Sunday 25 August 2013

DIY Jewellery | Accessories that are Fun and Free!

Hello my lovelies!
Today I have decided to give myself the task of creating my own jewellery - in particular, a new watch!
Now, I'm not crazy, and I'm not an engineer so I won't be creating the watch face by myself...
Tomorrow, I'm going to be popping down to Old Dubai to pick up some trinkets and artsy supplies from the souk and old shops down there, which I am going to use to make some of my very own jewellery!
I was so excited about all of this that I just couldn't wait to tell you! I love DIY projects, especially when they can save me some money...
So, I'll post my finished masterpieces up in a couple of days time so you can tell me what you think and whether you would like a tutorial on how to make them :)
If you have any ideas or seen any pictures of jewellery online that you really want to make but don't know how then send them to me and I'll see what I can do as well as get inspiration for my own crafts!
Love you all,
Izzy x

Beauty Fact of the Day #6 | Rare Eyes

The rarest eye colour you can find is true green eyes. Furthermore, women are more likely to have green eyes than men and the rarity is due to the fact that green eyes result from a rare genetic mutation!

Thursday 22 August 2013

Liebster Award | Questions for Beauty Bloggers

Well, I've been in England for a relaxing two weeks - with limited internet access :| . And I'm back to find I've been nominated for the Liebster award by two lovely people! First, I was nominated by Caroline from Caz Reviews... - go check out her blog, her writing is so engaging! Second is Elizabeth from Beauty and Beyond - a blogger who keeps you interested with every post! 
 


For those of you that don't know the Liebster award is for bloggers with under 200 followers and its a way of getting to know a bit more about each other. The idea is that you answer the eleven questions set by the person that nominates you and then nominate eleven more people to do the same with the questions you set! - no tag backs! and don't forget to mention the person that tagged you!


So I'm going to answer both sets of questions :)

 First are the questions from Caroline:

What is your favourite food that you could eat all day long?

Noodles! Forever and always :P

If you could have three wishes, what would you wish for and why?

1. Snow (because I live in Dubai and it's impossible!)
2. To be able to fly (so that I could travel the world for free)
3. Noodles (because I'm hungry)

If you could go back in time to any decade, when would it be?

Hmm... that's a tricky one, but I would probably say the 70's or 80's because I would be able to go watch a Queen concert!

What is your favourite film?

Oooohh, I can't choose! I think... Finding Nemo :P

How old were you when you started to get into beauty and make up?

I would say about thirteen or fourteen... Although I would only wear a very minimal amount.

What relationship do you treasure in your life and who is it with?

My little sister, because she's such a bundle of fun! (although my cat is a very close second)

How often do you enjoy reading blogs?

Whenever I get the chance :) I love finding ideas for different beauty techniques and DIY stuff'.

Is the glass half empty of half full?

Half full! Except during exam weeks...

What is your favourite beauty product of all time?

Only one?! :o Oh, give me a moment...

I'm going to have to go for this one (it leaves my hair über shiny and helps control my waves and curls):

What do you do to relax and de-stress?

Well, I have a few things I do...
1. Go for a run or dog walk - when I need to think things over
2. Write a song and play piano - when I need to get things out of my head
3. Curl up with Calvin, my cat - when I need a furry friend :3

If you could shop for beauty or fashion products in any major city in the world where would you choose?

 Ah, if I had the choice... and the money :P ... I think I would go to Paris!

 
 
 

 Now the questions from Elizabeth:

What is something people may not know about you?

I have four dimples, if I smile really crazy and wrinkle up my whole face! :P My most prominent two are on my cheeks and then I have smaller ones on either side of my mouth (where people usually get dimples).

Why did you start blogging?

Well, it was summer time. I needed a hobby. I love writing, the Internet, and beauty-related things so.... do the math ;).

Describe your blog.

Ooh let's see... I tend to jabber on about my experiences in the world of beauty, including skincare, makeup, hair-do's, fashion, accessories, and different products. I try to entertain as well so that it's not too boring :P Furthermore, you'll probably find a couple of random things as well (such as some articles on my cat and other things) because that's just the kind of person I am... crazy. ;)

High-End of Drugstore?

Forgive me if I'm not entirely sure what this is asking :P So, I'm going to take a guess and say that 'of' is an 'or'.... in which case, drugstore (Boots, to be more precise)!

What is your favorite lipstick?

Hmm... To be honest, I don't think I have one! I much rather lip gloss and if I really want a burst of colour, I use Revlon Colour Burst Lip Gloss in hot pink.

 

What is your favorite accessory?

This was an easy one :) I am in love with this necklace my Mum bought me from accessorise:
 
 
It's looking well loved by now but I think it adds a sort of rustic charm! :P

What is something you are addicted to?

Noodles. Can't get enough of them! And cucumbers for some odd reason.

Describe your style.

A little bit of everything to be honest. A litte preppy, a little vintage, a little funky, and in some cases very bold. I love to dress up when I can afford to but often you'll find me in a plain tee-shirt and jeans (I love jeans!) topped off by my favourite accessories and boots.

What is your favorite television show?

I have so many! So, I'm just going to list them... Downton Abbey, The Simpsons, Father Ted, Dad's Army, and plenty more...

If you could meet one celebrity who would it be and why?

Freddie Mercury. But it was not to be. :(

What makes you happy?

Lying on my bed, listening to Queen, stroking my purring cat, while eating a bowl of Singapore noodles!
 
 
So, those are all my answers :) Here are my questions: 
  1. Favourite ice-cream flavour?
  2. Best skincare product? 
  3. Is your nail polish plain, patterned, or crazy?
  4. Who is your favourite model?
  5. Mascara or lipstick? 
  6. If you could dye your hair any colour for the day, what would it be? 
  7. Favourite type of hat?
  8. Heels or flats? 
  9. Which makeup items would you take when visiting another country?
  10. What are your favouritest-ever shoes?
  11. If you could swap lives with anyone for a day, who would it be?
 
And now for the people who I'm nominating! Really looking forward to your replies :)

Wednesday 7 August 2013

Beauty Fact of the Day #5 | Potatoes for your Eyes?

It may sound strange, but if you take a couple of slices from a fresh, raw, washed, peeled potato and lay them on your eyes for 10 minutes, it will reduce under-eye puffiness. Furthermore, an enzyme contained in the potatoes - which is often used in cosmetics such as skin-lightening products - can help lighten dark circles under the eyes.
Haters gonna hate. Potatoes gonna potate.

Tuesday 6 August 2013

Beauty Fact of the Day #4 | Which grows faster?

Q: Which grows faster? Hair or nails?
 
A: Your hair grows three times faster than your nails!
 

My Night Time Routine | Products and Tips


Helloooo, it's me! And I'm about to share my most cherished moment of the day. Right before I get into bed and close my eyes for some well-deserved sleep, I take part in a sacred ritual, one many girls are familiar with. The getting-ready-for-bed session.

Some may deem this part of the day as chore-like or unnecessary... However, I view these evening allotments a time of utmost importance and frankly, a moment to just think about me (however vain that may sound.. eek). But what is it that I do during these precious minutes?

Well, on the average day I shall begin by cleansing my face to reveal the natural me beneath the makeup - don't worry, I don't wear a mask of makeup everyday but this step is unmissable, as it lets your skin breathe by removing dirt and dead skin cells.

I began by splashing my face with warm water and removing my eye makeup, gently, with cotton pads and Nivea's double effect eye makeup remover - so far, it's the most effective one I have found.
I then cleanse my face and remove the rest of the makeup using Clean&Clear's deep action cream cleanser. I have found this has done wonders for my skin - which is naturally quite oily and prone to outbreaks.
I will then rinse this off with cold water and pat my skin dry.
 The next step is a toner. I use SebaMed Clear Face deep cleansing facial toner - for acne prone skin - which is great at combatting spots but can dry out your face if not paired with a moisturiser.
So, I apply a wonderful moisturiser which I am absolutely in love with! It is Clean&Clear Dual Action Mosturiser - and it keeps your skin moisturised while combatting spots (yay ^_^).
Furthermore, if I have developed any particularly pesky spots that day, I dab a small amount of Avène's TriAcnéal spot cream on the problem areas. I find this really effective however if used excessively it can dry out your skin a lot, so I only use it on the nastiest of spots!  
This next step is a fault in my part and a call-out to you guys. Currently, I am in desperate need for an under-eye moisturiser that will help me eradicate my dark circles so if you have any great suggestions do let me know! At this step of my night-time routine, I tend to cheat and apply some Vaseline to my under-eyes and lips to keep them extra nourished and moisturised while I sleep.
Finally, I tend to my hands. I begin with massaging a heavenly cuticle oil into my nails, which is called Kiss rejuvenate nail and cuticle oil. Not only is it fantastic at it's job, but it smells lovely!
 
I then end the routine with some gorgeous smelling Cath Kidston handcream - my favourite of the set being Wild Rose.
So that makes up my night time routine, what about you? Do you have any favourite products or suggestions when getting ready for bed?

Monday 5 August 2013

Beauty Fact of the Day #3 | How to Know if Someone Loves You

When you look at someone you're attracted to, your pupils dilate (get bigger)...
 
 

...or it could just be that the surroundings got darker. :P  
 
 

Sunday 4 August 2013

Beauty Fact of the Day #2 | Hair Colour!

On average, different natural hair colours have different numbers of hairs on their head!
Blonde = 140,000
Brunette = 110,000
Black = 108,000
Red-head = 80,000


Well, I guess that makes me a big-haired blonde! That would explain why I struggle so much with frizzyness - I spend most of my morning flattening and conditioning my knotted locks.
What's your natural hair colour? :P

A Fun Blogging Post Challenge | Try it Out!

So, I was milling around the Internet, as I always do in the middle of the night...
And I came across this wonderful woman!
She makes me laugh and she creates unique and hilarious posts :)
Annnndddd she inspired me to create my very own gif post!
And I want you to make one too!
That's right. So your task is to create a post using a series of gifs that sum up what your blog is about... (you can get loads of gifs here: http://giphy.com/)
Here's mine:
My blog is about beauty...
 
With HowTo's on hair.
Some makeup tips and tricks.
A few words on fashion.
And a little pinch of crazy-blonde-cat-lady.
But I'm quite new in the blogging world.
 
 So I'm still finding my niche... but to be honest, I'm just here to have some fun :)


There you go! Now, it's your turn! Put a link to your post in the comments below :)

Saturday 3 August 2013

Beauty Fact of the Day #1 | Smile!

According to a study done by Orbit Complete, nearly 70% of people find women more attractive when they smile than when they wear makeup...
Hmm, interesting. That probably won't stop you putting your makeup on (it wouldn't stop me :P) but hopefully you'll smile a little more :D
Although if you're an unconfident little child with braces - yup, me again - then you might stick to the mouth-closed smile... Don't worry, it's just as pretty :) However, a big cheesy grin with braces tells the world that you are a confident and upbeat person! So, don't be afraid of showing off that dental work! Haha... almost talking to myself here.

DIY Face Masks | Natural and Homemade - for Lovely Skin

If you're anything like me, then you've probably asked Google how to achieve radiant skin a bazillion times - and skimmed through every how to article available.

Yet, I remain baffled by my face. One day, my skin will be yearning for some moisture and the next moment, I'll look like an oil spill. And don't even get me started on those pesky under-eye areas. And the spots... Lady Macbeth put it well: Out, damned spot! out, I say!
But look at how she ended up.

However, do not fear! Where there is a will (and a couple of natural ingredients), there is a way! I have tried countless cosmetics and chemical filled face masks but I always return to the trustworthy naturals. So, my fellow faces, put your purse away and head on down to the fridge...

Honey!

I love this ingredient! As well as sweetening dishes, honey is wonderful for your skin. You can apply it on it's own... but you know me, that isn't exciting enough!
I enjoy experimenting, a little like an evil scientist - or a witch, witchever you prefer (hehe, a pun). For skin like mine, I enjoy mixing honey with some egg whites and a little bit of bicarbonate of soda. Not only is this great for cleansing pores while applying nutrients, it froths up so it's fun to make! - I know, I know, I'm a little childish...
However, I found that this isn't the most moisturising concoction. You can also mix some flour, milk, and the not-so-secret ingredient, honey! This is wonderfully nourishing and sticks to your face a little better.
 

Fruits!

 
Again, this won't come as a surprise. Fruits are full of minerals, good for both the inside and outside. But here are my favourites...
Bananas! They make my skin lovely and smooth and help with my dark under-eyes.
Avocados! These are actually used in a lot of cosmetics due to their antioxidants which help slow down the aging of skin.
Lemon Juice! I use this on days filled with particularly bothersome blemishes. However, on it's own, this can dry your skin out so I like to mix it up (yay! Potions-making time!) with some all-natural yoghurt.
 

Tomatoes!

 
Okay, okay, so they're fruits too... But there's a lot of debate over that and anyway, I thought they deserved a little section of their own. Tomato face masks are great for brightening and nourishing your skin. I like to just pop them into the blender along with a few other ingredients, such as oatmeal, yoghurt, or whatever I can find in the kitchen at the time!



So, those are my favourites! I haven't bothered with instructing you on putting this many cups of so and so, along with a certain number of teaspoons of this because I believe that measurements are a little silly (unless of course, you're actually going to eat it, in which case taste-testing is everything), and you can leave it on for as long as you feel necessary - I usually leave mine on for about half an hour.

Therefore, mix it up, try it out, and make your own! If you have any other suggestions, or feedback, or just want to chit-chat, then leave a lovely comment below ^_^
Byeeee x

Izzy ♥ - Life, Love, and Laughter
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