Category: DIY + HACKS

The ‘how to’ section displays the best ‘how to guides’ on latest style trends. The ultimate spot for those fashion freaks who want to explore variety of guides on how to dress, how to fashion tips, runway tricks and more. It’s time to break out the boring trends and follow the latest ones on and off the runway. Find personalised fashion solutions for your lifestyle with Trendspotters!

Eight amazing ways to wear ankle length boots this winter

The few things that are always associated with winter apart from Christmas are good food, winter clothes and boots. Let’s admit it, the first thing that gets us chuffed about winters is having your boots on. Most of us love wearing them; they are comfortable, trendy and go with many outfits. There are many types of boots available at the stores but ankle length boots never go wrong. They never over/under state any outfit and in fact add the much needed lift to an entire look. Ankle length boots are our favourite from the lot, not because of the versatility they offer but also because they look great with just everything. Take a look at these ways to wear ankle length boots like a boss.

1) Pair them with your denims

If you’re more of a jumper/pullover kinda gal we have the perfect ways to wear those ankle length boots. Team your favourite jumper with a pair of denims and cuff the lower end of your jeans. Put on your ankle length boots just like in the picture below.

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2) Wear your ankle length boots with a bomber jacket

Get that badass look by wearing the ankle length boots with a bomber/baseball jacket. Pair the jacket with slim-fit denims/pants and you’re good to go.

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3) Team your ankle length boots with an overcoat

Just like ankle length boots, overcoats are also an indispensable part of a winter wardrobe. Wear that overcoat with your favourite leggings and bring out the ankle length boots to complete the outfit. Now, strut like Carrie Bradshaw on the streets of New York.

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4) Love check shirts? You can even wear ankle length boots with them

Get that over-sized check shirt and wear it over a casual tee. Put on your favourite jeggings/denims and wear your ankle length boots with it.

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5) The over-sized cardigan look

This fall, your wardrobe must have an over-sized cardigan. It is easy to wear, very comfortable and keeps you warm. Wear your ankle length boots with a plain tee, an over-sized cardigan and grunge jeans and look like you just walked off the runway.

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6) Fur coats and ankle length boots? Hell yeah!

From the one million ways to wear ankle length boots, this one is guaranteed to add to not just your outfit but also to that attitude. Fur coats can be confusing but the key to wearing them right is pairing them with the right accessories like? Ankle length boots. Put on a shirt and a pair of jeans, wear a scarf and your ankle length boots. Thank us later.

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7) How can we forget skirts?

On a slightly warm winter day, wear your ankle length boots with a skirt, tee and a long cardigan. We just can’t get over ankle length boots and why should we? They are amazing.

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8) Match your ankle length boots with a leather jacket and your cardigan to complete your look

Another one of the many ways to wear ankle length boots is to wear them with leather jackets. Make a leather jacket look edgier with studded boots and rock the Avril Lavigne look.

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Have more ways to wear ankle length boots? Let us know in the comments section below and we would be happy to include them in this list.

December 9, 2015
Five must-have winter accessories for women

Winter is here and if you still haven’t unpacked your winter clothing, now would be a good time to start. If you are planning to upgrade your winter collection, take a look at this list of winter essentials and plan your winter shopping cautiously. Winter fashion is a whole lot more dynamic than summer and gives us great options to style our outfits. Take a look at these five must-have winter accessories for women to make winter fashion a whole lot more fun.

#1 Trench Coats

Trench coats usually don’t qualify as accessory but they really are a winter accessory. They can be paired with most outfits and look trendy as hell. Trench coats go best with dresses making you look elegant and enables you to enjoy the benefits of using your summer collection underneath, if you like it casual try a regular tee with your rugged denims put on your trench coat and leave it unbuttoned. You can get your hands on some grey or beige coats as they are both neutral colours and go with everything. You may also pair your trench coat with separates like Kangana Ranaut and get the perfect celeb look.

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#2 Oversized scarves

Try out some woollen oversized scarves this fall. Our favourite high street stores Zara and H&M have many in various colours that look great. Try scarves with different patterns and turn your casual outfit around.

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#3 Beanies and hats

The biting winter wind can be your enemy during winter season leaving you feeling cold with messy hair. And we all know that no one wants to compromise on the style quotient due to that. Solution: leave your hair open and wear a beanie. Beanies make a very important part of must-have winter accessories for women and prevent your hair from flying all over the place and give you a quirky look. You could also go for a hat if you wish to pull off an edgier look.

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#4 Headbands

If beanies and hats are not your style, go for knitted headbands to add a twist to your usual look. Embellished, embroidered, printed, patterned; knitted headbands come in variety of options to choose from. Wear them like Turbands and brave the winter like a star.

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#5 Fingerless gloves

It takes no time for fingers to turn freezing cold during winters. Cold hands make it difficult to work or even drive, making you feel uneasy. Welcome gloves! Gloves are a very important winter accessory and you just can’t give them a miss. You may go for fingerless gloves or the ones that cover your hand and come with a removable hood for your fingers.

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December 8, 2015
10 easy habits for healthier hair

Healthy looking hair is as important as healthy looking skin and no one can deny it. While some people are blessed with flawless skin, some are blessed with beautiful Rapunzel-like hair. For those of you who were not blessed (genetically) with fabulous-looking hair, there are habits that may help. And these habits are much easier than the usual skincare routine that many women follow. Take a look at these ten easy habits for healthier hair that you need to make a part of your everyday regime.

#1) Do not wash your hair everyday

Yes we agree that cleaner hair definitely looks healthier but it does not mean that you wash your hair everyday with the harsh chemicals that go inside that shampoo bottle. Regular showers and shampoos tend to strip your hair off its natural oils. Wash your hair twice-thrice a week and notice the difference.

#2) Try to keep them as loose as possible

It’s good to experiment with different hairdos but you need to remember that keeping any body part constricted for too long can irritate it and same goes for hair. Try to keep your hair down and loose whenever possible. And even if you tie it up, ensure that it gets sufficient space to breathe. Don’t make it too tight and avoid using hair ties with metal bands.

#3) Make protein a part of your diet

As per the dermatologists of the American Academy of Dermatology, one of the major reasons for hair thinning and hair loss lies in protein deficiency. The essential element of hair is protein which is why it is important to include protein in your diet to stimulate the growth of healthy hair.

#4) Keep changing your hair products

If you keep using the same shampoo and conditioner for a very long time, your hair gets used to it and stops responding to it which results in product build-up. In order to avoid that, use different hair products from time to time. It’s a sweet surprise for your hair and keeps it looking happy and healthy.

#5) Go au naturel whenever possible

It is impossible to stay away from those curling irons and straighteners and we understand that. However, your hair also deserves a break once in a while. So try to go natural whenever possible and let your hair take in some fresh air. The heat from all these equipments dries off the moisture from the hair and leaves it feeling dull and tired. Avoid it whenever possible.

#6) Load on the vitamins

Not just proteins, vitamins are a very important part of your hair’s health too. Dermatologists recommend a daily intake of iron, vitamin D, zinc, and B-complex vitamins for keeping your hair looking fabulous. So get those multivitamins and see the change in your hair.

#7) Dry your hair properly

No one should step out of the house with dripping-wet hair. Not only does it look untidy, it makes you look sloppy and might we add a little clumsy too. Before you pull out that blow dryer, give your hair some time to air-dry. Brushing wet hair causes the maximum damage as hair is the weakest when it’s wet so wait for it to dry naturally and then style as per your preference.

#8) Get your hair trimmed regularly

This tip has been repeated a million times over only because it is very important. Getting your hair trimmed on a regular basis prevents the split-ends from climbing their way up making your hair look thinner. This is the reason behind the age-old logic of getting your hair trimmed if you want them to grow.

#9) Style, but with protection

Remember that equipping your hair with heat protectors is the first step towards styling. Use plenty of protecting spray on your hair before you apply all that heat to it. Would you like to directly apply heat to your skin? No? Treat your hair the same way then.

#10) Avoid using very hot water for your shower

We know that the effect of heat on hair has been emphasised a bit too much in this article but only because we genuinely care for your tresses. Extremely hot water damages the layer of protein on our hair which makes it appear lifeless. Use lukewarm water while you shower and keep your locks looking shiny.

Like our list of habits for healthier hair? If you’d like us to write about something else, do let us know in the comments section below.

December 4, 2015
4 tips that’ll help you keep back acne at bay!

Back acne is the worst kind of acne to deal with not just because it is an unreachable area of the body but also because treating it is a pain. And people with the cleanest facial skin may also get back acne. In fact, this phenomenon now has a name, bacne! And bacne can be summer’s biggest enemy.

While during winters we can still cover up our backs with all the layers, why should one shy from flaunting a little skin on a bright summer day?

If you’ve dealt with this beast, we feel what you’ve been through. Here are a few tips that will help you keep back acne away. The most important thing is to remember that your back and facial skin is NOT the same. So do not expect to treat both acnes the same way. Take a look at these treatments for back acne.

#1 Invest in a long-handled body brush or loofah

While it’s not advised to strongly exfoliate skin on your face especially if you have acne, it’s recommended otherwise for your back. Your back doesn’t get cleaned as often as your face does. It just gets cleaned maybe once or twice a day. The sweat, oil and body lotion gets accumulated in the pores and it needs a good buff every once in a while. So it’ll be wise to invest in a long handled loofah/brush for your back and clean your back with it whenever you get a chance.

#2 Use body acne-treating products not facial-acne treating products

Treat your bacne with products that are meant for your body, not your face. Try body washes with salicylic acid and exfoliating elements. Do not use your face wash, or a subtle eye cream to treat your back. The pores on your back skin are much bigger than the ones on your face and body products are designed to treat them accordingly.

#3 Home remedies

If you have mild bacne, you may find some home remedies useful in getting rid of it. The most recommended home treatment for acne is Apple Cider Vinegar. Mix four parts of vinegar with four parts of water in a spray container and use it on your back everyday for two to three weeks. Apple cider vinegar kills the infection-causing bacteria and stops the acne from increasing.

#4 If nothing works, see a doctor

The key to getting rid of any infections is to keep the bacteria away from it but if nothing works, you must seek professional advice. See a doctor and let him/her diagnose the condition if it is acute. They’ll prescribe some medication that will help you achieve that sexy back for summer.

December 3, 2015
Have you tried baking your makeup to get flawless skin?
Baking makeup has become a popular drag in the professional makeup community and thanks to the reality TV star Kim Kardashian, the technique has become a major hit around the world. No, baking makeup doesn’t really require actual cooking. The only thing you’ll be ‘baking’ is your concealer and your patience, as baking makeup is a tedious process. Worry not, if you can catch up with contouring and strobing, then you can definitely get hold of baking your makeup. Here’s how you can get flawless and crease-free skin by baking your makeup.

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Baking makeup is a highlighting technique in which you set your concealer with a generous amount of translucent powder and allow it to sit on your face for five to ten minutes. The heat from your skin allows your foundation and concealer to set, giving your skin a smooth and crease-less finish.

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Learn how baking your makeup can give you a poreless, picture-perfect celebrity-like skin with these easy steps:
1. Start off by prepping and priming your skin with your usual routine and apply your foundation.
2. After applying your foundation, hydrate your under-eye skin with a good eye cream to minimise the appearance of any fine lines or pores. You can try Bobbi Brown’s hydrating eye cream.
3. Apply two thick layers of your concealer in upward direction from underneath your eye towards your temples. Blend it using a damp makeup sponge and let it set for five minutes.
4. Dust a layer of translucent powder to set your concealer and smooth out all the creases.
5. Now, bake or cook your makeup. Spray some setting spray on a damp makeup sponge and dip it into your translucent powder. Apply the loose powder by dabbing a generous amount below the under eye area, the hollows of your cheeks and the temple of your nose.
6. Leave the powder to set for at least five to ten minutes.
7. Using a fluffy eye shadow brush, load some compact powder of your shade and gently start dusting off the translucent powder. By using a compact powder you add a little more colour and coverage to the areas that are baked. Blend away harsh edges and viola you’re baked.
Take a look at this video by Heidi Hamoud to know more about baking your way towards flawless skin.
December 3, 2015
Curl your hair at home using toilet paper roll inserts

We hear girls ranting about their hair all the time, especially when it comes to naturally curly hair. There are days when your hair does not look the way you want it to, and may turn your overall look from fab to drab.

It’s never too late to start over. If you were unhappy with your hair style yesterday try something new today, avoid being stuck with the same hair do all the time. Here’s a way you can use you toilet paper rolls inserts in the most utilitarian manner, and get perfect soft curls overnight. All you need to do is shampoo your hair and leave it to dry, tie it up in a high ponytail and neatly roll your hair around the toilet paper roll inserts. Use bobby pins to keep the rolls in place. Patience is the key to success and all you need to do is sleep on it. These overnight rolls will give you miraculous results making you fall in love with your hair yet again.

December 3, 2015
Attention ladies! Here’s how you can make your makeup last longer

We understand that it can be a task to keep your makeup from fading, especially at times when you can’t always run to the powder room for touch ups. One of the best ways to make your makeup last longer is by using the right kind and amount of products. If your skin is smooth and hydrated, your makeup will last longer and your skin will look illuminated. Here’s how you can make your makeup last longer.

1) Prime time: Use a primer wisely before applying your makeup. Excess primer also makes your skin look cakey. Don’t just restrict your primer to your face, apply your primer on your eyelids and even on your lips to make your makeup last longer.

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2) Conceal first: Many people apply their foundation first and then use the concealer but one of the best ways to make your makeup last longer is to apply your concealer first and then layer your foundation. The foundation sticks on to the concealer and gently illuminates the skin without making it cakey.

3) Use brushes instead of your hands: Our hands carry natural oils that blend into the makeup making it sticky.

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4) Use a light weight moisturiser: Thick moisturisers may stick into the pores, making it difficult to layer different products. Use a light weight moisturiser that keeps your pores small leaving a soft and supple base to apply makeup.

5) Invest in good quality waterproof products that don’t smudge due to sweat or natural face oil.

6) Stop re-touching your makeup: While it’s tempting to re-touch your makeup every now and then, it’s a big no if you want to make your makeup last longer. Re-applying makeup can dehydrate your skin from its natural oils and increases the size of your pores making your skin dull and washed out.

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7) Don’t overdo powder: Use a translucent setting powder to set your makeup and blend well with minimum product. Excess powder creases on the skin and gives an uneven finish.

8) Spray to set: Setting sprays are a blessing for those who are looking to make their makeup longer. Spray over each layer of makeup to prevent patches and fading.

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November 30, 2015
Who wore it better to the airport? Ranveer Singh, Ayushmann Khurrana or Virat Kohli?

The most crucial factor while travelling is comfort. And everyone cannot get the right mix of style and comfort all the time. It’s especially difficult for men because let’s just say, there are lesser options for them to up their styling game.

However, these pictures will make you feel differently. Ranveer Singh, Ayushmann Khurrana and Virat Kohli were recently spotted at the airport giving men major travel wear inspiration. We love their individual style and can’t really pick between the three.

Who do you like more?

November 24, 2015
Get Deepika’s makeup look in less than ten minutes. Here’s how

Deepika Padukone was recently spotted at Bajirao Mastani’s trailer launch and she looked nothing short of royalty. Donning a black and beige Sabyasachi number with intricate bead and cut work detailing, her attire was an inspiration for many. She completed her look with a braided updo and simple makeup which was chic and elegant at the same time.

And if you can’t get enough of DP just like us, we have the right video to spice up your week. Watch this tutorial by Kaushal Beauty and get Deepika’s makeup look in less than ten minutes.

November 23, 2015
DIY: Shattered Glass Nail Art

Here’s a dekko into the hottest viral beauty trend of this season, Shattered Glass Nail Art. This South Korean sensational manicure adds the right amount of dazzle to your nails and makes your hands look simply stunning! Developed by Seoul manicurist Eunkyung Park and inspired by a sea snail with iridescent lining inside its shell, this technique involves the application of small pieces of cellophane to the nail bed to create a magical impression.

The hypnotizing Shattered Glass Nail Art will make you stare at your hands all day long. Watch this video tutorial by cutepolish to learn all the DIY tricks to get the Shattered Glass Nail Art right.

November 20, 2015
How to make your face look thinner

Not all of us were lucky enough to be born with the facial structure of a super model which is why we often wonder about ways to make our face look thinner. The illusion of a thinner face makes one look younger and fit but it doesn’t necessarily mean that if you don’t have a thin face you’re not fit. For people like me, who were not blessed with a thin face here are tips that will help you make your face look thinner than it is.

1) Layered haircut

Get the right haircut for your facial shape and features. The way that your hair frames your face can change the appearance of its contours. Go for a long, layered cut which extends past your cheekbones.

Tip: Avoid blunt bangs and chin-length bobs; the horizontal hair ends can make your face seem wider.

2) Side parting

Part your hair down the sides; this will let your cheekbones stand out, emphasising the natural planes of your face. This hair styling technique works for all face shapes, but it is especially effective for the heart-shaped face which can look rounder with a centre parting.

3) Highlighting

Go for subtle highlighting. Highlights that are expertly done draw the eye along the length of the hair, calling attention to the vertical line.

4) Add volume

Style some volume into your hair. A stick-straight hairstyle leaves little room for disguising the true width of your face, whereas romantic curls and wispy angle-cut bangs soften up the outline of the face. More volume in your hair makes your face look smaller and more delicate.

5) Top knot

Top knots add length to the face and brings attention upward. It makes your face appear longer and creates a slimming effect for your face. The extra height also acts as an add-on to your personality. (BONUS)

6) Back combing

Back combing, also known as teasing, is a great way to add volume to the crown area of your head as it adds an extra inch. A slight teasing adds height on top of your hair and elongates your face.

Story idea and images sourced from here

November 19, 2015
DIY: Negative Space nail art with matte effect

Negative space nail art is the biggest trend right now. It is a manicure where your un-coloured nail peeps through bold colours and depending on your preference; you may use two or three colours. Watch this tutorial to learn how to do negative space nail art at home.

You will need: Any two shades of nail polish, a matte top coat, a pair of scissors and tape

Steps:

Apply base coat to protect your nails. Take the tape and cut it in triangular shape and stick the tape on the middle of your nail bed like shown below, leaving space on either sides.

Now take one colour, and apply it on one side of the nail.

Take the other colour, and apply it on the other side of the nail. While the paint is drying, peel off the tape gently and let it dry completely. Apply matte top coat to finish.

And you’re done!

November 18, 2015
Get Kareena Kapoor’s airport look from Jabong!

Airports are a popular ground for celebrity spotting and our very own Kareena Kapoor knows how to up the style quotient anywhere she goes.

Looking chic-er than ever, Kareena Kapoor was spotted wearing a simple striped shirt teamed with distressed denims and red canvas shoes. Her face bare and hair tied up in a bun, she completed her look with a brown duffle bag, sunglasses and her statement pout.

You can get this look from Jabong.com

Here are the links of the products.

1) Denims

2) Shirt

3) Shoes

4) Bag

5) Sunglasses

6) Phone Cover

7) Watch

November 17, 2015
Let Sonam Kapoor and Deepika Padukone teach you how to dress this festive season

Festive season is here and we are busy attending almost three social gatherings in one day and boy is it hectic?!

If all the customs and gift-distribution are not letting you decide what to wear this Diwali then take inspiration from Bollywood’s fashionistas Sonam Kapoor and Deepika Padukone. While promoting Prem Rata Dhan Payo and Bajirao Mastani both gave us some fabulous ethnic looks that are simple and easy to carry.

If you’re more a fan of subtlety then we suggest you opt for this sari look Deepika Padukone sported in Jaipur while promoting Bajirao Mastani.

Here’s a glimpse of the beautiful @deepikapadukone at the promotions of #BajiraoMastani in Jaipur today. Can’t wait to see more of her, can you?

A photo posted by Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) on Oct 18, 2015 at 6:35am PDT

And if you’re more a fan of separates then go for these gold and silver looks donned by the actor.

And the evening at Jaipur is dazzling just like @deepikapadukone as she promotes #BajiraoMastani in the city. Gorgeous isn’t she? A photo posted by Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) on Oct 18, 2015 at 8:38am PDT

Here’s an exclusive image of our Mastani from today’s Bajirao Mastani promotions in Delhi.

A photo posted by Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) on Oct 17, 2015 at 8:30am PDT

Sonam Kapoor is more a fan of colour and if you’re not afraid of experimenting with your outfits, take a cue from this short anarkali and lehenga she wore to PRDP promotions.

In @abujanisandeepkhosla for the #indiatodayconclave #youthsummit styled by @rheakapoor assisted by @chandiniw MUA @namratasoni @artinayar A photo posted by sonamkapoor (@sonamkapoor) on Oct 31, 2015 at 12:51am PDT

In #Anuradhavakil real Zari lehenga jewels by @kapoor.sunita MUA @namratasoni @artinayar @mitalivakil styling @rheakapoor @abhilashatd @nikitahariramani FOR TARAKMEHTA #prdp #maithali

A photo posted by sonamkapoor (@sonamkapoor) on Oct 29, 2015 at 8:21am PDT

Want to break away from the usual Indian look, try this fusion look and be ready to make heads turn.

In @rohitbalance and @shrutisushmafinejewellery MUA @namratasoni @artinayar styled by @chandiniw A photo posted by sonamkapoor (@sonamkapoor) on Oct 31, 2015 at 2:19am PDT

Source: Instagram

November 10, 2015
Flaunt a flawless makeup look this Diwali

With Diwali just around the corner, your social calendar is sure to be buzzing with different parties or family occasions to attend. Diwali is one festival that all of us look forward to with a lot of excitement as we get a chance to spend some family time, eat sweets, wear traditional outfits and just look beautiful.

While getting ready for any event, it’s always better to match one detail from your look to the occasion you’re getting ready for. Since Diwali decorations mainly include beautiful lighting and diyas, it’s best to add a little bit of gold and shimmer to your eye makeup to ensure that the essence of Diwali stays with you. So here is an easy makeup tutorial by Kaushal Beauty that will help you flaunt a flawless makeup look this Diwali inspired by the colours golden and bronze.

November 9, 2015