Beauty on a budget #4

Hey everyone!

Welcome to my fourth instalment of “beauty on a budget”. Now I don’t normally focus too much on mani’s on my blog but, I think this nail polish definitely deserved its own post.

The Colour: 03 Papa don’t peach by CATRICE

I love this colour so much. It’s fun and vibrant and has evoked quite a few compliments from others. I never thought this particular hue would suit my skin tone but I was completely wrong. I am beyond obsessed and I plan to wear it well into winter just to brighten up those bitter days. I don’t want to say too much except that CATRICE is quickly becoming one of my favourite nail polish brands.  I'll be sure to post a proper mani picture very soon.

What’s your favourite nail colour or brand at the moment?

TILL LATER,LAUREN!

 

First impression: CELLTONE tissue oil

When it comes to oils, I hopped on the bandwagon pretty late. I just never quite understood all the hype surrounding it.  Much to my delight, I received a bottle of Celltone tissue oil a few weeks ago. While it is not exactly ample time to do an in depth review of the product, I decided to do a first impressions post instead.

WHAT THE LEAFLET SAYS

“Celltone tissue oil is non-greasy, easy to apply and has a pleasant fragrant aroma. The advance new formula includes: snail powder extract, vitamin E, grapeseed oil, lavender oil, chamomile oil, rose oil, lime oil, polydecene, lanolin oil and bisabilol.

Celltone tissue oil is essential for

·         Pregnant moms

·         Growing teenagers

·         Sportsmen and women who spend long periods of time in the sun

·         Suitable for children

·         Ageing skin

·         Anyone who spends long periods long periods of time in air conditioned environments

WHAT I THINK ABOUT IT

So far so good. In the short time I have been using it (I apply twice a day) I have already seen a major difference. My skin looks less dull and suppler. I found the fragrance a little unusual at first but, now I actually enjoy it. It is somewhat soothing. The bottle closes tightly so even when you drop it (and trust me I have already) nothing gets out. Because of the non greasy formula, my make up does not slide of during the day. Overall, I am pretty pleased with the tissue oil and I am definitely planning on repurchasing.

PS. Add a few drops to your bath for extra hydration.

Are you using Celltone tissue oil or any other Celltone products at the moment? I would love to hear from you. Celltone tissue oil is available online at www.celltone.co.za and at Dischem, Clicks, Game and Pick n Pay Hypermarket 125ml – retail price: R149.00

 

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

 

 

 

COVETING: Chanel chain boots

With winter well on it's way, this is what I am coveting right now!

 

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

 

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

Review: Essence all in one BB cream (medium 03)

You know those days when it seems like the whole universe is conspiring against you? When absolutely nothing seems to go your way?  Those are days when I couldn’t be bothered with putting on a full face of makeup. I would much rather take a shortcut to looking radiant. This is where BB creams come in handy.

For those who don’t already know, a BB cream is also known as a beauty balm or blemish balm. This multitasker simultaneously covers imperfections, hydrates and protects the skin with a built in SPF. Over the last two years I have tried many different BB creams and the latest one I picked up is from Essence. Let me tell you a little bit about it.

What I think about it

First of all, Essence almost always gets it right with the packaging. The ombre look of the tube is quite pleasing to the eye. Once applied, the BB cream does create a healthier looking skin. I appreciated the fact that it cut my ‘getting ready’ time in half, but didn’t leave me looking like I did half the job that morning. It provides adequate coverage without the heavy, bulky feeling. I don’t have to worry about looking oily and I can add some bronzer without having a shine overload.

The 30ml tube has a sturdy screw on cap and will literally fit into any bag or clutch. I have to be honest however; the fact that it is fragrance free did bother me slightly at first. Somehow I got it in my head that everything I put on my face should smell...well...like something. That being said, I think this BB cream is working pretty well for me at the moment and I would definitely repurchase. They retail for R54,95 but I got it on sale at Clicks for R25. Also, I don’t know the amount of shades it is available in but, if you are looking for light to medium coverage, this will suit you just fine.

PS: it looks a lot darker in the tube than on your skin so darker girls might not like the shades.

Are you using a BB cream at the moment? I would love to hear about it.

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

The tattoo diaries

I am beyond obsessed with tattoos. At the moment I only have one and I waited a long time to get it .It's a little hanger on my wrist with my son's name hanging from it. Lately, I have been wanting to get a second one. Nothing deep , just for the sake of self expression. I haven't decided want yet that's why I decided to do some research. In this post you'll find a few of my faves. Enjoy the post and have a lovely week ahead.

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


TILL LATER, LAUREN!

Sunday Style sweethearts

Hi Lovelies

I trust everyone has been having a good weekend so far and if not, you can only go up from here right. I spent my weekend lounging about with friends and family and of course my amazing little boy. This is just a quick post on looks I have been obsessed with this week. I hope you enjoy them and that you have a productive, happy week ahead.

Ashley Madekwe is HOT in all white!

Slight departure from all the black and white she is usually in and I am pleasantly surprised.

Oh come on Blake, you look amazing even with a baby on the way

Yes Riri forgot her pants and bra at home but hey, this something only she can get away with!

Do you like any of these looks?

                                                      TILL LATER, LAUREN!

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

Beauty on a budget #3

I could probably write a couple of books about the many ways I have changed since becoming pregnant almost 5 years ago. Physical changes, emotional changes and mental changes all took place.  While my body was the most obvious change, I was somewhat prepared for that. What I was not prepared for was the way in which I perceived myself after giving birth. I became a lot less of a risk taker and way more conservative. My confidence was at the lowest it has ever been my whole life.

Even now that I almost completely back to my old self I find my confidence wavering from time to time.  I have realized, however, that being confident will always be a work in progress and that there are little things I can do to improve my self esteem daily. Lipstick is definitely one of those things. I feel like lipstick is something that pushes you to be a little surer of yourself. Adding some colour to your lips forces you to step out of your comfort zone and embrace something new.

Since this was the first time I was going to wear lipstick (can you believe that) these two cuties from AVON were the perfect picks to ease me into it. I couldn’t decide whether I wanted Foxy Fuchsia or All Fired Up so I got both. I definitely made the right choice. First of all they look like lip crayons which I love. I like to call it the dressed down version of the traditional lipstick tube. I think for a lipstick virgin like me it makes it less intimidating to use.

The slim design makes it easy to pop into a clutch or make up bag and the lid shuts and stays on tightly.  The colour pay off is incredible and it has such a smooth finish which really surprised me. I still chose to wear a little lip balm underneath because my lips are super dry lately. I had to reapply once or twice throughout the day but I really didn't mind because I got both of these at such a steal. I have to say that the Foxy Fuchsia definitely suites me better but I’ll be wearing both frequently this season.  These AVON lippies are currently available for R34, 95 each in brochure 13 and you can also visit www.avon.co.za

Left: Foxy Fuchsia and right: All Fired Up

Which lipstick are you wearing at the moment? Any recommendations for a lipstick newbie like me?

                                                       TILL LATER, LAUREN!

STYLE CRUSH: GWEN STEFANI

Some of my favourite things in life include fashion and music, so you can imagine my excitement when Gwen Stefani joined the judging panel on The Voice and added a little fashion flare to the show.

 Gwen is the quintessential cool girl. With her platinum blonde mane and signature red pout, she embodies glam rock.  Not even the baggy pants she is frequently spotted in can make Gwen look scruffy. I am in AWE! Because she is a mom and seems so easy going on television, I am sure you can see where my fascination with her stems from.

 Whether she is dropping her children of at school or doing interviews, Gwen always looks so effortlessly put together. I can’t even begin to imagine how sickeningly stunning her shoe closet must be. Just goes to show that moms can be cool too!

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

What do you think of Gwen's style?

                                                                TILL LATER, LAUREN!

Coveting: YSL's Black Opium

Don’t you love it when you buy your favourite magazine and you get an amazing freebie with (yes I am cheap like that); especially if it’s an opportunity for you to experience something that you have been coveting for a while. That was certainly the case recently when I purchased the November issue of Glamour SA and received a sample of YSL’s new perfume Black Opium. I was elated.

image source

Words I would use to describe the scent are mysterious, sexy, sensual, edgy and alluring. I have never used the original Opium fragrance but I have read that the bottle is similar to the new one. The difference with the Black Opium bottle is that it’s this black and sparkly creation that screams glam rock. Even before using then scent I was already a huge fan because of the advert featuring Edie Campbell and that catchy “My head is a jungle” song.

Whenever I wear it I get major compliments so it is safe to say that I am infatuated. This is definitely going on my Christmas wish list (hint, hint). Some of the notes in the fragrance include jasmine, vanilla, coffee, pink pepper, orange blossom and patchouli. I love that it’s a scent that is so difficult not to notice, but it’s not too overwhelming for day time and lingers all day.

What fragrance are you using or coveting right now?

Image source

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

Skirting the issue

It’s no secret that I am a “jeans girl”. If it was realistic I would wear my jeans every day, throughout all four seasons. To be frank, for me, it is somewhat of a security blanket.  They make my butt look amazing and they hide my legs (which I am not too fond off). BUT this post is not about jeans.

Somewhere, somehow during these last couple of months I fell in love with skirts; all skirts. I think what I love most is the fact that you can inhabit a different personality with every skirt you wear. You can be serious or flirty; sexy and even whimsical.  With each street style snap I have seen this year I seem to be and more besotted with skirts.

What won me over even more is the fact that, just like with jeans, the possibilities are endless and you can inject your own personality. You can dress down a pencil skirt with a t shirt and some loafers or dress up a leather skirt with a white button up shirt and jewel tone accessories. There is such freedom. I feel really sexy in the few skirts that I have bought so far because it is certainly out of my comfort zone. I feel rather brave. So in this post, in celebration of me letting go a little, I have rounded up a few of my favourite skirt looks. Which style do you prefer?  

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

                                                               TILL LATER, LAUREN!

Words on Wednesday:Happy Birthday Xylon Kenzo

In honour of my beautiful son’s  birthday (22 October) I thought it would only be fitting to share some of the lessons motherhood has taught me. Being a mother has certainly been an interesting journey to say the least and no two days are exactly the same.  You have to be beyond patient and a sense of humour is essential. Here are a few other things I have learned from being a mother.

·         With motherhood comes a whole set of new uncertainties. From what formula to use; to are you being strict enough as a parent? You’ll worry every second that your child is out of your sight and at times it will become so scary/ frustrating /tiring that you’ll probably want to cry several times a day. You can’t do it all on your own. It’s ok to need and accept help from people you trust.

·         Going to the toilet will become a sacred, cherished affair. Enjoy going alone while you can. Children have absolutely no problem hanging out with you while you do your business.

·         You will have to learn and remember the names of all Dora’s friends (plus the meaning of a few Spanish words). Questions will be asked and if you don’t want your credibility doubted in the future, you better know the answers.

·         It’s perfectly fine to bribe your child every now and then to get them to do something. Yes, you always want to be in charge but sometimes it’s just not worth the struggle. You have to choose your battles wisely.

·       There comes a time when they don’t listen to you at all, about anything. Don’t take it personally; it has nothing to do with who you are as a parent.

·       Having conversations about poop will become completely acceptable and not at all cringe worthy.

·         Children are undoubtedly like sponges. They observe and copy so much of who we are as parents. Be careful how you talk to and react to your child. This is how they will eventually talk to and treat others.

·        There is no right or wrong way to parent. What works for you, other parents might find unorthodox. That’s all right; we all want our children to be confident individuals so we can’t possibly use someone else’s blueprint for parenting.

·         This one I learned the hard way. You will spend a ton of money on expensive toys and your child ends up enjoying tupperware and empty boxes more. Sometimes I tend to go overboard with buying things that my son couldn’t care less about.

·         Don’t worry about whether you are doing things right. The most important thing you can do is be present. Life passes us by so fast and the last thing you want is to regret not living in the moment and treasuring the little things.

Motherhood is the most fun I have had all my life and I look forward to making new discoveries and learning new lessons as the years go by. Happy Birthday Xylon. You are the love of my life and the reason I smile every day.

TILL LATER, LAUREN!