Category: Beauty and Fashion Tips

What do you think of when you see a watch?

Watches weren’t always a status symbol. Their initial role was to tell time. But throughout history, they became an accessory that complements even the most basic of outfits.

Today, the market is overflowing with watch brands–but not all are made equal. There are clear differences in quality, workmanship, style, materials, and price.

Keep reading to learn how to buy a watch you’ll love (and wear) for years to come.

How to Buy a Watch: The Basics

Buying a watch may look as easy as going into a store and picking one. However, there are some basics you should know before you invest in this timeless accessory.

Read on to learn which details to pay attention to and how to make the right choice for you.

1. Budget

Before you start browsing for watches, you should set a clear budget.

If you want a truly exquisite watch, be prepared to pay thousands of dollars. But if you need a good starter timepiece, you can find high-quality watches from well-known brands for $300-$1,000.

Department stores and chain retailers offer all sorts of price ranges if your budget is limited.

The price usually reflects the workmanship, mechanics, brand heritage and quality of materials. Bear this in mind when you’re deciding on your watch purchase.

2. Style

Before you buy a watch, consider your personal fashion style.

Are you into classic, sophisticated clothing? Or do you prefer a more playful, casual look? This will determine the watch styles you should get to match your outfits.

For example, rubber and plastic watches won’t go well with a suit. Sporty watches with complications may work for casual wear, but not for business casual.

Dress watches with metal or leather straps are usually a great choice for any outfit. Whether you’re a man or a woman, a beautiful watch can take your style to the next level.

3. Occasion

True watch connoisseurs know how to pick a watch for every occasion.

For formal events where you’d wear a gown or a tuxedo, your watch should blend in with the outfit. Dress watches are your best choice here as they’re sophisticated and minimalistic.

Dress watches also go with date night outfits or corporate office attire. In more casual work settings or for a night out with friends, you should go for a simple, modern watch.

You don’t have to buy an expensive watch to make your outfit look good. You can dress well on a budget–as long as you know how to pick and combine your pieces.

4. Wrist Size

When you’re trying on watches at the store, consider your wrist size. You don’t want the wristwatch to be too big or too small–otherwise, it might look disproportionate.

The best way to determine which size to buy is to measure your wrist circumference. If it’s 6-7 inches, go for a 38-42 mm timepiece. If it’s above 7 inches, watches with 44-46 mm width will fit you perfectly.

5. Mechanism

One of the main differences in price between high-end luxury watch brands and all other watches is the built-in mechanism.

Most companies producing expensive watches make their own in-house mechanisms and pay a lot of attention to detail. They test the mechanism several times to ensure it’s perfect before installation.

This requires time, testing materials, and expertise–all of which increase the watch’s worth.

Brands that offer more affordable watches usually order the mechanism already assembled from the supplier. This is why they cost less than luxury brands.

6. Features

Aside from telling time, watches serve other purposes.

For instance, aviator watches come with complications that pilots find useful during their flights. Driving watches are used by racers, bikers, and even cyclists to measure speed, lap times, and mileage.

Diving watches are intended for divers and can tell time, depth, and immersion time left. They’re waterproof, made of durable materials, and can be read in the dark.

Casual and dress watches may come with fewer features. But if you’re only wearing them as an accessory, a minimalistic design is all you need.

7. Movements

There are three main types of watch movements:

• Quartz
• Mechanical
• Automatic

Most medium and low-priced watches are made with quartz movement because it’s cheaper to produce and gets the job done. They’re battery-operated and don’t use complicated mechanisms to operate with accuracy.

However, true watch aficionados will only wear watches with mechanical movement. This is an indicator of craftsmanship and heritage. Mechanical watches are manually wound and the hands move in smooth motions rather than ticking one second at a time.

Automatic watches are similar to mechanical without the need of winding them by hand. They’re called automatic because they use your motion to keep working. As long as it detects your wrist movements, it’ll keep ticking.

8. Workmanship

Watch-making is nothing short of an art form. It involves a lot of patience, attention to detail, knowledge, and creativity.

Watch buying is not that much different. Those who know how much effort goes into making a top-notch timepiece will invest in one to honor the watchmaker.

If you open any two watches, you’ll immediately notice the differences in their mechanism and materials used. To learn more about the features of a quality watch, view here.

9. Get Recommendations

You can read every watch buying guide you come across, but you’ll get the best information through recommendations.

Ask your friends and family if they recently bought a watch and if so, how they made their decision. If you have someone in your circle who knows watches, ask them to come with you when you shop.

The best way to guarantee quality is to learn as much as you can and stick to your budget.

The Best Watches Are Timeless

If you’re wondering how to buy a watch you’ll love and wear forever, these tips will help you make the best choice.

For more fashion and style tips, head over to our fashion and beauty blog.

Make sure to follow us on Facebook too, where we post daily updates and talk about all things fashion, thrift shopping and living frugally!

Forget spending your money on sheet and clay masks–you can give yourself the spa experience right from the comfort of your own home.

Because let’s be honest, sometimes we’re just too lazy to run to the store for a new face mask. So why not turn to your kitchen for some DIY mask recipes?

These masks can tackle any skin problem out there–acne, dryness, dull skin, and more. All you need is simple, all-natural ingredients like avocado, honey, and oatmeal that you can find in your kitchen.

Follow these simple recipes to pamper yourself with the perfect DIY face mask.

Top 10 DIY Face Mask Recipes to Save Money

While there are a lot of DIY recipes out there, this list features some of the simplest, most effective masks–all made out of ingredients you can find in your home.

Although it’s always fun to treat yourself to a spa facial, these face masks are much easier on your wallet–and they can be a lot of fun to put together.

Let’s get into the top 10 recipes you can try.

1. Hydrating Avocado Mask

• 1/2 ripe avocado
• 1 teaspoon plain yogurt
• 1 teaspoon honey

Mash the avocado until it’s soft, then mix in the yogurt and honey. Keep stirring until it forms a creamy paste. Apply to your face and leave it on for about 10 to 15 minutes.

The avocado and yogurt provide a moisturizing and cooling effect, while the antibacterial effects of the honey can help fight off acne. This moisturizing mask is perfect for calming stressed-out skin.

2. Refreshing Banana Mask

• 1 ripe banana
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• 1 tablespoon honey

Mash up the banana into a paste and then mix in the juice and honey. Try to get it as fine as you can, but it’s okay if there are lumps. Let the mask sit for 10 to 20 minutes.

Who knew that bananas could be good for your skin? This tropical mask will give you a healthy, all-natural glow–and it’s gentle enough for even the most sensitive of skin types.

3. Nourishing Honey Mask

• 2 chamomile tea bags
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon nutritional yeast

First, brew one cup of the chamomile tea with the two bag and let it cool. In another bowl, stir the honey and yeast together. Then add just enough chamomile to create a paste. Let sit on your face for 20 minutes.

Although most of the other masks incorporate honey in some way, this mask is designed to harness the raw antibacterial power of honey. It’s calming for sensitive skin, fights off acne bacteria, and is rich in B-vitamins.

4. Cleansing Vinegar Mask

• 1/4 cups apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup water

Mix the two together and apply to your face with a brush or a cotton pad. Let sit for about 10 minutes after it’s dried and then rinse off.

Vinegar has been used as a skin toner for centuries–and it’s just as good for your skin today. It works a lot like botox injections to tighten and reshape the skin. Using vinegar on your face can cleanse your pores for a cleaner, smoother look.

5. Tightening Egg White Mask

• 1 egg whites
• 1 teaspoon of orange juice
• 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder

Separate the egg whites from an egg and whisk in a bowl until it’s fluffy. Then stir in the orange juice and turmeric powder to make a light paste.

This mask is great for oily skin or large pores. With a boost of vitamin C to brighten your complexion and turmeric to calm inflammation and even out your skin tone, the egg white mask can tighten your pores and calm acne flare-ups.

6. Exfoliating Sugar Scrub Mask

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil

Stir together equal parts of brown sugar and coconut oil to form a grainy paste. Apply with gentle, circular motions to exfoliate the skin. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse it off.

This mask works as an effective exfoliator and a mask. The brown sugar helps to clear away dead skin while the coconut oil replenishes and hydrates your skin barrier.

7. Calming Oatmeal Mask

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup plain oatmeal

Stir the ingredients together and then apply to your face for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water–and be sure to clear the oatmeal from your drain.

While this oatmeal face mask might seem weirdly breakfast themed, it’s surprisingly effective. It mattifies the skin and soaks up oils, all while calming the skin with oatmeal and tightening your pores with egg yolk. This mask is great for the end of a stressful day.

8. Brightening Papaya Mask

• 1/2 cup papaya
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 squeeze lemon juice (optional)

Mash about a half-cup of papaya in a bowl, then blend in the honey. You can add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightening power. Apply to your face and leave on for up to 20 minutes.

This mask is great at lightening the skin and evening skin tone. The blast of vitamin C can help correct issues like hyperpigmentation, sun spots, acne scars, or otherwise discolored skin.

9. Age Defying Cocoa Mask

• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 tablespoons oats
• 2 tablespoons cream
• 2 tablespoons honey

First, combine the cocoa powder, cream, and honey. Then gradually stir in the oats until it forms a paste. Apply a thin layer to your face and leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing.

Chocolate doesn’t just taste amazing–it can do wonders for your skin too. It helps with the production of collagen in your skin, which can reverse signs of aging. Plus the oats and honey will soothe and moisturize your skin.

10. Acne Fighting Milk Mask

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 teaspoons milk
• 2 tablespoons nutmeg

Mix these ingredients together and apply a thick layer to the face. Leave on for up to 20 minutes and then rinse off.

Honey is a natural acne fighter, but nutmeg can also exfoliate your skin to prevent future breakouts. To top it all off, milk can soothe irritated skin and replenish moisture.

Saving Your Face and Your Wallet

These DIY face mask recipes are super easy to put together–not to mention great for your bank account.

So the next time you get the urge to splurge on an expensive spa treatment or face masks from Sephora, check your kitchen cabinet first. You might just have everything you need to keep your skin healthy, glowing, and blemish free.

Looking for ways to take your skin care routine to the next level? Check out our beauty and fashion tips!

Perhaps even worse than seeing those first strands of gray is realizing your hair is thinning.

While it’s a natural part of aging, the thinned-out look just doesn’t tend to work for women as well as men. So what do you do? There are recommended at-home remedies, suggested vitamins and tons of products promising amazing results.

But none quite compare to low-level laser therapy.

Are you losing hair? If you want those lustrous locks back but aren’t so sure about laser beams surrounding your head, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll tell you all there is to know about low-level laser therapy here.

The History

In 1967, only a few years after the first working laser was invented, a Hungarian doctor tested the machine on mice to see if it would cause cancer. His name was Endre Mester, and his findings would create a new age for hair care.

After shaving the test mice and splitting them into groups, he applied low-level laser therapy to the test group. In so doing, Mester made a startling discovery. Instead of cancer, Mester discovered the mice’s hair was growing at an accelerated rate.

Although it has been used for decades, low-level laser therapy has only recently gained mass acceptance. Today, it is viewed as a beneficial method for hair restoration and is approved by the FDA. Discover more about low-level laser therapy’s widespread use and acceptance here.

What Is Low-Level Laser Therapy?

In low-level laser therapy, a machine applies a specific wavelength to your scalp. Usually, this wavelength is between 630 to 670 nanometers, which has been shown to foster hair growth.

Low-level laser therapy is offered through several methods. Customers can purchase caps or combs to use at home several times throughout the week. Patients can also undergo therapy with a doctor, who will use a machine to apply the light.

How Does It Work?

When the light is applied to your scalp, it is absorbed in the outer layer of the skin. Cellular energy in the hair follicles is created, strengthening the cells for hair growth. The follicles expand to create new, thicker hair.

The process also increases blood flow to the hair’s roots, which helps bring the nutrients and oxygen to the follicle. These are necessary elements for healthy growth.

The Benefits

Low-level laser therapy has many great benefits for users.

Hair Regrowth

Androgenetic alopecia, or hair loss, affects half of the males over 40 years of age and 75% of females over 65. It’s estimated that 80 million men and women in the US experience drastic hair loss.

The greatest advantage of low-level light therapy is that it actually works. In one report, of 32 patients with androgenetic alopecia who underwent light therapy, 8 showed significant improvements and 20 showed moderate improvements. The remaining 4 demonstrated no improvements.

As a 2013 and a 2016 study say, it is both “safe and effective.”

Unfortunately, the therapy only works to strengthen existing follicles. If you are completely bald, this therapy will not work.

No Pain

The low-level laser used in this therapy causes no burning or pain whatsoever. This is because there is no intense thermal energy in the light source, which is why it is often referred to as “cold” laser therapy.

That means no pain from surgery or weeks of recovery.

Non-Invasive

Even better, this form of light therapy is not invasive at all. Doctors don’t have to cut into your body in order to help your hair regrow or attach hair from somewhere else.

It’s pain-free and easy.

At-Home Treatments

If patients choose, products can be purchased for at-home treatments. That means no more having to go to the doctor’s office. It also means you can undergo the treatment at a time that’s convenient for you.

Risks

As with any device, there are risks. The good news here is the risks are very slim. While experts still debate correct wavelength usage and effectiveness, they all seem to agree that low-level laser therapy is pretty much safe.

As CBS reports, “In nearly 30 years of use, there have never been any concerning side effects from properly-applied low-level laser therapy.”

Telogen Effluvium

One mentioned side effect of laser healing is a temporary development of telogen effluvium (TE). TE is possibly the second most common reason for hair loss and typically includes a thinning of hair when numerous follicles go into a resting phase.

Studies indicate patients experienced TE only in the first one to two months after treatment, but the condition disappeared upon continuation.

Putting it simply if you notice your hair thinning a tad more after first starting, don’t panic. This is a rare circumstance, but in a few weeks time your hair follicles will pop out of that resting phase and start cropping out the top of your head.

Patients with Melanoma

If anyone with melanoma is considering using low-level laser therapy, it’s imperative they speak to their doctor. Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that often spreads throughout the body.

When used at correct wavelengths, studies have shown no effects on tumor increases. However, at high doses, some studies have indicated increases in tumor volumes.

Improper Maintenance

If you do not use products according to their instructions, hair loss may return as a natural result of aging. Upon resuming treatments, the loss should slow.

Further, if consumers use wavelengths that are beyond the specified parameters, the therapy can damage hair.

No Guarantee

Finally, it should be noted that, while all experts agree laser healing is safe, many argue about its effectiveness. Some patients have phenomenal results using the treatment, but others may experience few or no effects.

Lustrous Locks

In a nutshell, low-level laser therapy is an extremely safe treatment for anyone interested in salvaging their lustrous locks. While most studies indicate it’s effective, professionals still argue about just how much light therapy can aid in hair regrowth.

If you’re still uncomfortable about the dancing lights around your head, there are other options. Check out our article about essential oils. Not only are the all the rage of late, but we have a secret blend that can boost hair regrowth.

Shh. It’s our little secret.

The summer is in full swing–which means it’s time to get creative with your outfits.

Instead of hiding under layers of coats, jackets, and scarves, you now have a little more freedom to wear different things.

A tunic is one of the most versatile items of clothing you can have. If you’ve had one in the back of your wardrobe for a while, now’s the time to start wearing it.

You can dress up tunic outfits in lots of different ways. In this post, we’ll give you our top tips on how to wear a tunic with style.

How to Wear Tunic Outfits for Any Occasion

Whether you want a casual beach outfit, something formal for the office, or a classy ensemble for a night out, you can put one together with these tunic fashion ideas.

1. Pair Them with Skinny Jeans

Tunics are long, flowing and sometimes baggy. Since they hang loosely, they usually don’t create a defined shape for the upper body.

In order to make a flattering outfit, you need to balance things out by wearing something more fitted on your lower half. Skinny jeans are perfect for that.

For a summer outfit, try dark blue skinny jeans with a white cotton tunic. This creates a casual, breezy look.

If you prefer, you can achieve the same look with leggings, jeggings, or even tights. If you opt for opaque tights, just make sure your tunic is long enough to cover you when you’re sitting down. Otherwise, you could have an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction!

When the weather is too cold for these choices, you can add a coat and ankle boots. The combination of boots and skinny jeans will make your legs look longer, too.

2. Choose the Right Shoes

You can wear lots of different types of shoes with tunics. However, the best ones are small and flat, so as not to overpower the whole outfit.

Tunics are generally casual, so the shoes you wear with them should be, too. Sandals, ballet flats, and pumps all work well. You can even wear flip-flops with a tunic.

In the winter, suede or leather boots will make a great addition to your look, balancing it out while keeping your feet warm.

3. Dress for Your Shape

Not all fashion tunics are the same. Some are long and flowing, while others are fitted and more restrictive. The type that looks best on you will depend on your body shape.

If you have a small waist with wide hips and thighs, consider something with an A-line shape instead of a tunic that just hangs straight. This will accentuate your curves while creating balance to complement them. Tunics with slits on the side also look great on people with this body shape.

If you want to hide your tummy but show off your legs, choose a tunic that is loosely fitted, but not too baggy. A V-neck will draw attention away from the stomach, too.

For petite women, tunics can be tricky. Wearing one that’s too long will make you look shorter than you are, so tunics that fall to the hip are best.

4. Accessorize

Accessories can make or break an outfit.

Adding some to your tunic top outfits can dress them up, changing them from casual outfits to formal workwear or from day looks to nighttime ones.

Since tunics are long, some of your accessories should be, too. Try throwing a long necklace over the top. Instead of a simple chain, choose something that makes a statement. Large pendants and costume jewelry work great.

If you don’t have anything, don’t worry. If you like arts and crafts, you could try your hand at making your own necklace. That would make your outfit truly special.

Belts are perfect with tunics, too. If you want to bring them in at the waist and accentuate your body shape a little more, add a waist belt. Whether you prefer a large belt that covers your entire waist or something small and subtle, this will add something interesting to your look.

Some bangles or a chunky watch will also look great. If you’re not sure what type of bag to wear with your tunic, a small, over-the-shoulder bag or a clutch will work best.

5. Add Layers

Tunics aren’t just for summer. They work all year round. When it’s cold, you can add some layers to them for the perfect winter outfit.

Since they hang low, it’s a good idea to pair them with something that falls at the waist, such as a leather biker jacket or a denim jacket. This will create an interesting, layered look. If you choose a long, flowing coat, you run the risk of looking frumpy.

A short-sleeved cardigan or a shrug will look good, too.

6. Wear Them with Shorts

Wearing a tunic doesn’t mean you have to cover your legs completely. You can wear them with shorts, too!

This combination is a great way to show off your shapely legs in the summer.

If you do, the golden rule is that your shorts should be longer than the hem of your tunic. Otherwise, it won’t look like you’re wearing any at all. You can go for short shorts, Bermuda shorts, or even capris.

Skirts, on the other hand, are a fashion no-no. If you’re considering a tunic with a skirt, simply go for a tunic dress instead.

7. Think About Fabric and Color Combinations

No matter what you wear with your tunic, it won’t work if the color combination isn’t right. If you choose something that clashes, it will throw everything off. That’s why you need to select your outfit carefully.

Find out which colors go together and which ones don’t. That way, you can select items that complement each other. You can also mix and match different prints, as long as you do it carefully.

The same goes for fabrics. Play around with different combinations and find what works for you.

Tunics for Thrifty Mommas

Of course, tunic outfits are also perfect for expectant (or current) mothers.

Tunics make great maternity wear due to their loose fit and unrestrictive design. They hang loosey over your belly, so you can feel comfortable while looking fabulous.

For more Thrifty Momma tips, read our post on how to save money on maternity clothes.

Are you one of the 87% of women confused by skin care products? If so, you’re in the right place because throughout this article we’re going to share with you ten ultra simple summer skin care tips.

Not only will this advice help you to look and feel your best, but there are also a couple of health benefits thrown into the mix!

So, with that in mind let’s dive into these handy hints and tips.

1. Opt for Fake Tan

As you probably already know, exposing your skin to the UV rays found in direct sunlight or tanning beds can be incredibly dangerous for your skin.

Not only, do you run the risk of burning and prematurely aging your skin, but you also increase the likelihood of contracting skin cancer.

So, if you’re after a sun-kissed glow we recommend using fake tan instead of lying for hours under the baking sun.

If you’re on a budget, not to worry, there are plenty of inexpensive moisturizers you can purchase that contain self-tanner.

Not only do these limit the chances of ugly looking streaks, but they also gradually build up your tan so you can control precisely how bronzed you look!

Top Tip: always exfoliate before applying fake tan, this will get rid of any dead skin, and help achieve a more even coverage.

2. Always Apply Sun Cream

Always use sunscreen. Period.

If you’re spending a lot of time outside you’ll need to regularly top up your sun lotion because it’ll eventually wear off, especially if you’re swimming.

Before purchasing a bottle of sunblock, you should always ensure it has a minimum SPF factor of 30. Then, check the back of the bottle and see whether the cream contains the necessary ingredients to block both UVA and UVB rays.

This is essential if you’re hoping to protect your skin adequately!

Luckily for us, gone are the days where you had to appear white and ghostly to protect your skin.

Nowadays, we can purchase sun creams that soak into our skin so no one would even know you’d applied sunblock.

Equally, you can buy foundations, concealers, moisturizers, etc. with SPF protection. So, keep an eye out for these when you’re updating your makeup collection.

We recommend using suncream on your face as a primer, and then applying SPF makeup over the top- you can never be too careful!

3. Don’t Forget Your Lips

Similarly, we suggest wearing sunscreen designed for your lips, and then wearing your lipstick over the top.

4. Don’t Forget to Exfoliate

Exfoliating isn’t just for the application of fake tan!

If you’re hoping to keep your skin hydrated throughout the summer, then you need to exfoliate regularly.

Not only will this leave your legs, arms, and face feeling silky smooth, but it’s also super helpful for preventing in-grown hairs. So, be sure to exfoliate any skin you’ve just waxed or shaved.

5. Always Take Time to Moisturize

Have you ever heard of avocado oil?

Well, it’s incredible for moisturizing and rehydrating dry skin. Problem areas tend to include: elbows, feet, ankles, and knees.

So, try smothering them in nourishing avocado oil before bed and see if that helps!

Alternatively, to restore the hydration of the skin on your face, you should consider getting a professional facial. Not only will this make your skin feel clean and fresh they’re also super relaxing!

6. Use Mineral-Based Makeup

We love mineral-based makeup.

Typically, this cover up’s formed of a light powder base; this means it won’t sweat off as quickly in comparison to oil-based foundations.

You needn’t spend a fortune on these cosmetics either, head over to your local drug store and see what bargains you can find!

7. Eat a Healthy Diet

Now you’re probably sick of hearing this advice, but it’s true. Your skin needs a healthy diet to look its best. You need to eat foods full of antioxidants and protein.

These minerals stimulate the growth of collagen which is essential for the prevention of wrinkles!

8. Drink Plenty of Water

During the summer months, you should always aim to drink eight glasses of water a day. This is because the heat of the sun dries out our skin, so to stay hydrated we need to drink more than usual.

9. Keep Clean