Acrylic Nail Shapes and Styles

Have you ever thought about the perfect shape for your nails? What suits someone else might not work for you at all. Use this guide to find out about the different types of acrylic nail shapes and styles and what will work best for you.

We'll take a close look at each of the diverse types of nail shapes available to you below:

Almond Nails

The almond shape is very feminine and delicate, and considered to be the classical nail shape. It can help to make the fingers appear much longer and finer, and in turn less chubby. However, they don't let the nails extend and grow, so if you want them to be any longer they won't be suited to you. The almond has a soft tip with filed sides, but is quite easily broken. If they become damaged then they will have to be filed down to remove the problem, and so some of the length will be lost.

Stiletto/Mountain Peak

Very popular at the moment, especially amongst celebs and Hollywood stars, stiletto (or mountain peak) nails are long and pointed at the tip. You can either buy them as acrylic stilettos or file them into the shape you want. You can get stiletto nails by filing away and tapering at the sides to create a point at the tip. Unfortunately the shape is usually weak as the area of the nail that gives the strength, the sides, is tapered away until they are practically gone. This means that they typically don't last very long.

Square

The square is the perfect and ideal shape for the classic French manicure. Best suited to a larger nail bed as they often make the smaller beds appear stumpy and wide. Also, they don't work well with smaller nails and would look best on medium to longer. Drawing attention to longer nails is something that the square shape is often used to do, as the shorter they are the more dull they appear.

Creating the square is done by letting the nail grow out long and straight and filing the tip across at right angles.

Rounded

Rounded is an all round great shape that is perfect for anyone who prefers shorter nails. It breaks rarely and can be fixed quite easily too. A very simple and easy to maintain shape. As with the square, you grow out the nails straight at the sides and then file the tip into a rounded shape. Very similar to the square in its process, and because of this it allows you to alter the shape from a complete square all the way through to rounded, and stop anywhere between that you think looks best.

Squarely Rounded

The same process as the square nails but you round the corners. Works well on longer nails and doesn't have the tendency to catch on things like the totally square shape. A much gentler looking shape than the square too. Definitely to be favoured if going for a more feminine look.

Oval

Oval nails are a combination or mix of a few of the shapes - almond, square and rounded. This means that they work well on different types of nail, both medium and long, and also creates a more feminine look. To get an oval shape, file the tip into the shape you want (probably oval) and then file away parts of the sides. This can also weaken the nails a little. But if your nails are broad or wide then the oval is a perfect fit as it can help to make them appear more delicate, and so the weakening shouldn't matter too much.

You can buy all types of acrylic nail shapes from the likes of Amazon, eBay, local salons or a whole host of other places on the internet or in shops.

Tips for Beginners Make-Up

Are you still confused about make-up? Every woman who wants to stand out from the crowd needs to know a thing or two about applying her own make-up. Read on if you want to learn about the basics.

Tip #1: Have the right tools

A person may have the right skills, but without the proper equipment and the right make-up products, it would be impossible to come up with the desired look. Spending a few extra bucks on high quality pigments and brushes is definitely worth it. Any application that uses products, which are below par will look and feel mediocre. Seasoned make-up artists often recommend amateur make-up artists to invest on their tools, arguing that even with entry-level skills they can produce great results when they use high-end products, brushes, and sponges that are top-of-the-line. While you are working in improving your technique, the tools at hand must already be professional-level

For starters, here are some of the basic brushes that you must have in your trainee make-up kit. There are eight essential brushes to own, namely the foundation brush, blush brush, fluffy powder brush, concealer brush, precision angle brush, small blending brush, flat eye shadow brush, and lip brush.

Tip #2: Know when to use concealer products

Anyone who is starting out must learn how to apply concealers properly. Concealer products are some of the important components of a modern woman's make-up box. More often than not, the face can have uneven tone and present with unwanted color. Learning about these flaws is an essential part of learning how to apply make-up. With proper and regulated use, concealers can effectively hide bluish hues around the eyes, red spots around the nose, and even ungainly zits. In using a concealer, make-up artists have to apply the rules of the color wheel to come up with desired results. Beige concealer is far from being the universal solution. For instance, a concealer that contains greenish pigments can only effectively cover redness on facial skin. Meanwhile, the unsightly tinge of blue on skin requires an orange pigment. In order to prevent that muddy look, the make-up artist must be educated on the principles of applying color in order to hide flaws effectively.

Tip #3: Let the eyes pop

The eyes are perhaps the most powerful facial features. A skilled make-up artist can change how a person looks just by modifying the shape of the eyes or manipulating the play of shadow and light around it with certain pigments. One of the easiest ways to make the eyes pop out of the face is to change its shape using contouring and highlights. This technique is especially useful in women who are starting to notice skin sagging as well as deeper lines around the eyes. There are also ways to make the eyes stand out by capitalizing on the natural color of the iris. For example, blue eyes look a shade bluer with the use of a bronzer with an orange tinge. These are just a few examples. There are so many things that can be done to highlight the eyes draw the observer to a person's most arresting feature.

Safe and Empowered Women

Being a woman, when I think of women empowerment lot of things come in to picture. Beliefs, Cultures, Attitude, Lifestyle, Education, Crime etc. A woman is someone who is dynamic in many roles she plays. She leads a family and in turn nation. No matter how well educated and advanced, women in India are still considered as a second grade citizen. So instead of cribbing and complaining about all the crime that you see around you or in the new papers, it's time to standup and start working on empowering yourself first.

The following are few things that women should follow to lead a happy life:

Self-dependent

Being self-dependent can solve major concerns in day to day lives. Every women should be financially self-dependent and have their own identity apart from family. You are educated, you have your own knowledge and you know what you are good at. So find a job for yourself and start your career, though it is a small opportunity, go for it. Even if you are not educated, I feel everyone is good at something or the other. Try to find out your talent and think how it can help you earn. (Fields like cooking, handicrafts, designing, fashion etc.).

It is not always about being financially independent, but also being emotionally independent. I understand women are emotional by nature, but it's always good not to invest too much of emotions in someone. It's often said "Too much of anything is dangerous"

Be Confident

No matter who you are. A house wife, working women, widow, or a single parent. Be confident about what you are and what you believe in. Don't worry if you lack the confidence in you. There's always a way to build it.

If you are unemployed, think what can get you a job and work on it. Try and try till you succeed. If you fail in 10 interviews, that's OK. I'm sure the 11th one will be successful (Only when you learn from your mistakes in each interview)
If you can't speak your mind in public, listen to people, make a habit of reading and then practice at home.
If you think you look bad (ugly, fat, short etc.) don't worry, even the film stars look bad at times without makeup: D. There are lot of ways which can make you look better, if not beautiful. Remember no one is perfect and the beauty is not forever. The point is everyone is "Work In Progress":D
Raise your voice against Injustice

Sexual assault, abuse, dowry extortion murder and so on. Have you ever wondered why all these happen? Because you allow it. It's due to the lack of awareness of your rights, illiteracy and oppressive practices and customs. So it's time to stop thinking why they do it and start asking why you keep allowing it all the time. Raise your voice against the injustice around you, be it in the family, at work, or outside.

Educate yourself and your Children

No one can actually imagine that you and your children can also be a victim of all the crime. Think about the reasons that leads to all the crime. Exposing and showing off is one of the reasons behind the crime, know that you are just encouraging some body's cheap thrill by doing this. Educate yourself and your children at an early stage about the basic ethics, how to react to such situations and most importantly how to respect women.

Treat fellow women like you want to be treated

In India, one of the intolerable fact is most of the women don't treat the fellow women as equals. Treat you daughter in law, like you want your daughter to be treated. And then expect a daughter in law to treat you like she treats her mother and vice-versa. Stop feeling jealous and insecure about other women. You are responsible for what and how you are, not others.

Understand Men and be a Happy Women

Stop cribbing, complaining, demanding, depending on your boy friend or spouse for every little happiness. Give them their space. Men have their own set of problems and they need emotional support just like women. Never compare him with other guys and try to manipulate him. It's you who chose him and he can only give you what he has. Encourage him to do better, but never complain. Usually, men are more close to mothers, because they understand them very well. I know no one can replace a mother, but understand and just be there for your guy when they need your emotionally support.

Human Hair Wigs or Synthetic Wigs

Most people like to wear wigs to become fashionable. Women can change their hair from short to long, from straight to curly, from blond to red by wearing wigs. The wigs allow women to have a stunning appearance by changing their hairstyles. Today's women are very busy and family-career-business oriented, and they do not have quite a lot of time for themselves. For a busy woman, a wig is a quick beauty fix for any occasion. Simply using a wig instead of taking the time to style your hair can be a big time saver. Wigs can generally be divided into two categories: human hair and synthetic hair. And there are dozens of wigs with varying colors and styles available these days.

Human hair wigs are made of real natural human hair that is collected from different sources. These wigs are created by using the actual tresses of women. On the other hand, the synthetic hair wigs are made of synthetic materials. They look like the original hair, but if you look at them carefully, you will find out they are not the real hair, and they are quite different from the natural human hair. A human hair wig can be traced from its uses, and it can last for a long time if you take care of it. By contrast, a synthetic hair wig can lose its lustrous nature in a short time, and it can get tangled very easily.

Due to the light weight, comfort and styling options of human hair wigs, they have been considered as the best choice for those who want to change their looks. Unlike the synthetic ones, wigs made of human hair are harmless to your own hair, so they have also become a preferable option for most wig lovers. Like your natural hair, human hair wigs can be washed and cleaned by using shampoos and conditioners. The lustrous nature and shine of these wigs can last for a very long period of time compared to the synthetic ones.

During a journey, if you are using a synthetic wig, it might make you feel so depressed. The synthetic hair wigs are actually fibers, so if they are not properly installed, they will be easy to get tangled. Also, it is a pain to bear with them. On the other hand, wigs made of natural hair can be used for a long time without getting tangled. These wigs can be blended in with your own natural hair perfectly, and you do not need to worry about whether or not the hair is going to fall off.

Therefore, human hair wigs are very versatile and you can use them for different purposes. They can be maintained easily and have a long lifespan. You can just treat them as your own hair. To retain their natural look, you can wash, shampoo and dye them in the ways you like. You can create different and fashionable hairstyles by using them effectively. Wigs with small clips can be attached to the existing hair very easily and will be very stable, so you do not need to worry about them getting slipped.

Office ladies also prefer human hair wigs, because these wigs can not only help them achieve great looks, but also boost confidence. When you feel great about how you look, your self-confidence boosts.

4 Fashion Tips To Look Fantastic At 40

Unless you are really lucky (or disciplined) you are bound to enter your forties with a fair amount of excess weight. You are also in a different place in life. The dressing style that served you well earlier on is unlikely to do you any favors now. As a matter of fact, it is very important to update your look from time to time so that you dress for your age and look fantastic in the process. This does not at all mean that you have to look dowdy. In fact, you can look absolutely attractive no matter in your forties if you follow these tips:

1. Cover up any parts that have a tendency to jiggle. This means that you should wear shirts that have sleeves that cover the tops of your arms. Sleeves that come up to your elbows will look flattering. Similarly, your shirt or top should also cover your hips and tummy if you have put on weight there.

2. Wear clothes made of fabrics that skim your body gracefully and make you look slimmer. Outfits that stick out from your body will make you look unnecessarily bulky. If you find a particularly nice outfit that is perfect except for having little or no sleeves then you can cover it up with a shrug or bolero.

3. Opt for longer hemlines because extremely short dresses and skirts will become increasingly more difficult to carry off. Maxi dresses and skirts will look very graceful no matter what the occasion. If you are very small then you should avoid wearing very long dresses and skirts.

4. You should not be afraid of showing a bit of skin; your cleavage is the best bet here. A deep neckline will make you look sexy and will also make your neck look long and slender. However, do not go overboard with a deep neckline if you are extremely well endowed. Wrap style tops and dresses will help you look very sexy since they help you show off your neckline and take attention away from your waist.

You should never be afraid of following fashion trends no matter what your age; just make sure that you do it in the right manner without going overboard. Wear the latest colors and prints on your accessories in small amounts so that you don't look like you are trying too hard. This will enable you to stay fashionable and attractive even in your 40s.

Photoshoot Tips: Tips on Posing

Models seem to look so effortlessly beautiful in photographs seen on magazines and billboards, but modelling actually takes a lot of work. To look both stunning and carefree in photographs, models have to take note of so many things. While the photographer does some magic with the pictures, it is still your duty as a model to show the meaning of the picture through your poses.

Tip#1 - Be Aware With Your Poses

By sending a message through pictures, you have to be completely aware of what you are doing with your body. Good models could give a message without needing a caption and it rarely happens that advertisements show the message of the photograph through words. Though you, as a model, should be aware of what you are trying to imply through your body language. You must act naturally. A mirror should come in handy for this when you need to practice.

Tip#2 - Act Naturally

While posing, it is important to take note that, to be able to act natural but confident at the same time, you must maintain a gap between your body and your limbs. There are times that putting your limbs too close to your body will make you look awkward while posing. But the most important reason for doing this is to create an illusion that your body is slim. Flattening your limbs against your body will spread out the fat on your limbs, making you look fatter than you are.

Tip#3 - Consider Lighting

Another thing to think about when posing is lighting. Though you are in a studio and the photographer makes sure that the lighting is good in your area, your posing still affects the lighting of your body. Your understanding of lighting does not have to be as complex as how a photographer understands it. All you need to have is a basic knowledge of lighting - enough for you to know where to put your arms so as to avoid casting unwanted shadows on your body.

Tip#4 - Maintain Good Posture

The most basic tip that you should remember when posing is to keep a good posture, whatever your pose is. It is important to look confident when posing because that's how you should be perceived by people. Keep your back straight and your shoulders back so as to look taller and of course thinner. This depends on what kind of poses your photographer wants from you. But if you are asked to look natural, then try to look natural.

These tips may vary depending on what kind of poses you are asked to do since the theme of the photo shoot must also be taken into consideration, but in most cases these tips are the most basic ones, and ultimately the standard ones that you should consider when posing. These tips will help you look appealing and most importantly, confident in photographs.

Famous Australian Models That The World Loves

Models come from all over the world. Hailing from different countries, cities and races but, whether you're always on the front row seats or just an audience at home keeping track of fashion runway shows, you will notice that most of these models hail from the land down under.

One of the most famous Australian models in the world probably has to be Miranda Kerr. Kerr got her shape back even after having a baby. Famously known as one of Victoria's Secret Angels, her face can now be seen in magazines and print advertisements. Who can resist Kerr's sweet, charming smile? No one actually!

Julia Nobis, a top fashion model from Sydney. She seems to have a bright career path ahead of her. You can see her gracing the covers of Vogue, walking the fashion shows in famous fashion cities like Milan, London, Paris and New York. She also bags deals with top brands.

When we say Australian models, the name Jessica Hart should come in mind. Already impressing us by being one of Victoria's Secret Angels, she also appeared in Vogue and Sports Illustrated. She's been the cover of numerous magazines not just in Australia but also in different countries worldwide, such as Elle Denmark, Spain, Argentina and Italy.

Already dubbed as a supermodel by V magazine, Abbey Lee Kershaw worked her way to the top from 2007 to present. She started out in New York Fashion Week and went on to be in demand for campaigns and shoots. Scoring business deals with top brands, she also worked with famous photographers such as Terry Richardson.

After winning the Search for a Supermodel competition back in 2002, Nicole Trunfio decided to relocate a thousand miles away from home to New York and pursue her career in modelling. No matter how brave that move is, it worked for her. Just like most of the models here. She's both a runway model and a print model but take note that her clients are hotshot brands such as Versace, Lacoste and Christian Dior.

One of the memorable faces that walked the runway would be Gemma Ward. Though she decided to pursue a career in acting, her modelling career was very impressive. She started at a very young age, having been discovered at age 14 but debuted at age 15 at the Australian Fashion Week. As an actress, she's been seen in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and The Strangers.

Models may come from different backgrounds, countries and continents, but Australian models no doubt can charm their way with hard work and eventually emerge as the best models among others.