Review: SoyLites Ladybird Everyday Moisturising Body Balm

Included with the AMAZING candles the SoyLites team sent me (review here: http://kiarabramdaw.blogspot.co.za/2016/11/soylites-candles-review.html ), I also got sent a SoyLites Ladybird Body Balm!



Find out more about SoyLites here: https://www.soylites.co.za/

This line is inspired by my favourite insect, the ladybird!

Ingredients: 
Pure Soy Wax (vitamin E and lecithin), 
Shea Butter (Non-Certified Organic), 
Castor Oil
Avocado Oil
Virgin Olive Oil with Geranial
Citronella and Lemongrass Essential Oil. (Certified Organic )


This balm can be applied literally anywhere on your body and is infused with Rosehip and Shea Butter.

It has a leafy, nature-like smell. When I applied it to my skin, I found that it was not greasy at all! Although the smell does not agree with me, there is no doubt that I feel closer to to nature when I use it. I recommend this to anyone who is seeking to heal their skin in a natural, pain free way.

Thank you, SoyLites!

AFRIDERM Peeling Gel Review

I recently received this peeling gel from Afriderm.

Product Description:

This exfoliating Peeling Gel can be used daily by all shades of dark-pigmented skin to deeply cleanse and encourage the natural process of skin renewal. The Peeling Gel gently removes dry, dull and dead cells from the skins surface to encourage natural skin regeneration. Used regularly, it leaves skin clear, silky-soft, healthy and youthful looking. Made from a soothing complex of herbal oils and extracts.

Features :

1. Active face care especially formulated for dark-pigmented skin
2. Exfoliates: Deeply but gently removes dry and dull skin cells
3. Regenerates: Encourages the natural process of skin renewal
4. Moisturizes: Helps create silkier and softer skin
5. Soothes: Calms stressed skin and helps fight signs of aging
6. Protects: Guards against ashy-looking skin
7. Best of Natural Ingredients: Coenzyme 10, Aloe Vera, Chamomile & Ginkgo, Biloba Extracts plus Evening Primrose, Grape Seed and Borage Seed (Omega 3 & 6) Herbal Oils.

• Cleansing Perfection
• Facial-Intensive Care
• For Dark Pigmented Skin
• Gentle exfoliation to create smooth, clear, attractive skin tones & texture!

Cleanses and prevents the build-up of dead and dry cells on the skin’s surface.

Accelerates natural, fresh cell renewal and guards against dry “ashy-looking” skin appearance.

Contains natural herbal extracts and non-irritating moisture-enhancing ingredients.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Propylene Glycol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile Flower), Extract, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf, Extract, Coix Lacryma-Jobi (Job's Tears), Seed Oil, Borago Officinalis (Borage), Seed Oil, Dehydroacetic Acid,, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose)Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil,Parfum (Fragance),Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis(Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Algae Extract, Polysorbate 20, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Limonene, Linalol, Butylphenyl Methylpropional. PARABEN FREE.

My POV

Other than the amazing, elegant look that product gives off, it has a gentle feel.

When I first applied it to my skin, I expected it to burn around my nose and cheek area, like other peels and masks have done in the past. I left it on for one minute as stated, and probably took another two minutes to admire the fresh smell it gave off. When I washed it off with warm water, it cleansed off easily and my skin didn't feel dry afterwords. It felt tight around the cheek area. When I woke up in the morning, my skin felt smoother than ever and also had a radiant look to it! I will definitely be be adding this peel to my weekly skin routine.

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A big thank you to the Afriderm team! 

Find out more about them here:

www.afriderm.co.za

Do Fairness Creams Work?

Some Facts About Fairness Creams

I know it’s easy for me to say that “don’t use fairness creams” considering the fact that I am fair for someone of Indian origin but let me tell you the truth behind fairness creams. Our skin color is determined by our race and genetic lineage which in turn decides the amount and structure of melanin (the pigment in the skin which is the reason for our color). According to most dermatologists, achieving fairness up to 20% is possible, but not more than that. The fairness creams block sun rays and prevent secretion of Melanin, which gives the dark colour to the skin. So in effect fairness cream reduce tan, prevent the skin from getting darker by preventing melanin secretion; but fairness creams cannot change a person’s natural skin color. Nothing can change that structure of melanin. It’s the same as if you have curly hair, you cannot use any product to naturally make it straight , you can comb it when its wet but the actual and natural structure of your hair will remain curly, you can even get it chemically treated but the new hair growth will always be curly. A fairness cream does the same , it removes your upper skin layer so that the skin below appears. Fairness creams can contain harmful bleaching agent such as hydroquinone, the percentage of which is between 3- 4%, but most of them do not mention the percentage of the chemicals on the packets which can cause skin allergy, cancer, kidney problem. Hydroquinone is a strong inhibitor of melanin production, meaning that it prevents skin from making the substance responsible for skin color. Hydroquinone does not bleach the skin but lightens it, and can only disrupt the synthesis and production of melanin hyperpigmentation. It has been banned in some countries (e.g. France) because of fears of a cancer risk.

I am not trying to turn you away from the fairness cream you have used for some years now but I just want you to question the products you use. You should think before you apply something on your face because it represents you. Anything that is used by you or comes in contact with you changes and formulates your personality. If you are applying a cream to your face because it boost your confidence it is okay but you should question if you are comfortable in your natural skin color. I am not against some person using anything on their face but the question is of “questioning” the product.

Some Myths About Fairness Creams

• Fairness creams can make you fair: All fairness cream or skin whitening creams are effective only if the pigment is in the epidermis. If the pigment is deeper, the product canot help or make changes. Thus, fairness cream can help remove a tan or discoloration due to some pigment in the top layer of the skin. It cannot make a dark person fair.
• Manufacturers list all their ingredients on the product label: This is not true. Manufacturers are not required by law to mention all the ingredients on the product label.
• Fair skin is better than dark skin: Medically, dark skin is believed to be less vulnerable to skin diseases than light skin. More melanin in dark skins provides protection from the sun and, in turn, disease. Light skin contains less melanin and thus less protection.
• Ayurvedic or herbal fairness creams have no chemicals: This is a myth. Only home remedies for fairness can be free of chemicals. All commercial products have chemical bases that give them the texture and consistency and preservatives that prevent them from going bad.
• Herbal ingredients have no side effects: A person can be allergic to plant based herbal ingredients also. It is advisable that they apply the cream to a small area on their hands before using them.

There are natural variants to make your skin ‘clear.’ I use lemon on my face; that is the only thing I have used for 2 years now to brighten my face. The lemon enhances your skins natural glow. Lemon will not erode the upper layer of the skin but it will lighten the imperfection in your complexion. I am not miss 'twilight vampire', but I like my complexion. Be proud of what you have, any color, any shape, any size… a person is beautiful either way :)

World’s Top 6 Fashion Cities

Hello everyone. Most of us like to travel. Isn’t it?? Imagine if those travel destinations are fascinating in scenic beauty as well as have a bonus point of enhancing your beauty. I guess you won’t reject that offer. Here I am presenting you the most fashionable cities of the world.

• London: Aaawwww now this my dream destination. You must have heard about London fashion week which is organised twice each year. It is one the major events which shows their love for fashion and clothes. London is said to have shops that vary from big luxurious brands to simple street shops where you can bargain.

• Paris: Yes yes, how many of you are thinking to go their? Eiffel tower is not only the attraction girls, what makes an important mark is their fashion sense. Though an ancient city, Paris has fashion in its air. You will have every brand showcasing their collection in those super big malls and their designer store.



• New York: How many of you have those NYC tagged lip colours and fashion accessories? Americans are lucky to have such an advanced city in their country. It is a city that never sleeps. You will witness the most fashionable clothing while you explore the city walking from one street to the other.

• Milan: Well-known designers namely Giorgio Armani, Versace, Prada, Dolce&Gabanna have their roots in the city. Many of us have craved for getting a goodie from their store. I know they are really costly but what I have heard is they are a bit cheap in the city as compared to the cost they have in India.



• Tokyo: I usually watch TLC to stay connected with different amazing experiences of the world. One night I was watching a show on it which showed how people of Tokyo experimented with their clothes and their fashion sense. Those people were very bold in choosing their dresses and carried them with great attitude.

• Barcelona: This Spanish city is very beautiful. People here value modesty and they tend to dress conservatively. You will see people wearing casual clothes but they are very nicely fitted and of good quality. So you can expect good range of clothes on their streets and shops.

So friends these are the best recognised fashion landmarks of the world. Whenever you plan your next trip with your spouse, make sure you choose it keeping in mind the benefit you can have visiting a new place.

Why I Don't Use Pore Strips

I was a big fan of the “pore strips” from a lot of brands like Biore, Nivea, Tzone etc. Nivea has pore strips especially designed for the chin and forehead area too. At first, it seemed super exciting as to how this tiny strip would just remove all of my whiteheads and blackheads, but then my skin started to react awfully to these strips. After a long Google search and speaking with a few friends, who suffered the same reactions, I decided I need to inform you ladies about the same.

Usually, every brand recommends that we should use these strips once or twice every week. That being said, another research says we shouldn’t use these strips more than 3-4 times in a month. I followed all the instructions carefully and also took off the strip really carefully after it dried up. After a few months, I started noticing broken capillaries on the corners of my nose and on my chin. This is when I started searching online for remedies and causes. To my surprise, using pore strips can cause broken capillaries.

What are Capillaries?

These are the smallest blood vessels of our body that help in microcirculation of blood.  When these break, they appear as fine red threads of blood under the skin and are quiet visible. Broken capillaries occur when the capillary walls narrow  nd widen too quickly causing the muscles in the walls to tear. This in turn allows the blood to seep out resulting in broken capillaries.

How Can Pore Strips Cause Broken Capillaries?

The answer is simple. When you pull the pore strip off, no matter how slowly and carefully you’re doing it, you manage to damage the first layer of your skin. Your skin is pulled. The skin around your nose, cheekbones and chin is more sensitive than that of your forehead.

Broken Capillaries are permanent.  Luckily for me, there are just 2 tiny ones on my nose and 1 on my chin and aren’t very visible. I haven’t used pore strips ever since my horrible experience. I go for facials instead now; something that I got super broke or lazy to go for earlier.

Moreover, all this pulling and tugging of your skin by the pore strips tends to make your skin wrinkle faster according to a few studies. That’s not a surprise though since damaged skin ages faster than healthy skin.

Also, all those chemicals in the glue that help to get the blackheads out aren’t safe for your skin and I wouldn’t recommend using these strips religiously.

To conclude it all, pore strips definitely help to clear out your blackheads, but do they fight the main cause of the blackheads? No, they don’t. Blackheads usually appear in a few days to a week after using these strips leading you to getting hooked on to these strips and using them way too often. I would suggest sticking to regular facials which are safer for the skin and include proper exfoliation of the skin in your skin care regime.

Hope this review helps you ladies out and please don’t use those strips too often! Be nice to your skin.

20 Beauty Mistakes You Need To Stop Making

Here is a list of 20 common beauty mistakes that you need to be aware of:

1. Not cleaning your makeup brushes
2. Putting bronzer on your entire face
3. Matching foundation to the back of your hand.
4. Sleeping in your makeup
5. Applying concealer wrong
6. Applying lip liner to just the edges
7. Wearing waterproof mascara every day
8. Skipping base coat
9. Using the wrong blush formula
10. Wearing too much foundation
11. Not using primer with eye shadow
12. Not setting your concealer
13. Curling your lashes with mascara on
14. Applying blush incorrectly.
15. Adding nail polish remover to thin out nail polish
16. Applying makeup in the wrong lighting
17. Keeping makeup for too long(guilty!)
18. Applying the wrong shade of concealer
19. Pumping the brush
20. Using the wrong primer for your foundation formula.

Blog Subscription Problem

Hi guys

I understand that some of you are unable to subscribe to the blog or have trouble finding a subscription button or any way at all to subscribe.

I'm waiting for my new laptop to come (right now I'm blogging off of my phone and I recently changed the layout via my phone) and then I'll be able to have an in-depth look at the issue.

Until then please bare with me, links to all my new blog posts will be posted on social media sites so you never miss a post!

Thanks for understanding ♥

Kiara

Beaucíence Review

Readers

I was privileged enough to get sent a box
of goodies from Beaucíence earlier this week!

Beaucience, is a company that has developed a completely unique botanical skincare range. Their mission is to help you fight the signs of ageing in the most environmentally friendly way possible.
Beaucience products contain Proteasyl, plus a host of other natural plant-based ingredients. Beaucíence does not test on animals.

The first product that I unboxed and was the Beaucíence Cleansing Gel (250ml).

This is a soap-free cleansing gel. With ingredients like witch hazel, aloe vera, peach extract and organic green tea, this balances and cleanses your complexion without stripping your skin of its natural oils. This perfectly pH-balanced cleanser gently washed away existing residue(makeup, post-moisturisers) that were on my skin and left it soft and smelling fresh.

What I love is that they incorporated Witch Hazel into this wash. Witch hazel is a natural astringent that helps to keep your skin clear and also removes excess oil, dirt and make-up from your pores without drying out your skin.

When I used this product it foamed quite well considering that it doesn't contain soap, which is amazing. It did however create a dry, stretched feeling in certain areas of my face (cheekbones, nose area).

Other than that, it left my skin smelling absolutely incredible and when massaged into certain areas, relaxed my skin. I would recommend this to anyone with sensitive skin who needs something gentle and soap-free that will still leave their skin smelling fresh.

Second Product: Beaucíence Day & Night Moisture Cream(50ml)

Although it's main purpose is anti-age care, this cream can be used as a day or night facial cream and it is meant for normal/combination skin.

It contains Organic Marula Oil, Organic Green Tea, as well as a selection of essential oils.

I gently applied the moisturiser to the back of my hand first to get the feel and look of the cream and when confident enough I applied it to my face. Unlike the face cleanser, the cream has a warm, leafy, bitter smell. My skin absorbed it quite fast and felt moisturised, but only for a few hours.

Pausing at this point,  I must appreciate the wonderful eco-packaging that Beaucíence packs it's products in. Not many companies can pull it off.

This product is light and fast absorbing. I just wish that the effects lasted longer!

The final product: Beaucíence Enzymatic Exfoliator

This product is an absolute charm! Out of everything this has got to be my absolute favourite! Not just within the Beaucíence range,  but regarding ALL facial exfoliators and peels. This is the natural way of biological peeling, which removes dead skin cells and clears blocked pores.

Think of a snake shedding it's skin.

The back of the box reads: "Cell renewal is stimulated and a younger brighter soft and radiant skin is revealed. Natural extracts sooth, calm, moisturise and soften the skin. Proteasyl TP and Vitamin C stimulates the production of collagen in the skin."

Before using this I had to make sure that all of my makeup was properly off. This is very important as we want there to be no obstructions that might not let the gel have direct contact with the skin.
I applied a thin layer as said. After the first few minutes my skin began to feel a tingling sensation, which is expected when using these types of exfoliator peels. This sensation was more than enjoyable and not harsh on my skin at all. I left it on for about 15 minutes before removing it.

Upon removing it my skin already had a more radiant and fresh look to it. Dark areas appeared visibly lighter. The chapped effect that was on a few of my pimples was completely gone.

This is definitely a swear-by product!

🌸🌿🌸🌿🌸🌿

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A huge thank you to the Beaucíence team for sending down these amazing products!

For more enquiries about their products check out their website:

www.beaucience.co.za

Beaucíence products are free from chemical contaminants, toxins, artificial colourants, petroleum products and synthetic oils.

Stay tuned for more reviews coming soon!

10 Special Beauty Secrets

We women are bombarded with thousands of products that help us appear beautiful, young, and attractive to others. There's always that one magic potion or some special formula will make us look fabulously gorgeous, unbelievable glamorous, and forever young.

But I believe that the most wonderful, powerful, and authentic beauty secrets are free and available to every woman in the world.

1) A genuine smile.

There is nothing in the world more attractive. A smile is worth a hundred times more than the most expensive sparkly lipstick. Many years ago I came upon some research attempting to discover what made a woman attractive. The researchers showed hundred of men pictures of all sorts of women and asked them who they would ask out for a date hoping for a long term relationship. It was overwhelmingly clear that the women who were smiling were the ones men found attractive.
*Regardless of shape, hair color, height, or any number of measurements, it was a smile that was compelling.

2) Bright eyes.

While we may be misled to think that beautiful eyes are created with the thickest, luscious mascara, a new make-up technique, or the right color eye-shadow, bright eyes filled with wonder, interest, peace, curiosity, and concern capture us. The eyes are the window to the soul, they entreat us, compel us, and connect us to one another.

3) Health.

Now, I am not talking about those who have a model form and are in perfect shape.... I mean those with a healthy outlook on life, those who care and respect their form, those who have a balanced and centered life. As humans in spite of the greatest care we may not always be in optimum physical, spiritual, and/or emotional health (I believe we need the difficult challenges to grow and develop). But if our underlying sense of self is healthy, if our worldview is one of peace and strength, we can go through the difficult times where our health is challenged with dignity. I've seen the beauty of those who face death with gentleness. I've seen the heartbroken remain beautiful as they hold onto hope and faith amidst enormous difficulty. I've seen those struggling with serious health concerns retain the self-respect and honor that reflects the beauty within.

4) Graciousness.

I can't think of a more beautiful trait than graciousness. That loveliest of qualities that helps us feel accepted, cared for, and loved. Graciousness is a dignity filled with respect, concern, and acceptance. It is embracing the highest human qualities while releasing the base and tawdry. Graciousness is ultimately ennobling and fills us with reverence for life and each other. When we are in the presence of a gracious person, we feel the wonder of their beauty and feel beautiful ourselves.

5)A tender gaze.

There are few things in life that fill us with peace and love and joy as a tender gaze. Looking at others with love and care is more attractive than all the beauty products humans could ever create. Whether a mother gazes upon her newborn, or lovers gaze upon their beloved, a tender gaze must be one of the most alluring abilities of all.

6)Hands that reach for others.

There is a deep alluring grace in those whose lives are dedicated to service, care, and support of those in need. It is as if the souls that live to care and love the world are filled with the very essence of what is beautiful. I do not know of anything more wondrous, majestic, and glorious than seeing the compassion of one human for another.

7)An Authentic Soul.

Being in the presence of another who is expressing their true self is like seeing a flower in full bloom. On the other hand, when we see those who are trying to be something other than what they are, we miss their unique beauty.

8)A radiant aura.

When all is said and done, true beauty is clearly not a provocative form, a mask or pretense, or glamorous sexy clothing we put on our form. True beauty is a positive, healing, nurturing energy that IS us.

9)Confidence and humility.

These come together because they require balance. Over confidence can become elitism, even egotism while humility can move toward insecurity and low self-esteem. What is absolutely gorgeous is a being who is confident and has a strong sense of self blended with an awareness and honoring of the grandeur of their place in the universe.

10)A Loving spirit.

There is nothing more attractive than being in the presence of a spirit who loves others and who loves life. Love is a powerful force and humankind is in desperate need of those who can share their love with the world.

True beauty is the pure energy that radiates from our hearts.

Whether you are a young woman who may have bought into the myth of what the world is trying to tell you is beautiful, or if you are a woman moving into a phase of life where the world is telling you, you are no longer beautiful, my hope is to remind us all that we do not have to always buy into outward appearance to be valuable and beautiful.

While it is important to care for ourselves, to have respect for our forms, and to honor our bodies; and it is lovely to appropriately attend to our outward appearance, may we not forget that our true beauty is inside, radiating peace, joy, care, and love to the world.

You are a beautiful being... don't forget it!

Ask Kiara: Boyfriend Vs. Bestfriends

Question: “I’m dating this guy that everyone thinks is weird. He is really sweet. What should I do?”

Answer:

Growing up, you started making best friends and as you did this, their opinions became necessary to you. This is why it bothers you so much that they don’t like your boyfriend.
Just like everyone, you lean on your friends.
Girls have a tendency to gather together and take in everyone’s opinion on the guys they are currently dating.  If you ask a group of people if they listen to their friends, they may say a ‘little bit’ but they are lying to themselves. Every body listens to their friends about eighty-five percent of the time!

The best thing to do is focus on what you want. Your friends aren’t dating him, you are. Your feelings are important and they should respect that. They weren’t there to see his facial expressions or body language, you were! True friends should support you on your decisions.
Many girls say it’s hard to find a sweet guy. So what if he is a little weird or a tad bit strange? The weird ones are the most interesting. He could be weird because he acts like himself around you. There are so many people who act like something they’re not, so appreciate that you have someone real!
Everyone says friends want the best for you, and that is right. Friends want to make sure you don’t do things that you will later regret. You can’t get mad at your friends for not liking him because everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but make sure you do what you want!
Ashley Philips, sophomore of Swansboro high said, “Sure, some of my friends hate my boyfriend, but I don’t care. We’ve been dating for awhile and we’re happy!”
Dating someone “weird” isn’t a bad thing. If you are truly happy with this guy don’t let anyone bring you down. This is your relationship and it only involves you and him. Not you, him, and all your friends.

❤❤❤

Enjoying this new section on my blog?
If YOU have a problem you need advice with, email me at kiarabramdaw1@gmail.com for a chance for your questions to be answered on this blog!

Himalaya Neem Mask Review

The Himalaya Herbals Neem Mask: 🌿

I was delighted to receive a set from Himalaya Herbals,  which included a Himalaya Face Wash and Himalaya Face Scrub, but what really stood out was the Himalaya Neem Mask.

It came in a compact tube which is delightful as I can open and close it and carry it around as I please.

My skin appears firmer/tighter, smoother,clearer, and more refreshed. It seems to draw out extra oils but does not overdry the drier areas. I tried not to smile, laugh, or talk while the mask was drying because the mask will crack and that would make it less effective on the problem areas on my face. I took my time when washing the product off so that I wouldn't pull on my skin. This is great for both guys and girls who suffer from acne prone skin.
This took some time, but the end results were worth it. 😊🌿🌿🌿

I suggest that you try this product as can guarantee you that it leaves a wonderful feel to your skin afterwards as well as noticeable results in fairness, tightening and lightening.

Be sure to give Himalaya Herbals a follow on Instagram @himalayabeauty :)!

Be sure to subscribe to my blog for more upcoming reviews!

How to Hide Acne/Pimples with Makeup

-Finding the Right Makeup-

•Acquire oil-free makeup. Cosmetics that do not clog pores are called noncomedogenic or non-acnegenic. The first ingredient in your makeup should be water. Opt for mineral-based cosmetics, which will absorb excess oil and hide redness without irritating your skin.

Noncomedogenic makeup does not interfere with acne medication.

•Pick the right primer for your skin. Use oil-free primer to keep your makeup in place. It can be especially difficult to keep concealer on an inflamed zit, but a dab of primer does the trick. Lightweight primers are less likely to irritate acne and are easier on oily skin.

•Use a primer with SPF for protection from the sun, especially if you have scarring or hyperpigmentation. Sun exposure can slow the healing process.

•Consider a powder foundation. A mineral-powder foundation is less likely to clog your pores than a liquid foundation, though it will provide less coverage. Opt for mattifying products: they absorb excess oil, and a matte finish conceals bumpiness.

•Avoid shimmery finish, which will draw attention to bumps.Foundations that are designed to last all day are more likely to clog your pores, causing further acne.

•Find or make a concealer that matches your skin tone. Concealer that is too light or dark will highlight your trouble spots, rather than hiding them. Mix two shades of concealer if you cannot find one that matches your skin.

•Consider using a setting powder.Setting powder can benefit oily skin, but can exacerbate dryness in other skin. If you choose to use it, find a light setting powder that is less likely to trap oils under your skin.

-Applying the Makeup-

•Clean and moisturize your skin. Before applying makeup, gently wash your face with warm water. Gently rub in a fragrance-free water-based moisturizer. Apply a sunscreen or a moisturizer-sunscreen combination for protection against the sun.

Sunscreen does not cause acne unless it contains harmful chemicals such as PABA and benzophenone.

•Prepare your brush or sponge. You can use brushes or sponges to apply your makeup if you would like to avoid touching your skin. Acne can be caused by bacteria on the hands, but sponges or brushes can also hold bacteria, so be sure wash them at least twice a week.

•Apply primer. Wait a few minutes to allow your skin to absorb the moisturizer, then use your fingers or a sponge to apply primer. If you prefer not to use a primer across your whole face, you can dab it onto problem spots to help fasten your concealer.

•Apply concealer. Wait a few minutes for your primer to set, then apply concealer in an x to your acne. Gently pat it in place. Do not rub, or it may streak.

You may prefer to wait on the concealer after you have applied foundation, as foundation will cover many of the milder occurrences of acne.

You can use a green concealer to diffuse pigmentation. Never apply green concealer after applying foundation.

•Apply foundation. Wait a few seconds for your concealer to set, then use a brush to apply foundation. Use as little as possible. If your first application seems inadequate, add light, even layers until you are satisfied with the result.

If you still have spots, wait a few minutes for your foundation to set, then add concealer.If you are finishing with a setting powder, you can apply it now. With a brush, apply it on your skin in slow circles.

Once your foundation has set, you can apply the rest of your makeup.

Sub to my blog for more guided tutorials ❤

This Tool Changes The Way You Paint Your Nails

It’s called the Tweexy and, basically, it’s here to save your life.

If you’re into painting your nail polishes at home and, if you’re living on the same budget as we are, who isnt?, you’ll be happy to know that there is a tool out there that will completely up your nail polish game to next level, nail-technician status. This tool is called the Tweexy and it’s a nail polish bottle holder that is fashioned on a ring to sit on your hand as you polish away.

That’s right, with this silicone holder, you can polish your nails anytime, anywhere, without fear of spilling the bottle and, you know, making a veritable mess that’s close to impossible to remove with regular ol’ laundry detergent.

The Tweexy comes with expandable rings (to fit any finger size), squeeze tabs and a bottle grip to ensure your nail polish doesn’t move a centimeter.

Home manicures will never be the same again!

Overcoming Breakup Triggers

Whether you broke up with someone or were broken up with, many of us have created bad love habits with and because of our former partners that need to be broken. Perhaps you're feeling the urge to call your ex all the time, or maybe you tend to reminisce about the good times. These are normal and perfectly acceptable feelings, but now that you're no longer in a relationship, its time to kick these bad love habits.

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Identifying Triggers After A Breakup

The first step in the process of letting go of these love habits after a break up is to look at your triggers - the things that might tempt you to seek contact with your ex again. These could be as innocuous as driving to work and feeling odd not seeing their coffee cup in the holder next to yours, or as obvious as youranniversary date.

Think about the events, places, things, people and dates that you may need a bit of help maneuvering through in the next couple of weeks or months. Does eating alone in a restaurant trigger you after a break up? CominBreakup

to an empty house? Hearing the phone ring?

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What To Do About Your Breakup Triggers

Once you've got a list of some of your after a break up triggers, your next step is to brainstorm ideas of things and ways to feel good that you can do - instantly - to take your mind off things.

The premise behind this idea is simple: if you are able to distract yourself for an hour, the likelihood that you'll want to succumb to a love trigger after a break up is reduced considerably. As an example, think about the last time you really had to go to the bathroom, but discovered that the closest restroom was quite a distance away. If something else caught your eye while en route to your destination, did you get distracted - even temporarily? Breaking a love habit is a similar concept, but considerably easier because its not a driving 'need', like going to the bathroom is.

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What To Do After A Breakup

WORK ON THINGS THAT INTEREST YOU. 

Each time you postpone your interest in your ex after a break up - especially if you choose another activity that you find compelling - your love habit will slowly erode away from being a driving force in your life. And since your love habit isn't a physiological response (like the bathroom example earlier), the need won't come back any stronger after you've postponed it.

SMASHBOX Contour Palette Dupe

The Smashbox ShapeMatters Palette takes things to a new level though by not only including contouring powders but eyeshadows as well for a complete look!

Smashbox ShapeMatters Palette gives you to tools to define and sculpt your face as well as brows and eyes!

This palette includes:

9 x Photo Op Eye Shadows in Vanilla, Totally Nude, Champagne, Stripped, Posh, Platinum, Sumatra, Aubergine, Blackout2 x Contour Powder in Bronze, Contour2 x Brow Tech Powder in Taupe, Soft BrownBrow Tech WaxDouble-Ended Shadow/Brow BrushInteractive Get The Look Cards (Brow, Shadow, Face)ShapeMatters inserts with basic shaping steps

I have managed to dupe this with the USHA Face Correction Palette, available at the local drugstores and at minimum cost, however.

Both palette's are definitely unique not only because it covers all aspects of your face (but you’ll have to add your own blush etc) but because of how easily both palettes blend regardless of branding.

USHA Cosmetics has definitely set itself apart with the Smashbox Palette as this isn’t only about contouring but also about correcting and blending.

You can grab the SMASHBOX Palette now at Sephora.com.

When To Throw It Away?

The time guide to keeping makeup.

Review: Clinique Makeup Applicator

First, there were sonic toothbrushes. Then came sonic cleansing brushes. And now, sonic makeup sponges—like Clinique’s new Airbrushed Finish Liquid Foundation Applicator — have the market, quite literally, buzzing.

Clinique’s version is unique in that it’s a replacement head for its pre-existing Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush. Just pop off the brush head and attach the sponge before dotting foundation onto your forehead, cheeks, and chin. Then use the vibrating sponge to gently buff and blend to an airbrushed finish.

I sampled the cleansing brush, switching to the sponge applicator with ease. My instinct was to mash the sponge into my face, as I would a Beautyblender. But the trick here is to let the sponge glide over your skin, allowing the sonic vibrations to do the work for you. A few passes later, and I was thoroughly impressed: My makeup was blended so evenly, I looked like I’d had it done professionally.

The verdict? If you’re a tinted-moisturizer type who typically just applies with your fingers for a natural finish, this probably isn’t for you. But if you’re a full face of foundation kinda girl who generally throws every tool in the shed at getting a seamless finish, this little device will save you a whole lot of energy. (Energy you won’t have to spend cleaning your makeup brushes, I might add.)

Simple Guide to Colour Correcting

Green:
Cancels out acne, sunburn, rosacea, and visible capillaries.

Pink:
Brightens complexion, combats sallow undertones in medium-fair skin. Purple does the same.

Peach:
Conceals under-eye circles on olive skin tones, counterblanches deep blue skin associated with the weariness of under-eye darkness.

Blue:
Adds radiance to skin.

Caramel:
Counteracts ashiness on medium to dark skin.

Yellow:
Lightens darker skin tones, combats dark circles under eye and bruises.

Face Makeup Guide

The Basics:

The Eyebrow Stamp

For those who are not used to creating the perfectly-shaped eyebrows, the eyebrow stamp will make it easier for you to shape and fill in your brows without spending too much time and effort. It’s easy and you can re-apply it throughout the day.

Most women, including me,  have experimented with almost anything when it comes to having the perfect-looking eyebrows. The tiring part is, we need to make it over and over again each time we go out. Well, that’s why a lot of makeup companies have innovated on ways to make it easier for women to have the perfectly-shaped brows without spending too much time in front of the mirror. An eyebrow stamp is a new way to have the perfect eyebrow shape and it will last the whole day too.

An eyebrow stamp works just like any other stamp out there. You have a sponge that will eventually create the shape of the brow. You’ll also have the makeup powder that will be used to fill in those eyebrows.

Using an eyebrow stamp is way easier than using other techniques like eyebrow pencils and stencils. Just like a stamp, all you need is to damp the sponge on the makeup powder and apply it on your brows.

For those who are not used to creating the perfectly-shaped eyebrows, the eyebrow stamp will make it easier for you to shape and fill in your brows without spending too much time and effort. It’s easy and you can re-apply it throughout the day.

Will you try using an eyebrow stamp? I’d love to hear your thoughts please share them in the comments section below!