How to meditate

I know this blog is primarily about fashion and beauty, but why not throw in a bit of "lifestyle" too?

So, if you have had a stressful day, week, month, year, decade (you get the gist) then this might just help you to relax, refresh and feel a bit happier for the summer.

• Find a peaceful place where any noise and other disruptions will be at a minimum.  You need to be able to focus without added stimuli.

• Make sure the clothing you are wearing allows to feel comfortable and to be able sit comfortably too. Also ensure you are warm/cool enough so you don't feel the need to rush in or outside to warm up or cool down!

• Set aside some time. If you are a "beginner" you may only need 5 minutes but its entirely up to you. Try to meditate around the same time each day so it can become routine.

• It may be an idea to do stretch before you begin to meditate so you do not ache whilst sitting for perhaps a slightly longer period of time in your position. This will also help as it means you won't have to worry about aches and pains whilst you try to relax.

• Sit somewhere comfy, a good place is on the floor with a cushion beneath you for uppity. Make sure you sit with good posture, eventually you will get used to not slouching and begin to breathe easily.

• Try to breathe normally (in through the nose and out through the mouth preferably) however focus on it and be aware of it.

• Try saying a mantra, this is a word or phrase said repeatedly to relax the mind and body.

• Closing your eyes will help you to block out "visual clutter" however you may choose to focus on a particular object with your eyes open.

Current favourites

Hey guys! I thought now would be a good time, since June has been and gone and we are rapidly moving through July, to do my 'current favourites'.

(In no particular order)

• Deodorant: You're probably thinking, bit weird posting about deodorant because lets face it, we all just use any old deodorant, but I'll be honest- it's a good one. I prefer roll on to spray because A) I don't start choking on the really strong, disgusting fumes B) I find it a lot more refreshing! This is the Sure, sensitive (no alcohol!) aloe vera deodorant and it's lovely to apply and really cooling. 

• Tangle teezer: I don't know how anyone with long thick hair like mine can survive without one of these. It's so gentle on your hair and makes brushing it a lot easier! (Plus the bright pink and green is awesome). 

• JAM bluetooth speakers: I love this speaker so much, I got it as a gift in May and it's one of the best gadgets I own! Firstly, it's bluetooth so no need to have your phone plugged in (unless you really want to) so you can snapchat to your hearts consent, it's very portable and the sound quality is brilliant. 

• Clarins Eau Ressourçante: This perfume is so fresh and light, it makes me feel like I have just hopped out of the shower which I love! 

• Seventeen instant glow: I love this powder currently, if I am wearing very minimal/no makeup I just sweep this onto my cheek bones and I instantly have glowy, slightly bronzed skin. Great summer product! 

• Black and blue baggy trousers (turkish trousers?) from new look: These are seriously comfy and in fashion too. I love the blue swirly print, it reminds me of henna. These are going to be a summer holiday must have- I can feel it! 

• Eos lip balm in honey suckle honey dew: This smells so good and the shape is super fun. I have other colours/flavours but I love this one as it's unusual. All the eos lip balms are smooth and moisturising! 

• Rainbow loom bracelet: Loom bands- everyone wears them! Boys, girls, men and women. So, what's not to like about this rainbow coloured fish tail loom bracelet! 

• Essie fill the gap: My nails are not in tip-top condition so often when I apply nail polish there are ridges and general unevenness. This is a great base coat and I believe it has also improved the condition of my nails- give it a go!

• Glass nail file: All I can say is that I much prefer glass/crystal nail file. They don't rip to pieces like I find some normal files do, they give a smooth finish and get the job done quicker. 

• Frizz ease: My hair frizz is really annoying! My cousin introduced this to me and it is brilliant. I use a small amount before and after straightening my hair and I get a sleek look every time! 

So that's everything then! What are your current favourites? Let me know :) 

As always, keep smiling... you're beautiful! x

Nail polish faves!

This month I have been loving the Barry M, Gelly effect nail polish. At only £3.99 they apply smoothly and dry to a high-shine, glossy and long wearing finish!

I have the colour...

Prickly Pear

 

Green Berry

 



Papaya

 



 

Pictures belong to 'polishedcrimals.com' and 'ninjapolish.com'

 

 

 

Keep smiling, you're beautiful! x

 

 

Beauty investments that I don't regret

I think I can speak for everyone- makeup can be SO expensive, we are constantly being told we 'HAVE to have this new palette' or 'these primers are like nothing else' and often we end up spending so much money on things we later regret. But I'm here to give a helping hand and tell you about the things that are worth the splurge!

In no particular order...

The Urban Decay Naked Palette
Yes... I just said it, and so have so many other beauty bloggers. I love it! You can create any neutral/brown look and the shades are gorgeous and blend so well. I only have the first one and I am definitely considering getting 2 & 3.

 

 

Sigma brushes

If a brush is well shaped, soft and doesn't shed- I'm sold. This kit was pricey but so worth it and I feel that brushes are investment we should all make. I'm very pleased with the versatile set I purchased!

Expensive/Quality perfume- Yves Saint Laurent

There is a difference between cheap and expensive perfume and people notice it. Expensive perfumes are structured with various notes that allow it to develop during the day/night. One I like in particular is Manifesto by Yves Saint Laurent. According to the experts...

Heart notes

Sambac Jasmine Absolute, Lily of the Valley Accord, Creamy Accord

Top notes

Bergamot Oil, Blackcurrant Buds Absolute, Crispy Green Accord

Base notes

Cedarwood Heart Oil, Sandalwood Oil, Bourbon Vanilla Absolute CO2, Tonka Bean Absolute

Scent

Floral

Feel

Desirable

 

I hope this was useful!

 

As always... keep smiling, you're beautiful! x

 



Best of the brand- Benefit

(As you will soon be able to tell) I love benefit and nothing has ever disappointed me so this is going to be very difficult! Don't forget that every week I will be reviewing a brand and picking my top 10 (or 5) products! So, we'll work our way down to the best...



As you can tell, I do love a bit of benefit...

10

Boi-ing concealer in 02

This concealer covers really well and is great to apply on dark circles before applying a highlighting concealer. The colour I purchased is unfortunately a little on the dark side but in the summer it will be perfect. I would recommend warming this product between your fingers before gently patting it on!

9

Ultra plush lipgloss in Fauxmance

This particular colour is a beautiful soft berry and very flattering on pretty much every skin tone. These lipglosses feel so soft on your lips and smell great! The only downside is that they do not last a long time.

8

Cream eyeshadow in Holy Smokes

No need to fear about creating a perfect smoky eye any longer! This makes it so easy, just swipe across the lid to give a slightly shimmery, charcoal wash of colour and apply eyeliner and a highlight. I love the way this makes my eyes look :)

7

Fakeup concealer in 01

I love using this under my eyes to brighten and hydrate the undereye area for a natural look. The only downside is that is sometimes creases and does not last that long.

6

They're real mascara

I know that so many people love this mascara and I love it too! I don't wear it everyday (hence it being number 6 not 1) but the formula and applicator is lovely, be careful not to apply too much as you may get bits on your eyelids and under your eyes!

5

Hello flawless oxygen wow brightening makeup in champagne

This foundation has a nice amount of coverage and very creamy and easy to apply and blend. For me, the colour is every so slightly orange when first applied but to my surprise the tone evened out and looked great after a short while so I was happy enough!

4

Sun beam

I love this highlighter and actually prefer it to high beam as it suits my skin tone more. It is a pretty subtle bronzey/gold colour with shimmer to highlight areas of the face such as cheekbones, brow bone etc and would look amazing in the summer with a bit of a tan!

3

Hoola bronzer

This bronzer is matte, firstly, so is great for contouring, is not too dark so works great on light to medium skin tones and does not make you look orange. It blends well and is a staple for this summer in my opinion! (Plus, the brush included is great!)

2

Stay don't stray in light/medium

Before using this, my eyeshadow never really lasted but most of all, neither did my concealer! I tried a sample of this and was hooked. This stuff is so good if you need makeup to last and NOT crease. It has a slight tint and sets a base for your makeup which I really like, it's smooth and does the job it is supposed to do! Great product.

1

Speed brow in natural

Number one! The reason this is number one is because I couldn't live without it, I use it everyday. There really is nothing fantastically special but it works! It's so quick and easy to use and gives a subtle hint of colour and sets the brows in place ALL DAY!

 

Keep smiling, you're beautiful! x

Primers- Why use one?

Primers by libbylovesbeautyinfo featuring benefit cosmetics

Benefit makeup primer / Makeup / Benefit cosmetic


Now, I know that most people I know don't use primers; This is either because they don't know how or don't know why!

But no worries- I'm here today to show you how and why, lets hope by the end you'll be running out to get one!

1) Primers make your face a clean canvas- Using a primer sets a base for the makeup you are about the apply (ie; foundation). It smoothes fine lines and pores for a smooth and even application.

2)Primers help your makeup to last longer- Think of it like glue! Primers are not quite like slathering PVA over your face but they do give your makeup something to adhere to, giving it the chance to last longer. So if your planning on dancing the night away- don't forget your primer!

3) There are different primers! Primers can also enhance your makeup, some mattify the skin ensuring the skin does not have a shiny/oily appearance whereas some illuminate the skin, giving it a shimmering healthy glow. Different people (and skin types) use different primers! As a rule of thumb, if you have an oilier skin type, go for ones that mattify and reduce the appearance of pores however if you have dryer skin, go for ones that illuminate and give the skin a dewy radiance.

Ahhhh... I hope that has sussed primers for you all! Not too complicated was it? :/

Keep smiling, you're beautiful! x

PSSST! Check out my polyvore page libbylovesbeautyinfo and polyvore.com

5 day 'No Makeup Challenge'

Hi guys!

As I haven't posted in a while, I thought up an idea that should hopefully help you build your confidence, self esteem and enhance your natural beauty.

Everyone is beautiful.

Once you start wearing makeup, people seem to lose sight of their natural beauty. I was talking to somebody a few days ago and I said, "I look terrible without makeup on!" and they said, "You think that's how you look" and it's true, makeup distorts our view of "pretty" and can often make us feel as if it's the only way we can put our best foot forward.

Sure,  I understand there are lots of things about ourselves that we don't like, but we have to learn to accept this and be grateful for the face we have been blessed with.

Now, here is the challenge! :)

So... You can go without makeup for 5 days (I believe in you!) 

RULES:

1. No makeup!
2. You can do your normal skincare regime.
3. The full 5 days must be completed.
4. Do whatever you would usually do (don't hide!) 

TIPS:

1. Drink plenty of water.
2. After waking up, place two cold spoons over the eyes and under the eyes for around 5 minutes to  reduce puffiness due to water retention.
3. Cleanse, tone, moisturise.
4. Place teabags/cucumber on the eyes to reduce dark circles.
5. Moisturize the lips using vaseline or beeswax lip balm.
6. You can curl lashes with warm fingers!
7. Pinch cheeks gently to get a natural flush.
8. Smack lips a little bit to bring rosy colour to the surface.
9. Sleep well!

Doing this challenge may not nessasarily change your life, but it might help you look from a different perspective. 

Thanks for reading and keep smiling, you're beautiful! x