Thursday, 29 September 2011
Wednesday, 28 September 2011
Hey Ladies, I'm so sorry for the lack of blogs over the past few days. I'd meant to have this post up on Monday, but I really hated the photos that I'd taken for it, because they just seemed so poor. So, I took a few more on Monday afternoon, in the first pictures that I've done outside, and have only just had time to put the post up!!
Fortunately, I'm much happier with how these images turned out, with the product sitting in the lush green grass, so I'm very glad that I decided to do them again.
Brand: Green People
Product: Make Up Remover and Cleanser
Benefits: 93% Certified Organic, Purifying and Moisturising, suitable for all skin types, contains skin-loving Chamomile, Marshmallow and Aloe Vera.
Packaging: The packaging isn't really what you would expect from a Make Up Remover, mainly because I personally have only ever bought Remover that come in a bottle. Instead, it comes in a tube that is very much like a miniature toothpaste tube, however the opening is completely different.
My Problem Areas: Regular readers will know how lazy I am when it comes to beauty routines, although I am getting much better. I very much like products that do more than one thing at a time (Exfoliating Cleansers and I can imagine BB Creams will be a favourite of mine, when I eventually get chance to try one out!!).
I may also be known to "forget" to take my make up off before I go to bed....ahem!
What I was looking for: I'm looking for a make up remover that doesn't need to be washed off with copious amounts of water, that cleanses leaving my skin feeling soft, and doesn't irritate my sensitive eyes. No surprises, but I'm also looking for something that gets rid of all eyeliner and mascara without having to rub my skin (and delicate eyes) raw.
Why I Chose Green People: Although I received this specific product in my Leeds Meet-Up goodie bag, I've actually been keen to try something from them for a long time. Being environmentally friendly is a big deal to me, and I'm starting to get fed up with how much waste products involve, from packaging to needing to use cotton wool.
How the Product is Used: This is where the product gets interesting, well, in my opinion anyway. All you have to do is apply the product onto your eyelids, using your fingers and rub gently at the areas where you want make up removing. This will inevitably leave your eyes looking like a scary zombified panda, but you then either rinse it off with water (my preferred option) or using a tissue or cotton wool.
I love the idea that you don't have to use cotton wool, which is a definite plus because I tend to run out quickly now that I spend so much time changing the colour of my nails, so it's handy to have a bank up plan. I also like the fact that tissue is an option!
I guess I just like having options ;)
Did it Sort out my Problem Areas: Well, it did solve my problem for when I run out of cotton wool!! But in seriousness, it was really gentle on my eyes and didn't require a great deal of rubbing. Although it initially looked a mess, it didn't take much work to get rid of it with water etc. It didn't even irritate my eyes, plus I had no trouble removing both eyeliner and mascara.
Any Downsides? Only a minor teeny tiny downside, but for a "green" company (or am I just reading too much into their company name....??), I was a little unimpressed with the use of a box for packaging. I have huge grievances with this type of wasteful packaging, because what real purpose does it serve, and it goes straight into the bin anyway.
Who is this product for? Anyone who is keen to try a product that doesn't require cotton wool (necessarily) or copious amounts of water to stop the incessant stinging eyes!!
Has anyone else tried this product? What do you think? And, what do you think of other Green People products? I love this product, so thinking about what other stuff I could try out :)
Saturday, 24 September 2011
I really need to get back in the habit of reviewing products, because I now have a small mountain of things that need to be reviewed. But, I think that I've actually forgotten how to review a product so I've decided to head back to the blogs roots with how I used to review products when I first started, but with a little bit of an updated twist.
A. Because it makes reviewing easier for me, and B. I feel that reviewing products this way is much informative. If anyone wants to offer any feedback on this method of reviewing, then I'd be more than happy to hear your thoughts :) So, anyway, here's my review of my Sleek Pout Polish.
Brand: Sleek
Product: Pout Polish
Shade: 947, Pink Cadillac
Benefits: SPF 15, Tinted Lip Conditioner
Packaging: The packaging is quite simple, with a clear shallow pot that allows you to see the colour of the product, and a black lid that has quite a simple design to it.
It think the shallowness of the pot is great because it makes it a nice little addition to your handbag, but will also fit into your pocket or a large purse.
My Problem Areas: I tend to stay away from the majority of coloured lip products, because I find that they dry my lips out, or make me feel sick because their "taste" is so overpowering". So, I'm more of a lip balm wearer.
What I'm Looking for: As you can guess from my problem areas, I'm looking for a coloured lip colour that is moisturising, doesn't taste too overpowering but also offers a colour that is subtle, rather than bold and "in-your-face".
Why I Chose Sleek: Well, I actually won this product as part of a Bloggers Giveaway, however, I'd been keen to try something of Sleek for quite some time, because absolutely everyone seemed to be talking about the range, and yet everything I went to look at the Sleek stands, they were never in a good enough condition to warrant more than a glance! Therefore, I've never tried anything from them.
How I Picked the Shade: Again, I didn't pick the shade, and to be honest, this probably isn't a shade that I would have chosen myself, because it looks like quite a bright pink, which isn't really to be personal taste.
How the Product is Used: I don't really think that there is a right or wrong way to apply a lip polish, but the way that I chose to apply it is my dabbing a small amount into my lower lip, using my ring finger and then blotting my lips together.
I only apply it to my lower lip because I'm only looking for a light coating, otherwise I fear the colour will be too strong for my tastes.
Did it Sort out my Problem Areas: The colour is just subtle enough for me to wear it on a daily basis, and I have been incredibly impressed with how "nourished" my lips feel after using the product. It's not going to work wonders during the impending cooler months, but it's been a great little product to have through the summer when the sun has been burning my lips and drying them out a little.
Any Downsides? It's very easy to apply to much, which I think can be quite strong in flavour, and at times it does make me feel a bit sick. But, applied sporadically, it's not too bad. It's probably not something that I'd chose to apply constantly, for that reason.
Who is this product for? I think this product is great for anyone who wants a coloured lip product that offers a little bit of colour rather than the more intense colour that "most" lippies offer. It's also great for anyone who wants to add a little moisture to their lips at the same time, and it saves having to apply both a lipgloss/lipstick and a lip balm together.
A. Because it makes reviewing easier for me, and B. I feel that reviewing products this way is much informative. If anyone wants to offer any feedback on this method of reviewing, then I'd be more than happy to hear your thoughts :) So, anyway, here's my review of my Sleek Pout Polish.
 |
| Simple packaging, but what more does it need? |
Brand: Sleek
Product: Pout Polish
Shade: 947, Pink Cadillac
Benefits: SPF 15, Tinted Lip Conditioner
Packaging: The packaging is quite simple, with a clear shallow pot that allows you to see the colour of the product, and a black lid that has quite a simple design to it.
It think the shallowness of the pot is great because it makes it a nice little addition to your handbag, but will also fit into your pocket or a large purse.
My Problem Areas: I tend to stay away from the majority of coloured lip products, because I find that they dry my lips out, or make me feel sick because their "taste" is so overpowering". So, I'm more of a lip balm wearer.
What I'm Looking for: As you can guess from my problem areas, I'm looking for a coloured lip colour that is moisturising, doesn't taste too overpowering but also offers a colour that is subtle, rather than bold and "in-your-face".
 |
| Is it a lip gloss, or a lip conditioner? |
Why I Chose Sleek: Well, I actually won this product as part of a Bloggers Giveaway, however, I'd been keen to try something of Sleek for quite some time, because absolutely everyone seemed to be talking about the range, and yet everything I went to look at the Sleek stands, they were never in a good enough condition to warrant more than a glance! Therefore, I've never tried anything from them.
How I Picked the Shade: Again, I didn't pick the shade, and to be honest, this probably isn't a shade that I would have chosen myself, because it looks like quite a bright pink, which isn't really to be personal taste.
How the Product is Used: I don't really think that there is a right or wrong way to apply a lip polish, but the way that I chose to apply it is my dabbing a small amount into my lower lip, using my ring finger and then blotting my lips together.
 |
| The product has quite a smooth consistency. |
I only apply it to my lower lip because I'm only looking for a light coating, otherwise I fear the colour will be too strong for my tastes.
Did it Sort out my Problem Areas: The colour is just subtle enough for me to wear it on a daily basis, and I have been incredibly impressed with how "nourished" my lips feel after using the product. It's not going to work wonders during the impending cooler months, but it's been a great little product to have through the summer when the sun has been burning my lips and drying them out a little.
 |
| The right swatch has been blended out. |
Any Downsides? It's very easy to apply to much, which I think can be quite strong in flavour, and at times it does make me feel a bit sick. But, applied sporadically, it's not too bad. It's probably not something that I'd chose to apply constantly, for that reason.
Who is this product for? I think this product is great for anyone who wants a coloured lip product that offers a little bit of colour rather than the more intense colour that "most" lippies offer. It's also great for anyone who wants to add a little moisture to their lips at the same time, and it saves having to apply both a lipgloss/lipstick and a lip balm together.
Friday, 23 September 2011
Other than necklaces, I don't wear jewellery very often. I don't even wear a watch these days. But, during a recent clear out, I found a ring that I picked up from Primark a couple of years ago, which I love but haven't worn in absolutely ages.
One of the main reasons that I don't wear it (other than it being really heavy!), is because "cheap" jewellery, especially rings always eventually turn my finger green. So, I end up trying to only wear them for special occasions, which means they get put away and forgotten about.
With the re-emergence of this specific ring, and a recent purchase (that you'll find out about if you read on!), I decided to attempt to tackle the potential "green-fingerness" using a tip that I heard about a long time ago, and have never tried for myself. And, I thought I'd share it with you guys :)
What you'll need:
What to do:
I'm not going to patronise you all with a long description of what to do, because it's probably fairly obvious what you do with the Nail Polish, but keeping it short and sweet all you need to do is apply the polish to the inside of the ring.
Obviously leave the ring to dry before wearing it, but hopefully the polish should prevent the ring from turning your finger green!! Fingers crossed anyways! Which means no more having to throw cheaper rings away because they go green hurrah!
Does anyone know any other methods for making sure jewellery doesn't turn you green?
 |
| The nail polish is No.7 in Milan |
With the re-emergence of this specific ring, and a recent purchase (that you'll find out about if you read on!), I decided to attempt to tackle the potential "green-fingerness" using a tip that I heard about a long time ago, and have never tried for myself. And, I thought I'd share it with you guys :)
What you'll need:
- The Ring in question
- Clear Nail Polish (I'm using a Clear Top Coat, which I assume will have the same result and don't see any reason why it wouldn't)
 |
| I still can't believe how long my nails are!! |
I'm not going to patronise you all with a long description of what to do, because it's probably fairly obvious what you do with the Nail Polish, but keeping it short and sweet all you need to do is apply the polish to the inside of the ring.
 |
| A thin coat should just about do it! |
Obviously leave the ring to dry before wearing it, but hopefully the polish should prevent the ring from turning your finger green!! Fingers crossed anyways! Which means no more having to throw cheaper rings away because they go green hurrah!
Does anyone know any other methods for making sure jewellery doesn't turn you green?
Thursday, 22 September 2011
Wednesday, 21 September 2011
So, Kat's Beauty Reviews did not make it onto the Shortlist for the Cosmo Blog Awards. But, have no fear, because some truly awesome blogs did.
I think that awards like this are incredibly important to the Blogging Industry, especially in the area of Beauty and Fashion, because there are so many incredible bloggers out there, who are all putting in so much time, effort, dedication and real passion into their work. And it's important to remember that most of these ladies (and men) are not being paid to do it. They are doing it for a love of what they do, and a lot of the time, blogging is a very thankless activity. Therefore, it's nice to have an established award that allows hard work to be noted and appreciated on a larger scale :)
The full list of nominees are:
As someone who isn't really into fashion, this is an interesting category for me, because it has introduced me to some blogs that I haven't heard of, and I've discovered a couple of really great ones. But, I had to vote for the one blog that made this list that I do follow, and do love, which is of course "Buy Now Blog Later". It was no real surprise (to me anyway) to see Laura's blog in there :)
I think that awards like this are incredibly important to the Blogging Industry, especially in the area of Beauty and Fashion, because there are so many incredible bloggers out there, who are all putting in so much time, effort, dedication and real passion into their work. And it's important to remember that most of these ladies (and men) are not being paid to do it. They are doing it for a love of what they do, and a lot of the time, blogging is a very thankless activity. Therefore, it's nice to have an established award that allows hard work to be noted and appreciated on a larger scale :)
The full list of nominees are:
New Fashion Blog:
As someone who isn't really into fashion, this is an interesting category for me, because it has introduced me to some blogs that I haven't heard of, and I've discovered a couple of really great ones. But, I had to vote for the one blog that made this list that I do follow, and do love, which is of course "Buy Now Blog Later". It was no real surprise (to me anyway) to see Laura's blog in there :)
Established Fashion Blog:
Yet again, this is an unfamiliar category with only one blog that I'm currently aware of (Llymlrs), so it's going to be a learning experience checking some of these out. From initial viewing, I have to say that I'm loving VIPXO ;)
New Beauty Blog:
I'm familiar with a great many blogs in this category, but for me, the winner is MakeUp Savvy. Fee is just a genuinely nice person, who isn't rude to anyone, and I absolutely love her blog, and she is one of those bloggers who has the ability to write a post that leaves me wishing that I'd written it and silently hating her with green-eyed envy ;P
Established Beauty Blog:
I'm amazed about how few of these blogs I've actually heard of (just five), but voting in this category was incredibly easy, with my vote going to Zozo of The London Lipgloss, because she deserves to win this, not only because she is one of my Positive Beauty Pledgers, or because she is an awesome person (which of course she is), but because she is so incredibly talented: her writing, her photography and she's just a beautiful young woman who should be very proud of everything that she has achieved!
Beauty Vlogger
Filthy Gorgeous Makeup
Fleur De Force
Goss Makeup Artist
Pixiwoo
So Totally Vlog
Tanya Burr
The Persian Babe
Zoella
Age UK Charity Chic Challenge
Bigguysmalldogblog
Body of a Geek Goddess
(I love this blog name!!)
House with no Name
Intermezzo
Judging Covers
Miss Thrifty
Rust and Gold Dust
Sofia's Journal
Squeezed of Shoreditch
Th'ink
The London Ladybird's Blog
Fleur De Force
Goss Makeup Artist
Pixiwoo
So Totally Vlog
Tanya Burr
The Persian Babe
Zoella
It's funny. Watching YouTube videos is really what started off my love for all things beauty, but as time has gone by, I have found myself watching them less and less. As a result, I'm not subscribed to any of these channels, although I have heard of a few of them, and I follow some on Twitter. Needless to say, I'm unsure as to who to vote for in this category.
Lifestyle Blog with Handpicked Media:
Age UK Charity Chic Challenge
Bigguysmalldogblog
Body of a Geek Goddess
(I love this blog name!!)
House with no Name
Intermezzo
Judging Covers
Miss Thrifty
Rust and Gold Dust
Sofia's Journal
Squeezed of Shoreditch
Th'ink
The London Ladybird's Blog
I'm not really sure how these blogs were chosen, as in did Joe Public nominate or were they chosen specifically by Handpicked Media? I'm not sure, but there are some very interesting ones here to choose from. All of them, bar one (Judging Covers) are completely new to me, so I'm looking forward to checking them out and seeing what they have to offer :)
Health, Diet and Fitness Blog:
Being a larger girl, who loves food (I'll never deny that!), I am amazed that I don't read more blogs like these, which are often incredibly inspiring. Where are my Knees is the only one that I am currently familiar with.
Student Blog:
It's hard to believe but I first started blogging about seven years ago, when I was still a student. So, it's weird to see how amazingly far things have progressed since those days when I didn't know anyone else who was a student who blogged, and now there are so many of them. The thing I love about student blogs is that students are still at an age when they're not afraid to challenge things, to question the norm. I think that they're very inspiring and will be a tough category!
Sex and Relationships Blog:
For me, this is a brilliant category, and I honestly believe that anyone of those blogs could win it. The fun thing about sex-based blogs is that they can be bold and blunt, and everyone will love them for it, because they have the guts to say what we're all thinking (we're just too "British" to admit it). Having just today discovered them, I am particularly loving the concept behind both 52 First Dates and The Virginity Project, both of which I intend to continue reading. Nevertheless, my faithful vote went to Big Fashionista, who worked her way into my heart as a frank blogger before the others had even the slightest chance, and I really do love her blog.
Celebrity Blog:
This is a genre that I have very little interest in, however, after having a quick nosey around, I think I may have to vote for Heckler Spray!!
Brand Blog:
In confession, I met this category with a little bit of scepticism. Not because any of them are bad, but because past experiences with some brand blogs has not been that great. They've either never taken the blog seriously enough to update it more than once every two or three months, or they take it so seriously that you don't feel like an actual human-being could possibly be behind the writing of it, because it just comes across as being so cold and business-like. Fortunately, brands appear to be taking the whole blogging idea with a little more joviality and emotion.
Gadgets Blog:
Wow, I'm not sure if being in this category would be good or bad. On the one hand, with there only being four blogs shortlisted the odds are higher that you'd win. But, on the otherhand, your expectations are higher and I think it's harder not to get upset when the competition is low. But, number aside, I love the idea behind girly gadget blogs, and I really don't understand why I don't read more of them. I shall aim to change that!
Wedding Blog:
I honestly don't know how to say this without offending, so I'll be blunt: this category holds no interest to me what-so-ever. The entire concept of marriage is slightly lost on me, and I personally don't feel like I need a piece of paper to tell me how much my other half means to me, because he already knows (and vice versa). But, I appreciate that for a lot of girls, weddings are a huge deal and these blogs are just beautiful, even my cold heartless self has to admit ;)
Male Blog:
Ah, the forgotten and understated genre of beauty and fashion blogging. I think we ladies forget that we live in an age when men really do care about how they look (sometimes more than we do!!), so it's great to see the men getting some well deserved recognition over here! And the great thing is that none of these blogs are the cliche of what you'd expect them to be!
Well done to absolutely everyone who was nominated. Fortunately, there are only a small number that I'm not entirely sure how they made it, but that's of course my own personal opinion. Good luck to each and every one of you, and may be the Best Blogs Win ;)
To vote, just follow the link, enter your email address (I assume that this is to prevent people from casting multiple votes, but don't worry if you can't decide straight away, because Cosmo will email you a password so that you can log back into the forms if you choose to!) and get voting for your favourites, and of course discovering new favourites to follow :)
Tuesday, 20 September 2011
Nope, that isn't a use of hyperbole there, it really is ten years since I last took advantage of a money-off voucher for No.7 and that was a Sun Protection Lipstick for anyone who might possibly be interested! Unfortunately, that one purchase tainted my early cosmetic life, because I just remember standing in Boots, in Lincoln with my voucher in my 17 year old hand, thinking "oh my life, this stuff is so expensive!" Needless to say, I've never bothered with the vouchers since then!
So, I took a browse and I ended up buying this, because as my mum pointed out, I had been saying that I couldn't keep using the Konad Top Coat I have forever!!
 |
| If it looks like the bottle has condensation on it, that's because my nail polishes have a special compartment in my Fridge ;) |
This is actually the second time that I have used a Boots voucher (for another brand) only to be given another one of the same voucher!! Spend a voucher, get another one. Sounds like perfection, or an evil ploy for me to spend more money.
However, when you consider that one polish is £7, so after the £5 reduction you're only paying £2 which is cheaper than the majority of other "cheaper" polishes, so you have yourself a darn good bargain. So, you know what? I went back, and I bought another polish!!
 |
| Aww, don't they look lovely together. |
 |
| LOOK! LOOK! I have nails!! |
The only thing that I don't like about this polish is that on the second nail from the left, there's a bit of area that appears to be condensed with the silver metallic colour, which is a little annoying, but overall, the application was pretty much flawless, looking great after one coat, although I used two.
What do you think of the colour? And, what have you been spending your No.7 vouchers on? Also, do you think Boots has gone a little No.7 Voucher crazy as of late? I'd love to hear your opinions on that :)
PS: This post was inspired by Betwixt Beauty: it isn't stealing, it's inspiration ;)
Monday, 19 September 2011
I've been running the Positive Beauty Pledge for quite some time now, and I have to confess to sometimes feeling like such a hypocrite. Not because I don't believe in the Pledge's message, because I honestly do believe that everyone is beautiful. However, it's easy to see the positive in other people, but personally, I find it incredibly difficult to see those things in me.
If you asked me to write a list of things that I don't like about myself, I could be here for a very long time. Things range from my physical appearance to personality flaws, and there really are a lot of things that I would love to change about myself. But, sometimes I have to re-read my own Positive Beauty Pledge and remind myself that being negative about myself doesn't make me a bad person, it makes me human.
Personally, I think that as long as you don't allow your negativity to completely consume your life, then we're all completely normal.
So, to spread some positive love, I decided to set you all a challenge:
All you have to do is tell me, and the rest of the world ten things that you really love about yourself. Don't focus on one area, think about various ones:
If you asked me to write a list of things that I don't like about myself, I could be here for a very long time. Things range from my physical appearance to personality flaws, and there really are a lot of things that I would love to change about myself. But, sometimes I have to re-read my own Positive Beauty Pledge and remind myself that being negative about myself doesn't make me a bad person, it makes me human.
Personally, I think that as long as you don't allow your negativity to completely consume your life, then we're all completely normal.
So, to spread some positive love, I decided to set you all a challenge:
All you have to do is tell me, and the rest of the world ten things that you really love about yourself. Don't focus on one area, think about various ones:
- Physical appearance
- Personality
- Talents
- Who you are
To give you an idea, I've written up a list of my own, and trust me when I tell you that this list was very hard to write. I got stuck several times, and as you can see as of writing, I only have eight things, which feels like a small failure, but it was a really good pick-me-up and I still wanted to share it:
- I love my chubby cheeks
- I love the way that little things excite me
- I love my quirks - the inability to talk to people on the phone, the fact I can't tell my lefts from my rights, because they all make me who I am, and I have no idea who I'd be without them.
- I love how passionate I feel towards the things that I believe in:
- My Beauty Blog
- The Positive Beauty Pledge
- My Writing
- I love how I've learnt to cherish my glasses, because they're a part of me and I can not imagine not wearing them
- I love my new long nails (who knew that would ever happen??)
- I love my timid nature, because I feel that it helps me to appreciate the world in a quiet way, as an observer, because without being able to observe the world, I couldn't be the writer that I am today.
- I love how dedicated I am to my lifelong passion for writing, and the fact that it's the one thing that has been with me since childhood, that I have really embraced and would be so lost without
The most important thing about doing this list, is to remember that you are writing the list for YOU, not anyone else. If anyone disagrees with your list, then that is their problem and you should be proud in the knowledge that they probably wouldn't be able to list ten things, not honestly anyway.
Positivity is NOT about being big-headed or vain. It is about accepting yourself, in your own skin, and saying "Hey, I'm not all bad!". And no, you don't have to believe everything in your list 100% of the time.
So come on, what ten things do you love about yourself? Share them on your blog, but don't forget to let me know, so I can check them out :)
Sunday, 18 September 2011
 |
| This was the view from just outside our hotel. The view from our room wasn't quite so nice unfortunately!! |
 |
| I always think there's something quite magical about the sun's rays, especially when the weather isn't really that great! |
 |
| Can you tell it had just bucketed down with rain? I loved this rock face. It looked magnificent! |
 |
| I <3 Shells |
 |
| Water is just so serene... |
 |
| I love this photo, with Scarborough Castle in the background |
 |
| Early Evening Walk in Scarborough |
 |
| We have a thing for taking photos of shadows!! I like it, because it makes my legs look long and slim ;P |
 |
| I grew up "near" the sea, but we never really get waves quite like this. |
 |
| A Steam Bus in Whitby!! |
 |
| Whitby Abbey |
Note: All images are my own, taken during my recent holiday to Scarborough.
Thursday, 15 September 2011
Wednesday, 14 September 2011
Hi everyone, my name is Samantha and I own a cruelty-free beauty blog called [THE BEAUTY DIARIES]. First of all I’d like to say thank you to Kat for having me as a guest writer whilst she’s away, and also I’d like to thank you for taking the time to read my post. I hope you like it and find it interesting, and can’t wait to read any comments you may have.
I was brought up by two very loving parents who always made me feel as though I could do and be anything I wanted and that the world was my oyster. I was also lucky to know what I wanted to do with my life at the young age of 13, and that was to be a Beauty Therapist. A couple of years later at 15 I also realised that I wanted to travel the world!
So after finishing school at 16 I naturally went to Beauty school and was qualified by the time I was 18, a year later I found myself ‘living the dream’ in Greece and Antigua. I’m now 26 and teach Beauty Therapy to young girls (and mature women) who like me want to succeed in making people feel good about themselves
It’s since I’ve been teaching that I’ve realised my upbringing was a very fortunate one; many young people (certainly the ones I’ve met through teaching) don’t seem to come from the same background that I did. No, instead a lot of my students are very self deprecating and are lacking in self-confidence; they wear a lot of make-up, which they hate taking off for facials, and yet when I see their skin it’s actually beautifully clear and flawless. Every day I meet yet another student who comes from a depraved background to say the least, who truly believes they will amount to nothing, who openly admits to having parents who make them feel ‘unworthy’. I appreciate that having never met these parents what I’m lead to believe could be completely untrue, but after 4 years in teaching I do believe what I have seen, and that is young people who are put down every single day of their lives, who play up in my salon simply because they want some sort of attention, who no doubt were failed by the education system hence why they’re on a Beauty course (it’s a known fact that if you don’t do well at GCSE or Standard grades you’re ‘advised’ to do Hair, Beauty or Childcare ‘because they’re easy subjects’ –YEAH RIGHT!!! You show me how many other people have to learn Latin terminology as part of their course!)
I guess what I’m saying is I’ve always believed that whatever I wanted could be mine; anything from the last car parking space at work to that awesome teaching job at the age of 22 – and it’s not because I’m a spoiled brat (quite the opposite in fact), but because I’m a positive thinker, and I truly believe those who think positive attract positive things; those who remain positive ‘see’ the way and the resources to get them to where they want to be. Those of us who are naturally negative (and 9 times out of 10 it’s through learning to think that way in my opinion) can’t see how to achieve these things simply because their eyes are closed to them.
A very good friend of mine is a perfect example; he was brought up by a mother who didn’t want him, he joined the army at 17 and has seen horrors the rest of couldn’t even imagine, 10 years later he still believes he is ‘nothing’, that he is ‘worthless’. He has gone from job to job after leaving the army but never excelled with a company because ‘he’s not been suitable for promotion’, and I firmly believe his biggest problem is that he has a lack of self-confidence and doesn’t believe in himself, which then transfers at interviews. I find myself thinking positive thoughts for him constantly in the hope he ‘catches a break’. Luckily he has and it seems he’s finally doing something that makes him genuinely happy. But how many other people can that happen for if they don’t believe in themselves? Who else is going to ‘think positive’ for them?
I’m not the most confident person in the world myself, if anything as I’ve gotten older I’ve found my confidence diminish, but when I want something and I want it 100% and truly believe it is mine before I’ve even got it, then I always do get it. For the first time in my life I was unsuccessful at a job interview this year, which really knocked my self belief for a moment. But then I remembered that if isn’t meant to be, it isn’t meant to be, and something better will come along. That night my mum alerted me to a job back in my home town; I had an interview 3 weeks later, and they offered me the job less than 30 minutes after I left! Why? Because I knew it was mine, because I believed in myself enough to put across the right first impression at interview.
The power of positive thought is greatly underestimated and you can call me a hippy if you like, and say I’m speaking rubbish. But it works for me, so why can’t it work for everyone else? Whenever I meet someone who is naturally negative I remind them that the world is a small place and it isn’t hard (or wrong) to dream big, because you can be whatever you want to be as long as you want it bad enough and you actually start to believe in yourself
Tuesday, 13 September 2011
Holy Moly, it's been a long while since I've had a Positive Beauty Pledge, so I am thrilled to bring you one from Tiny D.
So, without further ado, here she is:
MY PLEDGE ABOUT MYSELF
I will be thankful for what I have, and not keep chasing after unaffordable items of clothing or accessories to make myself feel better. I will try to silence the self-critical voices in my head which are usually telling me that what I am doing is never good enough and frankly that I'm a bit of a silly billy.
THE BAD
When was this picture taken?
Huge thanks to Tiny D for taking part, and here is your well-deserved Positive Beauty Pledge Badge :)
If you're interested in being a Positive Beauty Pledge, send me an email to katmusselwhite@gmail.com
So, without further ado, here she is:
MY PLEDGE ABOUT OTHERS
I promise that I will do my utmost to control my naturally cynical urges when speaking about other people, particularly other people who annoy me in some way, and not stoop to criticism of others' size, dress sense or other physical attributes.
MY PLEDGE ABOUT MYSELF
I will be thankful for what I have, and not keep chasing after unaffordable items of clothing or accessories to make myself feel better. I will try to silence the self-critical voices in my head which are usually telling me that what I am doing is never good enough and frankly that I'm a bit of a silly billy.
THE BAD
What are you doing in this picture?
It's a picture of me at Benicassim in 2006. I appear to be drunkenly marauding around.
Why don't you like it?
Why don't you like it?
Well, for starters I have no make up on and consequently my face is so shiny I can practically see my reflection in the photograph. Also, given that there are other photos taken the same night which are perfectly acceptable, but where I seem to have removed the bright orange headband, I am sadly forced to accept that the day-glo alice band look is not one that entirely suits me, no matter how enthusiastically I may have embraced it at the time.
Is there anything that you like about the picture?
Is there anything that you like about the picture?
Well I do look quite happy. I suspect alcohol had a part to play in that.
THE GOOD
THE GOOD
Very recently, on holiday in Norway a few weeks ago.
What are you doing in this picture?
What are you doing in this picture?
Propping up a ship in the Norweigan fjords.
Why do you prefer this picture to the first one?
Why do you prefer this picture to the first one?
Well let's face it, the lighting and angle are a lot more flattering. Also (unlike in the first photo) I was acutely aware that there was a camera pointing in my face so was doing my utmost to make sure I looked all right. I like the dress I'm wearing as well. I think it suits me and I really enjoy wearing it.
Has comparing how you feel about both of these pictures made you realise anything about how you view yourself?
To be quite honest when I looked through the photos I didn't like, I appeared to be absolutely hammered in every single one, whereas in the ones I did like, I appeared to be elegant, polished and in control. Maybe this means I should drink less.
Give us an example of someone that you consider to be "unconventionally" beautiful:
Has comparing how you feel about both of these pictures made you realise anything about how you view yourself?
To be quite honest when I looked through the photos I didn't like, I appeared to be absolutely hammered in every single one, whereas in the ones I did like, I appeared to be elegant, polished and in control. Maybe this means I should drink less.
Give us an example of someone that you consider to be "unconventionally" beautiful:
Amy Winehouse
Why do you consider her to be "unconventional"?
Like me, Amy didn't look too great when she was drunk. Nor was she the kind of woman that men seemed to be interested in, probably because of her many tattoos and the fact that she clearly didn't dress like the average pop star posing in FHM.
Why do you think she is beautiful?
She had an amazing individual style which inspired so many people, as well as an incredible unique talent. And she clearly had no interest in being cookie cutter, which I like.
Like me, Amy didn't look too great when she was drunk. Nor was she the kind of woman that men seemed to be interested in, probably because of her many tattoos and the fact that she clearly didn't dress like the average pop star posing in FHM.
Why do you think she is beautiful?
She had an amazing individual style which inspired so many people, as well as an incredible unique talent. And she clearly had no interest in being cookie cutter, which I like.
Huge thanks to Tiny D for taking part, and here is your well-deserved Positive Beauty Pledge Badge :)
Friday, 9 September 2011
I recently applied to be a member of the Max Factor Circle on Super Savvy Me, and last week I found out that I'd been accepted. So, this afternoon a nice man knocked on my door with a bag (inside a box) of goodies that I want to share with you guys.
Basically, I have 15 samples of Max Factor's New Ageless Elixir 2 in 1 Foundation + Serum to give away. All of the samples are 50 Natural so it should suit most skin types.
Not only will you receive a free sachet to try out, but you'll also get a voucher for £2 off the full sized product.
There is, of course, a small catch.
In order to receive a free sample, you'll need to agree to answer a few questions about your experiences with the product. The survey will be conducted by me, will be completely anonymous and your details will most definitely not be shared with anyone and especially not any third parties.
Fancy taking part and getting a free sample? All you need to do is leave your email address or Twitter name in the comments below, and I'll email or message you for your address to receive your free sample and money-off voucher.
A link will also be emailed to you for you to fill in your survey, which will need to be completed by 14th October 2011.
Note: If in the unlikely event that more than 15 ladies show an interest, I will place names in a hat and select them at random. However, it should be noted that the sample is only available to individuals who follow this blog (new followers are of course welcome!).
The closing date for applications is 12pm (Noon) on Sunday 18th September and samples will be sent out the following week, giving you plenty of time to test the product out and fill in your survey.
Any questions, then please feel free to ask and I look forward to working with some of you on this mini project :)
 |
| What's in the Bag? |
 |
| Fancy one...? |
There is, of course, a small catch.
In order to receive a free sample, you'll need to agree to answer a few questions about your experiences with the product. The survey will be conducted by me, will be completely anonymous and your details will most definitely not be shared with anyone and especially not any third parties.
Fancy taking part and getting a free sample? All you need to do is leave your email address or Twitter name in the comments below, and I'll email or message you for your address to receive your free sample and money-off voucher.
A link will also be emailed to you for you to fill in your survey, which will need to be completed by 14th October 2011.
Note: If in the unlikely event that more than 15 ladies show an interest, I will place names in a hat and select them at random. However, it should be noted that the sample is only available to individuals who follow this blog (new followers are of course welcome!).
The closing date for applications is 12pm (Noon) on Sunday 18th September and samples will be sent out the following week, giving you plenty of time to test the product out and fill in your survey.
Any questions, then please feel free to ask and I look forward to working with some of you on this mini project :)
I've been playing around with my new Model's Own Nail Art Pens again, but this time I decided to give the white one a try, and me being me, I decided to be a little bit creative. This look is completely improvised, I haven't copied anyone else's designs, so any similarities are purely coincidental, and if it looks crap well, I'm still learning :)
What I used:
And you know how much I like to include the thumb, in my NOTDs, because well, the thumb always gets left out in photos ;)
What I used:
 |
| Polish and Pen |
- Elf Nail Polish in Royal Purple - Despite buying this polish months ago, this is the first time that I've own it properly, other than as an initial swatch, and the colour is absolutely gorgeous, it's very vibrant and shiny and a really beautiful purple shade.
- Models Own Nail Art Pen in White - I only used the smaller nib. I haven't really managed to master the larger one just yet. I think I might be too heavy-handed for it, but I'll have another go some other time.
- No.7 Clear Top Coat - Thanks to my £5 off voucher, this only cost me £2 and is my first real experience with a No.7 polish, so whoop!
And how did they turn out?
Like this.....
 |
| Oooooh! |
 |
| Yay for Thumby :P |
They're not perfect, but I really love this look, because it's simple but I think it's quite elegant and classy. It's definitely given me inspiration to try other similar patterns.
What do you think?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
.jpg)
