Beauty & Grooming

Owning a smartphone can make your life more convenient. The mobile device allows you to access different applications in one device. This technological advancement, however, has affected the watch industry because your phone can also function as your watch.

Smartphone manufacturer, Apple, even created its own watch, making the tech brand the top watch manufacturer in the world. In 2017, the company outsold the Swiss watch industry, including Rolex, Omega, and Swatch, among others.

Despite the rise of smartphones and smartwatches, visiting your local jewelry store to buy a luxury watch is still worth it. A watch symbolizes style, functionality, and sentiment. It’s a timeless piece that every man or woman will need.

Some Watches Appreciate in Value

The value of luxury watches appreciate over time, like real estate properties or classic cars, but not as much. Not all luxury watches, however, are an ideal investment. Jewelry experts explain 95 percent of modern timepieces are not going to be investments.

Some models might not appreciate and not give you favorable returns.  After all, watches follow trends and you might have to wait several years before a certain style becomes trendy again. That’s why it’s essential to be smart when buying a luxury watch, especially if it’s your first time.

Vintage watches usually hold higher value compared to a new one. You can attend auctions where you can find interesting pieces with a low reserve.

Invest in Timepieces that Would Increase in Value

The size, style, and brand can affect the value of your watch over time. Several watches offer great returns, but two brands stand out among them: Rolex and Patek Philippe. The development of a watch’s value is affected by different aspects, such as:

• Brand recognition
• Exclusivity
• Availability
• Heritage
• Demand

Rolex is one of the brands that present these aspects. It is in demand and has an impressive list of influential people who wear and have worn Rolex watches over time. The brand is also highly recognizable and widely available.

Patek Philippe shares the same characteristics, as well. But unlike Rolex, this brand is not widely available because it costs higher than Rolex. Patek collectors weigh exclusivity more than the other aspects.

A Better Way to Buy Watches

A luxury watch will cost you a fortune, making it crucial to choose the piece carefully before checking out. You should choose the model that best reflects your lifestyle and personal aesthetic as well as mechanical considerations. Identify what you need in your timepiece then look for the brand to fit your requirements.

Seek help from watch enthusiasts to learn more about the brands that will never lose value. Apart from Rolex and Patek Philippe, Cartier and Vacheron Constantin are also an ideal investment.

Once you have identified the style and brand you want, determine the diameter of the watch and width of the case. This helps you select the model that fits your wrist. A 38-41mm diameter watch is ideal for everyday wear and appropriate for all dress codes.

Technology has made the lives of many people more convenient. But it doesn’t mean you have to turn your back on traditional items like watches. With proper care and maintenance, a quality watch can be passed on and gifted to generations until it becomes a family heirloom.

Nowadays, the beauty industry isn’t catered to just women and celebrities anymore. Even the regular guy wants to look good and flawless not only during special occasions but also in their everyday lives.

But, the time when men really want to push the boundaries when it comes to grooming is on their wedding day. There is a secret behind that bridal glow that many women have on their big day.

Sometimes, no matter how charming or good-looking a groom is, he just can’t match up with his bride. Others would argue that it’s perfectly reasonable to let the bride shine on her wedding, but grooms have to do their share as well.

After all, he’s the first person the bride sees when she walks down the aisle, donning his crisp suit and one of the wedding bands for men he could find. But, why is it that despite all the facials, spa, and hair treatments, it still seems not enough?

Here’s the secret: brides start the beauty game much, much earlier than grooms. So, if you want to catch up, you have to start your pre-wedding preparations at least two months before the wedding. Here are some ideas on how to look your best when you say your “I do.”

1. Wash your face properly.

This might sound a little odd, but yes, you have to start washing your face properly as soon as you get engaged. And we’re not just talking about regular bar soaps from the pharmacy that completely dries out your skin.

Get a good-quality facial cleanser for men for daily use and some exfoliating scrub at least once a week. You’ll notice a difference in your complexion after some time.

2. Stay hydrated.

Drinking water isn’t just for quenching your thirst. It also does wonders for your skin at the same time. Increase your water intake way ahead of your wedding, and you’ll have clear, smooth skin on your big day. You might even rival your bride’s blush in the altar.

3. Follow a seasonal skincare routine.

Does your skin get extremely red during the summer or dry and super flakey during the colder months? Consider the season on your wedding day and plan your skincare routine accordingly.

Also, don’t skip sunscreen if you’re a wedding is in summer. You wouldn’t want to look too flushed on your wedding photos. If the big day is in winter, double up on your moisturizer.

4. Get the right grooming products.

So, now you understand how important a moisturizer is. But, unless you’ve been doing it for a long time, it can be difficult to find the right product that suits your skin type.

Talk to a dermatologist and ask what ingredients you should look for on the label. Go to a department store and ask the consultants in different counters about their recommendations.

There are specific products for different skin conditions, whether you want to reduce shine, treat acne, or get something mild for sensitive skin. You can ask them to give you samples so you can test some at home before getting a full-sized bottle.

There is no such thing as an outdated style. Fashion comes and goes and comes back again with a new life. What was impressed as an old trend would certainly make a comeback at some point and when it does, being ready with your collection could make you a trendsetter.

Such is the thing about anklets. It was considered a thing of the ’90s but is definitely making a return in pop-style. If there is a good time to rekindle the value of your anklet collection, which has been sitting in your safe for long, it’s now. Good thing, there are repair shops that dig gold anklets for women and could easily breathe new life to old, worn-out pieces.

Anklets in Style

Anklets are ankle bracelets. They are jewelry worn around the ankle as a bracelet is worn around the wrist. They are made available in different styles and different materials. These accessories may not always be visible to the eye but with every step, it makes a subtle sound, which makes it sexy and chic.

While anklets did not disappear completely from the spotlight, some people ceased wearing them. But now, people are set to go. They may not be as huge a thing as before but they are definitely claiming some spot in the fashion scene.

A comeback meant new styles are also coming into play but the old ones would surely still look ‘in’. You probably just need to have yours tweaked to keep up. That’s where an expert jewelry repair team would come useful.

Where to Wear and How

Just like any fashion trend, there are no hard and fast rules for wearing anklets. You could do it any way you wish because after all, it is all about your personal style. There are, however, some tips that could help boost the value of your anklets. It would be useless to invest in a pricey anklet if it will not make its presence felt, anyway. Take note of the following tips:

* Anklets are best worn with cropped pants and skirts or any pair of bottoms that are cut above the knee. Then again, you could also wear it with a pair of long pants if you wish to make it a secret that would make you feel sexy from within.

* Anklets are also best paired with sneakers, backless loafers, and flats. But they are also great to wear while you are walking barefooted on the beach.

* Anklets do not choose an occasion. You can wear it anytime you want – at work, during vacations, when attending festivals, or any given ordinary day. Wear it when you want to feel good and feel sexy. That tinkling sound can surely make you feel great.

Again, there are no proper or improper ways of wearing anklets. Style gurus, however, proposed some dos and don’ts. Basically, they don’t encourage people to wear anklets with leggings or tights and high heels. It is also not advisable to choose thick or chunky styles. But you know what’s a definite don’t? It’s feeling embarrassed when you wear your anklets differently. Otherwise, you are good to go, whichever way you choose to go.

So, you’ve finally set a date — you’ve agreed to finally meet each other in person after talking for quite some time online. You’re feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness, and that’s pretty normal. After all, you’re still meeting a stranger.

It’s exciting as you’ll finally be able to put a face to the name and see the other person in the flesh. But of course, it can be scary, too. What if they turn out to be completely different from how you’ve imagined them to be or how they portray themselves online.

Whatever you might be feeling prior to that “big day?” they’re all valid. But you can still make the right amount of preparations to make everything right — or at least the things you can control. Going on a first date with someone you met online can be a truly fun experience.

This will also help you determine if you do have a connection, and it’s still a good idea to continue your relationship. Here are some ideas you can refer to make sure your first date is a successful one:

1. Make sure you’re really ready.

Your first concern should be, “Am I really emotionally prepared to meet that other person in real life?” Keep this mind: once you’ve finally agreed to interact outside of your laptops or mobile phones means you’re officially allowing each other to be part of your own lives.

They may still be the same person you met and built a connection with online, but it can be entirely different once they’ve come out of your small online social circle.

2. Come up with activities that you’ll both enjoy.

This is your first official meeting, so make it as fun as possible for both of you. Here’s how: In your many conversations and exchanges online, we’re pretty sure you’ve tackled several things about your interests, favorite food, and hobbies, among others.

Use all the information you’ve gathered and looked for the best place and the most suitable activities that will not only be fun for you but for your date as well. Whether it’s in a bar restaurant in Spring Hills, KS, a bowling alley, a skating rink, museums or galleries, make sure it’s somewhere that you’ll both be comfortable. Doing fun activities together will also lessen any awkward moments.

3. Arrive on time.

Be punctual and respect the other person’s schedule. Never, ever show up late. Remember, the other person also spared a fraction of their time to meet you, so be respectful of that. Showing up late will also not leave a good first impression.

The other person may see it as a sign that you’re not being sincere about making the relationship work in real life. Do everything you can to be on time and look ready, prepared, and serious.

4. Make your date feel comfortable around you.

This should be your main priority, especially if you’re a guy meeting a girl. This is also true if the other person is the extroverted type. Make sure you’ve consulted the other person about where you’re meeting, and be open to making compromises as long as it’s something you both agree with. Go somewhere you’re both familiar with to avoid making the first date too overwhelming.

Keep all these things in mind and have a fun-filled first date. Good luck!

With the hustle and bustle of daily life, many people today tend to prefer convenient, on-the-go meals and snacks like smoothies and shakes. These are thick, filling beverages that anyone can make by just blending fruits or veggies in juicer or blender machines. These meal replacements can prevent hunger pangs and snacking urges caused by missed meals.

If you are planning to start a juice bar or a concession stand, then you might want to give it a twist and concentrate on recipes that focus on specific diets, like a Ketogenic diet.

What is a Ketogenic Diet?

This consists of food that is high in fat, but low in carbs. This diet plan allows people to avoid the negative effects of carbs and sugar to their body, such as increasing blood sugar levels, intensifying insulin response, and affecting cognitive function.

What Ingredients Do You Need?

Here are various low-carb smoothie and shake recipes that are perfect for keto dieters:

Fruits

Although a majority of fruits are high in carbs and sugar, there are some keto-friendly options that consist of low carbs but high in fiber.

• Strawberries: These have vitamin C, manganese, potassium, and vitamin B9. They are also rich in antioxidants that help fight free radicals. A cup of strawberries contains only eight grams of net carbs.
• Avocado: A cup of avocado has only two grams of net carbs. It is filled with nutrients, such as folate, potassium, and vitamins C, K, E, B5, and B6.
• Watermelon: A cup of watermelon only contains 10.5 grams of net carbs. It contains iron, calcium, and vitamins C and A.

Vegetables

Opt for leafy greens and other vegetables high in water content. Avoid colorful vegetables, as they tend to be high in carbs.

• Cucumber: These are low in calories and arbs. It is also a rich source of potassium, fiber, and vitamin C.
• Spinach: This green is filled with minerals, such as potassium, iron, and calcium. It also contains vitamins A, C, and B12. It boosts energy levels, lowers risks of cancer, and reduces inflammation.

Base

One of the biggest fitness mistakes is disregarding the carbs and calories of beverages. To ensure that you are not adding unnecessary carbs and sugar, go for keto-friendly liquids like water, green tea, black tea, and unsweetened non-dairy milk.

What Smoothie and Shake Ideas Can You Offer?

• Green Tea Smoothie: Mash the flesh of one avocado. Use an eight-ounce glass of green tea as your base. Blend these with half a teaspoon of stevia powder, a teaspoon of lemon juice, a cup of sliced cucumber, and a pinch of ground black pepper.
• Watermelon shake: Blend half a cup of watermelon with a glass of unsweetened sparkling water, a 1/4 cup of crushed ice, and half a teaspoon of powdered erythritol.
• Strawberry Milkshake: Blend together 1/4 cup of raspberries, a cup of unsweetened almond milk, 1/4 cup of heavy whipping cream, a 1/4 cup of crushed ice, a pinch of salt, a teaspoon of powdered erythritol, and half a teaspoon of vanilla.

To make sure that your smoothies and shakes will have good consistency, invest in a high-quality commercial blender or juicer machines. It is also essential to remember that although the fruits in these recipes are low in net carbs, adding more than what is indicated will increase the carb and sugar content of your smoothies and shakes. Lower the amounts if you wish to alter the recipes and use more types of fruits.

The right piece of jewelry can add an exciting style to even a seemingly regular outfit. This means that you should pick your jewelry pieces carefully according to your outfit rather than simply wear a favorite piece, regardless of your outfit. Among the pieces that should not miss from your daily ensemble is a necklace. A lot of fashion experts focus on picking the right necklace style for an outfit but overlook a vital aspect of the necklace—its length.

A varied clothing boutique in Phoenix will have its necklaces in different lengths even if they are the same style and made of the same constituents. It is best to get even seemingly similar pieces in different lengths so that they match different necklines and work for your outfit. The following are some guidelines for matching your necklace’s length to an outfit:

Choker

This is generally placed close to your neck’s base and is about 14 to 16 inches long. Although it matches most outfits, it works best for boat, crew, and off-shoulder necklines as it will add length and create a proportion for your neck. However, it might not be the best choice for those with large body frames and those who do not like tight necklaces.

Princess Length

A princess length necklace measures approximately 18 inches and sits on your collarbone. It is the most popular necklace choice since it works with most necklines and body frames. Most princess length necklaces feature V-shaped pendants that will match surplice, sweetheart, and V necklines. The necklaces come as simple chains, pearls, and statement necklaces.

Matinee Length

This measures 20 inches and will often sit between the breasts and collarbone. Matinee length necklaces are the perfect complement to business attire, more so those with collared shirts. They are ideally worn with blouses that match their texture and color. The necklaces work for tall women and those with a large neck. They might not, unfortunately, work well for busty women in official attire since they draw attention to the bust.

Opera Length

This is 28 to 36 inches long and will reach just below your bust. Opera length necklaces are usually statement pieces that feature intricate colors, textures, and patterns based on their material. They generally work for evening wear and official shirts with high necklines such as boat necks and turtlenecks. You can opt to wrap an opera length necklace twice around your neck to form a double-stranded choker.

Rope Length

This is a necklace measuring over 36 inches or three feet. It is meant to sit between the naval and your bust’s bottom. In most cases, you will wrap a rope length necklace twice or thrice around your neck depending on its weight. Moreover, you can fold the necklace into half then loop one end through the fold, thus forming a lariat.

Necklaces in the past were more or less simple jewelry pieces. Nowadays, however, the length of your necklace will determine its effect on your outfit and how it will look on you. Your best choice is to shop the necklace lengths mentioned above and your outfit from the same place to guarantee that they match and get an expert’s opinion on what works best for you.

“That dude definitely spent too much time on his biceps and not enough on his abs. Totally old school.”

Disney’s The Lizzie McGuire Movie is arguably one of the best teen films of the early 2000s. Many people might have forgotten Ethan’s side comment about a little souvenir statue’s biceps and abs because of more iconic quotes — cue Paolo’s sweet “you shine like the light from the sun,” which probably made 14-year-old you swoon. Or Kate’s cold “you are an outfit repeater,” which forced you to recall every outfit you wore in the last few weeks. Or Lizzie’s vindictive “sing to me, Paolo” on cinematic live television.

Other notable quotes aside, Ethan’s comment about the little statue is a great fill-in-the-blanks statement for when you’re having difficulty choosing between two things. And, if you are a twenty-or-thirty-something-year-old, it is definitely applicable to the way you treat your face:

“This lady (or dude) spends too much money on makeup and not enough on skincare.”

Yes, it is a fact: If you wish to have smooth and radiant skin, makeup is not the ultimate solution. Yes, it can cover blemishes and add more color to your cheeks. But it cannot replicate the glow of healthy skin. So from making adjustments to your skincare regimen to investing Korean skincare brands like COSRX, you really have to redirect your spending and focus on products that take care of your skin.

Make Some Changes to Your Routine for Healthier Skin

Kojic acid, papaya, tea tree oil, witch hazel extract — these are some of the most famous home remedies for problem skin. You might be guilty of simply using a kojic acid soap, dabbing tea tree oil during acne breakouts, and letting makeup hide the rest. This is probably not the best way to address skin concerns.

As you grow older, your natural collagen production decreases. As such, wrinkles and dark spots are more difficult to get rid of. But why wait until then when you can avoid irreversible skin damage, now?

Toss out your drugstore-brand soap cleanser. Instead, pay attention to what you put on your skin.

Research on which type of cleanser best matches your skin type. Invest in a skin toner that effective balances your skin’s pH levels. Use a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated (regardless of how oily you are — dehydration actually causes excess sebum production). Apply sunscreen even if you can’t see the glaring sun. And exfoliate once or twice a week to get rid of dead skin cells that make your skin look dull.

This might seem like a lot of work at first. But the results will be worth your time and money.

With Dedication, You Will Get Your Dream Skin

Maybe you got used to washing your face with a generic cleanser, putting on tinted sunscreen, and layering it with powder foundation. Or maybe you got used to layering different makeup products on your face to hide wrinkles and blemishes and to make your face look airbrushed.

Old habits die hard. But if you make an effort to break free them for your skin’s health, then you will get beautiful results — literally. You can’t expect to have clear skin overnight but if you stick to a strict skincare regimen long enough, you will start to see its smoothening and brightening effects.

Great skin is the result of hard work and, as Lizzie McGuire says, “is what dreams are made of.”

Even fab fashion girls can have lazy days.

It could be because of an extra long workweek or just the cold, cozy weather, but some days, you simply want to stay curled up in bed.

As such as turning into a blanket burrito seems like the best idea on days like these, most of the time, the only choice is to dress up and show up. I mean, that report has to be presented, the groceries need to be done, and your little sister has to be picked up from school, right?

If you have absolutely zero energy (or will) to spend on getting dolled up, here’s some good news: you can step out of your lazy garb and still look put together! Here are some fashion hacks to help you look fab, even on drab days.

1. Don a long dress

It’s time to visit your favorite women’s clothing boutique to score some cute and comfy full-length dresses. Maxi dresses may look regal and high-maintenance, but ironically, they’re the ideal piece to wear on lazy days. Long-dresses come in many comfortable styles. They’re super easy to throw on, yet they make you look and feel put-together in an instant.

2. Invest in oversized button downs

Nothing says sexy more than an oversized button-down shirt. Scour the racks of a men’s store for a light blue or white collared piece. You can wear it with shorts or as is. Pair it with white sneakers for a laidback appeal or with stilettos or kitten heels to dress it up a bit.

Are button-downs too sultry for your taste? Go for a sweater dress instead. Throw in a pair of printed or lace socks to complete your sweet uni girl ensemble.

3. Embrace athleisure

Gone are the days when sweatpants and hoodies were the epitome of drab. Much to the relief of lowkey fashionistas everywhere, Queen Bey’s Ivy Park entered the fashion scene in 2014 and never left. At the arrival of the sporty glam fashion, it became perfectly fine to face the world looking like you’re fresh off the gym. To rock athleisure, all you need is three pieces: sweatpants or track shorts, a pullover (hooded or otherwise), and sneakers (major fashion points if they’re the clunky type.)

When it comes to tracksuit fabrics, velvet and velour are back in fashion. Cotton is also a comfy and fashionable option. In terms of style, find sweatpants with interesting details, such as piping or studs.

4. Amp up on accessories

Accidentally slept longer in your ratty shirt and leggings on errand day? Ankle-length socks, boots, and scarves come in handy when hiding, or sprucing up otherwise tired clothes. Wear a pair of thin hoop earrings or a watch to go from bare to fashionably laidback. Baseball caps, beanies, or a headwrap can help with bad masking greasy roots.

We know lazy days are no excuse to step out the door looking like a slob. The trick to looking put-together is to invest insanely comfortable yet completely presentable pieces.

Sometimes no matter how hard you try, having thick and long lashes is simply hard to achieve. The worst case is you often end up dealing with clumpy and dry eyelashes. With this, you’re probably curious as to how you could possess the most natural yet perfect lashes one could ever wish for.

Luckily, it doesn’t take a genius to figure it out which means there’s still hope for you. Now, you’re probably dying to know how you could do that so without further ado, here are some tricks and tips you may follow to achieve perfect and fluttery eyelashes.

1. Reminders for eyelash extension

If you’re one of those people who is not blessed with lashes, you could always try 3D volume eyelash extensions in Las Vegas. This is, in fact, a popular option to most women. This is not surprising considering how instant the result is.

In addition, it’s not that painful and could give you the effect you wanted. Just one quick reminder, however, you need to be careful about choosing where and who will do it. Do your own research and find out about the clinic’s success rate to see if they are someone you could entrust the operation to.

2. Don’t rub your eyes

Keep yourself from rubbing your eyes too much. Although some of you might find it a little too impossible to resist the itch, try to stop yourself from doing it. Instead, try washing your face and the area surrounding your eyes remove the itchy feeling.

If ever you’re nowhere near any place to wash off your face and eyes, you may wipe them off gently with wet wipes or cotton cloth. Rubbing your eyes harshly may cause irritate the follicles and may cause your lashes to bend or fall.

3. Choose mascara wisely

Today, there are virtually tons of mascara to choose from. Because of this, you may often find yourself a little too overwhelmed about your options. This is why you need to be careful when choosing which mascara to use.

For starters, water-proof mascara will give you a hard time removing them. Don’t sleep with your mascara on. This habit might get your lashes to be clumpy and dry. When taking off the mascara, use makeup remover and cotton pads to gently wipe off its traces.

4. Massage with Petroleum Jelly

To relax the nerves surrounding your eyes and encourage healthy eyelash growth, be sure you take 2–5 minutes to massage the area around your eyes. Use petroleum jelly upon doing so. Just be careful not to get the solution into your eyes as it may cause irritation.

This step is necessary especially if you wear fake lashes or have eyelash extensions. In addition, try to not use any other chemicals along with mascara over them as it might keep your lashes from growing naturally.

It’s not hard to achieve long, beautiful and full eyelashes. It’s just a matter of knowing what things to do to care for this area of your eyes. Be careful on treating the area so you can continuously enjoy having perfect-looking lashes. In addition, don’t forget to keep these things in mind.