Tip Tuesday: Fake Tan

With the increased risk in skin cancer from using tanning beds, it is becoming more common for girls and guys to use fake tan. This Tip Tuesday is going to be all about fake tanning, how to achieve a great even fake tan and how to fix any fake tan disasters.

1. First of all it is important to chose a fake tan that is right for you. Whether it be a mousse, spray or lotion, deciding what you can work with is the first step for achieving the perfect fake tan. Personally I use a mousse, as I feel it is easier to blend using a mitt and you can see the application immediately. A spray is good for a quick and easy application where little blending is required, and lotions often need time to build a gradual tan so you cannot see the tan as it is applied. I rarely use fake tan on my face as I feel any tan that I want on my face can be achieved by using bronzer, but tanning wipes or a spray would be best recommended for the face. 

2. EXFOLIATE! Before tanning you should always exfoliate to remove any dead skin cells that may be on your body. Dry and dead skin will only cause the tan to cling to it, resulting in a patchy and uneven fake tan. I would also recommend shaving a day before or after tanning (not immediately!) as a fresh shave then application of tan just leaves horrible razor burn on your legs - not pretty girls!

3. Give yourself plenty time to do your tan and also allow time for it to dry. You do not want to rush as this is something that takes time and effort so that the end product is flawless. Especially with a mousse, you want to take the time to apply using circular motions and then pat over the area to ensure even application. If you can't reach an area such as your back, don't hurt yourself doing all sorts of yoga positions to try and reach.. Just ask someone to do it for you :)

4. The last point I want to talk about is your hands! It has taken me years in order to figure out how to perfectly tan hands without them becoming patchy and giving myself cheesy looking fingers. What I do is to use any remains on my mitt and then go over my hands, up and down my fingers, between my fingers and then lastly over my knuckles. This is the best way I have found of applying tan to my hands without it looking awful. 

If you ever do get that patch of tan on your hands that doesn't look right, or your tan has leaked through the mitt I have found a great little trick to remove it. Simply apply some soap to a luffa and scrub gently to remove any unwanted tan without causing any harm to your skin. This works like an absolute charm and removes any of those unwanted tan patches without you having to make much effort to remove it!

That's all for today's Tip Tuesday! If you liked this and want to read more of my Tip Tuesday's, or have any of your own tips to share then just comment below.

xx

Tip Tuesday: Winged Eyeliner

Back with a quick Tip Tuesday and this one is for the girls! 

Ever have that struggle with winged eyeliner? Of course you do, all of us girlies do unless we have totally perfected it! If you are like me and still struggle to get both eyes matching then here are some of my tips!

1. Firstly find the liner that works for you. Whether it is pencil, gel or a liquid liner.. Find what is easiest for you to work with and stick with it.

2. Use tape at the corner of your eye, just like you would use for creating a perfect eye shadow look in order to get that perfect flick.

3. If you have problems with trying to get the liner as close to your lid as possible then DO THE MASCARA FIRST! Trust me on this. Applying mascara to your lashes causes them to become thicker and harder meaning that you can get right down the bottom of your eyelid along the lash line so there are no gaps in the liner!

4. If you make a mistake do not use anything wet to remove the liner. This always just makes the liner run and makes a great black mess. Be sure to use a dry piece of tissue or a dried cotton bud as they work wonders.

5. Always apply the liner with your head pointing downwards but so you can still see in a mirror. This prevents a build up of liner (especially liquid) from building up on your eyelashes and causing them to clump together... Yuck!

Hope this help girls!!

x

Ance Face Mapping: Understanding Your Spots!

The most important way of dealing with any breakouts is by first understanding what is causing them. One of the best ways to do this is by identifying where your breakouts are happening on your face and using this in order to determine the primary source of the spot.

Here are a few different problem areas of the face, and why you may be getting breakouts at theses places:

Upper Forehead

The upper forehead is directly linked with your digestive system, the large intestines and the bladder.  A poor digestive system will begin to struggle breaking down food resulting in a large build up of toxins. In this case it is important to eat more antioxidant rich foods such as green teas, lemon water and berries. 

Lower Forehead

This area is associated with your mind and spirit. Breakouts in this area are often a result of lack of sleep, stress, depression or even bad blood circulation.  In order to prevent spots in this area, it important that you maintain a good sleep pattern (approx 8 hours a night) and you make time for yourself in order to relax. Whether you are busy at work, school, college or university, or even have personal issues that are causing you stress, take time to relax and clear your mind before solving the problem. Stressing over something does not change the outcome, e.g. if you are stressing over an exam, you know that you are still going to have to do it so just take a breather and get your mind set on the problem you are facing, and find away to solve it. 

Nose

Again, the nose is a problem area affected by blood pressure and stress. Make sure you make time for yourself to relax, even by putting on your favourite film, having a long bubble bath with candles or even taking some time for retail therapy (a personal fave of mine!).

Eyebrows

Spots in the eyebrows, yuk! Who wants spots in their eyebrows right? But it does happen guys! Spots in the eyebrows can be an indication of a poor diet or the consumption of too much alcohol. In this case, detox and clear your body of all the bad stuff that you have been consuming. I am not saying completely change your diet and cut out the food you love, I am just saying do this in moderation. It is important to balance the bad with the good.

Ears

Breakouts in your ears may be a cause of liver problems. This may be due to not drinking enough water, or consuming too much salt or caffine. Make sure you drink your 8 glasses of water a day and cut down on caffine and salts.

Cheeks

Spots on the cheek are caused by lung problems. These lung problems may occur from smoking, respiratory stress and allergies. In order to tackle this area, try to avoid smoking or smoking areas and get plenty of fresh air in order to relieve any respiratory stress. If you have allergies ensure that you are aware of what is causing the allergy (do this by making an appointment with your GP) and taking a regular antihistamine. 

Mouth and Centre of the Chin

The mouth and the chin are related to the stomach and the small intestine. Again spots that are appearing in these areas may be a result of a poor diet such as eating too much fast food or consipation. Try to introduce fresh food with higher fibre into your diet such as, vergetables, fruits and whole grain food. 

Sides of the Chin

The sides of your chin is linked to the reproductive organs and the kidney. This means that breakouts may flare up here during the womans menstrual cycle or even due to the kidneys working overtime due to stress. Ensure that you give yourself plenty time to relax and during that one week a month girls be prepared with sudocream and your favourite spot fighting products to deal with any unwanted spots!

Something a bit different today but I hope you all liked it!

 

My First Haul: What I've Been Buying This Week

 First haul post

So me and my boyfriend decided to go into Edinburgh town this week for the first time since we have moved through to the city in order to do a spot of shopping! Originally I only wanted to go in for the boots but came home with just a bit more... Woops! Keep reading to find details of what I got :) 

Firstly we went into the Princes Street Primark which is five floors of amazingness! So many bargins to be had here so I just couldn't help myself:

I picked up a pair of cute gold and cream shoes for £10 that would be perfect for wearing casual or dressed up! I am usually a size 5 in shoes but seem to be a size 4 in primark shoes. They are kind of grecian style with gold detailing and a zip up the back.  

 

Next I picked up another similar pair of shoes this time in black. Again I got these in a size 4 and they are a classy style - black with silver detailing. Can never go wrong with a pair of flats girls ae? These are perfect again for dressing up or down and were a bargain at £8. 

 

 I then picked up a few essentials whilst still in primark such as some white underwear, a basic maroon coloured t-shirt and primarks eyelashes which I have been dying to try after hearing great reviews! The lashes were only £1, the maroon t £3 and the two bras and pants cost £10 for the 4 pieces :) what a steal!

 

Next we moved on to H&M where I picked up another few items...

Firstly I got the boots I had originally wanted. I've been looking for a nice pair of black inexpensive boots for winter and these ones are perfect. They have an awesome chunky heel which makes them stylish and comfortable to walk in, and also have a suede animal print detail at the back of the boot. I am totally in love with these and think that they will add that extra bit of style to any outfit. At £24.99 I just could not say no.

Then I came across the following little beauty. A grey sleeveless cardigan. This was only £12.99 and is totally my style. Looking forward to pairing this up with my new black boots for my winter wardrobe!

Lastly at H&M I flung in a pair of gold midi rings that were only £2.99...

To finish off my shopping trip I nipped into Superdrug to pick up some necessities such as my favourite simple makeup wipes, and bourjois healthy mix foundation as I was running out.

 The last thing that I am including in this haul is a simple tattoo style choker necklace that I picked up from ebay for around £1.50. I love the fact that these are coming back into style and can add a sense of rock to even the simplest of outfits!

Thanks for reading! If you have any questions about any of the products I have mentioned in this post please leave a comment below and I will try to answer your queries as best as I can.

x

CLINIQUE Moisture Surge Review

I can't even begin to say how long I have been looking for a moisturiser or a primer that truly works for dry skin. I have the worst dry skin and everything that I have tried so far just results in make-up clinging to my dry patches making my skin look even worse than before. That was until I discovered the Clinique Moisture Surge moisturiser. 

This moisturiser can be used under or on top of make-up and claims to give the user 'rapid, long-lasting hydration in a refreshing oil-free gel'. I now swear by this. The formula is a very lightweight fragrance free gel and when applied literally makes your skin feel silky smooth. I have never discovered a product like this before. Also, a little of this product really goes a long way. I have been using it for around a month now and I literally have only used the excess product that was on the inner part of the lid. As it is quite expensive I only bought the 75ml but I know that this will last for a while. 

If you have dry skin, like me, I would highly recommend this. It also acts as a good base before applying your make-up, allowing it to be applied easily with no make-up clinging to those nasty dry patches. 

If any of you have discovered products that really work on dry skin then please comment below and let me know because I would love to know, I'm always on the look out!

Clinique Moisture Surge 50ml (can't see 75ml any more) available at House of Fraser and currently on discount at £28 -  Link

x

Quick and Effective Ways To Get Rid of Spots Fast!

If you are like me and your skin just does not want to work with products by well known skin perfecting brands, there are some cheap methods of improving your skin at home that you can try without buying any harsh and ineffective face washes!

Firstly, let me tell you I have tried them all. From Clearasil, Clean and Clear and Biore to Tea Tree and NOTHING works for my skin!! I cannot explain how frustrating this is after reading review upon review of how well they have worked for other people, but they just don't do it for me. My skin used to be extremely dry and only now at the age of 21 years young it has began to become quite oily. I have found that using harsh products such as Clearasil and Biore (review on Biore products coming soon) only irritate my skin more causing further breakouts and even more dry flakey areas. And yes, this has resulted in copious amounts of product being chucked before half the bottle has even been used.. Pet hate. There is one brand of skin care products that I swear by. Freederm. Not only does this work wonders for the skin by clearing up any blemishes, it is not harsh and does not irritate my skin in anyway, shape or form. I LOVE it, but, like I said this blog is going to look at cost effective ways of treating your skin at home for those that cannot afford or simply don't want to keep buying products for their skin until they eventually find one that works for their own kin type.

Lets look at the cheap alternatives guys and gals!

  

1. REFRAIN FROM PICKING & SQUEEZING

That's right people, one of the worst things you can do for your spots is to pop, pick or squeeze them. As tempting as it is you have to stop yourself from doing this to avoid leaving scars on your face or your body. Especially when using your fingers, you are touching your face with your hands that have been touching 10308381831031 things already in the day, so god knows what kind of dirt you are transferring onto your skin and into your pores. Just don't do it people, you will regret it later in life. 

2. SHOWER

No guys, I don't mean just have a shower... I have heard that taking your shower head and blasting it in your face whilst showering is an effective way of opening up your pores in order to clear out any dirt and other impurities that are hiding in there. 

3. STEAMING

Similar to having a cold, blocked sinuses or a fever you can attempt steaming to open up your spots. Boil a kettle and pour this into a bowl, then sit with a towel over your head in order to enclose the steam from the bowl like a mini sauna. Yep you sure will look daft but it will work to release trapped dirt in your skin.

4. SUNLIGHT

Getting out in the sun is also another great way of helping your spots. UV rays are great for clearing up your skin by reducing redness and size of spots. Unfortunately in Scotland there is a serious lack of sunshine within the year. Although not everyone agrees with using sunbeds, if you are then a few trips to your local tanning studio will clear up your skin in no time when it flares up. 

5. NOT WEARING AS MUCH MAKEUP

Ladies, this one is for you. When in the house and know that you aren't going anywhere for the day try not to wear any makeup. It is good to give your skin a break from it for a while if you tend to wear it every day as it gives your skin the chance to breathe. Makeup clogs your pores and when it isn't removed properly you are likely transferring the dirty makeup onto the pillows that you sleep on each night. This is a vicious cycle when you think you are removing your makeup properly but you are only making your skin work by sleeping on makeup ridden pillow cases, yucky!

6. SUDOCREM 

The holy grail people. Sudocrem is magic when it comes to clearing your spots. For those that don't know, Sudocrem is an antiseptic healing cream that can be found in any supermarkets or makeup store such as boots and Superdrug. Apply this to your spots during the day around the house or at night whilst you sleep and lie on a towel to avoid cream going everywhere and it will reduce redness and spot size over night. It does come in at around £5 but this will be worth it, especially as there are many uses for it such as; nappy rash, eczema and surface wounds.

I swear by it, as do many of my friends and other people that use this in order to improve their skin. Oh and I can't forget to mention that the gorgeous Cheryl Cole is a huge fan of using this as a skin perfecting treatment ;-) and I'm sure we can all agree how flawless her skin is!!

I hope that this post has helped as I know how expensive it can be trying to find a treatment that will work for your skin, but remember that the cheap and home remedies are sometimes the best way to improve your skin! Comment below with any other cheap or home methods you have for treating your skin at home because I would love to hear them.

Thanks for reading xo