Munira Fidai

Pop icon Kim Kardashian posted before and after pictures of her contouring trick one decade ago, and the makeup world is still thanking her. The stage makeup technique has been a good friend to artists all over the world, and now, hairstylists have come up with hair contouring methods, which aim to define facial contours with tactically placed highlights and colouring techniques. What’s more, there’s one for each face shape so there’s room on the bandwagon for everyone.

A new study published in The British Journal of Sports Medicine has found that doing both aerobics, up to three hours a week, and strength training, up to two sessions a week can result in lower mortality risks and better overall health than doing just one or the other. Regular physical exercise has plenty of health benefits, one of which is a longer life. Until now, most research showed that regular cardio or strength training interchangeably was the key to cardiac health, but recently, more and more experts are waking up to the benefits of pairing the two together for maximum longevity and health.

Florals and geometric patterns have ruled fashion charts for a reason. Worn short, mid length or long, the prints are versatile and can be styled easily. Think of jumpsuits with floral flounces, one-shouldered midi dresses in polka dots, strapless short numbers or long and breezy dresses in soft layers — the summer friendly motifs make almost everything look a little bit better.

In an age of hyper-consumerism, it is easy to get carried away buying too much of everything. If you are a parent, your child’s sweet requests often also have a part to play in filling the toy basket much more than intended at the monthly supermarket run. However, offering children fewer toys, rather than spoiling them for choice, has definitive benefits in the long run.

Long-COVID brain fog, mum brain or work burnout — there are quite a few reasons in today’s world that can bring intelligence levels to a drop. If left in that state, the mind, just like a person, can become lethargic and unwilling to get back to its original sheen. For a growth-oriented individual, low smarts could also mean a slowdown in their career. Fortunately, there are a number of ways one can constantly challenge their mind and keep it alert and focused.

Almost coming full circle, jewellery designers are now blurring lines between masculine and feminine pieces, designing baubles that have no motive other than to adorn their wearers. One such jewellery designer, Lora Khan, from 6 Yards Story, has made space for male customers in her new collection, Aura. The seed for this idea was planted by one of her friends who sensed a gap in the market for jewellery that men could wear. After much deliberation, Lora decided to present genderless jewellery to her customers.

Europe — the ultimate continent, the stuff of dreams and a reality for only a choice few. For an average Bangladeshi to be able to live and work in a European country, let alone flourish there is a thought that seems almost too good to be true, for most people at least. However, it is possible and Farzana Hai can tell you how!

Versatile enough to wear on traditional or western clothing, the boho trend is blazing a bold trail across the fashion scene and the magic seems to be catching on. One of the best ways to rock boho or hippie jewellery is to give it a plain canvas so that the outfit does not interfere with the bold interplay of colours, textures and designs of the ornaments.

Not one to compromise on service quality, and having received a number of accolades for the same attribute in recent times, Air New Zealand is now set to give its economy class passengers a smoother flying experience on mid and long-haul flights. Bunk beds for the economy class would mean a definitive goodbye to stiff necks and legs, armrest wars with the next passenger and guarantee generally happier clients. The concept of what they call the “Skynest” has been in conception for about five years now and is set to make its debut in 2024.

Wearing the national dress only on special occasions is a thing of the past. Women of today have rediscovered elegance and comfort in saris and have found their own ways to make it convenient for them. Jeans instead of traditional petticoats, sneakers, rather than heels, and most commonly and popularly, sleeveless blouses in place of traditional looks such as long sleeves, puffs, or three quarters. Here are 6 super funky ways you can don the sleeveless blouse and slay in it!

What do you do when wanderlust strikes, but you have just hit rock bottom on your wallet? Feed the lust, is what. Of course, travelling first class, shopping at branded stores and staying at five-star accommodation may not be on the cards for you but none of those things have anything to do with actual travelling. If you are already laughing, save the giggles for we may just change your mind by the end of this article.

There are many reasons why men and women today shun the institution of marriage. One of the key reasons is they believe in meeting new people and keeping their options open for better companionship, which is an important key to happiness. Preferring freedom over commitment, these individuals crave open experiences rather than family life and are happy to live their lives free of any kind of obligation.

Mothers nowadays are trying to do it all — work and parenting — with a schedule that seems to get busier every day. With sleepless nights, an early work routine, pumping schedules, school events, work deadlines, and the need to provide quality time to children, mothers have their hands (and arms and legs) full. Mental and physical exhaustion, also known as mum burnout, can lead to dire consequences not just for them, but for children too

Raising your hand or voice, for that matter, on a child simply because they are weak and younger than you in age, is an act of cowardice on the part of the parent. Some fantastic and in-depth research has been done in this field. Psychologists and paediatricians both agree that physical abuse is extremely harmful for a child, having both physiological and mental consequences. Abuse comes in many forms and what is equally surprising is that a lot of parents have no idea that many of their actions can count as abuse.

The annual survey that ranks countries according to how happy its citizens think they are, have found Finland to yet again top the list, according to criteria such as a high GDP per capita, a healthy social support system among friends and family, good life expectancy, freedom of choice, little to no corruption in the government and the business world, and generosity in charity or community service. Countries with all or most of these factors rank high on the list of happiness as their citizens feel a sense of security in living there, and are able to form trusting relationships with their governments.

Genuine kindness can deepen the shallowest relationships, and turn out to be lifesavers. Being nice is an actual science that does not just help the other person, it also does wonderful things for our brain. Consciously practicing kindness can have real life benefits, from making us feel good to boosting our health through the release of heart-healthy, feel-good hormones. Being nice can activate the part of our brain that has to do with “empathy,” is a natural anxiety antidote that reduces stress and can even help us become more professionally successful.

Out of 8 billion people around the globe, minus the squalling babies who have yet to make sense of the world and the very old who have lived their best lives, it would be quite difficult to find a single man or woman who does not wish to be successful. While everyone is looking to emulate go-getters and adopt their habits, it is equally important to know which behaviours to dodge, so as to evade the lifestyle of the unsuccessful. Here are 5 overarching habits that unsuccessful people live by, for you to sidestep, or get out of.

What do Mark Zuckerberg, John Paul DeJoria and Bill Gates have in common apart from mega success? Their nondescript clothes, of course. Where celebrities pull out all the stops with their designer wear at every occasion, a majority of those belonging to the uber rich club wear and re-wear the most ordinary looking shirts and t-shirts to all sorts of extravagant occasions, rather nonchalantly. What is it that makes these pocket heavy people so carefree in their choice of wardrobe, even when they know they are constantly under the glare of the media?

Martial Arts is a popular exercise and self-defence form that everyone wishes to learn but one that demands absolute commitment and utmost diligence from its pupil, before bestowing its unique favours on them. Martial Arts can bring discipline, strength and muscle memory into one’s life and teach them reflexes that can catch predators off guard, a coveted skill crucial for every woman, especially in this subcontinent.

Farzana Shakil is one of the most trusted names for women who want to look good for an event, need a quick pick-me-up for an occasion, or simply wish to pamper themselves. The salon has topped the country’s beauty charts for years and continues to reign supreme over most other parlours of the day. From the force behind the establishment herself, here are 5 beauty facials that will leave your skin soft, supple and glowing this Eid.