Fashion and beauty tips: 2013-08-25

Smart dressing for petite beauties

Smart dressing for petite beauties (Getty Images)

Not everyone is blessed with enviable height like that of B'wood's Deepika and Bipasha. But hey, being short is not so bad either. If you are big on personality and style, no one will even bother about your lack of height. After all, good things come in small packages!

Here are some tips and tricks to highlight your assets by who else but the pretty and petite designer Namrata Joshipura, who manages to stand-out despite her small frame.

Trousers
Flared trousers are a big no as they add volume to the bottom and make you look broad at the wrong place. Go for slim fits that will give an elongated look to your body.

Capris
If capris are your fav pick, make sure you go for one that either ends at the knee or not be mid-calf. Calves are the widest part of the lower legs, flaunting them will only spoil the plan.

Shorts
If hot pants are not your cup of tea, then pick up shorts that end just above the knee.

Skirts and dresses
The ideal length for a skirt is two inches below the knee. Just like capries, skirts that meet the calves, are best avoided.

Mini's look great on short girls. Go for ones that are tight around the thighs. Flared, flounced skirts add to the girth.

Shapely pencil skirts will help you give a taller and slimmer look.

If variety is the word for you then, make sure you have a long straight-fitting skirt and an A-line skirt in your wardrobe, the latter only if you have a heavy bottom.

Go for monochromatic dresses and avoid pieces with stark colour contrast between the top and bottom.

V-necks and broad necklines, flatter petite women as they create an illusion of a long and lean neckline.

Patterns
While bold prints are a big no, horizontal lines are another set of killers. Make vertical lines your friend and patterns that traverse through the length of your garment are suggested.

Belts
Stay away from very big belts as they will divide your body in two parts, highlighting your short legs or short torso.

Bags
While buying a bag, wear it to see it's not hiding a lot of you.

Cut n fit
Avoid very loose and loud silhouettes as they have a dwarfing effect. Make sure your clothes are well-tailored and fit properly. Over sized T-shirts or huge tops will not hide anything, but only make you look bloated.

Shoes
A pair of comfortable heels will only add to your persona. Boots can be opted for when you wear trousers to give a continuous sweep of length.

Tops
Anything that ends near mid-thigh is absolutely unacceptable as it will cut the length. Go for tops and shirts that end anywhere close to the pocket of your trouser or skirt.

Kurtas
Avoid floor length- anarkali kurtas and if the silhouette is enticing you from long, make sure it ends at least 5 inches above your ankle.

If you are a sucker for churidaar and kurtas , knee level is where your kurta should end. Avoid huge salwars and try and keep the top and bottom in similar colours.

Last but not the least, feel confident for short can also be smart!

Ways to make lip gloss last longer

Lip gloss looks beautiful but it has a short life as it wears off quite easily. Read on to know how to make it last longer

Lip gloss is every woman's basic necessity. It's shiny and glamorous and adds volume to any lip colour. But the only problem is that it doesn't last longer and smudges off quite easily. But that doesn't mean that you stop wearing it. Just keep in mind not to wear it on bare lips. We suggest you some tips to make your lip gloss last longer and look beautiful.

Use a lip liner
Before you apply any lip gloss, outline your lips with a lip liner of the same colour and fill in a bit. It will prepare a base for your lip gloss to adhere to. It not only makes the lip gloss last longer but also avoids any smudges. It also makes you lips look fuller.

Try out a lip stain
Applying lip stain beneath lip gloss is another smart trick as it is not sticky. When you apply a coat of lip gloss over lip stain, its dry formula will absorb the gloss. Another benefit is that it will moisturize your lips and give it a sheer, which you can flaunt.

Final step, lipstick
Sometimes even long-wear lipsticks fail to give long-lasting finish and effect. This is why, many use lipstick and lip gloss together as it makes a strong combination. Apply a layer of gloss over lipstick to make your lip colour last longer
.

Time for men to go bold with neon colours

Time for men to go bold with neon colours (Thinkstock photos/Getty Images)

Women wear bright coloured apparel to brave the dull sticky weather. Men can follow suit by teaming neon bandhgalas with beige or khakhi fitted trousers or bright jackets with white shirts, says experts.

Neons come in various shades like green, blue and yellow and they can be part of western as well as traditional attire. While you are all game for flaunting the bright colours, make sure to team them with right colours.

"Neon colours look fun, youthful and when teamed elegantly, usually look regal. Sport a neon bandhgala, with beige or khakhi fitted trousers or breeches to add that 'coolness' to your look. Bright jackets can be worn with white shirts to tone it down a little," said a Barkha 'n' Sonzaltold us.

To add drama to Indian attire, they suggested to wear kurta or stole in neon colour instead of the regular gold and creams. A bright tee with dhoti pants are great for a casual outing.

Men can try neon coloured accessories.

"You can add some pop to your boring shirt and jeans with a funky neon scarf, watch or wrist band. Neon shoes and bags are quite a rage these days as well," said the designer duo said.