A Quiet Return to Blogging Obscurity

It has, regrettably, been a long time since I've blogged. Without being melodramatic and needlessy over the top (redundant statement), a lot has happened in the last month and a half; and without going into too much detail the phrase "it never rains but it pours" has been the prominent theme.

I guess it goes against the nature of a blog to be vague so I'm not going to sit here and write a weird passively nonsensical post that skirts around my personal issues then proclaim my "lesson learned" statement at the end. Because my personal situation doesn't matter nor has the past month been the catalyst for this way of thinking. It simply fits in thematically.

Instead, I'll write out my two pence worth manifesto style because no other mode of writing has the impact of a series of statements jaggedly changing in length and getting punchier each time. Amarite?

That and who doesn't love the romance of a revolutionary soul?

So here goes:

If you only do one thing in your life just make sure you retain your integrity. Don't let anyone, no matter how much you love or hate them, no matter how surprised at their actions you are, never let anyone try to manipulate you or try to make you doubt yourself.

If you are a good person then it will show.

Never be afraid to say you're unsatisfied or upset at how people have acted. Especially if they are being selfish.

Never be afraid to step up and let yourself be heard.

Never let yourself be intimidated by anyone.

Never be afraid.

Because you have integrity.

You have a right to be surrounded by people who will respect you.

You are worth that.

And anyone who tries to subvert that is not someone you want in your life.

You have integrity.

You are worthy.

And if anyone tells you otherwise, tell them to go take a good fuck tae themsels!

I know this is cheesy and a little bit clichéd but it's important. I've seen so many amazing people get trampled by arseholes. It's not right or fair but it's life.

And I'm not going down the route of "this is easy! Just think like this". I am far from being the paragon of self esteem and self assurance but that doesn't make anything I've said any less important or true. Plus,  that sort of preaching is incredibly insensitive. Even if you believe these things, we are human. We doubt. We blame. And when we can't find an explanation or reason for why things have happened we tend to blame ourselves. Even the best of us have moments of fear and uncertainty. Just know that that's normal but to always remember to stand up and stand proud.  You are worth the time. You are worth something. Your dreams, your feelings and your thoughts are not pointless, or meaningless.

Despite my previous statement, remember the world is not romantic. The world is harsh and cold. But it's nothing you can't overcome. Even if it takes a lot of self reflection, professional help or even simply taking a step back. You deserve to be okay.

Because we can't always feel great, or feel like we can take on the world.

Sometimes, okay is enough.

So, I give you my final words in the form of the cheese course.

To anyone who reads this; I believe that you can stand up and let yourself be heard.

If you're ever doubting yourself, take a moment to think.  L'Oréal said it best...

Because you're worth it.

What?

:) This is a beauty blog, I had to make it thematic.

Okay, I'll stop.

Stand up for what is right. Retain your integrity.

And don't let the bastards grind you down.

Xx

The Foundation Series: Foundation's Wedge (and Other Methods of Applying)

Now that we've had an overview of all the different kinds of foundations and had my picks for each of them, it's time to talk about how to apply them.

Each person and product is different and I would suggest trying out all the available possibilities before saying a foundation isn't for you. 

That being said, their are a dizzying amount of differing ways to get the foundation on your face. So I've listed the best ways to try what methods with which foundation types. 

Stiff, dense brushes. These can be used across the board amd are great for buffing out product and building fuller coverage. Brushes like the Sigma F80 or The Real Techniques Expert Face Brush are great choices.

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

Sigma F80

Fluffier brushes. Again, can be used across the board but gives you a more medium coverage. Best used with liquids and powders. Brushes like ELF's Tapered Brush or the Studio Mineral Powder Brush.

ELF Studio Mineral Powder

ELF Tapered Brush

Stippling brush. For sheerer applications of everything. And you can easily build up in certain places without overloading the face. These brushes are made for creams and thicker foundations but worth equally as well with minerals and powders but don't give as much coverage. The Real Techniques Stippling Brush is a major recommendation followed by ELF's Small Stipple Brush.

ELF Small Stipple Brush

Real Techniques Stippling Brush

Sponges. Sponges are great to use on wet things like liquids and creams. Using the sponge damp means you can get a flawless, high coverage look but still look as skin like as possible. You can also use a flocked sponge for high coverage mineral foundation. Beauty Blenders are great but The Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge is a must have!

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

Beauty Blender

Fingers. My preferred method for liquids and creams because the heat of your hands meld the product intltheakin making it look more natural. Downsides of this method is makeup hands so keep wet wipes or a sock nearby. 

 

Those are the most common way of applying foundation and like I said, you'll find certain ways work for you better with different products so it's a process of trial and error but worth it. 

The last post on my Foundation Series will be next week with a wee list of tips and tricks!

xx

No Poo Progress Update

As promised, here's a wee quick blog letting you know how I've been getting on with my CO Cleansing Round 2.

If you haven't checked out my original post on Conditioner Only Cleansing for the hair click here!

These first pictures are of 2 day hair before I started back up. You can see it's super greasy and not very nice!

BUT...

These pictures are of 2 day hair a month later. I've noticed improvement and while it's not much I know that my hair is taking to process again. So I'm really pleased.

 

 I've been washing every 2 days so far to get my hair used to just using conditioner but the past week I've been stretching it to every 3 days. It will take a few months for my hair to normalise and to really see any major differences but I'm happy with how things are going. 

xx

NYX HD Eye Base Review

My eyelids are like an oil spill - minus the dead birds and national scandal. Okay, so that was a tad hyperbolic but I think we all understand where I'm coming from especially if you have oily eyelids too. 

It can be a totall pain in the arse to find something that works and you can afford.  I'm not going to lie, Urban Decay have perfected eye priming to the nth degree but that little tube is expensive and I cannae afford it all the time. 

So I set out on a journey (if you haven't guessed, it's overraught cliché day) to find a cheaper alternative...

And I did. I found something so close to UDPP that I was amazed.

 

My auld pal, NYX had the answer in the form of their HD Eye Base. This stuff is amazing.  No, it's not an exact dupe but it's the closest I've ever gotten. Thin texture, it makes my eyeshadow stay for practically the the whole day and it's cheap. I adore it. 

Its got it's wee doe foot applicator that gives you more than enough for two eyes, so you don't really need to touch the product in the bottle if you're concerned about hygiene and it's easily rubbed in. It does even out my dark eyelids a wee bit, and shadows glide across like Swan Lake.

Lovely Creamy colour

 We also have a fair bit of product in here. 8ml is nothing to sniff at and I've had no problems with drying out or gunking up, like I do with UDPP.

All in all, I love this. And it's my drug of choice. I still love UDPP and I do reserve it for my kit so clients get the best of the best but I'm smitten with my cheaper option and if I'm honest, I'd grab this if my kit was lacking and I didn't have the money. 

xx

The Foundation Series: Foundation and Earth (Mineral and Powder)

Mineral and powder foundations are great for those of us with normal to oily skin. Of course our drier skinned friends can use them but run the risk of a drier textured product extenuating dry patches and making the skin look crepey or older.

Like last week, I'm avoiding sectioning them into different categories seeing as I would be hesitant to recommend a powder to a dry skin. 

Laura Geller Balance and Brighten

 First up is a favourite brand of mine the Laura Geller Balance and Brighten foundation. As a side note, this product is currently the Beauty Pick of the month on QVC. I really like this foundation, it's baked so it started out as a cream and the texture on the skin shows it. If I was to recommend to a drier skin this would be the product to go for. This foundation is the most buildable because you can throw it on in heaps and it takes a lot to make this look cakey. It's a massive compact and because of that you can get any desired coverage guilt free.

Lily Lolo Mineral Foundation

 Next up is my mineral foundation pick, Lily Lolo is a great wee brand of mineral products that offers a massive range of colours and more handy, sample sizes so you can find your perfect match. This entire brand has omitted bismuth oxychloride so if you want to try minerals but bareMinerals broke you out or made you itch, try Lily for half the price. 

 MAC Mineralise Skin Finish Natural

 

 This last one might seem like a bit of a random one seeing as this product is most often used as a setting powder but MAC Mineralise Skin Finish Natural is a gorgeous product. I'm adding in here because this is the tinted moisturiser of the powder world.  Most often, powders are medium to full coverage and mibbe, if you're oily but want a lighter, natural and more even look then MAC has you covered. These are gorgeous on their own and like the Laura Geller take a lot to make look cakey. You're not going to get anywhere near full coverage but if you want a natural glow to the skin, oil control without having to put liquids on that might separate then check out MAC MSFN.

xx

Monthly Favourites: April

I've not really had too many favourites this month. April kind of ran past me and made a small gesture I think might have been a wave as it sped past. But nonetheless I do have some wee odds and ends that I've been enjoying this month over others.

Sexy Scottish Spring Backdrop

My first and surprising favourite of April is the MUA Powder in Shade 3. This was a pound and I bought it on a whim after slightly falling out of love with my MAC MSFN. So I purchased this wee guy guilt free and I love it! It's not the greatest of greats but considering it was so cheap, I'm a hella impressed. The power is really finely milled so you can put a lot of it on your face without getting cakey which is a major bonus. It does have the tiniest bit of coverage and I have used it alone to even on my skin a bit. Don't expect anything to be covered but it gives a lovely glow. I use this underneath my MAC Face and Body (thanks, Mr. Goss) and then on my T-zone to set and I've not had any oxidation on my oilier bits. It's not the best powder but it's a damn good one for £1. So, all round a good wee bargain from MUA!

Next up is Body Brushing! I decided a few weeks ago I was going to start body brushing just to get the glow back into my skin after the winter and I'm enjoying it. Basically, you use a brush like the Body Shop on above and brush in upwards motions over your body. I haven't been doing it everyday like I should and while I've noticed a difference in my skins appearance the best part about it is the feel. It's good if you have an itch!

This might be too early to call a real favourite because I've only been using it for a week but the Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Daily Calming Facial Lotion for sensitive skin Moisturiser is doing wonders for my skin. I wanted a new moisteriser because somethings oils make your hair all oily and that's gross so off to Superdrug I went and seen that the Palmer's stuff was half price! This smells lovely, as you would expect and it's been really nice at giving my skin the extra moisture it needs without overloading it.

Lastly, my non beauty favourite of the month is Dragon Age: Origins. A favourite game of mine that has been replayed this month. I'll not blab on because I doubt too many of you give a shit but as far as Fantasy RPGs go; I like this one. The only thing about my game was that it decided to bug out in a game breaking way and I refused to finish it because Anora was to be Queen, GODDAMNIT!

xx

The Foundation Series: Second (Cream) Foundation

I admit that cream foundations aren't my favourite and thus, haven't actually tried that many. Cream foundations are better suited to those of you with normal to drier skins because creams tend to be more emoilient than liquids.

I'm setting this one out a wee bit differently to my liquid one simply because while these are beautiful foundations there aren't any I'd outright say were amazing for oily skins etc.

So let's stop blethering on and get right into my 3 picks for cream foundation. All of these are medium to full coverage but can be sheered down if you so desire.

Graftobian HD Glamour Creme Foundation

This is probably the one I'd recommend across the board. Not perfect for oilier skins but this foundation has the most gorgeous, creamy texture and makes the skin look flawless. It glides on the skin and comes in loads of different colours so if you're willing to do the research for shades online then you will be pleased. Because Graftobian is a theatrical/TV makeup brand this foundation looks perfect on camera and in photographs so if you're wanting something for TV or photography then graftobian has you covered. You can order samples of this foundation online which is a huge bonus!

Mally Ultimate Performance Professional Foundation

I really liked this foundation, I really had to set it with a powder but I really loved the look on the skin. Great for anyone with normal skin/not too out of control combo skin. Like the Graftobian option this just looks like butter on the skin, however, the shades do run a tad orangey the darker you go and there isn't a great selection of shades. But if you can find a shade match this is beautiful. Mally Roncal's line is fantastic as a whole so you should check them out at QVC!

Sleek Creme to Powder Foundation

While you would think this would be great for oily skins because it sets, you'd not be that correct. Yes, it sets to a satiny, powdered down finish but it didn't last all day on my skin. That's not to say the product isn't lovely though. In line with the whole skin like thing creams have going on Sleek does a brilliant job. I do like this foundation but I'd recommend you work in smaller sections of the face when applying it and warm it up in your fingers first to get the best application. It sets so you really don't have a lot of playtime with it. But get it right and you're skin looks so lovely. This is a great foundation if you want a matter look to your face. Also, this foundation is available in testers on Sleeks website, but go a shade range darker than you think you are. Sleek runs dark because it is a brand that caters for women of colour.

And there we go! Next week (on time!) we will look at powder and mineral foundations!

xx