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!

Winter skincare: How to treat dry and dull skin during winters

Winter is here and along with it comes the dry and brisk winds that can make your skin dry and dull. Protect your skin by making some simple changes to your daily skincare routine. Try these 10 quick and easy winter skincare tips to stave off the dry skin blues this season.

1) Feed your skin – Got scaly skin? Just milk it. Bathe in milk like Cleopatra and get rid of that dry and scaly skin instantly. Always apply lotion on damp skin for extra moisture.

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2) Say no to long super-hot water baths – Always bathe with lukewarm water and add a tablespoon of oat meal or baking soda to help relieve dry skin.

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3) Exfoliate lightly – Pick exfoliators with tiny beads that are gentle on the skin and massage with very light hands. Avoid using harsh peels and face masks as they dry your skin more.

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4) Rough and cracked heels – Make petroleum jelly your best friend! Gently buff away dead skin using pumice stone and apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly. Wear socks to let the petroleum jelly soak in and heal the cracked skin.

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5) Dry itchy scalp – Dry and itchy scalp can be uncomfortable and embarrassing as well. Switch to an anti-dandruff shampoo and oil your hair regularly with coconut oil or almond oil to replenish your scalps natural oils.\

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6) Chapped lips – Gently exfoliate your lips once a week using a paste of sugar and lemon juice. Always carry a moisturising lip balm or petroleum jelly and apply it 3-4 times a day to protect your lips.

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7) Avoid lotions that come in a pump bottle packaging – Look for moisturisers that come in a jar rather than a pump bottle. The water content and PH base of the lotions available in pump bottles is high that ultimately leads to more dryness.

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8) Eat foods that are rich in OMEGA-3, fatty acids, Vitamin C and Vitamin E such as fish, nuts, olive oil, and citrus fruits to nourish your skin from within.

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9) Brittle nails- Dry nails snap moisture out of the air and make them prone to breakage. Always apply a coat of clear paint. Treat them with olive oil or lotions containing lanolin.

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10) Irritated, dry eyes- Dry air can cause irritation in the eyes leaving them dry and itchy. Always keep a bottle of saline eye drops handy to cleanse your eyes.

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Featured images sourced from: Source1, Source2

November 6, 2015
De-stress before Diwali to look your festive best for the occasion

No matter how much we try to avoid stress, it somehow creeps into our lives. Be it work-related, finance-related or festival-related. And at this time of the year when festivities are in full swing there is so much extra work like decorating your home, preparing gifts for your relatives, spending time with your family and attending to your guests. And it is perfectly normal to feel this way and you can definitely deal with it. You just need to calm down first and take a deep breath. There are certain things that can really soothe up your mind and we would want to pass on these things to you all so you look your festive best on Diwali.

Music

It might sound lame but it is really effective. Music can help you soothe your mind and by music we don’t mean that you opt for EDM, Rock or Techno. Choose relaxing and calming music, plug in your headphones, lie down and feel the music. It’ll help you soothe your mind and take you away from all the negativity.

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Hobbies

If you have a hobby try to find time for it when you are feeling stressed. It doesn’t matter what it is until you love doing it, it could be dancing, singing, playing an instrument, sports, reading or painting. If you love doing it, it will instantly cheer you up and make you happy. Even if it’s cooking then go to your kitchen and create your own dish. So make your hobby personal to you and just have some ‘me’ time.

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Yoga

Yoga is a mind and body practice that includes stretching exercises, controlled breathing and relaxation. Yoga helps you to de-stress your mind, lowers your blood pressure and improves heart functioning. It increases your inner strength that allows you to face daily challenges and it’s even more beneficial if you do it in the morning under the sun. It is sure to clear up your mind and make you feel light and relaxed.

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Other than that, there are some stress-busting foods that you can add to your diet:

Oranges

Oranges are packed with Vitamin C which helps to lower blood pressure and the stress hormone cortisol.

Spinach

Spinach is filled with magnesium that helps regulate cortisol levels and promote feelings of wellbeing.

Fish

Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, fish helps keep cortisol and adrenaline from boosting when you’re feeling tense.

Almonds

Almonds are rich in vitamins B2 and E and these nutrients help maintaining the immune system during all those stressed times.

Featured image source from here

November 5, 2015
Easy festive hair updo for those last minute Diwali parties

Diwali is one of those may few festivals that allow you to dress up traditionally. And for this occasion, most people opt for bright shades like yellow, orange and gold. So when the world is glowing there’s no reason why you should stay behind. However you must remember that the trick to getting the right festive look isn’t just the right attire, it is also the right hair and makeup. While most women get the makeup on point, they often get confused about that perfect hairstyle that is sure to lift up the outfit. If you’re also one of them, don’t stress the one trick that works wonders with Indian outfits is an elegant bun. The best part about it is that it doesn’t even take a very long time.

Watch these videos by MakeupWearables Hairstyles and learn to do easy festive hair updo for those last minute Diwali parties.

Featured image sourced from here

November 3, 2015
DIY: Make this festive sparkly candle-holder at home

Diwali is considered to be the festival of lights and people decorate their homes with lights, lamps and candles to celebrate it in all its glory. Try this DIY tutorial and learn how to make this sparkly candle-holder at home. Illuminate your home with this sparkly candle-holder which will not only protect the candle from dripping all over your furniture but will also make your house look beautiful. These candle-holders can also be used as add-ons with your Diwali gifts for your friends/family. Make this DIY activity even better by including your family in it. Take a look.

Things you need: Mod Podge, a brush, some kind of glitters, a glass and a tea-light candle

Follow these steps:

Take the glass and apply Mod Podge on it, using vertical strokes as shown in the picture (starting from the top and dragging it downwards will give it a fading effect). After working up a small section, sprinkle some glitter on top of that.

Now, cover the rest of the section using the same technique and let it sit for some time allowing the glitter to stick properly.

Gently wipe off the excess glitter from the outside and inside of the glass. Place the tea-light candle inside the glass and light it up.

If you want to decorate more candle holders, try a lace candle holder trick available for you to learn here.

Have a great Diwali!

October 30, 2015
How to use colour correcting concealers: dab those imperfections away!

Not everyone is blessed with flawless skin and at one time or another we have all felt the need to hide some imperfections. And for people facing issues like pigmentation, unevenness, redness and acne scars, hiding them is an even bigger task. But worry no more; there are a variety of products that can help in hiding them. Make way for colour correcting concealers, the secret behind that flawless and radiant looking celebrity-like skin. Here are the details and a guide on how to use colour correcting concealers.

Why use colour correcting concealers?

Most facial flaws are due to colour-related issues such as dark bluish under-eye circles and reddish-brown acne scars to name a few, and flesh tone concealers don’t cover-up all of them. Colour correcting concealers are a total game changer for people dealing with these kinds of flaws. The trick is to neutralise the flawed colours and mask their appearance as much as possible which is where the colour correcting concealers come into play.

How to use colour correcting concealers?

Colour correcting concealers typically come in four shades – green, peach/orange, purple and yellow. In order to hide the imperfections correctly, you need to understand which colour will neutralise the colour of the flaw you want to cover up. For instance, reddish colour spots are best covered with a counteracting colour, say green. Colour correcting concealers are mostly available in a cream-based blend and mix right into the skin along with your basic flesh tone concealer. Here’s how to use colour correcting concealers the right way.

Dab the colour correcting concealer onto the targeted spot with a clean brush or finger and gently blend it out until there are no apparent lines visible. Allow the corrector to set for a couple of seconds. Now use your usual flesh-toned concealer and apply it (again, dab) onto the area where you first applied the colour correcting concealer. With the help of a brush or a sponge, blend the productwell into the skin for an even finish. Lastly, set the concealer with some loose or pressed powder and notice the difference yourself.

Read on to find out which colour correcting concealer is suitable for which flaw and get dabbin!

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Green Concealers

Green tinted concealers neutralise red zones on your face and are best used to cover-up blemishes.

Purple Concealers

Purple tinted concealers are best suited for eliminating any unwanted yellow undertones of the skin and add a natural glow to the skin, when mixed with your usual flesh-tone concealer.

Peach/Orange Concealers

Peach/Orange tinted concealers are ideal to neutralise dark circles under the eyes as they counteract the blueness and balance it out.

Yellow Concealers

Yellow tinted concealers are perfect for hiding purple or blue bruises and veins. They are great for evening out the skin and giving a bright base for your foundation.

Like this guide for using colour correcting concealers? Check out our How To and DIY sections for more such tips and tricks.

October 30, 2015
DIY: Convert a simple glass into a beautiful candle-holder

Diwali is the occasion for exchanging gifts, so if you’ve got dozens of glasses as a present from your close ones or if you have glasses at home that you don’t actually use then it’s time to customise them and use them to decorate your home for this festival of lights. Don’t spend money in buying those expensive decoration pieces instead make your own at home with this easy DIY tutorial. Try this fun DIY and convert a simple glass into a beautiful candle-holder. Here’s how.

Materials needed: Obviously the glass and tea-light candle. For the decoration, you will need black lace, fabric glue and a pair of scissors.

Take a look at the steps:

First, take the lace and measure it to cover the circumference of the glass. With the help of scissors, cut the desired length of the fabric.

Apply fabric glue on half of the glass surface and lay the lace on top of it. Adjust the lace to match the edge of the glass and press gently.

Now repeat the same process to cover the remaining area of the glass with lace. Place the teal-light candle inside the glass and let it dry.

Light up the candle and decorate your room with them.

October 29, 2015
Make contouring a part of your everyday regime. Here’s how!

Sure it’s nice to be dolled up all the time but it’s not necessary that you always look like Kim Kardashian making a red carpet appearance. For most ladies, contouring is this challengingly extreme level of makeup that is rendered both unreal and unnecessary. However, it is actually not as heavy duty a task and does not require a lot of time. Yes that’s true, you can make contouring a part of your daily regime and get that sculpted look in less than 5 minutes all the while keeping your makeup minimal. Here’s how.

The essentials

You don’t need a pro makeup kit to get that polished and sculpted look. All you need is;

1) A contouring kit that consists of the right shade of highlighter, dark contouring shade and a blusher suitable for your skin tone. You can also use your bronzer for contouring if you don’t have a contouring kit.

2) Clean contouring brush, an angled brush and a blush brush.

Steps

1) Start off by preparing your skin with your everyday moisturiser and prime your skin.

2) Foundation can be heavy for everyday use, apply BB cream or CC cream for an even skin tone and conceal blemishes or dark spots, if required.

3) Locate the hollows of your cheeks and using a clean angled brush apply your bronzer or the contouring shade under your cheek bones. Make sure that you blend the product well with the help of a contouring brush to avoid harsh lines.

4) Using a fluffy blush brush, apply blusher on the apples of your cheeks and buff it into your skin until it looks natural.

5) Complete your look by adding a little bit of mascara and lip gloss and you’re good to go!

You can watch the whole 5 minute everyday contouring makeup tutorial here.

October 27, 2015
DIY: gift wrapping ideas for Diwali

Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India and many other parts of the world. Apart from being one of the biggest festivals for Hindus the world over, Diwali is also an acknowledgment of the victory of good over evil. It is a day that is spent with friends, family and loved ones to understand the importance of all we have. Exchange of gifts is a well-established custom that is followed on Diwali to make the family chords deeper and stronger. People exchange gifts and heartfelt felicitations and blessings on this occasion and look forward to a new and rewarding year.

The best part about these gifts is not how lavish or expensive they are but the emotional connect that symbolizes the warmth and feelings attached with them. To make your present stand out this Diwali, add a personal touch to it with these gift wrapping ideas.

Wrap your gift in this cute pyramid holder and befool your friends into thinking that you have put in a lot of effort in preparing their gift (which you haven’t actually) and make them go ‘awwww…..’

Need another idea? You may also decorate this magical box and impress your close ones. Take a look.

October 26, 2015
How to get your makeup on point for a sangeet ceremony

Indian wedding ceremonies are absolutely fun to attend especially these days when weddings are full of oomph and the must-have glamour quotient. The celebrations start almost a week before the D Day and with the wedding season in full swing, all of us get charged up to look our best. But out of all the functions, sangeet is one of the most exciting pre-wedding functions where friends and family come together to make the most of the festivities.

The sangeet look should not be as rich as the wedding look. Watch this video by Kaushal Beauty and learn how to get this makeup look for the sangeet ceremony. Blend yourself into the spirit of the sangeet ceremony by adding a pop of colour to your makeup and get your makeup game on point.

Few tips to keep in mind:

1) To dazzle on the day of the sangeet ceremony, you can go for heavy-worked outfits but avoid heavy makeup.

2) To get the right balance between your attire and makeup, go for simple eye makeup and apply a nice colour lipstick that stays for long and matches well with the colour of your outfit.

3) You can enhance your eyes subtly with brown coloured matt eye pencil.

4) Opt for free-flowing and comfortable dresses so you can freely shake a leg and enjoy the party.

5) If possible, keep your hair loose as a bun may get messed up while dancing.

Have fun enjoying all the celebrations, bring the kid out in you but ensure that makeup stays on point with these tips!

October 23, 2015
DIY: Add these moustache motifs to your plain white T-shirt

Plain white t-shirt has been in trend lately and is considered to be one of the basic essentials in your wardrobe. It is chic yet comfortable at the same time. If you have been wearing your white tee for a very long time, it’s the right time to revamp it. Watch this DIY tutorial and add these moustache motifs to your plain white T-shirt.

Take a look at these steps:

Take the craft paper and fold it in half. Draw half a moustache on the paper as shown in picture and use a pair of scissors to cut out the shape.

Take the potato and cut it into two pieces. Place the moustache stencil on the surface of the potato and use the knife to carve out the shape like in the picture.

Apply some black acrylic paint on the potato stamp and dab it on a rough piece of cloth (to try the layout). Once you are happy with the print, repeat the process on your t-shirt. Place the cardboard in between your t-shirt so the paint won’t transfer to the other side

Let it dry for some time and voila!

October 20, 2015
DIY: How to add elbow patches to your old sweater

Winter is just around the corner and it is time to bring out those sweaters that will keep you cosy in the freezing temperature. If you are not in the mood to wear your old boring sweaters and are planning to spend a lot of money to buy new ones, you definitely need to try this DIY hack. Add elbow patches to your old sweater and spruce it up. It is really simple and will not take more than 5 minutes to do. Learn how to add elbow patches to your old sweater with these simple steps and revamp your old sweater instantly.

Inspiration from here

October 12, 2015
How to fake bangs without cutting your hair by Kayley Melissa

Bangs, also known as fringes, are perfect to frame your face but for that you need to know your facial features and shape well so as to have them compliment your face beautifully. It is a long term commitment so before considering having bangs you need to see if they suit your face and be confident about carrying them well.

If you are not the type of person who likes to make long term changes when it comes to your hair, you will enjoy this idea of having bangs but not the hassle of cutting your hair short. Yes, you heard that right… you can achieve natural looking bangs without getting a single strand of your hair chopped. This cool hair trick works best with a top-knot or a messy bun.

Watch this tutorial by Kayley Melissa on how to fake bangs and experiment with your look every now and then.

September 30, 2015
How to wear culottes

Culottes have been around since forever and were originally worn by men in the 15^th century. They were a hit amongst kings to soldiers to upper class European men and used to have a tight closure around the knee. With time, culottes evolved and grew into loose bifurcated skirts that end below the knees worn mostly by women. Culottes are great for all weathers and are as important a wardrobe staple as denims today. They are comfortable, chic and versatile. The question is how to wear culottes?

It’s not as hard as one would imagine. Culottes have flattering hemlines and various shapes that look good on every body type. Styling these pants can be tricky, but the good part is that there is more than one way to fashion these billowy pants. So whether you’re wearing your culottes on a date, out for brunch on the weekend, or to work, they can fit right in with these small tricks. Here’s how to wear culottes and flaunt this season’s “it” statement.

Source: Pinterest

For a formal-chic look we’d suggest you go for solid culottes paired with a printed semi-formal top and a pair of strappy heels. For a summery look, wear light coloured or striped culottes with printed or plain crop-tops and pretty flats.

A pair of printed culottes make a big statement on it’s own. Keep the rest of the outfit simple with solid-coloured tee or tank tops.

Like our ‘How to wear culottes’ guide? Let us know if you’d like any other styling tips in the comments section below and we’d be happy to write about it.

September 30, 2015
How to do a pull-through braid

Girls, if you have flat tresses then this hair tutorial is what you need. This technique allows you to fake the look of a braid without weaving a single strand, hence giving it the name pull-through braid. This braid makes your hair appear voluminous and fuller. At first you might find this braid looking like a regular 3-strand braid but it has a unique twist. It comes across as complicated, at first, but it’s actually very easy to do and you can master it in just one attempt.

This braid is appropriate for a family dinner, a day-out with your girlfriends and for your office meetings as well. So if you can tie your hair in a ponytail then you can definitely achieve this look in less than 3 minutes and leave your friends surprised and awestruck.

Watch this hair tutorial by MakeupWearables Hairstyles and learn how to do this fancy pony-braid hairstyle.

September 23, 2015
DIY: Colour Stain nail art

Try this fabulous colour stain nail art at home using your old nail paints and be ready to flaunt your nails in style. Take a look at this video to find out how.

You will need: Plain white nail paint, two coloured nail paints of your choice & a top coat paint.

Take a look at the steps:

Start off by applying two coats of white nail paint on to your nails.

Let it dry completely.

Now take any coloured paint and before applying it on to your nails, wipe off all the paint from the brush like this.

Gently apply these stain-like strokes to your nails and repeat the step with another colour.

Apply top coat to finish.

September 22, 2015