6 Simple Ways To Look More Handsome

Want to look more handsome and attractive? Yes? Who doesn't want to! Sadly enough-it pays to be good looking these days. We live in a superficial world that promotes outer beauty and better appearance. Life becomes a tad easy if you're good looking-you get women, you get better service, and surprisingly-better salary, too. Good news is that it's easier to become handsome these days. Just follow these 10 easy steps.

1. Moisturise Daily

 

 You've heard this from us countless times, but do you really ever moisturise? Consider it as food for your face. It reduces the risk of post-shave irritation and also helps in maintaining the skin's pH balance. It's just a simple act of using a moisturiser. No big deal!

2. Shave like your Granddad

 

If your face becomes no less than a battleground after you shave, then you probably have to go back to the basics. The new-age five blades in your cartridge will do a fabulous job but it will rob the natural oils off your skin that you need in order to avoid nicks and cuts. Solution? Use a safety razor blade like your granddad.

3. Take care of your Hands and Feet

  

How your hands look and feel matters the most because they make the first physical contact with the other person. So, wash them with soap and water, clean the gunk from under and around the nails, clip them and moisturize your hands on a regular basis. And then extend the same courtesy to your feet because there is nothing more ghastly a sight than dirt, flaky feet.

4. Get an Occasional Facial

 

 A facial is essentially a holistic rejuvenation of your face, and the process includes cleansing, massaging and scrubbing with various high-end products-gels, creams and cleansers. It's an experience which is extremely benefitting for your facial skin, so you don't have to, but actually deserve to get a facial done once a month.

5. Have White Teeth

 Stained, unclean teeth are an indication of your grooming habits, or lack thereof. Having a whiter set of teeth is therefore not just given, but also plays a key role in the dating game as well as your professional life. The best possible way to whiten your teeth is to go for regular cleanings every six months. Additionally, follow these habits for a cleaner, whiter set of teeth.

6. Smell Nice

 

 Smelling nice is actually the easiest thing to do. Shower with a scented soap/wash, use deodorants or perfumes, hell, you can launder your clothes even. But, the most essential habit is to have a signature scent. It will go a long way in identifying your personality and dictating other people's opinion of you.

Written by Nikita Mukherjee

Beautiful Wedding Hairstyles

                         
Hair and hair accessories are literally the crowning glory of a complete wedding ensemble. On your wedding day, more photos will be taken of you than at any other time so it’s important to get your tresses right.
With the cost of a gown, reception, transport and all the other financial commitments, it may be tempting for some brides to take charge of their own grooming. But why short-change yourself when everything else is going to be perfect? It’s worth spending that little bit extra to get a professional stylist to help you on the day – it will be a lot more relaxing and give you the confidence to face all those people and cameras.
There is, however, plenty you can do to get your hair ready for your wedding: whether that be growing it or improving its condition. Get advice from a hair stylist you trust about salon and/or home treatments, as well as growth/trim/colour plans.
Many brides-to-be aspire to have long cascading locks or enough hair to wear up on the day – while these are classic, winning looks – a bride with short hair can look incredibly chic with soft, textured hair that is unadorned. Alternatively, short hair can look incredibly feminine decorated with diamante clips, flowers, a headband or even a dainty tiara.
Either way, wedding hair should be timeless and not too fashion oriented – you want to be able to look back on your photos with enjoyment not dread.
When considering your “do,” work with the elements – if you are marrying outdoors or at the beach – a formal style may look inappropriate and not weather well.
Like a veil or headpiece, your hair-style should correspond to the shape of your face and height, as well as your style of dress, particularly the neckline.
When employing a professional, get advice and book them early (up to three months ahead). You may choose to go their salon or have them visit you (saves stress and travel time).
When discussing your ideas with them initially, take a sketch or photo of your dress and any hairstyles you like – also any hair accessories or headwear you are contemplating.
Besides the look and feel of your gown and personality, your hair should reflect the style of your wedding: is it grand and formal or casual and relaxed?

TIPS

• At the trial session don’t allow yourself to be pressured into a look or style that you’re uncomfortable with – trust your instincts and speak up if you’re not happy.
• Make sure your stylist knows in advance whether they are also tending to bridesmaids and any other relatives
• As tempting as it is, try not to wash your hair for 24 hours before styling. Having a bit of natural oil will help curls stay in and hair stay up.
• If you are planning on wearing a hair accessory, whether it’s a flower or a bit of sparkle, incorporate it in the trial run so your stylist can build around it.
• If you are wearing a veil it will alter the type of hairstyle options available - so let your stylist know what sort you are wearing or better still, take it with you to experiment with.
• If you colour your hair, have retouching done up to 10 days earlier so the colour has time to settle, that way it will look softer and more natural
• A great haircut and blow-dry can often achieve a more natural look than a contrived hair ‘do.”
• Some brides employ two stylists so that one can be dedicated to them and another to the bridal party.
• Tall brides should avoid tall hairdos.
• If you are wearing fresh flowers in your hair speak to your florist and ensure they are robust enough to endure the day.
• Your hairdresser should arrive at least two hours before you need to dress.

• If you choose to do your own hair and make-up practice at least three times and apply your make-up before you do your hair.
  
  Written by Anita 

Tips for becoming a Beautiful Bride

                                                 

Every bride wants to look and feel breathtakingly beautiful on her wedding day, and there are a few quick and simple things you can do prior to your special day, that will get you on your way to looking your absolute best. Owner of Blush Brides and Bridal Beauty Expert Kim McGann, shares her tips:

Bronzed Beauty - Everybody looks better if they appear a little sun kissed. Sun baking is of course damaging to your skin, so I recommend a sunless tanning product. With a gentle, natural looking, even tan you will not only appear healthy and relaxed but it will even out your skin tone creating a perfect base for your make-up. Tanning is also ideal for blending in any of last summers tan marks that may still be hanging around. Strap lines are not a good look when you are in your beautiful gown.

TIP - If your wedding is during summer, it is a good idea to wear strapless tops as often as possible in the lead up to your wedding. This way you are avoiding getting singlet, and t-shirt marks on your arms, neckline and décolletage.

Professional Eye Brow Shaping - This is an absolute must. Neatly groomed and well-shaped brows will frame your whole face, not just your eye area. Having your brows tidy will also help your make-up sit beautifully on your eyes. Even the prettiest shadow does not look so good on hairy brows. Take the time to make an appointment at a beauty salon and ask to see the brow queen of the salon. Better yet, these days there are some salons that specialize in brows and lashes only. This will ensure you get a style that will be flattering to your face shape.

TIP - Take a good look at your brows about six months out from your wedding. If you are not happy with your current shape, start your professional appointments now. This will ensure you have plenty of time to start growing back hairs or altering your current style. Although it will drive you crazy, let your brows grow as much as possible between appointments to give the therapist plenty to work with.

Black Lashes - A quick eyelash tint for around $15 - $20 is one of the best beauty treatments a bride can have. The benefit is that your lashes will appear longer, darker and thicker from root to tip. Often our lashes are quite light in colour, on the tips and especially our lower lashes, and tinting them will show them off without needing to rely on mascara every day. Having a tint is also appreciated by your make-up artist too, and will enhance your eye make-up. ??

TIP - This is a great treatment to have if you will be doing a lot of swimming on your honeymoon, as your lashes will be black without having to worry about mascara.

 Extra Full Lashes - To add a hint of glamour, I love false lashes for weddings. A good quality, lightweight set of lashes will look amazing and give you extra fullness and thickness. There are many different types of lashes available, and I suggest trying them on to ensure you have a great set prior to the wedding day. ?

TIP - It’s always a great idea to carry the little tube of glue in your touch up bag on the day, just in case! ??

A Dazzling Smile - Sparkling pearly whites will add the final touch to a beautiful smile. You’ll be smiling all day and those smiles will be captured in your photographs forever. Dr Levi from The Smile Shop in Sydney looks after hundreds of brides each year transforming their pearly whites. He even just looked after our very own Jacinta, from the Miss universe competition.

 DO’s and DON’T’s: Your wedding hair and makeup checklist??

DO look after your hair in the lead up to your wedding. Use deep conditioning treatments and have regular trims. Your wedding day hairstyle will look much better for it.

DO see a qualified skin consultant or beauty therapist to help get your skin in top condition and glowing for the big day. If you have any problems with blemishes, you have plenty of time to get them under control if you start using the correct products. Your make-up will look ten times better if your skin is well hydrated, free from dead skin cells, smooth and clear.

DO book in your waxing appointments one week from your wedding.

DO make sure you drink lots of water. Flushing out toxins and keeping well hydrated will not only make you feel better but will also help clear your skin and keep dark circles at bay.

DO practice applying self-tan prior to the wedding if you are doing it yourself, or, if you are planning a spray tan, make sure you try out a few places before the day. When you find a good tan technician, request that person apply your wedding day tan.

DO research the hair and make-up companies you are interested in booking. Check out their work on their galleries and read any feedback from past brides. Also book a trial appointment.

DON’T leave it to the last minute to book your hair and make-up artist. Many brides think this is something that comes later however it may mean that you miss out. I recommend booking between six - eight months out from the wedding.

DON’T start using brand new skin care products the week of your wedding. Try everything months in advance! This will eliminate the chance of any last minute bad reactions.

DON’T cut a fringe or try a new hairstyle, particularly if you have been growing your hair, until you have had your trial hair appointment. Your stylist will advise you if you need any new styling at your appointment.

DON’T let just anyone wax your eyebrows! This is far too risky. Beautiful eyebrows really do frame your whole face. Visit a brow bar or find a salon that specializes in eyebrow shaping.

Written by Kim McGann

 www.blushbrides.com.au

Wedding Beauty Tips

                                            
Preparing for the big day can be confusing and daunting especially if skin care and make up is unfamiliar territory and you have little knowledge in these fields.
From my experience meeting with many clients over the years it needn't be so difficult, it's actually rather simple.
Trust the professionals!  If any skin problems exist, acne, redness, dermatitis, dry scalp, pigmentation, congestion etc, whatever it may be visit the dermatologist.
They will get straight to the point and he or she will guide you in the right direction with treatment and skincare.  Spending time guessing will end up costing you more and could make the skin more aggravated.
Once the skin is healthy we can begin prepping.  A routine of cleansing and moisturising twice a day is super important.   A few facials in the lead up will also prep the skin nicely.  If you are new to facials and skin treatments don't start too close to the wedding to avoid possible reactions. Allow 6-9 months prior to your wedding to start facials and skin treatments.  Remember the skin is your canvas to a beautiful make up application so smooth and hydrated skin is what we need.
On the day I personally tell all my clients to avoid using moisturiser with an SPF as this can cause oiliness and create a whitish film on the skin.  I can't rate sun protection high enough but one day without will be ok.  It may even be in the foundation you use and double SPF does NOT mean double sun protection.
Drink lots of water! I know we all say this but it's true.  Our bodies are made up of 65-90% water.  We lose so much without realising it so we need to keep topping up to avoid dehydration.
Try and get a good sleep the night before the big day hehe!! "How, with so many nerves?" you may ask?  Try your best otherwise you will be exhausted by the time you say, "I do!"
Your make up artist will guide you with necessary products needed for touch ups on the day.  My number one rule is "DON'T TOUCH YOUR FACE". My clients laugh at how many times I repeat that sentence but it works.   During my consultations some of you touch your face quite a few times without even realising and tell me that your make up doesn't last the day and ask how to achieve long wearing make up.  Your face is considered a beautiful painting and touching it may not remove the make up but it will look less polished if repeatedly touched, simple!
TOP FIVE SKIN CARE AND MAKE UP TIPS
1.    Use the correct skin care products for your skin as recommended by a professional.  Have any skin complaints diagnosed and treated by a dermatologist (acne, redness, dermatitis, dry scalp, pigmentation, congestion etc).  Skin specialists are the only professionals who can accurately diagnose and treat skin conditions.
2.    Healthy diet and exercise. A good workout improves circulation, ridding the skin of toxins and results in a glowing complexion... and always drink plenty of water.
3.    Make sure your foundation matches your bodies skin colour rather than your face which is usually a different colour depending on sun exposure or protection.  This will ensure your foundation looks more like your natural skin consistently even from head to toe.
4.    Invest in good brushes! They are your tools! You may only need 5 or 6 quality brushes to achieve professional results.  Remember to regularly wash and care for your brushes.
5.    Well-groomed eyebrows define the eyes and give symmetry to the face.   Visit a professional!!

Written by Zoe Fink

The Rape of Nigeria and Nigerians: What Shall We Do?

                                    
The Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary offers three different definitions of rape against which the current situations in Nigeria could be considered. First, it defines rape as the crime of forcefully having sex with someone against the person’s wish. Despite the stigma attached to this sexual crime, which has resulted in under-reporting of incidents, a recent study indicates that the rate of the crime has gone up from 12.5 per cent to 80 per cent in Nigeria.
There are several cases, which are very irritating. Now and then, it is reported that a teacher has raped a student. A religious leader has raped his flock. Robbers have raped a victim. A man has raped a sister-in-law or daughter-in-law. A master has raped a housemaid. A security man has raped his master’s wife. A boss has raped his staff. A father has raped his daughter. A young man has raped a grandmother. A minor has raped a fellow minor. A traditional ruler has raped a subject. An 80-year-old man recently raped an 8-year-old girl. What is really happening?
One unfortunate thing about the crime of rape is that cultural constraints and other factors in this clime all work against female victims and restrain them from reporting the incident when it occurs. Besides, the Nigerian Criminal Code needs to make it easy to prove an allegation of rape. In other words, the rape laws of Nigeria need to be re-written to match contemporary realities.
There is also need for adequate sex education. Sexual lust is a thing of the mind and when the human mind is being fed with pornographic pictures and materials all the time, there is a tendency to get desperately lustful and commit this heinous crime. Therefore, it is important for people to begin to guard their thoughts as instructed by the holy books.
The second definition of rape according to the same dictionary is “destruction of the natural world, often for profit.” Day after day, the natural world of the nation called Nigeria is being destroyed for the benefit of a few people in its leadership. This explains why the nation was recently ranked as the 35th most corrupt nation in the world by the global corruption watchdog, Transparency International.
Over the years, the nation’s natural and financial resources have been destroyed, mismanaged, looted and in some instances, laundered by those privileged to be in the corridors of power. For example, according to the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, over N40 billion was laundered out of Nigeria between January and August 2012.
The destruction or rape of the university system is equally on-going. Apart from the fact that the Federal Character Principle is making it difficult to recruit fresh quality PhD holders as lecturers at various tertiary institutions, professors are constantly retiring without replacements because comprehensive academic research activities are no longer being sponsored and conducted.
On a regular basis, Nigeria’s human resource nucleus is being destroyed as quality medical doctors; lawyers, engineers and other professionals are continuously relocating from the country as a result of unfavourable conditions of the environment for their existence and professional practice. The quality of graduates produced by the tertiary institutions are getting more watery by the day while many innocent workers are dying from criminal attacks such as terrorist bombing, armed robbery and assassination.
Insecurity is on the rise and foreign investors are leaving the country as people die unnecessarily on daily basis. The country is being raped and is seriously bleeding. The punishment for rape in the 1999 Constitution should be extended to the incumbent and past leaders of Nigeria who have participated in gang-raping the nation and its poor innocent masses with the organ of corruption.

 Written by Albinus Chiedu

For questions, prayers, personal counselling, seminars, wedding ministration, etc, CONTACT:

Albinus Chiedu,The Coordinator, MARRIAGE CAN WORK INITIATIVE

Mobile: +234-8038117704

E-mail: marriagecanwork@yahoo.com OR marriagethings@gmail.com

P. O. Box, 13188, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria

Special Effects Ideas for Weddings

For a wedding unlike any other, with falling snow in summertime, spectacular lighting or explosions of brilliance, you need special effects. Get ready to be inspired by some real magic for the ultimate wedding experience and photos.
If you thought large or colourful special effects ideas for weddings would cost the earth then you could be pleasantly surprised. Hiring in the experts or even doing it yourself can be easily affordable, and your effects will be remembered for years to come.

Light Projectors

     

Lighting makes such a difference to your wedding, particularly once evening falls. Special lighting effects can be created indoors or outdoors with colours, shapes and movement of magic starlight or rainbow designs.

Fireworks Displays

 

Fireworks make a show-stopping finale to any wedding, and when it comes to a display it’s well worth hiring the experts in. Light up your venue and its grounds as well as the night sky for colourful special effects young and old will love.

Snow Machines

 

Create a winter wedding wonderland of falling snow flurries and pretty white trees with a snow machine, whatever the weather. A snowy landscape certainly adds to a magical fairytale theme and your guests will delight in the brilliance of pretty snow that’s not even cold! Snow machines with realistic snowing effects, like the ones below, are lots of fun and this is a great special effect for your wedding, whatever the time of year.

Bubble Machines

Bubbles are a pretty alternative to throwing confetti at most modern weddings. Create thousands of bubbles at the touch of a button with a bubble machine to blow perfect rainbow tinted bubbles across the aisle for the entrance of the bride, or fill the dance floor or outdoor grounds with delicate, floating beauty.
A useful and silent distraction for small children during the ceremony, tiny decorative bottles of bubble mix can also be left on reception tables as favours for every guest.

Confetti Cannons

Create an explosion of colour at your wedding, indoors or outside, with confetti cannons. Just check that you’re allowed to at your venue before firing.

Smoke Machines

 

Smoke machines and dry ice add a romantic feel to your late evening reception and the effect is actually very easy to achieve. Misty, foggy smoke with clever back lighting can also create amazing wedding photography – the kind of artistic images you would have blown up to adorn the walls of your home for years to come.

Written by Kate Thompson
 Kate Thompson is an editor and wedding expert, and has worked in the wedding industry for 15 years. A widely published lifestyle writer, she has made BBC television and radio appearances discussing wedding trends in the UK.