Fun: February 2008 Archives

We all look forward that special night when we get to show off our million-dollar designer looks.  Unquestionably, the most important part is the gown. Choosing the right gown for that special night can be both fun and frightening.  We gathered some information to help you choose the right dress for any occasion and any body type.

First of all, we've got to talk comfort. Think about what you will be doing on that special night and choose your dress accordingly... Eating? Drinking? Dancing? Taking photographs? The limbo? All of these things are important to keep in mind when choosing a dress. Who wants to be adjusting, poking and prodding at their gorgeous gown all night long? The wrong dress for the right occasion can leave us uncomfortable and feeling awkward...and it definitely shows!

Here are a few flashback styles to bring a smile to your face and a little reminder of a few things to avoid for ANY body type or occasion. Luckily, you won't find these styles from this year's top prom designers.

Every woman's body is unique and beautiful in it's own way.  It is a good thing there are so many styles out there to choose from! The hard part is choosing the right style for your individual body type. Starting next week we will tackle several different body types and give some examples of the best looks for each using the top prom designers such as Sherri Hill, Jovani, and more!

Manicure

1. First thing's first- you have to get your nails nice and clean before you doll them up. Start by removing any old nail polish using a cotton ball and some remover. There is non-acetone and acetone remover, but the latter works much faster and better on dark colors. And make sure that your nails are left to their natural color once you've removed the polish. Some dark nail polishes can stain the nails and give them a yellow shade. But have no fear? There is a super great product called Bubble White that can get rid of the yellow-y tint in about five minutes.

2. Next step is to get those nails even and beautifully-shaped. You will need a fine-grit file with a 180 to 240 grit. Pick one of these up at any local drug or beauty store. As you begin to file your nails, work from the sides inward to create stronger edges and to avoid any splitting and breakage.  

3. Now it is time to buff up those nails. Well, not exactly. Basically, buffing the nails is the same as exfoliating to remove any unwanted particles on the nails. This will allow for the nail to be smoother and the polish to coat better. But be careful. Over-buffing will give you weak nails and the last thing you want is limp fingertip on prom night. Look for a really soft buff, preferably something smoother than 240 grit.  

4. After you've gotten your nails all shiny and smooth, it's time to fix the cuticles. The cuticles can often look very ragged and damaged, especially after working a lot with your hands. They too need to be even and smooth. Get some cuticle oil and a cuticle pusher from any beauty store. Then slowly work the oil into your cuticles with the opposite hand. Use the tip of the cuticle pusher to softly even every edge of the cuticles. Repeat on the opposite set of fingers.  

5. Once your nails are in tip-top shape, you can get them ready to paint. Use another cotton ball and the same polish remover to remove any excess cuticle oil that is still on the nail. You may also want to consider using a base coat on your nail before applying the colored polish. This will help the color to last longer.

6. After the base coat has finished drying, choose the color you want for your nails. Be sure to choose something that will match your dress. You do not want something that will clash and take away from your make-up jewelry or prom dress. You want to apply two coats of polish. Be prepared with an extra towelette to remove any excess polish that drifts onto your skin. The secret to getting even color is polishing 2/3 down the nail and firmly pressing the polish toward the cuticle. Make sure your brush strokes are equally soft and easy. 

7. To finish up your at-home manicure, use a top coat to protect the polish you just so carefully applied. This will prevent the polish from chipping or wearing off. If you have the time and patience, apply top coat every night to keep your nails looking great.