Tuesday 23 / April / 2024
We all have those days when we wish we had a magic wand to give ourselves an instant beauty lift. But it’s certainly going to be a while before technology makes that advancement. So if you’re fretting over trying to look your best for an evening with a special someone right now, we’ve compiled the perfect list of things you should essentially tend to before stepping out of that door. We aren’t going to dictate rules about what you must do; it’s about all those things you shouldn’t.
Unkempt nails
Nothing says ‘careless’ like turning up for a big day with your nails scruffy. Nails also say a lot about your personal hygiene and that’s one thing you don’t want anyone pointing fingers (especially with well-polished nails) at. You have two ways to go about it. If you aren’t into manicures, simply apply some clear coat nail varnish for a healthy shine. On the other hand, if you wear your nails as an accessory in itself, take it easy with those fake nails (dropping a nail at the table can be really embarrassing). Winning someone’s heart doesn’t mean you need to claw your way in, so you don’t need super long, acrylic nails studded with diamonds. Go natural (medium or short), but feel free to wear a colour of your choice. As long as your nails are clean, with no chipped ends and stray cuticles, you’re good to go.
Clumpy lashes
Don’t just blame the mascara; it could also be that you got too impatient with the layering. Yes, we know you want to flutter those lashes to your heart’s content and we’ll give you the thumbs up for that too, but the key to perfectly batable lashes is to go slow and steady with the application. If you are aiming for more volume, give a little time in between coats. And for the sake of beautiful lashes, don’t use mascara that’s too old.
Hair battles
Not a good idea before the big day. Opt for hairdos you’ve already tried out before and are comfortable styling and managing later. Don’t go for a hairstyle from a magazine cover that will fall all over your face when the moment is right. You also run the risk of a self-brought-upon bad hair day if the styling goes wrong.
Too much perfume or too less deodorant
Both are bad; the latter, without any doubt, being worse! It’s natural to perspire, and that is why there are antiperspirants to counter it. Sweat stained dresses (we aren’t even going to get to the topic of odours) can make even the most expensive attire look unattractive. When it comes to perfumes, remember - a few squirts of it only at your pulse points. It’s also important to keep in mind that our bodies react to different perfumes differently and the smell we get on the tester strip might not be exactly how it smells on us later. It’s best to choose a scent that you’ve already been complimented on. Go for milder fragrances that aren’t too overpowering.
Not looking yourself
You’ve probably heard the ‘be yourself’ cliché enough, so we aren’t throwing another one of those. Here we quite literally mean how you look with your makeup on. Don’t go overboard! If you love makeup and can’t think of going bare, we have the perfect suggestion for that – the ‘no-makeup makeup’. That way you get to exercise your makeup skills and at the same time, not look like you dipped your face in foundation and colour. And oh, do go subtle on those eye-shadow colours too. You want to be the rainbow in someone’s life, not look like a rainbow.
Dry or sticky lips
Another case of extremes being equally turning off. Start with getting rid of the dry skin on your lips by exfoliating well. Follow through with a conditioning lip balm. Make sure that along the necessary hydration, your lipstick also has staying power and doesn’t leave your lip-liner on its own in the later hours (beauty mishap right there). While a little sparkle is acceptable, drop the gooey gloss. It might be good for photos but having this on when you are up, close and personal doesn’t look all that luscious as we think.
Bad breath and dirty teeth
Though you might not want to brush before you go out, make sure you at least smell fresh and don’t have any leftover corn pieces stuck in your teeth – it’s plain gross! Do a quick mouthwash, floss or just pop ample mouth fresheners. As for your teeth, also make sure your lipstick colour hasn’t seeped onto them. You’d look deadly alright, but in a very different context!
Leaving your essentials behind
That’s a disaster waiting to happen. We don’t care how you fit it all in that miniature purse you’d like to carry, but it’s crucial to keep your makeup items where you can reach them. You don’t have to bring all your brushes, palettes or sponges along, but keep the items you use to touch up close to you – you never know when an emergency could strike. —[email protected]
Antara Bose is a model turned fashion and beauty consultant. A popular blogger, anchor, and voice over artist, she maintains a deep connection with the local fashion industry and is passionate about discovering and celebrating aspiring talent as well as promoting animal rights. For fashion updates with a side of humour and sarcasm follow Antara on instagram @antarabose and on Facebook (Antara Bose)
