6 Fashion and Beauty Mistakes Men Make

If you think beauty tips only apply to women, you couldn't be more wrong. Men can benefit from beauty tips too (some more than others!). Whether you're going for a metro-sexual look or buff and burly, paying attention to your appearance is crucial. Failure to attract the attention of a potential mate or losing out during a job interview just might be due to not paying enough attention to your appearance. If you want to make a better impression from now on, following are six fashion and beauty mistakes you should avoid.

1. Unless you're Mick Jagger, skip the skinny jeans. While a twenty-something hipster might be able to pull off this look, most men can't rock a skinny jean. Opt for a straight-cut jean instead.
  
2. While we're on the topic of jeans, a relaxed fit jean with a narrow ankle on a man is the equivalent of mom jeans on a woman. Say goodbye to jeans with narrow ankles and opt for a denim that elongates your leg.
  

3. Don't overdo the aftershave. If you're still spraying cologne in the air and then walking through a cloud of fragrance, just stop it! Scent should entice not overpower. 

4. Socks should be a fashion statement. Gone are the days of matching your socks to shoes or trousers. Opt for patterns that stand out and you're likely to receive plenty of compliments in return.

5. Footwear matters. If your shoes show off your bunion bumps and curly toenails, it's time to invest in a new pair of kicks. Shoes shouldn't be scuffed and tired-looking; they should be the foundation for your look. You can completely ruin a cool look by stepping into a pair of shoes that belong at the local charity shop.
  
6. Your belt shouldn't look like you're tying a gunny sack in the middle. Belts can be a fashion statement and not just an accessory that holds your pants in place. Opt for a classic belt with style and don't cinch your belt so tight that your pants scrunch. 
  
Women aren't the only ones that care about their looks. Men can be just as concerned with their looks, especially when it comes to making fashion choices. Bear these tips in mind the next time you think about wearing flip-flops without a pedicure or dousing yourself in cologne. The admiring glances that come your way will be all the thanks you need.

How to get the au naturel makeup look?

Less is more when it comes to the latest trend in makeup. There is even a growing hashtag – #nomakeup – on Instagram.

Last summer, Hollywood star Jennifer Aniston uploaded a picture of herself and her hairstylist on the social media app, looking sun-kissed and relaxed. The bare-faced look soon became a trend among celebrities and models worldwide.

The au naturel look is all about fresh, radiant and natural-looking skin with minimal makeup. Foundation is normally abandoned. Just a touch of concealer and a dab of highlighter are applied to make the skin look luminous.

Here are some great tips to get a natural glow without using a ton of makeup:

1. Moisture, moisture, moisture
The key is hydration. Our skin is constantly in need of moisture so if we give it the right boost, it will plump up immediately. Use a 3-step skincare routine that is suitable for your skin, plus brightening products, then your skin is ready to glow.

2. Exfoliate
Exfoliation is the best way to brighten dull skin as it removes dead skin cells. Scrub at least twice a week to keep your face looking fresh.  

3. Apply a brightening mask
Many people think that serum is enough to hydrate skin and often skips using facial masks. Actually, face masks complement the skincare regimen by providing the skin with essential nutrients such as antioxidants and vitamins. Apply a mask once a week and it will give a natural glow to your skin instantly.

4. Dab on a highlighter
To give your face a dewy boost, apply a highlighter after concealing skin imperfections. Swipe and dab onto the contours of the face: bridge of nose, cheekbones, brow bone, and chin.

5. Drink green tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants such as Vitamin C, which helps reduce wrinkles and get rid of free radicals that damage skin. It also gives a boost of collagen and elastin to keep your skin radiant. 

So there you have it. All it takes to achieve that perfect natural look are a few simple steps. What are your beauty tips to achieve the very popular au naturel look? Let us know in the comments!

Эксклюзіўная зніжка 10% на заказы ў Расіі - Exclusive 10% discount for orders to Russia

Celebrating COSME-DE.COM's Russian members reaching 10,000. We are now offering an extra 10% discount for all orders delivering to Russia.

Don't miss your chance, enjoy the exclusive 10% discount on everything at COSME-DE.COM from skincare to haircare, including best-valued items.

Simply enter promotion code RUSSIA10 during checkout to enjoy this special offer. (The code valid from 25 Sep to 9 Oct, 2012.)

Shop and Save today!

Beauty is skin-deep!

Yes!  This is me, laugh-loving, curious, girly and addicted to beauty!  I am the new editor of COSME-DE, looking forward to being connected to others who share my passion for beauty knowledge and tricks.  There is a variety of ways to be beautiful but only one truth－‘Beauty is skin-deep!’

I believe the older I get the prettier I become, for I believe ‘Beauty is skin-deep!’  Beauty glows from the inside out.  Appearance reflects your thoughts, philosophies and characters.

To be beautiful at heart, I aim for natural living.  I embrace Mother Earth in my leisure time, beaches and hikes.  I enjoy good food, but still try to eat as healthy as possible.  Feeling healthy gives me motivations to enjoy life. 

To be an endless beauty, inner beauty complements and raises your outer beauty.  I love traveling and music.  Some memorable traveling experiences inspire me with new insights into life.  When you interact with the others carrying different ideologies from different countries, you will feel the contrast of cultures which definitely widens your horizons.  The desires to travel, create, learn, dream, enjoy, feel and love are innate within each of us.   Sometimes we forget them because of work or pressure, but they are always here with us.  Pick them up and follow your heart!  These fancies do not only enhance your temperaments and your beauty, but attract your family and more friends.

Maintenance of your appearance strengthens your self-confidence and inner assertiveness.  My ‘must’ daily beauty routine is sunscreen.  My favourite sunscreen is ‘Very High Protection Fluide Extreme SPF 50+’ from La Roche-Posay.  I use this SPF 50+sunscreen fluid composed of both mineral and chemical sunscreen as a preparation for strong sun exposure.  It doesn’t whiten and looks completely natural on my skin. 

La Roche-Posay Very High Protection Fluide Extreme SPF 50+

 

Wanna be loved and adored?  A sweet smile is the easiest way to gain love and care.  Smile is known as the best make-up, spreading warmth, affections and kindness.  Beautiful smile always associates with soft lips and white teeth.  I love the toothpaste and the lip balm from Weleda which are very affordable and made with all natural ingredients.  Furthermore, Weleda commits itself to helping the farmers, women and children of the working class in developing countries.  I feel like I am sending my blessings to the people who need cares while using its cosmetics.  Support!

 

Weleda Everon Lip Balm

Weleda Ratanhia Toothpaste

How to be a beautiful one from inside out is a lifelong learning.  I am pleased to share this art of living to and explore different aspects of beauty with all of you, beautiful girls!

Beautify from inside out!

Our latest obsession at Cosme-De.com is beauty supplements. Almost every woman in this universe aspires for a clear, smooth skin. The firmer your skin, the younger the appearance. For gaining that radiant beauty, women get luxurious skin care treatments. Cosmetic world brings ample of treatment options which are costly as well. In the quest of less costly options, women are showing their interest on various effective beauty supplements.

Cosme-De.com offers a whole range of beauty supplements from leading Japanese beauty brands such as Shiseido, FANCL and DHC. Find our recommendations for different purposes below!

Collagen

Meiji Amino Collagen Premium, US$50 for one month's supply:

Meiji Amino Collagen Premium is a superb combination of the latest trend of most needed beauty ingredients including Hyaluronic Acid (for daily moisture) and Coenzyme Q10 (to support energy for easy absorption). It is one of the best-selling collagen products in Japan and is great for women who is seeking firmer, more elastic and radiant skin.

Shiseido The Collagen Enriched, US$124 for two months' supply:

 

Shiseido The Collagen Enriched uses fine fish collagen, along with eucommia leaf, ginseng, lotus germ, Indian gooseberry, hyaluronic acid, coenzyme Q10 and other high-quality ingredients in this patented luxurious blend to give you younger, better-looking, more resilient skin. Create beauty from within with this collagen and hyaluronic acid supplement.

Whitening

FANCL White Advanced, US$32 for one month's supply:

FANCL White Advance is a daily inner whitening care that nurtures skin fairness from within for a healthy and even skin tone. It encourages the production of fair melanin and suppresses the production of dark melanin over a sustainable period. It's formulated with Oleuropein, an Olive Leaf Extract derivative, it prolongs the whitening effects of Hydroxytyrosol to lighten dark melanin for lasting skin luminosity.

Weight Loss:

FINE Metabo Coffee (Diet Coffee), US$14 for one to two months' supply:

 

FINE Metabo™ Coffee is made from quality Brazilian coffee beans and it includes 3 weight-losing ingredients:

• Chlorogenic Acid - It is clinically proved to have a significant effect on the absorption and utilization of glucose from the diet. If used for an extended time, may result in reduced body mass and shown to have an effect on weight loss.
• L-Carnitine tartrate - an amino acid that assists the body to burn fat all day long. Accelerates metabolism
• Fructo-oligosaccharide - Reduces the level glucosein blood. Improves the level of triglyceride. Contains botanical fiber to enable better intestinal movement to prevent constipation.

 BO Fixer

DHC Bulgarin Rose, US$24 for one month's supply:

 

DHC Bulgarin Rose can effectively modify body smell.This product includes DHC Rose oil that has a mixture of Citronellol, Geraniol and Linalool. This can remove unpleasant odour.

Brand rave... L'Occitane!

We at Cosme-De.com really, really adore the French brand, L'Occitane! It's not exorbitantly expensive, value-for-money and ahhh, don't you agree all L'Occitane products just smell absolutely yummy?! From the look at how popular L'Occitane products are on Cosme-De.com, we're pretty sure you agree with us. ;)

Founded in 1976, L'Occitane is sold in over 85 countries around the world and creates only high quality, efficient and sensory products formulated with traceable, natural and active ingredients that are inspired by Provençal traditions. We love how the brand aims to offer the experience of well-being and its beautiful packaging doesn't hurt our eyes too!

Also, have you ever wondered how to pronounce this brand?

We've got lots of new products from L'Occitane recently and here are some of them:

L'Occitane Purifying Deodorant, US$34, enhanced with essential oils of lemon, cardamom and eucalyptus, is a blend that helps eliminate toxins and impurities. It controls odor, purifies the body and helps to keep skin dry all day.

L'Occitane Fleur Cherie Body Lotion, US$37 for 250ml, is like a cloud of creamy, satiny softness that envelops the skin. This indulgent body lotion leaves skin supple and perfumed with a beautiful, sparkling, floral scent. Yum!

L'Occitane Organic Olive Shower Cream, US$30 for 200ml. Indulge in a moment of sheer pleasure when you cleanse your skin with this rich and gentle shower cream, which leaves behind a light, fresh scent. An incredible creamy organic formula enriched with Organic Olive Tree Extracts, this shower cream leaves skin feeling wonderfully supple and as soft as silk.

 L'Occitane Rose des Neiges Body Cream (US$68 for 200ml) is a creamy luxurious formula that softens your skin and envelops your body with a captivating scent of Snow Rose.

L'Occitane Shea Butter Mom & Baby Balm, US$34 for 50ml, with organic formula contains 40% Shea Butter, makes the perfect nourishing and protective massage balm for babies! It also helps mom to prevent stretch marks and improve elasticity.

L'Occitane Verbena Body Salts Scrub's, US$63 for 400g, salts from the Mediterranean Sea combine the refreshing fragrance of pure extracts of verbena, orange, geranium and lemon tree. Essential oils of grapeseed, apricot and sweet almond in this luxurious exfoliating body scrub nourish and moisturise. Anti-oxidizing vitamin A helps to tone and maintain healthy appearance. Skin turns silky-smooth as dead skin cells are massaged away. Body and mood will feel revived.

Do you know L'Occitane conduct free guided factory tours in France? You can witness how their products are manufactured with natural ingredients using traditional Mediterranean methods. We'll be sure to register if we ever find ourselves in the country. Check out the details here.

PS: Remember to check out our Mother's Day promotion!

Paul & Joe - Alice in Wonderland Collection

Based on Lewis Carroll's novels Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1865) and Through the Looking-Glass (1871), the movie features an A-list cast including Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter, Helena Bonham Carter as The Red Queen, Anne Hathaway as The White Queen and Mia Wasikowska as 19-year-old Alice, as she returns to Wonderland.

To mark the film's release this spring, Paul & Joe has lauched a limited-edition Alice in Wonderland collection, Fantasy and Daydream, in two beautifully designed compact tins.

The package is in pastel colour, incorporating retro-styled illustrations of Alice, the White Rabbit and the Cheshire Cat. Products include blotting paper with beautiful prints on them (with mirror), a refill pack and a lip treatment. The Fantasy Lip Treatment is in Sweet Milky Pink and the Daydream Lip Treatment in Sheer Orange.

These hot items have arrived COSME-DE.COM, indulge yourself in the childhood fairy tale fantasy.

2009 Christmas Gift Guide - Skincare

For this Christmas, I have selected especially some of the best products

for you to GIFT your family and friends. I hope you will like them!

(from left to right)

Clinique Daily Essential Set includes: (USD57.00 - Save 9%)

• Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel 1.7oz / 50ml
• All About Eyes 0.5oz / 15ml
• Liquid Facial Soap Oily Skin Formula 1oz / 30ml
• Clarifying Lotion 3 2oz / 60ml
• Take the Day Off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes & Lips 1.7oz / 50ml

Crabtree & Evelyn Rosewater Essentials (USD63 - Save 15%) contains three absolute must-haves from the Rosewater range, tucked into a pretty pink printed cosmetic bag. Made from a distillation of Rosa centifolia - the legendary hundred-petal rose - cherished for its clear, sweet fragrance, these are classic English tonics for the skin.

• Rosewater Hand Therapy 3.4oz / 100ml
• Rosewater Bath & Shower Gel 8.5oz / 250ml 
• Rosewater and Glycerine Hand & Body Lotion 8.5oz / 250ml

A classics collection of Jurlique's hero products (USD167 -Save 15%) which help to balance, renew, protect and moisture skin. Jurlique Classics Collection includes:

• Herbal Recovery Gel 1.0oz / 30ml
• Rosewater Balancing Mist 1.0oz / 30ml
• Daily Exfoliating Cream 1.4oz / 40ml
• Moisture Replenishing Day Cream 1.4oz / 40ml 

My own Clinique 2-step skin care system

Clinique's 3-step skin care system is very well-known, I am not sure how many people are following it completely, I just know that I am not one of them. I have created my Clinique 2-step skin care system. Since for its Step 1: Cleanse, I replace it by Bioderma Non-rinse cleanser which I wrote about a while back on this blog. It's simple and fast, can be used for eyes and mouth and face.

Then it's Step 2: Exfoliate

I use Clinique Clarifying Lotion No.2 (normal/combination skin) for exfoliation, my face feels very clean and fresh everytime I use it. But I have to admit that although they say that it's alcohol-free, it's very strong when I sweep on my face with the cotton pad, every time I do it, I have to close my eyes and stop breathing, otherwise my eyes and nose wouldn't feel well. Anyway, afterwards my face feels cool and fresh, and as the product description said "A gentle 'tingle' tells you it's working", and that's what I feel on my face, so I suppose it works every time! :D

Step 3: Moisturize

I bought this Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Relief solely for my long-haul plane ride in June initially, and after that I have put it aside for the whole summer. It's only until recently, the weather becomes drier, and it comes back to my magical product. Every morning and evening, I would apply it after the Clarifying Lotion, before the foundation. I can feel that my skin immediately becomes more supple and smooth, and elastic. It's a perfect product for Autumn/Winter seasons.

Mascara Comparison: HR VS Revlon

This is the first time I do any product comparison, and I think it's quite clear from the image which is the winning product. Helena Rubenstein won by far, then why did I buy Revlon? Because one day I found that my beloved HR was lost, and I was in a rush, so I just went into a shop to buy Revlon Lash Fantasy Mascara. After using it for the first time, I immediately realized how much I miss my HR Lash Queen Mascara (Waterproof). Why?

First, there are 2 sides on the Revlon mascara, the white one as base, and then the other side to put on top, the base is supposed to enhance the volume of the lashes. But it didn't work on my lashes, maybe I didn't put enough? (My lashes are not short ones) I did make sure I cover all lashes before applying the mascara though, anyway, after applying the black mascara, apart from being clump free, I can only see small effect and not-so-volumous eyelashes. Whereas the HR mascara, although it doesn't have a base coat, the lashes are instantly thicken and lengthen. Undoubtedly there are a bit of clumps compare to Revlon, but if eyes look bigger and sharper, I guess a bit of clumps don't matter, right?

Sometimes, you really have to spend more to have good results.

Brand new make-up "bag"

Ok, I love it when designers put creativity in product designs. And I can’t stop myself from writing about this innovative new product. So, now, everyone, take a wild guess, what’s this thing in the picture? Kitchen tool? Key ring? Speakers? No! No! And NO! Alright, for those who didn’t cheat and scroll down to look for the answer, this is a make-up bag, um, ok, I know, it’s not a bag. It’s a white chunk of layers, but it indeed performs the function of a make-up bag. So how does it work? Look at this picture:

Is this clearer now? Oh…still not quite, right? Ok, how about this one?

Yes, it’s a stackable make-up palettes! How genius! Launched by former Lanôme artistic director Fred Farrugia. This neat new product range aims to de-clutter consumers make-up bag, making it easy to find what you need, including eyeshadows, lips colours, blush, and foundation.

The individual palettes are designed by Ora-Ïto, they can be clipped and stacked together to make a compact and complete make-up set in one.

Moreover, applying them are like finger-painting, you don’t even need a mirror. You can choose from 104 stackable palettes of colors. For those who aren’t accustomed to finger-painting, the range also includes a make-up tools set to suit your needs:

Make-up Products: Autumn 2009

Candy colours

(click to enlarge)

Pinks and purples are usually spring colours, but this season they also appear to be the main colours, showing a sense of romance.

• Lancome Color Fever Shine - Color: 306 - USD20.00 (save 20%)
• Jill Stuart Fruit Lip Balm Tint Color - Color: 102 Peach Tint - USD22.00 (save 9%)
• Bobbi Brown Blush - Color: Desert Road 15 - USD26.00 (save 9%)
• M.A.C. Eye Shadow 6 (Limited Edition) - Color: Fresh Cut - USD71.00 (save 9%)

Earthy colours

(click to enlarge)

Earthy colours for autumn are the ever-lasting, classic shades. The main products are eye shadows, the tones include golden bronze, chocolate brown and olive green.

These are best for the less adventurous consumer, because they are easy-to-wear and natural, you can’t possible go wrong with them.

- Benefit Brow Zings – Color: Light – USD34.00 (save 10%)
- Bobbi Brown Nude Lip & Eye Palette (Limited Edition) – USD55.00 (save 32%)
- Christian Dior Iridescent Eyeshadow –color: 559 Parisian Lights - USD55.00 (save 12%)
- Lavera Lipstick – Color: No.25 Brown – USD12.00 (save 52%)
- YSL Multi Usage Make-Up Palette – USD41.00 (save 28%)

Blue shades

(click to enlarge)

This season’s top colour is precious blue, most obvious are the eye colours. NARS Liquid Eyeliner’s turquoise blue is a lighter alternative for this colour trend. There are many brands offering a blue palette, so I believe this will be a big colour trend for autumn.

- Jill Stuart Illuminance Eyes – Color: 08 Dazzling Moon – USD53.00 (save 9%)
- Chanel Noire Et Marine Professional Eyeliner – USD45.00 (save 10%)
- NARS Liquid Eyeliner – Color: Neverland 8105 – USD28.00 (save 5%)
- Chanel Irreelle Duo Silky Eyeshadow – Color: 73 River-Light – USD41.00 (save 12%)
- Chanel Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eye Shadow – Color: 92 Bleu Celestes – USD58.00 (save 8%)

Make-up colours: Autumn 2009

In addition to the usual plum and earthy colour, this autumn adds vibrant turquoise, pink and purple as a contrast.

Be a doll

(click to enlarge image)

• Smoky browns, plum tones and red lips
• Softer, more romantic and youthful look
• Browns, greys and taupes to purples, pinks and blues
• Perfectly flawless base

Exaggerated

(click to enlarge image)

• More suited for the evening or a party occasion
• Bold mouths and smoky eyes
• Bright two-tone shadows
• Purple, turquoise and yellow
• For lips: use lipstick not gloss

Sexy appearance

(click to enlarge image)

• Sultry, alluring make-up look
• smoky shading on the eyes
• sculptured cheekbones
• bronze, browns and gold tones
• grey and green shadows
• Lips: browns, natural or nude shades

What products are suitable for creating these looks? Don't forget to come back and check out my autumn cosmetics products guide!

The Devil wears Prada

I especially like the comment Anna Wintour made on Letterman at the beginning "You have interesting socks", haha!! A truely fashion-focused person. This interview is interesting, I love it.

For those of you who aren't familiar with who Anna Wintour is, she's the "devil" in the movie of The Devil wears Prada, the Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue, as you would have known from the movie if you have seen it, she's decisive and seems like a very cold person, but very charismatic. Watch out for the "September Issue" documentary, it's intriguing. For now, take a glimpse of it with the trailer:

Za eyeliner

I am always adventurous when it comes to cosmetics products, and I have just finished the eyeliner I bought in Thailand in March, so about 4 months. (hehe, I forgot the whole cosmetics bag in HK that time, quite disastrous...) So I was looking for a new one, and here it is, Za Ever Liner for eyes. It's been like a week I have been using it, this time I bought black, not brown, and was thinking whether this colour would make my eyes look bigger. Um. I guess it makes my eyes look brighter than the brown colour.

It doesn't have a cap, so it's good because I don't have to worry of losing it while putting my eyeliner on (on the bus/train). Yes, I mostly do my makeup on public transport :P. Anyway, you just need to turn the head (the transparent part of the photo) of the pen then the eyeliner will come out, convenient! And I also like the colour of the eyeliner itself, white, simple and clean.

As for the texture, it's very easy to apply, it doesn't require a back and forth drawing for the colour to stand out, just basically one stroke is enough. I am lovin' it. I still remember the first eyeliner I had, I need to re-draw and re-draw to have a nice solid colour, so much effort. And this one is so much easier.

How about you? Any eyeliner you recommend to everyone?

Disappointing OPI x SEPHORA

I was so happy that I could finally bought the OPI x Sephora Nail Polish when I went to the US in June. First it was cheaper (US$9) than normal OPI edition, and (I thought) the size is smaller because it does look smaller on the USA Sephora site. :P






I didn't use it until like 2 weeks ago. As much expectation as I have in it, it does really disappoint me...I normally start polishing the thumb first, and you know how the nail size is bigger than others, and the first touch the brush had with my nail, the first impression I got was "What? It's so thick" Anyway, I just keep applying on the nail, but it's so hard to make a nice, smooth surface compares to other nail polish I use (e.g. Missha, Revlon). I still did put them on all my finger nails and toes. However, I had to clean the index and middle finger afterwards because they were screwed up (uneven surface). And I didn't re-apply until like 2 days later...
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So 2 days later, I gave it a second chance. Again, I failed, I started to think whether it's my applying skills or what, but it couldn't be because I used to be good with other ones. So I concluded it's the nail polish's quality. So I cleaned (yet once again) the 2 fingers and just left them, really can't be bothered anymore. So for like a week I was with 3 fingers on orange-reddish nails and 2 with none (yea, looked so "nice") :(
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I told my friends about it, and they couldn't believe that the quality is that bad. But again, maybe I was just unlucky to have picked the not nice bottle, afterall, I only bought 1 bottle. But I swear that OPI version are all good ones.
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Has any of you have a different opinion about this product?

Shu Uemura X Moyoco Anno

Shu Uemura collaborated with one of Japan's most famous manga artists, Moyoco Anno, to create a limited collection of cleansing oils and make-up tools designed with an image of the cute Tokyo kamon girl.

Audrey Tautou Chanel No 5 Commercial

I like her style in there and the make up, so elegant, yet a bit mysterious.

Enjoy!

Chanel No.5 Eau de Parfum

1.5ml - USD 16.00

100ml - USD 159 (Save 2% - Original USD 161)