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22 May 2012

Summer 2012 Trend: How to Wear Bright Shorts that Suit your Body

Bright colors are everywhere right now! They are a little intimidating because if they can highlight flaws if you don't do it right. I'm really excited about this post because I love picking out clothes that suit body shapes well. Sometimes we think that because our body is built a certain way, we can't wear certain things and that's not always true. The key is to know your body type well but also to pair the bright shorts with neutral colors so that they don't compete with other items of clothing.

The great thing about shorts being in style this season is that they come in many lengths. For example, if pregnancy wasn't so nice to your legs you can wear bermuda shorts, which hit about an inch or two above your knee.

How to Wear Summer Shorts


If you have a pear shaped body, you might be worried that pink shorts might highlight your larger hips. I personally think curves are beautiful and I say show them off with some pink shorts! I recommend a slimming fit such as the bermuda style or the trouser style. Go with longer but fitted (NEVER tight) shorts and avoid high waists. Balance out your top half with horizontal stripes or loose tops.

How to wear Pink Shorts: Pear Shape



If you have an hourglass shape, you're a lucky girl! You can pretty much get away with fashion-murder. Just make sure you highlight your waist by wearing fitted tops or tucking in your loose top into mid-rise or high-waist bottoms.

How to Wear Pink Shorts: Hourglass Shape



If you're body is apple-shaped, meaning you have a thicker middle, large breasts, or a short torso, opt for voluminous shorts that add a little something to your bottom half. Up top, a classic fitted collared shirt will look great. A boyish shape will look great in this outfit as well. Add some structure with a geometric bib necklace.

How to Wear Pink Shorts: Apple/Boyish Shape
If you have any questions or comments please add them below. I'd love to hear what you have to say!

12 May 2012

Skincare Tips for Mom: Four Easy Steps

I am adamant about taking care of my skin because make-up can only hide so much. If you think you are saving time by piling on concealer and powder, you are mistaken, sister! The more you take care of your skin, the less make-up you will have to wear in order to feel confident.

I know some of you will not be able to religiously follow the steps below and that is totally OK. What mother has the time to constantly worry about her skin? Not many. But fitting even a couple of these steps into your daily routine will help a lot.

1. Moisturize

My rule of thumb is to moisturize after I shower or wash my face in the mornings. If your skin tends to be dry, it is obvious that moisturizing will instantly improve the look of your skin. However, a lot of women think that because they have oily skin, they shouldn't moisturize. But if your skin tends to be very oily, you have to reconsider some of the things you are doing to your skin.

It's true that certain things like stress, hormones, etc can trigger your skin to produce more oil but it can also be that you may be putting your skin through a vicious cycle of harsh cleansers that are drying out your skin and making it produce more oil than it should.

You can try this: switch to a cleanser labeled for sensitive skin (CeraVe and Cetaphil are great brands for sensitive skin) and moisturize with a very light oil-free moisturizer. If you're worried about the cleanser not removing dirt from your skin, pick one that exfoliates while still being gentle on your skin. 

2. Wear Sunscreen


Research has proven just how much the sun can damage your skin. Nearly every beauty magazine will advise that you wear sunscreen. It is a hassle to put on sunscreen on top of all the other things you have to do, I've been there! A good trick is to get make-up and a moisturizer (facial AND for the rest of your body) that already has sun protection in it. I love my Neutrogena SPF under-eye concealer and facial moisturizer.

Except for my concealer, I do not wear all-over sunscreen everyday. First, because I have a 3-month-old baby, so I stay away from the sun most of the time, and second, I find that it doesn't feel as light on my skin but there some really great facial moisturizers that contain SPF 30+ out there that are super light. I'm still in the process of finding the best one. I will have an update on that soon.

3. Use Gentle Make-Up


Most of us think we don't have sensitive skin. But, in fact, skin absorbs anything you put on it and harsh chemicals and fillers will irritate and clog anyone's skin. I have never gotten a rash from a beauty product but I have noticed that by using "sensitive" products, the quality and texture of my skin has really improved.

To save money, I buy a lot of my beauty products at drugstores but there are many high end lines that specialize in gentle make-up. My sister, mother of three, swears by Clinique. I personally LOVE BareMinerals, which offers great coverage too. If you are looking for something more affordable, Almay and Neutrogena are great brands for this purpose. I recommend buying a high quality foundation (powder for oily skin and liquid for dry skin).

By the way, sensitive make-up does not have to be boring. You can always supplement your basic make-up items with fun eye shadows and lipsticks. I am already working on a post on how to do this.

4. Go to Sleep with a Clean Face


This step is the most important one. Yet, I always seem to skip it! Putting the kids to bed is so exhausting for some of us, that we just want to crash into our beds at night.

Going to sleep with makeup on, or even every day perspiration, can really take a toll on your skin. Skin renews itself while you sleep so it's very important that your pores aren't clogged. A skin-saving tip is to have unscented baby wipes next to your bed for those nights when you just can't move. Those nights happen! Quickly wiping off the makeup is much better than leaving it on.

When you do have a few minutes to wash your face before bed, make sure the cleanser is not doing more damage than good (see step 1). Don't exfoliate daily, give your skin a rest at least every other day to avoid dryness.

The Easiest Way to Look Great Every Day

Everyone's skin is different but these four things have done the trick for me. When I don't have time for make-up I put on moisturizer (brightening/tinted with SPF works best), a good cheek & lip tint or tube and a soft brown eyeliner to enhance my lashes and brows very lightly and instantly I look good and feel good.Your skin is something you can't hide, even under make-up, so invest some time in it. :)

Happy Mother's Day!

Diana


09 May 2012

A Little More About Me

Hi!

Whether you are a working mother, a single mother or a stay-at-home mom like myself, we are all faced with the challenge of having too many things to do before we can take care of ourselves. I made this blog with that in mind.

I truly enjoy researching the latest fitness tips and nutrition advice as well as the newest beauty and style trends; anything that will help make our "looking good" regime easier and faster without sacrificing results.

In 2011, I graduated with an Associate's Degree in General Studies and I am currently pursuing a degree in Psychology.

I currently reside in Georgia with my wonderful husband and my adorable toddler. I am an Army wife and proud of it!

I hope you enjoy this blog as much as I enjoy working on it.

Sincerely,

Diana C.

La versión en español de este articulo viene muy pronto!