Very few of us are blessed with a flawless complexion, long, dark eyelashes, and rosy lips, so sometimes we need to give Mother Nature some help if we want to look our best. The natural look will never go out of fashion, so here are some tips on achieving the ‘no make-up’ make-up look!

Great Skin

Natural beauty begins with great skin. Adopt a daily skincare regime to keep your complexion as flawless as possible. Cleanse, tone, and moisturize using high quality, natural products that are suitable for your skin type. Exfoliate a couple of times a week to remove dead skin cells and accelerate the renewal process. 

Drink plenty of water each day to hydrate your skin and flush toxins from your body. Eat a healthy, balanced diet rich with fruit, vegetables, lean meat, and whole grains and exercise daily to improve fitness and muscle tone.

A Good Base

Foundation is the key ingredient in achieving a natural look. Ensure you use a foundation that enhances the skin rather than masking it. Mineral makeup  is a wonderful base as it conceals flaws but still lets the tone and texture of your skin shine through. Mineral foundation will not clog your pores, is lightweight and long-lasting. Look for a foundation with an SPF barrier to protect your skin from sun damage and premature aging. Find the perfect color by testing the foundation on your jawline in natural daylight.

Lash Out

If you aren’t blessed with luscious eyelashes, you may want to consider tinting them to give them some definition. If this doesn’t appeal, a slick of black mascara will provide them with some lift and volume but don’t pile it on, or you will look like you have tarantula legs stuck to your eyelids!

Eyelash extensions are trendy these days, and they can be a great way of adding some volume. Opt for the natural ones, rather than the super deluxe thick ones! With proper maintenance, extensions can be an excellent investment as well as a great time saver. 

If you want your lashes to be permanently long and full, try some eyelash growth serum. Paint this into your lash line daily to help your eyelashes grow.

High Brow

Brows are back. Eyebrows can change the look of a face more than anything. Use a mascara brush to groom your brows, and if required, pencil them with individual light strokes, following the line of your brow – never draw a solid line. Set them in place with some clear mascara or brow gel.

Pucker Up

Beautiful, kissable lips can be achieved by exfoliating your lips regularly and using a moisturizing lip balm. You can opt for a clear gloss for a natural look or if you need a bit more color, look for tinted glosses and balms. If you have pale lips and don’t like  the stickiness of gloss, wear lipstick the same color as your natural lips or find a lip and cheek stain that will give your lips and cheeks a healthy glow.

Do you fancy stylish engagement rings, or more interestingly,  a quality of uniqueness in the engagement ring that you are going to buy for your loved one? 

If the answer is yes, then you’ve come to the right page. There are so many options available today when it comes to choosing the perfect engagement ring. You don’t really have to go for the traditional engagement ring setting where the diamond is the much-acclaimed center stone. 

Modern brides are now preferring some uniqueness in their engagement rings, in the form of an unexpected stone or a cut. They want the engagement ring to speak to them on a personal level. That is why most women today don’t look for standard jewelry ratings such as the cut, color, or clarity. 

Symmetry is no longer a requirement when it comes to choosing the perfect engagement ring. The trend of unique engagement rings has risen to a point that now it’s about the meaning of the design and the mere feel you get when you wear it. 

Let’s take a look at some of the unique engagement rings that you can go for.  You’ll probably see a lot of color, unexpectedness, and random cut engagement rings that fit into this picture of unique engagement rings.         

What makes an engagement ring unique?

An engagement ring becomes unique when there is something different or striking from the traditional sense of engagement ring styles. With Orla James having a wide range of styles to choose fromou can feature colorless diamonds and gemstones to bring some uniqueness to your engagement ring. Another way is to look for quality cuts that stand apart in terms of how the gemstone or center stone looks.  You can also make your engagement rings unique by mixing two or more metals into your ring’s shank. You can include personalized and nature-inspired designs to render an artistic touch to your engagement ring.  Above all, it must speak to the emotion of the one that the engagement ring is been presented to. 

Here we highlight 6 engagement rings that are unique and stylish and fit into the modern picture of engagement rings.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

6 engagement rings that are unique and stylish! 

1. Rose-cut black diamond engagement rings

The stunning presence of a black diamond stands second to none when it comes to choosing the perfect engagement rings for women.  Black diamonds have really become a fashion statement in today’s market,  given the authenticity and elegance of these diamonds. In this particular piece of rose cut black diamond engagement rings,  the elegance of the center stone comes to life. You can go for a four-prong classic solitaire setting, or for a modern setting such as the halo setting where a string of ascent diamonds garner along with the main center stone. 

2. Nature-inspired amethyst engagement rings

When it comes to gemstones, it’s the sapphires, rubies, and emeralds that usually take the top positions. But today, modern brides are preferring a touch of purple in their engagement rings. This gives way to the classy and stylish amethyst that brings a fancy and unique touch to the engagement ring. The amethyst is best contrasted with a rose gold setting and you can have customized and personalized ring shanks that feature nature-inspired designs. A six-prong setting brings the versatility of these nature-inspired amethyst engagement rings.

3.  Custom alexandrite engagement rings

Another superior version of the amethyst is alexandrite. The sheer elegance and radiance of these gemstones make them the perfect selection when it comes to unique engagement rings. You can decide on custom engagement rings with the alexandrite as the main center stone. An ideal choice could be the round cut alexandrite whose presence is highlighted by accent stones comprising of round cut natural diamonds. The prong setting gives it a classic touch whereas a bezel or a pave setting gives these engagement rings a more modern touch. 

The beauty of alexandrite engagement rings is that alexandrite renders different colors in different lighting conditions.  Upon the effect of natural lighting conditions,  the amethyst appears to be green.  But upon a camera flash,  it suddenly appears to be purple, raising the quality of these unique engagement rings.

4. Three stone London blue topaz engagement rings

The three-stone setting is an acclaimed setting that has been popular in the engagement world for a long time. A unique engagement ring that fits into the setting is the natural London blue topaz ring. The blue topaz strikes a perfect contrast when highlighted with moissanite accent stones. You can avail of a yellow gold setting for this engagement ring as it adds to the elegance and beauty of the blue topaz. 

5. Open-heart Diamond engagement rings

What’s better than featuring a custom shaped heart in your engagement ring? Yes, and if your loved one is a die-hard fan of romance and love then she will love this sensational piece. In this piece,  you will find that the ring’s shank is styled into the shape of a heart as it proceeds to the middle portion of the ring. There is no particular center stone for this ring. You can elevate the beauty of this ring by featuring ascent diamonds in the ring’s shank.  

6. Celtic style Opal engagement rings

Custom-designed Celtic style engagement rings are a stunner when it is paired with the right center stone and accent stones.  One of the appreciated Celtic style engagement rings is the opal engagement rings. Australian Opals that feature the center stone in this ring is magnified by the presence of small round cut accent diamonds that fit into the shank of the ring. You can go for rose gold or yellow gold setting to feature your opal. Diamonds that have vs1 clarity perform well in this setting.     

Choose your unique engagement ring!

Now that you know six prominent unique engagement ring styles you can select the one you like. All you need to do to get your unique engagement ring is log on to Jewel Hero. We will connect you with local jewelry stores near your area that have the ideal engagement ring so that you just have to visit one store that has what you want.

 See you there! 

Here, we run down the main boxes to tick to help you find your perfect cover.

We all want to be safe. We want to keep our loved ones and our communities safe too. Understandably, there is more to our everyday than covid – we still have plenty going on in our lives to think about. So, as with anything we wear, when it comes to buying a face cover, we inevitably have a few questions. 

Is it comfortable to wear? Will I look good? Is this one better for the planet? Let’s go through the priorities.

Safety

This one is top of the list – the whole reason for buying a mask. The higher quality the barrier between your face and the outside world, the better the protection. For you and for others.

Tip: Try to buy a mask with at least three layers (sometimes called 3-ply) made with antibacterial materials. The front layer stops water droplets and dirt from getting through; the middle layer filters nasty airborne particles; and the inner layer provides even more filtration and comfort.

Style

For the first few months of lockdown, wearing a mask was new and strange; maybe even a little embarrassing. So it took a while to get used to, and soon we were tired of disposable masks. We wanted to do better. To look better. So we experimented with making our own using different fabrics, until we realised how sweaty they made us. And then they were the next hot thing in the boutiques. They were fashion items at brand-name prices.

It took a while for brands to find the balance between safety and style. Now, there are plenty of options and you don’t have to choose one over the other. Brands like Smartcover have made the highest level consumer-grade face masks that haven’t compromised on their aesthetics.

Tip: Look for producers with a selection of designs, that still emphasise their quality. Wearing a designer name might sound good for instagram, but make sure they are comfortable and durable enough to last.

Durability

If you want a good reusable mask, you want to know it’s not going to shrink in the wash, or have the stitching come apart after a month or two.

Tip: Look for high quality producers with verified UK or EU standards in their FAQ pages. It’s best to get multipacks too. Rotating two or three masks will keep them lasting longer, and you will still have one ready when the others are being cleaned.

Comfort

This is important, especially if you need to wear masks for several hours at a time. Whether it’s for work or simply waiting in a long queue at the supermarket, if a mask hampers your breathing, is too tight, or irritates your skin, you’re going to fuss with your hands or even be tempted to take the thing off.

Tip: Look for masks that have good breathability while remaining water and dirt resistant. For example, find ones that have passed EN 14683, the European standard for high mask filtration efficiency.

Ethical & Sustainable

There are around 129 billion single-use masks being disposed of every month globally. And that’s on top of all the disposable land-fill we are already generating. Choosing a reusable face mask will go a long way to helping out. Plus, it will make our streets cleaner. We’ve all seen the throw-away baby blue masks on the ground as we go for a walk. These are made of non-recyclable plastic fibres and are an eyesore in our cities.

Tip: To gain even more peace of mind, there are plenty of brands that donate their masks to the vulnerable when you buy from them.

As with anything, there’s going to be compromise. If you don’t go out much, then maybe you don’t care too much about how stylish your mask is. But if you have to wear one all day for work, then comfort and durability might be your top priority. As long as it protects, there are plenty to choose from.

From contemporary simplicity to extravagant detailing of traditional trends, the best Italian luxury fashion gifts for her offers ample varieties and choices.

Every holiday season is unique and different from the past years, making it such a special occasion to remind your loved ones how much you care. A gift can surely help you in that regard, especially if it’s something thoughtful and special. Perhaps that’s the reason why you are reading this article anyway, to learn how to find something special for all the special women in your life.

If you are really in the mood to impress, you can easily turn up the heat by going for something Italian. A continuation of their rich heritage in art, design, and culture; Italian designers and fashion items are still often found at the helm of any fashion revolution. As seen from the collections of many prestigious brands, Italian manufacturers also happen to be at the forefront of embracing innovative techniques and new materials.

Without further ado, let’s find out what is trending as the best Italian luxury fashion gifts for her this holiday season from below.

Versatility and Comfort Are the Keys

For a modern-day working woman, it’s pretty difficult to find the time to go through an elaborate preparation before an occasion. Therefore, luxury in women’s fashion is shifting towards ready-to-wear dresses that are both versatile and comfortable.

So, whether it’s a pair of chino pants, outerwear, or a blazer; Italian luxury collections seem to have embraced softer blends, breathable fabrics, and wrinkle-free designs. The use of activewear fabrics also seems to be on the rise, especially for a gritty outlook. Some also showcase an ingenious take on traditional fabrics like satin, corduroy, and such.

Women Power in Feminine Style

Italian fashion is nothing if not responsive to the time; making it a given that they would embrace the women power, albeit with an elegant and aesthetically pleasing feminine style. To that point, you would find numerous choices of prints projected on everything from leggings and overalls to double-breasted blazers. You would find both the classic patterns, checks, and polka dots to some eye-popping forests, carpets, and Animalier prints.

The traditional outerwear like the military line, on the other hand, is now more precious and extravagant than ever. Whether it’s a cargo pant or a field jacket; expect some intricate detailing of gemstones, sparkles, and studs here and there; capturing the perfect mood of a holiday season.

Fashion Gifts with a Bigger Purpose

If you didn’t know already, aesthetics and richness in price alone aren’t enough to define the best Italian luxury anymore. Rather, they must represent something bigger than fashion itself, something like sustainability and environmental health. A dress that is just pretty, but isn’t made out of recycled nylon may not be as elegant as before.

Thankfully, high-quality brands like the Mason’s Woman Collection have enough options up their sleeves that are made to ensure all the best sustainable practices.

Is there an upcoming formal event you’re excited about? Or perhaps your new job has a strict business dress code?

Either way, formal business outfits are important for maintaining professionalism. And choosing the right footwear with those outfits is equally essential.

It’s not uncommon to feel completely clueless when it comes to formal footwear.  Those feelings are compared to the situation when you are looking at your assignment and understand that you can’t handle it without professional help with dissertation. We are here for your rescue. While some rules are different for men and women, some universal rules apply to everyone. 

Factors like the design, colors, heel size, quality, and comfort of the shoe not only determine how you feel but also contribute to the image you’re building.

And before you search for your dream pair of formal shoes, you need to get a good grasp of this information.

Luckily for you, there’s no need to look any further.  This article will give you a run-down of everything you need to know about choosing the ideal pair of formal shoes.

Shoes are often the first thing people notice about you. Footwear says a lot about your personality and how seriously you’re taking a situation.

For instance, wear a pair of crocs to an interview, and the recruiters will undoubtedly know you love comfort. But they’ll also think you’re incapable of professional behavior.

While there are many different types of shoes in various designs, professional settings call for a specific set of criteria. 

So, what exactly is a formal shoe? 

It’s more of a spectrum. Just think of it as any footwear that says you mean serious business!

Confused? 

Well, don’t you worry! Keep reading to find out how to pick a decent pair of formal shoes.

#1. Get the Right Fit

I’m sure you are aware that before purchasing a pair of shoes, the first thing you should get right is your feet’ size.

But did you know that your feet can swell up later during the day? Yeah, this explains why sometimes perfectly fitting shoes at the store might seem a little tight during the actual event.

When body temperatures are running higher than usual, our feet might expand slightly, resulting in a swollen foot. This phenomenon might not happen to everyone to the same extent, but it’s best to take precautions. 

So, the wisest thing to do would be to go shoe shopping or do the feet measuring in the afternoons or evening.

Also, formal shoes are often worn with socks, so make sure to try on the shoe with socks on as well. The thickness of your sock will also affect the fitting.

#2.  High Heels or Not?

It’s an age-old question- do formal shoes need to have heels? 

Well, if you’re uncomfortable with them, then no. But generally speaking, most formal shoes for professional settings should have a bit of a heel. However, you also don’t want them to be too high.

The right size heel for dress shoes is one that is not more than an inch in height. This applies to both men and women.

But if you’re a woman looking to dress up for a fancy formal event, higher heels are sometimes required with the outfit. In that case, please be careful about the type of heel you pick. 

You don’t want to be in pain or have bad posture when giving an important speech. It’s best to choose wide heels or ones that look like wedges. Also, avoid wearing heels that curve or are pencil-like in shape for long periods.

#3. Exploring Colors

For men and women alike, neutral colors like brown, black, and grey are the best and safest choice for formal footwear.

However, black is the most versatile and will match any colored outfit you are wearing. So, if you can only get one pair -always stick with black. Brown shoes are also another good primary color to have in your formal collection. 

Women, however, have a bit more leeway in this aspect. When you’re wearing pastels, nudes are a better option. You can even try on silver, cream white, blues, and purples. 

You can get a little more creative and bolder by adding a different pop of color on your feet. Sometimes even pairing patterned shoes, like those with snake prints, might give your formal look more character. 

Just make sure the shoes aren’t clashing with the outfit. Avoid neon colors and stay away from tacky and loud patterns.

#4. The Perfect Design

If you can afford it, splurge on some designer shoes for formal wear. Look at it as an investment, and pick comfy, good quality shoes with a neutral design you can wear with all sorts of outfits.

Men’s formal or business shoes should usually leather, but if you’re on a lower budget, you can find artificial leather shoes as well.  Oxfords, derbies, cap toes, monk straps, and loafers are popular formal shoe designs for men.

But make sure to pick a toe shape that is moderate and not too long.  The shape you choose might not look good with all your outfits, so to be on the safe side, pick one that is the right balance between square and pointed. 

As for women, professional settings are not the place to try out extremely strappy designs. Opt for closed-toe, less extravagant shoe designs instead.

#5. Comfort is Key

Never sacrifice your comfort to look good for an event. In the professional world, where confidence is the best attire you can wear, shoes play a pretty significant role.

Don’t try anything super new on the day of your event, and definitely avoid breaking in shoes you’ve just bought for the first time. Also, think about how much you’ll have to walk around during the event. Some brands actually do a great job at providing stylish shoes that have good support and cushioning. 

If you find a good pair of shoes, make sure to walk around a couple of times wearing both of them. Also, opt for shoes that fit on the very first try. Don’t fall for the whole “you can stretch them in later” tactic.

And don’t forget to check the minor details like whether your toes are feeling cramped and the flexibility of movement.

Things to Keep in Mind

Although these tips are for all genders, men and women will have different experiences when choosing footwear. Here are some extra gender-specific tips you should keep in mind when looking for formal shoes- 

For Men

Footwear for men may seem boring, but it’s a pretty complicated world to navigate. Always make sure to feel the leather the footwear is made of. The shoes should be shiny and smooth, but not so much that you can see your reflection on them.

Overly shiny, plastic-like shoes might actually be a sign of fake leather. Now, there’s no mandatory rule for choosing leather shoes, but they last longer and are sturdier than your average options.

Another tip – for formal settings, it’s a good idea to wear lace-up shoes. While slip-on ones are definitely easier, lace-ups give more of a professional and serious look. Not to mention, they look really great with suits and tuxedos.

For Women

Women have a myriad of options for formal shoes. However, it’s very easy to get carried away with too many choices. 

Sure, there might be a really great pair of shoes for your particular outfit. But you need to make sensible choices about how appropriate it is for the event.

You don’t always have to wear heels –ballerina shoes or loafers can be a pretty good formal look for women.

Ultimately, it depends on the type of event you’re attending. If you want to go glam and glitz – nobody is stopping you. For more serious, professional vibes, an elegant pair of shoes will speak volumes without appearing too flashy.

Also, don’t stress about matching your shoes to the color of your outfits. Color blocking and mix and matching is all the trend right now – just make sure it all ties together well.

Final Thoughts

The saying “Give a woman the right pair of shoes, and she’ll take over the world” isn’t wrong, you know. In fact, it stands true for all genders.

Shoes not only can transform your look entirely but are also responsible for the aura you give out to people. 

And if you have the right pair of formal shoes in professional settings, you’ll feel confident, supported, and comfortable enough to do your job efficiently.

Now that you know the basics do your research and make smart choices. Remember, much like finding the right outfit, and you need to be patient and thorough when looking at your options. 

So, try not to rush and give yourself enough time for the selection. 

Here’s wishing you find the perfect pair of formal shoes that make you feel like a boss!