Understanding the facets that make up perfumes is very helpful – each distinct scent is made up of layers, otherwise known as “notes”, that become evident in procession. Therefore, if you desire a scent that is girly but with seductively musky undertones, you can seek out a spritzer that initially smells like blossoms, fades into the “bouquet” aroma of amber, and then transitions into the final undertone of sandalwood.

The majority of these notes can be categorized into four different groupings: Floral, Fresh, Oriental and Woody. Each arena can be further dissected (and combined), as illustrated in the below diagram.

If traditional perfumes strike you as too heavy-handed, there are subtler alternatives that provide more diluted consistencies. While most perfumes are 15-30% perfume oil, Eau de Parfum scents features 15-18% and Eau de Cologne products offer only 3-5% for a smell that is delicate and subtle. There are also “pure” fragrances that often come in the form of oils that are extracted straight from the source, but these are rather costly.

Just like you wouldn’t wear the same dress to the office that you would on a sizzling date, your perfume should not be regarded with a one-size-fits-all mentality. During the daytime, opt for something light and clean and, at night, spritz yourself with something feminine and seductive. Let the seasons guide you; during the warmer months, perhaps wear scents that resonate with citrus, apricot and coconut and, during the colder times of the year, smells of cinnamon, vanilla, pumpkin and pine will be especially winning. Furthermore, let your personality shine! If your style is laid back and carefree, perhaps wear a product that is beachy or woody; if you are feminine and refined, a fresh or floral scent may be the way to go.

The post Tips for Selecting Fragrances & Perfumes appeared first on Image Beauty.

Metallic eyes have been the center of the beauty worlds ever since designers from Chanel to Dior revealed the look in their 2013 spring fashion shows. This cosmetic trend is surprisingly simple to achieve and very versatile, as you can experiment with different hues, styles and intensities.

For a sultry, smoky look, play up your summer glow and add bronzed gold and dark browns. Start by lining your entire eye with a black or brown pencil. Next, apply a shimmery (lighter) gold shadow to your lids, we suggest using Girlactik’s Shimmer Eye, and then blend with cocoa brown shadow. In the creases, create a V to extend past the outer corners to your lower lash lines. Finish with an extra layer of mascara, a smidgen of blush and a hint of a lip. This will give you the look of a sun-kissed golden goddess!

If desire subtlety, try a simple look with by using a color gradient of metallics. Start by using a base color up to the brow bone and extend the makeup out to the edge of the eye, creating a triangle wing. On top of the base, apply a darker complimentary hue to the lid to provide dimension and depth. Adding a light layer of mascara can give you little pop. Depending on your choice in pigments and the heaviness of your hand, this look can be worn anywhere from the office to a night of drinks and dancing.

If you want to make a bold statement, throw restraint to the wind and rock a glistening silvery eye. The sexy, molten effect can be easily achieved by adding consistent shimmer from your lash line to your brow. Blend or smudge the color on your lids to create a liquidy look that is elegant and seductive. Because the upper portion of your face is so attention-grabbing, keep cheeks and lips understated.

Pairing your gold and silver has never been so fun. Makeup artist Benjamin Puckey revealed a surprising combination of silver and gold at Gianfranco Ferré’s spring 2013 collection. To achieve this dynamic look, blend three different metallic shades and combined with black gel liner. Start by lining the top lashes with gel, extending the line to the inner half of the bottom lid. Then apply a light bronze shadow to the entire eye and up to the brow bone. On the outer half of the lid, apply a darker bronze shadow, and feel free to use the darker color under the outer lash to give you a larger eye. Finish with a silver pigment on both the upper and lower inner corners. With a dark mascara and nude lip, your look is runway ready.

Which metallic trend are you going to try? Post your pictures on our Facebook!

The post Look Sexy Eyes Metallic Eyes appeared first on Image Beauty.

Whether it’s a day in the office or a night out on the town, curls will forever be a classic look. Hollywood stars have been lighting up the screen and the red carpet with bouncy curls and subtle waves since the 1950’s. Try out any of these curls our favorite celebrities have sported, and be a part of a trend that will never end!

Marilyn Monroe mastered the essence of 50’s fashion. When a girl styles her hair like Marilyn’s flawless curls, it’s not even considered the “50’s look,” it’s considered the “Marilyn look”. Other celebrities like Madonna and Christina Aguilera, have even gone through phases of adopting this style to add glamor and sex appeal to their aesthetic.

To get curls like Marilyn’s, part your hair to one side and loosely roll medium sized pin curls. You can either pin curl your bangs to blend in with your other curls, or style a victory curl for a more vintage Marilyn look!

Taylor Swift needs a whole head of hair to shake around when she performs her angsty songs on stage. Her long curls work with any outfit, from paparazzi pictures in a t-shirt to sparkly gowns at the Grammy’s. Taylor’s curls come across as both casual and polished, giving her the look of the idolized “girl next door”. 

To get curls like Taylor’s, curl sections about two inches wide at a time, but instead of using your average curling iron, use a coil curling iron. The coil will keep each curl separate and neat, just like Taylor’s!

Fear not, blondes aren’t the only ones who can rock curls! Emma Stone pulls off short curls in almost every color: blonde, brown, and red. As an actress that has donned many looks for many roles, Emma’s hair still always winds up matching her quirky personality.

To get curls like Emma’s, use a 1 1/2 inch barrel curling iron to create waves, instead of tight curls. Part your bangs to the side, and people might even mistake you for the Gangster Squad star.

Solange Knowles lets her curls flow free. With tresses that are undeniably full, she comes across as confident, sexy and carefree. This singer is known for matching her natural hair with boldly hued lipsticks and fashion choices, making her a fashion rebel and style inspiration.

To get curls like Solange’s, try for very tight curls and do not brush them out afterward. Let all of the curls fall on top of each other until your hair starts to shape outward. You can even add a colorful headband to this ‘do!

So let your hairstyle express your individuality and shine confidently like these stars. Boldly rock a full mane of curls!

The post Our Favorite Curly-Haired Stars appeared first on Image Beauty.

Summer is finally here! While we welcome the bright sun during weekends at the beach or lazy afternoons in the park, we have a very different reaction as we try to keep our appearance fresh and polished for the workplace. After all, no boss is impressed when you come into the office with makeup dripping down your face! But have no fear fellow beauty enthusiast, Image Beauty is here to reveal some of our favorite tips and tricks to beat the heat to maintain your professional air.

Less is more in the summer months. With sticky and hot tempters climbing, avoid heavy, thick foundations and, if you can help it, forgo this product altogether! Instead use a primer and add either a light weight spot concealer or tinted moisturizer like Tinted Beauty Balm Vanilla Glow by Too Faced to even out your complexion. Because the cream quickly soaks in, you don’t have to fear streaking and can benefit from SPF protection. However, if you refuse to leave the house without a full face of foundation, look for silicone-based products that will minimize the effects of sweat. Steer clear of powders during the summer; the dampness of your skin actually makes the cosmetic clump and crack, leaving you with an unnatural, caked appearance. If you are accustomed to using powder to soak up your skin’s oils, you’ll have no problem discreetly using blotting sheets to limit your shininess before stepping foot in the office.

To make your eyes look bright and pop, embrace waterproof mascara and eyeliner. Furthermore, before applying any color, utilize an eye primer to prevent creasing and smearing as you hurry about your 9-5. When applying color, opt for creamy eye shadows, as this texture is less likely to run amok on your lids and can be applied with varying intensities to make bold hues office-appropriate.

Want a rosy glow without the annoyance of powder? Stains will give your cheeks subtle color and your lips long-lasting oomph, no matter how much you eat or sweat. It’s important to keep your smooch soft and healthy, so apply lip balm with SPF whenever you venture out during your lunch break.

So tell us,  what’s your tip for looking workplace-ready when confronted with a summer scorcher?

The post Looking Fresh for the Office in Summer Heat appeared first on Image Beauty.

June is finally upon us and, with the sun beating down, it is important that we protect our eyes. What does this mean? It’s the season of stylish sunglasses! Bright colored, patterned frames are in, as are mirrored lenses, perfect for bringing enigma and funk to any festive summer look. To really make an impression, find the style that perfectly balances your face shape.

While ladies blessed with oval features can pull off almost any design, those with rounder faces will want to add angles to their look with rectangular frames. Furthermore, pick frames that either have prominent upper rims or are upswept (like cat eyes) to draw the eyes upwards and add the illusion of length. To add a slimming element, find glasses that are slightly wider than the rest of your face. Reversely, those with oblong features will want to add width rather than height to their appearance, as this shape indicates that the face is longer than vertically than horizontally. Like with more circular looks, individuals with oblong characteristics can benefit from oversized glasses, especially those that feature embellishments on the outward corners to make the edges of the face stand out. Fun, horizontal patterns will also guide the eye and provide widening benefits.

Ladies with square faces will want to soften their jawlines and wide cheekbones with rounded frames. Luckily enough, the circular sunglasses stereotypical of 1970’s Elton John are the hottest trend in eyewear, so rock this trend with tinted or mirrored lenses for a look that is straight off the runways. If this style is too bold for your taste, look for oval shades with minimal frames to help downplay your face’s distinctive lines. Those with heart-shaped faces have wider foreheads and narrowed  chins, so steer clear of glasses that have a prominent top or upswept look. Circular, aviator, butterfly and styles that focus on the lower portion of the glasses will deemphasize the wider forehead.   

When shopping for sunglasses, remember to try on plenty and play with thickness as well as color. Let your glasses be an extension of your personal style and put your best foot forward as you have fun in the summer sun. Because your eye makeup will be covered, make your lips soft and beautiful and products from Image Beauty.

The post Sunglasses Shapes for Your Face appeared first on Image Beauty.

Miley Cyrus can rock a buzzed pixie, but can everybody? You don’t need star power to rock an edgy short style, as this look is perfect for those who want to let their individuality truly take center stage. Stars such as Pink, Emma Watson and Halle Berry are three very different women who shine in their own light through their timeless look. The pixie cut is very versatile, buzzed on the sides or soft edges around the ears and along the back of the neck. You can dress it up for the perfect occasion by making a deep side part with sweeping bangs or a retro 40’s look with finger curls on the top and longer sides by using a 1-inch curling iron. So pull out shears, take the leap, and let yourself excel as a contemporary and fearless woman.

If you are looking for a stylish low-maintenance look with light layers, a razored bob may be the right cut for you this summer. The multiple layers will leave you looking youthful, fun and give plenty of flexibility with styling. Instead of rocking a straight bob, lighten up your hair with choppy or symmetrical layers. Razored edges will increase the volume as well as the versatility, ideal for thick hair that has a reputation for being unmanageable and frizzy. With a longer look you are still able to put-up your hair or work with an up-do for a special occasion. You can make this a “you” look by adding stylish bangs or a cool two-toned color. To style this boisterous look, apply your favorite lotion to shape your edges leaving your tresses smooth and frizz free.

Long locks have always been sought after for its sex appeal for quite some time, and now Kate Upton exemplifies the timeless look with lush layers and heavy bangs. Internal layers are the secret to achieving movement and volume for this new aged look. An experienced stylist will leave your top layer of hair long and the layers underneath are a touch shorter underneath to help retain lift and shape. To master the look and keep your tresses bouncy by applying a volumizing mousse into damp hair. While we suggest bangs to accompany the luscious look, heavy curls should dabble with the length.

So tell us readers, what look are YOU going to rock this summer?

The post Sexy & Cool Haircuts for Summer appeared first on Image Beauty.

Neon lips are surprisingly flattering on a wide variety of skin tones. Those with cooler skins will want to find pinks and lilacs that have bluish undertones; those with warmer tints will look dazzling in corals and shades of orange. Ladies with olive or darker skin can easily pull off the selections mentioned above, but will shine with purple lips.

Because the neon color will serve attract a lot of attention, make sure that your mouth is ready to take front and center. Exfoliate away any dead skin that would make the surface look uneven. Furthermore, use a nude lip liner and lip primer to prevent bleeding. Your skin will be in the spotlight right along side your pucker, so keep your complexion clean and even with a quality foundation. Because a matte color is recommended with neon, apply a lip balm prior to using the color to keep lips soft and moisturized. For a polished, tasteful look, keep all cosmetics minimal on the face. Use mascara to make your peepers really pop and make sure to have a clean, defined brow to balance the brightness on the lower half of your face. So your lips don’t have to compete with your outfit, sport your favorite little black dress with this style and you are sure to turn heads!

This beauty style is not for everyone, so it might be wise to try out the product (or something similar) before taking the plunge. Because of the color’s boldness, wear your sample out for a few hours before purchasing so you can view it in different lights and have the time to decide if it is really for you.

So tell us readers, are you ready to have your lips take center stage with this new trend?!

The post Guide to Neon Lips appeared first on Image Beauty.

2012 autumn runway fashion has now become summer trends, and the most sought-after trend is textured nails. Popular designs includesthe caviar manicure, velvet smooth, sand blasted and matte finished nails, each colorfully dynamic in their own way.

The caviar manicure was quick to catch on after its fall premier at Cushine et Ochs’ runway show. The appearance of the small beads can create the impression of having your nails dipped in caviar, a luxury some would first be apprehensive to try. You can create your caviar manicure with different colors, or following the ombre fever; one base color being blended with many different shades that transition from dark to light.  You can create your Caviar Manicure from Ciate, complete with beads and polish, or you can visit your local craft store and purchase microbeads (in the scrapbook section) to achieve this opulent look.

Velvet nails are an easy way to soften up your look or outfit. Most popularly seen in Blake Lively’s wedding to Ryan Reynolds back in December, furry nails have been the growing manicure trend of 2013. Fuzzy nails kicked off its glamor tour in the UK and quickly migrated to Australia. First featured by MUA, but made popular by Ciate, you can get the look yourself by getting fine flocking powder as a substitute for velvet (also found in the scrapbook section).  

A rising texture trend for 2013 is sand nails. This summery design can give you the appearance of an effortless just off the beach look. In March, L.A. Girl made big waves when they rolled out the fabulous Sand Blast nail polish with 8 colorful options. You can also always achieve this one-of-a-kind look with a simple base coat blended that is blended with glitter nail polish and then topped with matte top coat.

For those that prefer a suede texture matte nail polish is just the trend for you. First spotted in fall European fashion shows, the multidimensional look leaves nails looking both shiny and smooth to resemble expensive tile and stained glass. You can dress up the simple look with nail art and studs or gems. You simply paint your favorite color and finish with a matte topcoat. Some of our favorites include Essie Matte About You Matte Finisher  and OPI Nail Envy Matte Finish.

Let me know which manicure appeals to you!

The post Summer Textured Nail Trends appeared first on Image Beauty.

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.

The post How to Apply Fake Lashes appeared first on Image Beauty.