But as helpful as these apps can be at helping us connect with others, they come with some fairly serious downfalls, some more obvious than others, and I’m talking from experience here.

Recently, I met somebody through the dating app Hinge, who unfortunately was not the person they made out to be, and the way in how he mis-represented himself was quite bone-chillingly well put together. Now, I’m a 31-year-old single female who lives on my own and I look after myself, by myself. I live life on my own terms, and I choose who I let into my world. I took all the right precautions when I decided to get to know this individual and did everything by the book, yet he still managed to fool me and everyone else around me with it. But it seems I’m not alone in this experience. It has been known to happen to thousands of women across the world. A 2015 survey states that out of 1,282 active Tinder users, nearly 30% of users were married, while another 12% were in a relationship. Unsurprisingly, it is the anonymity of online dating/apps that has been beneficial to many married men who find the lure of adultery exciting.

Unfortunately, in the arena of online dating, we cannot afford to be naïve anymore. To be able to enjoy dating we need to be smarter and more open minded in how we go about things. We owe it to ourselves here. Which is why signing up to a professional and more personal dating agency is a far safer and more reassuring way to go about finding the one. Initially, the virtual dating world was created for the purpose of young professionals who were too busy to go out and find the one in social situations. Dating apps were marketed towards these individuals who were looking for long-term relationships. But as time has moved on, instead of offering real human connection with a single swipe, some, will argue that dating apps are simply turning up the dial on hook-up culture, and hetero women and men are once again left to work out the mental gymnastics to convince themselves that this is good.

The dating app world also makes it easier for people to lie or give false impressions of themselves. Furthermore, the algorithms used to determine matches are not always based on good data as the input, and by that is the ‘real’ person.  People do not always have a good insight into themselves and some intentionally mis-portray themselves, which brings me back to the wonderful world of agencies and the advantages they hold over the likes of Hinge, Tinder and Bumble.

I only really knew how dating agencies work once I applied to work for one. I joined Project 143 (a matchmaking agency catering to Asian professionals). One of the biggest differences between a dating agency and a dating app is that agencies actively headhunt every member, with all individuals undergoing consultations and a proper vetting process before they are even taken on to join the membership. Singles have the reassurance that people are who they say they are, and are really looking for genuine, long-term relationships. Not only that, but some agencies, like Project 143, have a team of experts with a list of accolades to help singles on a very personal level, guiding and supporting them along the way. This includes services such as check ins, dating tips, styling advice, photoshoots, coaching sessions as well as date concierge – setting them up on safe and secure dates, in well-established locations.

So when it comes to finding the one, if you are serious and genuine about applying yourself to the process, take the time to really think about the platforms you use in order to find yourself that person, as not only do the stats state the facts, but my personal experience of falling victim to a very well-played fraud, show how wrong it really can go when putting your trust and your future into the hands of the algorithms and game playing of a stranger. I know for sure Project 143 mean what they say with their very own motto ‘no algorithms, no games’.

By Frances B Shillito

The post The negative side of dating apps and why using a professional matchmaker is becoming a more popular alternative. appeared first on Project 143.

So what’s a guy to do? Fear not, having previously been a professional celebrity male groomer for over a decade, , I’m here to share some of my top tips on how to really wow that lucky lady on the all-important first date.

1. Always wear a VGJ (Very Good Jacket). It can change everything, and it will be the first thing your date notices as you walk through the door. Anything from a great leather jacket, to a double-breasted coat. If you aren’t a fashion forward guy, you can’t go wrong with a decent denim or bomber jacket. But if you are more savvy in the styling department, find yourself a well fitted coat like this one from Zara Men’s and you’ll upgrade your outfit instantly.
2. Accesorise with caution – wear a nice watch! Less is more in this department, but keeping it simple with a couple of understated simplistic rings, or a nice watch, and your outfit will really come together. The watch doesn’t have to be flash. Go with what suits your style.
3. Keep it smart casual – Keep your colours neutral or monochrome. Ultimately you want your outfit to be reasonably safe, no garish or bilious motifs or logos. I’m a huge advocate for a crisp white shirt, teamed with well-fitted chinos or jeans and of course a great pair of shoes!  This Reiss shirt is the perfect example for your go-to white shirt.  For something extra, add a sweater, or a bomber jacket, adjusting the colour palette accordingly. Light tones for day dates and dark shades for night dates.
4. No matter how casual the date, pay attention to your shoes – Doesn’t matter whether you are wearing your best new white converse for your trip round Hyde Park or your best new loafers for dinner at Nobu, you can bet she will look to see what you are wearing on your feet. Shoes say a lot about you as a person and are a window into your personality and style. Ensure your footwear is clean, functional and stylish.
5. Book in a trip to the barbers – Either a week or a few days before the all-important date. Now is not the time to experiment with the latest on-trend trim. Stick to what you know suits and compliments your face shape.
6. A little spritz of cologne goes a long way – do not go over kill! Smelling good is just as important as dressing right but we’re aiming for a subtle impact here, not to overpower the room. A spritz of your favourite scent inside your shirt and on your neck is more than enough.
7. Quarter zip & jeans – Quarter zip sweaters are excellent for layering and always look nice. Combine a quarter zip with jeans and Chelsea boots, and you’ve got a fantastic outfit that you can wear nearly year-round.

At the end of the day, the same rules apply as any other day when it comes to getting dressed for a first date; where you’re going and what the weather is like should determine what you wear. Whilst your outfit will change based on the location and weather, having a few core pieces will make picking out a killer first-date outfit much easier.

By Frances B Shillito

The post What outfits to wear on a first date – men’s edition appeared first on Project 143.

Though someone may tick every box on paper and appear to be the ideal partner, the relationship is unlikely to excite you and last the duration if there isn’t any chemistry. Simply, chemistry is extremely important in a relationship and here’s why.

So, What is Romantic Chemistry?

Chemistry is more than just an initial spark or an immediate attraction to another person, it’s a deeper connection of understanding and a compatibility that lasts. It is one thing to be attracted to someone, it’s another thing to feel as though you ‘click’ both mentally and physically. It’s one thing to want to spend time together, it’s another thing to feel excitement and palpable energy when you are in their company. Though chemistry in a relationship is something that is hard to describe, it’s a feeling we all know and look for in a romantic partner.

Chemistry isn’t something you can manufacture, it’s either there or it’s not, and this is why such importance is placed upon it. Watch any romantic comedy or listen to any love song, and the focus of having chemistry is undeniable. Chemistry may deepen and show itself in other ways as your relationship develops, but it is always natural and organic. It’s something that happens between some people and not others, it’s something that’s felt on some first dates and not others. It can’t be forced, which is why people give it so much weight.

What Does Chemistry Feel Like?

No two people are alike and no two relationships are alike, which means that we experience romantic chemistry in slightly different ways. Some of us experience chemistry as wanting to be with another person at all times, missing them as soon as they leave. For others, it’s a combination of flirty banter and butterflies when they look at you. It could be the desire to be intimate and close by, it could be the ease that comes with being in their company or the fact that there are no awkward silences. In the simplest form, chemistry is a feeling of clicking with another person and feeling excited around them.

What’s a Relationship Without Chemistry?

Of course, there are a multitude of other things to think about when you are dating. Chemistry is important, but it’s not the ‘be all and end all’ of a healthy relationship and there are other things to strive for. If you have been dating for a while, you are sure to have a list of things you want and need from a partner. Trust and loyalty, fun and stability, honesty and humour; they are all elements that make up a romantic relationship that is worth pursuing. Without them, you may feel as though your relationship is lacking in some way or that there is something better still put there. Chemistry? It’s the all important icing on the cake and let’s face it, who wants a cake without icing?

The post How Important is Chemistry in a Relationship? appeared first on Project 143.

Tips for Dating During COVID

Get Creative With Dates – Though lockdown restrictions and social distancing measures are slowly easing, it could be a while before everything is back to normal. Thankfully, that doesn’t need to put a stop to dating altogether. By getting creative with your date activities, you can enjoy meeting new people and potentially meet your perfect match during COVID. If you are not able to sit inside a busy restaurant, head to the park for a romantic picnic. If you want to avoid large crowds, book a table outside a quiet bar for drinks in the city. If you’re not able to attend a concert or theatre performance, take a look for an outdoor event. Though COVID may limit your date plans somewhat, it doesn’t rule them out completely and there are plenty of COVID friendly options.

Be Selective – At Project 143, we place a lot of emphasis on handpicking people to match you with and this is even more important amidst COVID. With many of us wanting to mingle with fewer people, carefully selecting who you date and where you go is paramount. Rather than going on a date because an algorithm says you should, we choose your matches based on you as an individual and what you are looking for. Of course, this doesn’t mean being too picky and not giving people a chance. Rather than wasting your time and energy on someone who you know isn’t right for you, you can focus your attention on those with genuine potential.

Give Remote Dating a Go – If you have been looking to date during COVID, you will know that meeting remotely is hugely popular. With the pandemic going on, many singletons turned to remote dating and this isn’t something that will go away when lockdown ends. Though there are downsides of conducting a date via Skype, FaceTime or Zoom – it’s hard to look your best when your camera freezes and we all know the struggles of an audio delay – it’s a good way to find out if you get on. If you have a lot to talk about and the conversation flows, think about going out on a ‘real’ date when you are able to. If there is no spark and awkward silences aplenty, you won’t have wasted an evening finding out.

Get Back Out There

Like many people, you may have let dating take a back seat during COVID and rightly so. Simply, there were more important things to worry about. However, now is the time to get back out there and dust off those dating outfits. With the world opening up again, there has never been a better time to give dating your all. With Project 143, help is at hand and you won’t be doing it alone.

With lockdown – slowly, but surely – coming to an end, you can afford to make dating a priority again. That doesn’t mean you have to throw yourself back in at the deep end and download a tonne of dating apps, but putting some feelers out there and showing willingness to meet your match can make a huge difference. Though dating during COVID may be daunting and a little out of your ‘new normal’ comfort zone, it’s certainly worth it in the end.

The post Dating During COVID appeared first on Project 143.

As we get older and we begin dating, we start to question this reality. When we find ourselves single in our thirties or older, or recovering from a breakup, and the idea of the perfect someone is quickly called into question. After all, if they really were perfect for us, wouldn’t they have found us already? Well, no, not exactly.

What Makes Someone Perfect For Us?

There is no denying that there are people we are better suited to than others, you only need to go on one bad date to know that. However, that doesn’t mean that we all need to be looking for the same perfect someone. Instead of looking for the perfect person, we need to look for the perfect someone for us. This doesn’t mean someone who ticks every box and does no wrong, it means someone who shares similar goals and desires; someone we can build a life and grow with, someone we want to spend time with, someone we can share our thoughts and feelings with.

A lot of people focus on finding their ideal match in terms of what they look like, the job they have and what they have achieved in life. If you’re especially picky, you may factor where they are from or their financial standing in as well. Instead, you should be focusing on finding someone whose personality compliments yours and who wants similar things out of life.

Think about it, it’s much more important to find someone who shares your views on having children than it is to find someone who has the same favourite movie as you. It’s much more important to find someone who has similar interests to you, than it is to find someone who graduated with a specific degree from a specific university. You may have an idea of who the perfect someone is, but you can’t rule anyone out.

Should We Be Compromising on Perfection?

Too many people go into the world of dating with a clear idea of what they want and though it’s good to know what you are looking for in a partner, you need to be prepared to compromise. This doesn’t mean settling for less than you deserve, it means being open to the idea that the perfect someone may not be who you were expecting.

They can be perfect for you in the way they make you feel, the joy they bring you and the life goals they share. They may not share your love of going to the theatre or eating specific cuisine, but does that mean they’re not your perfect someone? No, as long as they embrace your likes and you embrace theirs. Many experts would agree that a little imperfection is key to a healthy relationship.

Being someone’s perfect someone is much more than being perfect on paper, it’s all about chemistry and making the relationship work in the long run. Relationships do require a certain level of compromise from both parties, but this shouldn’t take away from you feeling as though someone is perfect for you. You can compromise and ask someone to compromise, whilst still being a perfect match. A lot of people spend their time dating searching for someone who is just like them, only to realise the perfect someone is the exact opposite.

They say opposites attract and there is some truth to it, so be open to this possibility when you are looking for your perfect someone.

[Asian Matchmaking, Asian Dating, No Algorithms No Games]

The post Is There a Perfect Someone? appeared first on Project 143.

We have sent our clients on many dates and the feedback we get sometimes is things like “he didn’t pay for the bill”, “She was staring at her phone the whole time”, “she was talking about herself too much”, “he was perfect in everyway, the date went really well but there was no spark”. Some things are out of your control but a lot of them are in your control and avoidable if you know how to behave on a date and how to steer the conversation so that you are getting the best out of each other. Remember, ‘spark’ is not something that will always be instantaneous and despite what Hollywood/Bollywood movies portray, all dates do not lead to butterflies in your stomach straight-away. Spark needs to be honed and the responsibility rests on both parties – you get what you put in. Be mindful of your own behaviours and also remember people are not always fully themselves on the first date so give your date a fair chance.
Project 143’s Lifestyle coach, Chiedu Hing, has shared her wisdom below:

Flood your mind with positivity

What you focus on expands. Focusing on negative thinking is not advisable as it is more likely to lead to an unenjoyable date. Negative thoughts we often tell our clients to avoid are:
• Past relationships/dates (replaying events, feelings of regret, comparing your date with your ex, talking about how terrible or how amazing your last date was – why are you talking about this with a person you are currently on a date with and trying to get to know with a view to having more date with them?)
• Focusing on what you don’t Iike in a partner.
• Wondering who is going to pay the bill.
• Worrying whether they will like you.
• Focusing on not being physically attracted to your date.
• Feeling that you are not good enough for your date.
• Feeling that you are more attractive than your date.
• Thinking there maybe someone better than your date.
• Thinking you are running out of time.
• Thinking how to get one-up on your date.

Stop with the unrealistic expectations

Don’t have unrealistic expectations about your date, for example (wanting them to look as attractive as a model) or wanting them to make you laugh. All these negative thoughts and expectation will subtly be picked up by your date. They will sense your negative vibes a mile off – even though you might not think so. It’s these vibes which detract away from the potential to build a good, initial rapport with each other.
Instead, think about how you want to be seen, without being fake. What do you like about yourself, what are you grateful for? What makes you smile and laugh? What sort of banter do you enjoy? Bringing these joyful considerations to the front of your mind will help you focus more on your positive aspects and feel more in control of how you want the date to go.

Keep the conversation balanced, light and fun

Remember – it’s good to talk! A date is a 2-way opportunity to get to know each other. Under no circumstances should you bring your past into the conversation – if you want the conversation to be positive then do not go there! If you are asked about your past relationship then politely say its too early to go into detail this stage but you will be happy to discuss if things progress. Be open and keep the conversation balanced between how much you talk about yourself and asking questions. Use your quality time as an opportunity to talk about neutral things. Now, if striking conversation is not one of your strong points this is your time practice, so you can feel more comfortable with holding down a conversation. Always remember to try and expand on your answers, to show that you are engaging. Avoid one worded answers! See ‘James Preece’s Conversation Starters’ below.

Be interested – without quizzing your date too much on their personal life. Ask a range of open questions for your date to give open answers for example, what do you like doing on the weekends? Think about questions to ask which does not make the date feel as if they are being put on the spot.

Stay aware of your body language

Keep your body language open and relaxed – communication is said to be 80% non-verbal, that means that your body will have an important part to play during your date. Give eye contact – when you are talking keep engaged in your date.

Forget the expectations

Have no expectations. When you have no expectations, you cannot be disappointed. You may have read an impressive profile of your date, but the proof will be in the pudding. Instead of having a mental checklist for your date to live up to, go with an open mind, so what if they are shorter, taller, heavier, quieter, louder than what your mind had imagined them to be. Overcome your expectations by giving them a chance to be themselves and not the person you expected them be.

Leave your phone alone!

This should be an obvious one but, so many people complain that their date started to use their phone during their date. Would you start messaging a friend in the middle of an interview? No, so don’t do it on a date!

Get comfortable with awkward silences

It’s okay to not talk for a moment, even though it might feel like an eternity. It doesn’t mean that the date is going horribly wrong. Why do we have to continually fill spaces with conversation? Don’t panic that you have run out of things to say. Simply lean into the silence and smile. Use the time wisely to collect your thoughts, look at your date, what have you learnt about them so far? Are you enjoying it, if not why not? Notice what thoughts come up.

Stay in control

Manage your nerves by taking deep breaths to slow a racing heartbeat. If you are feeling overwhelmed with nerves during your date, take a moment to reground yourself. Excuse yourself for a moment to pop into the toilet. Give yourself a moment to take three deep breaths. Create a picture in your mind of having a great evening, notice how it good it feels when you are just focusing on having a nice time. Focus on having fun and make a decision to enjoy the rest of the date. You’ve got this!
If you are struggling to find anything to enjoy about your date – don’t worry. See it as a learning experience. What didn’t go well and why? What did you learn about your date? What could you have done differently to experience a different outcome? In any event the dating experience is one to be enjoyed – so have fun!

James Preece’s conversation starters

Dating and Relationship Expert James Preece has created a set of conversation starters. You will be surprised at how much these deepen conversation and provides you with a better insight into your date’s personality. These are things that will count not the personal assumptions you have made about the other person before you took the time to get to the really know them. It will also help to create some good banter and hopefully some laughs too. Remember this is just your first date – keep it light.

1. If you were an animal, what would you be?
2. What would your dream job be?
3. If they made a film about your life, who would play you?
4. What was your favourite toy when you were a kid?
5. What is your guilty pleasure?
6. Do you have any phobias?
7. Would you cut off your finger for a million pounds?
8. How would you spend your ideal day?
9. If you could be a fly on the wall where would it be?
10. What would you like to be remembered for?
11. What is your favourite joke?
12. If a magic pixie gave your 3 wishes what would they be?
13. What’s the biggest risk you have ever taken?
14. What is your most prized possession?
15. If you had to wear a t-shirt for the rest of your life with one word on it….what would that word be?
16. What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
17. What do you value most in a friendship?
18. What is your most treasured memory?

After your date

Some of you may come away thinking you had the best time and would love to see your date again. Some of you may not have the butterflies just yet but have built up enough intrigue to go for a second date. Some of you may come away thinking that you had a pleasant enough time but you don’t think there is anything at all that sparked a further interest in you. Some of you may come away thinking you had an awful time. Sparks don’t always will fly immediately when you meet. To increase the chances of spark there will be work on your part.

Whatever the outcome of your date remember it is an opportunity for you to have fun and get to know your match. Keep it simple and enjoy the moment.

The post Real Dating Prep From The Project 143 Experts appeared first on Project 143.

Matchmaking in 2017

But what does matchmaking even mean in 2017? Well, it means I don’t have any built-in algorithms and I match people based on who they really are. It’s pretty old school really, I bring people together with similar interests, aspirations, goals and work hard to find just that right mix of chemistry that leads to love.

And that’s what I’m passionate about, giving people the tools, the time and the opportunity to find their ideal match. I want to pull people off their phone or laptop screen and into the real world to talk to each other, to interact and to feel genuine chemistry.

The problem

Online and app dating is here and it’s likely to be here to stay. But for lots of people it simply doesn’t work. We spend 7 times as long now browsing online for dates as we do meeting people in real life. That feels insane. You could be sat on a train opposite the man or woman of your dreams and not even notice them because your head is stuck in Tinder. Why are we dating this way?

Customer satisfaction is incredibly low for online dating and that could be because it involves a whole lot of time in for some pretty disappointing outcomes. You put hours into messaging the guy or girl who has no intention of meeting you or there is simply so much choice you don’t know where to start. Dating apps don’t even really feel like dating anymore it’s like a horrible computer game with your heart and your confidence up for grabs. But it seems like a game we love to play with more than 1.4 billion swipes a day on tinder!

The solution

So, if you’re feeling the frustration and the disappointment of the online world how do you get out there? It’s got to the point where going up to someone in a bar or on the street seems downright weird. How do we break down these walls and start having conversations again? For me, it’s all about relearning those interactions which a few years ago would have been totally normal.

So how do you build that confidence and start those conversations? Well, some of it is just bare faced bravery and some of it is having the right tools or the right questions to make that leap.

You want to avoid the usual dull dating questions. What’s your favourite food? What’s your favourite movie? Giant yawn.

Instead, try and ask interesting questions that prompt a story. When someone starts telling a tale, you engage with them. You get to see a little bit of that real person – that’s how sparks are born.

Who is your hero? If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go and why? What are you passionate about?

Engage people with open body language, smile, look them in the eye and be friendly whilst respecting their personal space. The worst that can happen is a polite conversation that doesn’t go anywhere and isn’t that better than waiting weeks for someone online to reply to a message and never receiving an answer?

Bottom line..

It’s high time we took a step forward into real world dating, online dating is a tool but it isn’t the only one in your tool belt and it should be a step towards real life interactions and not instead of them.

The post Matchmaking in 2017 appeared first on Project 143.

Get Offline.

Planning your entire love life from your screen can take all the heart out of falling for someone. Dating apps and websites are often a road to frustration and disillusionment that can reduce romance to an online shopping experience.

Consider a different approach to meeting people and try a matchmaking service that put’s your needs first. In my work as a professional Asian matchmaker I strip away the algorithms and put people at the heart of the dating process. By meeting clients in real life, I get a sense of the person behind the picture, helping to create emotionally intelligent matches that make sense. A matchmaker could help see your love life through fresh eyes.

Put down your device and try a better way. 

Figure Out What’s Important to You

So often clients come to me with a list of requirements that is longer than most weekly shopping lists! I don’t believe in settling, but working out just what your deal breakers are is an empowering way to reinvigorate your dating life. Figure out the key elements in a partner that truly matter to you. Sweeping away reams of arbitrary preferences can widen your dating experience and lead you to someone who just might surprise you.

Date with an open heart and an open mind.

Relax and Enjoy it

Dating can feel like a very serious business. And whilst your romantic life is an important part of who you are, your journey to your perfect partner should be an enjoyable one. Take a step back, breathe and have fun with the process. Even a bad date can teach you something about yourself that takes you one step closer to your ideal match.

Dates who are relaxed, open and happy have a higher number of positive dating experiences and are more likely to connect with a match. If you struggle to control your dating nerves, take it slow and choose activities that are within your comfort zone.

Embrace a positive dating experience.

Valentine’s Day 2017 is the perfect time to get your love life on track and begin to meet Asian singles who might be your forever match. By consciously changing your approach to love, you could open the door to romance.

Shake the dust off your dating habits and connect smarter this Valentine’s Day.

The post 3 Ways to Reset Your Love Life this Valentine’s Day appeared first on Project 143.

Whilst online dating seems, on the face of it, to offer the perfect solution to the age-old problem of finding true love, in reality things are often very different. With a seemingly endless supply of potential new dates available through dating apps, it’s all too easy to fall into a ‘click and go’ mind-set, where we never really give a date time to develop into something more, before we are scanning for the next potential candidate. If we’re honest, how many of us have met someone via a dating app, and then spent half the first date checking online, to see if other ‘possibles’ have arrived in our dating inbox?

Have dating apps had their day? Is there a better way to meet genuine people? Why not ditch the smartphone and try these six suggestions for finding love the real way?

Take risks

Ever considered that the reason you haven’t found your special someone might just be because you play everything too safe? Step out of that comfort zone and you could find success in your dating endeavours. Try dating someone who you’d normally not consider, say yes to a wild and wacky date location or just pluck up the courage to pass your phone number to that nice guy you see on the way to work each morning. Of course, it’s true that taking risks and injecting a little spontaneity into your life means you might end up disappointed or facing rejection, but you might also find that things really go your way and you release a whole new you!

Volunteer abroad

People volunteer to work abroad for all sorts of reasons, and whilst many people perhaps wouldn’t expect to find romance on a volunteering trip, it is actually fairly common to do just that. Stepping out of your comfort zone and immersing yourself in a new and exciting experience in a far-flung location puts you in the right frame of mind for meeting new people. You’re surrounded by like-minded people, who share your passion for adventure and helping others, so the chances are high that you will find someone special in amongst your fellow volunteers. With no mobile signal in these remote volunteering locations, there really is no excuse for not trying to make friends or find romance.

Join the gym

It might be a bit of a cliché, but the gym is actually a brilliant place to meet someone new. Exercise boosts positivity, and will help you to be upbeat and confident when talking to that certain someone you meet in the spin class or the weights room. Of course, the golden rule for finding romance at the gym is to leave your phone in your locker. You might enjoy listening to your favourite tunes whilst pounding along on the treadmill, but those earphones will kill the chances of any conversation, so ditch them and start chatting instead.

Get social

We’re not talking about social media here, but actually making an effort to get out and about socially. Learn to say yes to invitations, and you’ll soon find yourself meeting lots more people – some of whom might appeal to you romantically. If you routinely cry off from the office drinks on a Friday night, or you keep postponing a night out with mates, try saying yes to these instead, and see what happens. At the very least, you’ll be chatting and mingling with others, which can actively improve your social skills, and you never know just who you might meet when you’re waiting at the bar to get the next round in.

Matchmaking

Another alternative route which avoids the digital screen of a mobile phone would be exploring the route of a matchmaker a.k.a Cupid…

If you are truly fed up of dead-end dating, a matchmaker will spend their time assessing your needs and wants to find a match who compliments your every want and desires in a partner.

Visiting a matchmaker is considered a more direct route to finding love, without the messy awkwardness in between. When the timing is right, you will be paired with a partner who shares the same skills, drive and interests as yourself, so that you are able to talk all night long without having to make that risky phone call to your friend to help bail you out of yet another disastrous dating scenario.

If you’re serious about stepping up your romantic efforts and finding that special someone, it might be time to mute that mobile and reinvent yourself as a real-world social superstar. With a little effort and a bit of courage, romance could, quite literally, be just around the corner.

By Holly Barry

The post Finding Love Without Dating Apps appeared first on Project 143.

1. Never wear red lipstick on the first date – a soft and natural pout is more attractive. I always advise to go with your favourite nude colour and optionally use a bit of gloss in the middle of the lower lips. Don’t put your lip gloss all over your lips, that’s never a good look. The right shade of red crimson always looks amazing on Asian skin but please don’t wear it on your first date!
2. Don’t wear too much blush – you may feel a bit nervous and warm on that first matchmaking experience so you are more likely to have some natural blush coming through. Use just a little bit to define your cheeks and to add a three-dimensional appearance to your look.
3. Use illuminator – it always looks great and gives you a fresh, youthful appearance. That’s what you want on your date! Just put a bit on the top of your cheeks and on the bridge of your nose. You can always add a tiny bit to the top ridge of your upper lip to make it more prominent. If you want to have a more glowing appearance, use a primer like ‘Wonderglow’ from Charlotte Tilbury, I love using it on Asian skin.
4. Go heavy on mascara – please magnify your lashes as much as you can without making them look cakey. Your eyes are the window to your soul and heart so they are very important for your first Asian dating experience. I really like putting a few individual lashes – just in the corners of your eyes – to make them extra long and mesmerizing!
5. Watch your eyeliner – never be too heavy with it on the first date. Too dramatic a look is not advisable! Keep it soft and light.
6. Use the right concealer – I know how difficult it can be covering dark circles, especially for Asian ladies. Please remember to use at least a couple of different colours. A peachy one to diminish grayness and an illuminating one – my favourite is Yves Saint Laurent ‘Touche Éclat’ – to bring light to the area under the eyes.
7. Pick a good powder – one that works well with your skin tone and looks natural. I love the ‘Hourglass’ range, which you can buy in Space NK. Press into your skin instead of placing it on the surface. Remember, you want your powder to be part of your skin not a separate layer!

Ladies, good luck on your first date, I hope these tips will help you to look absolutely fabulous! If you want to learn more about other make-up or beauty tips please go to http://anitawarszawska.com/the-blog/. I am always really happy to answer individual questions or to see you in person in my studio in Little Venice.

By Anita Warszawska

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