Feeling Stylish

Unless you are a seasoned make up user, choosing products to match your skin tone and style can be difficult. Everyday there are new products being launched, with new colours and ingredients. The media is telling us what’s good for our skin and on top of all that we have to contend with so-called natural brands that aren’t natural at all!

Being a beauty fan can be difficult sometimes (although usually it’s glittery and wonderful). With so much choice how do you know what will suit you?

Experiment

If you can get your hands on samples or testers of foundations then this is a great start. Test them on your jaw line to see which is the best fit. If you are after a cheaper variety that can be picked up in a store such as boots then have a go with all the testers.

Most people test foundations on the back of their hand. You shouldn’t do this, your skin tone and texture is different on your hand than on your face!

Look at the colour, coverage, texture and application method. If you find a good colour match but don’t like the idea of using a liquid foundation then you probably won’t find yourself applying it properly.

Department stores

Most of the make up counters in department stores have consultants standing by ready to try every shade in their collection on you. I’d thoroughly recommend taking a look at the Bare Minerals range. The mineral foundations are easy to apply and the staff are so knowledgeable.

If you take a liking a certain brand or product then visit the counter. Staff are always happy to advise and try out different shades on you. Most will also provide samples so you can try wearing the product for a day to see how it feels.

Style

Foundation usually doesn’t change depending on your style (unless you like the deathly pale or orange look) but blusher, eye shadow and lipstick does. I’m a big advocate of trawling beauty blogs and YouTube channels for inspiration when it comes to make up. If you’re doing this then you probably have quite a range of colours and brands in your make up collection. If you don’t, though, you can buy some great eye shadow palettes from brands like Urban Decay. They contain lots of bright colours and are a great start if you want to try something new.

Experiment with colours, contouring, false eyelashes, bright lipsticks, eyeliner and everything else you have in your makeup collection. It also helps to document it all, take photos because you can use them to help replicate the look at a later date!

When it comes to jeans there are a number of brands available to you, such as Goldsign, is it even possible make a quick decision anymore? The answer: YOU CAN’T! With so many designers out there for jeans alone, you’re not only spoiled by choice, but baffled by it also.

You can know what you are looking for; colour, style and so forth, but unless you have some real knowledge of jeans, apart from the different brands such as Hudson jeans, you’re not going to get far.

Here are some top tips that will help you make a more informed choice:

1. Body shape is important for buying any clothes and I would advise trying on various types of jeans yourself so you can decide what suits you best, rather than looking up all the tips on body form etc…after all, you’re going to be the one wearing them, not anyone else.

2. It is easy to just stick to the local stores, but as so many fashion websites now offer free returns, why not try shopping for a designer pair? (A personal favourite of mine is citizens of humanity, for example.) Everyone deserves to splash out now and then.

3. When buying a new pair of jeans make sure to wash them inside out around 30 degrees, this will get rid of some excess dye (that can dye/stain other clothes) and it helps keep the shape longer.

4. However, (regarding my previous point) denim is a material that commonly stretches with wear, so it helps to buy jeans a size smaller occasionally, as they will stretch after wearing them once or twice.

5. Remember, patterns and designs may look nice, but consider carefully if they are really going to be that flattering when you actually wear the jeans. (Some patterns, especially on ladies, can be seriously unflattering on some body types)

Although these are only some quick, and simple, tips, believe me they can severely improve your look. Appearance may not be everything, but those perfect jeans will look so much better.

This isn’t really French toast but I had a craving for it and needed a low-fat version quickly. This is well and truly made up so feel free to comment with any additions you would’ve made. Also, feel free to change the quantities as you see fit! You could use skimmed milk for less fat or honey instead of maple syrup for less calories!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of semi-skimmed milk
• 2 tbsp cinnamon powder
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 slices of wholewheat bread
• Low-fat spray oil

Method

1. Mix the milk, cinnamon and maple syrup together in a bowl.
2. Soak the bread in the milk mixture until as much of it is absorbed into each slice as possible.
3. Heat a few squirts of low-fat spray oil in a frying pan
4. Add the bread and turn regularly to stop it sticking/burning
5. Cook until golden brown.

Serves 1

Approx – 275 calories

Actually, I think curvy girls will look sexier on Valentine’s Day, but that’s not my point. None of you should be shy about your bodies, whether you are fat, thin, big-boobed, skinny-legged or wide-hipped. We are women and we are sexy, especially when we know how to make that extra little bit of effort.

Finding lingerie might be a pain, sexy items that show off the sexy bits and hide the wobbly bits or lingerie that’s sexy but also supports those massive boobs or enhances that skinny waist. Smaller, highstreet sizes are cut for smaller shapes and therefore the larger sizes are just scaled up versions.

You need to find lingerie that is suited to your shape and side. Plus size briefs might be the hardest to find, the need to be flattering. None of this super-skimpy underwear that just cuts in and gets lost amongst the curves.

What I’m saying, ladies (and gents looking for tips on buying gifts) is think about shape and size before buying. High-wasited 50s style briefs are very popular at the moment and they hide a multitude of sins. Ladies with big boobs, get a proper bra that will support you but it sexy enough to show off those wonderful assets (I’m going to start sounding like Gok Wan if I carry on.) Look at teddies, corsets, controlling underwear and for the LOVE OF GOD get measured for a bra. It’s scary how many of us are wearing the wrong size.