Relaxer Update - 22nd Sept 2012

     So here we are Relaxer number 4 (I had to do a corrective relaxer around march, which was crap but anywho.)  My scalp  was based prior to relaxing by my stylist and I applied some olive oil to my ends the night before. My stylist used Organic Root Stimulator Lye relaxer in normal strength. After this a normalising rinse was applied, to return my hair/scalp to its normal ph. Next my relaxer was neutralised using the Organic root Stimulator Neutralising shampoo and I had a deep treatment  (20 minutes under hair dryer) using the Organic root Stimulator Replenishing conditioner.

We will not discuss the random woman in the corner of the photo okay. 

     My stylist nearly scalped me -------> i.e. she took 1.5 inches off my ends when she did my trim. Even though I had not had a full trim in about 7 months, and I knew my ends were thinning out.  I was not prepared to take that much off at that particular time, I was waiting til my birthday to had my all over trim and my make ends completely even. I am not a big fan of cutting/trimming my hair, rather worst I am scared to death of being a victim of the "hater trim." Overall it did not look bad at all, I had a roller set which took 2 hours to dry. (yeah my hair is quite porous) 

just finished oiling my scalp and applying Savlon cream to my relaxer burns.

After being told to fix my face.

Next relaxer - 14th December. 

I have put my relaxer on an 84 day cycle. (7 days = 1 week, 4 weeks = 28 days, 28 days x 3( months) = 84 days. 

What to Wear to Work - Interview Tips

1. Iron your clothes, iron your clothes, iron your clothes!!! 
This goes for everyone.

2. Make sure you are neat, clean and professional

When it comes to interviews immediately one thinks "what am I going to wear?" However one must take care with their overall appearance. Clothing, hair, shoes should be clean and tidy, if that includes washing your hair the day/night before then do it, it makes all the difference in the image that you are trying to portray of yourself. For the interview hair should be neat and pulled away from the face in a low ponytail, bun or appropriately styled if in a bob or shorter cut. Shoes should be always well cleaned and polished. Nails should be SHORT, clean, shaped and filed neatly. 

3. Wear shoes which have a low heel (3 inches or lower) and are closed toe.

I do not believe in wearing open toe/ peep toe shoes to work, I believe that closed toe shoes are more professional. It unnerves me to go to places of business or government institutions and see toes, toenails and crusty heels. This may seem fussy but you do not want the be the person who has a busted toe because something dropped on your foot or be the person falling over/walking like a crab in 5 inch heels.  I am all for fashion but leave it for the weekend. 

4. Wear items of clothing which you are comfortable in.

Road test your outfits, even if it is a quick trip to the grocery store. you never know how something is going to fit until you wear it. The last thing you want is to be wondering how you look in this dress which was too tight or the blazer which didn't button up properly. Shirts and skirts especially should be road tested - even if you just wear them around the house, for an hour or two. Skirts tend to ride up and you do no know how shirts will fit when you are wearing your interview bra underneath. 

5. Jewellery

The less you wear the better it is for you. You can NEVER go wrong with a pair of Pearl studs. similarly a pair of Gold or Silver studs would do you no harm. Wear a single (1) pair of earrings please the look is more Andy (Devil wears Prada) and not Devil in a Blue dress.

6. Be Prepared
Take an extra copy or two (you may have multiple interviewers) of your Resume/ CV, a pen, a notebook and an organizer  with you to your interview. You may need to take notes, or write down relevant dates. Research, research, research on the company/ and job role which you are applying for. 

Review / New Purchase/ Haul - Converse All Star lite OX

     In 1908 the Boston based Converse rubber company began making sports shoes. Years later when chuck Taylor joined the company he gave birth to what was to become the iconic Converse high top. The history of the Converse hightop is long and has since intertwined with two other mainstays of the American lifestyle, Rock n Roll and Basketball.

What CONVERSE says : Answering the question of how to stand out in a sneaker everyone wears: A slimmer, sleeker, lighter version of that same shoe. The All Star Lite sneaker is an update to our most iconic silhouette, built for a feminine foot with narrower construction, minimal detailing and additional arch support. Not quite the same, not completely different.

      I got my first pair of Chucks y'all. lol lol I am super excited. I ordered them over the weekend, they were delivered  yesterday and in my excitement. I wore them around the house for an hour, while still dressed in my work clothes. I purchased them at Office which is a shoe store here in the UK. They are super comfy, (I tried them on in-store on Saturday) 

      I got Blue ones, since it is a colour that I readily wear all year round. These are just perfect for nipping to the shop, or a stroll around the city centre. You may have noticed that these Chucks are very slim and streamlined. This is due to the fact that this is a diffusion line, the sole is much slimmer and the shoe has a sexier cut which finishes below the ankle. These elements make them more feminine than the traditional converse, which is great since this line was created specifically to suit the smaller feet women traditionally possess.

Totally unrelated - but here is a song called NEW SHOES by Beyonce. 

Happy Wednesday everyone!!

What to Wear to Work - Kylie Tie Print Shirt with Zara Tulip skirt

A little ensemble for the workplace/interview /important meeting. Featuring the Kylie tie print shirt I reviewed a few weeks ago, a skirt form Zara I bought in 2010 and my new Sanctuary Leather court shoes from Dune.

Shades to keep the sun out my eyes low glare is a killer. 

Fashion fades but style remains eternal. - Yves Saint Laurent

Miss Mai 

SmashBox Photofinish Primer vs L'ancome Teint de Idole foundation

    

      Cheers to the freaking weekend, lets drink to that, yeahhhhhhhhhhh yeahhhhhhhhhhh. I have no complaints here. Photofinish started strong  and lasted well throughout the day. I did get a light sheen in the afternoon, but it wasn't anything significant. I blotted my face using a coffee filter (I always wanted to try that), it worked well no different to tissue but okay. The application was smooth and the finish was very natural looking and even. 

There were no morning pics today --------> I forgot

Evening pics

After a hard weeks work, this 9-5 thing aint easy

This photo was taken @ around 7pm this evening. as you can see (kinda) there is not greaseball effect. This concludes the week long trial of the SmashBox Photofinish Primer. I received a 7ml sample to try and though I was dubious at first (doubts lingered from my experience with the GOSH primer) I am a total convert. The saying is definitely true a little goes a long way with the Smashbox Photofinish primer, I still have some of my sample left even after using it for an entire week. 

       Tomorrow I will be attending the Smashbox 3 day event, hopefully I will be able to try other products and get a makeover. :-)

Have any of you tried the SmashBox primers/or any other primers? Comment below and tell me your experiences.

xx

SmashBox Smackdown Photofinish vs Estee Lauder Doublewear

    Photofinish started strong and held its own all throughout the day. In the morning my face was matte upon application of the foundation. I also applied translucent powder, to boost the staying power of the foundation. I did not get oily at all throughout the day. I did not touch up, or blot and at the end of the day I was barely glistening. Yippieeeeeeee, **shimmy shimmy cocoa puff** 

Morning pics 

Afternoon Pics 

     

        To be fair Estee Lauder is my favourite foundation it looks so natural and stays on  my oily skin so well. Combined with the Photofinish primer I got even more staying power than normal, which is a very big plus in my book. I am already planning to wear this combination to the Christmas party at the workplace, New Years Eve celebrations and my Birthday outing. I def recommend this combo to my oily girls.

xx 

Review - My Honey Child TYPE 4 Hair Creme

What they say: 
The TYPE 4 Hair Creme is a thick rich cream. This product defines the curl and eliminates the puffy look and promotes shine. 

Ingredients:  Soy Butter, Olive Butter, Coconut Butter, Sesame Oil. BaoHen Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Wheat Germ Oil, Cuscus Grass Extract, Eclipta Erecta Oil, Grapefruit and Spearmint Oil. 

What I say:

I love the smell of this product, the Spearmint and Grapefruit make a dynamic combo. Even though the scent is great it is not heavy or overpowering, (very bf friendly). The consistency reminds me of the Betty Crocker cake frosting. The product is rich yet light upon application it works really nice for moisturising hair and creating twists. If left in an overly heated environment the Creme tends to sweat a bit, which is probably just one of the lighter oils beading out of the product. I got the try me size of 2ounces which lasted for roughly 4 applications. 

Would I repurchase? - Yes 
would I buy full priced? - Yes as a moisturiser for the summer months
Would I recommend? - yes 


Miss Mai 

Review - Palmers Damask Rose and Musk shower gel

Palmers Savonniers since 1898 that is a longgggggggggggg time to be making soap. 

Recently with little coercion from my roomate I went halves with her and purchased the REN Morrocan Rose Otto body wash (we got 2 for £17). On a browse through my local supermarket I came across the Palmers Damask Rose and Musk shower gel and realised that both products smelled very very similar. I picked one of these up since it was on offer (99p) to compare and contrast with my Rose Otto body wash, for several reasons the main one being that even though the REN Morrocan Rose Otto smells divine £17 a month for a shower gel is excessive in my opinion. 

What they say:

        This shower gel is infused with extract of natural Damask Rose, whose soft blossoms have been used in perfumery for centuries. It's flowery, aromatic blend with musky notes leaves your skin pleasantly fragranced. 

What I say:

        The Palmers Damask Rose and Musk shower gel has a great smell, which is similar but not totally comparable to the REN Morrocan Rose Otto body wash. It is not overpowering nor does not linger long after use. The product lathers quite well and did not dry out my skin. Palmers products are not overly expensive and the price for this shower gel @ £2 full price is great. 

My only query is in the formulation I do believe that the handwash AND the shower gel are made from the same ingredients in the same order. Which is a bit grrr, however as a product it does deliver what it says that it would do. There is a rumour around the blogshpere that there is a body lotion as well to complement this range of products but I have not seen it. 

Would I recommend? - Yes 

Would I purchase full priced? - mmm have to think about that sine Palmolive products are always on offer

would I repurchase? - Yes 

xx

SmashBox Smackdown Photofinish vs L'ancome Teint de Miracle foundation.

     Day three of the SmashBox smackdown, it was a good start for Photofinish, the L'ancome Teint de Miracle glided on and gave me a semi matte, and very natural finish. One thing about the L'ancome foundations they appear very natural when applied to the skin. I didn't get much oiliness til about 3pm, I did blot my face twice today, using some tissue, I did not touch up or apply blot powder. 

Morning pics

                                   

Night pics 

                                                 

                                                   

It was not bad at all, the Teint de miracle definitely held up well with the Photofinish compared to other times when I had worn it alone or with the GOSH face primer. Tomorrow it is the NUMBER 1 foundation in my arsenal Estee Lauder double wear against the Photo finish primer.

xx

Review + Application Method - Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot cloth Cleanser

My skin type: Oily /Sensitive/Blemish Prone/ Cystic Acne sufferer 

Application 

Step 1: Massage one pump onto my face counting to two minutes. Then I have my shower and let the steam from the hot water open my pores. 

Step 2:   After my shower is complete, I rinse the pure muslin cloth in hand-hot water and wring out before gently massaging  the cream on my face using a circular motion.

Step 3: Massage one pump onto my skin over face counting to 2 minutes.

Step 4: Rinse the pure muslin cloth in hand-hot water and wring out before gently massaging the cream on my face for the second time.After this I am finished

Step 5:  usually follow with a toner (currently using Clarins Daily energy boost Lotion) and a moisturiser. 

Review 

       The Liz Earle cleanse and polish is a gentle but effective way of caring for your skin, it contains 2 active ingredients Eucalyptus and Cocoa Butter, for me there was no need to worry that my face would feel dry or stripped after I used it. My skin felt soft, clean and supple. The muslin cloth exfoliates gently however afterwards the effect is definitely felt when I  touch my skin. I can  even see the difference if I have gone a few days using manual cleansing, compared to when I use my cleanse and polish + muslin cloth. I am able to reach hard to reach places such as my hairline, around my ears and the corners of my nose. All in all I am just joining the 699 + people who have reviewed this product on the liz earle website and sung its praises.

Would I repurchase? - yes

Would I recommend? - Yes

Would I buy full priced? - Yes


Miss Mai
xx

What this Finance Assistant wore to work today / Outfit of the Day

       Excuse the zombie arm I have noooooooooo idea what was going on there at all. lol the weather is not as warm as it was last week ,b ut the lingerings of warmth are still in the air. Also brights are still lingering  as stylish folks refuse to bow to the darkness. With this in mind I am making a concious effort to wear skirts and dresses to work as much as possible until the cold weather really sets in. Today I wore this Raspberry Print collar dress from Dorothy Perkins, along with my Zara Twill Blazer in Navy, Black tights, Black patent flats and my Navy Longchamp tote made another appearance. 

Dress- Dorothy Perkins
Blazer - Zara
Tights - Primark
Shoes - GAP
Bag - Longchamp

   

SmashBox Smackdown Photofinish vs YSL Touche Eclat Foundation

     Photofinish started strong, as you can see from the pictures. In  the morning my face looked semi matte after I  applied the foundation and translucent powder. I didn't get much oiliness throughout the day til about mid afternoon say 1pm when the day started to heat up a bit. 

After this time the oil set in, it was not in epic proportions but it was much more than merely a glisten. I did not blot or touch up during the day, honestly I think a bit of blot paper and an application of blot powder would have given the Photofinish + Touche Eclat enough boost to last the day. However several factors come into play here. Touche Eclat was not created/targeted for oily skinned persons such as myself, 2. I knew this and still tried it anyway.There was always the possibility of oil being an issue with or without primer. 

Afternoon pics 

     Today was another smooth application, I used the same process as yesterday to apply the primer + foundation. Tomorrow I will let you know how the SmashBox Photofinish primer measures up against the L'ancome Teint Miracle foundation.


Miss Mai 
xx

SmashBox Smackdown Photofinish Primer vs Body Shop Oil free foundation

       Everyone who has ever said that the GOSH face primer is comparable in the slightest to the SmashBox Photofinish primer is a LIAR!!!! I cannot begin to count the different ways which I have tried to use that primer so that it works. For the last week I have been using the Body Shop Oil Free foundation on my face to go to work, 1 it is the only full bottle of foundation that  I own at the moment and 2. I want to use it up completely and not just throw it away. ( A girl has to count the pennies) The Body Shop foundation even with primer, translucent powder and blotting power still had my face descending into an oil slick of epic proportions. 

       Enter the SmashBox Photofinish I did my regular cleanse, tone and moisturise routine this morning, went to make a cup of tea, after this I applied the photofinish primer, and continued getting dressed for my employment. I then applied 1 pump of the Body Shop Oil free foundation, did my eye brows, applied some Sleek translucent powder and then I was out the door. 

        SmashBox Photofinish won, I did not touch up once at all during the day. I started work at 8.30am and by 1.30pm I was glistening. However it was barely noticeable and no where near the amount of oiliness I had been getting while using the GOSH Primer. 

     

Foundation right after application -----> its after 7am I am barely awake.

Foundation after 5pm no touch ups/blotting/powder at all!! during the day.

     Tomorrow I will test the Smashbox Photofinish primer against the L'ancome Teint de Miracle foundation, tune in for my second review in the SmashBox Smackdown.


Miss Mai

xx

What to Wear to Work - Dune Sanctuary Court Shoe

     

       Dressing for work is not only about the clothing. Foundation items such as underwear, stockings, tights and under-shirts are very very important. Complimentary items like shoes, accessories and outerwear such as jackets, blazers, and cardigans help to bring an extra element to your work wear wardrobe. 

     Today the What to Wear to Work series will focus is on the shoe, it is important to have a core pair or two of shoes which are comfortable yet stylish. For work my personal preference are shoes made of leather, maximum height 3 inches. I spray the shoes with a water-proofer to preserve the leather, and from time to time I polish the shoes and wipe them with shoe cream to nourish the leather and keep it soft and supple. 

     My current shoe of choice is the Dunce Sanctuary court shoe pictured below, what makes this shoe special is the lovely cushion, softness in the insole, especially under the toe. 

Shoe - Dune Sanctuary LE court shoe

Calling all Nottingham Ladies and Lads

    
The SmashBox counter at the Boots in Victoria Centre, Nottingham will be having a 3 day extravaganza. Starting on Friday 14th September and finishing on Sunday 16th September. Come on down each day there will be product testing, give-aways, games, a photo booth and makeovers. 

 As for me I will be there on Saturday and Sunday so come over and say hello. This week I will be testing this little gem from SmashBox and giving out updates all week long. 



x x 

The At Home Facial

Clean - apply a cleanser of your choice to your face and massage it gently in all over your face/chin/ neck for 2-6 minutes. During a massage routine, blood circulation accelerates the deposits of lactic acid and get washed out of the muscles. Give yourself a massage about five to ten minutes.  

Steam - After this time (2-3 minutes)  has lapsed fill your sink/large bowl with warm/hand hot water and soak a muslin cloth into it. Squeeze the excess water out of the muslin cloth. Cover your face with the muslin cloth and press it to your skin, when the cloth has cooled, dip the muslin cloth into the warm water again and repeat this process again. 

- if you need to do a real skin purging steam, fill the sink 1/2 way with hot hot hot water, and get a large beach towel. Cover your entire head + sink with the large beach towel and let the steam seep into your pores for a good 5 minutes at least. 

Exfoliate - After the second time fold the muslin cloth into 4 and begin to gently remove the cleanser from your face/chin/neck in circular motions. make sure to focus n the areas around your nose, hairline, just under your earlobe and your forehead/t zone. 

Chemical peel - to cleansed skin apply chemical peel as per instructions, most peels that I have tried have a 10 - 15 minute application time. (I usually apply my peels for 40mins - 1 hour, but that is what works for me and my comfort level. The first time I did this was by accident I fell asleep.) If I do a Chemical peel I will not use the muslin cloth, I will manually cleanse my face using my fingers. The exfoliating actions will come from the chemical peel. 

Mask - If you have Oily skin like myself I would suggest using a clay mask. For those of you with dry skin a hydrating mask would be better suited to your skin type. each mask comes with its own instructions, most masks have a wear time of between 8-15 minutes. leave on the mask for the suggested time on the instructions and then remove and rinse skin completely. ( I leave on my clay masks for an hour, but that is MY personal preference) The purpose of applying a clay mask is to draw out impurities to close the pores and remove any rough scaly surface on the skin and tighten the facial muscles. 

- DIY: Making your own mask is very easy. An orange and yogurt mask is especially simple. Mix 1 tablespoon of plain Greek yogurt with the juice of about one fourth of an orange. Spread the mixture evenly over your face and rinse after 5 to 10 minutes. 

- Also you could apply the egg and yoghurt mask. Apply moisturiser around the eyes and mouth. Whip one egg with plain organic yoghurt and apply to face avoiding the eye and mouth areas. Let it dry for a few minutes. Rinse off with warm water and a splash of cold water to close pores.

Toner - Apply toner to cotton pad and gently wipe all over face/chin/neck. 

Hydrate - last but by no means least apply a moisturiser and/or serum of your choice. 

****Products work better the longer they are able to stay in contact with your skin. So for treatments such as masks and peels since they are gentle anyway, I do not mind testing them on my skin for longer periods of time. Like I said this works for me.****

What I wore to work - Dress Down Friday

     At my workplace it is dress down day every Friday, unlike other places where a relaxed day is here and there. Originally I was going to wear jeans but with the great weather we have been experiencing the UK at the minute. I opted  for a more summery look and wore my linen trousers instead. 

   These are some pictures I took this afternoon after I returned home.

This is the end of the work week, I got a job, but I am happy it's the weekend grin.

mean muggin'

Vogue

"I look to you"

"I ain't got nothin' on my hands but time."

     In the words of Rhi Rhi -----> cheers to the freakin' weekend, lets drink to that yeah yeah"  Two fingers of English Harbour Rum 1981 and Ginger Ale with ice for me please.

Shirt - TM Lewin 1898 - Kylie Tie Print Shirt (Blue Dot Print Fitted shirt  if you are buying  online)

Trousers - H&M White Linen Trousers Circa 2007 (nothing keeps whites white like a good boil wash) 

Shoes - River island

Bag - Longchamp

Watch - Swatch 007  Diamonds are Forever 007 collection

Fashion fades but style remains eternal. - Yves Saint Laurent

Miss Mai