Falsies- a learning curve

Justina is teaching me to apply falsies and it's definitely a learned skill (though she makes it look incredibly easy). After a few tries I did get them on, but they're not as tight to my lash line as I would like. Tutorial to come! 

Justina is also a skincare expert! To read some reviews by her, check out

 http://be-you-tyfine.blogspot.com/2014/07/suqqu-product-reviews-by-justina.html

Simple Fancy Makeup

This look is really easy and works for night or day. Here's how you do it:

1. Apply foundation and concealer (clearly I skipped the concealer step haha).

2. Sheer out a dark lip stick (mine is from Avon) with some thick chap stick, like Burt's Bees Honey.

3. Apply a light shimmery shadow all over both eyes, up to the brow.

4. Darken your brows slightly- use brown eyeshadow for a barely-darker look.

5. Apply a highlighter to the tops of your cheek bones; for a night look, use lots!

6. Apply mascara, and go!

Murad for Acne

So I've used murad in the past and liked it a lot. I've had major acne since I went to London so I decided to give it a shot again. I'm pretty sure I 've got a full set of their acne car line (except their silver spot treatment which is fabulous for surprise blemishes). 

This picture includes a toner, wash, acne clearing solution, benzoyl peroxide spot treatment, and oil control lotion.

The toner probably my favorite acne product I've ever used. I've used it consistently for years and it's just phenomenal. It contains witch hazel as an astringent which doesn't dry like alcohol (which is in a lot of toners). It cleans and feels all tingly. If I use this in the morning I'm oil free for at least 8 hours. Of all murad products from all their lines, I would recommend this Clarifying Toner the most. If you're skeptical, ask for a sample at sephora- they're usually great about that, and will probably give you samples of a few toners to compare.

The wash is a basic salicilic acid wash, but has some sort of time-release deal going on. I've definitely noticed a difference when using it but I can only use it once a day because, like all salicilic acid cleansers, it's a bit drying. I'd recommend using it in the day and somethig gentle at night. Follow with a moisturizing night cream before bed. 

I'm not super impressed with the acne clearing solution. It's a low dose (0.5%) salicilic acid gel to use all over. It's just not very practical. It doesn't absorb well so you can't really use it under makeup. I guess it could be good at night but it seems a bit unnecessary to me.

The spot treatment is basic and I definitely prefer the sulfer one. But I do think using the combination of salicilic acid wash and benzoyl peroxide treatment is great- most dermotologists recommend combining the two. This products good for large pimples.

Finally, I have a couple comments on the lotion. It's truly great- does control oil all day. It's a little heavy but absorbs really well so you can use it in the morning under makeup if you want. It feels really good. But I still use my night cream for added moisture. 

Final overall comments:

Buy the toner. Seriously. It's something I'll always splurge on. The other products are a good investment, except I'd skip on the clearing solution. Most of the products you can get in a starter kit, which is the cheaper way to do it. I use the toner up in two or two and a half months. But the other stuff lasts longer. Enjoy!

5 Steps to Smooth Legs

We all cherish that wonderful feeling of fresh shaved legs, but with exfoliation it can be smoother, softer, and last longer.

Here are my 5 steps to perfect, goddess-like, silky legs.

Step 1. 

The night before you shave lather on an excessive amount of moisturizing lotion. Don't choose something strong scented- the scents dry your skin out. I would recommend Avon Skin So Soft or a Vaseline Lotion or some type. Alternatively you can try shea butter or coconut oil. Let it soak in and go to bed. 

Step 2. 

Make a olive oil and sugar scrub. For a delicious-smelling one I love to make, check out this post:

http://be-you-tyfine.blogspot.com/2014/03/earl-grey-and-lemon-face-scrub.html

Step 3. 

In the shower, shave once.

Step 4. 

Use the sugar scrub and then shave again. This will scrub off all of the dead skin. Rinse your legs well but don't use soap, you want to lead the olive oil really absorb.

Step 5. Use the sugar scrub at least once a week, between or during shaves.

Enjoy your soft legs, and show them off!!

Warning: may invite unwelcome petting by girl friends:)

Bonus tip: sugar scrubs are great on your face too! I use mine a few times a week.

Bubble Bar - The Comforter

This LUSH Bubble Bar smells soooo good:)

It's relaxing and puts me in a really good mood. The bath is also very colorful- even a little bit of it will make the water a magenta-purple color. I'm not used to bubble baths being colored so that was a little off-putting at first but it IS pretty cool looking. Check it out: 

The amount of bubbles you see are from less than 1/6 of the bar so it's a good deal for the price. I've also done it with 1/3 of the bar which makes a lot of bubbles. The suggested amount is half the bar but I'd say 15-30 % is plenty! 

Overall I'm pleased with this bar, especially with the scent. However, I do love the bath bombs more, even if they are more expensive per bath. Try it for yourself and let me know what you think:)

Dragon Egg Bath Bomb

LUSH's 

Dragon's Egg Bath Bomb  

Check out how pretty this is: it fizzes, it smells good, and OOOO SPARKLES!

1.               2.             3. 

Oh my gosh if i could only explain to you how much i LOVE this bath bomb! It smells delicious, all citrus-y and delicious. When you drop it in the tub it starts to fizz and the scent shows up pretty quickly. Next beautiful gold glitter begins to spread out from the bath bomb. The glitter is more like a soft shimmer and not chunky sparkles- it's gorgeous. My only complaint would be that it has these pieces of confetti in it and they're pretty and all but they dissolve too quick to really enjoy them. Other than that I love everything about this product. Do you want to bathe in sweet-scented liquid gold? Then you need this:)

Ready to Tan!

I just finished exfoliating and moisturising so I can try out some fake tanning products tomorrow:) look out for upcoming reviews:)

An article to check out:)

Here's a quick list of skincare tips from seventeen:)

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10152656399692216&substory_index=0&id=8028997215

Face mask time:)

Face masks with Cameran! Wooo!!!

Granny Takes a Dip Bath Bomb

As always, LUSH delivers big time with this new bath bomb. This is one of their 6 new products that everyone's talking up on social media under #freshnewLUSH. Naturally I had to stop by after work yesterday and pick this one up for myself.

Granny Takes a Dip is scented with lemon oil, pepper, and ginger oil. To be honest this scared me a bit at first - sounds like it's describing a cologne. However the scent is very light and the lemon takes the forefront and I actually really liked it. It's a little bubbly, but obviously not as much as a bubble bar. Watching it fizz/melt into the tub was really cool. the color layers kind of exploded and I took way too many photos. Actually my friend who I live with could hear me taking pictures and was making fun of me. Below are a few to enjoy, but you really have to get this bath bomb and try it out.

I'm honestly not sure why the bathtub looks green, please ignore:) Here's where it really starts to get colorful, about 30 seconds in

This is less than half way through and it's already really purple.

This product will definitely be one I repurchase. The scent is light and uplifting, it didn't dry my skin out like some bath products do (LUSH products never do in my experience - go them!), and the color is just plain fun. I literally thought i was gonna come out of the tub dyed purple. Don't worry though, the color is just for show and didn't stay on my skin. I would definitely recommend trying Granny Takes a Dip for yourself! Just look how fun it is :) 

Ahhh... :)

Mascara Comparison

This is the first of many sets of mascara reviews. I'll let you compare visually and list the pros and cons of each of the mascaras I tried. Note that when I look like I have eyelashes at all it's a big accomplishment:) these are all with just a little, obviously if you apply multiple coats the look will be more dramatic.

Nothing:

For comparisons sake.

Avon: Sparkle Lash and Line

This mascara makes my eyelashes look so so long! Not clumpy and very build able. The downside is you don't get a ton of mascara since it's a dual ended tool but on the plus side you get a sparkly liquid liner that can be worn alone or layered over other liner.

Benefit: they're Real!

This one makes my eyelashes look thick and fans them out a little. One coat looks like this, two coats is really really dramatic, and after that it clumps a bit. This is my go to mascara for a night out, and I'll most likely buy the full size when this runs out (I've been lucky enough to get two sample sized ones like this in the past).

Avon: Infinitize

Honestly not a great mascara. Mainly it just was really dry. The wand is bulky and doesn't coat lashes well and it's nearly impossible to coat the bottom lashes without getting it on your skin.

This was a bit of a disappointment especially because Avon mascara is usually phenomenal. My favorite mascara is Avon Mega Effects and others I've tried  have been great too, but this ones a bit of a dud. Pass on it.

Smashbox: Full Exposure

 A very light natural look. Lots of definition. Thin, buildable coats. The brush is really really great. If you want a pretty natural look go for this. If you're going for length, look elsewhere. Overall pretty happy with this one.

Stay tuned for more reviews and demos!

Katie x

RMK Product Reviews

I received a few RMK products last month and thought I'd try them out. One in particular I absolutely adore. That would be the RMK Herb Mist in Green Tea. They have a few different scents available and I haven't tried the others but this one is fantastic. It's like a light moisturizer, you mist it on, and either let it soak in or gently pat it in. For something so light, it really revamps your skin! I was using it a couple times a day in London, and even with the major hard water which took a big toll on my face, I no longer had dry skin! It also smells fantastic. I've used almost the entire 50 ml bottle in about a month. I just can't help myself.

The other two products are cleansers. Both are oil based so they don't dry out your skin like some face wash does. However, getting used to using them can be pretty weird. With this type of cleanser, you rub a bit into your skin, enough that your whole face is covered, and then you emulsify it (wet your hands with warm water and rub the oil into a lather). Then you rinse and/or wipe it all off your face. The first is RMK Cleansing Balm. It starts in a pretty wax-like state but quickly melts down as you rub it in, becoming a thin oil. This makes it a good go-to for those who haven't used oil face wash before. It also comes with this cute scoop so you don't stick your fingers in the jar getting it all melty. The scoop fits nicely in the lid which I think is a cool packaging touch. It leaves your skin feeling clean but not dry. It's delicate enough for the eye area, but feels pretty uncomfortable if it gets in your eyes at all. 

The other oil-based wash is RMK Cleaning Oil. This is my least favorite of the two. Because it starts as a liquid it tends to run between your fingers before you get it on your face. This is messy and seems kind of wasteful. Like the Cleaning Balm, it cleans without drying and is gentle enough on the eyes. I'd say it leave your skin feeling more rejuvenated because it makes your face feel a little warm and moisturizer. However the messiness of it is a big downside and outweighs this in my mind. It's a good product, but unless your used to using oil cleansers, it's a bit of a hassle. I'm going to look into easier ways of applying the oil, perhaps with a cloth. 

Overall I'm pretty satisfied with the RMK products. I would definitely recommend the Green Tea Herb Mist and the Cleansing Balm. Seriously go but the mist- it's phenomenal. I've only got enough left for a few days and I'm determined to get some before I run out.

Let me know if you have any questions!:)

SUQQU Product Reviews by Justina

My beautiful, hilarious, incredibly brilliant friend Justina Huang, pictured below, wrote the following review for two SUQQU products. The products are Face Refresher (basically a toner) and Repair Essence. Here's what she shas to say:

"I'm drawn to packaging in both products, because they're both hygienic and can withstand luggage turbulence, though the sizes of the bottles themselves aren't necessarily travel friendly.  The repair serum is extremely fast absorbing and does not leave a sticky residue, and after almost a week of daily usage, has visibly increased my skin's elasticity, especially under the delicate eye area.  For the price, I definitely recommend other serums for better value that do the same thing (such as Laneige).

I really love the toner, as I've used it right before moisturizing and to refresh my makeup.  I've liked it for both, as it does not leave behind streaks or sticky residue.  However, perhaps a week may not be enough to see any visible improvement.  I will say that the texture is pleasant and fragrance free."

If you aren't already friends with this girl, you better rethink your life choices cuz you're missing out big time. Hoping she'll do some demos for me to post too, cuz her makeup skills are impressive:)

Love you, Justina! <3

Mary Poppins

Going to a Victorian themed party- this was the best I could do with a limited wardrobe. Feeling very like Mary Poppings. But had hair fun:)

Simple Travel Makeup

So I took all these photos almost a month ago when I got back from my trip to Edinburgh. This is what I brought on that trip and how I did my makeup when I was there. It's very easy to keep your makeup collection small on a trip (even small enough to fly Ryanair!) if you plan. Here are a few tips followed by a tutorial.

Tips to pack light:

- do you need a makeup brush, or can it be applied with clean fingers?

- ask for samples (sephora and lush but give tons and tons of samples if you ask. Next time you want a new moisturiser ask for samples of a couple before you buy one, keep the samples after you've tried them so you can take them on trips.

- join sephora beauty insider. The minis you get are perfect for travel.

- multitask: a lip crayon works as blush, highlighter works as eyeshadow, brown liner can do eyebrows and eyes, you get it. . . 

- you're not going to prom, you don't need to look perfect. I skipped foundation to save time and space in my bag.

And an easy tutorial:

You need a cheap lip crayon, moisturiser (mini), highlighter (mini, or sheer eyeshadow pot), and mascara (mini).

1. But a smear of moisturiser on your cheeks

2. Draw over smear with lip pencil. Blend over cheeks.

3. Apply crayon to lips

4. Apply highlighter to eyes cheeks, etc.

Had to go find a window for the highlighter to be visible.

5. Add mascara and go enjoy your travel!:)

No-poo Details

Hey, all!

I've got a few updates on the no-poo situation. I've now been shampoo-free for 7 or 8 weeks (except the day I redyed my hair). Overall I'm still loving it, but I'm struggling to adjust to the hard water here in London. Going to do some research on how to adjust the ratios to accommodate the water. 

If you're having trouble finding a balance of baking soda and vinegar, here are some tips:

I've noticed that when my hair feels stiff or sorta like I have mousse in it, that means I've used too much baking soda.

When my hair looks greasy i've used too much vinegar.

Remember, the goal is to balance the PH.

Good luck!

50's Party

My friends mama (who's also my 2nd or 3rd mama) had a 50's themed birthday party this weekend and it was tons of fun! She took me to get my hair styled (victory rolls) and I did my own makeup. This was the result- a success if I do say so myself.

Lukewarm Faith

Lately my faith has dulled. It's like any relationship - sometimes the passion isn't there. But I know it will be if I work at it. Like married couples don't get their passion back from sitting around waiting for a spark but by faithfully pursuing each other. I guess it's probably the same with God. I was so on fire and now I'm merely lukewarm. For the last couple weeks I've done almost nothing to spur my own excitement for The Lord and his work. I know that has to change. When I'm far from him, it's incredibly evident in my life. I'm less patient, more moody, less joyful (duh), and way more self conscious. I guess this goes to show he is leading me even when I don't feel it- because I see how lost I am when I fall away. 

Anyway, today I'm choosing a new path. One that leads back to his arms. I know He's never left me even though I walk away. I hope you will all pray for me in my struggle to feel the spark of His love.

No-Poo Hair Washing

So a few weeks ago I decided to give the No-Poo technique a try. I'm probably about 4 weeks in. For those of you who don't know what this is, it's a method of hair care that doesn't use shampoo (or most conditioners). There are lots of reasons why people like this trend and you can read about them all over the Internet, but it all comes down to one major factor: shampoo strips hair of natural, healthy oils.

I've read a lot of articles about the no-poo method, but the one i found most helpful is this one:
http://coderedhat.com/no-poo-method/
It's super informative AND amusing! I highly recommend reading it if you're new to the idea of no-poo.

So when you use this method you replace your shampoo with baking soda (or a baking soda solution) and your conditioner with diluted apple cider vinegar (though there are other options, including regular vinegar). I prefer to use the baking soda solution method because I find it easier to really wash down to the roots that way, so I can wash my hair less frequently with it. 

Anyway, here's what you'll need:

1. Spray bottle

2. Water right container of baking soda and container for mixing solution

Or a bottle to keep pre-mixed solution in.

For the solution the ratio is around a tablespoon of baking soda per cup of water, maybe a little more. When your solution is mixed it should feel slippery (kinda like oil) rather than gritty or just like normal water. Trust me, this is important. Like I mentioned above, you can premix the solution and keep it in a bottle but I mix up half a cup or so in a small container each washing. This is because I also use my baking soda in masks and scrubs so it's more convenient to have a container of dry baking soda in the bathroom.

The apple cider vinegar solution is a bit less precise. You don't need a whole ton of it. The article above recommends 2 tablespoons of vinegar per cup of water, but I use a slightly more potent solution. It's really up to you. A good thing to remember is that your hair will not smell like vinegar when dry. I promise. I was super worried, asking friends to smell my hair and such, but seriously there's no trace of the scent once hair is dry.

Here's what I have discovered:

1. My hair looks better when it air dries than when I blow dry it.

Some days it still looks kinda weird- maybe I'm not using enough baking soda or something- but these days are getting further apart the longer I no-poo.

Overall my hair is softer and falls out less.

I'm still not used to smelling like vinegar while my hair is wet.

It's definitely much cheaper than shampoo and conditioner.

In all, I'm very happy and going to continue this method at least until I get done studying abroad.

My First Trip to Lush

Yesterday, Alex took me to Lush for the first time. It was a very fun experience. Despite the fact that I'm not willing to spend money on extra beauty products right now, I went for a few reasons.
1. It's natural beauty and health products - how could i resist?
2. My friends are addicts so i thought i'd check it out.
3. Kelsey and Alex insist that i need to work there someday.

I kinda had an idea of what i was walking into, so i wasn't completely overwhelmed with the amount of wonderful, tempting products. However, even though i'd been told, i was still floored by the wonderful customer service. I spoke with two of the employees (one was a manager) who were both very kind and down-to-earth. They were both personal, yet still professional.

I tried out the sea-salt scrub everyone raves about as well as a few lotions. The second employee I spoke with demo-ed a face wash (Dark Angels) and a few moisturizers on my hand and gave me samples to take home and try on my face.

The samples aren't very large but they are enough to try out a product a 2-3 times. I really like Dark Angels. It's a charcoal-based face wash, so it's black and a bit gritty but leaves your skin feeling deep-cleaned. I was pretty surprised when it did not dry out my skin at all. The girl who demo-ed it for me also suggested letting the charcoal-wash sit on my face a few minutes before rinsing so it functions like a short-term mask. In all I would certainly recommend the wash. However, I'm not in love with either of the moisturizers I brought home (Imperialis and Vanishing Cream).

In all it was a very nice trip and I'll definately be going back to make a few purchases when I have more cash to spare. They have so many really fun products to try! It's hard to resist making a purchase immediately when you know that the products are all-natural, smell delicious, and are ethically sourced and tested.

I went back a few days later with Greg to show him how much fun it was. He thought it was just as cool. It was another good experience (though not as fun since they were a bit busy at that time). My only complaint would be that one of the male employees was a bit overly insistent that we get the Soft Coeur Massage bar...because it's lickable. haha. needless to say, a bit uncomfortable. Anyway, still a nice trip. If you haven't been, I promise it's a fun store to visit!