How to Dress for a Cocktail Reception

A cocktail reception is a party where the host provides hors d'oeuvres instead of a sit-down dinner, and guests mingle and drink. Cocktail wedding receptions are popular for less formal weddings and are less expensive than traditional receptions. Businesses also hold cocktail receptions for corporate events. Additionally, cocktail receptions may be part of a book launch, an art gallery opening or museum event. While cocktail receptions are not as formal as black tie or green tie in terms of dress, they are not casual dress events.

Instructions

1. Put on cocktail attire. For women, cocktail attire means a cocktail-length dress. This is a mid-length dress that can be anywhere from a few inches above the ankles to above the knees. Dresses for cocktail receptions should be “elegant and chic,” according to the Wedding Channel. For men, cocktail attire translates to a suit. Tuxedos are not appropriate, but a fashionable suit is preferred to a traditional business suit.
2. Accessorize for a cocktail reception. Women should wear jewelry that flatters their dress. Do not go overboard with accessories; choose one or two items that work well. A good purse that women can carry while they hold a drink is essential. Men should wear a tie that suits a celebration. Consider purchasing a tie especially for the occasion.
3. Wear the right shoes. Dress shoes are the only appropriate shoes for either gender. Women may wear dress flats or heels. Because you will spend a great deal of time at the cocktail party on your feet, you should consider comfort when selecting your shoes. Men should coordinate their dress shoes with their suits. For example, black suit and brown shoes do not coordinate.
4. Style yourself appropriately. Cocktail receptions are events where everyone should look polished. Men and women should style their hair with care. If you normally have a messy or relaxed look for your hair, this is the occasion for you to spend a little extra time. Likewise, women can go for a more colorful, festive look for their makeup when attending a cocktail reception.

Source: eHow
Author:K.C. Winslow

It would seem at first that nothing could dampen the celebratory mood when you finally find that elusive waterproof mascara that actually stays put as promised through pool parties, workouts, sad movies and torrential rains. Nothing, that is, until you go to wash it off and find yourself with black linebacker smears beneath your eyes and a few missing lashes. To keep your eyes healthy, you'll need to tweak your mascara-removing routine.

Waterproof Mascara Remover

Ideally, when you purchase a tube of waterproof mascara you should also take a moment to pick up a good waterproof eye-makeup remover. Look for an oil-free formula to avoid greasy lids, and make sure it's ophthalmologist approved for eyes (the bottle will say so.)

Dampen a cotton ball with the eye makeup remover. Close one eye and press the cotton ball against the underside of your lashes. Hold the cotton ball there for at least 10 seconds. Then very gently wipe the cotton ball up the lashes. If you're having trouble removing mascara deposits from the roots of your lashes, dip a cotton swab into the makeup remover and run it over the base of your lash line. Once you've done this on both eyes, use your regular facial cleanser to wash off any residue.

DIY Removers

Sometimes, of course, you might get caught without any waterproof mascara remover. In a pinch, a gentle facial cleanser will remove waterproof mascara, but you really don't want to do this because if even a tiny bit of cleanser leaks into your eyes it will be unpleasant at best. Instead, try classic remedies: Vaseline, baby oil or olive oil. They're gentle on the lashes and contain emollients to lubricate the lashes so mascara slides off more easily.

Layer Mascaras

To get the smudge-defying benefits of a waterproof mascara without the hassle of removing it, try this trick. Apply your favorite non-waterproof mascara. Layer a coat of waterproof mascara over top of it. The waterproof layer acts like a sealant, preventing any smudges or smears no matter what the weather or mood. Since the waterproof mascara doesn't directly touch the lashes themselves, it will slide off more easily, with less tugging and pulling on your delicate eyes.


Source: eHow

Even though you select a style when you put in a hair weave, the ends may seem thin or you may be ready for a new look and need to cut the hair. Cutting your hair weave at home can be a quick fix between regular salon visits or can be something you do on a regular basis. Cutting hair extensions requires the same technique as cutting natural hair. Different hairstyles require different techniques, but there are some basic instructions to follow.

Instructions

1. Wash the hair as normal and towel dry. Comb through the hair until there are no tangles.

2. Part the hair into three sections, clipping the top two sections up and leaving the bottom section down.

3. Comb through the bottom section of the hair one more time to ensure that the hair is tangle free. Once there are no tangles, comb through the bottom section again and stop the comb where you would like to cut. Grab the scissors and cut a straight line under the comb.

4. Comb through the cut hair, and make sure the cut is straight. If the hair is not straight, trim areas to create a straight line.

5. Release the second section and comb through the hair. You will see a defined line between the cut hair and the uncut hair. Comb through the hair again and stop at the cut line of the underneath hair. Cut the hair in a straight line and trim any areas that aren't straight.

6. Unclip the top section and repeat Step 5.

7. Comb a small front section of the hair slightly forward and hold the ends between your fingers. Trim the hair to create a straight line.

8. Comb through all of the hair to make sure everything is even.

Tips & Warnings

• To cut your own bangs, section off the desired amount of bangs and twist them together. Snip into the twisted bangs in a zigzag pattern.

• Hair-cutting scissors are very sharp. Be sure to keep fingers out of the way.

Source: eHow