1. Go to the shop unscented. If you’re trying something new on you, you don’t want to layer it with another fragrance. This is pretty straightforward, but if you’re planning to go perfume shopping on that day, and spraying perfume in the morning is as normal for you as brushing your teeth, you’ll need to remember this.
That’s especially useful if there is someone else helping you with the choice. You may be smell-blind to your own perfume, but the other person’s nose will be confused. If you’re planning to go on your own, at least leave your wrists free.

2. Give it time. We’re always in a rush, and we expect to choose a perfume as we would choose a dress. Perfumes however, develop over the course of hours, so what you get on the top notes may not be what you get two or four hours later. Unfortunately, we tend to forget that, and perfume houses know we do, so it’s not unusual to come across fragrances that smell gorgeous for the first 10 minutes only. Give perfume time. Make the stop at the perfume shop the first one of your shopping session, try the fragrance and continue with your route. Take a sniff from time to time to check if it’s still good after a couple of hours. Top notes are not enough.

3. Spray it on your skin. This is related to the one above. Paper and skin make perfumes smell differently, and perfume houses know that as well. The skin is the real thing though, and if a perfume is great on paper, it may be because it was constructed for that purpose. The blotter is more practical, but it’s not enough: always go for the skin, it doesn’t matter if you smell of ten different things at the same time.

4. Be wary of shop assistants. I don’t mean it bad, of course: they’re there to sell, and that’s fair enough. The problem is, whereas some of them know their stuff, others will just try to push the latest fragrance, without even asking what you’re looking for, and others just won’t have a clue. When they approach you, try to understand how helpful he or she can be, you may be better off on your own.

5. Don’t stress your nose. So now you’re in the shop, spraying perfumes on your skin, dribbling shop assistants, and determined to wait at least two hours before deciding what you like or not. How many perfumes should you try? If you want to go home with a new one on that day, then three are enough, else your nose will get confused.
If you can wait and come back, then spray more, be flexible with the tips so far, and create a shortlist of three.

6. Celebrity perfumes are still perfumes. If there is a topic that causes strong arguments in the perfume community is the one of celebrity fragrances: should we hate them or love them? My take is that your approach should be the same as with any other perfume. Just remember that celebrities never take part in the making of the scents that carry their name, they only give their persona. If you love / hate the celebrity, it doesn’t mean you’ll have to love / hate the perfume.

7. Be open to perfumes for the opposite sex. Gender division in perfumes is becoming relative, thus more and more useless. It doesn’t mean that if you are a guy you should wear ultra-feminine fragrances or vice versa, but in my perfume reviewing experience so far, I constantly come across fragrances which, although officially for one sex, would suit pretty much everyone.

8. Consider buying samples online. If you want to be 100% sure about a fragrance, then you will have to wear it for one or two days at least. No need to buy a bottle though, It won’t be hard to find samples online, both designer and niche.

9. Don’t let them see the light of day. That is how they will live virtually forever. Light is a fragrance killer, and although all perfumes nowadays contain UVA filters, absence of light is the best thing. Keep them in the original box all the time.

10. Think of the occasion before you pick from the shelf. Free perfume on a free skin, sure: we should all be able to wear whatever whenever. Yet, there is such thing as the correct match between a perfume and a given situation. This should be a straightforward principle, but it’s often overlooked. Perfume is part of your image and image has a social impact. Once you’re aware of that, the rest is just common sense.

Author’s Bio

Andrea writes perfume reviews with a personal view at Yournextperfume.com

If you are one of these women who feel annoyed by all the fuss created around the question of make-up and think that make-up makes intelligent women look superficial, let’s look to what extent you are right and to what extent changing your attitude may enhance the quality of your life.

The cons of make-up

• The main disadvantage is the chemicals that are present in make-up. In the recent years more and more attention has been drawn to the safety of the ingredients of cosmetics. Fortunately, the industry has started catching up with the trend offering a wider variety of bio cosmetics.
• The dependency on cosmetics when women feel embarrassed to show themselves in front of people without make-up. This shows deep insecurity and low self-esteem. This problem has to be tackled with other means as well. Make-up should be an additional aid to feel more confident not the one and only. It’s vital for these women to work on finding their real worth.
• Make-up put on not properly has the opposite effect of the desired one. The leading expert on the issues of non-verbal communication, Tonya Reiman, recommends having a consultation with a professional make-up artist. According to her this investment pay offs very well through the years. The next paragraph reveals exactly how this happens.

The benefits of make-up

• Enhancing the sex appeal a woman possesses.

Some women can’t accept that men are dependent much more on visual stimuli than women when choosing a partner. This doesn’t make them “stupid”, “superficial” or “bad”. This is a characteristic they are born with. In the animal kingdom males have to attract a female by showing off their colourful decoration whereas in human society where men are fewer, women have to fight for attention.

Make-up and cosmetics have been used since ancient times to aid a woman be noticed – help her tighten loose skin, enhance advantages and hide disadvantages. In order to become a wife/long-term partner she has to possess many other qualities but the first impression she makes is with her physical appearance. However, the good first impression is not the only function of make-up. Variety is important for men’s eyes and a woman can ensure that her man will enjoy some variety throughout years by using make-up. Of course, there should be other ways in which to keep being interesting for a man except the appearance.

• Boosting a woman’s confidence.

Make-up when put skillfully can make a woman look younger, more beautiful, more vivid, lively and fresh. It happens in two ways – firstly from the appearance itself, secondly from the mere act of doing something assertive for yourself (the desire to be noticed means you feel you deserve to be noticed) and thirdly from the variety (changes and novelties in our appearance are pleasant not only for men but for us as well). You can imagine how beneficial for all kinds of situations a boost in confidence is.

Confident people are more convincing in negotiations with clients and partners. They are also more creative and productive as they can focus their energy on finding solutions instead of fighting insecurities and desire to avoid attention. On the other hand, the positive feedback women get from other men and women (yes, we know how valuable compliments are from other females, maybe sometimes even more valuable than when they come from a man) for looking nice enhances the effect of their own feeling of self-appreciation.

Make-up tips

Tonya Reiman cites a study in her book “The Power of Body Language” which shows the importance of make-up in the workplace and for a successful interview when you want a job change. According to the study women who use make-up with measure that looks natural are perceived as more competent and get more recognition and even higher salaries than women who use heavy make-up or no make-up at all.

Tonya Reinman suggests that you should avoid red lipstick at work as it has a strong sexual effect on men which can undermine good team work or your professional presentation.

If you want to impress a man you should know the power make-up has on men’s perceptions. Mascara makes men’s eyes linger on woman’s eyes – the window to her inner world, the “content”. Rouge gives a woman a healthier look which instinctively attracts a man. When a woman is aroused the colour of her cheeks and lips becomes more intense which has an immediate positive response in the man opposite her. This effect is artificially achieved with well-balanced use of rouge and lipstick/lipgloss. Just make sure to practice applying make-up at home to find the right intensity and technique for your face or follow Tonya’s advice and get a consultation from a good make-up artist.

It’s not obligatory to put make-up on a regular basis but keep in mind that you can rely on it for additional boost in the mood and confidence every once in a while. If your attitude to make-up is totally negative, think about whether you have difficulty with integrating other typical feminine features like feminine way of walking, smooth gestures, etc. Explore the reasons for that and work on accepting the feminine energy you have naturally flowing in you since birth. It is one of the important ways to harmony and happiness.

Author’s bio

Maria Dimitrova writes for anotherway.org, a site where you can discover the most efficient solutions to problems in different areas and useful information like the best web browser, why the cost of gold has surged or how to invest in precious metals.

Urban Decay is great for a variety of occasions, from going to work or heading out for a nice dinner! They also offer a variety of beauty products to choose from, including eye shadow, bronzer, lip gloss, and even a makeup setter. I have a difficult time choosing which products I’d like to try first, but considering the reviews I’ve heard about their Naked Palette, I’ll start by reviewing the popular eye shadow first followed by additional beauty products you’ll want to invest in.

1. The Naked Palette comes with a brush and twelve different neutral shades, in perfect time for the fall. These neutral shades compliment a number of outfits and you can never go wrong with neutrals because they match practically everything. I can picture wearing this eye shadow with a new leather jacket, tunic, and leggings on my way to a park where I’ll be watching the autumn insignia form on the leaves in the trees.

2. Since we are gradually letting go of summer time and learning to embrace the forthcoming fall time, why not allow that kiss of sunshine to remain on your cheeks with Urban Decay’s Baked Bronzer. You can select from two different shades called Gilded or Toasted. As expected Toasted is a bit darker, so if your skin already has a natural tan, this might be the shade for you. Girls who have a lighter skin tone, like me, might not want to overwhelm their pale complexion, so as a substitute going with a light bronzer would be a great deal more flattering.

3. If you’re anything like me, then you are a sucker for any and all lip gloss. The vintage like holder that this lip gloss comes in makes it all the more tempting. The Lip Junkie Lip Gloss is not super sticky but instead has a soft and cushiony texture that most girls desire.

4. I live in a humid climate in California near the beach and I’m constantly on the lookout for a fast acting setting spray that will keep my makeup in tact. Boy was I thrilled when I discovered that Urban Decay also offers an All Nighter Long Lasting Setting Spray! Now I can head out to the beach without worrying about my makeup becoming blotchy or melting.

A quality company such as Urban Decay offers a number of beauty supplies that I’m going nuts over. Neutral eye shadow, gorgeous bronzer, smooth lip gloss, and a long lasting setting spray are all on my beauty go to list. With the coupons that are available, I just might be able to splurge and be all set for the autumn time and not to mention heading out to the beach whenever I feel like it.

Author’s Bio

Bio: A freelancer, writer, blogger, ocean dreamer, and fashion lover, Sierra adores being a featured fashion blogger for JoeShopping.com and runs her own personal blog at Ocean Dreams.

Having said that, there is always occasion to pretty up a bit for a night out, or to look put together for friends/family. The following essentials will keep you looking carefree and natural by day and smoking hot by night–All in the space of one (TSA approved!) quart-sized Ziploc bag.

Concealer

A good coverage concealer will keep you looking awake and fresh without the full coverage stress of foundation. You will be surprised at the wonders it can work when used sparingly beneath the eyes, around the nose and anywhere else your face has redness or blemishes. M.A.C Select Moisturecover is my favourite. Try a couple different brands to find the one that matches your skin tone and will not budge.

Waterproof Mascara

This is a staple that will make you feel pretty both on the beach or trekking around a new city, without adding bulk to your face. Try to find a dark brown formula that looks somewhat natural to keep with the easy, laid back vibe of vacation. I like Clinique formulas as they do not tug my eyelashes once it’s time for removal. And they stay in place, raccoon-eye free!

Bright Lipstick

Nothing dolls you up for a special occasion like luscious, bright lips. Lipstick is extremely portable, requires no brushes and (if you are both well practiced and steady handed), no mirror! For cool toned ladies, a bright pink such as Revlon ColorBurst Lipstick in Fuchsia is very complementary and fashionable. My personal favourite is M.A.C Lipstick in Lady Danger, a coral, orange red. To make your pretty pout last, keep the tube with you during your night out for touch ups.

Dark Brown Eyeliner

In lieu of toting fragile eyeshadows in your suitcase, pack eyeliner instead. It’s small, quick and makes such a difference! I think dark brown is the most universally flattering (I like Urban Decay 24/7 Eye Pencil in Bourbon) whilst still being low-key. Pair smoldering eyes with your bright lips and you’ll be the belle of whatever ball you are attending.  Again, no brush necessary, just draw a little on your upper lash line and gently smudge with your finger. I recommend leaving the lower line bare unless you really want to dial up the glamour at a dance club.

Lastly, and Most Importantly: Make up Remover Wipes

When you are having fun on your adventures it can certainly be easy to forget about the most important part of make up: Removing it! Whether you wore eye make up that day or not, you should always cleanse your face before bed. Sweep away daily dirt and germs so they can’t harm your beautiful countenance while you slumber. For travel, wipes are your best option as they are easy to pack and fool proof to use (Step One: Remove from packet. Step Two: Wipe your face). Neutrogena has a wide range of these wipes that are both gentle yet effective.

Bring these five must-haves on your next vacation and you will be secretly done up while looking beautifully undone!

Authors’ Bio

Noella Schink is a travel and beauty writer from Portland, Maine. For your next vacation she recommends Auto Europe for your car rental needs.