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

Maybelline Super Stay matte ink - Lover

Every now and then I find a lipstick  that tick all the boxes for me. Amazing quality, great price, amazing staying power and of course a colour that looks beautiful when I wear it. This time around that lipstick  comes in the form of Maybelline's Super Stay Matte Ink.  Let me tell you, in my books, this lipstick is unmatched!

Just a quick review. It took me a while to settle on a colour because I kind of wanted them all at once but I settled on #15 Lover. This pink is absolutely stunning on my lips. Not only does it stay on (no matter what you go through) it also doesn't leave your lips feeling stiff and dry. Yes you can actually smile.

I just wanted to share how much I  adore this lipstick and I am definitely going to repurchase (in almost every colour) . They retail for R159,95 and I got mine from Dischem. Have you used the Maybelline Matte Ink Lipstick yet? I  would love to hear from you.

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

Review: Revlon Highlighting Palette & L.A girl Matte lipstick

I like to buy things that won't make me feel guilty in the long run. Meaning, the quality has to be great, it has to make my life easier and it has to last me a while. Which is why I am beyond excited to share this next review.

This Revlon Highlighting Palette and L.A girl Matte lipstick are my two go to products at the moment. They both  brighten up my face and make me feel really amazing.

Let's talk about this stunning palette. It's a highlighter, blush and bronzing palette all in one and I love that it saves me a ton of time in the morning. I dust it on my cheek bones, forehead and bridge of my nose and I have got a healthy glow in a matter seconds. This is definitely on my repurchase list! ( PS. It was purchased as part of a set).

Then there's this gem from L.A girl. While it might seem like a moody winter colour, I think its an amazing update to your face even in summer. The colour is called Va Voom and is a matte texture. The staying power is great too and when the colour does fade , its a beautiful berry stain. But, if matte is not your thing, you can still use the lipstick. The end of this lipstick screws off to reveal a little tub of gloss to go over the matte lipstick. I have to admit, this is what really won me over. Ofcourse I'm going to repurchase this one too. It retails for about R59,99.

Have you used either of these products. I would love to hear from you. 

Disclaimer : This is not a sponsored post.  

TILL LATER, LAUREN! 

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!