Monthly Archives

March 2015

Posted on March 31, 2015

5 steps to moving on

Dating/ men

next chap

Breakups suck. They really do. And whether it’s the end of a romantic relationship or a platonic one, nobody enjoys getting rid of someone who played such a huge role in their life. That’s why it’s important to take necessary steps to ensure that you move on in the healthiest way possible.Yes, there will be some ice cream involved – there is always ice cream involved! So when I say healthiest, I’m talking about your mindset here. It’s about moving forward without bringing all that crazy with you.

These five steps should help you keep your sanity hat on – even if  you feel you have every reason in the world to take it off! #StayStrong

1. Closure, chats and all the rest

closure rachel

When a relationship ends, I do the usual: delete, block and suppress – it’s like it never happened! Then, I get on the “I hate men” bandwagon, until I get over it and find another idiot who makes me go through the whole thing again (no wonder I’m crazy). But overtime, I have come to learn that the ‘C’ word actually does help. That dreaded talk after a breakup might seem like an impossible task, but once you finally build up the courage to do it, you’ll find that it helps give a clearer idea of what went wrong in the relationship so that you can make any necessary changes and improvements for your next – we’re thinking positively here, people! As well as that, it gives you the opportunity to get everything off your chest. Whether it changes the situation or not is completely irrelevant. It’ll put your mind at ease knowing you said everything you wanted to say.

2. A night in with the girls – or two!

carrie crying

This is probably one of the most important steps to getting over a breakup – spending a night with the girls. Get some wine, chocolate, ice cream or whatever it is that you like to indulge in (the sweeter the better), and make a night of it. There’s no point in isolating yourself in your room or feeling sorry for yourself. Have a few drinks with the girls and just let it out, you’ll feel much better in morning  (take it from a girl who once brought over three bottles of wine and two tubs of icing to a friends), this is a foolproof plan, it absolutely works! And you know what they say about good friends, they multiply joys and divide sadness.

3. Retail therapy is a must

money happiness

You know that handbag you had your eye on a few weeks ago but were unsure about how to fit it into your budget? Now is the time to buy it! There’s nothing a bit of retail therapy can’t fix. Whether it’s a new bag, new shoes new makeup or all the above, just go out there and get yourself some retail therapy. And when you’re done, take a break and do it all over again! Your bank account can’t possibly be angry at you forever now, can it? 😉

4. Back to the drawing board

find yourself

When people are in a relationship they tend to do things together. A Friday evening catching up on your favourite TV series becomes a movie night with your significant other and a Sunday morning doing yoga becomes a walk in the park + 1. Your own habits and interests can sometimes become a lost memory after spending so much time with someone else. So when you become single again, it is important to go back to base. Think about the things you once enjoyed and start doing them again. Who knows, you might make some new discoveries in the process!

5. Find your zen

meditation

Now I’m not going to tell you to get out there, walk barefoot in the grass and start talking to the trees or anything like that (I haven’t quite reached that level yet). But, what I will say is this: dedicating 10 – 15  mins of your day to meditate and practice some breathing exercises really does help get through the day.  Practising calmness is essential for your physical health as well as mental health and there are plenty of YT videos related to meditation that can help you get started. You can choose to do it first thing in the morning or right before bedtime, the choice is yours. Start off with 8 minutes and then slowly build it up. Believe me it gets easier!

It would make sense for me to finish off by saying that it’ll get better in time, but I honestly can’t stand any of those quotes related to time. So what I will say is this:

“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl. But whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”

– Martin Luther King Jr.

Hope you have a fab day! 🙂

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Posted on March 7, 2015

The ins and outs of using blusher

Makeup

the ins and outs of blusher

Photo credit

When it comes to putting on blusher, some people get it right but a whole lot of people get it wrong. It’s almost like the ones who get it wrong put very little thought into the colour and formula of their blusher and then simply dab the product onto their face in hopes that things will miraculously work out well for them –even though it rarely ever does.

Being smart about applying blush can save you some money but most importantly, it can save you a lot of time. Finding a skin-type appropriate formula and a colour that will make you look the most natural will help make the whole blusher application process much easier.

So which formulas do I get to choose from?

Power – this is probably one of the easiest formulas out there to use, especially since it works well on all skin tones.

Cream – this type goes on very smoothly and leaves a dewy finish. They work best for dry-skin types.

Cream/Powder – this goes on like cream but then dries to a long-lasting powder finish. It is best suited for normal skin-types.

Gel – this gives a sheer colour, but since blending gel blushers can be a bit trickier, they work the best when you have smooth skin.

Cheek Tints – these can be a bit like gel blush. They give a stained look, but can be very difficult to blend. Cheek tints work best with smooth skin.

Chubby Pencils – these are pretty easy to blend and work well with normal to dry skin types.

Pot Rouge – these are usually packaged in little pots and provide a sheer stain on the cheeks. They are suited for normal to dry skin types.

As you can see, blushers come in different shapes or forms and there is usually something out there for everyone. Once you have the right formula, choosing the right colour should be your next step.

mac blushers

The pinch test

This is probably one of the best ways to find a blusher that will make you look the most natural. All you have to do is pinch one of your cheeks and then find a shade that is closest to the colour of your cheek when you pinch (it works all the time). Hold up a few different shades near your face until you find the right colour.

Applying blusher

Once you have both your formula and colour sorted, you can think about the whole application process. When applying blusher, it is always a good idea to use as little as possible at first and then build it up gradually. If using powder blush, start closer in the apples of the cheeks and brush outward toward the hairline and then down to soften the edges. Your face should look balanced and natural. If you need to soften any heavy application then you can use a powder puff!

A tip from the professionals:

Using two shades of blush, apply your natural colour and then add a pop of a brighter colour on top. The natural shade looks great at first, but often fades easily. The brighter shade alone is often great for the evening, but too much of a contrast for everyday. This layering technique offers natural brightness.

– Bobbi Brown

Hope you found this useful, let me know if you think I’m missing anything! 🙂

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Posted on March 6, 2015

Must-have beauty tools for the skincare obsessive

Beauty/ Skincare

MUST-HAVE BEAUTY TOOLS

This year, I’ve decided to revolutionise my beauty regime. I know, I know, it’s a big step for me – especially since I’m so used my own ways of doing things! But I guess there’s no harm in trying new things, and besides, “new year, new me,” right?

To kick things off, I’ve gotten myself a deep cleansing brush. ‘Waste of money,’ I hear some of you say, but it’s actually been doing a pretty good job considering how much (or how little) I ended up paying for it!

So for this post, I’ll be going through some of the beauty tools I’ve already started using as well as the ones I’m in the process of ordering. I will be getting most – if not all – of these products:

Konjac sponge

konjac sponge

Konjac sponges are all the rage in Japan! They’re made from vegetable fibers and mineral rich extracts. The one thing that really caught my eye about these guys is that you can get them in different colours to target different skin types. For instance, the black sponge gets it’s colour from bamboo charcoal and it’s great for oily skin or for those who are prone to breakouts, while the red sponge is your ticket if you have dry and sensitive skin! You can also get it in green, pink or the original white konjac sponge with no colour. They help you can cleanse, exfoliate and remove impurities from the skin. Since the konjac plant is 100% alkaline, using it on the face helps balance the PH level of the skin. The one thing that’s important to note about these bad boys is that they have a shelf life. Since konjac sponges aren’t  made from synthetic fibers, you’d probably have to bin it every 4 – 5 weeks, depending on how often you use it!

PRICE:£6.99 – £11, Amazon

Comedone extractor (blackhead extractor)

comedone extractore for blackheads

This metal tool is used to unclog blocked pores.You can get ones that have a single loop on one end as well as the ones that have a loop on either end to accommodate for bigger pores. Usually, licensed estheticians and dermatologist use this tool. But in this day and age, it is available for the general public to buy either online or in their local pharmacy. When you’re using one of these guys, you have to be very careful about how much pressure you apply; too little and it won’t work, but too much and you could be left with scarring! The best way to do it with minimal scarring is to follow these two steps:

  1. Disinfect the blackhead extractor with rubbing alcohol and then warm your skin with a cloth or a steamer to open up the pores.
  2. Gently press down on the blackhead with the tool and if the blackhead doesn’t come out, leave it alone and try again another time!

PRICE: £2.99 – £10.99, Amazon

Deep facial cleansing brush

3d cleansing brush

A lot people think it’s enough to use their finger tips, a good cleanser and a few splashes of water to clean their face. However, it doesn’t always do the job properly, especially after spending the day wearing a full face of makeup! A deep cleansing brush gets right into your pores to get rid of all the dirt and oil your skin builds up during the day. It gives the skin an extra glow – not to mention that squeaky clean feeling! There are so many available in the market today so you really do have a lot to choose from. The one I recently bought is called the ELISHACOY 3D spin cleaner. It is a battery operated machine that comes with two different speeds. What I liked the most about it is the fact that it comes with two different brushes; a normal one for the entire face and blackhead brush for targeted areas.

PRICE: $43.08, Wishtrend

Face steamer

facial steamer

Face steamers have been out for quite some time now, but it seems as though they are being forgotten about with all the other revolutionary systems that are coming out. It’s quite unfortunate because facial steaming does absolute wonders to the skin’s complexion. It stimulates blood circulation, which increases nutrients and oxygen to the skin, giving it a rosier and more youthful glow. Although it has it’s many benefits, it’s important to limit it to only one steam a week – just like exfoliating, you don’t want to over do it, otherwise it will have a negative effect on your skin.

PRICE: £15.99 – £60+ on Amazon 

Derma roller

derma roller

This guy looks a bit scarier than the other products, and at first glance, you probably wouldn’t guess that it’s a beauty tool at all. However, this micro needle roller is a salon-level skin treatment that can be used at home for skin problems such as hyperpigmentation, cellulite, stretch marks and acne. It works by creating miniature punctures in the skin and pushing the pores open for a while. The body then releases growth factors that stimulate the production of collagen, the stuff that keeps your skin looking fresh and plump. You can get different sized needles to target different problems, but if you are just starting off, it’s always better to go for the smallest needle!

PRICE: £6.00 – £20+ on Amazon

Hope you found this post useful! First triers, please note: if you have any severe skin conditions, be sure to consult your doctor before trying any of these tools at home! Good luck! 🙂

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Posted on March 5, 2015

What not to do after a breakup

Dating

the breakup film

After a breakup, you may feel a combination of many emotions: disappointment, heartbreak and sometimes even regret. The aftermath of a long or shortterm relationship is never pretty, and in cases where a few bottles of wine are involved, it can get a bit messy – I know this, all too well!

While blaring ‘I Will Survive’ in your room every morning and although making a cow out of yourself at a drunken karaoke session are both very much acceptable – in my books anyways, there are just some things that you should never ever doing after a bad breakup.

If the word pride means anything to you, then you will not and you must not do any of the following things:

Contact his family members

Just because his mother adored you, it doesn’t give you a reason to start ringing her and checking up to see how she is doing or asking her how things have been. You didn’t ring her when you thought she was going to be your mother in-law so why the sudden interest in ‘her’ life now? Cut the crap, we all who you’re really asking about!

Create a page for stalking

When your ex gets a friend request from someone who recently joined Facebook just days after the breakup, they might just get a bit suspicious. Let’s face it; most people have had their Facebook accounts longer than they can remember, so spare yourself the embarrassment of setting up a Facebook account for stalking purposes. Remember your pride!

one to adele

Listen to depressing music for too long

Yes, we all love Adele, and yes, we are all clearly aware of what listening to Ed Sheeran does. But whatever you do, don’t dwell on the pain for too long, otherwise you will just be stuck and unable to get out of that mind frame. They say crying is good for the soul, so do allow yourself to shed a few tears, but don’t let it drag on for longer than it should! #StayStrong

Go on a Facebook rant

I know we live in a digital age, and social media plays a big part in most of our lives. But can we just leave Facebook out of it? We are preserving our pride, taking the high road and all that jazz. Pick up kick boxing if you must, apparently it’s a good way to let off steam. Just don’t put your business out there for Facebook to see.

Carry yourself like a hobo

We all have a hoody reserved for those ‘I’ll never get over it,’ moments. It allows us to sulk and feel sorry for ourselves in the comfort of our own homes – or in the home of a good friend. But, you know what they say: looking good is feeling good. Putting on your heels and getting a bit dolled up makes all the difference in the world. Try it out, you might surprise yourself!

end of

Feed your emotions

After a breakup, men usually hit the gym and women usually turn to food for comfort. But while you’re eating away and getting bigger, he is lifting weights and getting fitter.  I’m not saying you should start bodybuilding or anything, but instead of feeding your emotions, take up a fun class like Steps or Zumba. Not only will it help your mental state, it will also help you physically!

Befriend his ex

Purposely befriending someone who used to go out with the person you once were –and probably still are – crazy about, is simply a recipe for disaster! Man bash all you like, but do to it with a trusted friend and not the psycho ex – unless of course, you want to graduate to that title? I didn’t think so.

Jump into bed with a stranger….. or a friend

You feel like crap, and a bit of male attention would be nice right about now. But whatever you do, do not, I repeat, do NOT jump into bed with a complete stranger – or any of your male friends for that matter. Kissing is fine. There’s nothing wrong with a bit of lip locking every now and again. So long as you don’t do it with a friend as you will only regret it (not that I know anything about doing things that you shouldn’t be with your friends…. but I’d imagine that’s how one would feel, right?)

The point is, there are just some things you shouldn’t do after a breakup, and these 8 are some of them! Hope you all have a fab day xxx

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Posted on March 2, 2015

Ziaja Olive Leaf Face & Body Collection

product review/ Skincare

ziaja olive leaf collection

This year, Ziaja Skincare is celebrating their 25th year anniversary. To mark the big occasion, Polish founders Aleksandra and Zenon have decided to launch a new olive leaf range that is natural, effective and affordable.

Although the products in the Olive Leaf Face & Body Collection are budget friendly, they work like magic! Ziaja products are made from simple and natural ingredients that are safe to use on pretty much all skin types.

Here are the three products from this collection that were recently sent out to me for review:

Olive Leaf Duo-Phase Makeup Remover 120ml (€4.49)

ziaja makeup remover

I’ve always been very sceptical of makeup removers, as I’ve found that a lot of them don’t really match their claims. However, this product does a surprisingly good job when it comes to removing makeup, it even manages to scrap off the most waterproof of mascaras! This product has a water phase which gently cleanses the skin and an oil phase which softens the makeup and takes it off in one sweep – hence the ‘duo-phase.’ The formula is fragrance and colourant free!

Olive Leaf Gel Scrub Micro-Exfoliating 200ml (€5.99)

ziaja scrub

As a huge face scrub enthusiast, I can be very particular about the exfoliators I use. I generally like my face scrubs to be specifically for my face and my face alone – it’s all about that special treatment! This product however is for body too, so I was a bit unsure about using it on my face. When I finally did, I found that it was quite harsh and even after washing, the micro beads were not the easiest to get off! I’d recommend this scrub to be used on the body, rather than my face.

Olive Leaf Regenerating Mask with Hyaluronic Acid (€0.69c)

ziaja face mask

Unlike most of the store-bought face masks I’ve tried, this product does not dry up on your face – hallelujah! It is super gentle on the skin and it more or less acts as a firming and regenerating moisturiser! When you apply it, leave it on for 10 minutes and then use a cotton pad dipped in water to remove it. It leaves a residue of moisturiser in the end so all you have to do is rub it in. With this product, you don’t need to worry about trying to remove the remaining of a face mask from your hairline at all! Not to mention the fact that it contains Hyaluronic acid and youth vitamins that revives tired looking skin!

Have you used any of the Ziaja products before? If so, I’d love to know how you got on! 🙂 For those of you who are still new to this brand, you can find Ziaja online at www.originalbeauty.ie, SHAWS department stores, MULLIGANS pharmacies, TOTAL HEALTH pharmacies and in independent pharmacies nationwide.

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