Life Hacks for a bad day

I've finally finished all my year 12 exams and the relief I feel is incredible! You don't quite realise how much pressure you are under until it goes away! I am so looking forward to long holidays and the time to get back to blogging.

Today I wanted to do a post about bad days because I had quite a few of them over the past year and found a couple of tricks that really helped me to get through them. I suffer from depression so when I have a bad day, it can easily extend to weeks and weeks if I'm not careful. These are some of the tricks I use to make them that little bit more tolerable.

Create a digital wardrobe
On a good day when you chuck on an outfit and admire yourself in the mirror, take a picture and save it on your phone. When it comes to a bad day you are standing there in the mirror feeling horrible, it can be too overwhelming to choose an outfit, especially when you feel ugly and gross in everything. By having some of your killer outfits saved on your phone, you can flick through and pick one that you know looks amazing, even if you might not feel that way at the time. Though it may sound a bit silly that a bad outfit could ruin your day, when you're feeling dreadful, clothes you're unhappy with and feel horrid in can honestly make everything ten times worse.

Cry!
I think in our society it really isn't accepted that people cry, which I find silly because sometimes a good cry is exactly what you need to let all the yuckiness out. Of course, it's not ideal to be sobbing all the time out at the shops or out to dinner, but don't feel that you have to hold it all in because it can just make you feel worse.

Go for a short walk
Despite the fact that exercise is the absolute last thing I feel like doing when I am feeling sad, a short walk can do wonders. When I walk I find it clears my thoughts, removes from the immediate situation I am in and puts in perspective a little. It's also good to get your blood pumping when you're feeling a little down.

Find a puppy to cuddle
If you have pets, this is the very time to get out there with them and spend some quality time. If you aren't in a talking mood, they are the greatest because they give cuddles and there is no expectation for you to reveal your innermost soul. Animals just seem to have this therapeutic feel about them and it is pretty difficult to feel sad after hanging out with a dog.

Talk, talk, talk
This is a bit of an obvious one, especially for women, but talking is so.freaking.useful. Sometimes I feel guilty for what I feel is 'dragging others down with me' but we all know that's what friends are for, to be there for you in the good and bad, and another person's perspective can usually help. Friends are also just magical at cheering you up, or at the very least providing the chocolate fix desperately needed.

Chuck on that killer lipstick
It's hardly a solution to big problems, but if you just wake up feeling a bit flat, chuck on that lipstick that you know is stunning and it will brighten your day just a little bit.

Save up your compliments
When someone says something really lovely about you, make a mental note of it for the tough times when you're feeling a little unloved. It is at these times that past compliments are of their greatest worth.

Go back to that book
Being a bookworm, I have an ample collection of books that I turn to for different occasions whether I'm feeling lonely, lost or just sad all round. There is nothing better than revisiting one of my favourites and finding the characters I once fell in love with. Not only can a book transform you from your world, you can learn sooooo much about life in them!

I hope some of these help you out and I would love to know what you guys do on a bad day.

How to gain followers on your blog

I was recently sent a lovely email from Sophie over at Sophie Isabella asking me for some tips on increasing the success of your blog and gaining followers.

I've been blogging for over 3 years now and I remember when I first started and it seemed impossible that anyone could have over 100 followers! I had absolutely no idea what made a successful blog and how to go about things, so I could really identify with Sophie's email. Here are some things I have learnt as a blogger about gaining followers and maintaining a quality blog.

Be Passionate
I can't stress this enough - being passionate (or moderately interested) in what you write about is the most important thing for a blog. It will be blatantly obvious if you simply don't care about what you write in your posts and will turn people off from your blog in an instant. Additionally, if you have an interest in your blog's content you are more likely to come up with entertaining, creative posts that will keep people hooked.

A picture tells 1000 words
Yes, I know...that is probably the most cliche line ever but it is so true. Accompanying your text with amazing photographs (taken by you, not taken from the internet!) will make the world of difference. Trust me, I experienced this myself when I went from no photos, to terrible photos, to okay photos, to good ones. I am constantly looking to improve!

Find your 'style'
This is a really tricky one, because for some people it can honestly take years. It's really important to have something that people know you by, recognise you for and love about your blog. It could be a particular way of 'signing off' from your posts, a blogging series or style of photos. I still don't think that I'm there completely, but I do have my trademark 'phrases' and way of going about things. I have some quite humorous posts on here at times, but for me, photographing my pictures outdoors is my 'thing.'

Be part of the community
There is nothing cooler than having people comment on your posts and take part in discussions. If you are a new blogger this is the most important thing you could possibly do because it gets your name (and blog) out there and you establish blogger 'friends' who remain loyal to you and spread the word about your blog! Not to mention it is also good fun being a part of the blogging community.

Giveaways
This is by no means compulsory, but taking part in giveaways and holding your own is a great way to increase traffic to your blog (and possibly win some cool things too!). Even though it can be a little pricey, holding a giveaway is an awesome way to gain new followers and find new blogs to follow.

Tag, you're it!
You may have seen blogger tags or 'blog hops' going around. Tags are fun to write, mean that you have another post to upload and spread the word about other bloggers. Get tagging!

Social Media
I can't say much about this one because I don't actually do it myself, but as far as I am aware, having social media (like twitter, youtube and facebook) for your blog increases traffic like nobody's business. It gives you a multitude of platforms to promote your blog and interact with other bloggers and your readers.

Lookin' good
I won't even give a blog a chance if the text is hard to read, the colours unappealing and the layout too cluttered. It doesn't take much to have a simple and appealing blog and it honestly makes all the difference when it comes to keeping people on your page. Make it easy to read and nice to look at!

Followers galore
Ensure that when people have reached your blog and decided to follow you, that it is quick and easy. Have 'buttons' for GFC and Bloglovin' (and other similar platform) so that it is literally as easy as the click of a button.

So there are my top tips for a flourishing blog! If you have any others be sure to comment and let me know. Happy blogging!

Updated Jewellery Storage

I recently updated my Jewellery storage and thought I might show you!

I saw this photo tree at an Op-shop for $1 so I picked it up to make it into a Jewellery tree.

All I did was take the photos off and use it to hang my bracelets on. I love how it looks, and though it isn't as convenient as my previous storage, it is much prettier!

I still have my necklaces hanging on the cork board, though I did put some fabric underneath to make it look nicer.

I moved my rings into a lovely little star shaped bowl. 

I am really happy with my new jewellery storage...now I just have to wear some of the pieces!

Fixing a broken nail - a temporary solution

The other day while I was simply mucking about the house in my trackies, I knocked my hand on the edge of the doorframe. Apart from it being quite painful, one of the nails tore, the edge only hanging on for dear life, bleeding and looking completely gross. After it stopped bleeding and I was able to clean it up a bit, I became aware of how horrible my nails looked - the middle nail was about 3mm shorter than the others and was hanging off the side. (Sorry about the descriptions by the way, there is a point to this story). The were only two solutions to this a - rewind time and walk through the door like a normal person or b - get fixing. I chose the latter.

I used some eyelash glue (no fancy brand, simply from some Sportsgirl eyelashes) and placed a tiny amount onto the base of the nail. I let it get tacky for about 30 seconds then pressed the part that had torn off back on. It was flimsy, yes, but then I went over it with a coat of coloured polish (I was already wearing that colour on all of my fingers) and then over it again with some clear polish.

This all took about two minutes and to be honest, it looks pretty darn impressive. You could barely even see where it tore. The main problem is that it isn't all that sturdy, which is to be expected...but it does the job in an emergency.

It's not a permanent solution and lasted only a day and then I had to fix it up again. Eventually I got sick of it, but the point of the story is that if you ever need to fix a broken nail really quickly and temporarily, give eyelash glue a shot. Then again, how often are you carrying around eyelash glue...

I have also heard of people using superglue and PVA glue, but to be honest I'm not all that convinced, and I'm not willing to go supergluing my nails back together, I think I'll just let it grow out! Let me know any of your tricks!

How to go Op Shopping - a simple guide to getting bargains!

Silver - $5, Gold (free after spending $20),
Brown (free after spending $20), purple $3

With the world going crazy for everything 'vintage,' it amazes me how many people can't stand the thought of going Op-shopping. Friends of mine who claim to 'only wear vintage clothes' and have a style that only includes 'retro' fashion, often tell me how they never buy anything from Op-shops. What? How can that be vintage then, if you are buying everything from the chain stores and mainstream shops? They aren't really vintage fans, are they?

I asked a friend about their Op-shop avoidance one day, and discovered that the reason she wasn't keen on them was because she could never ever find anything she liked. She claimed to spend hours looking pointlessly and coming home with nothing but a grumpy attitude. I get the feeling that this is not uncommon.

I like to think of myself as a bit of an expert op-shopper, so I decided to make a post on all things Op-shop. I hope this helps for those of you who struggle to find things when you do get around to stopping into an Op-shop for a visit. I have also included photos of some of my favourite Op-shop purchases.

I compiled a list of tips and tricks:

1. Shop in both big and little Op-shops. Big ones usually get donations from shops, so often there is all this new stuff still with the price tag attached! The little ones are just as great though because you can find incredible things hidden away. Smaller ones are often less visited too, thus increasing the chance of finding something special.



L-R: GirlExpress (target) $8, Havianas (new) $2

2. Keep your mind open. Make sure you let yourself imagine and experiment - I have purchased some awesome clothing and jewellery pieces that I never would have considered otherwise. If it is cheap and there is a tiny part of you that likes it, it is probably worth giving it a shot.

3. Don't give up the search just yet. Op-shops are notorious for having junk that you have to sift through. Even if you don't find anything at all in one shop, don't just decide you hate them and are never going to one again. Some days I buy half the shop, others I just think everything is absolutely hideous and belongs at a dump not a shop!

4. Don't settle for super expensive things... Yes it is charity, but no the prices should not reflect what they did in the shop. One time I went to buy a shirt that had an op shop tag of twenty dollars. I pointed out that it still had its original price on it. The original price tag was fifty, but had been reduced down to twenty five, then down to fifteen. The lady at the Op-shop was very apologetic and gave it to me for five! If you think the price is too much (whether it has the original tag or not) then just ask - they would rather get a small donation than nothing.

5. ...although if you do love something and it is a little pricey (and you can't get it any cheaper) just remember it's still cheaper than if it was new. Sometimes it is just the way it is and you can't get that awesome jacket for cheaper than twenty five dollars. Sure, it is a bit expensive for an Op-shop, but ask yourself these questions. 1. Do you love it? 2. How much would it have cost new? 3. Is it worth it?

Scarf: $3, Belts $2 each

6. If it is broken, don't write it off. Particularly for those crafty girls, if something is broken, is missing a button or needs the hem sewn up, don't just dismiss it completely. You can purchase a button or two and sew them on yourself, or superglue that one broken chess piece together. Often you can get a huge discount on things that are broken or damaged too.

7. Keep an eye out for sales. Some Op-shops have particular days where they have sales. Sometimes they have deals (like fill a bag for $5 - best time of my life that was!) or 'anything with a blue spot 50% off.'

8. Make sure you try things on! I have found that often the sizes do not match the clothes (which is why they are in the Op-shop in the first place). Just like in regular shopping, sometimes clothes don't look nice on the hangar but look great on (and vice versa).

9. Check things carefully before buying them. Keep and eye out for any breaks, stains, rips, chips because sometimes people are lazy and use the Op-shop as a rubbish bin.

10. Don't just think about yourself. When looking around keep an eye out for stuff your friends or family might like. Friends have bought me some gorgeous stuff from Op-shops, and I have bought toys and things for family members.

L-R : Finders Keepers $15 (it's sequined!),
Sweetacacia $8, Valleygirl $3

11. Allow yourself lots of time. You don't want to be in a rush when Op-shopping. You won't find anything, I guarantee.

12. Go with friends. That way, even if you don't find anything it's still a lot of fun. Friends also find things you never would have and keep your mind open to new things.

13. Don't go to get a particular thing, you will never find it. Unlike regular shops where you go in the hope of finding a particular things - a summery maxi dress for example, you can't do that with Op-shops. While you are looking for that maxi, you may overlook the gorgeous coat sitting there so cheaply.

14. Last but not least, donate your things too. The only way Op-shops can survive is if other people give back. One man's trash is another man's treasure!


Op shops are good for: photo frames, scarves, jewellery, magazines, cutlery, board games, shirts, jackets/coats, handbags, shoes (although sometimes they are gross)
Don't get - underwear, makeup, dirty/stained clothes, worn down shoes
Hard to find - CDs, DVDs, books


I love op shops because you can get things that aren't 'in fashion' right now and find wonderful unusual and different pieces. I love it even more when it is dirt cheap.

Jewellery Storage and tips

Just a quick little post on how I store my jewellery. I used to have all my jewels in little plastic bags in containers. It was fine, except that I had to rummage around for ages trying to find a particular piece. I also found that I turned to the same old thing everyday because I just couldn't be bothered.

I wanted a way that allowed me to see every piece, was easy to access pieces and kept them untangled and separated from one another. This is absolutely perfect.

Sure, it's not rocket science and for lots of people, it's the logical option, but it was only the other day that I thought of it. It's not original, I am sure lots of people do this with their jewellery, and I am not claiming to have come up with it - but if you don't store your jewellery like this then I suggest you consider it. It is magnificent.

It's also a really cheap way of doing it. The corkboard can be purchased from any cheap dollar store, and drawing pins don't cost much. If you wish to jazz it up a bit you can cover it in fabric prior to hanging the jewelley, and spotlight has cheap cut offs.

I did have a couple of concerns at first, but it seems to be all okay. I was worried that the drawing pins wouldn't be able to hold up some of my heavier jewellery pieces but I haven't had a problem with that at all. I didn't want it to be hideously ugly, but I think I can deal with how it looks because it is just so handy! I could make it prettier by having some nice fabric over the top of the brown corkboard, but that would require effort and right at this point in time, I am seriously lacking in motivation to do so. I could also get matching pins but I'll deal with it for the while.

As you can see, I am a big fan of the cheap jewellery you can purchase from Diva, Equip and similar stores like them. It's fun, cheap and means that you can change you jewellery often to suit your look. I don't store any of my more expensive, precious jewellery on the corkboard because I feel safer with it packed away.

A couple of tips about cheap jewellery - it tarnishes really easily because it is so cheap. Avoid getting water on it - remove rings when washing hands and don't go swimming or wear any jewellery in the shower. A layer or clear nail polish is wonderful in preventing tarnishing, but doesn't do much in regards to fixing it! To fix tarnished jewellery, invest in a polishing cloth. I purchased one from Diva for $4.99 and it works magic! As you can see in the photo, the grubby parts come right off, leaving the jewellery shiny and new.

Starting out with makeup - Brushes

I received really positive responses from everyone in my last two "Starting out with makeup" posts (see here and here) so thankyou all for your kind and helpful comments!

I don't think brushes are absolutely essential at the start when beginning your makeup collection, but I will list some of the most useful ones anyway in case you are interested. They no doubt make things a lot easier and I find them a lot of fun to play with! The only problem is that often they are the most expensive aspects of makeup!

Eyeshadow brush
Often eyeshadow palettes come with brushes (or sponges). I cannot stand the sponge type applicators, so I highly recommend you purchase a brush if need be, even if it is a real cheapie.
I recommend - Sportsgirl Eyeshadow Brush - $3.95

Kabuki brush
These brushes can be used to apply setting powder, foundation and blend out blush or bronzer for a more even, natural look. I love my Kabui brush and wouldn't be able to do without it.
I recommend - Avon all over Kabuki brush - $4.99

Blush brush
A blush brush is only required if you use blush (of course!). I like flat blush brushes personally.
I recommend - Savvy by DB blush brush (comes in set) (Approx $10)

Eyebrow brush (with comb)
These brushes are so cheap and so useful. They groom your eyebrows and separate lashes after applying mascara. There is no particular brand that I recommend, but just go to any cheap shop and pick on up for a dollar or two.

Q-tipsTechnically not a brush, these little things are amazing! I use them for so many things - cleaning up mascara, eyeshadow, lipstick, concealer...applying highlighter to my inner corners, smudging. They are amazing! Cheap Q-tips can be found pretty much anywhere!

Other possible brushes

Flat foundation brush
Lots of people don't like applying their foundation with these type brushes but I really don't mind. I tend to use my fingers purely because I am lazy and can't be bothered washing it, but if you want to get one...
I recommend - Eco tools bamboo foundation brush (Unsure of price)

Lip brush
Lip brushes are really useful when applying red lipstick or really pigmented glosses. When you want a precise application, lip brushes are your best friends.
I recommend - Australis retractable lip brush - $7.95

Angled Eyeliner brush
I actually don't own an angled eyeliner brush because I have never felt the need for one, however I know others love them for applying eyeliner and filling in their brows.

Angled contouring brush
I use an angled contouring brush whenever I apply bronzer. I love how it is angled because it makes it easier to apply the product in the hollows of my cheeks.
I recommend - Savvy by DB Angled contouring brush (Comes in set) (Approx $10)

Concealer brush
Concealer brushes make an unbelievable difference. They apply the product evenly and get concealer into the creases between your nose.
I recommend - Savvy by DB Concealer brush (Comes in set) (Approx $10)

So, I hope these three posts have been helpful in some way to those of you unsure of brushes or starting out with makeup.

Starting out with makeup - Products

In my last post I listed some tips for those starting out with makeup. In this post I am listing some products that I recommend.

So, these are the makeup products that I would recommend as the starting points to your makeup collection. Obviously everyone is different, and someone might think bronzer is essential, and someone else may think it is not at all necessary. I have listed them in no particular order. I have also listed cheap options for each.


Face

Foundation/Tinted Moisturiser
I began with a tinted moisturiser and I never really felt the need for foundation when I was first starting out. If you are young or comfortable with your skin I would suggest skipping it all together, but if you would like a light coverage then a tinted moisturiser is the way to go. There are some foundations that I have found to be so light that I would consider them to be tinted moisturiser. Make sure you always test the shades out on your skin before buying them - there is nothing worse than an orange foundation line! Try purchasing products with SPF if you can.
I recommend: This is the one product I actually cannot give any cheaper suggestions for. I would love to hear if you know of any good, cheap foundations/tinted moisturisers!

Concealer
Another product that I recommend skipping if you can, concealer suits people with blemishes or dark under-eye circles. Ensure that you choose a concealer specific to your needs (blemishes or circles) and this is one product I would recommend spending a little more on if you can. You want it to stick all day, match your skin tone perfectly and cover the problem up, not make it more noticeable.
I recommend: Maybelline Dream Lumi touch highlighting concealer - Approx $18
(A little expensive perhaps, but so worth it!)

Blush/Bronzer
Once again this is one of those products that people have differing opinions on. Some think it is absolutely essential, others think it is a waste. I personally think either blush or bronzer is important because it gives you a bit of colour that you otherwise wouldn't have (if you are wearing foundation). With blush, make sure the colour suits your skin tone - it makes a huge difference.With bronzer, use matter bronzers for contouring and more shimmery ones for a subtle glow. Ensure to research how to apply bronzer/blush on youtube if you are unsure, and make sure you apply it lightly.
I recommend: BYS Blusher $4.95
                       Savvy Jumbo Bronzer (Approx $10, often on sale)


 Eyes

Mascara
Mascara is one of those products that makes a huge difference if you get the right one. This is one of those products that you need to look up reviews for. You need to know what you want too - lengthening, volumising, thickening, defining, waterproof, separating, curling, brown/black...the options are never ending.
I recommend - Covergirl Lashblast Length Waterproof mascara (prices vary from $10-$20)

Eyeshadow
When I first began with makeup I didn't wear eyeshadow. I don't think it is necessary, but if you would like to wear eyeshadow, go for neutral shades. Cream eyeshadows are easy to apply and don't require brushes.
I recommend - Essence Eye Souffle ($4.50)

Lips

Lip balm
I think lip balms are absolutely essential. They moisturise and protect, and provide a good base for lipstick and lipgloss. Clear lipglosses are good, but tinted ones provide both colour and moisture.
I recommend - Maybelline Baby Lips lipbalm - $3.95 (clear)
                         Nivea Fruity Shine Pink Guava - (Approx $4) (tinted)

Lip gloss
Lip gloss was one of my essentials when I first started. Go for sheer, light pink colours that make your lips look juicy. Try to apply it carefully, you don't want it dripping down your chin!
I recommend - Savvy by DB lip jewels gloss - (Approx $6)
                        Nivea lipglosses - (Between $4-$7)

Lipstick
I never wore lipstick when I first started out, but for those who are interested, these are the cheap lipsticks I would recommend.
I recommend - BYS lipstick ($3-$4)
                         Essence lipstick ($3.95)

These are products that I consider to be unnecessary when starting out. I own all of these, and I'm not going to pretend that I don't love them, but they aren't required when you are first starting out.
They are: Primers (face and eyes)
                Eyelash curler
                Highlighter/Illuminator
                Setting powder
                Foundation brush
                Eyeliner

                Lip scrub
                Eyebrow pencils
                False eyelashes

Once again, people have differing opinions on what is essential and what is not. I hope that you found some of this useful, and if you are interested you can read the reviews I have done on the suggested products.

When purchasing products in the beginning it  can be a little expensive as you are buying so many things at once. Remember that you don't need a thousand blushes or mascaras to create a beautiful makeup look. If you buy a good product in a shade that you love, you won't need to purchase another one until you run out. By making good decisions you can achieve wonderful looks really cheaply.

Starting out with makeup - Tips and Tricks

*This is going to be a series of posts as I have so much to say! My apologies if you are not interested in these kinds of posts, but there won't be too many! Posting will resume as normal afterwards!*

When I first started my makeup collection, I turned to friends, my mother and youtube videos as a guide of where to start and what to buy. I began with no brushes or any other tools whatsoever, and I actually didn't buy any brushes for about a year. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing and as a result tended not to wear any makeup at all.

So, I thought that I might do a post of starting out with makeup - what you need, things to remember, brands to buy and where to learn more. Of course this post will not be helpful to most of you because you are all experienced beauty bloggers, but hopefully someone will find this helpful.

I personally don't think there is a particular 'age' that you have to be to wear makeup, but I do think that when you are young less makeup always looks better. Always. Try and stick to neutral shades of everything - eyeshadow, lipstick, blush, bronzer etc. Apply your makeup lightly and keep everything as natural looking as possible. As you get better and become more experienced try out new products, fun colours and bold looks.

Purchase most of your makeup from cheap brands when starting out so that you don't waste a heap of money on products you find to be useless. BYS and Essence have some really cheap products and really good quality products too. Saying that, every brand has its dodgy products so don't give up if you happen to pick up a dud. As you learn what you love, branch out into the more expensive brands that are well known for their quality products, like Maybelline, Rimmel London and Revlon.

Look up reviews on products before you buy them. Online reviews are incredibly helpful and an determine whether you end up with an incredible Holy Grail product or the worst waste of money you will ever come across.

Know what makeup looks you like. Look at makeup styles celebrities wear and try and imitate that. Make sure that they suit you - if you have light skin and blonde hair, makeup on a dark skinned brown-haired celebrity may not suit you.

Look up tutorials and makeup looks on youtube. There are so many incredible beauty gurus who can tell you everything about products and applying your makeup. Watch and learn!

Keep an eye out for sales at Priceline and other makeup stores. I have bought some pricey items so cheaply, just by watching out for sales and making the most of "three for the price of one" kind of deals.

Next post I will list makeup products to start out with, and brushes or other tools you can use should you feel the need.

Beauty tips and tricks

I don't know all that much when it comes to beauty - sure, I know a bit here and there, but there are so many more people who live and breathe beauty that would just make me look like a 3 year old in a science lab - stupid!

So despite the fact that (unfortunately) this post will be small, I am going to list some of the beauty tips and tricks that I have learnt over the years. Here goes!

1) Always, always, always, always take off your makeup before going to bed
2) Drink lots of water because it is what makes your skin glow
3) Sunscreen is to be worn every single day, without fail
4) White eyeliner on the inner corners of your eyes brightens them up
5) Moisturised lips are super important when it comes to lipstick and lip gloss
6) Ice on a pimple can reduce redness and swelling
7) A makeup-free day once in a while is magic
8) Mascara only looks good when done properly - no clumps!
9) Moisturiser is an amazing product, but get the right type for your skin or it can cause oh so many problems
10) The key to the most beautiful skin is to have a good skincare regime - cleanser, toner and moisturiser
11) When in doubt go simple with the makeup - natural or classic looks are guaranteed to look better
12) Less is more - no one likes a caked on look
13) Don't be afraid to try new things out (just do it in the safety of your own home where you can't get embarrassed!)
14) Second day hair is best for complicated up-dos. It's gritty and easier to grip, and it doesn't slip and slide out
15) There is a time and a place for every makeup look - a sexy smoky eye does not necessarily go well for a job interview at a conservative place!
16) Makeup should always compliment an outfit
17) Makeup should always enhance natural beauty, not cover it up
18) Be careful when using blush - the clown look is not popular in today's fashion
19) Either have the eyes or the lips as a focus, it's hard to do up both and still look good
20) Chipped nails don't look all that amazing
21) Get your beauty sleep!
22) Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

Well, I think that is all for my beauty tips! Anyone who has some more, feel free to add them in the comments section!

Amazing Face - Zoe Foster

This post is a bit of a special one, because it is my first beauty book review!

I stumbled across this when I was reading a magazine - in tiny print down the bottom of the beauty page was a mention of 'an awesome beauty book full of things every girl needs to know.' Hmmm, I thought, I'm a girl and I like awesome beauty books. I came to the conclusion that this sounded like the book for me!

Months passed and I forgot about it, until a friend recommended it to me. Fate? I think so! Thanks to my local library, Amazing face is currently in my room full of some amazing secrets for my brain to soak up as much as possible!

I'm going to go through this book step by step, to give you a good taste of what it's all about. I shall begin with the front cover (and back cover just to make life easier for me!)

I love the front cover  - who wouldn't?! It's just great. It's fun and it's beauty related (kind of) and it reminds me of being in primary school and doing finger painting! Fun!
I like the design on the back and I like the blurb, however I do think it could have been much better.

Open the book up and you are greeting with pages so full of happiness and joy - they're bursting with energy! Most of the pages are AMAZING, however some just make me want to cry (page 122, uh, yuck!). Still, Zoe's hilarious writing style makes up for every little bad bit, and I spent so much time giggling at all the names she came up with - my favourites including, 'you loved up little lamington' and 'you naughty little porcupine!' I also loved her quotes, like, 'I like that brand of topsy turvy, lateral thinking. That's why I prefer to pour milk into the milo tin, instead of the more common Milo-into-milk technique,' 'One question I am asked a lot is "Which do you prefer: Peaches or crocodiles?"'and 'Are you crazy like a coconut?' Hilarious!

Some crazy things I learned:
- A gloss that matches the exact colour of your gums will be the most flattering shade of 'nude' for your lips
- To find the shape of your face, pull your hair back and trace the outline of your face, with a lipstick, on the mirror (okay....)
- Sleeping on a silk pillow prevents you from getting wrinkles (not sure how much I believe this one...)

Some new (and great) ideas:
- Keep roseship oil/rosewater mist handy when you need to freshen up, it works wonders!
- Use a translucent powder to keep your makeup on your face for the whole day!
- If you use bronzer and blush together (it takes skill) you can make it look half decent (I must admit, I cannot do it)

Stuff I am proud to say I already knew/do:
- Applying white eyeliner/shadow in the corner of your eyes open them up and make you look instantly awake - as though you've had a full nights sleep when really you've only been asleep two hours!
- Flaky/Dry skin does not necessarily mean you have to get out the heavy moisturiser - it may just mean your skin needs a drink of water
-Exfoliation is important, but not when you end up ripping the skin off your face instead of removing dead skin cells
-Sunscreen is the most important thing when it comes to skin protection. Wear it everyday, no questions asked!

Stuff of no relevance to me whatsoever:
- Everything about people over the age of 30

- Stuff about deep wrinkles

- The four pages about covering a cold sore (yuck)

And totally random stuff I learnt:

- Don't eat chicken that has been out of the fridge for twelve hours

I won't tell you any more because you should go out and get this book for yourself!

I really liked this book - even if it was a little crazy at times! I would give it 8 out of 10.

* I won't be posting for about 5 days, so this is a special post!