Striped nails is the new style statement in nail art

Give your nails a festive but sophisticated look with a simple stripe over solid nail background that is the new style statement in nail art. 

If you have long solid nails, paint the underside in a different colour, like golden or pearl or just apply a crystal. Two horizontal stripes on the nails make them look elegant. Metallic shades are hot this autumn.

Manicurists predict that the coloured French manicure trend will only get bigger. If you want your hands to look hot, add that coloured stripe in gold, silver or rainbow colours.

Flaunt your back this season

With girls keen to show off their smooth, clear skin in cholis this festive season, there is an increased demand for back polishing, scrubs and backacials. These non-surgical procedures can be easily done in a jiffy if you're hard-pressed for time. 

What's hot?
Microdermabrasion — with diamond and aluminium crystals — is one of the most sought-after treatments this Navratri, reveals cosmetologist Dr Apratim Goel. "First, we prep the skin. The entire back and shoulder area is covered with an enzyme lotion. This is followed by an oxygen infusion treatment with a high-pressure jet, as the skin may get dry. It is then massaged with a serum that exfoliates, lightens and hydrates the dermis."

Another popular regimen is the chemical peel, says cosmetic surgeon, Dr Viral Desai. "Pigmentation, uneven skin tone and scars can be quite embarrassing. This is where chemical peels help as they clear away the skin's superficial layer. It's a safe, 15-minute procedure and the effects show up in a day or so," he reveals. Laser treatments for back are also becoming common. "A low-level laser light, which deals with acne and removes scars, is used. Of late, whitening injections have become popular too, though they are a tad costly," he adds.

Watch out!
All these procedures start from Rs 1,000 and go up to Rs 6,000. However, there is a word of caution from cosmetic expert Dr Vinod Vij. "You have to choose what treatment works best for you. Microdermabrasion may not work for those who have a dark skin tone. Laser is apt for people with a thicker dermis. If the skin is very thin and has hyper pigmented spots and acne, Q switch laser is effective," he says.

Five essential fashion tips for women to nail an interview

Dressing for an interview is a tricky affair. After all, your attire makes the first and a lasting impression on the interviewer. 

While men mostly dress in a pair of formal trousers, ladies could be a little experimental. But at the same time, they have to be careful not to go overboard with it. You have to be careful about your appearance and your mannerisms among everything else. So, it is important to keep a few things in mind to nail an interview and leave a longlasting impresssion. Here are some tips that will help you in doing so perfectly.

pick up suits and skirts in subtle colours Select subtle colours like grey, navy, brown or off white. Colours like crimson and indigo are too bright for formal occasions like a job interview. You can choose between trousers or skirt. The thumb rule when it comes to wearing a skirt to an interview is that the hemline should not be more than three fingers above the knee-length. Choose a light coloured blouse or shirt. Pastel shades of blue, pink and purple are the safest of choices.

Avoid chipped nails

Half chipped-off polish give an impression of a disorganised personality to employers. So, if you run out of time or money to get a good manicure done before the interview, at least make sure that your nails are free of polish and are shortened neatly. Long, chipped-off nails look sloppy. Keep an enamel shiner handy to give your nails a last minute touch up. If you are keen on wearing a nail polish, opt for muted colours.

A neat hairdo is a must

When it comes to settling for the best hairdo to nail an interview, the most important and wise thing to do is to select something that you are comfortable in the most. If you have unmanageable hair, the best way to tame it is to tie it into a neat bun. If you have short hair, comb it neatly and tuck it behind the ears. Prevent your hair from fying all over your face. Clip it up properly so that your face is visible to the interviewer.

Garish makeup is a strict no-no

Nude makeup is the best thing to opt for an interview. Play up your favourite feature on your face but don't overdo it. For instance, you can apply a thin liner but don't use any eye shadow. You can wear a cat eye liner but tone it down. Don't go for smokey eyes.For the lips, use light shades. The blush should also be just a dust-off. Keep it as natural as possible.

Check your bra strap 
If you are wearing a sleeveless dress to the interview, make sure that your bra straps are in place before entering the hall. It is always advisable to wear fitting bras with straps that are tight enough to stay in place. Ditch your loose innerwear that day. A fashion mishap at an interview could be much more distracting than you can imagine.

Glamorous hairstyles for a date

Whether you are going on an intimate dinner for two or camping under the stars with your date, here are hairstyle ideas for men and women 

The date - Intimate dinner For girls: Vintage Curls If you want to pull out all the stops and surprise your man, why not opt for vintage curls and extra volume? Use volume spray before drying your locks, then insert velcro rollers working your way from the top of the head. Leave the rollers in for at least one hour. Make sure you brush out the curls with a comb and use plenty of hairspray for maximum hold. For a glamorous finish to your beauty look, use bright red lipstick, elegant eyeliner and thick mascara. 

For guys: The Sleek Side-Swept Quiff The classic hairstyles for men have always been appreciated by women, especially when it comes to special occasions. "Whether you choose to do the side parting, the side-swept quiff or slicked back hair, make sure you use a high-shine product for a polished appearance," says Asgar Saboo, hairstylist to the stars. Create a side parting and then dry your hair into the direction desired. When dry, use a styling cream, wax or wet look gel for a slicked look. For maximum hold you can also use a strong hairspray. This look is perfect to accompany a sharp suit. 

The date - Partying in style For girls: Sophisticated fishtail braid For those ladies who are thinking of partying the night away, why not experiment with a fishtail braid? "Whether perfectly neat or purposely messy, the texture and seemingly complicated pattern of this cupid-worthy style provide a refreshing visual twist," says hair dresser Michelle from Mumbai. Divide your hair into two large sections down the middle. Weave from the left by taking a strand of hair from the left side and pull it over the top of the rest of the left section. Grasp it under the right section. Ultimately, you are pulling the strand over the left section and under the right section. Repeat the same steps when weaving from the right section until you reach the bottom of the braid. Tie the end with a ribbon that matches your outfit. 

For guys: The 'Great Gatsby' look If you have slightly longer hair and want to match your significant other's sexy hairstyle, Asgar suggests the Great Gatsby look. For smoother and silkier finish, your hair needs to be squeaky clean and properly conditioned. After drying it, you will need to get your hands on some hair styling products such as hair gel, wax or high-shine hair spray and then comb it into a far-left parting. You can also smooth a little moulding paste to keep you hair in place. 

The date - Under the stars For girls: Gorgeously Sleek and Smooth If you're simply taking a romantic walk in the park or spending a night under the stars with your loved one, an outdoor-friendly hairstyle such as smooth, sleek straight hair is ideal. Make sure you use a hair smoothing product or leave-in conditioner to prep your hair. If you would like to gain some volume, then a great tip is to flip your head upside down while blow drying to achieve a casual, yet sexy look. Tuck hair behind one ear for an effortless finish. 

For guys: The dishevelled look This style can be worn successfully by all ages and hair types especially when it comes to a less formal occasion. "It is important that you work a product into the hair before drying; this hairstyle is all about the texture," says hairstylist Agnes Chen. Dry with low speed and use your hands to push the hair in the direction you want to wear the style. You can always experiment and change directions even if you've already styled your hair, one of the huge benefits of this relaxed style. #