Feel Like a Celebrity in a Leather Jacket

When it comes to fashion, what is that one common factor between both men and women? That's right; it's their goal to look and feel fabulous. Some would argue that it is just the women who feel this way but in society today men have not shied away from being fashionable and take as much interest in looking handsome just as women do in looking beautiful. And that one common attire that both men and women love to wear in order to look phenomenal is a leather jacket. These jackets have and forever will be loved and adored by all and that is why they are considered, to this day, the trendiest and stylish outerwear for all.

We all know that ordinary men and women love these jackets, but who exactly inspired them to fall in love with them? Yes, our celebrities have a huge part to play when it comes to inspiring the common man with regards to fashion and trend. We tend to spot many actors and actresses rocking such jackets, looking incredibly dashing and attractive. Just recently, one of our very favorite 'Friends' star was spotted pulling off an extremely diva and punk rock look in her short and extremely trendy black leather jacket. She was flaunting this amazing style very effortlessly and has managed to pair the jacket with a rocking and chic look. She had a suave scarf wrapped around her neck and had on a pair of skinny jeans with brown biker boots. She had the whole image locked down and could not have looked any spunkier. Even with a very casual and laidback look, her jacket managed to make her look extremely stylish hence justifying the fact that these jackets are totally worth it.

Just like women, men too are inspired by their celebrity role models when it comes to fashion and clothes because they want to look just like them. The perfect example then would be given of infamous super star David Beckham. Men absolutely adore this man, not just because of his immense football career and skills, not because of his beautiful family but also because of the fact that this man dresses to impress. He has a slick wardrobe and is often caught wearing the most stylish and fashionable jackets. And there is no doubt about that fact that he looks gorgeous in a leather jacket. He has always been spotted pulling of such jackets in the most casual and laidback ways since he often pairs it with a causal tee and pair of everyday jeans. Nevertheless, even in this casual look he always manages to look amazing. And some of the credit can go to the jacket.

Therefore, if you also have a fetish for looking and feeling like a celebrity then it is time you invest in a jacket that has your back. Leather jackets have great appeal to them and can instantly make you look amazing and that also in the most effortless way possible. Grab yours right away and be well on your way to looking like a star.

By Alex Qureshi

The Skin And Phytoceramides - How They Work Together

The outermost layer of mammalian skin is known as the stratum corneum. It acts as a barrier and protects the inner cellular structure from external stresses. In so doing, it helps in keeping the skin protected from factors such as excessive transcutaneous water loss. The cells of the outer layer which are made up of ceramides and conrneocytes are what work in accomplishing this very important function by creating a barrier. Any disruption in this barrier through physical trauma arising due to conditions such as eczema or simple aging will compromise its functional ability.

The result of such compromise includes decreased skin elasticity and increased susceptibility to infections as well as increased water loss. All these factors speed up the formation of fine lines and wrinkles at the corners of the eyes and mouth in addition to creating a dull skin texture. They are the signs that will easily tell the age of an individual. People dread the formation of these cosmetic changes and many, especially women have gone to great extents to work out a solution to fighting the signs of aging.

The Ceramides Solution

The ceramides responsible for skin health are produced naturally in the body. The amount decreases with age. Plants contain protein compounds with the same kind of structure; almost identical to what humans have. Since they are plant derived, they are referred to as Phytoceramides. Like the ceramides found in the human body, the Phytoceramides aid in creating a protective barrier within the epidermis.

Supplements containing ceramides are now readily in the market and replace the components which are lost through hydration effects and aging. These ceramides come with a moisturizing effect, especially for the supplements since they are carried right into the blood. They therefore directly improve on the functionality of ceramides and will give results which can be harder to achieve with topical applications.

They have become important compounds for the overall protection of the skin. They will work by establishing and maintaining water retaining properties of the skin. As they decrease with age, increased trans-epidermal water loss is experienced leading to the skin changes. These plant-derived ceramides will therefore work in the prevention of moisture loss from the skin as a result of aging and trauma. They are also believed to inhibit Melanogenesis, the process through which the cells produce skin-coloring pigments, giving the skin an even tone and preventing formation of age spots. It is helpful when it comes to hyper pigmentation, causing age spots and discolorations of the skin.

The plant-based ceramides when consumed in supplement form are first digested and then transported to the stratum through the blood. As a result, the plant-based ceramides circulate easily and effectively, thus giving significant effects, especially in the promotion of the important water barrier in skin layers. They end up maintaining a functional barrier that will keep the skin well-protected from all harm. When going for the Phytoceramides however, it is important to ensure that you are settling for a product that is 100% natural and with the potential of fetching you the best results without exposing you to any more harm.

By Derk Ward

Uptown Beauty on a Budget

Counter Freebies

Most department store beauty counters offer complimentary facials, hand massages, makeovers and makeup lessons. Don't feel guilty about indulging in complimentary services. Get to know the beauty consultant at your favorite counter. Each beauty consultant is fully educated on her line and can recommend products to meet your needs and budget.

Before making a huge investment in expensive products, ask for samples to try at home. You can repeat this process as many times as you like by visiting different counters and stores, until you find ones that meet your needs and budget. This will replenish your supply of products you use and like albeit sample sizes. Samples are a great way to stockpile products to try. They're also great when travelling.

Be sure to get on contact lists. You'll be notified about price specials such as gift with purchase or purchase with purchase. Stay in touch with your beauty consultant, and cultivate the relationship. Your consultant will lavish you with freebies if you are loyal!

Department Special Events

Be on the lookout for Bridal Shows, Career Fairs, Ladies Night and the like. These events are fun and you can get a boatload of freebies there as every counter offers free products and services. Typically you buy a ticket, which is partially refundable towards a purchase. They serve food and feature A-list makeup artists, hair stylists, health club reps. They pamper you with free services from massages to nail art. It's a nice girls' night out.

Other Options

Check out Sephora and Ulta. These mega cosmetics stores carry popular brands as well as a lot of other brands you may not know. While they may not offer the same intimate relationship you can build with department stores, they more than make up for the loss with their selection.

Cosmetics can also be purchased from sample sales or even on e-Bay. Stick with products and brands that you're already familiar. This is not the time to experiment. Be sure to request product have their integrity seal and original packaging when possible for health and safety reasons. This will help ensure you're getting untampered, unadulterated products.

One last word. Everyone is looking for great deals, but no one likes a mooch. When you're out there rockin' the world with your shopping savvy, take your shopping etiquette with you. Good hunting.

Save money by maxing cosmetics out. Snip the tops off tubs to get the last little bit. Turn cosmetics in bottles up-end so the dregs collect at the top.

By Marla Currie

4 Simple Uses Of Organic Argan Oil In Your Daily Life

Liquid gold, just as it sounds vividly reflects what organic argan oil stands for. Argan oil is endemic to Morocco and has become increasingly popular in the western world due to its bounteous beauty benefits. The oil is extracted from the kernels of argan trees and it's known to be laden with the most potent essential fatty acids and vitamin e elements that work in harmony with our skin and hair.

Popular female celebrities as well as male celebs progressively patronized argan oil and there has been a significant increase in the use of this elixir as a key ingredient in various cosmetics products due to the beauty perks it offers.

The oil can be used in its purest form and doesn't need to be bought as an ingredient in moisturizers, lotion, shampoos and conditioners, which is one of the best things about argan oil. A single bottle of this elixir is extremely versatile and can literally change the way you live your life.

Below are simple ways you can employ the use of this organic wonder in your daily life.

1. Full Body Moisturizer

This is the most common use of argan oil. To give your skin a natural moisturizing boost, this oil is the go to solution. Its chockfull of potent vitamin e and essential fatty acids that are know to keep the skin looking young, radiant and supple. It is easy to use on the face, neck and whole body. Simply put a few drops in your palm and massage gently in circular motion as you would with conventional body lotion and moisturizers.

2. Organic Hair Conditioner

Pure and organic Argan oil has proven to be effective in keeping the hair softer, silkier and shiner. Based on countless reviews by experts in the beauty industry, it is the ideal hair conditioner and can treat split ends and tame fizzy hair literally in seconds after using it. Its effects to the hair is one of a kind and instantaneous. Oleic acid is the dominant essential fatty acid in organic argan oil and oleic acid has won its way to be a key ingredient in the hair care's industry because it's a powerful hair treatment solution. In argan oil, you will get oleic acid in its purest form and not secreted with harmful or unwanted ingredients.

3. Anti-Aging Therapy

The progress of aging is accelerated by free radical activities in our skin cells and to control them, the presence of supreme antioxidants is crucial. Natural vitamin e is the most common antioxidant and argan oil is a powerhouse of this vitamin, which makes it ideal for controlling wrinkles fine lines and early signs of aging. It restores optimal elasticity and leaves the skin feeling plumper and softer, thus reduce the visibility of wrinkles.

4. Healing Strech Marks

Stretch marks are well recognized as an issue for pregnant women. Given that argan oil increases our skin's elasticity due to the presence of potent vitamin e, it's recommended for healing stretch marks. Its potency heals and protects against sagging skins, stretch marks and puckered skin after birth.

By Eilley Bowers

What You Didn't Know About Airbrush Makeup Vs Traditional Makeup

1. Airbrush makeup applied properly is 'invisible' through a camera and on digital/print view.

Reason being that airbrush makeup is sprayed in hundreds of 'dots'.

Similarly, a camera picks up light and displays it in pixels on your computer screen or the LCD screen. Pixels are tiny, tiny dots as well.

Airbrush makeup is applied the same way a camera reads what is infront of it, which is tiny dots of color, which is why it is extremely easy to have 'invisible' makeup with airbrush makeup!

2. Airbrush makeup isn't always the most natural way of doing makeup.

Every skin and person is unique and an experienced makeup artist is able to use different mediums to produce the most 'natural' result for you.

For example, when a person has very dry, parched skin, sometimes using a gel based foundation will work better than airbrush because it will 'tone' and hydrate the skin better than an airbrush makeup will. (depending on the formula and brand)

For example, I look and treat the skin first, then I determine which medium will produce the healthiest look of skin for them that similarly reflects the same skin throughout their body, as if it was at it's optimal, healthiest state.

3. You can achieve the 'airbrush' makeup look with traditional makeup!

Yes an experienced makeup artist with the right layering technique can produce an invisible effect as well.

It just takes more blending and knowledge of deceiving the way light is picked up on the camera. Powder helps this because it is also tiny, tiny dots, similar to airbrushing. It comes out 'softer' looking.

Airbrushing has it's way of having the edges already blended but with traditional makeup, the blending is manual with your brushes.

4. Airbrush makeup doesn't mean it's longer lasting either.

It depends how it is set and the prep of the skin, and treatment of the skin before the makeup is applied.

40% of the makeup application is in the skincare prep and moisturizing ritual.

If you don't prep the skin well enough, most likely your makeup will oxidize faster, slide, or sweat off in a worse case scenario!

5. Airbrush makeup isn't for fine lines and the elderly and mature skin!

You need a brush to get into the crevices so it all depends on the medium of the artist once again.

For skin that has fine lines, ideally you require a brush to make sure that it can get into the folds for optimal results.

For example, when that face starts to move, you don't want gaps of makeup and areas with no makeup when the skin stretches!

After, make sure that you set it with powder so that it prevents creasing.

6. Airbrush makeup is great for covering blemishes, especially ones that are patchy!

If you go in with a brush and makeup, you need to blend out the edges to make sure that the concealed area is blended well.

With an airbrush gun, it delivers the already blended area immediately and all you are required to do after, is to powder the concealed blemish.

It also prevents you having to go in with a brush that disturbs any patchy, flaky skin otherwise. You can avoid it with a patting motion but most cases, it's easier and can be faster to apply with an airbrush gun.

In Summary,

A lot of people like to 'hype' up airbrush makeup but truth is, it is just a tool and an option to make some applications easier to apply versus traditional makeup.

It's skill over the tool, and the purpose of why it is used, not just the tool itself.
(For example if I gave a 10 year old an airbrush and a paint brush with some paint, it doesn't mean airbrush would be 'better'.)

It does give a different look to your makeup that is unlike any other finish because it's sprayed on, but improperly applied it can look even worse than if you applied your own foundation traditionally!

If you're looking at this in hopes to see if you should invest in an airbrush machine, I would advise to skip it. The idea seems more promising than the reality where you have to close your eyes to 'guess' where you spray your makeup. Not to mention the difficult steps to cleaning your airbrush gun and machine too. It always has to be clean and properly taken care of or it will clog!

If you're trying to decide airbrush vs traditional makeup with an artist, look at their work on the difference.

The best way to indicate if the artist is good for you is if you were to look at their before and afters without the use of professional photography and post editing in Photoshop. You can determine their skill level and work if they're able to deliver that result to you that you wish for that way, rather than judging if they are an airbrush artist or not.

In this industry, I've met fantastic artists that choose not to use airbrush makeup as a medium because they're extremely skilled with traditional makeup.

By Olivia Ha

Are You White Pant Phobic? Let Me Share My Secrets

Every spring, as the temperatures rise, the question of white pants comes up. Either you live in them all summer or you are intimidated by them and keep them firmly at bay.

If you have banished white pants from your summer wardrobe you are missing a great opportunity to lighten up your wardrobe and add a summer feel. Sure, there are pitfalls to overcome before you welcome them into your closet, but I promise these pitfalls are not so overwhelming that you have to exorcise white pants altogether.

I am going to help you bust through the typical misconceptions about wearing white pants so you will feel confident and excited to wear them.

Before we get to that, however, let's talk about why white pants are so handy. That's easy. Many of us, especially if we live in a cooler climate, build our wardrobes around black, brown or navy pants or jeans. These dark neutrals are easy and provide a good foundation upon which to build a versatile wardrobe. Of course, in the past few seasons colored pants have been gaining popularity, but not many people I know are banishing all their dark neutral pants in favor of bright colors.

So, where do white pants fit in? They instantly add a lighter, more summery feel to an outfit. This is especially helpful for people whose best, most flattering colors are deep and rich. In the summer, if you pair your deep, rich colors with black pants, you feel heavy, wintery and out of sync with the season. Now, imagine changing your black pants to white and wear the same deep, rich colors near your face. You instantly add radiance and lightness to an otherwise dark outfit. Ahhh, an immediate sense of lightness surrounds you.

"Great, you say, but I don't wear white pants. They look terrible on me." That's where the rest of this discussion comes in.

My suggestion, before you dismiss white pants entirely, is to keep reading. It might just change your mind. Believe me, I hear from clients all the time that they don't wear white pants. And, then, with the right pair in the right fabric and paired with the perfect top, the results are magical... every, single time.

Debunking The Top Two Reasons For Not Wearing White Pants

I've heard all the excuses for not wearing white pants. In fact, I've heard them over and over. It's doubtful you find it surprising to hear the top two reasons women don't wear white pants:

• I'm too heavy and they'll draw attention to my lower body.
• I'm bound to spill something on them immediately and then they'll be ruined.

My clients range in size from 2 to 3X. As it turns out, every one of them looks great in white pants. Often I find that when a woman gains weight she immediately resorts to black and other dark colors on bottom to (in her estimation) camouflage her lower half. Sure, that can work to some extent, but it's not the only way.

There are plenty of people who look disproportionately larger on bottom even when they are wearing black pants. It's not completely about color. It's also about fit and styling. A well-crafted outfit that includes white pants can easily be as slimming (or even more slimming) than a haphazardly tossed together outfit containing black pants.

Not convinced?

In a minute we will talk about some of the pitfalls and styling tricks to choose a great pair of white pants. But, first let's talk about the dirt factor.

Sure, there is no getting around the fact that white pants will show dirt more readily than black pants. I also suggest you could be surprised by how long they last relatively dirt-free. If you feel like a dirt-magnet, then it will be important to buy white pants you can wash as opposed to have dry-cleaned. That way you can toss them in the laundry at the first signs of any marks and save constant dry cleaning fees (and fewer chemicals).

Not to mention that it's not the end of the world if you get a pair of white pants and they get irrevocably stained. You either try bleaching them to see if that will obliterate the stain, go get another pair (and refrain from eating blueberry pie while wearing them) or you can always give up on white pants. Just don't give up on them before you've tried them! I rarely hear of one of my clients (even those with small children) saying that they ruin every pair of white pants. It's possible, but unlikely. So, why let that keep you from experimenting with a potentially terrific summer look.

Tips For Choosing Your Go-To White Pants

Choose Your Fabric Wisely

• Start with denim: My favorite white pants are white jeans. This is true for several reasons:
• Denim is heavy enough (even the lighter weight denim) so that you don't have to worry about the see-through factor.
• Denim is durable and washes easily.
• These days denim is versatile. If you buy a nice pair of white jeans you can dress them up or dress them down.

On the other hand, denim can be a tad hot when the temperatures soar. In which case, you have options.

• Consider linen: Linen is one of the coolest fabrics, but it has two big drawbacks.
• The see-through factor of linen is often off the charts. You can always find lined linen pants but that sometimes defeats the purpose of wearing linen--which is to stay cool.
• It wrinkles within seconds. It's inevitable. If you wear linen, you will wrinkle. Just accept it and wear it or leave it at the store. It helps if the linen is blended with something else so the wrinkle factor is controlled a bit. No one is ambivalent about linen. You either love it or hate it.

What do you do when you choose a pair of white pants and they are somewhat transparent? Three things:

• Wear skin-tone underwear that way there is no risk of seeing the polka dots from your favorite pair of panties peeking through.
• Remove the pockets. Why designers put pockets in unlined linen or other lightweight/slightly sheer fabrics is beyond me. Seeing the lining of the pockets is unsightly and distracting and makes it very obvious that the pants are not opaque.
• Give them some breathing room. Do not wear these pants skin tight. If they are even the least bit sheer the tightness will leave little to the imagination. Plus, wearing them that tight undermines the main purpose of wearing linen pants which is to keep cool--air cannot circulate when the pants are glued to your body.

3 Tips for Styling White Pants

Balance is key: If the pants are skinny, wear a looser top. If they are a wider trouser-style, keep the top more fitted.

Wear the right underwear.

Wear skin tone underwear. The last thing you want is people staring at your butt because you can see polka dots or purple underwear. Even white undergarments will shine through like a neon sign. A surprising other option is red undergarments! For some reason I can't explain, red will disappear underneath white. Try it and see!

What shoes will you wear with white?

You don't have to wear white shoes with white pants. In fact, depending on the shoes, I would recommend avoiding it. White strappy sandals are fine because you are seeing a lot of skin. A white pump can make it look like you are wearing marshmallows on your feet.

When in doubt choose metallic shoes. They

• Feel lighter than wearing a dark color.
• Go with everything so no worries about matching or clashing with other colors in your outfit.

The most important thing is that white does not have to be your nemesis. Embrace it. Start with a pair of well-fitting white jeans using all the tools above and see what you think. You just might have fun with it and look great... in fact, I'd bet on it!

Do you wear white pants in the summer?

Do you avidly watch shows like "What Not to Wear" and think "if only I could have a wardrobe makeover," but you can't see how the transformation would translate for you? Then I can help. Over the past 23 years as a fashion stylist in the Boston area, I have found that many women are ignoring, hiding or are just plain unaware of their innate beauty. Believe it or not, you do not have to be rich and famous or young and thin to have the look you dream of. Yes, with a little guidance you can learn how to dress with joy and ease.

By Ginger Burr

Saree, A Garment That Has Draped Millions Of Indian Women

The popularity that a saree, which is a traditional Indian garment, enjoys, even in today's neo modern times, is partially due to the extreme variety of forms that it can take. Only recently, Masaba for Satya Paul unveiled the latest Indian saree trend, the Yukata saree. Based entirely on the kimonos worn by the Japanese women, Masaba Gupta, the talented and young fashion designer, has designed a chic saree that can be worn in three different ways. This ensures that, the saree remains in vogue, always.

No two women like to be dressed in the same manner, and, a saree is the only garment so versatile that it can be worn in multiple ways. No fashionable woman needs to fear being seen in a copied trend if she resorts to the saree, for, it offers something unique to each wearer. Indeed, many maintain that the saree is the only garment that manages to look beautiful on every woman, be it Indian or foreign. And, many celebrities have proved this claim correct with their lovely appearances.

At the recently concluded Cannes Film Festival, Sonam Kapoor, who endorses the international fashion brand L'Oreal Paris, and is an internationally known fashion icon, walked the red carpet in a version of the saree that was utterly enchanting. The tabloids described her as a vision from an Indian mythological fairy-tale, and indeed, the saree did enhance her elfin charm magnificently. Similarly, icons Vidya Balan and Asihwarya Rai have many a times graced the Cannes scene with their intricately worked sarees and saree inspired garments. Indeed, these are the latest trends that the fashionistas are borrowing for their own appearances at events.

Nowadays, actresses prefer to dress up in trendy sarees rather than wearing gowns as these are sure to grab the attention of their fans. The charm and elegance that a saree lends to its wearer can never be recreated by a gown. Net sarees are versatile in terms of the fabric which is blended with other materials like georgette, silk, dupion, crepe etc. This is what makes the net sarees extremely popular, as it is very durable and attractive. Another famous trendy saree is lace saree, which comes in different types including needle lace, bobbin lace, crocheted lace, knotted lace and chemical lace. Lace sarees are bold, with intricate patterns that show off the skin and are very sensuous.

The third saree that is trending right now is the Jacquard Saree. Gorgeous Jacquard sarees are the new style statement for the modern young women. Wearing a classic Jacquard saree with a hint of shimmer is the style statement of many a stylista. These look elegant, smart, and stylish as the sarees are classy and are crafted in outstanding designs, dual hues; elaborate detailing and vibrant colours, that lend vibrancy to the drape.

The popularity that a saree, which is a traditional Indian garment, enjoys, even in today's neo modern times, is partially due to the extreme variety of forms that it can take. Only recently, Masaba for Satya Paul unveiled the latest Indian saree trend, the Yukata saree. Based entirely on the kimonos worn by the Japanese women, Masaba Gupta, the talented and young fashion designer, has designed a chic saree that can be worn in three different ways. This ensures that, the saree remains in vogue, always.

No two women like to be dressed in the same manner, and, a saree is the only garment so versatile that it can be worn in multiple ways. No fashionable woman needs to fear being seen in a copied trend if she resorts to the saree, for, it offers something unique to each wearer. Indeed, many maintain that the saree is the only garment that manages to look beautiful on every woman, be it Indian or foreign. And, many celebrities have proved this claim correct with their lovely appearances.

At the recently concluded Cannes Film Festival, Sonam Kapoor, who endorses the international fashion brand L'Oreal Paris, and is an internationally known fashion icon, walked the red carpet in a version of the saree that was utterly enchanting. The tabloids described her as a vision from an Indian mythological fairy-tale, and indeed, the saree did enhance her elfin charm magnificently. Similarly, icons Vidya Balan and Asihwarya Rai have many a times graced the Cannes scene with their intricately worked sarees and saree inspired garments. Indeed, these are the latest trends that the fashionistas are borrowing for their own appearances at events.

Nowadays, actresses prefer to dress up in trendy sarees rather than wearing gowns as these are sure to grab the attention of their fans. The charm and elegance that a saree lends to its wearer can never be recreated by a gown. Net sarees are versatile in terms of the fabric which is blended with other materials like georgette, silk, dupion, crepe etc. This is what makes the net sarees extremely popular, as it is very durable and attractive. Another famous trendy saree is lace saree, which comes in different types including needle lace, bobbin lace, crocheted lace, knotted lace and chemical lace. Lace sarees are bold, with intricate patterns that show off the skin and are very sensuous.

The third saree that is trending right now is the Jacquard Saree. Gorgeous Jacquard sarees are the new style statement for the modern young women. Wearing a classic Jacquard saree with a hint of shimmer is the style statement of many a stylista. These look elegant, smart, and stylish as the sarees are classy and are crafted in outstanding designs, dual hues; elaborate detailing and vibrant colors, that lend vibrancy to the drape.

By Vineet Saraogi B