Hot Trend Alert: Hot Pink Lips For Spring

Make-up trends don't usually influence what products I buy or how I do my make-up each season. However with all the blogs I read and beauty videos I watch it's hard not to be aware of the big beauty trends. Sometimes I discover a trend and think there is no way I'm going to try that. Then it keeps popping everywhere and I can't help be drawn to it. After seeing it a few times it does not look as scary as it initially did. Does that happen to you as well?

(One of) The trends I was planning on skipping this year was the bright, hot pink lips. It's completely out of my comfort zone. I love my light pink lipsticks and sheer glosses, hot pink lips just didn't seem something I would try. The trend has started to grow on me though. I've seen so many celebs (Blake Lively, Alexis Bledel, Beyonce) and beauty guru's (missglamourazzi) sporting this look and I feel I can muster up the courage to inflame my lips with a little hot pink colour.

Lauren Conrad, Mahira Khan, Kate Bosworth, Alexis Bledel

This look was all over fashion week and the models were seen with minimum make-up with a pop of bright  colour on the lips. Ideally, It'll look great with a bold eye liner, peachy and peach pink cheeks. You can also skip the eye liner and go heavy on the mascara instead (like me).

Here are some lipsticks you can try to achieve this look

Luscious Cosmetic Signature Lipstick in- #16 Raspberry  (The one Mahira Khan is wearing in the adds)
Luscious Cosmetics Lip Couture in- Paparazzi
Loreal Caresse Lipstick In- Cheeky Magenta (They're releasing in Pakistan very soon. Review coming soon)
Revlon Lip Butter In- Lollipop
Maybelline #140 Fuchsia Fever 

Splurge

Dior Addict Lipstick In- Diorkiss (personal favourite) 

Nars lipstick in-Schiap 

This one of the biggest/hottest trends for spring. Are you going to try this look? I for one am going to take a plunge and rock bold pink lips this spring. 

Hot Trend Alert+How To: Dianna Agron's Headband Braid From The SAG Awards

I was going through SAG awards red carpet pictures and noticed that a lot the celebrities were rocking the headband braids. Headband braids dominated the spring/summer fashion week that took place a couple of months ago. I remember looking at the headband braids that the models were sporting, and thinking that is something I will never do. 

SAG awards

Never say never, right? It was love at first sight when I saw Diana Agron's headband braid at the SAG awards. She had the best headband braid of the night. I tried to recreate the look today. Mine is not as messy, even though I wish it was. Messiness shall prevail the next time I make this braid. 

Here is a simple way to make this headband braid. 

Celebrity stylist Adir Abergel is the man behind Dianna Agron's fabulous headband braid. He used  Fekkai Oceanique Tousled Wave Spray, after rough drying her hair. I used my Tony&Guy Beach Spray to create the same textured effect.

Celebrity stylist Adir Abergel created a textured fishtail braid starting at the left side of the ear. He then wrapped it around the head like a crown for a chic focal point up front.

I did not want to pin my bangs back, because that wouldn't have suited me. 

Start by making a fishtail braid. If you don't know how to click here for a video tutorial 

Admire your handiwork, 

and then wrap it around the head like a crown.

Pin it up

And you're done!!

Are you going to try the headband braid trend?

How To: (The Braid Craze) Alexander Wang Inspired Side Braid

I never used to think braids were fashionable-ever! To me they screamed more plain Jane than fashionista! Last year Alexander Wang changed this during his Spring 2010 show. That was last year and this is now, and the trend just refuses to disappear. The braid craze is still going to be big in Fall. 

This season designers tried to give this master piece their own twist by plaiting the hair in to two side braids and loosely wounding up strands for a more youthful look just to name a few. 

Step 1: First, pull all of your hair over to one side. If you want your hair to be behind the ear, be sure to shift the hair in that direction before starting to braid.

Step 2: If you have straight hair, spritz it with a texture spray like to make it look messy. Smooth the top with your hand and start to braid. A typical three-strand braid works perfectly, but the more you experiment the more personalized the look will be.

I don't have straight hair so I don't use a texture spray. I love doing this (well actually asking some one else to do it for me) when I already have beachy/surfer girl waves. With the gel or mousse in my hair it gives my hair more body and volume. 

Step 3: Once the braid is in place, tie the end with an elastic hair tie. Now, hold the braid in the middle with one hand. Then, with your free hand take one or two strands of hair at the end of the braid and pull on these strands of hair. Now gently push the braid in hand up towards the scalp in one-inch increments. Repeat a few times. This gives the braid a chunky, disheveled appearance.

Step 4: Finally, take very small pieces of hair near the end of the braid and pull them free so there is a sort of unfinished, messy look to the braid. That’s right, the look is supposed to be messy, on purpose!

 I usually ask some one to do braid my hair for me. Yes, I'm lazy like that! Yesterday, for a family function I decided to style my hair in a side braid because it was extremely humid. Although I love,love, love this messy side braid, because its effortless and stylish at the same time, I got my hair done in a messy side fish tail braid. Which looked like this:

I love this braid craze!What about you??!!

Sana

Hot Trend Alert: Cuff Bracelet

Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, Nicole Richie, Eva Longoria, Rihanna

This is one trend I'm really excited for. Cuff bracelets are super trendy at the moment. I've been seeing them in magazines, on celebrities and in stores. The other day my friend Aroosa and I went to Accessorize, there were tons of cuff bangles there as well. I have my eyes on a really pretty gold one. 


I've always considered cuff bracelets as boho chic because, celebrities like Vanessa Hudgens, Miley Cyrus, and Nicole Ritchie who are known for their bohemian style are rarely seen without them. However,  Chunky cuff bracelets, and the perfect way to jazz up a casual or dressy outfit. It's the perfect way to kick your style up a notch with some trendy arm candy.

This is the favourite cuff bracelet from my jewellery collection. I love that it has a very ethnic feel to it. 

This is the gold one I have on my wish list. Isn't it pretty?

Cuff bracelets/bangles were hot for spring but they're going to be even trendier for fall. Are you excited for this trend? Do you like cuff bangles/bracelets?

Sana

How To: Alexander Wang Inspired Messy Ponytail

Be forewarned: I’m not a hair person. That is to say, I’m a lazy hair person. I don't straighten my hair because it damages my already frail hair. I don't pin curl, or do anything requiring bobby pins. I’ve never been a very good French braider. That’s why I love the messy ponytail seen on fall/winter runways — I know no other kind.


Last season Alexander Wang inspired side braid was the hottest hair style of the season. Celebrities from Cheryl Cole, Rachel McAdams, and Nicole Richie were spotted with the it.  Even though this trend is still extremely popular right now and will definitely make a transition in to Fall/Winter there's a new hair style trending right now. This season Alexander Wang has done it again with the messy backcombed ponytail.

Models on the runway

Click to enlarge

There is no better way to pump up your average ponytail than with a good teasing. Pull hair back and wrap a one-inch section around the elastic to achieve the wrapped-around look. Next, backcomb at the crown and heavily in the ponytail to get texture and edgy volume. You don't want to make your ponytail too high on the head. Location is very important. The ponytail is going to be in the middle of the head which is a little more playful.


Even though in the above pictures the ponytails the models are supporting are a little exaggerated, you can make it as polished as you want or stick the original style and keep it messy. Personally, I like the messy look (but not too messy though). You can also make a parting of your choice at the front and then back comb your hair at the crown. 


This look is going to be big for fall. Are you going to style your hair like you just don't care?

Sana

Series: Fall 2011 Beauty Trend! (Part ♥♥)

The second part of the Fall Trend series focuses on bolder, more dramatic trends that are going to be extremely popular in the next few months.



Bold Trends For Fall



Trend# 1 Teased Hair

This is a look that a lot of celebrities have been sporting lately, from red carpet events to late night talk shows (like Katie Holmes). This has also been a staple on the run way. You can go for a simple version of this trend by teasing your hair in the front to make a poof.  Start from the top and the work your way to the side. When you finish teasing your hair, spray the poof with your favourite hair spray. Tie your hair in to a ponytail. Pull out a few strands from the sides, to give it a more messy look.


Trend# 2 Metallic Eye Shadow

Metallic eye shadow is very big this year. A simple way to achieve this  look is by picking any bold colour like a metallic blue, gold or brown and apply it all over your lids till your crease.  You can also apply the same eye shadow to the inner corners of you eye, to give it a very glammed up look.


Trend# 3 Graphic Liner

The heavy graphic liner made a bold statement on the runway recently and is a more modern take on the classic winged liner. Dramatic liner is shaping up to be a huge beauty trend for the fall.


Trend# 4 Red Lips

This is one of the trends that is definitely out of my comfort zone.One of the biggest lip trends this year is red lips. Shades from hot pink to red to deep wine/mulberry lip are hot for fall.


Trend# 5 Gold Liner 

If intense metallic eyes aren't your thing, you can achieve a subtler (but equally striking) version of the look with gold-rimmed eyes. Brush a gold shadow over the lids, then apply liquid gold liner to the upper and lower lash lines.


Trend# 6 Flushed Cheeks

Just dab your favourite cream blush on the apple of your cheeks and you're good to go. 

Trend# 7 Nails

For all those who think neutral nails are a little boring, you can always opt for one of these nail trends. Metallic nail colour is super trendy for fall. Beige, browns, greys, muted deep red nails are also big for fall/winter.  


Are you going to try any of these trends? 


Trend source: Allure and Macbarbie07

Sana

Series: Fall 2011 Beauty Trends!

So since fall is on it's way, I thought I'd do a series of posts on the hottest fall beauty/jewellery trends this year. There are two looks that have been dominating beauty trends for fall. One is more natural and wearable, the other one is bold and dramatic. Obviously you can mix all these different trends together and create your own look. 


The Natural Look


Trend# 1 Braids

Braids are very popular this fall. You can go for any braid that you want, but the most popular one is a messy side braid. You don't want this braid to be perfect; the messier the better. I love Lauren Conrad's braid <3!


Trend# 2 Bold Brows

Bold brows are making a very big statement this year, and lots of celebrities are embracing this look. If you're too scared to grow out your brows, take an easy way out by filling them with a brow pencil. You can also take an eye brow brush and brush them upwards, which is also very popular fall.


Trend# 3 Spider Lashes

This look is very easy to achieve. Just take your favourite mascara and apply it as you normally would, from the root to the tip. To create the spider effect, start going behind your lashes and curl upwards.This is instantly going to give you very spidery looking lashes. The other day the lady at the Maybelline counter tried this look on me, and I must say it looked pretty good!


Trend# 4 Pastel Lips

I love that pastel lips are very popular for fall. I wear pastel shades all year long, this is something that's in my comfort zone.


Trend# 5 Neutral Nails

Neutral nails were big at Yves Saint Laurent Fall 2011 RTW. I'm pretty sure this trend was inspired by Kate Middleton. Not only did she have neutral coloured nails on her wedding day, she had a similar manicure at other Royal events and on the Canadian tour as well.


Trend# 6 Glowy Cheekbones

Patting a highlighter on the top of your cheekbones is the next best thing to bathing them in candlelight. Just be sure to look for a formula that's warm and peachy, not overtly frosty. I heart!!


My favourite fall trends are the braids and pastel lips. <3

Which fall trend is your favourite? Is there one on your list that you can't wait to try out? Is there a trend that you're going to pass?

Trend source: Allure and Macbarbie07 

Sana

Hot Trend Alert: Ombre Nails

Ombre Nails are just as popular as the two toned nail trend. They have been on InStyle magazines three must have manicures since late last year. Honestly, this is one of the trends I tried to resist for a bit, but then I saw Lauren Conrad (I ♥♥♥ her)  sporting it (again) during a recent event she attended. Does Lauren Conrad ever commit a fashion crime? No, never!

She was first spotted with Ombre nails at the 'Who What Wear' book party a few months ago.

Lauren sported blue toned Ombre nails at a Rebecca Minkoff party. The manicure she sported at the party is the exact copy of the manicure that was shown in InStyle magazine. The blue shades perfectly compliment the baby-blue high lights in her hair. (which I obviously adore) 

Picture from InStyle

It's a chic, fun manicure, that is definitely worth a try. To re-create her style, simply paint your pinky the darkest color, applying a polish in a gradually lighter tone for each of the subsequent nails. All you need are two shades to create your own custom ombre sensation.

Personally, I love trying nail trends, (Lauren Conrad sporting it, doesn't have anything to do with it. Haha! ;p) so I'm excited to try it. Are you?

Sana

Battle Of The Brands: Nishat VS Generation Ready Made Churidaar

I don't know about anyone else but my darzi has become a drama queen lately. He gets more expensive every month and his quailty diminishes as his prices increase. This summer I've been mostly relying on ready made clothes. Sad, isn't it? I bought churidaars from both Generation and Nishat, and here are my thoughts on them.

Generation:

These days a white churidar is a necessity because it goes with everything. I bought a separate white one in size 10 and the second churidaar came with a suit in size 12. Size 10 was perfect for me, I love the fitting it gives me! What I hate is that it's lose from the waist. I've only worn it twice because, both times I spent most of my time pulling it up. Even though the over all fitting is great, the chunat around the ankles are really really lose.

The size 12 is a size too big for me, it's lose all over but surprisingly it fits on my waist a little better than the size 10. I'ts chunat is even worse than my first one. The chunats either makes or breaks the look of the churidaar, don't you think? The only thing I like about the Generation churidaars is that they have two buttons at the ankle. These buttons make taking it off hassle free, if you know what I mean!!

Generation has a large variety of colours and patterns to choose from.

Over all rating: 4/10
Price:1400


Nishat:

Nishat Linen churidaars are of excellent quality. They use such a soft material for their churidaars. I can find the Nishat churidaar in my closest just by the feel of the material. I have two sizes from Nishat as well. It happened quite by accident, I thought I was a size medium and I purchased it without trying it on. They don't have an exchange policy so I had to buy a smaller size.

The medium one is for my everyday use. Its super lose on me, (even more so than Generation size 12) but even though its chunat doesn't hug my ankles, they look quite fitted. The long kurtas/shirts cover the lose parts perfectly and all that can be seen are the chunats. This is an ideal combination for the extreme hot weather we're experiencing right now.

I use the small size, which is perfect for me, when I'm going out, or for formal events when I want my clothes to look flawless. I have to slip it on with the help of a plastic bag which can be a pain, because it doesn't have buttons at the ankles, which is the only down side to it. ( I don't use plastic for the medium size)

Nishat has only one colour, white, in its churidar's range right now.

Over all rating: 8/10
Price: 1250

Aroosa's Musings:

If you are not a big fan of churidaars, you might want to give the trendy tights offered by various designers and high street brands a try. There are really nice tights available at Sara's (next to Karma) in Lahore. These tights aren't your typical tights, they give the look of a churidar. They are made of stretchy material and are very comfortable. More so, they are quite affordable and retail at Rs. 800/- only. So if you want to stay away from churidaars but still want to try the trend of the season, these are great. - Aroosa

( Sara's has really cute tights (that actually look like tights) as well. They're available in different colours and patters (my favourite is the black and white pola dots)!

Maybe the next time your darzi is having a Diva moment, you can just get something stitched, ready and at your disposal.

PS. I find it's cheaper buying it ready made because, buying the material and paying the darzi will cost you double.

What do you prefer? Your darzi or a boutique? Oh, and are you following this trend or are you letting this one pass?

Sana

Hot Trend Alert: Feather Earrings And Feather Hair Extentions

click to enlarge

This post should have been written a month ago, I'm sorry I'm just very lazy, ask Aroosa:).

The boho trend that’s shaping up to be a real influence on summer 2011 style has quietly made itself known through the slow but steady increase in crocheted duds, maxi dresses, and hippie-inspired cuts and patterns, both on the runway and off. One of my favourite accessories that has been inspired  by this trend are the feather earrings.

Everyone is obsessed with feather earrings and hair extensions in a big way. All the celebrities have been trying to in-cooperate this trend in to their every day style (Demi Lavato tends to over do it a little), and all the YouTube Beauty Guru's can't stop raving about this trend either. 

There's the enchanting appeal of feather earrings gracing your ears. It’s not that feathers were never popular before, because they were, but now they’re brighter, bigger, and more decorative than ever! The reason why I love this trend is, because its very boho chic. If you're feeling feathery, the time is now. 


Stars like Vanessa Hudgens have also been spotted wearing it on one ear like Lucy Hale

Don't try to do over do it though: (she's wearing feather earrings and huge chunky hair extensions at the same time)

This is what the feather hair extensions look like. They're available in a variety of colours at Sephora. Fleur (the one in the picture below) bought hers from here. In her video she said that these hair extensions can be used with straighteners and curling irons as well. 

(One of my favourite YouTube Gurus )
Feather hair extensions

I'm not sure if feather hair extensions are available in Lahore, but you can get your hands on the earrings at Accessorize. I bought my earrings from Accessorize for RS.800, which I think is quite a bargain. They had a few other colours to choose from like black, black and white and grey. I really wanted the grey ones because they were SO pretty, but my friend Sara kept talking me out of buying them and I ended up buying the blue ones instead.

I love the blue feather earrings because they add the perfect pop of colour to an otherwise boring outfit. 

My earrings

The ones I wanted

Are you going to try this trend or will you let this one pass?

Sana