HOW TO DO MAKEUP FOR BRIDE: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO DIY WEDDING MAKEUP

A wedding day is a moment people daydream about and meticulously plan well in advance before meeting the person they will eventually marry. When the moment finally arrives, numerous aspects need careful consideration and execution, including selecting the ideal make up for bride. This process involves various steps, such as preparing the skin for a radiant appearance, deciding on the makeup artist, and scheduling time for a trial-run application (or two). It also entails mastering the art of applying makeup that complements the desired look for the bride on her wedding day.

DO A RESEARCH

The internet is brimming with beauty inspiration for your wedding day. If you’re uncertain about the kind of look you want, initiate some research. Explore your favorite celebrity’s latest red carpet appearances through a search engine or visit a professional makeup artist’s Instagram page to peruse photos of their clients.

You can also turn to TikTok or YouTube for comprehensive tutorials that you can recreate. Kim suggests identifying someone with similar facial features for a more personalized guide. Following makeup trends that don’t compliment your face may result in an awkward appearance. Don’t replicate a look just because it’s trending online. Instead, ensure that you genuinely like the chosen style.

CONSIDER YOUR THEME

Your final appearance will be significantly shaped by your overall aesthetic. Prior to applying your makeup, it’s crucial to decide whether a natural, sun-kissed glow, or a blend of both aligns better with you and your event. Taking into account your color scheme, floral decorations, venue, and ambiance. Aligning your makeup with the overarching theme enhances the harmonious and elegant atmosphere of your wedding day.

DETERMINE THE RIGHT SHADES

To achieve a smoother end result, it’s essential to determine which color will best complement your skin tone, whether it’s a warm bronze tone or a cool blue tone. Attention should be paid to the importance of finding the right shade for your skin, suggesting the possibility of mixing different shades to create the perfect combination. Instead of relying on guesswork, consider seeking advice from a professional who can determine the color that best suits your skin tone.

STAY OUT OF THE SUN

In the countdown to your wedding day, one crucial piece of beauty advice is to stay out of the sun. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can lead to skin damage, including sunburn, premature aging, and uneven skin tones, all of which might affect your desired wedding day look. To maintain a radiant and flawless complexion, it’s advisable to minimize sun exposure in the weeks leading up to the big day. Consider using sunscreen with a high SPF, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible. By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that your skin looks its best and remains picture-perfect for your wedding, allowing you to confidently showcase your natural beauty on this special occasion.

PRACTICE MAKEUP FREQUENTLY

In the buildup to your wedding, one valuable beauty tip is to practice your makeup frequently. Regularly experimenting with different looks allows you to refine and perfect the ideal style that enhances your features and complements your wedding theme. Schedule trial runs to familiarize yourself with the application process, ensuring that your chosen makeup look not only suits your preferences but also stands up to the demands of the long-awaited day.

Frequent practice not only builds your confidence in achieving the desired outcome but also enables you to identify any potential challenges and address them well in advance. With each practice session, you’ll gain valuable insights into the products and techniques that work best for you, ensuring that you step into your wedding day with the expertise to create a stunning and long-lasting makeup look.

BOOK A VIRTUAL APPOINTMENT

In the modern landscape of wedding preparations, booking a virtual appointment has become an invaluable step, especially in the era of convenience and technology. Prior to your wedding, consider scheduling virtual appointments with key vendors, such as your wedding planner, photographer, or even beauty professionals. These virtual consultations provide a convenient and efficient way to discuss details, share ideas, and make crucial decisions without the need for in-person meetings. 

Whether it’s finalizing the event timeline, reviewing photography preferences, or discussing your desired bridal look, virtual appointments allow for seamless communication from the comfort of your own space. Embracing this digital approach not only streamlines the planning process but also accommodates busy schedules, ensuring that every detail is meticulously addressed, and your vision for the perfect wedding day is brought to life.

PREP YOUR SKIN

On your wedding day, stick with your tried-and-true skincare routine! A clean, familiar canvas is key to achieving natural, beautiful makeup. Skip experimenting with new products and simply cleanse, moisturize (lightly!), and gently exfoliate (if you normally do). Leave any blemishes alone unless you have a trusted spot treatment, and you’re all set for a picture-perfect complexion.

CHOOSE FAMILIAR PRODUCT

When it comes to your wedding day, selecting familiar makeup products is key. The familiarity of these products offers a sense of comfort and confidence since you already know how they perform on your skin. Opting for tried-and-true makeup items ensures that you avoid any potential surprises or adverse reactions that could occur from experimenting with new products. By sticking with the cosmetics you are familiar with, you can trust that they will provide the desired results and enhance your natural beauty. It’s essential to feel at ease and radiate confidence on your special day, and relying on familiar makeup products plays a significant role in achieving that peace of mind.

HOW TO DIY YOUR OWN BRIDAL MAKEUP

STEP 1: PREP YOUR SKIN

Whether you’re applying your makeup on your own or relying on a professional, on your wedding day, start by washing your face and applying a light moisturizer. Stick to your regular skincare routine; now is not the moment for drastic changes. If you usually exfoliate, choose a gentle exfoliating cleanser instead of a harsh scrub. Address any blemishes by lightly dabbing on an appropriate product like Visine, but avoid unnecessary interventions. The goal is to have a clean and soft canvas, providing the perfect base for achieving naturally beautiful skin with your makeup.

Consider your skin’s undertones, whether they lean towards cool or warm, when selecting colors that both match and complement. To identify your undertone, try a simple trick. Place a piece of silver and a piece of gold jewelry on the back of your hand. If the gold appears to blend seamlessly, you likely have warm undertones. Conversely, if the silver seems to harmonize better, you probably have cool undertones.

STEP 2: KNOW THAT PRIMER IS REQUIRED

From the moment you start applying your makeup until you bid farewell to your guests, a multitude of events will unfold. To make sure your makeup withstands the ceremony, dancing, tears, and toasts, consider incorporating a primer into your routine. While occasional touch-ups may still be necessary, they will be significantly reduced. Moreover, a primer serves to even out fine lines, and wrinkles, and conceal open pores. Apply a small amount after moisturizing, but before your foundation, ensuring even coverage across your face and eyelids. This sets the stage for a flawless base for all that follows.

STEP 3: APPLY FOUNDATION

For those with a cool undertone, seek out foundations with a rosier, redder, or blue base. If your undertone leans warm, opt for a foundation with a yellow or golden base. To verify if the shade is suitable, apply a small amount on the center of your lower jawline using a Q-tip. If it seamlessly blends in, you’ve found the right match.

Apply your foundation in thin layers, starting from the center of your face and blending outward with a foundation brush. Ensure a seamless finish, paying particular attention to blending beneath your jaw and along your neck to avoid visible lines. Avoid caking on the foundation, as it can give an overdone appearance and may lead to smearing or streaking.

STEP 4: ADD CONCEALER 

Applying concealer before the foundation can lead to much of it rubbing away during the foundation blending process. To address red areas or dark circles, use a concealer brush to apply a liquid concealer, matching your skin tone or going one shade lighter, to problematic areas. Dot the concealer and gently pat the brush against your skin to spread it. If needed, use a makeup sponge dampened with water to blend the concealer further.

For concealing blemishes, start by applying foundation, followed by concealer, and set it with powder. If the blemish is still visible, add more concealer and powder. Ensure you pat the concealer onto the blemish rather than rubbing to achieve a seamless finish.

STEP 5: APPLY HIGHLIGHTER

Highlighter might not be a staple in everyone’s makeup collection, but its purpose is to enhance specific facial features, making eyes appear larger and adding a radiant, youthful dewy look. However, using too much or a formulation with sparkle or glitter can lead to photo disasters, so apply it with a light touch. Highlighters are available in both liquid and powder forms.

When using a liquid highlighter, apply it with a brush after your foundation, forming a check mark shape. Begin near your inner eye, angle down toward your nostril, and then move up your cheekbone, blending toward your temple. Repeat the process above your brows, down the center of your nose, on the center of your forehead, and on your chin.

For powder highlighter, apply it after powdering and brush it under your brows, lightly in the corner of your eyes, and on the tops of your cheekbones. Avoid using powder highlighter under your eyes or over your mouth to prevent a sweaty appearance in photos.

STEP 6: SET YOUR BASE

Now, you face a decision. You can either opt for a cream blush instead of a powder blush or set your base with powder. If you choose the latter, begin by using a translucent powder to set your base and manage any shine. When it comes to powder, remember that less is more; aim for a luminous look rather than a heavy one. With a medium-sized brush, lightly dust over your forehead, the sides of your nose, and on your chin.

Following this, apply a powder bronzer that’s a shade or two darker than your foundation. Brush it in the shape of a 3 on both sides of your face. Begin at your hairline, move down the side of your face, then under your cheekbone, back to the side of your face, and finally below your jaw.

Keep pressed powder handy for those moments when certain areas shine and need a quick dab before a photo or while in the restroom.

STEP 7: BRING COLOR TO YOUR EYES

Wedding experts typically advise against a heavily dramatic eye, suggesting instead the use of eyeliners in shades other than black, along with paler or muted eye shadows that complement your eye color. Highlighters can also be applied to create the illusion of larger eyes. Experiment with brown, grey, and green eyeliners, applying them to both your upper and lower eyelids to enhance your eyes. For a longer-lasting effect, use a cream eye shadow on your eyelids, reserving powder for the crease of your eye. Apply a powder highlighter in the corners of your eyes and under your brow.

Consider the following color recommendations based on your eye color: bronze shades for green eyes, mocha for hazel eyes, navy and dark brown for blue eyes, and purples and grays for brown eyes. If you want to line your eyes with eye shadow, dampen an eyeliner brush with water and brush it into the eye shadow for a defined look.

STEP 8: ADD MASCARA

Given that tears are likely, it’s essential to use waterproof mascara for your wedding day. If you’re not accustomed to wearing false eyelashes regularly, your wedding day is not the ideal time to start. Instead, ensure you have a reliable eyelash curler, a volumizing mascara, and a lengthening mascara. Prior to applying mascara, curl your lashes for added lift. When applying mascara, begin at the root of your eyelashes and wiggle the wand from side to side as you move up to the top. Opt for black mascara, as it complements everyone.

Complete your eye makeup by framing your face with a brow powder slightly darker than your natural color. Brush it along the natural line of your eyebrows, working outward toward the end of your eyes. This final touch will enhance your overall look on your special day.

STEP 9: CREAT LIPS

Much like your facial skin, well-moisturized lips are crucial before applying makeup to prevent dryness or cracks that may emphasize lines once color is added. To achieve this, use a lip hydrator, allowing it to absorb for a couple of minutes before applying color. Select a shade that complements your blush and consider the following tips. While many lipsticks claim lasting hours, opting for a lip stain is a more reliable choice on your wedding day.

For fair skin with cool undertones, consider nude, light mocha, and light mauve. If you have warm undertones, explore sand, nude peach, or shell, steering clear of bright pinks, dark bronzes, and deep mochas. If your skin tone is medium with cool undertones, opt for rosy pink, pomegranate, or cranberry; for warm undertones, go with bronze, copper, and cinnamon, avoiding nudes. Deep skin with cool undertones can experiment with raisin, wine, or ruby red, while warm undertones may prefer honey, ginger, or a coppery bronze, avoiding shades close to orange.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, mastering the art of bridal makeup involves careful consideration and skill. These 8 tips provide valuable insights to help you become the most beautiful bride on your special day. Remember, when it comes to achieving a flawless finish, exploring techniques like air brush make up can elevate your bridal look to new heights. With attention to detail and a touch of creativity, you’re sure to radiate confidence and beauty as you walk down the aisle on your unforgettable day.

25 GORGEOUS SHORT NAILS FRENCH TIP IDEAS FOR 2024

When it comes to nail trends, the French manicure stands out as one of the most widely embraced styles in our era. From simple and subtle short nail designs to intricate and colorful ones, we can assure you that they will make your nails stand out more than ever. The 25 styles we’ve prepared offer countless unique French tip on short nails designs to choose from, creating sophisticated nail sets for every occasion. Keep reading for more details!

SQUARE FRENCH TIP NAILS

Square nails with white French tip are a classic and elegant choice suitable for any occasion. Shaped squarely with sharp edges, characterized by the white-painted tips, square French tip nails can be customized with various colors, although white remains the most popular choice. Square French tip nails bring a sense of sophistication and elegance, fitting for all ages and styles. This isn’t just a manicure style that’s easy to care for and maintain but also a fantastic fashion statement for anyone.

OVAL FRENCH TIP NAILS WITH FLOWERS

French tip nail designs provide a simple and chic choice for a manicure. To infuse more detail, consider exploring flower nail art. Florals can create a delightful effect and offer an excellent opportunity to experiment with various colors. Creativity can be expressed through the placement of the flowers, whether over the tip of the nail or lower down. Additionally, mixing and matching colors allow for the creation of a contrasting or complementary look, depending on the desired level of eye-catching appeal. Lastly, there are various shapes to choose from, such as oval nails, characterized by a rounded tip that can flatter your fingers by creating the illusion of slimmer digits.

FLURO MATTE FRENCH TIP NAILS

Many ideas for simple short nail designs involve vibrant colors like bright yellow, deep pink, and lime green to infuse some liveliness into your nails. Combining these bold shades with a matte background will enhance their vibrancy. This option is perfect for those seeking a cheerful approach to nail art, aiming to draw attention to their hands. Ensure your nails are well-cared for to amplify the beauty of your nail set. To make your claws stand out, keep the rest of your appearance refined by incorporating neutral, solid tones. However, if you want to make a statement, feel free to embrace clothing with patterns and your favorite colors.

CLASSIC FRENCH MANICURE

While there are countless fun and creative nail art designs, the traditional French manicure stands out as a sophisticated and timeless look. Crafted with white tips delicately applied to a light pink or clear base coat, this design has withstood the test of time and has recently experienced a significant resurgence. Its simplicity allows for easy recreation in the comfort of your home with minimal effort, making it not only a classic choice but also suitable for a range of occasions, from casual to formal.

FRENCH MANICURE WITH LOGO

Logo nail art has surged in popularity across social media in recent years, captivating individuals due to its distinctive ability to convey personality and interests. Integrating favorite brands onto nails provides a platform for expressing admiration for sportswear labels such as Nike or luxury fashion houses like Louis Vuitton and Chanel. Beyond showcasing brand love, logo nail art offers a budget-friendly way to indulge in designer aesthetics. Furthermore, the customization extends to the color of the nail tips, offering a spectrum from soft pastels to coordinating hues with the featured logo.

 COLOR BLOCK FRENCH MANICURE ON TWO SIDES

Color blocking in nail art is a technique that involves the creation of solid blocks using contrasting colors. This method includes applying two contrasting shades to both the tips and base of the nails. The outcome is a visually striking and appealing design that is simple to achieve. Through the exploration of various colors, you have the opportunity to personalize your French tip nails and craft a meaningful design. It is advisable to keep the number of shades used limited to four or five to prevent overwhelming the artwork. Additionally, choosing colors that complement each other enhances the genuine essence of color blocking.

ARTY FRENCH MANICURE

Arty French tips are like tiny canvases for your fingers, ready to be splashed with creativity. Forget the standard white tips – dive into a whole spectrum of colors! Mint green and baby pink sound delightful, but think beyond the pastels. Maybe fiery orange tips with shimmering gold lines, or deep navy with constellations of tiny star glitter. As for shapes, ditch the straight line! Squiggles, waves, and geometric patterns can add a dose of unexpected fun. Feeling sassy? Go for a bold black zigzag across the tip. Craving something serene? Try a delicate white crescent moon, mimicking the natural shape of your nail. 

RED FRENCH TIPS NAILS WITH BLACK

French manicures can extend past the conventional clear and white pairing. Inject some fun into the look by choosing black nails complemented by striking red tips. This simple yet impactful choice allows you to make a bold statement and radiate a sense of allure. The combination carries a feminine essence, with black embodying power and sophistication, while red signifies passion, love, and an element of danger. For those looking to stand out and embrace their femininity, experimenting with this black and red nail design is highly recommended. To amplify the drama, consider pairing it with a winged makeup look and a deep red lipstick for an added touch of glamour.

SHORT BLACK FRENCH TIP NAILS

Occasionally, simplicity reigns supreme, and short black French tip nails exemplify a subtle yet enjoyable approach to nail art. Not only are they conveniently crafted at home, but they also demand minimal tools and polish. Black, being a powerful color linked to sophistication and strength, serves as a reminder of these qualities. This minimalist artwork’s charm lies in its versatility, making it suitable for both casual and semi-formal occasions. Wear it confidently, paired with a winged liner or smoky eye to enhance the overall look.

FRENCH MANICURE WITH STRIPES

Stripes provide an appealing choice for nail art. While classic French manicures typically feature a single white stripe across the nail tips, why settle for one when you can opt for three? Consider a black base with a delicate baby pink line in the middle. This look exudes a super girly and effortlessly chic vibe. The timeless combination of black and white gains a touch of softness and cuteness with the addition of pink. It’s a contemporary take on a classic style and works exceptionally well on longer nails, where the added length ensures ample spacing between each line.

BLUE FRENCH TIP ALMOND NAILS

Almond-shaped French tip nails in green are an elegant and sophisticated nail style. Shaped like an almond with a pointed tip and a slightly curved body, the tips are painted in shades of blue, ranging from light to dark or even pastel. Almond-shaped French tip nails in green create a striking focal point, providing an exquisite and feminine appearance for the wearer. This nail style is suitable for all ages and personal styles. Additionally, maintaining and caring for almond-shaped French tip nails in green is quite manageable.

COBALT BLUE FRENCH TIP NAILS

For women who appreciate simplicity yet desire a bold appearance, cobalt blue French tip nail designs offer the perfect fusion of these elements. Easily recreated at home, this style suits various occasions, evoking a sense of calmness and peace associated with the color blue. Often linked with nature, wealth, friendship, and trust, blue carries versatile connotations. To make a bolder statement, pair the nails with cobalt eyeliner or a blouse in a matching shade and step out with confidence. Alternatively, for a more understated look, balance the nails with oversized earrings in a similar hue while toning down the rest of your ensemble.

CLASSIC FRENCH MANICURE WITH PEARLS

For those who appreciate tradition but desire a touch of whimsy, the classic French tip nails with added pearl details are the perfect choice. The only variation from the original style is the incorporation of small pearls at the base of your nails. Pearls, being a gemstone associated with elegance and femininity, symbolize purity, wisdom, and peace. Pair them with charming oversized earrings or even a pearl hair clip for a coordinated and dreamy look that exudes sophistication without being overly flashy.

GOLD FRENCH TIP NAILS

A  touch of sparkle into your life is effortlessly achieved with gold French tip nails. Gold, with its luxurious allure, is a versatile hue suitable for all seasons and occasions. Gold nails exude sophistication with a modern twist, giving the impression of stepping right off the runway. To achieve this stylish artwork, begin as you would with the classic French manicure, opting for a clear or light pink base coat. Then, delicately apply a thin layer of gold lacquer at the tips. For those who struggle with precision, consider using strips specifically designed for this purpose, or explore the option of nail stickers.

HOLOGRAPHIC FRENCH TIP NAILS

Holographic nails boast a captivating and futuristic aesthetic. If you’re seeking a look that shimmers in the sunlight, then this one is tailor-made for you. The highly reflective polish, featuring a special pigment, has become a favored choice among celebrities and fashion icons, and for good reason – it effortlessly makes a statement. Two-toned nails provide an excellent canvas to showcase this iridescent lacquer. Add your most dazzling accessories, and step out with confidence!

PASTEL FRENCH TIP NAILS WITH FEATURE

Opting for a pastel shade in lieu of the traditional white in a French manicure is a delightful choice. This option exudes a pretty and feminine appeal, complementing nearly every nail shape and length. However, designs that accentuate the tips often work best with longer nails. Enhance the allure of your manicure by incorporating a different design on just one nail, creating a focal point for your look. The featured nail can take on various forms, whether it’s cow print, a butterfly, or a tiny heart – the possibilities are endless.

PASTEL PINK FRENCH TIP NAILS

Pink nails continue to be a timeless classic embraced by many women. Pastel pink, in particular, stands as one of the best-selling hues, offering versatility for any occasion. The soft and pretty shade is well-suited for a date night or a formal event. However, for those looking to refresh their typical pink look, consider applying the color to your nail tips and introducing a lovely purple hue to the base. The harmonious combination of these two shades gives a modern twist to the traditional French manicure, infusing pastels with a fresh and contemporary feel.

COLORFUL FRENCH TIP NAILS

If you’re inclined to showcase your favorite hues, explore these French manicure color options. To accentuate the tips and capture attention, layer bold and vibrant shades, such as red, over a base coat featuring various pastel hues. Experimenting with diverse color pairings that resonate with your personal style can be an enjoyable means of self-expression. Revel in the attention and compliments your manicure is likely to garner.

FRENCH TIP NAILS IN WINTER SHADES

With the allure of dark and cool tones, this nail art is the perfect choice for those who relish the chilly atmosphere of winter months. What makes this design stand out is its captivating appeal without being overly flashy. The winter hues, though not overly bold, still contribute to a look that is easy to wear and versatile. While it might not be the ideal choice for an office environment, these nails can confidently be worn in almost any other setting. Moreover, they effortlessly coordinate with most items in your current wardrobe. To further accentuate your hands, consider pairing them with your favorite chunky rings.

PASTEL SHADES FRENCH TIP NAILS

Pastels stand as a timeless choice for nail lacquer due to their dreamy and girly allure. These soft shades complement most nail shapes and lengths, offering a versatile option. Instead of applying one or multiple favorite pastel shades across the entire fingernail, consider trying the pastel French tip look. This approach is slightly more subdued than painting each nail with a different lacquer, enhancing its versatility and wearability. Pastels often pair well with neutral colors, allowing them to take center stage in your overall look. It’s an excellent way to infuse a pop of color into your appearance, and you’ll likely find joy in admiring your cute manicure.

BLACK FRENCH TIP ALMOND NAILS

Black, a color linked to strength and sophistication, is a popular choice for nail art, inspiring a range of creative designs. One stylish option is to paint your almond-shaped French tip nails in black, allowing for experimentation with various shapes and spacing. Whether opting for intricate artwork or a simple curved line, black nails are versatile and complement a myriad of settings. They pair seamlessly with garments of every color, allowing for a toned-down look with solid neutral shades or a bold statement with a super bright outfit.

BLACK AND WHITE FRENCH TIP NAILS

The combination of black and white for nails is a timeless and elegant choice, yet it also adds a touch of fun and boldness. This color pairing is immensely popular in nail art, capturing attention with a variety of options to explore. From stripes and exciting shapes to checks, a yin-yang symbol, or a combination of these elements, the possibilities are diverse, resulting in a truly daring appearance. This approach offers a cool and modern twist to the classic French manicure, providing an easy-to-wear style that effortlessly complements almost everything in your wardrobe. While the color combination is classic, it still manages to make a bold statement. To enhance the effect, adorn your nails with your favorite accessories to draw attention to your hands.

TIE-DYE FRENCH TIP NAILS

Tie-dye French tip nail designs are truly attention-grabbing in the realm of nail art. The vividness of the colors and their amalgamation on each nail is both captivating and striking. With various looks to choose from, incorporating different slants, angles, and a spectrum of shades, you can also opt for a rainbow effect to celebrate Pride. This design imparts a particularly summery vibe, perfect for all your sunny adventures. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t embrace the design during the cooler months as well, allowing it to infuse warmth and brightness into your life.

FRENCH TIP COFFIN NAILS

While the French tip manicure is widely admired for its sophistication and timeless appeal, there are numerous ways to infuse modernity and excitement into this classic style. One approach involves experimenting with a variety of colors, nail lengths, and shapes. Longer nails, in particular, are well-suited for the French tip look, offering ample space for creative nail art and accentuating the tips. For those inclined toward longer nail designs, the coffin shape presents a feminine and trendy option. Coveted by celebrities and style icons, coffin nails have gained popularity due to their versatility. They not only elongate your fingers but also effortlessly elevate even the simplest outfits.

 HOT PINK FRENCH TIP NAILS

Though French tip nail designs offer a simple and understated look, you have the flexibility to experiment with different colors and details to discover the perfect manicure that resonates with your personality. Hot pink, for instance, commands attention and is often linked to femininity and love. This shade is perfect for those who want to embrace their feminine energy while sporting a playful manicure. Whether you add a pink stripe to the tip with a clear or light pink base coat or infuse some sparkle using glitter polish, the options are diverse. Further personalize your nail art with charming elements like lightning bolts or florals.

CONCLUSION

Numerous style ideas have been presented for your consideration above. Choose the one that resonates uniquely with you, and showcase your individuality through a variety of colors and patterns to enhance the charm of your petite hands. Feel free to experiment with any of the designs listed above to express your personal style!