Four Ps for picture perfect this festive season

A picture is a thousand words, so they say. However, for the fashionista, a zillion words do not even begin to capture the effect of just one photograph, no thanks to the ever-ready critics available on social media and, sometimes, in real life.

December is here again and festivities are in full swing, which automatically translates into loads of photographs. With the rush to meet up with the many activities the season is characterised by, sometimes, all you get to make a memorable 2017 is one perfectly timed shot. Fashion disasters are already bad enough. Why end the year with terrible photographs? You don’t get to live in 2017 twice! So, for the most impressive results, it all comes down to four Ps.

 

Pose

However expensive your outfit, however beautiful the makeup, however dreamy the scenery, however lustrous the hair, a confident pose is the clincher for the perfect shot. If you fail in this, nothing else will go right. Thankfully there are self-timers for taking selfies, so you can have some bit of practice before you step out for your event. Practise sitting, standing, walking in as many poses as possible till you come down to your best few. Remember that at events, you only have a few seconds to take photographs that could make or break your 2017 final fashion moments.

 

Pout

It is a wrong impression to assume that the pout is unimportant when taking photographs. If that was the case, lipsticks would have faded into oblivion ages ago, so, for the perfect pout, first work on creating the perfect lips. Your lipstick does not necessarily have to speak volumes, but it must work their magic. Besides, pouts are determined by the lip shape, and the lip makeup. For glossy lips, when taking photographs, endeavour to leave an ever-slight opening between the lips to create that flirty look. For matte lipstick, the trick is to make the lips look as full as possible, in a way that gives off that sensual appeal that is the charm of a woman who feels as beautiful as she deserves. Whatever the lip shape, you can get the perfect position by taking practice shots in the comfort of your home to get the perfect pout. So, pucker up and let your lips do their thing.

 

Polish

Polish here refers to the entire look before you step out for events. If you’re at a loss for what goes with what, seek the help of trusted friends – those whose fashion sense you can vouch for. Not everything that trends on Instagram works on everyone. With the craze to whiten the skin, in the name of toning, remember that whitening has side effects and is better left for certain persons who have signed off their bodies for experimentation. You’re your most polished self in your natural complexion, and nothing is more important. No unnecessary tryouts with skin care this festive season – there is too much confusion already in the skin care market. Work with natural products as much as possible. Considering the present heat, stay hydrated. The effect of moisture for beautiful skin cannot be overemphasised. Eat well and keep up with fruits and vegetables. The season is tempting enough to keep you refuelled on junk food but resist it. Keep fit, stay beautiful and you’ll remain as polished as ever.

 

Panache

Be Bold! Be Beautiful! Be You! should be your panache motto this season. This festive season, feel free to let your creative spirit roam the fashion aisles and into your designer’s books. Beyond the usual colours of green, red and white, unless the rules for the events are very specific, work with as many colours as you wish. It’s a countdown to the end of a year, and it’s never too late to trend for the right fashionable reasons. Smile your way into 2018.