Nails & Tea

The best quick relaxation combo any girl should do?....

GET A MANICURE.

So I decided to go and get a manicure since my nails were in dire need of attention, but of course it can't be all that fun without a friend by your side so that you could be chatting away and forgetting the world for an hour.

Tea is a must to help the process of relaxation, but those marshmallows on the side... YUM.  My sister (who came with me) gobbled up both our meringues - apparently they were delicious.

Luckily for me, my manicurist had the softest touch and was very careful when doing my nails, i loved it.

I don't know about you but when i don'y feel comfortable during a session, i think that it is NEVER worth it, especially once you get hurt or it's not up to your standards, well then believe me, everything goes downhill from that point on.

Since it's spring now and everybody is having a hard time dealing with hay fever (esoecially yours truly) I found that this recipe helps keep evryhing in check.

The ingredients:

- A mug of your choice

- Lemon slices 

- Honey

- Twinnings - Revitalizing Lemon & Ginger Tea  

Add water into your mug and plce the tea bag inside, once that has settled for a while take out the tea bag nd place as many lemon slices as you'd like. I put in just one.

For some sweetness, add a couple table spoons of honey - or as much as your sweet tooth would like to have. 

Voila !! The prefect relaxing, soothing, delicious cup of tea.

Nearly forgot to mention my current nail colour obsession !! I have been wearing this colour for the past 3 or 4 months. Its perfect, not quite winter, not quite spring. It fits all the seasons.

The colour i have on is Essie's - Sand Tropez.

How are you handling your spring time?

February Favorites

Wow! I can't believe that February has ended already. It seems as though it was valentines day just yesterday. 

Well, with another month ending, that means it is time for a monthly favorites post yaaay. 

(tbh one of my most favorite posts and videos on youtube are the monthly favorites; I guess its nice to see & find out about products and what people think of them)

Anyway though, I have my own little collection to share.

As you may know from my previous post, i was obsessing over getting my hands on the Laura Mercier body collection in Ambre Vanille and I finally managed to get my hands on these babies. 

I can do a full review on the whole set if you'd like because it is absolutely amazing.

On the left is the body cream that I use every single time I get out of the shower without fail. My body feels and smells the way any girl would want it to - soft, smooth, extravagant.

On the right is the candle that came with the collection. It is pretty small yes but packed with the aroma of 3 candles.  You don't need to burn it for a long time because the smell is strong yet not overwhelming and just after 15 minutes of burning, the room would smell lovely and it will last for hours. 

Although I've been using it for a whole month for my whole body every other day, I have just used up about 1/5 of this mini cream. A little definitely goes a long way, exactly what a cream should be like.

We have been having a lot of random hot days here, so I found that this Chanel Rouge Coco Shine - 52 Fetiche is the PERFECT colour for me and this transitioning weather that is upon us.  It is the faintest plummy-pink (mauve based rose) colour with a bit of micro-shimmers. During the cold/gloomy days it looks perfect. And during the sunny days the small specs of glitter shine from the reflection of the sun onto your lips, also giving the illusion of bigger lips.  To me it says - I'm ready for you floral spring but I haven't forgotten you cosy winter. A definite favorite.

 This gum.  I can't even begin to express my love for this gum. Ok let me try it this way: 

You have made classes less boring and breaths fresher than ever,

You taste soo damn good and your flavour lasts forever. 

The smell you leave in my bag makes my mouth water, 

I look for you in every store I enter just like a stalker.

Well there you have it, I'm a poet without even knowing it. 

But seriously, every bag and pocket should carry one of these. 1 packet has 12 long pieces, but I usually cut each one into a half because yup, even a half of a stick is just as good and works just as well.

Wrigley's 5 - Turbulance "...A mouthwatering watermelon

I have run out of my signature scent and i absolutely refuse to wear anything else, but my mom got me this Bvlgari Omnia Amethyst perfume a while ago and i thought I'd give it a try.

I really like the smell. It makes me think of a sophisticated lady in a white fedora hat with all the class and elegance in the world - if that makes sense.

I can't quite describe it except for that it is a strong yet light smell that lasts all day and even when I want to repeat the outfit, the smell is still there.

I recommend that u take a whiff next time you're in a perfume store.

Of course it wouldn't be a favorites post without the current reading obsession. 

" Dont Sweat The Small Stuff... and its all small stuff " by Richard Carlson.

This book, oh my goodness, this book has currently taken over my life...for the better.

I would describe this book as a 'self help' book for EVERYBODY. It teaches you how to overcome the little things in life that may push your buttons or that constantly make you unhappy without you even knowing that they do. I love it.

The chapters are so basic and to the point at 1 page and a half (give or take).

It is truly helping me in my everyday life because what the book says just sticks to your mind without you even realizing it. For example -I realized that I never truly "enjoy the moment" because i am constantly in a mind battle of whats to come next like- if I'm having dinner with a friend, I'm constantly thinking about my curfew and when I should leave to be on time and if I have enough cash for the parking. And this is completely true!! Once this book helped me realize this and what I should do to not think about the future, I now completely enjoy whatever it is that I am doing! Even when i do find myself thinking, I just remember the book and what it said and I slip back into the present moment and enjoy myself.

This book is a must to anyone and everyone.

I recommend it with all my heart.

Truly an inspirational read.

I realized that my favourite kind of notebook to write on is the Ogami stone paper notebook. The feeling when writing on it is so smooth that it makes me want to write and draw even though I'm no artist nor extraordinary writer.

I found this mini mint green notebook one day in a random store and though it is just perfect for writing lists and blog ideas ( I got it in white as well ). I now only buy stone paper.

Side note - stone paper is waterproof therefore you need not to worry if falls into a puddle or something gets spilled on it.

Last but not least, the Bed Head Epic Volume Conditioner.  This seriously is the most softening conditioner I have ever used. My hair looks 10x healthier and shinier.  Its thick consistency makes it easier for your hair to soak it up and it leaves the best strawberry smell in my hair that lasts all the way till my next shower!

Yes it is a bit pricier than your regular conditioner but I think that its a nice splurge for your hair , a pamper gift if you will.

How to: | Oh So Soft Hands

Ok, so almost all of us want one of those kind of hands where when someone just brushes or accidentally touches them we want their reaction to be " WOW, your hands are so soft !!"

Well, i have just discovered the very secret to getting those amazingly soft, smooth, delicious smelling hands.

My friend Jo and i recently went to have a look at the Laura Mercier makeup collection, and as we were looking, Jo kept raving about the body cream called Creme Broulee and how amazing it was and how delicious it smelt.  I was quite intrigued and so i asked the sales lady if i could smell all of their available body scents.  They were all divine but the one scent that Jo and myself fell in love with was the Ambre Vanilla collection.  Oh my goodness how spectacular that scent was. It didn't give me a headache like most scents do which is a huge plus for me.

Trying out the tester body cream souflee, i immediately knew that this collection just had to be mine.  The cream itself was so light, liquid almost.  A little went a long way, and it spread out so smoothly, so evenly, so lightly.  This is what the definition of what a cream is.  

But to my dismay, they were sold out of everything in that scent except for a small hand cream and body butter.  I was heart broken. I was (and still am) desperate to get my hands on the body cream souflee, shower gel, honey bath, and body scrub.  (You shall be mine i promise.) hehe.

I decided to get the hand cream.  Best decision of the day believe me.  

I applied some on my hands. 

Non-greasy perfection.  

My hands just soaked up the cream in no time.  After that, i could not stop touching my hands or smelling them !! My hands got so hydrated and looked so healthy if that is possible.  And the scent, no joke, lasted about 5 hours after the application if not more!! 

I felt like such a lady with my amazing hands. Just as they should be and just as i should always feel like.  It is these kinds of products that every lady should have and use daily.

I cant rave about this product enough. I HIGHLY,HIGHLY recommend that you purchase it.  

Lush Products | Lips

I don't know about you, but during the cold months my lips turn SUPER dry therefore I tend to pick at the dry areas....very attractive.

 

 

So I popped into Lush the other day and i asked the lovely lady what the best remedy is.  She recommended that I try one of the lip scrubs they had.  Of course with me having a sweet tooth I just had to go with the vanilla and chocolate sugar lip scrub.  Trying it out at the store the results were absolutely amazing!! They were soft and my lipstick easily went on. 

 

 

 

 

 

Its basically sugar (yum) with a hint of vanilla and chocolate (double yum), which made it hard for me not to keep licking my lips.  You just take a little amount (or else it will just fall off your lips) and scrub your lips with your finger.  leave for a minute then lick your lips since they are all natural ingredients - in fact that's what the lady told me to do.  For extra soft lips, repeat and leave it on a little longer.

 

 

And ofourse how can anyone go into lush and just buy 1 item?

So I found this beautiful ruby lip balm called A Million Kisses. I applied it on after the lip scrub and let just tell you....hello perfect combination, especially for winter.  It is a bit hard to remove off of your finger though.  Plus you can increase the darkness of the colour buy just applying more layers.

 

 

 

 

I highly recommend that you check them out whenever you next visit Lush.  They always have something for everyone.

Empities I absolutely LOVED

 

 

Finally thought i'd do this post for those of you who are interested in just some of the products that I keep using and repurchasing.

 

For hair products, I just can't live without these.

 

Firstly, Herbal Essences Body Envy Conditioner.  This conditioner leaves my hair unbelievably soft and healthy looking !! I've been using the same conditioner for almost 5 years now... I usually switch it up but I keep gravitating back to this one.

 

Next is the L'Oreal Elnett Satin hair spray... needless to say almost all of you have used this at least once before.  Great for those pesky small hairs that need taming or for any hairstyle for that matter.

 

Ahh next is the Baptiste Dry Shampoo.  Ive tried so many different dry shampoo whether high end or cheap but this is hands down the BEST and it lasts a really long time. I Love It.

 

The L'Oreal Indestructible Volume spray, perfect for when I want to do a flawless sleek bun or ponytail. It makes my har stick to my head... better than using gel or having an "oily" look to it. Just the right final look is achieved by this spray. 

 

Let's start off with hands : about 2 years ago I tried the Bath and Body works hand sanitizer called "I Love Boys". It smells delicious !! I can't quite put my finger on it but I'm guessing its a strong perfume watermelon.  I'm not sure if they still have these but I bought myself 4 and then for my 18 or 19th birthday my friend got me several more, so I have quite the collection going :D

 

Next is the L'occitane Limited Edition Shea Vanilla. Now for this I am 100% sure that they don't sell these because I have looked everywhere for them. Too bad though, it was my favorite hand cream and it lasted really long too.

 

I have really really sensitive skin and my face will tend to react with some makeup products that I use, therefore 3 years ago I started using the Cetaphil moisturizer as a base for my makeup. The best face moisturizer for sensitive skin, and a little goes a long way !! This was my 3rd and currently I'm using my fourth.

 

Bioderma makeup remover... Oh My Goodness !! TOTALLY worth the hype !! And worth every penny. I used to use makeup remover wipes (I still do) alone but when the makeup remover wipes show that I have no more makeup to remove (I.e. clean when I wipe my face) and then I use the bioderma on a cotton pad and wipe ... the amount of leftover makeup ... I can't even tell you how shocked I was. So yeah, a total MUST if you want your face completely free of makeup and clean.

Onto Makeup...yaaay :D

Estee Lauder's daywear BB cream with spf 35.  A tinted moisturizer if you will.  I just use this bad boy after I've applied my Cetaphil cream. Its expensive yes but I kid you not, this little tube lasted me 7 months !! I use it EVERY SINGLE DAY, sometimes twice.

 

Mac's black liquid eyeliner, I must thank my friend for getting me 2 of these for Christmas because honestly, the best liquid liner I've used. Just a down side is that it dries up really really quickly.

 

I will alternate mascaras, between Avon's Curlatious Mascara, Benefit's They're Real and this, Maybeline's Turbo Volume Mascara. But I always always always come back to maybeline.  It actually makes my eyelashes grow !! They currently reach my eyebrows when I look up.  I think it is the best one out there but it is always overlooked sadly.

That's ok though... more for me when I need to re-purchase mwahahaa.

The ONLY lipstick that I have ever repurchased and the only lipstick that I wear EVERYDAY is the Mac - Amorous. It is my all time favorite. A deep maroon colour (my favorite colour) that is not too dark to be an everyday colour. It is just right - Goldilocks :D

Benefit's Hoola Bronzer. A bit too dark and dirty looking if applied in the wrong way or if the person has a heavy hand. Luckily I have mastered how to apply it and I use it all over my face as a basic "tan" if you will. My 3rd box so far.

Crest 3D White Mouthwash, the best mouthwash to help maintain a white smile and giving you minty fresh breath. Not more I can say really.

 

My signature scent - Jimmy choo.

The only perfume I've been wearing for the past couple of years. Smell this and you'll smell me :D

 

Bath and Body works mini candle in "Summer Berries". A rich aroma for the bedroom just to give it a relaxing and beautiful smell. Can I say beautiful smell? Dunno.

 

The best for last.

THE BEST body cream I have EVER used. The Body Shop Vineyard Peach. It has all the components of what a girl looks for in a cream: Amazing yummy smell, great packaging, a pump, pink :D, fully moisturizing where you feel extremely soft and your body just absorbs it right up and it gives you a faint glow.

Great product, a definite favorite as well. I have used the peach several times so im pondering whether I should try another fruit, strawberry perhaps.

 

Is it weird that I have a collection of empty stuff just sitting in my room? Ahh the things I do :'D

Naked Flushed | My Review

 

I've recently purchased the Naked Flushed compact and my thoughts on this product are ...

It's amazing!

 

The bronzer is the perfect colour for my skin tone, its not really dark and not "dirty" looking on my skin. It gives me the exact colour i want to contour and bronze up my face. Yes, it is matte which in my opinion is the only way a bronzer should be because personally i dont like shimmery bronzers.  Also, it is quite buildable and you can make it as harsh or soft as you like.

 

The blush is quite dark and it has a little bit of shimmer which is okay i guess. You have to be really careful when applying as it does go on as dark as the swatch that is on my arm (above).

 

The highlighter is super pigmented and has a lot of shimmer but it is very subtle on the face and makes the light bounce off your skin in the perfect way. I use just a little bit of it on my cheek bones using my finger.

 

Overall this product is the best product that has all 3 in 1 products that a girl practically needs and the tiny size is just right for placing in your purse/bag and even for when you go travelling. Completly light weight and so far my favorite product this month!

 

I will soon attach a picture of what they look like individually on my face and what all 3 look like as well on my face. ❤