Not sure what to wear this Valentine’s Day? We got you covered, from the bad b*tch to the girly girl! This V-Day knock him dead with one of our signature AdornedMagazine.com looks.

Scenario #1:

You have always had a thing for your best friend (let’s name him John) John. But, for some reason you are too chicken to make a move. This Valentine’s Day neither of you have a date and decide to keep each other company. He suggests dinner at your favourite restaurant, they have the best grilled salmon, and you agree. Now you have the dilemma of picking out something to wear. You decide to go cute but chic, pairing nude Christian Louboutin pumps with a girly skirt. Here is the genius part… you decide to attach your Juicy Couture Truth or Date charm to your Forever 21 beaded bracelet. Half way through the night he takes a look at the beautiful pink pendant handing from your wrist. “What is that?” he says. You smile and reply, “Have you ever played Truth or Dare?”

We call this outfit The Nudist…

Ender Legard Corsetry Corset, John Rocha Nougat Wrap Silk Skirt, Christian Louboutin Pumps, Fendi Shoulder Bag, Juicy Couture Charm, and Forever 21 Bracelet.

Scenario #2:

You have been dating (let’s name him Mark) Mark for 5 years now. You are sick of the routine that you have become stuck in. Every once in a while you spot Mark watching as a beautiful girl walks by, while you sit there in your cardigan and skinny jeans feeling like a lump of crap. You want to change the way Mark sees you… so, you ditch his plans for a movie night and dinner at the Pickle Barrel. Instead, you make a reservation at the sexy new spot that just opened up downtown. He is a little reluctant, he was hoping to have a more casual night. But, you have got something up your sleeve for Mark. You slip on the most curve hugging dress at the back of your closet. You bought it at a sample sale but never had an occasion to wear it. You splurge on a pair of sparkly open toe pumps (Note: the fresh pedicure in red). Lastly, you borrow your friend’s most blinged out accessory, a Roberto Cavalli Spider Swarovski crystal ring (just to show him how beautiful diamonds look on your finger). When he picks you up in his suit and tie his jaw drops to the floor… “Wow,” he says.

We call this one The Dazzling Diva…

Herve Leger Dress, Christian Louboutin Peep-toe Pumps, Dsquared2 Clutch, Roberto Cavalli Ring, and Calvin Klein Watch.

Scenario #3:

You hate Valentine’s day, you think it is just a holiday that Hallmark invented to sell teddy bears, chocolate and romantic cards. But, your friends disagree with you and have made plans with their boyfriends, leaving you all alone. Jealous that everybody will be getting some action tonight while you sit and watch Jersey Shore repeats, you decide to go out. One of your fave bands is playing at a local venue and you decide great music is the perfect cure for loneliness. Your clothes match your mood, you opt for all black. Thinking of the best way to piss off jealous girlfriends you put on a tight leather skirt and a lace top. Since this is a heavy metal concert you pair your sexy outfit with some rocker-chic jewlery… studs and sharp edges. The bouncer at the club takes one look at you and asks you if you would like to meet the band. You realize he expects that you are some sort of groupie… but you take him up on the offer. The band totally digs your style and when onstage they dedicate their whole set to you. The crowd wonders who this mystery girl is that stole the lead singer’s heart while you smile to yourself. You look to the bouncer and say, “I guess Valentine’s day is not so bad after all.”

This is The Heart Breaker…

Stephen Webster Earrings, Delfina Delettrez Bracelet, Vivienne Westwood Purse, Givenchy Ankle Boots, Bess Skirt, and Lurex Tee.

Scenario #4:

You ex-boyfriend calls you a couple days before Valentine’s Day. He wants to get back together and hopes that taking you out on V-Day will do the trick. You know better. He cheated, he lied and he was a complete jerk. You would never get back with him in a million years. But, as of yet you don’t have a date and there would be nothing more entertaining than watching this ass hole beg for your forgiveness. You say yes to his plans. It is your turn to play games with his heart and you are wondering how you can portray that with your outfit. It doesn’t get more perfect than your Lady is a Vamp cut-off tee and biker jacket. And for the perfect amount of tease you slip a heart ring pop on your finger, something to make him wish he never wronged you.

This one is our favourite… The Maneater…

Wildfox T-Shirt, Alexander Wang Jacket, Pleasure Doing Business Skit, H&M Sandals, Marc Jacobs Purse, and Candy Warehouse Ring Pop.

Thanksgiving is a time when family and friends gather together to munch down on delicious food and enjoy each other’s company. Fast-forward to the day after, when the hostess realizes she is knee deep in leftovers. Here are some ways you can turn those Thanksgiving leftovers into your very own home spa treatments!

Pumpkin Facial

Didn’t use the whole pumpkin for the pumpkin pie? No worries, you can take advantage of the healthy stuff in your pumpkin, including Vitamin A and active enzymes, to brighten your complexion and nourish your skin with a natural chemical exfoliation.

Step 1

Take 1 medium slice of fresh pumpkin and remove the skin.

Step 2

Cut up into small chunks and puree in a blender or food processor until smooth.

Step 3

Add 1 egg yolk and 2/3 cup milk. Blend again until egg is well incorporated.

Step 4

Apply the mixture to cleansed face and neck, keeping away from the eye area. Leave this mask on for 20 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. For an added benefit, cut 2 slices of raw sweet potato and put them on your eyelids to help smooth out wrinkles while you wait!

Cranberry Lip Balm

If you love the taste of your lip balm as much as you love a hint of colour, this easy homemade lip balm recipe is just for you.

Step 1

Mix 10 fresh cranberries, 1 tbsp of sweet almond oil, 1 tsp of honey and 1 drop of vitamin E oil together in a microwave-safe bowl.

Step 2

Microwave for a couple of minutes or until the mixture just begins to boil. (Bowl may also be heated in a pan of water on a stovetop).

Step 3

Stir well and gently crush the berries. Cool mixture for five minutes and then strain through a fine sieve to remove all the fruit pieces. Stir again and set aside to cool completely.

Step 4

When cool, transfer into a small portable plastic container or tin. Throw it in your purse and you have your very own cranberry lip balm!

Green Bean Smoothing Skin Treatment

Want super silky skin? This green bean mixture will make you smooth to the touch.

Step 1

Grab a handful of fresh green beans and mash them up.

Step 2

Add a bit of plain yogurt and mix together until it becomes a lotion.

Step 3

Massage this green mixture into your skin and let it sit for 10 minutes.

Step 4

Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry. You will notice smoother skin almost instantly!

Note:  Before applying, test a small amount of the recipe on the inside of your wrist or elbow and leave it on for 30 minutes to check your skin’s sensitivity.  And if you have a food allergy to any of the above ingredients, don’t use that recipe. Even though these spa treatments aren’t for eating, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Many women have their beauty routine down to a science, and it seems that there are tried-and-true routines that many of us rely on to look our best. However, we cannot deny the power of culture, a primary defining factor to our looks, whether genetic or created. Different regions of the world have invented their own go-to looks that can be seen on beautiful ladies in the streets and cafés throughout the globe. Take a look at what is in vogue around the world…

France

It’s a myth that might be proven true if you talk to the right people: at birth, more affluent French girls receive a tube of red Chanel lipstick! Gary or heavy makeup does not fare well with these ladies; they keep it simple and stylish. French women are more likely to play up one feature, such as lining the eyes or focusing on that red lip, than to go all out with full-face makeup and foundation – which is light if applied.

High – Chanel Rouge Hydrabase Crème Lipstick in Red No. 5
Low – Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Love That Red

The Middle East

For Middle Eastern women, it is all about the eyes. Even in the daytime, eye makeup can be quite dramatic; the key is that dark shades, rather than colours, are used, which keeps the application and the look itself simple. Black kohl pencils, smoky shadows, and black mascara are must-haves. Usually this is followed with a lipstick or lip gloss in a pink or nude shade to emphasize the fullness of the lips.

High – M.A.C. Eyeshadow in Carbon
Low – L’Oréal Paris Wear Infinité Eye Shadow Singles in Lush Raven

Iran/Persia

While it is often mistakenly considered part of the Middle East, Iran does have a difference in culture and style, and the makeup trends are influenced by both Middle Eastern and Eurasian fashions. Persians also focus on the eye, but use more natural shimmers in shades of gold, bronze, and silver, which are paired with a darker liner. Sheer, natural, and pink lip colours complement this look.

High – Cargo Cosmetics Eye Shadow Palette in Ibiza
Low – Revlon Colorstay Mineral Eye Shadow in Tiger Eye

India

India’s daily look may be the most accessible: simple, black, kohl-rimmed eyes. Indian ladies are always on the search for the most intense form of kohl to wear! Originally used to keep the sun out of the eyes, it has developed into a standard in the Indian beauty wardrobe, and the look is found on both rich and poor women alike. Unfortunately, due to a cultural norm which deems light skin beautiful, skin-lightening creams are also popular in the Indian beauty market. (You’re beautiful in any skin tone, ladies!)

High – Guerlain Kohl Eyeliner in Kôhl Me Black 01
Low – Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Liner Pencil in Jet Black

Japan

Japanese women are known for their beautiful skin, and they will try most any treatment to keep it in top condition. Creams, serums, and facial treatments for clear, bright, and youthful skin are big hits in the Japanese market. Some Japanese women shave their entire faces, not necessarily for hair removal, but due to the razor’s ability to exfoliate. Younger Japanese women cannot be pigeonholed into one look, and they may win the prize for the most imaginative styles in the world – look into Lolita makeup and fashion for a taste!

High – Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Protective Moisturizer SPF 16
Low – Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15

Venezuela

Venezuela is known as the Beauty Queen Capital of the world, and the population seems to prove this true – estimates have shown that Venezuelan women spend up to one fifth of their disposable income on beauty products. These women go for the entire look: the hair is highlighted, permed, or otherwise perfectly styled; nails are polished and manicured; clothes are worn to flatter curves. Makeup is meant to emphasize femininity instead of expressing creativity, and therefore a flattering lipstick, mascara, and foundation or powder are musts for most women, who try to look their best everyday.

High – Cargo Cosmetics 7 in 7 Kit
Low – Sephora Brand Deluxe Palette Collector’s Edition

We’ve all been victims of beauty myths. Fear no more! Read the below 5 commonly believed myths and bust those lies!

1. “Eating chocolate will make me break out”. Not true. Chocolate bars can’t affect your skin unless you’re rubbing an Oh Henry bar all over your face. Pimples and acne are caused by many factors including stress, pollution, and dead skin cells blocking the pores – not by eating too much chocolate (phew!). So relax. Go ahead and grab that Hershey’s Cookies n’ Cream bar, and chow on down!
2. “Shaving makes my hair grow back thicker”. Although it’s true that waxing can have the opposite effect, (hair can grow back thinner over time, since they’re being pulled out from the roots) shaving will not make your hair grow back thicker. Not on your legs, not on your armpits, not on your… anyway. It may APPEAR that they are growing back thicker because of the hair shafts are cut at an angle.
3. “Expensive skincare products are better than cheap ones”. Nuh uh. It’s true that good ingredients can come with a price. But falling for the million-dollar advertising campaigns put out by cosmetic companies will only leave your wallets much lighter. Only you know what works for your skin – so go see a dermatologist if you’re not sure. Research the “good” and “bad” ingredients in skincare products according to your specific skin type, and always make sure to read the list of ingredients on the back of the packaging. Perhaps only “expensive” products will work for your skin. But more than likely – regular priced products will work just as well, or even better for your skin!
4. “Cold water will shrink my pores”. Nope. The size of your pores are genetically determined, so if you’ve already reached and passed puberty, you’re stuck with them. (Sorry!) Pores can seem like they are enlarged when they are impacted with bacteria and dead skin cells. So, exfoliate and cleanse your skin to chase away unnecessary inhabitants living in your pores.
5. “Split ends can be repaired”. The only way to “repair” those split ends is to cut them off – like a lazy boyfriend. Hair products today are making millions by advertising that they can “repair” damaged split ends – but split ends are like spilled milk. (well, not really – but you know what I mean!) Get a trim, to allow your hair to naturally grow without splitting any further up.