I have always loved Clinique’s line of makeup. It’s one of the few brands that I can vouch for without hesitation, and I’ve never purchased a Clinique product that I didn’t like. Their Long Last Lipstick is a particular favorite, as it does what it claims to do, it really is long lasting! So when Clinique came out with the limited edition Runway Coral  last May 2012 (it was only available for ordering online) and I saw how gorgeous the shade is, I did not hesitate to buy it.

Knowing it is a limited edition shade broke my heart a little. I was in love with the vibrancy and creaminess of it, and I’ve come to expect the staying power. It really does brighten up my face, and I could go out with just this lipstick applied and it would feel like I have full makeup on. The reviews I saw online are mostly made by fair women, but trust me when I say that it works on morena skin as well.

So imagine my delight when I received Clinique’s latest newsletter informing their customers that Runway Coral is here to stay! Just in time, too, because my tube is almost out. Can you say that I’m one happy camper?

Long Last Lipstick Runway Coral is available for £16.50. You can click on the banner below to be taken to the Clinique store.

Retro Fit

The throwback decade of choice for 2013 is the 1970s. No need to break out the ponchos, this look is strictly limited to shoes. Platform slides in rich, saturated colors are all the rage, as well as flat-form sandals. Wearing monochrome or neutral clothing lets the shoes be the accent on these blocky, inspired shoe pieces.

Flat and Sassy

Not every hot shoe in 2013′s spring season will murder your ankles. Brightly printed flats are huge this year, especially in neon-style stripes. Espadrilles, the casual flat style with a canvas or cotton upper fabric and a flexible rope or rubber sole, are also making big news. Don’t feel the need to run out and find a pair at full price, however. Many are now available on shoes clearance: 40-70% off if you know where to look.

High Sandals

High sandals have been popular in recent years, but they’re making a brand new splash this spring in the fashion scene. This year’s sandals are going one step beyond past years. Instead of a simple gladiator sandal, this year’s high-buckled fashion is going further than ever. High-heeled sandals are in, as are large, bold jewels on the front piece. They may also be worn as boots; Altuzarra premiered a fabulous line of these high-heeled sandal boots.

Wedges

Another 70s-inspired look, wedges are once again back in the game. Prabal Gurung showed a fabulous, futuristic-style wedge in red and white that hearkened back not only to the dance-crazed 70s scene, but also ahead with synthetic fibers and a zipper up the back. Many, such as Prada’s new Space-Age Geisha Flats, walk the line between wedge and platform style.

Chrome and Wood

Mixed media is in. While some designers are finding success in bold prints on natural fibers, others are experimenting in alternate media. Chrome and wood is a popular combination this year, whether by themselves or in tandem with another striking color. This plays into the combination retro and futuristic themes that dominated Fashion Week. This style is a good choice if you want to attract a lot of attention without resorting to bright or bold prints.

Bold Prints

For those who want to make a statement without heading to the hardware store, go for a simple bold print. Stripes in particular are making a lot of waves this year, as on Marc Jacobs’ Graphic Stacked Heels. By using a bright and bold print on an accessory location such as the heel, the eye is drawn to the print without losing the elegant silhouette of the rest of the shoe.

I haven’t blogged properly in a long while, so I hope that this new blog design will awaken my dormant passion for blogging. I’ve been meaning to post a new WIW (what I wore) post, but it’s either I’m dressed up but I’m too lazy to pose for the camera, or I want to pose but my photographer (a.k.a. Paulie) is feeling lazy.

Aaanyway. How d’ya like my new look?

Sporty dresses

If you’ve got a sporty physique, you might have considered a breast enlargement operation or wished you had more curves, but there’s no need to fear! The sporty dresses in trend this season are ideal for someone with a small chest and hips as they fit neatly around the bust and kick out at the bottom thanks to the A-line skirt. They’ll help you look chic, feminine and stylish and can be teamed with everything from high heels to wedges and even trainers. Both DKNY and Victoria Beckham have supported this look, so why not grab one while you’ve got the chance?

Japanese dresses

Whether you want to dress up for work or head out on the town, a Japanese dress could be just what you need. They’re extremely dainty and suit a wide range of body types as they are cut in numerous different ways – you just need to try them on to see what looks good. The multi-layered style by Prada is ideal for women with a small frame, whereas Emilio Pucci’s low-cut number would look great on someone with an hourglass figure. There are sure to be plenty of high street alternatives if you have a small budget, so hit the shops and see what’s out there.

Peekaboo garments

Every girl needs something a little daring in her wardrobe right? If you agree, one of the many peekaboo garments that are about to hit the shelves are ideal. Complete with daring cutouts, sheer material, high leg splits and many other cheeky features, they’re a little on the risky side – but they’re fun at the same time. Some are more revealing than others, so all you need to do is pick one you feel comfortable in and wear it with confidence. Think BCBG, Cushnie et Ochs or Diane von Furstenberg or bag a high street imitation for a fraction of the price.

While many women turn to nose surgery and tummy tucks to look good, others simply gain their confidence from fashion – so why not update your wardrobe and see if a few new clothes work for you?

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1. Long Layers. This is basically long hair that is cut into several layers with the top most layer of the hair cut at a short length and the ends longer.  Some of the celebrities that look gorgeous in this cut are Sofia Vergara, Kim Kardashian, and Beyonce Knowles.
2. Bangs. Zooey Dechanel, Rose Byrne, and Taylor Swift looked well with full bangs up front. Other ways of sporting gorgeous bangs is to have them side-swept, choppy or layered.
3. Bob Cut.  This is a short haircut that reaches around the jaw level and can be done layered or cut straight around the head.  Some of the hot bobs for 2012 include those of Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Aniston and Paris Hilton.
4. Pixie.  Michelle Williams, Halle Berry and Emma Watson traded their locks for this super short head hugging cut that is easy to style and maintain.  But unlike Miley, these gals got hot reviews for their new looks.

I am excited what haircuts will be hot this 2013. What do you think will be next year’s hair trend?

Gifts for her. Women, for me (and even Paulie agrees with me on this one), are far easier to give gifts to than men. I hope none of my male readers (if there are any!) will disagree with this. Women are much more appreciative of the stuff they receive, and there are a lot more gift options for women that men can practically buy anything from a random shop they lay their eyes on and their girl will almost surely love it.

Also, my guess is that it’s in our nature to always take into consideration the thought behind the gift, so anything given to us we will definitely fuss over and be highly thankful for. Another thing could be that we gab so much about what we want (women squee over stuff, men don’t) that it’s easy for our men to know what to get for us for Christmas (or any other occasion, for that matter).

Gifts for him. In defense of men, they can be pretty easy to shop for when you already know what they want. And when men want something, they are pretty specific about it, so they’re even easier to shop for. But what about if you don’t know each other too well yet? Some men I’ve talked to told me about a safe gift choice: anything practical. Like pocketknives or tools. And I completely agree.

Men can be expensive to shop for, though. Men’s clothing are generally pricier, and practical things usually come in a not-so-practical price (i.e., a good quality tool set). But, unlike women, if you don’t know what to get for men, you can be upfront and just ask them what they want for you to get. Men can be uncomplicated like that.

What do you think? Are guys really harder to shop for gifts than girls?

First on the list are gym clothes. Working out with the proper attire helps you perform better and enjoy your routines.  Clothes that are made from wool and polyester materials are great for work-out because they can keep you warm and dry better than other materials.  Make sure you also wear the appropriate underwear so you can move freely and comfortably during your exercises.

Next is your footwear, bring gym shoes for your work-out and flip flops for the shower room when you wash up after your routine.  This means that a vanity kit should also be a part of your gym bag essentials.  A vanity kit should include small bottles of soap, shampoo and lotion, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, small comb or hair brush, facial cleanser and moisturizers.  You also have a first-aid pouch that includes emergency medicines, blister pads, pain reliever, bandages, tampons etc.

There are several ways to apply extensions in your hair. It can be a clip on in which you can attach extensions in your hair in a matter of minutes. Individual strand/bonded extensions, what we call the “strand on strand” effect, means that your hairdresser needs to use a high-tech applicator to make the bond stronger. This can last up to three months if done properly. In weft/weaved hair extensions, your hair is braided in rows or tracks. You will attach the weft into the tracks, determined first by how thick and long you want your hair to be.

To avoid damage, do not remove the extensions by yourself. See a professional hairdresser instead.

Hair extensions are available online like at hair extensions london @ www.americandreamextensions.com.

One of the best ways to keep our skin soft and supple on a regular basis is through the use of facial and body scrubs.  These scrubs remove the dry or dead skin cells to make way for fresh skin cells that absorbs moisture better.

A facial scrub treatment is a beauty regimen that one can invest in without any regrets.  There are facial scrubs that can be bought over the counter but if you want to maximize the benefits of a scrub then its best to go for facial scrub treatments in the salons.

A facial scrub treatment is often done by aestheticians who would analyze your skin before applying the appropriate scrub, facial massage, and moisturizer. Such facials deeply cleanse the skin and remove dirt and blackheads that get trapped in the pores.  The end result is a well toned and bright looking skin.

More advanced facial treatments are also offered in different salons with benefits that range from detoxification, wrinkle prevention, reduction of dark circles etc.  These are reasons enough to march to the salon and scrub away on a regular basis.