This is the most perfect colour of eyeshadow and if it looks good on me, I think it’ll look good on you!
Charlotte Tilbury Cream Eyeshadow in Oyster
Shalimar eau de Cologne
A summer Shalimar, this eau de Cologne is taking me to the end of the season and into fall. My favourite thing about the vintage versions is that they’re more interesting than the vanilla bomb that Shalimar is known for being. The citruses are amped up to mouth-puckering levels, the smokiness of the vanilla creates a shadow of a leather. But this is still a summer perfume and meant to be spritzed on generously. Even the sprayer refuses to spritz a concentrated dose and diffuses a generous mist that’s best directed at your whole body so as to catch the most of the cloud of scent. I get it now: the comparisons to Le Lion make sense, but the Chanel’s have their own amber accords and the Guerlain’s their own.
5 Things to Keep Under Control to Ensure You Don’t Have Breakouts on Your Wedding Day
Acne is something that we want to leave behind in the past as a haunting memory of puberty. Unfortunately, breakouts are persistent little pests that can plague women well into their adult years. In fact, Harvard Health has found that adult women are more likely to get acne after 20 compared to men.
For brides-to-be, a breakout is the last thing you want to mar the joy and confidence warranted on your wedding. Thankfully, you can prevent a breakout by preparing your body in the months or weeks before the big day. Just make sure you know what factors to keep under control.
Your Eating Habits
What you eat and how much you consume is a major contributor to adult breakouts. A study even found that people who have diets that are heavy in sugar and fat are 54 per cent more likely to get acne. So, the best thing is to minimize your intake of food that is high-fat, processed, and full of sugar. Of course, you shouldn’t completely cut out healthy fats from your diet.
You also need to maintain a good level of glucose in your body for your skin to stay healthy. It’s actually a myth that simply eating greasy food will automatically result in a breakout. It’s just about maintaining a diet that doesn’t have too much of anything. Balance is your friend when it comes to getting the nutrients you need and preventing acne.
Your Level of Stress
Stress is a huge trigger for breakouts. Aside from steering clear of other external stressors, you also need to think about the actual wedding. Wedding planning is already one of the most stressful things you can go through, so you’ll need to make the process as pain-free as possible if you want to have clear skin on the big day.
A wedding planning guide on 77 Diamonds suggests that brides start mapping out all their costs, venue arrangements, and suppliers months (if not a year) ahead to avoid the delays and crunchtime challenges that can crop up. The more time you give yourself, the less pressure you’ll feel to get everything smoothed out right away. It’s also a good idea to look into wedding insurance, so you can get reimbursed for any incidents or delays that affect your wedding. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that being prepared for sudden or unexpected postponements is a must.
Your Self-Care Regimen
One of the best ways to avoid a wedding breakout is to indulge in self-care. Give yourself ample time to recharge, relax, and feel rejuvenated. Even as things get busy, don’t let your skincare routine slip up. It’s not only good for your mental health to maintain a self-care regimen but also a key part of your anti-breakout plan.
If you’re already having some acne trouble, consider integrating some niacinamide serum into your routine. The formula developed by Neutrogena does wonders in hydrating your skin and alleviating the redness and swelling you can get from acne. Of course, you shouldn’t change up your skincare if you’re just a week away from your wedding. Make sure you have ample time to see how your skin reacts to new products.
You should also avoid certain products that can actually worsen acne, such as vitamin E products, exfoliants, and heavily oil-based stuff.
Your Makeup Routine
Either minimize how much makeup you generally wear or make sure you are using products that aren’t causing breakouts. Avoid products that have dyes, parabens, and fragrances as much as possible. Try to cut back and slowly reintegrate products into your makeup routine to see if you have any products that might be triggering flare-ups.
It’s also best to do a look test for your wedding day makeup way ahead of the actual date. This gives you time to make any adjustments to see what makes you feel most beautiful and check how your skin reacts to the products you’ll use. A popular choice is Luminess as it carries an airbrush foundation line that looks smoother and lasts longer, making it perfect for a long wedding all the way up to the reception. It’s also super buildable, so an early test can help you see how many passes you need to achieve the look you’re going for.
Your Sleep Schedule
If you’re not getting enough sleep, you are increasing the risk of acne (and inviting a whole bunch of other health concerns.) When you lack sleep, you are more likely to have cortisol spikes, which can eventually lead to overproduction of sebum. Should these clog your pores, you then get the ever-dreaded breakout.
Simply put, you need to get those restful winks in if you want to avoid blemishes on your big day. CNET also reveals that your sleep position plays a part, as having your face rub up on your pillow or bedding can irritate your skin. There’s also a build-up of bacteria that can trigger a breakout if your face is exposed to the fabric for prolonged periods of time.
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Summer Incense Perfumes
Incense two ways, each of them perfect for these crisp late summer days. It’s 8 degrees in the morning and 22 in the afternoon, so I don’t want to wear a fresh perfume but I also want something too heavy because I know I’ll regret it by the time it’s lunch.
Today I wore Jaiselmer, from the Comme de Garçons incense series because that dry spicy palo santo felt just right with the crunch of fall leaves. Yesterday I wore Breath of God because I wanted the cedar and sandalwood to accompany me on my walk through the hills.
I’m enjoying the cool weather that’s here, but it’s still not very cold…
Posted in Perfumes
Tagged Comme de Garcons Perfume, Lush Perfume, Perfume Blog, Perfume Review, Summer Incense
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Straightening 101: Mistakes to Avoid for Hair Perfection
Ah, the allure of silky, straight hair. Many of us have faced the trials and tribulations of achieving the perfect straightened look. But sometimes, despite our best efforts, the results are less than stellar. From frizz to unwanted damage, the quest for pin-straight locks can go awry. If you’ve been facing issues with your hair straightening routine, this guide is for you. Let’s explore common mistakes you might be making and how to avoid them for hair perfection.
The Prep Work: Starting on the Right Foot
Before you even plug in that straightener, the preparation phase is crucial. Good prep ensures you have a smooth canvas to work on.
Wet Hair Woes
One of the most common mistakes is straightening damp or wet hair. This is a major no-no. Wet hair and heat are not friends. The intense heat can boil the water in your hair shaft, leading to damage and breakage. Always ensure your hair is completely dry before straightening.
Skimping on Heat Protection
Just as you wouldn’t venture into the sun without sunscreen, don’t expose your hair to heat without protection. Always apply a good-quality heat protectant spray or serum. If you’re on the lookout for a trusty tool that’s gentle on hair, the GHD new original hair straightener is a worthy mention, designed to give you a sleek finish without excessive heat damage.
The Straightening Process: Technique Matters
Getting the technique right is half the battle won. Even the best tools won’t deliver results if you’re making these mistakes during the straightening process.
Overloading Your Hair
Less is more when it comes to the amount of hair you work on at once. Working with smaller sections ensures even heat distribution and a smoother finish. Overloading your straightener can lead to unevenly straightened hair and require multiple passes, causing more damage.
Too Many Passes
Going over the same section multiple times not only wastes time but also exposes your hair to more heat than necessary. Aim to get it right in one or two passes.
Incorrect Temperature
While it might be tempting to crank up the heat to the highest setting, it’s not always best for your hair. Thin or damaged hair requires a lower temperature, while coarse or thick hair might need a bit more heat. Always find a balance that works for your hair type.
Post-Straightening Care: Lock in the Sleekness
You’ve achieved that gorgeous straight look, but your job isn’t done just yet. Post-straightening care is essential to maintain that sleekness and protect your hair.
Touching It Too Much
Your hair might feel irresistibly smooth, but try to avoid running your fingers through it constantly. The oils from your fingers can make your hair greasy faster.
Skipping the Serum
A lightweight hair serum or oil can add shine and reduce any static or frizz, ensuring your straightened look lasts longer.
Common Missteps to Watch Out For
Not Cleaning Your Straightener
Over time, product build-up can accumulate on your straightener’s plates. This residue can snag or pull hair and reduce the efficiency of your tool. Make sure to give it a gentle wipe-down regularly.
Storing Your Straightener Immediately
Let your tool cool down completely before packing it away. Storing it while it’s still warm can damage the cord or the tool itself.
Avoiding Regular Hair Trims
Even with all precautions, regular heat styling can cause some wear and tear. Regular trims help get rid of split ends, ensuring your hair looks healthier and straightens better.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Straight, but Protect the Hair
Straightening your hair can elevate your look, giving you a sleek and polished appearance. However, it’s crucial to approach the process with care and knowledge. By avoiding the common pitfalls and ensuring you use the right tools and techniques, you can achieve that perfect straight look without compromising on hair health. Always remember, your hair’s health should be a priority—because healthy hair is always in style!
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Charlotte Tilbury Full Fat Lashes Mascara Review
Only fair. I don’t ever like celebrity makeup artist mascaras. So many makeup artists just seem to use false lashes and don’t understand what normal people need from a mascara. Have you noticed this too?
Posted in Perfumes, Search for the Perfect Mascara
Tagged Charlotte tilbury, Mascara Review
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Olaplex Dry Shampoo Review
This is a very light dry shampoo regarding weight and feel. It’s not strongly scented, which I prefer and I actually couldn’t smell it on myself. I couldn’t see white residue on my very dark hair but I use it under it, not on top. I use dry shampoo sparingly and usually to extend the life of my blowout. I’ll use it once then wash it at the end of the day. You could also apply it right after blow drying to maintain volume.
The best part for my perfume-loving friends is that this isn’t strongly scented. There’s a bit of a lemony top note but other than that it’s scent-less but stink-absorbing. Try it out.
Bio Sculpture Gel Nails
When it comes to beauty innovations, the truly ground-breaking, life-changing ones that we’ve seen in our lifetime are far and few in between. There’s Olaplex, Botox, laser hair removal, and now you can add Bio Sculpture to your list. This is a gel product that dries with varying degrees of hardness but can be soaked off. There is no sanding, drilling, or electrical tools involved, and you can even end up with healthier nails in the long run because the bases can help treat a variety of nail conditions.
This is a game-changer for someone like me, who has avoided the fake nail trend for ages because I don’t want to file off my already-healthy nails. Now, I can have healthy and long nails with a gel coat that doesn’t chip and can last 3 or even 4 weeks.
If you want nail extensions, they can do that too, and if you’d rather get a pedicure, there’s that option as well. If you’re trying to grow out your nails because you’re a nail-biter – this is a treatment for you. If you’re trying to grow your nails after a time of not growing them, they will work with your natural nails. The products are protective in nature rather than dehydrating and damaging – and as I said, removal is a cinch because you’re just soaking the gel polish off.
Not an ad, but they did host me and I was impressed with the service and how my nails look. No crazy dust, fumes, or anything stinky, just a nice low-key manicure for that quiet luxury aesthetic, if that’s what you’re into.
Posted in More Than Beauty
Tagged Biosculpture, Gel Nails, Natural Nails, Real Nails
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Tom Ford Cafe Rose is Back
Hello to everyone, but mostly to everyone who passed over Tom Ford Cafe Rose the first time around, but is coming back to it now.
Like I always say, nothing beats the satisfaction of being right.I haven’t smelled the new version yet, but this one is with a sweet rose, an earthy patchouli, and an accord adjacent to coffee grounds. It’s nothing ground-breaking or overly fancy, but it was the rose-patchouli scent for the Tom Ford counter, and offered something more feminine than Noir de Noir, which never worked on my skin. I love the dryness of this version.
The rose is like dried red rose-petals, the base settles to a dry sandalwood that’s mostly just left on skin. For a rose-patchouli, this one doesn’t project too much and isn’t too loud, and I love that about it.My bottle is half-full and I went through a time when I wore this at the end of my day, every single day. And then I put it away because it was running out, but I don’t worry about that anymore. Follow your nose, wear what you love, and if you love it, buy it because it might be gone one day, or they’ll reformulate it.
Chanel Allure edt Perfume Review
Allure… like someone tried to combine Mitsouko and Shalimar. This Frankenstein of a perfume is so 90’s it hurts. The fruity floral mix of peach, jasmine and vanilla is definitely for someone coming of age at that time. This is a first job kind of perfume, where you want to be grown up so you buy a Chanel, but you’re not ready to let go of Vanilla Fields so it’s this Chanel you get. Nostalgia is great… until it’s not.