moisturisers that will limit the damage.

• Always keep your nails clean as it reduces the chances of nail breakage by keeping healthy.

• Also do not clean your mails with hot water.

• If you have long nails try painting the underside with a contrasting colour and paint the upper part with light coat.

• When polishing the underside of the nail, avoid polishing the area the nail and the skin meet.

• You can also use fake tattoos for giving a funky look to your nails.

Make sure you maintain your nails properly; as proper maintenance will help keep your nails in good condition for a longer period.

Style on a Budget

Don't let your limited budget limit your style. There a quite are few things you can do to keep your look fresh even when you need to be wise with your wardrobe dollars.

Here's how :

1. Wear more color

A great way to liven up your look is to incorporate more color into your wardrobe. Perhaps this is just a matter of wearing a brightly colored t-shirt under a v-neck sweater, or sporting a new shirt or sweater. Adding color will liven up otherwise dull neutral tones. But the most important thing is to wear color near your face since that is where it will have the most impact and keep you from looking washed out.

Note: Whether you are on a budget or not, shopping sales is just a smart thing to do. If you want to pick up a new shirt, sweater etc., you don't have to wait long for any number of retailers to have a sale. Just keep your eyes peeled.

2. Seek Out a New Pair of Glasses/Sunglasses

I have worn glasses since I was 2 years old. This is one area where I allow myself to spend a little money in order to get the best looking glasses I can find. After all, it’s my face! Glasses are a great way to express yourself too. The interesting thing about glasses is that you could simply be wearing jeans and a t-shirt, but with the right glasses you suddenly look fashion savvy. Like me, you may want to have a couple of pair--one pair that is bold and one that is more subdued. This way you can match your glasses with your mood or outfit.

Note: If you don’t wear glasses, then make it sunglasses. Cool shades are always a good thing and we all know how they are one of the ultimate fashion accessories.

3. Treat Yourself to One or Two Super Pieces

If you can possibly afford it, I believe in buying one or two great pieces that will really keep you looking stylish. This may be a cool sport coat, a leather jacket or an awesome pair of jeans that really show off your assets. What ever it is, make sure it’s something that you know you will wear often and is flattering. I just bought a moleskin sport coat that was a bit expensive, but it looks great and I know I will get a lot of use out of it.

4. Sport a Snappy Belt

I also just bought a really cool belt with a big buckle that I know will be a show stopper. You may have noticed that recently elaborate belts with interesting buckles have become quite the fashion statement. And they can be quite inexpensive as well.

5. Avoid Tattered Looking Shoes

A tattered pair of shoes is always a turn off. I don’t care if you wear dress shoes or sneakers, keep ‘em looking their best. This may just mean getting a shoe shine or picking up a new pair altogether.

6. Get a Groovy watch

I have a friend who has a thing for watches. He likes to match them with what he is wearing, and he doesn’t spend a lot of money on them either. Since men don’t have many options when it comes to jewelry, this is a great way to express yourself as well as liven up your look.

10 ways to sex up your look

What's sexy without being a li'l sleazy or adding unexpected touches and a few glamorous essentials? Plus, it's about choosing more essential ways to express your sensuality then merely donning a micro-mini. Here's how to add sizzle without sacrificing your modesty.

1. WEAR EXPECTED IN AN UNEXPECTED WAY
Subtle alterations pack a chicest punch. For e.g., take a basic man's white shirt [slightly oversized ], unbutton it, wrap it so that one side overlaps over and tuck it in.

2. GO RED
Pale lips maybe trendy, but nothing does the job like red. Use lipliner for the perfect appearance. Choose a creamy matte in red that best suits your skin tone [blue-reds for darker skin tones; orangey hues for olive or true reds].

3. ADD A HAT
It takes guts to wear one.And takes the panache to carry it off.Combine the two qualities and you get some major sex appeal. Stay with classic shapes like fedora and beret. They are easier to pull off.

4.ACCESSORIZE WITH SHOULDER-DUSTER
Skip every other piece of jewelery, just add the shoulder duster earrings. Pull your hair back and make sure your makeup is soft. This looks great with bare shoulders.. And its most definitely an after-dark look!


5. MAKE IT METALLIC
black is super sexy but gold, silver and copper are especially luminous when you're going for va-va-voom. Look for simple shapes and tones that flatter your skin tone. Go minimal to let the dress shine.


6. ADOPT AN EXOTIC LOOK
Harem pants, sarongs and embroidered items are all ethnic looks with tonnes of feminine charm. Mandarian collar dresses from China are flattering, very chic and always very intriguing.


7. WEAR SHADES
Perhaps the single sexiest item you can own are a great pair of sunglasses. They add dollops of mystery, look cute even on top of your head and serve the practical purpose of protecting your eyes.

8. MAKE A GRAND EXIT
Sexy is all about surprises, so a deceptively simple dress from the front can be a show-stopper in the back. Open backs, lace-up backs and dress trains add drama.

9. STAY SOFT
Forget everything you've ever heard about leathers or sparkly sequins being heat-inducing. Soft, touchable fabrics like cashmere, satin, suede are the real scene-stealers and have the added bonus of feeling great against your skin.

10. PLAY PEEK-A-BOO
No need to bare your breasts, even with a lace. Nude linings, camisoles and slips all keep you covered while the lace itself is really suggestive..