Qwik Fix:: Best Jean Styles 4 Your Body Type

by Colette Bouchez

When it comes to shopping for jeans, women everywhere will tell you it's s often the "little things" that make the difference between looking okay and looking spectacular.

To help iron out some style wrinkles, we talked to the jeans fashion experts for some advice on what to look for and what to avoid according to your body type.

Problem: Short Waist
QwikStyle Fix: A trouser style jean with a flat front, slash pockets and a low waist to elongate your look.

Problem: Long Waist
QwikStyle Fix: Regular to high-rise with a straight leg to balance the body.

Problem: Short Legs
QwikStyleFix: Narrow legs and a low rise. Length should hit the top of the instep but no longer. – Avoid "scrunchy" long lengths that bunch at the ankles and the "pencil leg" which tapers in at the foot. "

Problem: Bulging Tummy
QwikStyle Fix: Lycra! Look for jeans with at least 4% stretch - or elastic panels inside to cut down the jiggle factor.

Problem: Large Thighs
QwikStyle Fix: A relaxed fit that sits slightly below natural waist and dark even toned shades. Avoid striated or streaked coloring on the thighs.

Problem: Boooty Issues
QwikStyle Fix: It's all in the pockets! Remember these rules: Small pockets make any backside look larger; big pockets make any backside look smaller; no pockets make hips look wider; embroidered or detailed pockets make every bottom look curvier!

Sources: Lisa Rudes-Sandel, creator of Tummy Tuck Jeans and director of NYDJ; Amy Cafazzo, jeans style expert, Marshalls Department Stores.

For read more money saving tips and tricks visit www.CheapChicDiary.com or CountryDutchess.com for fabulous savings!

Copyright by Colette Bouchez 2009 - All Rights Reserved.
In addition to US Copyright, the text of this CheapChicDiary article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License. All
Formatting and style elements of this page are not available under this license and Colette Bouchez retains all rights in those elements.

5 Tips For Nicer Nails

by Colette Bouchez

With health concerns growing over some of the chemicals used in applying acrylic nails more and more women are choosing to go natural .

And in fact a number of top celebs have shown us that as long as they're well groomed, short nails can be as attractive as the cat claws (though admittedly not as much fun when you're finger pointing at that bad boy for something he did wrong!).

But whether long or short, there are things you can do to build the strength of your nails and make them look healthier and more attractive. Here are a few tips you might not know.

1.Avoid acetone- based polish removers - If your nails are the least bit brittle, if they split or break easily, NY dermatologist Dr. Dana Stern says skip any polish removers containing acetone. She says studies show it strips the nails of important oils and increases breakage, Check the ingredient label before you buy..

2. Pay attention to your shampoo - Yes, it's true, your choice of shampoos can also impact your nails! While most women know instantly if a shampoo isn't right for their hair, most don't realize it can also be wrong for your nails! This is particularly true of detergent shampoos or those used for oily hair. Designed to strip away natural oils they can cause dry nails to go uber -dry, and break more easily, says Dr. Stern. And what if you just love, Love, LOVE your shampoo for oily hair? Easy!Just be sure to coat nails with a conditioning oil right after you shampoo This will put back the lipids stripped out by your hair product.

3. Don't Overdo Professional Manicures - In one study conducted at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York City doctors found that women who had regular, professional manicures suffered from dry, brittle nails more often than those who cared for their nails on their own. The docs say it's likely the greater exposure to industrial strength chemicals during a pro nail session that could be the clue. Another study shows that over time women who get too many professional manicures are more likely to end up with curved, claw-shaped nails, and frequently suffer with chronic nail bed infections. The way to beat that is to always bring your own tools to the manicurist, and never ever let her cut your cuticles.

4. Skip Nail Hardeners- Dr. Stern says that in most cases they can do more harm than good, making nails more brittle and more likely to break. You should aim for flexible nails - not hard nails- so they bend instead of breaking under pressure. The best way to get them: Massage nails daily with a lipid-rich oil such as vitamin E or borage oil.

5. For younger, sexier looking hands: Skip taupe and frosted nail colors says Allure Magazine. Pale pink sheer fuchsia, and rich reds make nails look more vibrant and make your hands look sexier and more attractive.

For read more money saving tips and tricks visit www.CheapChicDiary.com or CountryDutchess.com for fabulous savings!

Copyright by Colette Bouchez 2009 - All Rights Reserved.
In addition to US Copyright, the text of this CheapChicDiary article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License. All
Formatting and style elements of this page are not available under this license and Colette Bouchez retains all rights in those elements.

Mineral Makeup Secrets Revealed!

by Colette Bouchez for CountryDutchess.com

Love the idea of all-natural mineral makeup - but still seek the smooth look of a liquid foundation? Or maybe the powdered minerals end up in fine lines and creases making you look older than you like?

Here's the secret to flawless application:
First apply one layer of your favorite moisturizer and let it sink into your skin - the way you normally would. Then, add a second thinner layer of moisturizer - but before it sinks in dust on your mineral make-up and quickly blend it with your fingertips. You'll get the glow without any of the dryness! But remember, timing is crucial here ...if the moisturizer sinks in too quickly, the application will still be too dry. That's why it's best to add a second layer of moisturizer and not try to do it all in one step.

Another tip:
Use your regular moisturizer for the first coat, then use an anti-aging moisturizing primer such as Garnier Nutritioniste Ultra Lift Serum, 1.7-Ounce Bottle for the second coat. You get a smooth foundation look, plus a primer, plus all the benefits of mineral makeup!

More Mineral Magic:
Mix a small batch of your own "liquid minerals" . To do this combine equal parts anti-aging prime and mineral makeup on a small piece of tin foil ( try 1/4 tsp of each to start) . Blend until there are no lumps ( that's key!) and apply like a liquid foundation.

Mineral Makeup Refresher:
Your can also refresh your mineral make-up with a spritz of mineral water later in the day (but make sure you get an ultra fine mist like the kind found with Evian Brumisateur Mineral Water Sprays . Or you can use a tiny bit of moisturizer applied right on top of the makeup to bring back the dewy look you had when you left the house in the morning!

Liquid Minerals:
If neither of these techniques sound appealing then you might want to give Jane Iredale Liquid MineralsTM (Color: Amber) Mineral Liquid Foundation Base a try. This amazing liquid minerals foundation gives you a glow like no other - and it's good for your skin too!

To learn how the various brands of mineral makeup compare, click here.

For the best buys on cosmetics,skin care & jewelry
visit CountryDutchess.com or www.CheapChicDiary.com


Copyright by Colette Bouchez 2009 - All Rights Reserved.
In addition to US Copyright, the text of this CheapChicDiary article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License. All
Formatting and style elements of this page are not available under this license and Colette Bouchez retains all rights in those elements.

Reducing Static Electricity in Hair

by CountryDutchess.com

Along with cooler temperatures comes static electricity - and if you find that hair is harder to tame in winter you're not alone. One reason is because colder air is less humid- and it's actually the moisture content of the air that helps reduce static electricity. It's also one reason why frizzy hair can actually be harder to handle in cold dry air then even the dampest warm air.

Moreover, wearing lots of scarves and hats in winter also increases static electricity causing your hair to literally stand on end.

What can you do? Here are some tips for reducing the static electricity in hair and making your styles easier to manage in winter and summer.

1. Keep hair conditioned. Dry hair only adds to the static so turn down the noise with a good deep conditioning treatment - essential if you also color your hair.

2. Use leave-in conditioner - and give your hair a spritz before going out in the cold.

3. Use a tourmaline comb It has anti-static properties that can naturally cut down electricity in your hair. Try the Conair Tourmaline Ceramic Styling Comb (Pack of 2) They sell for just $8.24 - and you get two!

You can also try a natural bristle brush which has the same effect. And bonus: Both can help reduce split ends and hair breakage. By the way, most natural bristle brushes sell for over $25.00- we found this one SOFT 100% PURE BOAR BRISTLE WAVE HAIR BRUSH DURAG MAN for just $3.99- WOW!

4. Use a fabric softener sheet - the kind used to cut down static in your washing machine. Rub it very lightly over your hair before combing - or rub it on your brush or comb. We recommend All Fabric Softener Sheets, Free Clear, 80 Countbecause they are unscented and don't leave a greasy residue. You can also try Dryer Sheets/Fabric Softener, Baby, Free & Clear, All Natural Soy Based, 40 Sheets> These natural soy-based baby fabric softener sheets for an even gentler anti-static treatment. (By the way, this also works great to reduce static cling from tights or pantyhose. Just rub the underside of your skirt or the top of your tights).

5. Spray your brush or comb with hairspray before using. The alcohol will cut down the static.

For even more tips, tricks, steals and deals
visit CountryDutchess.com
Or fore more Cheap Chic tips and tricks visit CheapChicDiary.com

Copyright by Colette Bouchez 2009 - All Rights Reserved.
In addition to US Copyright, the text of this CheapChicDiary article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License. All
Formatting and style elements of this page are not available under this license and Colette Bouchez retains all rights in those elements.