BEAUTYHACKS that changed my life!

 Beauty, along with fashion, could always cheer me up even on my worst days. As a teenager I wasn't afraid to experiment or explore with new beauty trends. Naturally, it didn't always work out for the best but, it gave me a chance to see what does work.

Scouring the internet and reading other blogs and magazines helped me discover beauty hacks that has made my life easier. As you grow older your beauty needs and preferences will no doubt change, but looking put together will always be in style. In this post I'd like share some of my favourite and most treasured beauty tips.

* Fill in and shape your brows

I have never considered filling in my brows before reading about it on beauty blogs. It gave my face a whole new look. I tried powder but, a pencil is definitely better for me. Groomed brows frame the eyes and makes a huge difference to any face. What's even better now  is that there are more permanent options now like brow tinting or tattooing so you can knock of a few minutes off your make up routine.

*Wear a primer+ setting spray

Like I have said in my previous post, I have never found primer to be much of a necessity but, after discovering a few cult favourites I don't go without it. Not only does it make your foundation look a million times better but, some primers you can even wear without foundation and look amazing. The exact same goes for a setting spray. Its like putting a very delicious cherry on an already delicious cake.

*Invest in a good foundation

Nothing is worse than a foundation that's either the wrong shade or one that does not give proper coverage. You might have to spend a little extra time and money in order to find a suitable foundation but, it will be worth it. Also, make sure you put foundation on your neck and ears too. You don't want to be walking around like it's your face with someone else's neck. Spend time testing foundations and finding the correct colour. This is a marathon, not a sprint.

*Put your dry shampoo on the night before
I have made this mistake many times. Putting dry shampoo on in the morning and heading out. My hair would end up looking all powdery and dull. Now I make sure I put it on the night before so the product has enough time to work. This doesn't happen with all dry shampoos but, I would rather not take the chance.

*Wear lipstick when you can

I used to be the girl that never wore lipstick. Now, I own way too many to even excuse. I have so many shades and it perks up my mood and face even when I'm not wearing other make up. Lipstick is a confidence booster. 

*Take care of your skin

For me, this is probably the most important one because no amount of make up will make you feel as good as having healthy good looking skin. In fact, the better you take care of your skin, the better your make up will look and the more confident you will feel. This includes wearing sunblock everyday, drinking tons water, never going to bed with makeup on and getting enough sleep to name a few. Trust me on this one.

What are some of your go to beauty hacks? The ones that you swear by and pass on every chance that you get. Do share them with me. I would love to hear from you.

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

* I do not take credit for the images in this post

Let's get Candid! Revlon review.

My very first foundation was a Revlon one. I have a lot of fond memories of that foundation. For starters: it was the first foundation that actually fit my skin tone. I felt very sophisticated and grown up. Soon I started to venture in to other foundations and naturally other favourites arose. Which is why I was especially excited to take it back to basics for my latest review. When I saw the new Revlon Photoready CANDID foundation I had no idea that it even existed to begin with. Yes, I am not the coolest of bloggers.

Although the packaging was probably the drawing card for me ( I am only human) ,  I have to admit that the words "anti pollution foundation" was the thing that ultimately convinced my broke ass to buy the foundation. Apart from having an amazing natural finish, the foundation actually contains ingredients that protects against anti blue light aggressors. This refers to the light that emanates from digital devices such as computers and smart phones. It also leads to photo aging (aging from exposure to light) and considering the staggering amount of time we all spend on these devices; I figured it would probably do me some good to have even a little bit of protection.

There are so many things I love about the foundation. The texture is so creamy and blendable that it feels like you might be spreading butter across your face. (Not that I have ever done this but still). Just one layer gives you that barely there look. Although I like to add a little extra on my nose and underneath my eyes. The coverage is also amazing to me and all without that heavy feeling. I really hate when I am frequently aware that I am wearing foundation. I have mentioned the beautiful packaging but I want to take special moment to mention the pump/tube hybrid. It just makes life so much easier for me. No leakage and I get to control exactly how much product I use. All in all this my favourite Revlon foundation so far and I am going to keep repurchasing until Revlon decides to send me a complimentary stash. HA!

This little tube of love retails for R149,95 (22ml) and I am currently using shade 400 (Macadamia). The range also includes the Photoready Candid Concealer and Photoready Candid Setting Powder which I cannot wait to dip into. How are you liking the range?

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

Behind the scenes: CATRICE's eye foundation

Have you ever spent what seems like an eternity on a beautiful eye look just to have it half disappear in the middle of the day? Or half of the glitter you have applied to your lids end up on your cheeks? Yep, as melodramatic as that sounds: no one likes wasting a good eye look. That might be the main reason I was so intrigued by Catrice's Eye Foundation.

Now you might be wonder why on earth would I need this in my life but the real question is: why would you not? It's waterproof and matte which means there is no need to reapply your make up during the day.

The primer creates a smooth canvas for both powder and cream eyeshadow. You  guys know the struggle of cream eyeshadow when it creases or glitter that won't stay. I have a glittery cream eyeshadow that I adore and trust me, with this eyeshadow primer,  it won't budge. Not even if you pay it to.

So you see, I have really found this eyeshadow primer useful. It has made my life so much easier and I am definitely going to repurchase (It retails for R69,95). Are you using an eye primer that you ready to tell the world about? Start with me, I would love to hear from you.

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

The Glow Up

I've decided that 2017 is the year of the glow up. It's the year of letting my hair grow, eating my veggies, staying hydrated and finding numerous ways to look after myself. Another important thing to me is having a good foundation. To be honest, when my foundation isn't looking good I feel really self conscious. I'm sure you can relate. After trying a few different foundations over the years, I think I have finally found the perfect one.

I recently bought Loreal Infallible 24H Matte foundation and I have not regretted it for one day. The texture is perfect for those sweaty summer days and the matte finish is what caught my attention. There is nothing worse than looking shiny half way through the day. The number 32 shade ( Amber) suites my skin colour brilliantly and the high coverage means I only have to apply a little bit. It retails for R190 for a 35ml tube however, it lasts a really long time so it's actually worth it. I bought mine early December and it is still not finish.

My other favourite is a highlighting stick that I received as a freebie in the the Glamour SA magazine.  I love highlighter but, I have only used the powder formula. I was really excited to try this one. The creamy stick formula ensures that you are able to blend easily. You are also in complete control because the stick is super buildable. This means you can add as much glow as you want to or you can keep it at a minimum for a subtle glow. I have been using it every day for the last week and I adore it.

Resolutions aside, what are some of the things that you would like to achieve this year when it comes to your health. How do you plan on looking after yourself this year? I would love to hear from you. 

TILL LATER, LAUREN! 

Review: Revlon Colorstay Foundation

As a blogger it is so easy to get swept up in the excitement of new products popping up everywhere. This frequently means that we forget about the products we know, love and trust.  I am a very curious soul and always on the lookout for new things to try: especially products other bloggers rave about. This was certainly the case when it came to foundation.

I have been sampling a lot of other brands but, for some reason I keep drifting back towards Revlon Colorstay. I’ve been using it for years now and, as far as I am concerned, it’s ideal. Let me tell you a little about the foundation.

 

What it says on the bottle

·         Wears for up to 24hours

·         Oil free and shine control

·         Natural flawless look

My experience with the foundation

The bottle does not lie. There have been instances where I have been out clubbing and the only thing that survived the sweaty, sticky night was the foundation. With a bird’s nest on my head and raccoon eyes the next day, my skin still looked fresh and flawless. It goes on very smoothly and blends really well whether I use my fingers or a brush. (I prefer to use my fingers however). Because it promises to stay put for 24 hours, you would expect it to feel heavy, but that is not the case at all. What’s even more fabulous is that you only need a little bit for maximum coverage. This means you won’t have to replace it for a long time. Revlon Colorstay is definitely a lifesaver. If you are keen to get a flawless, natural look without the heavy feeling, I suggest you get your butt to the mall and buy it.

PS. I usually get mine at Edgars

 

Saving ALERT!

TILL LATER, LAUREN!