Makeup Starters Guide: Part 1

Just like I promised last week, I have put together a guide to help those of you who have recently started wearing makeup regularly, or plan to do so. However, as I was planning the guide, I realised that there is too much information that is important for just one blog post. So I decided to do this guide in parts. The second part of the guide will be uploaded after 2 weeks. So make sure you are connected to my blog to get notified.

So what will you find here? I am dividing this guide into two main sections.

1) Preparing your Skin

2) The Right Tools

All the products that I recommend will not only favor your skin but also your pocket. 

Grab a cup of Hot chocolate because this will be Long!

PREPARING YOUR SKIN
The decision to wear make-up on a regular basis needs to be though through carefully. This is because using make-up on your skin does bring about a few changes, some temporary like break outs, and some permanent. To make sure your skin stays healthy and clean through out, the following steps can prove to be useful.

1) Cleansing: 

Making sure that your skin is clean is very important to prevent the block of your skin pores. Doing so will help prevent pimples and black heads, and keeps your skin looking fresh. I would suggest you to carry this step out twice every day (before and after make up) but be very careful with the products you choose.

A few of my recommendations:

- Simple Kind To Skin Moisturising Facial Wash ( £3.25 )

- Olay Gentle Cleansers Conditioning Milk For Normal Dry and Combination Skin ( £1.99 )

- Nivea Daily Essentials Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes For Dry & Sensitive Skin ( £2.99 )

2) Toning:

After cleansing your skin, your skin pores are open and are prone to getting clogged by dirt. Toning your skin helps condition your skin before Moisturising (Next step). This step is important after every time you clean your face. Pour a little toner on to a cotton pad and gently spread it around your face.

A few of my recommendations:

- Nivea Daily Essentials Refreshing Toner ( £3.15 )

- Garnier Clean & Fresh Invigorating Toner ( £3.15 )

- No7 Soft & Soothed Gentle Toner ( £8.00 )

3) Mask:

As the name suggests, it is to apply a face mask on you skin. This step is to be carried out after toning but should not be carried out every day. Once or twice a week should be enough. Depending on the type and brand of mask the application span and removal method differs.

A few of my recommendations:

- Soap & Glory No Cloggs Allowed Super Self-Heating Deep Pore Detox Mask ( £11.50 )

- Quick Fix Facials Brightening Peel Mask ( £4.99 )

- No7 Beautiful Skin Hydration Mask for Dry / Very Dry Skin ( £12.50 )

4) Moisturise: 

A moisturiser is an absolute necessity, no matter what your skin type is. It hydrates your face and gives your skin the essential moisture. This is a step that cannot be skipped after cleansing and toning your skin. Choose your moisturiser carefully depending on your skin type.

A few of my recommendations:

- L'Oréal Paris Triple Active Anti-Shine Mattifying Hydrating Moisturiser ( £4.33 )

- Garnier Skin Naturals Moisture ( £5.99 )

- Soap & Glory™ Glow Job™ Daily Radiance Moisture Lotion ( £11.00 )

AND DRINK LOADS OF WATER..!!

THE RIGHT TOOLS

Having the right tools to apply the right products is a biggie. You would not want to use tools that are not gentle to your skin or that leaves streaks after you applied your foundation. I will go through the basic tools that you will need to apply your make-up. These may be a little pricey for some, but remember, an artist is nothing without his brushes! (Plus, you wont have to replace it for a VERY long time)

1) Foundation Brush:

Quite self-explanatory. A brush to apply your foundation evenly all over your face.

A few of my recommendations:

- Real Techniques 1401 ( £9.99 )

- Body Shop Foundation Brush ( £12.00 )

2) Concealer Brush:

This brush helps to blend in your concealer; liquid or solid. 

A few of my recommendations:

- EcoTools Bamboo Deluxe Concealer Brush ( £5.49 )

- Smashbox Precision Concealer Brush #5 ( £16.00 )

3) Powder Brush:

Something to simply help you dab a little powder to settle everything!

A few of my recommendations: 

- Real Techniques Powder Brush 1401 ( £12.99 )

- Models Own Bronze & Powder Brush ( £11.00 )

4) Eye-shadow Brush:

Don't depend on those applicators that come with your pallets!

A few of my recommendations:

- EcoTools Bamboo 6 Piece Eye Brush Set ( £14.99 )

- Real Techniques Shading Brush ( £7.99 )

All the products that I have mentioned are either tested by me or have been recommended for use by a friend. I do hope that this does prove to be of some use. Keep an eye out for the second part. 

Ohh and do wash your brushes every week!

That is it for this week's blog post.
Have an amazing week ahead :)
Toodles
xXx

Coming up Next week: Top 8-Travel Essentials

Next Review on: The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan

Review: The Dark Side by Trevor Moran

If you have read any of my previous music reviews, you will know that I do like to go around and hunt for new talents. Trevor Moran is a 15 year old youtuber who made his first break through at X-factor (2012). He auditioned and got selected by singing 'Sexy and I know it' However, his journey didn't last for very long. But that did not discourage young Moran.On 11th of December, 2013 he released his debut single The Dark Side proving that he still believes in his dreams.

The first thing that impressed me were the lyrics. Knowing that this is the first time he has composed a song, I was not expecting anything as good. Have a look at this phrase,

'It should be outlawed,

What you can do to me.

Can't take me eyes off you,

In too deep'

It is not the usual 'death and wreath' rhyme. 

However, there is a lot of room for improvement in the composition of the actual song. The song does have its own ups and downs but it is missing a little tempo in the song. With a little more range in the singer's singing tempo, the song can have a little more life. 

On the other hand, the song will make you wanna get off your chair and shake a leg!

A 3.5 stars can be given easily. 

The gaps can be filled by the talent in the budding star.

That is it for this week's review.

Have an amazing week ahead :)

Toodles

xXx

Coming up Next week: Make-up Starters Guide

Next Review on: One of the Midnight Memories track OR Veet Hair Minimising Lotion.

Braces, a mystery?

How many of us have thought of having braces but not quite grabbed the courage to get them because of the lack of knowledge or fear of pain?

Well I thought of clearing away a few of those fears and to also help you through your journey of braces. No matter at what stage you are, this post will help you. 

Step 1

It obviously is to go to your dentist and find out if you need them. They probably will take an on-the-spot X-ray to see exactly if you need them or not. Double check with another dentist if you think you need them and the dentist thinks otherwise.

Step 2

This is when your dentist tells you if you need braces. They will either suggest you to an orthodontist or do it themselves. To start of they take a teeth mold which helps them see exactly how much 'fixing' your teeth needs. 

Step 3

This is the stage most people are terrified of. 

Installation.

Glue will be placed on your teeth only where the brackets go. The dentist will use UV light to harden the glue. Then the wire is placed and the bands go around. At most it take 10 minutes.

Usually dentists carry this step out in 2-4 appointments. They don't fix your braces at a go. This gives your mouth, teeth and gum to adjust to that slight pressure.

The appliances stay on your teeth depending on how long it will take to correct them. On average, 18-24 months.

To be frank, it does hurt, but only for a maximum of 1 week. No more than that! It is more like a little 'discomfort' rather than 'pain'.

But fear not, there are things you can do to decrease the discomfort.

- Braces wax: It is a translucent soft wax that can be place on top of your braces if their is a lot of friction.

- Pain killers: Before taking them, make sure your dentist has no problem with you taking them.

- Warm water: Drinking or gargling with warm water also helps decrease the discomfort.

Step 4

Not very different to Step 3. Here, your dentist will call you every 4-6 weeks to readjust and replace the appliances.

During Step 3 and Step 4 it is very important to be at the top of your dental hygiene. Not being able to do so can cause Relapse, Root Damage, Early damage, Enamel damage etc. Just by following the things below you can avoid those miseries!

1) Cleaning

- Brushing after every meal and before going to bed.

- Flossing at least once a day.

- Using a fluoride mouth wash one every 2 days.

2) Eating habits

- Cut down on sugary and fibrous food (I take none at all!)

- Say a big NO to soft drinks. (Although you can drink it with a straw, so that it doesn't touch your teeth)

- Cut down on smoking

If you play extreme sports, then do not forget your Gum Shield!

Step 5

This is when your dentist takes another X-ray and teeth mold and decides you do not need any more braces. however, this is not the end of your dental appliances. At this stage you will be given permanent, temporary or both retainers.

These help your teeth to stay the way they are and prevent them from relapsing. Usually this takes about 4-8 months.  

I hope this has helped you in a way or another. Do feel free to leave any questions or extra tips below.

That is it for this week's blog post. 

Have an amazing week ahead :)

Toodles 

xXx

Coming up Next week: Make-up Starters Guide

Next Review on: The Dark Side by Trevor Moran

Review: One Direction 'Strong'

"Metaphoric phrases, subtle beats and five smoky voices. A whole package! Composed to touch the heart."

Review: Forbidden by Syrie James & Ryan M. James

"Beautifully written! Romantic and filled with delicious tension --- FORBIDDEN enchants!"

--- Sophie Jordan, author of FIRELIGHT

"Young adults who enjoyed the TWILIGHT series will be intrigued with what I hope will be a new series. A YA paranormal fantasy gem! I loved it!" 

--- Book Reader's Heaven

"A YA novel that hits all the right notes: Claire, a teen girl who starts to 'change'; Alec, the boy who knows better but can't help but be drawn to Claire; and secrets, tons of secrets, that will make everyone's lives difficult... The plot and story line are great, and the characters strong... Forbidden managed to side-step the stereotype grenades ... and continue to be themselves.... From there, the James' go full-out... If you enjoy angels, 'forbidden' romance and dashing heroes, then this should be added to your TBR." 

--- USA TODAY

After reading such amazing reviews of the book, one should not think twice about giving a go! I read the book's teaser 4 months before it was released and fell in love with it instantly. I probably was the first ones to order this book! The book was released in January 2011. The book was nominated for several awards in 2011 and also won some of them.

My thoughts?

The book is not your regular Vampire and Werewolf story. Instead the book is based on the legends of Angels. But fear not, it is still packed with action, lightning speed fantasy, a budding love plot and most the most exciting part? This is just the first book! Although the authors haven't done an official announcement regarding a sequence, it is hard to believe there wont be one after you read. The story stops at a point where one can easily say 'There is a Next Chapter!'

One of the main reasons I like this book is because unlike most of the books I have read, this is not based on a love story. Its a story of basic survival and following dreams. I will be a bad girl n spill few of the beans here, the hero (Alec MacKenzie) is a runaway!

I will leave the rest of the praising for to you. Feel free to let me know what you think of the book. If you haven't read it, you can order it from here, or borrow it from your local library.

On a scale of 1-5, I would rate this a 4. Its one of those books that you can read over and over again.

That is it for this week's review.
Have an amazing week ahead :)
Toodles
xXx

Coming up Next week: Braces, a mystery?

Next Review on: One of the Midnight Memories track OR Veet Hair Minimising Lotion.

New year Targets and Resolutions?

Yeah kinda late, but whats the harm? :)

This is the time of year when people reflect on their achievements of the previous year and set them selves goals or targets or shall I say, resolutions.

But what are resolutions? According to Google, a resolution is 'a firm decision to do or not to do something'. But do we really make 'firm' decisions? For me they are more like targets and goals. I don't like changing my life by making 'firm' decisions. Instead, I prefer in-cooperating more things in my life, making it much more, umm, Interesting.

Last year has been AMAZING for me! Many doors closed, but even bigger and better doors opened. And without those doors I would not have been writing this blog. I will not list down all the good and bad things that happened last year but I would like to list down a few 'Biggies'.

Goodies:-

1) Finished my A-levels
2) Turned 18 (Adult finally!! Yaayy!!)
3) Led a team of people to 'build' the interiors of our sixth-form area
4) Opened this blog.
5) Started a successful Gap Year
6) And, umm does meeting Joe Sugg count? If yes, then that's my Number 6 :D

Baddies:-

1) One my Best Friends left UK :( I miss her!

I seriously can't think of anything, except that, bad enough to make it to this list! I had an Amazing year I must say. Hopefully, 2014 will be even bigger :)


So what is on my target list for this year?? Have a look :)

1) Weekly main blog post + a review :)
2) Have 20 travel vlogs on my YouTube channel.
3) Plan the next year, another Gap Year or University? Only time will tell.
4) Learn to play a guitar perfectly by the end of this year.
5) A healthier lifestyle (Nope not dieting, just less chocolates and ice creams and umm marshmallows ;) )
6) Be closer to God

I think that's a lot to accomplish for a year considering the way time flies! 

Do let me know what your New Year targets and/or resolutions are by either commenting below or leaving a link to your blog post. Would love to read some :)

That is it for this week's blog post. 

Have an amazing week ahead :)

Toodles 

xXx

Coming up Next week: A trip to Dudley Canals

Next Review on: Forbidden by Syrie James & Ryan M. James (Sneak Peak: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11603886-forbidden)

Monday frights

And so, we are experiencing the first Monday of 2014. Why a big issue you ask? Well for the past 2 weeks humans have been hibernating in their cozy homes in front of their TVs. So this is like the time when we come out of our dens and start to store for winter again!

My to-do list for today:-

1) Visit the dentist.
2) A quick shopping spree
3) Complete my assignment (due in tomorrow AAaaaa..!!!)
4) And definitely sleep by 10 o'clock tonight!

Most of you will be rushing on to work, college, university or may be sitting at home taking care of your kids or may be having a day off! Whatever it is, lets keep our New Year resolutions in mind and start the day off :)

In my case, Sleep early! And that is in my to-do list. 

Is one of your resolutions a part of your today's to-do list?

Have an amazing Monday!

Toodles

xx

Review: Merry Go Round by Tanner Patrick

Tanner Patrick - Singer and Song writer - took a big step on August 2011 when he decided to start a YouTube channel where he uploaded cover and original songs. Before I go deep into one of his original songs, let me give you a good idea of the talent he posses. For that, let me ask you to listen to his most viewed video, where he covered Foster The People - "Pumped Up Kicks", which has received 10,000,000+ views since.

Every song that he has covered always includes a back up music that is he records himself. Piano and guitar seem to be his specialty. I can possibly applaud him for a long time, but let me move on to 'Merry Go Round', one of his many single yet to come. It was released on the 3rd of April, 2012. Since then I have wanted to review it, but, well didn't have a blog then. Have a look at it before you can read my thoughts on it.

'I was always taught, To stay inside the lines. But sooner or later, I'll be a traitor' is a quick and on target opening to the song. It delivers exactly what the song will be about - i.e. being under control but wanting to explore. But in just under a minute we will have gone from a dreamy melody to an outburst of joy with 'I escape into the sound sound sound, Spinning like a merry go, Round round round'.

It then is goes repeating this sequence, but again we are surprised by a shadowy 'I escape into the sound sound sound, Spinning like a merry go Round round round, I don't ever want to slow Down down down, I trust this ride tonight, Tonight, yeah' (2:20). An interlude like this always shows how crafty and original the maker is. The song ends exactly like it started, quick and on the target 'Don't fall in line, We can break the ties, We'll erase the night, And paint the sky'.

The song starts of telling how the 'singer' is in control and wants to explore and by the end of the song convinces him self to break free and direct his own life. The song is quite catchy and good to be played when one is in a jolly mood. Lifts your spirits I must say.

But that is it for now! I hope you have like this little mid-week review. Let me know if there is something you would like me to review. 

Toodles

xx

Next Boxing Day Haul 2013

As promised last week, I have done a haul video and blog post on a part of the shopping that I did on Boxing Day. But before I get in to reviewing and sharing those products I want to share with you the story of my long wait to get these things.

So every year I along with my cousins stand outside in the cold, straight from 1:00 am - 6:00 am to get in to the shop first. And no I am not the only one, the queue can be as long as 1 mile. Now the reason I am sharing this with you is because I really wanna know where else, except in U.K. does this happen!!

i have also made a video to show these things through different perspectives, so do head along till the end for the video..!!

So with no further delay, I would like to share with you the top 5 products that I purchased this year on Boxing day.

Number 1 is a beautiful checkered shirt. I am not a fan of 3/4th sleeves, shirts and pockets. But this shirt actually made me fall in love with it.
It is something that I would wear when I am hanging out with my friends or when I am at college.
Very casual, comfortable and sassy.












Number 2 is a leopard print sleeveless t-shirt. What I really like about it was that, I can wear it during summer just like that or layer it up with a black/brown t-shirt under it during winter. It is plated at the neck, which makes the dress fall into lovely layers. This effect is further enhanced by an elastic band at the hem of the shirt. Quite flattering, aye? It is perfect for when I go out for shopping, a casual party, Plus I love leopard print stuff, so yeah.. don't need another reason now do I?





























Number 3 (and I promise its the last clothing!) is another sleeveless shirt, but checkered. This is a little different from the first two because of how formal it is. The close black and white checks, the collar and streamline design makes it perfect for work, interview etc. It can be worn with a block blazer or a black full sleeve t-shirt underneath. Quite classic and simple yet elegant.

Number 4 is something that I wanted to buy for quite a while. A manicure kit. As silly as it may sound, but I never owned one myself so I got this set. Quite nice packaging, with basic essentials and not a lot to handle. It contains a Nail Clipper, Nail Scissor, Cuticle Polisher and Emery Board. Fits perfectly on my dressing table without taking much room and can be used while travelling due to the type of packaging. Definitely recommend it.

And Lastly, Number 5 is a little gift set, called the L'essence. The packaging contains a body lotion and perfume which smell floral and are apt for party time wear.

I really do hope you enjoyed reading this little haul post. Check out the video below for another perspective. 

Hope you enjoyed.

Toodles

xx

Coming up this Wednesday: New Year Targets and Resolutions?

Next Review on: Merry Go Round by Tanner Patrick (Sneak Peak: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZBkjhAUjF8)