Friday 27 September 2013

Crystal Therapy: An Introduction


Today's post is going to be on a slightly controversial topic! Maybe controversial is the wrong word, but I know a lot of people are very sceptical about these sorts of things but personally, I find it really fascinating!
 

 
 
As part of my Enrichment Week in college last year, my friends and I took part in a mini 'Crystal Therapy' session and I was spellbound by the stunning crystals and their spiritually healing purposes. My mum is a firm believer in Crystal Healing amongst other Complimentary Therapies and she's definitely passed that belief onto me.  I understand that not everyone is going to enjoy this sort of post, but I thought I'd share it with you guys because I love the idea of it!
 
What is Crystal Healing?
 
Breaking it down simply, Crystal Healing is the practice of using different crystals on different points of your body called Chakras to invoke different effects and reliefs. Each of your Chakras are spots on your body that are the centres of different energy points. In order to channel into these energy points, you would place the corresponding crystal upon them and over a time of meditation, the crystal's energy would infuse into your body to restore balance and help repair any discomfort and pain. Speaking from personal experience, I can honestly say that using crystals through meditation has given me some positive side effects. I have different crystals that serve different purposes to me personally, which leads me on to my next point.
 
What do the Crystals do? 
 
Like I mentioned previously, different crystals have their own 'effects'. For instance, if you were feeling stressed, you could simply hold a piece of Lithium Quartz quietly for a few moments. If you were having trouble sleeping, a piece of Lepidolite resting on your nightstand can send you calming and relaxing vibrations. You can literally Google search "crystals for (insert problem here)" and find a crystal that suits you and your needs! Crystals don't neccesarily need to be carried with you through-out the day, either - you can place them in your home, in your purse, on a necklace or bracelet... it's pretty much a case of finding the way that the crystals work for you personally.
 
How do I choose my Crystals?
 
Choosing crystals is both an aesthetic and a 'I have a feeling about that one' kind of thing. On one hand, a crystal can be the most beautiful thing in the world to you but when you hold it, it doesn't offer you any feeling or sentiment. It works the same the other way: a crystal could be slightly misshapen for your tastes but could give you a strong feeling.  For me, I chose my crystals because they were the ones that caught my eye, and although I rummaged through the whole box to check for prettier ones I couldn't distract from them. It's like in Harry Potter with the whole 'the wand chooses the wizard' kind of thing.
 
How do you care for Crystals?
 
The most important thing to do with your crystals is to regularly replace the energies you have taken from them. There are loads of different methods for replacing energies, ranging from burying the crystal in rich earth to draw in the natural nutrients to running them under clear, purified water. Leaving your crystal in direct sunlight works too - just be careful when leaving them in windowsills, as modern double-glazed windows don't actually allow energies to penetrate.
 
My own personal Crystals:
 
Personally, I own quite a variety of crystals. I have a collection of Chakra Crystals that I bought when I did my Crystal Healing taster course at college that consists of: Amethyst, Smokey Quartz, Blue Lace Agate, Blood Stone, Tigers Eye, Carnelian and Snowflake Obsidian. I also have a chunky piece of rough Amethyst that I keep next to my bed for it's protecting and healing qualities. Also it's my birth stone!
 


1. Amethyst.
2. Snowflake Obsidian
3. Blue Lace Agate
4. Tigers Eye
5. Smokey Quartz
6. Carnelian
7. Blood Stone

I hope you enjoyed this post, guys! I know that this is a Beauty Blog and it's definitely not like any post I've done before but I hope you find it interesting! I think that I'll upload a separate post focusing on the actual Charka points and how to arrange them next time, but for now I'm going to leave you with this sort of mini introduction into the truly fascinating world of Crystal Healing!

 
xx


Friday 20 September 2013

My Fave Autumn Lipcare!

 
 
Hey guys!
 
 For me, if there's one thing that happens when it begins to cool off it's the beginning of unsightly chapped lips. This year I've come prepared with all manner of delicious flavoured/tinted/scented balms so hopefully I manage to get through this winter with lovely lips!
 
 
 
 
 
Here I have my current favourite lip products, featuring a mix of tinted lip balms, a scrub and some delicious flavoured ones too!
 
Tinted Lip Balms:
 
Tinted lip balms are my best friend in the winter as they're the perfect thing when your lips are craving moisture and are a great way to inject some colour into your look without the risk of drying your lips out. My most recent favourite is the Maybelline Baby Lips in Pink Punch, a buttery soft stick with a lovely pale pink colouring and the most ridiculously amazing scent that kind of reminds me of pineapple. Another newbie to my collection is the NYC Applelicious Lip Balm in Applelicious Pink, a rose tinted balm that's a little grittier on lips due to the subtle sparkle but still gives long lasting moisture.  My last tinted balm is the Born Lippy lip balm from The Body Shop which has been a favourite of mine for as long as I can remember! My flavour of choice is Raspberry and it tastes as good as it smells! This balm is a lot thicker than the others and can be layered to create a sort of 'lip mask'. Basically I just apply a little more than necessary before I begin my make-up and then once I've finished I dab my lips down with a tissue and leave the residue to work the rest of it's magic! It makes such a difference, especially if I'm using a particularly drying lipstick that day.
 
Regular, un-tinted Lip Balms:
 
Following my love affair with the Pink Punch Baby Lips, I blagged my mum into buying me the Hydrate one earlier. This one has no colour pigments but still carries the same gorgeous consistency as the other and also has a faint, pleasant scent. Following Maybelline's claims of the hydration lasting up to 8 hours, I think this is a little overdramatic but it really does leave my lips baby smooth! Another lip balm that excels in staying power is the Lip Smacker balm in the Feast scent/flavour. Oh my gosh, this smells amazing and tastes delicious! It hydrates all day long and leaves a nice, subtle sheen to your lips. My last favourite is the Jelly Belly balm in Bubblegum. It has a lovely jelly-like texture that applies quick thickly on lips without being uncomfortable. Also smells lovely!
 
Lip Scrub:
 
If you guys have been following my blog for a while, you'll know of my obsession with Lush's Bubblegum Lip Scrub! It's mouth-watering, uplifting scent and exfoliating purposes are heaven in this cold weather and does a great job of preparing my lips for one of the chosen balms from above! It's a little pricey at £5.25 for a little pot, but I've been using it for almost six months and I'm not even halfway through!

Hope you guys are all well!

xx


Sunday 15 September 2013

Cheap Make-Up Storage Solutions #2



Hello everyone!
 
I have posted once before about what I use to storage the majority of my make-up (take-out boxes, anyone? here) but thought I'd give you a little insight into my new 'Blogging' table and the little storage solution I arranged to go with it.
 
This idea will definitely apply to any youtubers/bloggers/make-up obsessers (is that a word?) as, if you're like me, you end up purchasing new products on a regular basis and always remind yourself to try them out but never get around to it. This idea should help you out!
 
I was doing a spot of charity shop shopping the other day when I came across this beautiful tea set. It consisted of two teacups and saucers, a plate, a mini milk jug and a sugar bowl, and all for only £3! The set is made from frosted mint green glass that's covered in gorgeous metallic gold polka dots. I absolutely ADORE it. I've used one of the teacups and saucer sets for my rings, the sugar bowl for stray bobby pins and hair bands and here I'll show you what I've done with the milk jug and the plate.
 
 
 
 
This is how I store all of my 'try-outs' and 'to be reviewed' products. As you can see I have a few things placed here waiting to be used, so as well as showing you my storage idea I've given a little sneak peek into what reviews are coming up on my blog!
 
Personally, I think that having all of the products out on display like this (and conveniently placed right next to my bed) keep it fresh in my mind what products I've been meaning to try and also I just think it looks nice!
 
 
As you can see, tucked slightly behind the plate is the milk jug which I've chucked a few random pens and a pair of scissors in so I don't lose them! Just out of shot to the right are my blogging & college notebooks and my current novel of choice (The Night Circus if any of you were wondering!)
 
Hope you're all well, guys!
 
xx
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Saturday 14 September 2013

Review: Maybelline Baby Lips!


 
You know sometimes you have those moments with a new product and you literally think to yourself, "where have you been all my life?!" That's what I feel about the Maybelline Baby Lips. I was a little late on the bandwagon with this one as I really didn't know if through all the hype, the product itself was actually worth buying. How wrong I was.
 
 
 
 
The Baby Lips I opted for is 'Pink Punch' a deliciously sweet smelling balm that provides your lips with moisture and a light pink tint. The formula of this lipbalm is incredible, it literally is the softest thing ever! It glides across lips smoothly and evenly, coating them with the gorgeous sheen as it goes.
 
 
 
 
I first applied this a few hours ago, and the hydration is still going strong. Bizarrely, so is the scent. It's a very, very sweet scent that's really potent so if you don't like sweet smells I'd give this a miss as you'll literally be smelling it all day! It sort of reminds me of Lush's Think Pink bath bomb, so if you're a fan of that you're going to love this.
 
Another thing I adore about this product is the super cute packaging. The product itself is in a normal 'lipstick' style tube with a twisty bottom which I prefer in a lip balm, and the plastic is the most gorgeous bubblegum-ish pink shade. The cap is clear plastic with 'Maybelline Baby Lips' written in sherbert yellow in an almost graffiti font. If I'm being honest, it kind of reminds me a little of the 17 Blow Out Mascara.  It's fresh and fun and I love it.
 
Superdrug are currently running a promotion for two Baby Lips for £5, which I definitely would have considered if I hadn't already spent all my money! I paid £2.99 for mine and I don't regret a penny.
 
xx
 


Friday 13 September 2013

Mini Haul! River Island & Superdrug

 
 
Hey dolls!
 
Just a super quick post for today, showing you guys what I bought earlier on my trip into town. I've been so busy lately that all days are a blur, and I didn't realise that today is Friday 13th! I would have stayed home for sure if I would have realised, I'm so superstitious!
 
Anyways, I only bought three things today and none of them was the one thing I actually went into town for (a pair of earrings) but that's just what happens sometimes.
 
First up I bought two sets of midi-rings from River Island. These are so gorgeous and simple, definitely my type of jewellery! I often feel overdressed when I wear rings, but these are so nondescript whilst still being statement that I'm in love with them already. I bought them all in the shade 'gold' as they were the only ones in store but I'm fairly certain they do them in black and silver on the website. Just a note, the ones with the little triangle are REALLY small for their size, so definitely try them on before you buy! And that fact is opposite with the little criss-cross ones, as I had to get an XS instead of a Small!
 
Next I went into Superdrug, planning on just checking out the Sleek counter and walked out with one of the Maybelline Baby Lips in Pink Punch. I am in LOVE with this lip balm. It was definitely a 'where have you been all my life?' moment when I first used it earlier. In fact it's so near and dear to my heart that I'm going to grant it it's own post, so keep a look out within the next couple of days.
 
Hope you're all well guys, sorry I haven't been posting too much recently but I have some exciting posts lined up within the next few days that I hope you're going to enjoy.
 
xx
 
 
 
 
 


Sunday 8 September 2013

DIY Sunday: How I Clean My Make-up Brushes!

 
I don't know what it is, but I am so lazy when it comes to keeping things clean and tidy. Believe me, if you could see my bedroom floor right now, you'd see most of my outfits from the past week. Which is totally disgusting, I know, and I'm gonna sort it out in a minute don't worry, but if there's one thing that I always always keep sanitary it's my make-up and my make-up brushes.

There was a point in my make-up wearing life that I didn't actually clean my brushes all that often, and my skin really suffered from it. Picture this: you have a breakout and, naturally, conceal those little suckers with some foundation using your foundation brush. You might then, maybe, add a touch of translucent powder to set it, using your powder brush. All of those germs that come from touching those spots, are going to transfer onto your brushes, then back into your products and then, the next day when you use them all again, back into your skin.

I make it a habit to give my brushes a really deep clean every Sunday, ready for use on the Monday morning when my make-up wearing routine starts again. Of course, if my skin has been misbehaving that week then I might give them a quick rinse if needed, but mostly it's just a Sunday thing.


To clean my brushes, I use Johnson's Baby Shampoo. It's really gentle on both synthetic and natural bristles and gives a really good lather to ensure your cleansing from root to tip. Alternatively, you could mix a little surgical spirit with some water (we do this at college), or of course use a professional brush cleaner. I hear Mac does a good one, but my baby shampoo does the job for me!

What you will need:

Lukewarm water. If your water is too hot, it could loosen the glue over time.

A bowl/a sink.

Baby Shampoo/Brush cleanser of your choice

Hand Sanitizer

Tissue/a small towel

Make-up Brushes

Steps:

Step One: Before I do anything, I always give my hands a quick cleanse themselves with a squirt of hand sanitizer. I then rinse thoroughly under the tap just to be sure they're clean!

Step Two: Dip the tip of your brush into the water. Immerse fully, but try to concentrate on the tips of the brushes - this saves the glue from wearing down over time, and the majority of your make-up will be thicker at the ends.

Step Three: Apply a small blob of baby shampoo to the palm of your hand, depending on the size of the brush.

Step Four: Swirl your brush into the shampoo. Don't be afraid to apply a little pressure - you want to ensure all of the bristles are covered! Keep swirling until it creates a thick lather.

Step Five: Rinse your brush in the water. This process will probably take a few dips to make sure all of the bubbles and make-up residue has been removed. I prefer to do this under a running tap, just so I can gauge when the brush is clean as the water runs clear.

Step Six: Reshape the bristles of the brush with your fingers and then lay it down on a thick wad of tissue to dry.

Step Seven: Repeat for all of your brushes!

It really is that simple guys! The trick to getting really clean brushes is to work as thoroughly as possible, and perhaps even double-cleansing if necessary. I tend to do this with my foundation brush as it's my most used and most clogged with product.

I leave my brushes to dry naturally overnight so they're fresh and ready to use the next morning.

What do you guys use to clean your brushes?

xx

Thursday 5 September 2013

Review: Max Factor Lipfinity Lip Tint

 
 
I don't know what it is, but there's just something about red lips that makes me feel confident, powerful and, frankly, empowered. If I'm feeling a bit crap, or I've woken up late and need to look like I've made an effort when I really haven't, I always lean towards a bold red lip to help me through the day.
 
 
 
 
 
My very dearly beloved favourite is my Lipfinity Lip Tint by Max Factor, a felt-tip pen like lip colour that literally lasts all day long. And I'm for reals here, guys. It lasts ALL DAY. From long morning bus journeys and lunches to me chewing on my lips when I'm nervous, it doesn't budge. Not one bit.
 
The shade I have is 09 (no shade names, boo), a gorgeous deep red shade that is totally wearable and works really well with my pale skin tone. Personally, I think that the shade itself will be slightly altered depending on the natural colour of your lips as it tints instead of sits on top of your actual lips like normal lipsticks and glosses.
 
 
 
 
Applicator-wise, this felt-tip pen style allows precision when applying the tint as the point is very sharp and accurate (without being uncomfortable) and gives a very controlled distribution of the product itself to allow a neat finish. The trick to this is to line the lips first, and then fill in afterwards, kind of like what I used to do with my felt tips when colouring a picture!
 
Sorry, five year old moment there.
 
Moving swiftly on, the product itself is reasonably fast drying, which in itself is a help and a hinderance. It's useful because it means once the colour is in place, you can pretty much just carry on with your day and forget it's there, and it doesn't leave a sticky, heavy feel upon your lips. However, if you don't have the steadiest hand, you should prepare yourself to remove mistakes quickly!
 
The one thing that does irritate me a little about this is that it's not exactly waterproof - sure, I can drink from a glass/bottle without it running all down my chin and it's safe in the rain but poolside (let's all pretend we're going to be around a pool/beach for a little while longer!) it's going to be a problem if you're planning on going for a swim/being thrown into the pool by an annoying relative.
 
 
 
Either way, I am absolutely in love with this product, and it's reasonable price (£7.99) makes it even better. The shade range isn't the best, but because they have my perfect red I think I can forgive them for it!
 
-----
 
First week at college passed without any incidents, although my bus did drive past me this morning which was irritating, especially considering I woke up extra early to catch it! Starting on Body Electricals and full body massage next week, can't wait! Hope you all had a lovely first week back or, if you haven't/don't need to go back, I hope you all had  a lovely week having lie-ins.
 
xx


Sunday 1 September 2013

September Photo Challenge: Super Gorgeous Challenge

 
 
Hey guys, just a quick post to let you know about this photo challenge I found and I'm going to take part in! I got it from Super Gorgeous's blog and just thought I'd share in case any of you wanted to do it as well!
 
My friend Jess (who guest posted on here once) and I are going to do it, and I'm going to upload it as a separate daily post along with all my other planned posts, so sorry if I hog up your bloglovin feed haha!
 
As ever, please leave me a link to your blog if you undertake this challenge as I'd love to see your photos!
 
xx