Wednesday, July 31, 2013

10 life lessons from RuPaul


“What other people think of you is none of your business.”
It’s only human nature for us to worry about how we’re being perceived by people in the world around us. But really, at the end of the day the best way to stay stagnant and stressed out is to worry what other people think about you. The people who are really about our best interests, will actually take the time to tell us if they have constructive suggestions for us to improve ourselves.

“If you can’t love yourself how in the hell you gonna love somebody else.” 
There are a lot of people with severe self esteem/self loathing issues attempting to be in relationships. Womp. Know that until you love yourself, any type of relationship that requires love of another person will be doomed from the start. If you don’t believe Ru, know that Maya Angelou said something very similar:  “I do not trust people who don’t love themselves and yet tell me, ‘I love you.’ There is an African saying which is: Be careful when a unclothed person offers you a shirt.”

"Throwing shade takes a bit of creativity, being a bitch takes none."
Know that there is a difference. Both are mean but one is almost diabolical and that’s not cute. 

“Look at me a big old black man under all of this makeup, and if I can look beautiful, so can you.”
When you’re having an off day, think of how Ru transforms himself from an average-looking man into a glamazon who could put most women to shame. Being that many of us were born women, think of the huge advantage you have. Now all you have to do is learn the tricks to look fabulous. Easier said than done, but it’s certainly not impossible.

“When you become the image of your own imagination, it’s the most powerful thing you could ever do.” 
Many of us have dreams of the people we want to be, the things we want to do etc. But for one reason or another, some of us never realize those goals. But for those of us who do, know that we’ve tapped into a supernatural, divine type of power and that’s something to be proud of.

"Stop the insanity"
Even though RuPaul is a part of the media now with his hit show, “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” he warns us of the dangers of consuming the wrong type of media as too much of it can lead to a very negative self image. “Be very careful of what you allow to infiltrate your consciousness and subconsciousness. When you watch too much television, you’ll start to feel inferior from all the commercials hard selling the idea that you’re not complete unless you buy their product.The ad agencies appeal to your fear of not being wanted or loved. It’s the same with the local news. They get you to stay tuned with a constant stream of fear tactics. It’s as if our culture is addicted to fear and the flat screen is our drug dealer. Don’t allow that crap into your head!”

"Sashay Away"
RuPaul has some pretty good insight on friendships and how you know when it’s time to get rid of a toxic frenemy. “My attitude toward friendship has remained the same. I will support and encourage you with all the love in my heart, but if it’s not reciprocal, I gotta go ... If your friends are bitter about your success to the extent that they act out, don’t expect them to change... Move on.”

On Drag 
For RuPaul it’s just an exaggeration of the artificial beauty we consume on a daily basis. “My public image is the deconstruction of the commercial concept of beauty, an amalgamation of mental snapshots I’ve collected since childhood one part Diana, two parts Cher and a heaping spoonful of Dolly. Early on, I learned that beauty in the commercial sense is superficial, fake and plastic.”

"Don't Judge Me"
If you’re wondering why your relationships tend to leave you drained and stressed out, RuPaul has some advice on how your perceptions might be the root of all this. “Expectations lead to resentments and when you allow people to just be themselves the relationship can really grow”

"Sissy that walk"
When life gets you down, it’s okay to acknowledge the sadness and feelings of despair but it’s very important that you don’t allow yourself to linger and wallow in it. You’ve got to keep moving. “I’ve learned to look at the dark nights, but not to stare.”

Reblogged from MadameNoire.com

If you do not follow RuPaul in twitter you should, he is funny as well as insightful. Plus he is always giving out beauty tips and tricks, some of my faves include "Never step out of the house wearing something you wouldn't want to be photographed in", "Relationships aren't 'one stop shopping'. One person can't be all things for you." and "Always arrive camera ready." Did I mention that Rupaul was the FIRST ever face of MAC VIVA Glam?



ttfn my lovelies and remember
"You betta werk"



Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Facial Sunscreen - Avene Sun Care Very High Protection Sun Emulsion SPF50+ 50ml

Sunscreen Cheat Sheet

1. If you are exposed to the sun for more than 15 minutes a day, even if the weather is cloudy or over cast you need to apply sunscreen.

2. Always look for a suncare product that displays the UVA symbol in a circle or clearly states that it’s a Broad Spectrum formula. This will give your delicate skin protection from both UVA and UVB rays (ones that age and ones that burn) reducing your skin cancer risk and also preventing lasting, ageing sun damage.

3. No!!!!!! you cannot rely on the Spf in your foundation. Ideally for your entire face, neck and de-collate  you should be using a teaspoon amount every time you apply.

**if you are suffering with hyperpigmentation, you should be applying a higher factor spf every single day.**


                                                                  Avene Sun Care Very High Protection Sun Emulsion SPF50+ 50ml

Hypersensitive, light, and very fair skin needs some extra help in the sun. Avène Eau
Thermale Emulsion SPF 50+ provides just that, and makes sure skin is well protected when exposed to the sun.


The very high protection provided by this silky emulsion covers a very broad spectrum, and utilises an exclusive grouping of active ingredients. The name of this coalescence is Sunsitive®, a product of the Pierre Fabre Research facility. Skin is protected against UVB and also short and long UVA rays.
The matte formulation includes vitamin E based pre-trocopheryl, a potent antioxidant that shields the skin from damaging free radicals. As with all Avène products, the emulsion is rich in skin loving Thermal Spring Water with its soothing and calming capabilities. 
Available at Escenutal.com & Boots . RRP £16.00
Unil the next time my lovelies
xx

Friday, July 19, 2013

Style File - Jack Wills Ludford Makeup Bag

For my beauty gals who like to keep an eye on things,  these see through makeup bags are just the item you need to snap up in the Jack Wills sale.  Larger than the Fairhaven makeup bags, the Ludford bags allow you to more space to carry things which you deem makeup bag essentials ie 30ml L'occitane hand cream, inhaler, hand sanitizer etc etc
Jack Wills: our much-loved make-up bag in four bright summer colours,( and the airplane essential) the Ludford is a girl's best friend. It's transparent, making it easy to grab the products you need and the wipe clean design is great for splashes and spillages. Ideal for travelling.
100 PVC


BRILL PINK 
Ludford Make-up Bag
AZURE - The colour of the waters of the Caribbean Sea

Ludford Make-up Bag
POPPY
Ludford Make-up Bag
CLEAR 


Ludford Make-up Bag
NEON CERIS

Did I mention these beauties are only £6 each, 
the Ludford makeup bag is definitely the item
 I will be counting my sheckles for. 

Happy Shopping, 
my lovelies.

Perfumers' Vocab: A Scent Glossary


NOTES
The top, middle and base notes are different parts of the scent journey. Top is the first scent to hit your nose experiences followed by the smell of the middle and the base notes as the perfume dries on your skin.

TOP NOTES
The first impressions of the scent when sniffed or applied to the skin, Usually the most volatile of the ingredients.

MIDDLE (HEART) NOTES
The core of a perfume that gives the scent its character, the middle notes tend to dictate the family group.

BASE NOTES
These are the final notes that mingle with the heart notes to create the body of scent. They linger the longest after the other notes evaporate.

STRENGTH
The concentration of scent is determined by the ratio of its base. The higher the concentration, the more long lasting and intense it will be.

PERFUME
Its highly concentrated and contains the highest percentage of base, so just a dab or two will do.

EAU DE PARFUM
This can be applied more than just perfume. It gives more depth and will last longer on the skin than EDT.

EAU DE TOILETTE
This is a lighter scent. It can be spritzed throughout the day to add to the intensity.

AFTERSHAVE
For is after shaving. They generally have antiseptic properties.

FAMILIES
Scents are grouped into families according to the major characteristics they exhibit. Sub-families are the blending of two families.

CITRUS
Scents that are characterized by the fresh elements of lemon, orange, grapefruit, bergamont or pomelo.

Floral
These scents possess the characteristics of a specified flower or blend of several flower notes, such as jasmine, lily and rose.

FRUITY
Where the scent has a noticeably fruity element linked to berries, apple blossom, lychee or others.

ORIENTAL
Often using spices associated with the Orient, they're scents associated with evening or winter wear.

WOODY
An odour that is linked to the aroma of freshly cut, dry wood, or fibrous roots such as sandalwood or vetiver.

TECHY
ACCORD
The blend of the three or four notes which, by losing their individual identity, creates a new scent.

EVAPORATION
The process of changing from liquid to vapour

Layering
The use of two or more scent forms, usually starting with a fragrant product in the bath or shower.

Reblogged from, SCENTS brought to you by The Perfume Shop 

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Facial Sunscreen - Bioderma Photoderm Spot Cream SPF50+ 30ml

Sunscreen Cheat Sheet
1. If you are exposed to the sun for more than 15 minutes a day, even if the weather is cloudy or over cast you need to apply sunscreen.

2. Always look for a suncare product that displays the UVA symbol in a circle or clearly states that it’s a Broad Spectrum formula. This will give your delicate skin protection from both UVA and UVB rays (ones that age and ones that burn) reducing your skin cancer risk and also preventing lasting, ageing sun damage.

3. No!!!!!! you cannot rely on the Spf in your foundation. Ideally for your entire face, neck and de-collate  you should be using a teaspoon amount every time you apply.

**if you are suffering with hyperpigmentation, you should be applying a higher factor spf every single day.**

Bioderma Photoderm Spot Cream SPF50+ 30ml




Protect skin with localised hyperpigmentation and sun spots with the Bioderma Photoderm Spot SPF50+.
The formula is also suitable for skin that has been treated by laser, or scarred complexions. It offers maximum photoprotection with a wealth of specific active ingredients that minimise the risk of further pigmentation. The maximum anti-UVB protection and unrivalled, extreme anti-UVA performance protects the skin from sunburn, sun intolerance and premature ageing.
Created especially for facial skin, it guarantees optimum protection from the sun with its patented Cellular BIOprotection® complex. The melting texture of the cream leaves the skin feeling comforted and very soft.
Apply Photoderm Spot generously before sun exposure, and reapply frequently. Colourless when applied, the cream leaves no oily film or white marks. Non-comedogenic, water-resistant, photostable and fragrance-free, Photoderm Spot ensures excellent tolerance.
Available at Escentual.com RRP £15.50

YES!!!! you must wear suncreen every day my lovelies.

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Wash day - July 13th 2013




This wash day was very very simple. the method as well as product usage. First I finger combed my hair to remove any loose hairs, next I detangled using my wide toothed comb. I applied some of my Ojon Damage Reverse Restorative Conditioner to the length and ends of my hair for about 10 minutes. 
                                                                        damage reverse™ Restorative Conditioner
                                                          
I shampooed my hair using a a 50/50 mixture of the Ojon Damage Reverse Restorative Shampoo and water. (the water & shampoo was mixed prior) I needed to shampoo my hair 3 times this wash day, to get it as clean as I liked. After rinsing out the shampoo after the third wash, I blotted my hair a bit to remove some of the excess water. 
                                                                    damage reverse™ Restorative Shampoo

For deep conditioning , I used  a mixture of the Ojon Damage Reverse Restorative Hair Serum (basically Almond oil) and the Ojon Rare Blend Deep Conditioner . Since the Ojon Rare Blend Deep Conditoner is a bi -phase product, I only used a little bit at a time, mixed in my my palms to melt it all together. First I applied  Ojon Rare Blend Deep Conditioner to my ends. Then I got a bit more product rubbed my palms, to mix it together and applied down the lengths of my hair. I also sectioned my hair into 4 parts and applied some of the Ojon Rare Blend Deep Conditioner product and applied some of the product in areas around my crown. 
               damage reverse™ Instant Restorative Hair Serum                                          rare blend™ Deep Conditioner

After 20 minutes I rinsed out the deep conditioner combo, my hair felt really soft and nourished. This was my first time using the Ojon Rare Blend Conditioner. I would need to use it a few more times before I recommend purchasing. I blotted my hair with a towel and let my hair air dry for an hour. After the hour had passed I applied some ORS Incredibly Rich Deep Moisturizing Hair Lotion to my ends and full length of hair and then  with the heat setting on my blow dryer turned OFF I blow dried my hair out . As a heat protectant the ORS  Hair lotion was not bad, I would not use this all the time though. The day just called for simple efforts. As we all know less is more sometimes. 

Hair Stats
Current length: Line #2 on my length check t shirt**
Last Relaxer:  June 29th 2013
Next Relaxer: September 28th 2013
Short Term Goal: line #3 on my Length check T-shirt by June 2013
Long Term Goal: Bra Strap Length by December 2013
Wish List: Phillip Kingsley Elasticizer, Grapseed Oil
Recent buys: Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayonnaise, Organic Root Stimulator Incredibly Rich Moisturizing hair lotion, Waitrose Baby Bottom Butter

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Style File - Jack Wills Theydon Wash Bag

For all my festival goers, glampers and weekend stay over lovers, this is the product for you. The Theydon Wash bag is the perfect size to fit your handy travel sized/Miniature products to make sure you do not have to rough it while not being at home. Voila it all fits. 

Theydon Wash Bag
NAVY with Union Jack on the reverse


Theydon Wash Bag
BRILL PINK

I love the  Theydon wash bag in brill pink, 
however I do not think I would be looked upon too favorably for purchasing it. 
I will sit this one out my lovelies. 
Happy shopping. 
xx

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Graduation Charm Edit

Graduation Season is upon us, another season of gift giving. This is just a little edit I have put together of the charms available in the graduation theme. Guys/brothers/husbands/boyfriends this is the post for you. If you are stumped on what to get for the women in your life, to celebrate their graduation day.

Links of London charms 

Graduation Owl 2013, Links of London Jewellery
Graduation Owl 2013 Charm 


Congratulations - you did it! Celebrate the culmination of years spent at university with our wise Sterling Silver 2013 Graduation Owl Charm, complete with a 18Y vermeil heart year of graduation and mortar board.


Degree Scroll Charm, Links of London Jewellery
Degree Scroll Charm

"Whether you get the grades or pass with flying colours, this sterling silver degree scroll charm celebrates important academic achievements."


Graduation Charm, Links of London Jewellery
Graduation Charm 

Celebrate graduation day in style with this sterling silver mortarboard charm, complete with a gold plate tassel.



Graduation Bear Charm, Links of London Jewellery
Graduation Bear Charm

Our sterling silver graduation bear charm will become your favourite furry friend to wear on your wrist as a reminder of the day you graduated!

Fun fact from the guys and dolls at Links of London this cute teddy is named Professor Plumage, he was named by a fan in a competition.

Pandora charms

Study Book Charm
Study Book Charm

Graduation Cap Pendant Charm
Graduation Cap Pendant Charm 

Thomas Sabo charm

0463-007-11
Thomas Sabo Charm Club - Doctoral Cap charm

"Mortarboard" pendant made from 925 Sterling silver, black-enamelled. The original is regularly used at graduation ceremonies at high schools and universities. 

**My brother got me this Thomas Sabo charm to commemorate my graduation, for obvious reasons it is my fave.


Congratulations Class of 2013.
Be happy and enjoy this moment,
 you will remember it forever.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

The Skincare Edit - The Budget Friendly Version

The idea for this post struck me today when I was at work. One of the ladies and I were speaking about the summer sales and items we could purchase now to use as gifts for birthdays/Christmas.

 It came to me that with all the hype about the Emma Hardie Cleansing balm, the P50 exfoliating toner and the PIXI glow tonic. Where are the options for those who want to try these products but just do not have the money to buy the cult products. 

I recently posted my Skincare edit (which is subject to change so there will be updates soon), so I am writing this the Budget friendly version of my skincare edit. This would have been my skincare edit a year ago when I was a student, strapped for pennies.

Makeup Remover - L'Oréal Paris Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution 

Cleansing Oil  - L'oreal Cleansing oil (please remember this does have in mineral oil)

Cleanser morning - Neutrogena 2 in 1 cleanser & Mask 

Cleanser evening - Botanics 97% Organic Hot Cloth cleansing Balm 

Exfoliating toner - La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Lotion 

Hydrating toner - Botanics 100% Organic Rosewater Toning Spritz 

Serum - Avene Soothing Hydrating serum 

Sunscreen - Bioderma Photoderm Spot Cream SPF50+ 30ml
or Avene very high protection mineral suncreen spf50+ for very intolerant skin 

My current skincare edit is £125 in total. The budget version above total costs equal £85, at the moment a lot of these products are on reduced price offers, so the total would be even less. I recommend when purchasing skincare you buy one item at a time. eg when your cleanser finishes, then purchase a new one,  not before. Do the same in turn with each skincare item. Unless your skin is in a bad way, I would never suggest purchasing an entirely new skincare regime at once.  I love a bargain and the frugal person in me would never let that happen. I will stick to purchasing one at a time as items finish.  I hope that you guys find this post useful. 


Comment below and let me know if you have used any of the products above in the past. 
Happy Wednesday,
my lovelies.
xx

Tuesday, July 09, 2013

Vaseline Spray and Go

    While I was pursuing my Boots Magazine yesterday I came across an advertisement for the latest offerings from Vaseline. Vaseline presents Vasline "Spray and Go" Moisture care line, is a line of quick, convenient continuous spray lotions. They moisturize DEEPLY AND absorb on seconds to leave skin instantly soft and not greasy or sticky. 

     


Total Moisture 


Aloe Fresh 

Cocoa Radiant
    I had a trial on my lunch hour today and both of my arms still feel soft and moisturized 4 hours later. If you are intrigued give them a go. They are currently £4.99 each exclusively sold at Boots. I think that these should have been launched right at the beginning of Spring, but that is just me. 

B- curious,
my lovelies
xx

Monday, July 08, 2013

What to wear to work - Blue/ Purple Structured Dress

This dress is an anomaly, to my naked eye it is blue, however it photographs purple. On the Website it was described as purple so *throws hands in the air.*  



   The best thing about this dress is the simplicity. The design features a high neck, small pockets on the sides,   cap sleeves and a V in the back. The versatility of this dress means that it can be easily styled this with a cardigan (white), a blazer or short jacket with rolled back sleeves, a necklace if wearing the dress on its own or a wide belt to accentuate the waist. 

 The fit of the dress is neither tight, nor clingy. so no worries about it splitting or bursting seams if you have to make a mad dash or two across town on your lunch hour. 


                                "Fashion fades by Style remains eternal." - Yves Saint Laurent


Dress - Dorothy Perkins
Shoes - Dune
I hope that you have been enjoying the sales, my belles.
xx

Sunday, July 07, 2013

Style File - Jack Wills Wyndham Large Shopper

The Zara Plaited shopper is my first love, however I know that is not to everyone's taste. The Jack Wills Wyndham Large shopper is another great item up for picking up in the Jack Wills summer sales, a tote bag for when you just want to throw in all your stuff and go. The Wyndham Large Shopper is available in everyone's favorite neutral tan, a bright pink and a brilliant blue.

Jack Wills: carry it all in the Wyndham Tote Bag. This large leather bag is perfect for books, shopping trips and it looks great too. Unlined. Jack Wills patch on one side.
100% leather


Wyndham Large Shopper
Brill Pink 

Wyndham Large Shopper
Bluebell

Wyndham Large Shopper
Tan
Photos: Jack Wills 

Saturday, July 06, 2013

The Current Skincare Edit

Internal Skincare: 2 x Flaxseed oil tablets (1000mg), 1.5l water daily

Makeup Removers: Boots Botanics Makeup Remover, Bioderma Micellare Solution


Cleanser: Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm


Exfoliating /Clarifying Toner: PIXI Glow Tonic


Moisturizing Toner: Clarins Enegizing Toner


Serum: Avene Soothing Hydrating Serum


Moisturizers: Botanics Hydrating Night Cream, Origins GinZing Moisturizer

SPF: Nivea spf30 

       In that order *Mama Dee voice*
Happy Saturday my lovelies .
xx

Friday, July 05, 2013

Style File - Jack Wills Fairhaven Makeup Bag

The Jack Wills sale is on and there are few items which are worthy of purchase. A new makeup bag is always needed by any young professional,  fashionista, or beauty enthusiast. These Fairhaven makeup bags will be a fun keeper for your makeup bits and bobs, and the bright colours will make for great conversation. They are not overly large but the length is makeup brush friendly. 

Jack Wills: Manage your make-up in the Fairhaven Make-Up Bag. Fabricated from laminated cotton, it will withstand water and stand up to stains. 100% Laminated Cotton
Size: 20 x 9 x 4.5cm

Fairhaven Makeup Bag - Blue Floral
Fairhaven Makeup Bag - Fluoro Pink 
Fairhaven Makeup Bag  - Water Ski

Fairhaven Makeup Bag - Jack Wills Navy/Pink 

 Photos: Jack Wills 
         
 Summer Sale sound off
Happy shopping my lovelies
xx 

Wednesday, July 03, 2013

Relaxer Touch Up - June 2013

My stylist used Organic Root Stimulator lye relaxer in normal strength on my new growth. She applied the relaxer in 4 sections, starting with the back right section. For the two  sections at the  front she relaxed the left side first and then the right. Application of the relaxer took about 10 minutes overall. The smoothing process took another 10 -15 minutes. 

 After rinsing out the relaxer from my hair, she neutralised my hair using Organic Root Stimulator Neutralising Shampoo. Then she applied Sta fro hair dye in the colour dark brown. I went under the dryer for about 20 minutes to help the colour  set properly. Then my hair was rinsed, shampooed with Luster's Pink oil Moisturizing Shampoo and then the Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Conditioner was applied. I was then back under the dryer for another 20 minutes. Organic Root Stimulator Wrap/Set Mousse along with the Organic Root Stimulator Incredibly Rich Moisturizer Lotion was applied to my hair and then some medium sized rollers. (yes I love roller sets.)

Check the pics below for results of my relaxer day.



Check out my 2 bottles of ORS Incredibly rich hair lotion,
 upside down in the corner of the photo. lol 
Curls 
Curls 
Curls 
Curls and an ear
Curls
Getting ready for bed 
The morning after. 

Products Used:
Organic Root Stimulator Incredibly Rich Hair Moisturising Lotion 
Organic Root Stimulator lye relaxer in normal strength
Organic Root Stimulator Neutralising Shampoo
Luster's Pink oil Moisturizing Shampoo
Sta fro hair dye in the colour dark brown
Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Conditioner 
Organic Root Stimulator Wrap/Set Mousse

Hair Stats
Current length: Line #2 on my length check t shirt**
Last Relaxer:  June 29th 2013
Next Relaxer: August 31st 2013
Short Term Goal: line #3 on my Length check T-shirt by June 2013**
Long Term Goal: Bra Strap Length by December 2013
Wish List: Phillip Kingsley Elasticizer, Grapseed Oil
Recent buys: Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayonnaise,  Organic Root Stimulator Incredibly Rich Moisturizing hair lotion, Waitrose Baby Bottom Butter



to be amended

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