Summer Makeup: 6 Perfect Bronzers for Every Budget

   Once summer rolls around, I always warm up my complexion with a few sweeps of bronzing powder. The best thing about bronzer is that it really helps give your skin a glow, even if you're naturally pale & avoid the sun. And it's not just for the glow: I often use bronzer simply to make my skin look more lush & healthy.

Lauren Conrad always has bronzed, glowing skin

   Yet I'm sure we have all had similar bad experiences when it comes to finding the perfect bronzer. You know the deal: while some are barely noticeable, others make it look like you just wiped dirt across your face- not exactly an attractive look. It's true: finding the right bronzer is a difficult process.

   But luckily for you, this post will help you find the perfect bronzer that'll make you look like a glowing goddess ready to hit the beach: no trial & error required!! Even better, I've found picks to fit any budget.

   1. Clinique Almost Bronzer SPF 15: Rs.1305

   In my opinion, this is the best bronzer out there. I was a bit skeptical when I first bought it because it looks orangey in the packaging & I wasn't sure whether it'd show up on my skin. To my delight, the pigmentation was amazing & it gave me that perfect sun-kissed glow.

   2. CoverGirl Cheekers Bronzer: Rs.674

   Although CoverGirl is a bit pricey, their amazing bronzing powders are well worth the money. CoverGirl has a great selection of different bronzing powders, but my favorite is definitely their Cheekers Bronzer.

   3. Faces Bronzing Powder: Rs.877

   Of all the brands, I ♥ Faces' bronzers the most because they're relatively cheap & offer terrific color pigmentation. I also ♥ Faces' bronzers because they're surprisingly really buildable. If you're like me & just like a light application, this bronzer will do the trick. But at the same time, if you want a darker application, all you need is a couple more swipes. If you want a mid-priced bronzer with terrific pigmentation, Faces is the way to go.

   4. Lakme Gold Dust Shimmer Bronzer: Rs.450

   Lakme is renowned for their cosmetics because they offer amazing pigmentation & a wide variety of shades. And Lakme Gold Dust Shimmer Bronzer is probably the most well-known & highly rated bronzer in the makeup world.

   In my opinion, Gold Dust Shimmer Bronzer is the best bronzer for medium-dark skin tones. This is because the color pigmentation is absolutely amazing. It only takes a couple swipes to make your skin look golden. Many women rave about how this particular bronzer helps them slim down their face & gives them the most incredible glow.

   5. Max Factor Bronzing Powder: Rs.884

   If you're unsure about purchasing bronzer or just want to try out a new bronzer to see how it looks on you, I'd definitely go with this one. It's a great bronzer & the quality is amazing. It'll give you glowing skin without looking orange.

   6. Maybelline Fit Me Bronzer: Rs.224

   I'm not the kind of girl that likes to look super golden because I've relatively light skin, so bronzer often looks unnatural on me. But this bronzer gives me a great amount of color without looking too orange or dirty. I've this in Medium Bronze & this bronzer is best for fair to light skin tones because the pigmentation is light, so keep that in mind before you buy. I often use this bronzer during the winter season when I'm not tanned but for the summer it may be too light for darker skin tones.

   What are your favorite bronzers??? Are you going to buy a bronzing powder for the summer season? Let me know what your thoughts are!!

How to do Your Makeup Like Selena Gomez

   ♥ her or hate her, you've to admit that Selena Gomez, star of Disney Channel's TV series Wizards of Waverly Palace, has definitely spent her fair share of time in the beauty trend spotlight. Over the 3 years she was on TV, we watched Ms.Gomez transform from a sly & outgoing daughter into a casual but classy starlet: & it was nearly impossible not to fall in ♥ with her fresh-faced look.

   I've been obsessed with Selena's makeup ever since I started watching Wizards of Waverly Palace. I ♥ it because it's simple yet unique at the same time: her look is polished & perfect, yet somehow never overdone. Selena is rare in that you can tell she wears makeup, but she somehow still has that 'naturally gorgeous' aesthetic. The best thing about Selena's makeup is that it's perfect for the summer season: she's all about glowing skin, glossy lips & defined eyes.

   Want to steal her makeup look for yourself?? This post'll help you achieve Selena's gorgeous look with just a few products. So break out the gloss, girls: it's time to get your shine on!!

   Key Features of Selena's Look

   Selena's makeup always looks fresh & flawless. She strikes the perfect balance between effortless & put-together & still being extremely natural. So to find out how you can create her pretty style yourself, just keep reading.

Top 7 Nail Polish Colors for Summer 2011

   One of the easiest ways to add some color to your look is by getting a fun, colorful manicure.

   While of course nail polish is a fun way to change up your beauty look, the thing I ♥ most about it is that unlike most other makeup products, it's hygienic & easy to trade colors with your friends. Want both of those new Dior shades but can't afford Rs.1800 worth of nail polish?? Buy one, have your BFF buy the other & share them!! It's an easy way to save money & still get all the hot colors you want.

   This post'll break down the top 7 hottest nail polish colors for the summer season. So put those dark nail polishes away, gather up some of your closest friends so you can swap colors & get your nails looking gorgeous.

   #1 Quite Neutral

OPI Nail Polish in Skull & Glossbones: Rs.382

   I'm not typically a neutral fan, but I've suddenly fallen in ♥ with the color for the summer season. To me, OPI always has the best color selection & I ♥ this particular gray because it's not too dull or too white: the perfect in-between shade.

   #2 Brilliant Red

OPI Red Shattter: Rs.672

   This delightful brilliant red color, inspired by the color of the cherries, is one of OPI's most popular shades & a perfect pick for summer. I always ♥ to put it on my fingers. It's a great joyful, seductive color that looks amazing on any skin tone.

   #3 Flashy Pink

Dior Vernis in Paradise: Rs.1170

   A few months ago when Dior released their Paradise nail polish, beauty lovers went absolutely crazy for the bright pink shade. Although the bright pink trend has faded out, it hasn't stopped the pink nail polish trend. The new hue of the moment??? Candy-colored pink. I'm absolutely in ♥ with the above shade from Dior because it adds the perfect eye-catching element to a black ensemble. There's something so fresh & warm about this color: it's an absolute must have for summer.

   #4 Bold Orange

Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish in Girls Just Want to Have Fun: Rs.720

   Deborah Lippmann really knows how to set nail color trends, because after she released 'Girls Just Want to Have Fun', a fun, energetic hue this spring, orange nail polish became THE color to wear. Now all the other cosmetic companies are jumping on the trend bandwagon: I've seen the tangy orange color everywhere, in brands ranging from Dior to Estee Lauder!!

   #5 Happy Yellow

Chanel Vernis in Mimosa: Rs.1125

   If you're reluctant to purchase a bright red or orange nail polish, then you can always reach for a classic color like Chanel's Mimosa. No matter what year or what season it is, sunshine yellow nails always look chic. I ♥ Chanel nail polishes because they've one of the best color selections among makeup brands.

   #6 Chartreuse Green

OPI Nail Polish in Mermaids Tears: Rs.382

   This green will definitely add a great splash of color to your look & will have your nails looking fresh. If you typically stick with pinks & blues but want to reach outside of your comfort zone, I think this is a great color to start out with.

   #7 Calming Blue

Dior Vernis in Nirvana: Rs.945

   This color is very chic & will instantly make you look like a fashionista. This cooling blue will look great on all skin tones & is just a great classic color to have in your arsenal. I know you'll ♥ it as much as I do!

   What are your favorite nail polish colors??? Do you trade nail polish colors with friends?? Which of these shades is your favorite??? Let me know what you guys think!!

7 Job Interview Beauty Dos & Don'ts

   Many of us are going on internships/summer jobs: myself included. In addition to dressing to impress, your makeup & hair needs to look natural & polished for interview success.

   Interview beauty can be tricky because you want to make sure you're making a good impression, while still looking natural & chic. This post'll help you achieve the perfect interview look to help you score the job/internship of your dreams!!!

   Nails

   DO: Keep your nails short & tidy with no hangnails & no cuticles!!

   Allow yourself to show some personality with your color choice but keep it sophisticated. Try shades of red, light pink, nude or if you're willing to play it a little dangerous you can go for a dark purple.

   DON'T: Use your job interview as an opportunity to try out the latest shade of green, hot pink or neon yellow nail polish.

   Makeup

   DO: Keep your makeup clean & simple- your goal is fresh & put-together.

   A few swipes of mascara, an even complexion with a sheer, non cakey, foundation & a nude lip can go a long way in showing that you're ready to work. If you want to show a little more personality with your makeup you can try red lipstick or a subtle cat-eye.

   DON'T: Wear a smokey eye, heavy eyeliner, loads of  bronzer or anything else that you'd put on when going clubbing.

   Hair

   DO: Wear a hairstyle that is both chic & refined.

   Try the classic ponytail, but don't be afraid to put a twist on it such as tying a braid into it, leaving your bangs down or trying a slightly messier style. You can also leave your hair down, whether it's straight or curly, as long as it isn't out of control or over-styled.

   DON'T: Let your hair speak louder than you do.

   Don't worry about an elaborate up-do or large volume & waves.

   Outfit

   DO: Dress the part.

   Unless you're applying somewhere beginning with the word moonlight, body, nude or girls, please don't dress like an exotic dancer. Listen, I'm all for looking & feeling feminine, yet when you dress like you're going out to a club, especially in the middle of the day, it takes the focus away from you & your qualifications for the job. If you're one of those who're trying to get a job through your sex appeal, consider the person interviewing you might be a woman & then you'll be screwed. To stay on the safe side, dress in neutral colors & don't show too much skin.

   What kind of beauty products do you wear to job interviews??? What do you do to pump yourself for the nerve-racking interview??? I'd ♥ to hear how all your interviews are going!

Beauty Inspired by Kristen Stewart

   Beauty is all about glowing skin & light fresh makeup. And there's no one who embodies the fresh, natural beauty look more than Twilight starlet Kristen Stewart.

   Best known for her role in the Twilight Saga, this gorgeous actress has transformed herself to a savvy fashionista. I'd ♥ to switch closets with this California native if I could. Although she is mainly known for her amazing fashion sense, her beauty always seems so natural. It is rare that you see Kristen with layers of makeup on or over-styled hair, making her the perfect beauty muse.

   The best thing about Kristen's look is that it doesn't cost a lot of money to achieve!!! With a few select products, Kristen's beauty look is simple to recreate for yourself. Read on to learn how!!

5 Department Store-Quality Mascaras Under Rs.450

   I've a confession to make: I ♥ MASCARAS! I never leave the house without mascara on: otherwise, my eyes look dull & tired. It's one makeup product I absolutely can't be without.

   Because of my ♥ for mascaras, I've tried hundreds of products through the years & know from experience which mascaras are amazing & which are just horrible. These days, I can't justify spending over Rs.900 on any department store brand mascara, since I know about the incredible products for under Rs.450.

   Searching for the perfect mascara amidst the clutter of the aisles?? I'm here to help! Below I'll show you 5 incredible mascaras under Rs.450 & help you find the perfect one to achieve your desired eyelash look.

   1. Natural Looking Eyelashes: Avon Super Extend Mascara

Avon Super Extend Mascara: Rs.385

   After falling victim for the great lash mascara hype, I was hesitant to use this much-talked-about Avon mascara. Fortunately, I gave it a shot & found my new favorite basic mascara!!

   Super Extend helps define & thicken my eyelashes without making them look too fake. The wand is easy to use & will easily comb through your eyelashes: no clumps here!!! This is a classic mascara that has continued to be Avon's top sellers, year after year. To be honest, it is hard to find anything wrong with this mascara. It gives me the most amazing, natural dark eyelashes.

   If you're looking for the perfect mascara to wear to work or college, I highly recommend Super Extend because it's not too heavy for day. However, if you're looking for a mascara to give you dramatic eyelashes for a night out, I recommend one of the other products below.

   2. Defined Eyelashes: Colorbar Duo Mascara

Colorbar Duo Mascara: Rs.350

   If you ♥ defined eyelashes, then this cult-classic Colorbar mascara is the perfect choice.

   Duo is a very unique mascara: the comb has tiny little spikes, which help separate & define your eyelashes. While the unique wand works well to bring out your lashes, some people may struggle to use it at first. It can be difficult to control. However, it doesn't take more than a couple tries to get used to & once you learn how to use it, your lashes'll look incredible.

   I absolutely ♥ the way this mascara makes my eyelashes look: defined, yet still natural-looking. This mascara is perfect for an occasion when you want your lashes to have a little more oomph, but don't want overly dramatic, fake-looking lashes. It'd work well for daytime if you like a look that's a little beyond natural.

   3. Dramatic Eyelashes: Cover Girl Volume Exact Mascara

Cover Girl Volume Exact Mascara: Rs. 350

   If you want dark, thick, long lashes for a party or night out, this mascara is the absolute best choice. I've worn Volume Exact on so many occasions & every time, people actually ask me if I'm wearing false eyelashes!

   I'm always amazed at how long my eyelashes become when I apply this product. When you try it yourself, you'll actually see your lashes getting longer. Your eyelashes will be dark, dramatic & ready for a night out.

   4. Fuller Eyelashes: Lakme Nine to Five Intense Volume Mascara

Lakme Nine to Five Intense Volume Mascara: Rs.350

   When I first used Nine to Five Intense Volume I noticed how the mascara wasn't at all clumped on the brush. It doesn't have a smell I notice other mascaras have.

   When I first used this I was really impressed. It really did curl my eyelashes, lengthen them, thicken them & in no way clump. There was never any flaking of the mascara. I felt it performed as well as pricey department store brands I've used. I found this to go on so easily, no need to worry about lumps or use an eyelash comb.

   5. Lifted Eyelashes: Maybelline Volum' Express The Colossal Waterproof Mascara

Maybelline Volum' Express The Colossal Waterproof Mascara: Rs.260

   This mascara has had rave reviews online, so it was my first choice in the mascara selection. At first, this formula appears very watery, but I noticed it does thicken up after about a weeks use. It lifts the lashes & also is inexpensive. It doesn't clump on lashes.

   Have you tried any of these amazing products?? Or do you have any other recommendations? As a mascara lover, I'm curious on what mascaras you'd recommend. What are your favorite mascaras??? Let me know!!

Product Review: Wella Kolestint Color Creme

   A few weeks ago, I was approached by Wella to review one of their new color creme 'Wella Kolestint'.

   Apparently, they want to know what bloggers think of their new line of color creme 'Wella Kolestint' & I was one of the bloggers they chose to test them out.

   Since I don't color my hair, I asked my mom to use it. I'm so obsessed with high-lighting & low-lighting that I haven't set foot in the hair color world.

   I've to be honest: the delivery time took so long (read: 1 1/2 month!!) that I actually told them to not send me the color packs. But their representative was sweet enough to be persistent.

   When I received the package, the soft eggplant-purple pack was actually fabulous: & my mom loved it!!!

   The kit contained:

   1 Sachet of Pre-Coloration Treatment

   1 Tube of Color Cream

   1 Bottle of Creme Developer

   1 Tube of new After-Color Intense Shine Treatment

   1 Pair of Gloves

   1 Instruction Leaflet

   The color my mom chose was Dark Brown & she also really liked the Sachet of Pre-Coloration Treatment: an adorable extra touch.

   Another thing you should know about hair colors is that they can cause allergic reactions which in rare cases can be severe. Tattoos may increase your risk of allergy to this product. If you're going to buy one of their color cremes, I recommend conducting a skin allergy test 48 hours before each time you color even if you've already used coloring products before.

   Here're the pictures of my mom's hair coloring:

   Before

   After

   My mom also observed that after the hair coloring, she had almost no hair fall. Her hair smelled great & had also become smooth.

   Overall, she'd give this color creme a 4/5. It doesn't give the exact shade as shown on the pack, but it's great for the price. Highly G&M recommended.

Fresh Fashion Icon: Amy Adams

   You may know her from movies like Drop Dead Gorgeous or Catch me if you can, but Amy Adams isn't just another boring actress. This girl knows how to dress: & dress well!!! Whether she's rocking the red carpet in fashion-forward gowns or walking the streets of LA in a cute dress, this month's Fresh Fashion Icon, Amy Adams, always looks put-together & fashionable.

   Want to know how to get style like Amy's?? Read on to get tips as well as outfit breakdowns.