How to Care for Red Hair

The majority of people are born with a hair colour that complements their skin tone and eye colour. Your natural locks will generally suit you more than any other colour you could put through your hair. If you were blessed with blonde hair, read on to find out how to work your natural red hair colour to its best.

Make your hair look amazing by weaving through ribbons, flowers or scarves. This style is everywhere at the moment, and for good reason. It looks beautiful of naturally red hair.

Wearing gold jewellery can enhance the vibrancy of your hair, so go find some golden bracelets, necklaces and rings!

Red hair sometimes has a problem with an ability to create split ends very easy. Using a leave-in cream can help them stay stronger for longer, and let you look amazing.

To really intensify your colour, you can wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo, followed by a treatment of tomato juice. Sounds kinda gross, but after leaving it covered in plastic for 15 minutes, you’ll be going back for more!

Red hair tends to require a heat protectant moreso than other colours, so consider purchasing one if you frequently use your hairdryer or straghtener.

VS Sassoon Studio Tools Expert Turbo Dryer - IONIC TECHNOLOGY

I love this hairdryer! I spent years using a huge, heavy, ancient one that didn't have a diffuser. It was awful. I bought this one for Christmas from the money a family member gave me, and I'm so glad that I did.

As any beauty-obsessed person would know, a diffuser is totally important for reducing damage to your hair while blow drying. It really does work, and if you have curly hair like myself, it helps to keep the curls.

Ionic Technology is a new feature in the best hair dryers. It helps reduce static by emitting negative ions (think back to high school Biology class).

Ceramic Tourmaline Technology is even more important. It works to dry the underside of your hair first, helping to keep the topside from getting even more burnt. In this way, you don't have to dry your hair with your head thrown over. It's amazing, and it really does work.

Here are the important details of the Expert Turbo Dryer: 

• 3 heat and 2 speed settings for more control
• Ionic conditioning technology and tourmaline-ceramic technology for silky, shiny hair with reduced frizz
• Slim 13mm concentrator nozzle for controlled airflow, best for drying hair before straightening
• Diffuser for drying naturally curly hair
• Turbo and cool shot button for customisation

My favourite parts of the Expert Turbo Dryer:

• Ionic technology for better drying
• Diffuser to keep my hair curly
• Cool shot button, important for setting style
• The hanging loop, so I can hang it up on the shelf

How To Get Clear Skin – For Real

For so many girls, skin problems can easily damage their self-esteem. Waking up with breakouts is incredibly annoying, and they always seem to come when a big day is close (note: stress). Getting a clean complexion takes dedication. Cleansing twice a day for 5 days and then expecting to have clear skin is completely unrealistic; you need to give it time. It’s a matter of motivation, not ability. Here are my steps for achieving clear skin.

1.       You must remove your makeup

Before you go to bed, you should always use either an oil-based cleanser, a makeup remover, or wipes to move heavy foundation, eye makeup and sunscreen that can block pores. Spending eight hours in bed with your makeup on, smudging over your face, is both unattractive and very unhealthy for your skin.

2.       You should gently cleanse your skin daily

Cleanser should be applied at least once a day with clean hands. The best thing to do is spend around a minute massaging it into your skin using your fingers or a facial brush. It might be useful to perform the cleansing process twice to ensure that all dirt is being removed, particularly if you’ve worn a lot of makeup, or your skin is feeling rough.

3.       You need to wash your face thoroughly

Removing all cleanser is important, so you should splash water on your face or use a warm washcloth to remove all traces of it. Skipping this step risks blockages and congestion caused by the product that you’re using to stop that from happening!

4.       You should exfoliate regularly

To avoid dehydration and help with fighting blockages, you should exfoliate two to three times a week. Of course this also removes dead skin cells, resulting in much smoother skin.

For most of the time, my skin is generally clear. The few breakouts that I get usually appear when I’m stressed or rundown, but they tend to clear up quite fast. Before I started a proper skin care routine I had permanent blackheads which have disappeared. Personally, this is what I do:

1.       I don’t sleep with my makeup on. I almost always use at least a wipe before bed to clear up my skin, unless I’ve had a shower and cleansed.

2.       I find cleansing over a sink impossible. Water gets everywhere, including all over the mirror and in my hair. This used to be my excuse for not bothering, but here is my solution. I leave my cleanser in my shower, and cleanse while I’m bathing. It makes things so much more simple.

3.       Generally, most people shower daily. Every time I shower, after I cleanse, I let water run over my face to ensure that all the cleanser is removed. This ensures no chance of blocked pores due to the cleanser.

4.       About twice a week, I exfoliate after cleansing (while in the shower). Personally I like to use a scrub glove and exfoliate my décolletage and back as well. I really find that this smooths my skin so much. Usually twice a month I exfoliate my legs and arms as well. I’m a big fan of smooth skin after exfoliating!

Gladiator Flats - Mustique in Sage by Therapy Shoes

I'm so glad I bought these shoes. I've been a fan of gladiator shoes since they first took the fashion world by storm, and I'm glad they're still around. I can wear them with a simple singlet and jean combo, or a hippie ouifit with a maxi skirt. The small wedge adds that perfect bit of height that looks natural and is comfortable to wear. Also, the long zip at the back does well at keeping the shoe on properly and close to the foot at all times, as well as being much easier to put on and take off than the buckle shoes I own.

Mustique is a mid wedge sandal featuring chain and stud detailing on the upper. In an imitation leather upper, it will add some edge to your look, whilst being comfortable.
Material: PU/Metal Trim
  Sole: Synthetic       

I bought them for AU$50. There's a black version, but these definitely look better for this Summer, particularly with the maxi dresses I so love at the moment. Thoughts on these shoes? I'd love to hear them.

The Biggest Skin Myths

I did some research for those of you worrying about what you're doing to your skin!

Myth: If I don’t wear makeup, I don’t need to wash my face at night

Fact: Whether you wear makeup or not, your skin naturally collects dirt and oil during the day. Cleansing removes these things that can clog your pores, which is what causes pimples and blackheads. For those of you who do wear makeup, it is best to use a wipe first and then cleanse.

Try the Clean and Clear Deep Action Cream Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

Myth: Wipes work just as well as cleansers

Fact: Wipes work to shift any makeup you put on, while cleansers go deeper into the skin to remove any nasties from your pores. It's best to use these as a general clean up at the end of the day, or to freshen up in the morning, but don't substitute them for your cleanser and other skin care routine activities.
Hint - wipes are perfect to bring with you on sleepovers or when you go away camping!

Consider Nivea's Daily Essentials 2 in 1 Wash & Scrub


Myth: If I have oily skin, I don’t need to moisturise

Fact: Using treatments filled with products designed to dry out you pimples can end up drying out your skin. Ironically, this drying process can cause your skin to produce even more oil, and therefore more pimples. You should consider using a light, oil-free moisturiser daily before applying your makeup.

Try Clearasil's Ultra Pimples + Marks Lotion

Myth: If my moisturiser or foundation has SPF, I don’t need to worry about sunscreen

Fact: Most moisturisers or foundations that include SPF don’t have them in high-enough concentrates to block out all of the suns UV rays. Applying a good sunscreen before your put on your makeup is very effective, and doesn’t add that much time to your morning routine. Personally, when the sun is very strong, I like to mix some tinted moisturiser with some sunscreen and put that on. It provides good skin protection and feels more like moisturiser than sunscreen.

Try this already tinted sunscreen: SunSense Daily Face SPF 30+ 

Myth: If I have oily skin, I should wash it as often as possible

Fact: Over washing oily skin can cause the skin to produce even more oil as it’s tricked into thinking it’s dry. This, of course, leads to more breakouts. Your skin should only be cleansed at most twice a day. If your skin is feeling shiny during the day, it is best to use blotting papers.

Check out: Gentle Complexion Correction Pads


Myth: If I use a tissue, it’s okay to pop my pimples

Fact: It is never good to pop a pimple. Ever. Especially using your fingernails. Even a tissue is not sterile, and still leads to scarring. It’s not worth it! It is best to use a good spot treatment directly to your face – no fingers involved!

I love this one: Avon Clearskin Blemish Clearing Spot Treatment  

Jewellery Pin Board Ideas and Inspiration

Currently in the process of making a new jewellery board. Here are some of my inspirations.

Strappy Black Wedges - Bon in Black by Therapy Shoes

I'm so glad I bought these shoes. I've been a fan of gladiator shoes since they first took the fashion world by storm, and I'm glad they're still around. I can wear them with a simple singlet and jean combo, or a hippie ouifit with a maxi skirt. The small wedge adds that perfect bit of height that looks natural and is comfortable to wear. Also, the long zip at the back does well at keeping the shoe on properly and close to the foot at all times, as well as being much easier to put on and take off than the buckle shoes I own.

Bon is a mid wedge strappy sandal. It features five ankle straps and a back zip. In imitation snake fabric, with a wood printed stack wedge heel.
Material: Snake Fabric
         Sole: Synthetic       

I bought them for AU$50. A big reason I like these is because I can wear them into clubs and pubs that are strict on footwear, refusing anyone in sandals. These Bons are nice enough to wear even when I go out, most likely with a lace or mesh style mini dress

Thoughts on these shoes? I'd love to hear them.

Bracelet and Bangle Storage - Cute, Simple, Fast

My bracelet storage in my room:

Over the years, I collected a large number of bracelets. It reached the point where I was storing them in bags hidden away in my wardrobe. A couple months ago, I sorted them out and sold a large portion, keeping only those which I really liked. There were still quite a few, so I came up with three different ideas of how to store them around my room.

I came up with an idea to use strips of ribbon to hold up my bracelets on my wall. I have them right next to one of my jewellery boards. It definitely looks cute and it's very easy to look at them properly to decide which ones I want, and just as simple to take them down. This is probably the most convenient and creative way to store bracelets, especially if you wear them a lot. The only downfall is that the strips won't hold up particularly heavy bracelets.

I made them by cutting out different lengths of ribbon (choose a colour that suits your room), folding them in half, and then using Blu Tack to keep the strips together. All you have to do is put your bracelets in the middle of the folded strip (colour coordinated!) and then attaching them to your wall with more Blu Tack.

A friend bought this Black Jewellery Display T-Bar for Bracelets as a Christmas present after hearing my complain about storing bangles. I love that once it's filled with bangles, it actually looks really pretty. Depending on how thick your bracelets are, it can hold quite a few (as you can see). The only downfall is that if you want a bangle that is situated in the middle and doesn't open, you need to take off the bracelets next to it. Other than that, it's a great storage piece to have.  

These are mostly new bracelets that I've recently purchased that I needed to store fast. I came up with an idea to put them into the plastic drawer set that I bought not long ago. It was super cheap, but it works great for storing bracelets that won't get tangled and that you want to keep colour or type sorted.

The top drawer holds my blue and grey bracelets and bangles. The middle drawer holds my pearl and pink bracelets. The bottom drawer holds my purple and gold bracelets and bangles.

Hope this tutorial of my bracelet storage has helped! I'd love to know if you have any great ideas for storing your jewellery.

Other bracelet storage ideas from the net:

How to Publish/Print Your Blog For Free - PDF Format

Blog Booker is an amazing, FREE service that I recently disovered while looking to publish my personal blog. I really wanted a pdf to keep on my computer, as well as the possibility to own a hardcopy of what has become my own diary. Every single other website charged a fee to have this done, and very few even offered pdf forms.

What is it?
BlogBooker produces a high-quality PDF Blog Book from all your blog's entries and comments. Archives can be generated from any blog running on WordPress, LiveJournal (and derivatives) or Blogger. The whole process takes about 3-4 minutes, depending on the size of your blog.

How does it work?
You submit an export file provided by your blog system to BlogBooker. Your file is verified and all linked images are fetched. Entries, Comments and Images are assembled into a high-quality PDF. PDF is provided without any restriction and thus can be submitted for printing to third-parties.

I really wanted to share this with you guys, because I know that there are quite a few people out there who would love to have a copy of their blog, but don't know how to do it. If this has helped, let me know!

RESULTS! Sally Hansen Triple Strong Advanced Gel Nail Fortifier RESULTS!

Wow! This is the nail strengthener of the Gods! Absolutely incredible.

After only one week of using the Sally Hansen Triple Strong Advanced Gel Nail Fortifier, my nails were visibly longer. Now, two weeks later, my nails are longer than they have ever been, literally! I even convinced my mum to spend AU$15 on a bottle, and she's usually super frugal. The results really do speak for themselves. It's almost as if the years I spent biting and ruining my nails has been reversed. Brittle nails are no more!  

Best of all, it gives a perfect cover that leaves my nails feeling and looking almost acrylic. I guess that's the reason why I'm preferring to leave my nails their natural colour, instead of using a laquer, which I never would have done in the past.

The bottle recommends that you use two coats once a week, then take it off and start again. Or you can use it as a base and top coat if you want to wear nail polish. I've been redoing them around once every second day (as you can see by the bottle), for no real reason other than habbit. I'm used to doing my nails several times a week (more out of fun than actual necessity).

I wish I had taken a photo of my nails beforehand. Picture short, brittle, broken nails that looked awful. That's exactly what I had, and I'm not even close to bring dramatic. They were awful.

Two weeks later, this is how things are looking:

(Oh, and if anyone knows the secret of taking photographs of fingernails close up, I'd love to know. I'm going to do some research and try to find out, because I have so many colours to show you.)

Pretty In White With Bows Pumps - Meow by Pied a Terre

I love these shoes. The strap over the the ankle makes walking in them simple, and the satin bows are stunning! The platform adds height without arching the foot even more, which I really appreciate.

Meow. Very sexy embroided lace peep toe heel with zip on one side and four hole laced up ribbon on the other. Synthetic upper, lining and sole. Heel Height 10.5cm
Colour:White Lace Ivory

I bought them for AU$60. There's a black version that retails for even less, but is no where near as cute. I'm thinking of pairing them with an uneven hem line chiffon dress that I recently purchased from Supre. Thoughts on these shoes? I'd love to hear them.

How to Choose a Concealer

When my skin first began to breakout, the only concealer I had access to was the old, dirty tube in my mum’s bathroom cupboard. What I didn’t realise at the time was that it was out of date and about 3 shades too dark for my skin. It was only this year that I attempted buying and using a concealer once again after doing some research. Here are my best hints:

There are only two reasons to use concealer: to cover breakouts and to disguise dark circles under the eyes. Depending on the issue you have, there are slightly different rules.

To cover breakouts: choose a heavy duty concealer like Maybelline’s Dream Mousse Concealer. It should be the same colour or one shade lighter than your skin tone. 

Some concealers come with a green colour in them. This is for the breakouts that have become inflamed and are therefore red. If you are simply covering blackheads or whiteheads, it is best to use a normal concealer. You can use the NP Concealer Set which comes with five easy-to-blend shades that can be used based on the type of skin problem you are covering.

Concealers come in 3 different forms: solid, liquid or powder. Each of these is available as sticks, tubes, pots, and creams.

To cover dark eye circles: choose a concealer that is a specialised under-eye concealer. Under eye circles are my main need for concealer, and I always use on my dark circles is Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Under Eye Concealer Concealers Makeup. Unfortunantely they have discontinued it, but this means it’s a lot cheaper to buy from beauty stores. Not sure what I’ll do when they run out though!

The important thing to know is that concealers specifically made for dark circles is creamier and lighter in tone. The general rules is that you always choose one that is at least one shade lighter than your skin tone. Also remember that the darker your circles, the pinker the concealer should be.

I’d love to hear if you guys use concealers at all, and if so what types and brands? I’ll publish a post on exactly how to apply concealer properly (without highlighting the fact that you have breakouts) very soon.