Asian Beauty Tips

- by Michelle Smith


The eyes are the most enchanting Asian feature and so special attention should be paid to them. Remember this: black mascara and black liquid eyeliner are your best friends. If you have a fair amount of lid, then you may escape the use of eyeliners and mascara, but to enhance your almond shaped eyes, you can't do without these essential tools.

Skin tone is a big factor when choosing hues for foundation, eye makeup and lipstick. Lighter shades will create a "washed out" look, while intense hues will add dramatic effect and bring to life the eyes and cheekbones.

Use foundation and powder with a yellow undertone. Although many Asian women believe they need to wear pink makeup shades to counteract their natural skin tones, this creates a very unnatural, outdated look. Using yellow-based products do not make Asian women look more yellow, but rather they produce a natural, flawless look that is modern and beautiful.

Eyeshadow: The most important factor in deciding what colour and how to apply eye shadow is to take into consideration the amount of fold you have above the eye lid. If you possess a fair amount of fold, then you can boldly apply dramatic colors such as black, deep purple, deep turquoise (really stunning) and navy blue for night time wear and utilize the technique of multilayering colors. Colors that are especially flattering for daytime wear are bronze and light colours applied close to the lashes while more intense colors are blended on top.

Asian Hair: Most hair-color products on the market just don't work well on Asian hair. More often than not, any amount of lightening turns out brassy; even black comes out looking unnatural much of the time because it's a difficult color to match. Your best bet is to go to an experienced colorist. If you decide to try it at home, remember that thick hair tends to absorb dyes fairly quickly, and very dark hair is especially resistant to bleaching, so always do a strand test to get the timing right.

Lastly, hope this helps!

Fashion FengShui (Part 1)

- Picture by colourfulkids.com


I thought this would be an interesting topic... i'll research more if there's an interest in this.. hehee... Anyway, the following Essential Feng Shui™ philosophy and principles will help you begin to look at personal appearance through Fashion Feng Shui™ eyes.
- article by Fashion Fengshui™ International

Everything is ALIVE
Chi, the Universal life force, animates every one and every thing in our world giving us a whole new perspective on the people and possessions that surround us. If you consider your surroundings to be alive and talking to you all the time—think about what your clothing is “saying” to, and about, you? Do your clothes speak your truth? Is your wardrobe authentic to who you are? Do your clothes cheer you, or jeer you? Does your appearance affirm your goals?

Everything is CONNECTED
Every one and every thing is connected by a “worldwide web” of energy. Therefore, your actions and attitudes affect every one and every thing else in the world—and vice versa. Connect with the people you meet, places you go and pastimes you pursue, by mirroring their energy in your appearance. Do your clothes reflect your surroundings? Are you dressed appropriately for every interaction and occasion? Is your wardrobe functional? Does it support your desired lifestyle?

Everything CHANGES
Nature is in a constant state of change. You witness it in the cycles of seasons, the ebbing and flowing of the tides, and the waxing and waning of the moon. Change is one thing upon which you can always rely. When you change, you align yourself with the energy of the moment, so should your clothing. Do your clothes align with the current you? When is the last time you made changes to: Your self? Your personal style? Your living or working environments? Is your wardrobe attuned to the present moment you? Do you or your clothes require updating?

Live with what you LOVE
The state of your surroundings affects your state of mind. Surround yourself only with your favorite people and possessions. Memories and associations make your wardrobe come alive—make sure they are all positive ones. Wear only clothes that make your heart sing! How do your clothes make you feel? Do you LOVE them? Do they love you back? Do some of your clothes drag your energy down (like a "ball and chain")? Do some lift it up (like a balloon)? How do you think they affect your life?

Put safety and comfort FIRST
Avoid filling your environment with “hazardous furnishings," i.e. anything which, does not contribute to your personal safety and comfort. Small nuisances, such as uncomfortable clothes, missing buttons, unruly zippers, and drooping hems deplete your energy. Do you perform wardrobe audits? Do you regularly identify which garments to keep, sweep,or tweak? Are you living with clothes that are not as perfect as you? How does this affect your energy?

Organise and express YOURSELF
Feng Shui maintains that your environment displays your consciousness and your consciousness creates your environment. Your wardrobe should be in ideal condition, if you expect your life to be. Is your wardrobe in a state of disorganization or dis-repair? If so, is it a reflection of a like-mind set? Or, could it be manifesting the same in your life? Do your clothes display your inner magnificence?

Doctor WHO? Doctor YOU!

- by New Woman May'05


Hate going to the doctor then getting charged for their so-called-minute-worth of consultation fees then having to bring in the receipts back to medical claims? well.. here's some tips to check your health! but seriously, if you do feel ill.. pls go to the doctor right NOW...

1. Check your pulse
Taking your pulse is a great way to find out how fit you are. The best time to take it is first thing in the morning before you've done anything to raise it. Hold your left wrist out infront of you with the palm facing up, then place the first and second fingers of your right hand on your wrist below the thumb. Count the number of beats for 20 seconds, multiply by 3 to get the beats per minute (bpm) then check it against this...
Under 55 bpm: Your heart's in top condition
56 - 65: You're heart's having to work quite hard so more exercise, please!
90+: Get off your bum, you couch potato!

2. Pinch your hand
To check your hydration level, pinch the back of your hand for two seconds then release - if the skin doesn't spring back into place immediately you need to get guzzling water immediately! Aim for 2 litres a day.

3. Do a pee
In the next ad break, nip off to the loo to check the colour of your wee. Basically, the darker it is, the more dehydrated you are. First thing in the morning, it's likely to be quite dark; if it goes dark again later in the day, you need to drink more water. Blood-streaked or cloudy urine can indicate problems like kidney stones, bladder infections or even sexually transmitted infections, especially if you also have a burning sensation.

4. Cut a hole
To check if you're short-sighted, poke a hole in a piece of paper with a pencil and hold it to a few centimetres from your face. Look through the hole and try to focus on an object 10 metres away. If you can see the object more celarly through the hole then you could be suffering from myopia and should book an eye test, says optometrist Ron Detwiler. If you already wear contact lenses or glasses, use this test to see if you need stronger ones.

5. Rubber neck
The area where the lymph glands (part of the lymphatic system, which produces white blood cells to help fight infections and disease) can be best felt is in your neck. Simply run the palm of your hand around the whole of your neck down to your collarbone. As a rule, if a painful swelling appears suddenly, it's usually the result of an injury or ear or throat infection, whereas if it's painless or has gradually grown over time, it could indicate something more serious and should be checked out.

6. Check your breath
Nearly 10% of adults in Australia have regular bad breath and 75% have occasional bad breath, says the Australian Dental Association. So check your breath, rub your fingers over your teeth and gums and sniff. If the smell makes you squirm, it's time to visit your dentist as this is one sign of gum disease.

7. Open your eyes
Get out your compact mirror and examine your eyes. Firstly, the whites should be white! If they're yellow you could have jaundice and associated liver problems. If you have bags under your eyes, you may need to cut down on alcohol and fatty foods. And the inside of your lower eyelid should be a rosy red colour. If it's pale, you could be anaemic - the best sources of iron are meat and green veggies like watercress. Also, the tannic acid in tea interferes with the absorption of iron into your body, so don't have a cuppa with your meal or for two hours after eating.

Scent Sense (Part 2)

Style Conscious
Living in the latest designer apartment complex, dining at the 'in' restaurants - they probably even look a little alike!
HIS: Giorgio Armani Armani Mania, $132
Sleek, smooth and refined, the modern crisp scent of green mandrin blended with vetiver and cedar makes him feel masculine and modern.
HER: Giorgio Armani Armani Mania Pour Femme, $92
A little bit like the perfect bottle of wine, this scent is perfect for her right now - smooth, sweet, crisp and delicate, like a pretty floral bouquet.
Why they work
He loves the ergonomically designed bottle as much as her inner label addict loves the fact that they match.

Free Spirits
This Zen like couple are blissfully happy and completely at home in their incense filled eco friendly house doing a morning yoga session together.
HIS: L'eau Par Kenzo Pour Homme, $80
The clean, serene feeling reminds him of surfing - zesty lemon, green pepper and lotus flower makes him feel fresh and very 'in the moment'.
HER: L'eau Par Kenzo, $80
Just like a beautiful big deep breath of fresh air, with a watery feel, thanks to frosted mint, lotus flower and pink pepper - tranquil and calming.
Why they work
Both just a little bit out of the ordinary, but together, they make the perfect pair.

Star-crossed Lovers
'Till death do us part' describes this couple down to the ground - they can't bear to be parted for more than a minute!
HIS: Penhaligon's LP No:9 For Men, $110
Old fashioned and hot, hot, HOT! Blended from traditional aphrodisiacs including clove, cinammon, nutmeg, rosemary and bergamot.
HER: Penhaligon's LP No:9 For Ladies, $125
Unbelievably heady and seductive, he can't help but want to breathe it in! Jasmine, patchouli and amber make up this irresistible magic elixir.
Why they work
These two lovers must do everything the same... and that includes wearing lusty love potions!

The 'IT' couple
They're cool without even knowing it - think Cam & JT, but they know the value of good designer accessories.
HIS: Versace Jeans Couture For Men, $120
Understated, despite its flashy appearance. Citrusy mandrin, sexy sandalwood and patchouli make it effortlessly cool.
HER: Versace Jean Couture, $120
Casual but sexy, this scent is fresh and glam without trying. Pretty florals like orange flower, iris and jasmine make it shine.
Why they work
They really appreciate each other and adore these simple scents - and probably have a laugh together about the OTT bottles!

Stylish Sophisticates
Sophisticated and chic - think Charlotte and Trey - they both order steaks medium rare, love a good chardonnay and are always home in time to watch their favourite TV show together!
HIS: Burberry Brit For Men, $84
Ginger and cardamom make this interesting and unusual, with a definite dash of nutmeg - subtle enough to stay under the collar!
HER: Burberry Brit, $95
Slightly predictable vanilla with a hint of spice, but the surprise comes thanks to pear and sugared almond to give a lolly like sweetness
Why they work
Like their matching cars, shoes and wallets, these two wouldn't dream of their fragrances not matching each other!

The Power Couple
They're the couple that know what they want, go after it and get it - and only the best will do.
HIS: Gucci Pour Homme, $96
This smells of pure man - so strong and powerful you wouldn't want to get in his way. Inspired by Tom Ford, pepper, ginger, amber and woods give it its fiery feel.
HER: Gucci Eau de Parfum, $155
Something smells expensive! Heady deep musks, vanilla and orange blossom overwhelm the senses, leaving her feeling like she's entrenched in luxury!
Why they work
No wonder they always get what they want - both scents are not for the faint hearted, but would turn each other on.