As we mentioned in our post about warmer colors, understanding color psychology can help you convey the perfect impression, no matter the setting. While warmer colors remind us of fire and the sun, cooler colors evoke the coolness of earth, sea and sky. When you’re picking out an outfit and makeup style for your next interview or big date, use these insights to your advantage and ensure that your look is making giving the feeling that is intended.

Blue calms the mind and lowers blood pressure. The opposite of red, it is often associated with loyalty and trust, making it an ideal color choice to use at the workplace. Lighter and softer blues create a sense of quietness and protection, while darker blues suggest intuition and femininity. Grey-blues and pastel shades are perfect for interviews as they convey calmness, ruthlessness, and dependability. To portray authority and power, go for deep, royal blues for your wardrobe or eye shadow instead. However, be aware that too much dark blue can create a depressing effect, so be sure to mix up this hue with a brighter pigment if you are going to a party or on a hot date.

Violet and Indigo have long been used by psychologists and professionals around the world to help balance the mind, as it combines warm red with calming cool blues. Softer tints of purple are calming, pacifying and even can help people banish irrational fears. Perhaps the most creatively-inclined of all the colors, it can denote imagination and enigma and spirituality. Darker shades like plum are recognized as a symbol of royalty, power and wealth, violet and indigo express sophistication and success. Too much deep purple can make you seem detached and ruthless, so it’s best used sparingly. This is a great eyeshadow shade for irises of all tints and can achieve a wickedly bold, flirty look; for an aesthetic that is slightly more subdued, apply purple to the crease of your eye and blend with browns or grays, or try indigo eyeliner.

Green is great to wear when you need to comfort someone or need to come across as nurturing. Reminding us of nature, fertility, and life, green is a restful color that encourages well-being and good health. Proven to help minimize stress, green is often used in offices to relieve stomachaches. Though it signifies self-respect, green should be avoided if you need to convey an energetic air, as it can have a lulling effect. Also the color of money, darker shades can represents possessiveness and jealousy, so be careful when wearing it at work. The hue’s harmonious shades best bring out the depth and luster of brown eyes and hair, and is especially flattering to those with olive skin.

Gray combines the seriousness of black and the innocence of white to create a hue that can be authoritative and practical, as well as soft and enigmatic.  Associated mostly with independence, self-reliance, and self-control, gray signifies intellect and wisdom. Gray is best used in conservative situations when you want to appear classic or dignified. However, this hue in a monochrome outfit can be fairly underwhelming, so add a splash of bright color look an aesthetic that is both modern and strong.  

The post Style Yourself with Color Psychology (Cooler Colors) appeared first on Image Beauty.

As any movie star or fashionista can confirm, fake lashes are a great way to jazz up any look and add smoldering seduction to your gaze. However, the idea of fake lashes can be intimidating to put on for someone who has never applied them before. As with anything though, the more you practice putting them on, the easier the task will become; below are basic steps on you can familiarize yourself with the process and eventually become a seasoned pro.

Start by taking the lashes off of the tray they are stored on. You can absolutely reuse lashes over and over again as long as you peel the excess glue off of the lashes after taking them off, so don’t throw away the tray. It is crucial that you make sure that the actual lash band will fit your eye size and it not too long; hold them up to your eye so you can see if the band fits comfortably on your lash line. If it is too long, trim it with scissors.

Use glue such as duo glue will allow the lashes to stay on for one day and night. There is some glue that lasts a lot longer such as two weeks, but this kind of glue is used at salons for individual lashes and extensions and is especially wise to stay away from if you’re still green to the application process. The duo glue is a lot less harsh and, if the final product don’t look quite right, you can immediately pull the lashes off without having your natural set ripped out as well. Using a q-tip or a small instrument, apply a little of the duo glue on the lash line of the false lashes. Let the glue dry for about 30 seconds so that it gets a little tacky and sticks better. Using either your fingers or tweezers apply the lashes as close to your own lash line as possible.

Apply liquid or cream liner over the band of the false lashes to blend them more with your lash line. Then, use mascara to blend your lashes in with the false ones by pressing them together with the mascara wand. And there you have it! Remember that different styles of lashes provided different looks. While some add subtle fullness, others add sexy length and, as people are constantly seeking ways to use cosmetics to express their individuality, there are options that offer nontraditional shapes and colors; I personally can’t get enough of my multicolored lashes (as shown above).

Any tips you think others should know? Let me know if the comment section below!

 – By Stephanie Kaczmarski. Stephanie is a Philadelphia-based makeup artist who loves to help individuals find the perfect look that makes them feel beautifully confident, whether it’s for their wedding day or an average day. For inquiries, email her at stephaniekaczmarski@gmail.com.

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Red is the color of power and action, as it stimulates both the heart and metabolism. We often associate this with passion and heat (no matter whether the zeal stems from love or war), and its no wonder that it makes both guys and gals feel slightly more lusty. When you wear this uncompromisingly bold hue, be prepared to be the center of attention; be aware that, depending on the quantities or positioning of how you feature it, you may come across as overtly sexual or aggressive. Unless they want to have the same effect as Jessica Rabbit, many women choose to use this color to accent outfit components that they especially want to draw the eye, like on the lips, nails or an accessory.

Pink blends the sensuality of rouge with the innocence of white to create a flirty look. Soft and girly, it can put people at ease and evokes images of youth. As flattering as it may be on your lips and cheeks, be selective with the shades and amounts you choose to utilize. Pinks that are infused with warm red will have an invigorating effect but can come across as overwhelming (for instance, imagine someone wearing an entirely magenta outfit); reversely, muted pinks that are heavy with white are calming to the point of being underwhelming. Furthermore, pink is often associated with youth and, when you are striving to be taken seriously in a work environment, may detract from your efforts. To wear the color in a more formal setting, either add a dash of light orange to the mix to make it a peachy tint or contrast the pink with a strong, serious color like black or navy blue.

Yellow is considered the most friendly of all the colors. Reminding us of the sun, this hue is not without its contradictions; as yellow inspires mental activity, it is sometimes considered devoid of emotions as it is more introspective than expressive. Light yellows is rarely seen worn on the runways or sidewalks, as many softer tints can be unflattering to skin tones. For an appealing and dynamic look, contrast lighter yellows against dark shades, whether it is with neon nails against your darker skin or earrings that are set against brown tresses. Darker yellows are more flattering for most skin tones and, if you sport this daring pigment, make it really pop with silver jewelry. Many women are too quick to dismiss this hue so, if you embrace the challenge and make yellow work, you’re sure to stand out among the crowd as a ray of sunshine.

Orange combines the vigor of red with the optimism of yellow to create a hue that is outgoing and creative. The color that taps most into our intuition, it is often associated with enthusiasm and adventure. Orange lips is the hottest beauty trend nowadays; those with warmer skin tones will want to swipe on color that leans more towards yellow or gold, while ladies with cooler undertones will look dashing with redder versions of orange. No matter the shade, always lean towards a matte finish when dealing with pigments as bright as these. Blue eyed lasses will especially like to brush their lids with orange to create a bold contrast. However, before you apply neon orange eyeliner or coat your lips, be cognizant of the fact that this look is considered somewhat unconventional and could be off putting to some, so reserve this daring look for the weekends and not the office.

The post Style Yourself with Color Psychology (Warmer Colors) appeared first on Image Beauty.

The miracle product, the answer to your prayers, is rather uncomplicated: loose powder. It may sound a bit odd but, if you follow certain steps, your lipstick will look freshly applied for many hours to come.

1) To make your lip products last, it is important that they are applied to a clean surface. Therefore, once or twice a week, gently rub your lips with a washcloth to get rid of flaky dead cells. Follow this with nourishing lip balm to provide your pucker with the moisture it needs and, voilà, your lips are soft and smooth for your daily makeup routine.

2) With the right shade of lip liner, outline the shape of your lips, making them really pop. Proceed to swipe on that favorite color, but be sure to do so lightly.

3) With your finger or a brush, apply a thin layer of loose powder (such as this one by Elizabeth Arden) to your lips. This acts like a matte primer, making that color everlasting. Put on a second layer of the color.

4) For bolder and darker colors, use a small brush to define the outside of your mouth with concealer for a look that is clean of smudgy edges.

With these techniques, you’re sure to last all day or night without having to check a mirror or excuse yourself to the ladies room. After all, when you’re having a fun time, the last thing you want to worry about is reapplying lipstick.

The post How to Make Lipstick Last appeared first on Image Beauty.

Love or hate her, Anne Hathaway stole the night with her sexy dress and newly dyed platinum locks. The look reveals an edgier side of the recent Oscar-winner that that we think suits her surprisingly well.

While many women tried to add punk touches to their look (some pulled it off, but many made us cringe), Rooney Mara headed in a different direction; though she maintained a hint of enigma with her dark lips, the Girl With the Dragon Tattoo actress was the very definition of a punk goddess with a look that is both contemporary and classic. Who knew that a lacy white dress with zippers could work so wonderfully?!

Model Hilary Rhoda, was the very definition of sex appeal as she combined the femininity of a lace overlay with the sleek polish of leather for a wonderful rock-and-roll look. Bravo!

In a night that black reigned supreme, only two dared to wear pink; while Gwyneth Paltrow’s dress left us inspired, Kate Bosworth’s bedazzled attire had us wanting more. Adding a bit of edge with the smoky eye, dark belt and high hemline, we love that Kate put her own spin and truly differentiate herself from the crowd.

Kristen Stewart continues to streak of smart and edgy fashion choices with this red pants suit – being able to stand out while wearing the same hue as the floor requires quite a smolder. Plus, anyone who wears pants at an event that is overwhelmed with dresses counts as a fashion rebel in our book.

Tell us, who do you think should be on the list? Did you prefer the wilder look of Sarah Jessica Parker, the grungier attire of Miley Cyrus, or the sexy black dress of Emma Watson? Tell us in the comment section below!

The post The Best Looks of the 2013 Met Gala appeared first on Image Beauty.

For those who adore their short haircut but sometimes find themselves lusting over the long locks, hair extensions may be your answer. Even those who want to add more voluptuous oomph to their tresses can reap the benefits. Countless celebrities use extensions to add irresistible volume to their aesthetic, and now you can too!

Synthetic hair extensions are on the lower end of the pricing scale; because they don’t quite capture the bounce and texture of real hair, use synthetic clip-ones for fun occasions rather than every-day usage. Reversely, extensions made from human hair cost more but, because of the seamlessness in which they blend with your own mane, they will allow you to maintain a natural look.

To extend the life of your human hair extensions beyond a few uses, you must maintain them as you would your own locks. Wash them with a quality shampoo once every 2-3 weeks and use a conditioner to help keep them smooth and silky. Always make sure to pat them dry with a towel, as leaving them unnecessarily wet for an extended period of time can lead them to become tangled and weakened. To prevent knots, consider wrapping your hair (and extensions) with a satin scarf  when sleeping.

Extensions can also be curled or straightened to fit your styling needs, and protect your investment with a spray that shields your hair from the the appearance of being fried and frazzled. Brands such as Alterna have products like this blowout creamto guard from heat’s injurious effects on your hair and extensions alike. When maintaining your hair clip-ons and extensions, use a gentler hand than you would your natural locks, as the add-ons can have the hairs fall out if handled overly rough.

By taking the proper steps to preserve your extension’s looks and health, they can last up to half a year. So invest in a head full of luxuriously bouncy locks that will make you feel confident and sexy!

The post Caring for Hair Extensions appeared first on Image Beauty.

If you open up your makeup kit, it’s very likely that there will be classics like lipstick, foundation, eye liner, mascara, eye shadow . . . believe it or not, you’re collection of cosmetics may not be as complete as you believe it to be. Below are some examples of beauty items that are obscure to some, and yet can be wonderfully useful to all.

EYE SHADOW PRIMER – Applying eyeshadow can be quite a tedious and artful process, one that you may not have time to perform multiple times throughout the long day. The application of eyeshadow primer makes your shadow more blended and to prevents it from sliding into the creases.

EYE CREAM - Believe it or not, your eyes benefit from having a separate cream from what you use for the rest of your face. The skin is particularly thin and delicate, and doesn’t naturally produce as much moisture as your complexion. Therefore, it contains more oil than most facial creams (and less SPF, as this area is less frquently exposed to direct rays). It is one of the areas in which wrinkles will first become apparent, so it is wise to take preventative measures. Plus, it is fantastic to use when wanting to soften your cuticles.

HIGHLIGHTER – To give your skin that extra glow without the pink of blush or the brown of bronzer, apply a highlighter. It will balance out your complexion’s tone and give your skin a healthy, dewy look that appears seamlessly natural. It’s best applied to the cheekbones and can be used below the eyes as well.

TINTED MOISTURIZER – A great cosmetic for the summer, tinted moisturizer evens skin tone and yet is light as a feather compared to heavy foundation. It is effortless to apply, looks completely natural, will soak into your face so you don’t have to worry about streaking and should have SPF to help protect your complexion from harmful UV rays.

DRY SHAMPOO- while we have all heard of dry shampoo, we often have negative associations of it being “dirty”. In reality, it is God’s gift to women. Not only will it extend the life of your hairstyles so you don’t have use hot damaging hot tools as frequently, but it can save time on those days in which you are running late and allows you to retain your locks’ silky moisture without the oily appearance. Plus, by reducing the amount of times you vigorously scrub at your dyed tresses, you can have your mane’s color last longer.

Tell us, about your favorite beauty products that you think other readers should give a try!

The post Lesser-known Cosmetics You Should Be Aware of appeared first on Image Beauty.

Planning on going out this Cinco de Mayo? Infuse some Latin inspiration into your look! If youwant to wear a classic look inspired by some Hispanic bombshells like Lily Estefan, Demi Lovato and Salma Hayek, sport a soft, smoky eye with a bold red lips to really make a statement. To really make the most of this style, find a matte, long-wear lipstick so you don’t have to re-apply often, and use a lip liner or brush to put it on so your lines are crisp and precise. If you opt to wear a strongly red shade, make sure that the dark eye shadows are applied lightly to your lids; however, if you are wearing a more neutral lip, play up the drama of your gaze with emoting, darker tints.  It’s usually best to choose one feature (either lips or eyes) to focus on so that you don’t look overly “done up” and have your features  competing with each other. A balanced look always looks better.

For a more playful, Cinco de Mayo look, use your cosmetics to exhibit the colors of the Mexican flag: red, green and white. While there are many ways you can do this, I chose to combine rouged lips with green eye shadow. To make sure that my look was bright but tasteful, I blended the green with gold and dark browns to downplay the hue’s intensity; to create a sexy, green smoky eye, you can always blend black into the crease. If the idea of displaying a green lid with red lips makes you uneasy, a tamer option is to have a neutral eye that is enhanced with emerald liquid or pencil eyeliner.

So, come May 5^th, celebrate this joyous holiday with delicious food, exciting dancing and a knockout look that perfectly coordinates with Cinco de Mayo.

– By Stephanie Kaczmarski. Stephanie is a Philadelphia-based makeup artist who loves to help individuals find the perfect look that makes them feel beautifully confident, whether it’s for their wedding day or an average day. For inquiries, email her at stephaniekaczmarski@gmail.com.

The post Cinco de Mayo Makeup appeared first on Image Beauty.

1) Many things come to mind when we think of Mexico, and “Day of the Dead” artwork is towards the top of the list. Though this holiday falls in November rather than springtime, the symbol of the decorative skulls have become iconic of Mexican culture. When we came across these nails on Pinterest, we were immediately in love; the level of detail and the contrast of the dark and bright colors are simply breathtaking.

2) A celebration of Mexican culture just wouldn’t be the same without tasty margaritas. Honor this yummy and visually enticing drink by featuring brightly neon hues on your nails, especially fresh green. We were particularly fond of this manicure we found on Glitter She Wrote, especially considering how simple it is to recreate.

3) The Mexican flag is red, green and white, so there are endless options of how you can beautify your nails for Cinco de Mayo, no matter your skill level. For an understated yet uniquely cute look, we were inspired by this photo that we found on tumblr.

4) Many popular Mexican dishes are not for the mild and meek, as the cuisine is known for its zesty flavors and attention-grabbing spice. Why not bring this same caliente flair to your nails with a design similar to this?

5) When traveling south to this sun soaked country, you will undoubtedly encounter bright and bold patterns. Why not recreate this festive look on you nails? Check out the fun tutorial we found that details how you can achieve this particular design.

 Let us know what designs YOU like!

The post Cinco de Mayo Manicures appeared first on Image Beauty.

1) A quality hair straightener might be more expensive, but it will save you plenty of grief in the long run. Search for a flat iron that has ceramic or titanium plates that evenly distribute the heat, like Babyliss Pro, as well as one that has adjustable temperatures; the thinner the hair, the less the degree of heat should be.

2) As hot tools dry your follicles, help to rejuvenate your mane with a moisturizing shampoo. Furthermore, you can lessen the needed exposure to the scorching plates when you use a smoothing conditioner. It’s also advisable to buy a heat protection product that can be applied prior to straightening your hair to help lock in the shine (be careful to apply a thin layer, as excessive oil will make your appearance greasy). When venturing out on a summer’s day, prevent the sun from frying your tresses by utilizing a sunscreen mist that is specifically for hair.

3) Try not to use your hot tool on a daily basis – you should not be washing your hair every day (this will make your hair especially dry), so your locks will normally not be exposed to water that will ruin the smooth sheen. While wanting to quickly run the straightener through your hair to maintain your look is understandable, there really is no reason to significantly iron your mane when it is mostly straight.

Have any tips or tricks you think our readers would benefit from? Let us know in the comment section below!

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