Category: Beauty

  • Top 6 Best Office-Ready Hairstyles When You Are in a Hurry

    Top 6 Best Office-Ready Hairstyles When You Are in a Hurry

    When you have time to go to the spa, get your nails done and spend a few hours in the hair salon, there are a thousand and one hairstyles you could choose, varying in color, length, and thickness. However, when you have to work every single day for 6-8 hours, you might soon lose the momentum of the hairstyle you wear.

    The last thing a working woman wants to deal with is spending the first hour of their morning figuring out a hairstyle for the day. Before you get complacent and completely let go of yourself in matters of hairstyle, here are the top best six office-ready hairstyles that can work for you when you are in a hurry.

    Top 6 Best Office-Ready Hairstyles When You Are in a Hurry

    1. The Big Bun

    All your worries about a bad hair day can be washed away by rocking a big bun to work. All your hair is tied together at the back or center of your head, depending on your preference. It is an easy hairstyle to do because all you need is to gather your hair in a high pony and then start twisting it to a bun.  Be careful that it is not too tight that it will give you a migraine at work. If you worry for your thin hair, try using the sock bun method that will help you get a perfect texture for the bun. This look is chic and ready for a formal setting, without stray hairs playing around your face all day long.

    1. The Easy Pinup

    There is no better time to put your bobby pins to good work like with the easy pin-up hairstyle. The idea is to pin up your hair away from your face while maintaining some volume to your hairstyle. Ideally, for women with thin hair, you can spray your hair well to add some volume to it. Keep it random and voluminous as per your preference. Ensure you do not leave out any hair strands unpinned so that you can end up with a clean hairstyle.

    1. Half Crown Braid

    Have you ever wanted to wear the hair down appropriately and off your face but you fear your hair is too long for the style? Well, you can get away with it with the half-crown braid. The hairstyle is an easy one because all you need is to section a small portion of your hair, on both sides of the head, just above the ears and plait each section to form a braid. Afterward, roll them back around the head and secure them with a bobby pin.

    1. Simple French Roll

    A French roll is a pretty chic hairstyle that you do not have to sweat making it. The idea is to brush your hair into the justify side and then pull the hair from justify to right, rolling the ends around your hand. With your bobby pins, tuck the roll in place, by pushing bobby pins into the right side of the roll.

    1. Easy Chignon

    If you want an easy yet fashionable style, go for the easy chignon. Section the sides of your hair and then create a bun with the bottom section of the hair. Once the bun is ready, twist the side hairs into the bun, and secure everything with some pins.

    1. Modern Messy Bun

    On a casual workday, you do not have to go over-the-top with your hairstyle. A good old stylish messy bun can do the trick. Brush your hair up into a loose bun that is wiggled up but tightly secured, so it doesn’t just fall off in the middle of the day.

    Grab more tips on styling your hair, along with the best styling tools there are for clipping your hair, by visiting https://www.hairclippersclub.com/wahl-icon-review-taper-haircuts/.

  • Rediscover Your Personal Style After Having a Baby

    Rediscover Your Personal Style After Having a Baby

    Having a baby is one of the most life-changing, but amazing things you will ever experience. However, you will find that no area of your life will stay the same once you have your tiny person in your life. Ask any other parent out there and they will tell you that every aspect of your life changes after having a baby, and it is essential that you prepare yourself for these changes.

    However, one of the less obvious changes that a baby brings is the change in your personal style. Being a new mum can mean that you have very little time available to think about your own appearance, even if it was one of your top priorities before having children. It can be easy to lose your own sense of style when you become a mum, and while it isn’t one of your main concerns, it is still important that you make the time for yourself and look after yourself so that you can be the best mum you can be. With that in mind, here are some of the ways that you can go about rediscovering your personal style after having a baby.

    Embrace Your New Body

    Having a baby will change your body forever, and even losing that baby weight won’t be an easy reversal to your pre-baby body. You shouldn’t feel pressured into losing any weight that you gained through pregnancy, but instead you should focus on your recovery from the difficult nine months you have just experienced. There is little time available for the gym when you have a new-born to take care of. So, instead of wishing your body would spring back to how it looked before you brought a new life into the world, you should learn to embrace your new body.

    Your body did an amazing thing and you should be proud of it, not be ashamed of it. Don’t make yourself feel worse by squeezing into your old clothes, but don’t drown yourself in clothes that are too big for you either. You should think about the parts of your body that you love the best and make the most of them. For example, if pregnancy has made your breasts grow, then you may want to invest in a plunge dress! Take some time to dress for your new body shape.

    Think About Footwear

    Many people underestimate the importance of good footwear and how much of an impact they have on your overall style and outfit. While you may no longer feel like wearing stiletto heels after having a baby, there are still many other footwear additions you can add to your wardrobe to help you rediscover your personal style again. For example, the high heels by Dune offer you a type of shoe for every occasion. From classic black to bold prints, you can find the perfect shoe for you, for your post-baby style and wardrobe!

    Get New Underwear

    As you have now embraced your new body and shape, you are now ready to buy new underwear. You may find that pregnancy has changed what sort of underwear you want to wear. Whether you still like to wear a thong or are more comfortable in a full brief instead now, you should find underwear that is both practical, but also makes you feel great.

    It is also important that you go for a bra fitting soon after having a baby as it is very likely that your back and cup size will have changed. Not having the right size underwear will make you feel uncomfortable, but will also make your clothes not sit right on your body. Buying yourself new underwear can be a great way to give yourself a boost and make you feel like the sexy mama you are!

    Have a Clear Out

    You should go through your wardrobe and get rid of all the old clothes that you don’t think you will want to wear again. We are all guilty of hoarding clothes that we haven’t worn in years. Therefore, you should stick to the 12-month rule; if you haven’t worn an item of clothing for the last 12 months, then either bin it or send it to a charity shop. Your new body deserves new clothes and to make room for all those clothes, you will need to clear out your old ones.

    Don’t Feel Guilty

    Having a baby is very expensive, and you can sometimes find yourself feeling guilty for buying new clothes when there are so many things your new-born needs. But it is important that you allow yourself some money to spend on a new wardrobe as you deserve to feel great!

    You should spend the time after having a baby getting used to your new life, but also the new you that exists; including your new style.

  • How to Be Both Stylish and Comfortable in Late Pregnancy

    How to Be Both Stylish and Comfortable in Late Pregnancy

    As their bump grows during the third trimester, many women begin to feel uncomfortable… and unfashionable. In fact, research suggests that over 70% of mothers-to-be feel frumpy in their own bodies, and nearly 25% feel shapeless and unsexy, with the majority missing the skinny jeans they used to love prior to conception.  However, maternity wear has come a long way in recent years, and with a bit of know-how, you can be both stylish and comfortable in late pregnancy while allowing your beautiful bump to shine.  Read on for some tips.

    1. Don’t Be Tempted to Size Up

    Maternity clothes are designed with your pre-pregnancy clothing size in mind.  So, a pregnancy top in a size 12, for example, has been designed to fit the arms and shoulders of a pre-pregnant size 12 woman, while also having extra room for her growing bump and breasts.  A lot of women are unaware of this and opt for clothing in a bigger size during the third trimester.  However, this can make you look bigger than you actually are and also contribute to the feeling of being ‘frumpy’.  Maternity clothes are fully designed to fit your frame, so don’t buy bigger unless you have to.

    2. Look for Items That Can Be Adapted

    Unless you plan on having a large brood, it’s unlikely you want to spend a lot of money on maternity clothing.  However, choosing not to buy much can leave you feeling like you’re wearing the same outfits over and over again.  One way to get around this is to purchase clothes that can be easily adapted, and mix and matched.  Keep your eyes peeled for wrap tops, empire lines and drawstring waists that will look great both before and after the birth and can be adapted to nursing as well.  All you need is a few key pieces that will give you a variety of outfit combinations.

    3. Make Sure Your Underwear is Supportive

    Not only will pre-pregnancy underwear be uncomfortable as you move through your pregnancy, but it also won’t be supportive either.  It’s a good idea to get your breasts re-measured and purchase a comfortable non-wired bra that will support them during your third trimester.  You could buy a maternity bra, or even look for a night-time nursing bra which will perform the same job, but be useful following the birth as well.  Don’t underestimate what good underwear can do for your confidence – and your appearance.

    4. Don’t Forget Your Shoes

    Finally, while high heels are most definitely going to be out during the third trimester, this doesn’t mean that you can’t look stylish.  Many women in the third-tri opt to wear sneakers – or, if the weather allows for it, flip flops or sandals – as they’re easy to put on and will keep your feet comfy all day long.  Rather than wearing a cheap pair, though, check out some designer brands.  For example, the Balenciaga sneakers sold on SSENSE are both fashion-forward and comfortable, and come in a large range of styles.  You could opt for a gorgeous pair of Canvas Match sneakers or some bold Track sneakers.  Better yet – you can wear them after the birth as well.

    Mama – you look gorgeous!  Hopefully, the above tips will help you to feel the same way the rest of us do when we look at you.

  • Beauty and Fashion Tips for the Office That Don’t Require You to Get up at the Crack of Dawn

    Beauty and Fashion Tips for the Office That Don’t Require You to Get up at the Crack of Dawn

    Putting your best foot forward in the office means doing the best job you can, but it also means looking your best. Unfortunately, as the months and years wear on, getting up early to get ready for work soon loses its appeal. That doesn’t mean you should start showing up to work in sweats and day-old mascara! Black Love is here to help you get ready for work in the morning with a routine that won’t require you to set your alarm to an ungodly hour. Here are simple fashion tips for the workplace that you can apply every day.

    simple office fashion philippines

    Lay out Your Clothes the Night Before

    It’s amazing how much time you can waste staring at your closet first thing in the morning when you’re still trying to wake up. Do yourself a favor and plan your work outfit the night before. A few things to take into consideration when choosing your outfit include:

    • The weather
    • What is planned for the workday
    • What you’ll actually be comfortable in

    Don’t leave anything out. In addition to choosing a shirt, pants, and a jacket, you should also lay out underwear, socks, shoes, and anything else you’ll be wearing during the day. Not only will it save you time, but you’ll ensure you don’t end up with mismatched socks or you forget your sunglasses at home.

    Consider Wearing the Same Thing Every Day

    Don’t want the trouble of having to set out your outfit each and every night? Although it can save you time in the morning, it does add one more thing to your to-do list in the evening.

    Instead, consider wearing the same thing every day. I’m glad we ear uniform in the office, so this saves me a lot of deciding time and effort to choose what to wear. This also helps saves money since I don’t have to be conscious of wearing the same clothes all the time. My husband is a minimalist and also chooses to wear exactly the same style and color of shirt and pants every day. He does not care if he looks like he’s wearing a uniform either. His pegs are Marie Kondo, Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, and maybe even Simon Cowell. 😊

    These famous professionals have developed a work uniform that works for them. It involves choosing one outfit that you want to wear every day, and purchasing multiples of those items so you never have to wonder what you’re going to wear again. So yes, this can greatly simplify your routine, and it can help with decision fatigue too.

    Bathe in the Evening, Wash Your Hair in the Morning

    Many morning routines include a shower. They can be invigorating, but they can also take up time in your morning routine. Instead, try saving a little time in the morning by bathing in the evening and washing your hair in the morning.

    By getting ready this way, you can save the time you would spend fixing or shaving without compromising your hairdo. Of course, if you don’t mind styling your hair dry, you could wash your hair in the evening, too. Keep in mind that you don’t need to bathe or wash your hair every day either, which can save you even more time!

    Mascara, Moisturizer, and Lip Color

    A full face of makeup can take quite a while to put on. Although it will ensure you look your absolute best each and every day, you’ll quickly tire of how long it takes. Not to mention, most of the people you work with aren’t looking that close at your face anyway.

    Instead, focus on the basics. That means finding a mascara that works for your lash type, slapping on a lip color that complements your skin tone, and using a moisturizer on your face to make it look dewy and young. In a pinch, all that other stuff, like eye shadow, bronzer, and blush can be skipped.

    Distract with an Accessory

    Got up a little late and didn’t have time to style your hair? Or maybe you woke up with a new blemish? If you’re worried about your appearance for any reason, a little distraction can go a long way.

    Choose a bold accessory to pull attention from other areas that you don’t want coworkers focusing on. For example, a bold belt will pull attention away from your face, while a statement necklace can divert attention from the fact that your shoes don’t match your new outfit.

    Just make sure you choose an accessory that works in your office. For example, bangle bracelets that clank would be a bad choice in a call center. For me, my wedding ring and watch are the only accessories I wear every day – I dislike looking extra glamorous in the office setting where dangling earrings, over-sized scarfs, and other bling-bling are unnecessary.

    Don’t lose precious sleep getting ready for work in the morning. Sleep in a few extra minutes longer without compromising your style with these fast beauty and fashion tips.

  • Age is Just a Number: 5 Ways to Live and Look Youthful

    Age is Just a Number: 5 Ways to Live and Look Youthful

    Aging is inevitable. Everything in this universe ages and undergoes the curse of time. We marked it every year and even celebrate it – at least up to a certain number (haha). We give these numbers more credit and significance than we should. Why? Because as a person grows old, they restrict themselves more. They don’t do the things that they usually do, because it’s not age appropriate or because they have “graduated” from it. 

    A number shouldn’t defy how youthful you live. You can stay youthful no matter what age bracket you belong to. It is a lifestyle, a choice that anyone can have. Don’t let your age restrict you from living and looking young. 

    We may not have found the fountain of youth, but we can create our very own. Here are ways to live and look youthful because after all, age is just a number. 

    Eat healthily

    Looking young and feeling youthful needs to start from within and there is no better way to do that than by committing to healthy eating. Healthy eating habits does not necessarily mean you will never eat sweets or oily food nor will you get a chance to sip or drink your favorite beverage. It’s more about making sure adequate nutrition is present in your meal. It also helps if you always keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water, around six to eight glasses of clean drinking water every day. 

    Give your body what it needs on the inside to look the way you want on the outside. 

    Exercise

    Don’t live a sedentary life and keep an active lifestyle. Eating healthy and regular exercise go hand and hand in order for you to achieve that youthful glow. In addition, proper weight, tone muscles, strong bones, and boosted immune system is a clear sign of being healthy and youthful.  Keeping yourself fit also helps you deal with stress, life problems, and anxiety all of which will age you. 

    De-stress and Find Zen

    Being under chronic stress can accelerate your aging. When a person is stressed, a number of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol flood your blood. These hormones can increase your blood pressure and heart rate. This is typically okay if it only goes on for a few moments, but chronic stress means experiencing it over a prolonged period of time. And having a great influx of these stress hormones have a negative impact on your body. 

    And so, it is important to always find your balance, ground yourself and stay zen. You can do this by regular relaxation such as a spa day, meditation, yoga or as simple as breathing exercises. These activities can melt away your stress and make you feel radiate from within. That feeling where you feel content, and happy just because. 

    Explore beauty through science

    There are some factors in aging that cannot be controlled like genes and for this aspect, I suggest exploring the prospect of aesthetic medicine. It’s 2019, we have the science and technology to change your appearance. There are many procedures available today that are non-invasive, invasive, and are out-patient, from body sculping, laser treatments, and augmentation. 

    Learn new things

    Nothing feels more youthful than going back to square one. Don’t forget what you learned or earned over the years, rather explore new things to use in the coming years. The perspective of learning new things invigorates our interest in life, thus can make us feel and look youthful. It doesn’t have to be a PhD program but could be as simple as learning a new language, how to paint, play musical instrument, dancing lessons, or voice lessons.

  • 2018 Top 10 Organic Skincare Favorites from Healthy Options

    2018 Top 10 Organic Skincare Favorites from Healthy Options

    We just celebrated Chinese New Year and it’s now officially the Year of the Pig! I got to try more organic and all-natural skincare items from Healthy Options throughout 2018. (Read my 2017 favorites here.) To be honest, I’ve been so busy with work and motherhood that I didn’t think this beauty post would go up today. I had to burn the midnight oil because I was really excited to share my top 10 personal favorites with you guys! Continue reading to learn more about my daily essentials. You may see something that will also fit your skin type, interest, and skincare routine. 🙂 Here it goes:

    skincare beauty healthy options

    Top 10 Organic Skincare Favorites from Healthy Options

    1. Cocokind Mymatcha All-Over Moisture Stick

    Cocokind matcha stick is truly a game-changer and a holy grail beauty item! This organic moisturizing stick can be used while you’re on the go. It helps rejuvenate dry spots, protect skin from free radical damage, and moisturize skin all day long.

    The best thing is that it has so many functions in one sleek packaging: it can be used as an everyday lip balm, under eye balm, dark circle corrector, facial highlighter, dry area treatment…anywhere and everywhere! It’s so moisturizing and spreads beautifully, and it doesn’t leave my skin feeling oily or greasy. It’s also the best chapstick I’ve ever used. I also use it for dry areas of my face. I noticed that I have dry skin now that I’m breastfeeding.

    So yes, the Cocokind Mymatcha All-Over Moisture Stick is a winner! Once you have it, you can’t leave home without it. Just pack it in a small bag or pouch and you’re ready to go. 🙂

    2. Cocokind MacaBeet Tinted Moisture Stick

    I got this stick at the same day I got the matcha stick. At first, I had my doubts since it will just have the same moisturizing effect as the first one. However, the main difference is color.

    cocokind macabeet

    Cocokind macabeet provides a subtle tint to the lips and cheeks. I love that the color is very subtle and I use it as a blush. It delivers antioxidants which fight free radical damage by delivering adaptogenic powers, and combined with maca root, macabeet helps create smooth and even skin. With a little touch of pink, it’s makeup and skincare in one. Love it!

    To use, glide onto lips and cheeks and gently tap in with fingertips if necessary, for a naturally tinted and rosy glow.

    3. Cocokind Turmeric Spot Treatment

    To complete the whole line of Cocokind sticks, I got curious to also try the turmeric spot treatment. The primary reason I got it is for emergency cases: to relieve breakouts. It’s said to work wonders as it helps bring down redness and the size of a pimple in a few hours.

    The good: It has amazing ingredients that aren’t only used for cooking (turmeric, ginger, and tea tree oil help to balance skin tone, while sunflower oil soothes and calms). It helps brighten and calm inflammation. The bad and the ugly: The stick doesn’t stain the skin but the yellowish color may transfer to clothing or fabrics, so just be careful. When applied on the face, it looks like you have jaundice but it will be okay once you take it off.

    If you don’t have it, get it. You need it. It’s like a magic pimple cure! To use, apply the turmeric spot treatment to blemishes, breakouts, or areas with uneven pigment for 20 minutes. To remove, spray toner onto a cotton pad and gently wipe over the area.

    4. Derma E Very Clear Acne Cleanser

    Derma E is one of my most favorite brands in Healthy Options because it’s cruelty-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, 100% vegan, gmo-free, and sustainable. Their products are formulated with the most potent natural antioxidants and targeted vitamin solutions to ensure they deliver unmatched results without the use of harmful chemicals. Also, the packaging looks really clean and nice.

    My new go-to cleanser, the Derma E Very Clear Acne Cleanser, makes my face feel clean without being stripped of moisture. It’s a a recommended daily cleanser for blemish-prone skin, as it removes built-up oil and debris to unclog pores. The best part is that it contains 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Medication, which can penetrate pores and eliminate pore-clogging impurities—like dead skin cells, makeup, excess oil and bacteria.

    To use, pour a small amount of cleanser onto dampened hands and apply to a wet face and neck. Work into a deep cleansing lather, concentrating on areas of congestion and oiliness. Cleanse entire face and neck.

    5. Derma E Purifying Daily Detox Scrub with Charcoal

    As mentioned in my other product hauls, Derma E Purifying Daily Detox Scrub with Charcoal is a great natural exfoliate that we use every day. It lifts away micro-pollutants and impurities for a fresh, healthy radiance. It’s gently enough to buff away dead skin and purge congested pores (forefathers of all breakouts). My mom is also a fan and asks me to buy a new one whenever she empties the product. 🙂

    To use, apply a small amount to wet or dry skin and gently massage in circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.

    6. Derma E Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask

    Everyone went gaga over the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Mask last year at Healthy Options, and for good reason. It’s a perfect product for deep pore cleansing of the skin, and you don’t have to go to a facial spa center to achieve all the benefits. The one thing I don’t like about it is that you have to mix it with apple cider vinegar or water before application. Sometimes, I just don’t have the time to prep. 😛 This is where Derma E Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask enters the picture.

    It find it simple and very easy to apply right out of the package. The instruction is to leave on the face for 5 minutes or until mask is completely dry, moisten fingertips, then massage mask gently in a circular motion to activate exfoliants.

    I’m not sure if it has 100% the same effect as Aztec, but the beauty of this natural clay mask is that it’s infused with Kimarine Wakame, Bladerwrack and Activated Charcoal that lift out dirt, oil and bacteria to decongest pores as the mask dries. Plus, it has Apricot Seed Powder that exfoliates away dead skin cells and captured debris upon removal. This 2-in-1 charcoal mask is perfect for those who want to simplify their beauty routine.

    7. Nature’s Gate Vitamin E Oil

    2018 was the year I got pregnant and gave birth. I researched for so many skincare solutions that can help reduce or prevent the onset of stretch marks on my belly, and I read so many good reviews about Nature’s Gate Vitamin E Oil. I applied this almost every day and I’m very happy with the results. I got no stretch marks! 🙂 It’s skin therapy in a bottle, formulated with a quickly absorbing blend of Vitamin E Acetate, grapeseed and safflower oil that helps provide renewed softness.

    Note: I asked my obstetrician before using the product so it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider too if you’re pregnant before application.

    8. Nature’s Gate Moisturizing Lotion (Papaya)

    Together with the Vitamin E oil, this lotion may also be part of the solution that helped prevent and battle stretch marks. I used to apply this every night on my arms, legs, and tummy without fail. I love the sweet smell and velvety texture. When you put it on it absorbs pretty fast and your hands don’t stay slimy.

    9. Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner with Aloe Vera

    There’s so much rave and love about this product online that I can’t help to get one myself. True enough, this soothing rose toner delivers in spades. It’s free of alcohol, parabens, and propylene glycol, and it smells like roses! The natural astringent properties of rose petals work in tandem with witch hazel, tightening pores, controlling oil production, locking moisture in, and keeping free radicals out.

    The application of witch hazel reduces excess oil buildup and bacteria growth on the skin, heals infections, reduces redness and inflammation, and halts the development of blackheads and whiteheads. When looking for your next witch hazel item, settle for nothing less. Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner with Aloe Vera is a good buy!

    My husband is also using Thayers witch hazel every night after taking beta-alanine supplements (a great option for athletes to work out harder in the gym).

    10. Alba Botanica Even Advanced Natural Moisturizer Sea Moss SPF 15

    Alba Botanica Even Advanced Natural Moisturizer is my secret for hydrating my skin throughout the day. The scent is mild and flowery that doesn’t hang around.I apply this moisturizer daily before putting makeup on and it wears beautifully under foundation. It’s a very rich, emollient cream that’s not greasy and absorbs really well. The good thing is that it has SPF 15, and it guards against UVA and UVB sun rays.

    Wrap Up

    I’m turning 30 this year and I realized starting a few years back that there’s no point in knowing what to put on your pretty face if you don’t have a clean, healthy canvas. Using organic and all-natural skincare reduces the amount of toxins and chemicals on your face and they’re an essential part of any beauty regime. Let these 2018 beauty favorites from Healthy Options Philippines give you insight and treat your skin the best you can. 🙂 Thanks for reading!

  • Pearly Whites: What’s the Price of Your Perfectly Imperfect Smile?

    Pearly Whites: What’s the Price of Your Perfectly Imperfect Smile?

    Have you ever been talking to someone and you’re making eye contact but then notice their eyes shift downward? I think we all have. Did you know what they were looking at? Nine times out of ten, they were looking at your teeth!

    How embarrassing! They’re looking at your teeth for one of two reasons: because you have something on them or because the overall appearance of your teeth is just distracting to them. Both of those reasons are why a lot of people don’t smile. Luckily, there have been so many advancements in the world of dentistry to help people with their dental dilemmas.

    Teeth Fetish?

    Forbes states that people have taken more of an interest and focus on the appearance of their teeth. Shape and color being the main focus. You see a lot of celebrities taking selfies and posting videos flashing their pearly whites. Some celebs even post videos of them visiting their dentist.

    In seeing celebrities taking extra care of their teeth, it has inspired a lot of consumers to do the same. You see more and more people getting teeth whitening services and fixing their crooked smiles. Whether this increase in dental care is coming from a cosmetic desire to be like their favorite celebrity or not, it ’s certainly making people be more attentive to their dental health.

    The Evolution of Teeth: Braces

    There was a point in time where if you wanted a pretty smile, you had to wear braces. Braces were the absolute worst for kids in school 30-40 years ago. Phrases like “brace face” and “metal mouth” would torment kids for the entire time they wore braces and were really hurtful but with all the teasing and ridicule, the finished product was a gorgeous smile.

    Now, these gorgeous smiles do come at a pretty price. According to oralb.com, traditional braces can run you anywhere from $3,000-$7,000. Ceramic braces can range from $4,000-$8,000 and Lingual braces can cost you a whopping $8,000-$10,000! The new form of braces are called Invisalign and they can run you $4,000-$7,400.

    How Braces Work

    Essentially, when braces are applied, it is a process of applied pressure moving your teeth in a certain direction. As your teeth move, your bone changes shape. This process is the same for traditional braces and Invisalign braces. The actual process of applying braces can be a little scary so you want to make sure you find the right dentist to meet your dental hygiene needs.

    Million Dollar Smile: Cosmetic Dentistry

    Most of us really want to have that “million dollar” smile but don’t want to pay the million dollar money that comes with that smile. What a lot of people don’t realize is that there are procedures that can enhance your smile without emptying out your bank account.

    The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry states that the number of cosmetic dental procedures has had a 12% increase in the last three to five years. That just goes to show you just how much people have taken an interest in their oral hygiene.

    Now, cosmetic dentistry costs do vary and can be dependent upon your location but on average, this is a good ballpark range of what you can expect to pay for some of the common and popular services.

    Porcelain Veneers: $900-$4,000 per tooth

    Porcelain veneers are great for cosmetic flaws. They can hide damages to teeth from injuries and they can improve any dental issues involving spacing and alignment. This procedure requires a lot of artistry to create a smile unique to you, that’s why this particular procedure can be the most expensive.

    Teeth Whitening: $250-$500

    Teeth whitening is a great way to give your teeth a full makeover in brightness. If your teeth don’t have any alignment issues, regularly getting them whitened is a quick and easy way for your smile to light up any room.

    Dental Bonding: $500-$700 per tooth

    This is a procedure for minor dental flaws. Dental bonding is great for covering stains, gaps, and cracked/chipped teeth. This is a procedure that is definitely more affordable for patients.

    The Perfect Smile

    There’s really no formula for what makes the perfect smile… it truly depends on your preference and what you feel will look natural on you and make you smile the most. Traditionally, to be considered as having a beautiful smile, it was all about how white your teeth were and how symmetrical they were.

    This perfect smile used to be described as “a mouth full of chiclets.” When it comes to going to the dentist, whether you’re going to get braces or have some type of cosmetic work done, you need to get the idea of “perfect” out of your mind and replace it “perfect for you.”

  • 5 Timeless Fashion Trends That Never Go Out of Style

    5 Timeless Fashion Trends That Never Go Out of Style

    When it comes to the fashion industry, everyone loves talking about some timeless and essential items. Such an amazing phenomenon like classic fashion really merits attention because it can be quite challenging to find something invest-worthy in a load of new arrivals.

    What Is Classic Fashion?

    Generally speaking, classic fashion is a style that stays in fashion for decades or even centuries! More to the point, you commonly divide all the clothes in your wardrobe into two groups: the seasonal trendy items and the classics (or essentials). Both groups are crucial for you and your image, but you should focus more on the second one.

    The classics are such pieces in your wardrobe which you can wear over and over again and don’t be afraid of getting them out of style.  So, the classic fashion consists of the items which can stand the test of time and become the lasting part of your wardrobe. The wardrobe basics help you create a more confident personal style and, moreover, stop wasting your money on seasonal trends.

    Are Animal Prints Still In Style?

    Animal prints are one of the oldest classic fashion trends. Animal-print clothing has long been a wardrobe essential for stylish women. Europeans started colonizing Africa and Asia in the 18th century, since then the exotic patterns of tiger, zebra, snake and leopard skins were reproduced on fabrics. Thus, animal prints began to be more and more popular with each passing year. And this year has been no exception!

    Why are animal prints still in style in 2018?

    The answer is very simple. Animal prints are considered the neutrals because they are usually made up of black, beige and brown. So you can wear animal-print items with almost anything and look fabulous.

    Below you’ll find 5 more timeless fashion trends that every woman needs to have in her wardrobe.

    Classic Fashion Trends That Never Go Out of Style

    1. Blue Skinny Jeans

    It is hard to imagine the woman’s wardrobe without a lovely pair of classic skinny jeans. That’s really amazing how women could live without jeans before they were created! This truly timeless fashion trend never goes out of style because it can transform the way you look and feel in a matter of seconds. You can match your blue skinny jeans with a silk blouse and heels or with your favorite shirt and comfortable ballet flats. And in any case, you will look sexy and stylish.

    2. Collared Shirt

    Universal, simple and trendy… You can dress a collared shirt everywhere and it fits perfectly almost all outfits you own in your wardrobe. A collared shirt is a great option if you’re going to work. You can wear it under your sweater, suit or blazer. And if you want to feel comfortable sitting in a café with your boyfriend, you can put on your cool collared shirt with jeans or pants and open up several top buttons to look hotter.

    3. Little Black Dress

    What piece of clothing can make most ladies look slimmer than usual? Of course, it is a pretty little black dress (LBD)! The black dress is an ideal option for any season of the year. Besides, it comes in a lot of various styles. You can choose between the fitted and the loose options, the casual and the embellished dresses. You can wear your nice LBD with or without some cute accessories (in most cases, this depends on the event) and be sure that nobody notices that your perfect outfit isn’t new.

    4. Blazer

    A blazer is another essential and one of the most versatile items in the woman’s wardrobe. The outfit options with the blazer are endless. The blazer is a perfect addition to any outfit and it actually can be worn for any occasion as it is considered high fashion. The well-fitted blazer matched with a cute dress or skirt, a pair of pants or jeans makes you look polished and elegant.

    5. Black Pumps

    One more wardrobe essential that never goes out of style is a pair of black pumps. If you invest in quality, classic style, black pumps, you`ll make the right decision. Such pumps will be trendy for a good many years and there is no limit to what you can wear these basics with. So, the pair of black pumps (no matter leather or suede ones) is a safe solution when you want to look feminine and charming.

    Fashion Trends that are Out of Style

    You should also know the fashion trends that are out of style now in order not to look ridiculous! Go through the list of outdated clothing and be ready to say goodbye to the top 10 trends that are out of fashion today:

    • Off The Shoulder Tops
    • Crop Tops
    • Pom Poms
    • Corset Belts
    • White Sneakers
    • Kardashian Outfits
    • Overly Ripped Jeans
    • Chokers
    • T-shirts with Silly Statements
    • Bucket Bags

    Image Credits: pinterest.com