D.I.Y. Sugar Wax! When life gives you lemons.....

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

Now this is something I've been meaning to make for a while, but never got round to. It has been praised by many for being less painful than normal wax, easier to use and that it leaves your skin feeling beautiful. The best bit is that you can use it anywhere on your body, as it is formulated especially for sensitive skin. :)

You need: 
6 cups sugar
2 cups water
1 cup lemon juice

Put all ingredients in a non-stick pan and turn on the medium heat. Let it boil and keep mixing with a metal spoon until it turns a bright amber colour (took me about 10 minutes). At this point it should be done and so pour it in your preferred container.

How do you use it? You could either use it like hot wax, heating it first and then spreading it on your skin, or if it is soft enough take some of it from the container and just use it as if it were a strip.

Hope you get on well! xx

D.I.Y. Rope Headband

One of the things I've really been into lately is rope jewellery- it looks effortless, clean, and unique and they make a perfect statement piece for summer. This headband I made has the 'Josephine' knot which is used by sailors and I think looks very decorative.

To make it you will need:
3m thick rope
A glue gun

1) Cut the rope into six different pieces, with three pieces being 53cm long, and other three 45cm long. Quick tip: Tape over where you want to cut the rope so the ends don't fray.

2) Now this is the hard part: You need to make the knot. First get the shorter piece and create a loop:

3)Next get the longer piece and create another loop which intertwines:

4) Then weave in the other pieces of rope, making sure you match the lengths. 

5) Pull the knot together so it becomes as tight as you want it to be.

6) Once this is done the hard part is over, now just turn the knot upside down and sew the rope strands together to give them more stability. 

7) Now check if the headband fits the base, and if not trim accordingly. Then you can use the hot glue gun to stick them together, while also adding some fabric on the ends to bind them.

You are done! Instead of making a headband with it, you could also simply use it as a neck piece by not putting it on the base. 

Let me know how you got on!

xxx

D.I.Y. Make-up Fixer

Don't you just hate how pricey make-up fixers from big brands can be? This is why I decided to make my own, and after a bit of research found out it is so easy! Only two ingredients are essential : water and glycerine. I also added a couple of drops of essential oil to make it smell nice, and to give the final product some added beauty benefits. But how does the product work? As glycerine is sticky to touch, it will not only keep your make-up in place, but also leave you with a dewy complexion while being free from any type of chemical. A complete must for people with sensitive skin.

This is how I did it:

The rule of thumb is 3 parts water to 2 of glycerine, so I used 75ml water and 25ml glycerine. Just mix them in the bottle and add some essential oils if wished. I used lavender and tea tree for the calming benefits which make it ideal for oily or combination skin. Shake it together. You're done!

Glycerine is also a natural moisturiser so will keep your skin hydrated while not clogging your pores. A double win!

Let me know in the comments below how you got on with it.

xx

Longer, luscious hair in 7 easy steps!

A few changes to your lifestyle could totally change the look of your hair - who knew? If you want loner, lustrous locks keep reading!

1- Watch the products you use!
Some shampoos contain such harsh chemicals that can remove the natural oils in your hair and scalp, leaving them dry and brittle. This could cause damage in the long term as the hair would grow much thinner. Beaware of Sodium lauryl sulfate, a substance found in many shampoos but also in dish soap, it is very harsh on your scalp!

2-Use treatments
Applying warmed coconut oil to your hair for 5-10 minutes makes a great hair mask. It will need to be washed out a few times, but the results will be shiny, healthy hair- promised! Do it a couple of times every month, and there will be a significant growth spurt in you hair.

3-Regular trims
Approximately cut an inch every few months,to get rid of split and dry ends. Some say it is the secret to what makes it look so healthy, so it's worth to give it a try!

4-Use less heat
Always favour drying your hair naturally rather than using hair dryers and straighteners as they can make hair fragile and create split ends.

5-Food
Growing hair is caused by the amount of blood flow that reaches the roots, so can be controlled by what we eat. Vitamins, minerals and water can all favour hair growth, so be sure to get plenty of them!

6- Scalp massage
Lastly, you can also stimulate the follicles by giving yourself a massage on a regular basis. Afterwards use cold water which helps close pores and prevent breakage.

Hope these tips are helpful!

xx

How-to: Eyebrows

Eyebrows are so important for your whole face, even slightly changing the shape of them can affect your facial expression! A good eyebrow can be achieved in very simple steps- draw on the outline and pluck.

A- The beginning of the eyebrow in line with the outside of your nostril

B-Your eyebrow should end at at diagonal point from the outer corner of your eye.

C-The arch will begin upwards from the outer edge of your iris.

D-Where the arch ends, upwards from the end of your eye.

First I dot the points on, them join them up making sure I am satisfied with the shape. Then you start plucking but make sure you go along with your natural line- its that shape for a reason!

When you have done with the plucking moisturise your eyebrows preferably with a soothing lotion like Aloe Vera.

Just be careful not to pluck too much, thick brows are in after all!

xx

D.I.Y. How to wash Make up Brushes?

Apologies for not posting last week! I had to revise for some exams I hated (ugh, physics) and so I didn't have much time to post :(

However this week I'd like to show you how to do something essential for your make-up routine - my method for washing brushes! Cleaning them helps extend their life and is incredibly important as they can harbour dirt and bacteria. That's not very nice for your skin, is it?

I used to just wash mine in a bowl of soapy water but as it used to bit a bit drying, I recently discovered another method which really gets them looking soft, shiny and new.

You will need: 
Soap (shampoo, dish soap.....anything you want )
Olive Oil (to condition the brushes as they will have been stripped of moisture from the soap)
Bowl

1. Add 1 part oil to 1 1/2 parts soap in a bowl.

2. Take your first brush and swirl it around in the mixture, you should see the mixture changing colour as the make-up is coming off it!

3. Rinse under cold water until the water you squeeze out is clear.

4. Leave to dry flat or facing down on paper towels or the water may get trapped inside and create a loss of hair, damaging the brush. Make sure they are fully shaped and leave them overnight.

How often should you wash them? It depends on your usage but I'd say anything from every week to every month!

How do you wash your make-up brushes? Comment below! xx

D.I.Y. What to do with the bottom of your lipsticks?

Lipstick is very important to me. The other day I hit the bottom of one of my favourite tubes and since I had no idea where I bought it from, felt reluctant and very sad at the thought of having to throw it away. Some others were in a similar situation and so I had an idea - why not melt them all and mix them together?  The whole procedure must have taken me around 10 minutes and is great fun for people like me who like to get creative. 

I melted mine with a hair dryer on full power, but using the over the stove method or in the microwave could be quicker, and none will go flying out of the tin! If you want to make it a softer texture you can add some Vaseline or any vegetable oil which will also increase the shine. 

Beware it can get messy!

 The funnest part must be mixing different shades together and seeing the end result of them. Here I mixed a dark plum, with the hot glittery pink colour in the tube above, plus some Vaseline. 

It won't take long to set and the end result is this, a lovely new lip gloss you can carry around with you - how cool is that? 

Oats!

 Starting the day with a bowl of warm oats is one of my favourite breakfasts. Adding them to pancakes, muffins or even using them in my peanut butter cookies makes them so much healthier. But did you know they also have various skin benefits?

Oats play an important role in fighting acne or dryness. They are anti-inflammatory and absorb dirt, getting rid of all impurities. When applied to skin, if helps it form a protective barrier, reducing symptoms of itchiness, dryness and rashes. Even the Ancient Arabs and Egyptians believed they made you beautiful!

Make a simple face mask by mixing 30g oats, 1/4 teaspoon sugar, 1tsp honey, and 30ml water. Apply to a damp face for 15 to 20 minutes. Interested in more face masks? Click here and  for a collection of them!

You can also make a moisturising face scrub by finely grounding 1tbsp of them and mixing them with a finely ground tbsp of almonds. Add some water and use.

They are also a natural cleanser- when wet with lukewarm water they release a milky liquid that can be applied to the face. Pore size will become significantly smaller and leave your skin feeling silky.

Did you know of their various uses? Comment below!

How to ......Zzzzzzzzzzz

Mock exams have filled my past week with revision and I know most people think it is very stressful. Switching off to go to sleep can be hard, so I have put together the tips I think work best.

Don't you just love these? - Sold here

1) Don't Clock Watch
Counting down the hours you have left to sleep (I'll get 3 hours if I fall asleep now..)will make you panic. Don't look at your alarm, and if you do wakeup, tell yourself its 2am. You will stop panicking and be able to get a few hours of sleep before you get up.

2) Turn Down The Heat
Cold temperatures make you fall asleep more easily than hot ones.Your body temperature also drops when you are asleep, rising only when you start to wakeup again. If you are then cold, grab a pair of socks and hot water bottle.

3)Thought Blocking
Do you know why they say you should count sheep to get to sleep? It is a word with no emotional connotations and so can help you distract from your worries. Repeat it over in your head for about 3-5 minutes and you will feel much calmer.

4)Keep A Routine
If you get to sleep and wakeup every morning at roughly the same time, your body will start getting used to it, expecting sleep at those hours.

5)Blackout
Make sure it is completely dark when your get to sleep. Invest in an eye mask if necessary.

6)Don't Hit The Snooze Button
Getting up straight after the alarm goes off automatically lifts your mood, so will make you face your day better.

Sleep well!! xx

D.I.Y. | My favourite body scrubs

One of the things I must love the most are body scrubs. There are so many different types to choose from with countless numbers of scents that leave you feeling awake, refreshed and glowing. After my post on my favourite face masks I figured I could also make one on my best body scrubs. Olive oil is what I mostly use as it is the most moisturising oils, and many people even use it as body oil.

Basic scrub: Ingredients- 3 tbsp of sugar or sea salt and 1 tsbp of olive oil and 5 drops of flavouring of choice. My favourite would be to add vanilla or an essential oil for relaxing benefits.

Mixed scrub: Ingredients- 4 tbsp Sea salt, 2 tbsp salt, 5 tbsp sunflower oil, 3 tbsp olive oil, 25 drops flavouring. This has mixed oils and salt as it can be easier to use and wash off.

Vanilla sugar scrub: Ingredients- 200g sugar, 60ml olive oil, 1tbsp vanilla extract. Sugar is nicer on skin than salt, so I suggest you use this if you have sensitive skin.

Toning Cocoa scrub:  Ingredients- 3 tsp cocoa powder, 2 tsp salt, 2 tsp sea salt, 2 tsp of bicarbonate and 4 tsp of any vegetable oil. Mix well and then add some water. When you use it leave it on for a few minutes and then wash off. This not only smells lovely but also leaves you totally moisturised, also giving your skin a nice glow for the rest of the day.

Pre-epilation Strong Scrub:  Ingredients-¼ of lemon and orange, 2 tbp sea salt, 1 tbp bicarbonate, 1 tbsp honey and a bit of vegetable oil. Get the lemon and orange juice, pulp and skin. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well. The acid in the lemons and oranges also add to the exfoliating effect, perfect for removing ingrowing hairs. 

Remember to use them in circular motions to prompt blood circulation and to renew the grey, dull skin at best.

What is your favourite scrub? Comment below!

xx

D.I.Y. | My favourite face masks

I find that the best way to recharge a parched winter complexion is by using face masks. Sometimes I buy them, but other times when I can't be bothered to leave the house to buy them, probably because of the weather, (ugh, I hate the rain) I make them myself. The great thing about this is that you can tailor them to your own needs and use the things you find lying around in the kitchen.

Chocolate face mask: Ingredients- 1 tbsp cocoa powder, 1 tbsp spoon honey, 1 tbsp natural yoghurt.
I love this as it smells lovely-its like desert, but for the face! Chocolate facials can be hard to find ready made so this is is a hidden gem for many. Mix everything together and apply avoiding the eye area. Leave it on for 20 minutes. This can help fight free radicals and tightens skin, while also giving it colour.

Fruit face masks: Ingredients- ½ fruit, 1 tsp natural yoghurt, 1 tsp honey  
All fruits contain vitamins and are good at tightening the skin. Some are even tailored to benefit different skin types.              
Peach-Softens skin and for all types and ages.                                         
Melon- Soften and refreshes. For all skin types and to calm the skin.
Apple- For oily skin and to illuminate the skin and to fade scars.
Strawberry- For oily or mixed skin and also to give colour to it.     
Pear-For mixed skin.                    
Plums- Purifies the skin and tightens pores.
Kiwi- The seeds gently exfoliate and is used for oily skin.  
Pineapple- For mixed and oily skin.                                                          

Lemon and honey mask: Ingredients-1tsp honey, lemon juice 

Mix together so it becomes a paste and massage onto skin. Let it dry a bit so it becomes less sticky (about 5 minutes) and then wash off. The lemon improves skin tone while the honey hydrates. My favourite quick fix.

Oatmeal facial: Ingredients- 1 tbsp natural yoghurt, 1tbsp oatmeal.
Oatmeal is well known for being able to fade acne scars, and the yoghurt hydrates the skin. Mix and apply a thick layer to the skin, then wait for 25 minutes to remove it. Excellent for treating irritated skin, pimples and more.

One of my favourite things to do is apply them while in the bath- the heat will steam open pores, allowing it to sink more deeply into your skin. After removing them also splash your face with cold water to close your pores.

What do you swear by to treat your skin?

All The Small Things

There are so many things we do during the festive season, but maybe because of families and friends, school and/or work, or general procrastination, you never have enough time to add all the little details you would want to add to things.  This year I have tried to try different things for Christmas, here's my list:

Be more creative
I usually wrap things up with the usual wrapping paper every year, so this time I decided to be different. I decided to give one of my friends a memorable Christmas present by wrapping it up in Iron Man comics. Obviously photocopied and not real. Anyway she loved it.

Then I had bought a present for a friend but later walked into another shop and found a scarf I knew she would absolutely love. What did I do? I gave her both presents, using the scarf to wrap the first one up.     2-in-1.

Embellish
I love the festive sparkle. I have tried to embellish dull looking blouses with some sort of beads or lace or pretty material. I like to vary the beads in size,so different focus points can be given to the piece of clothing.

Statement jewellery is so now and can really refresh your wardrobe, so I made my own necklace to wear with my favourite warm winter jumpers. And yes, I do love pearls. 

Tree decorations 

I am really trying hard to get in with the Christmas spirit this year so I made a couple of decorations to put on the tree.........

How d'you like them?

D.I.Y. | Cinnamon And Chocolate Festive Lip Scrub

With the weather turning colder our lips may be becoming chapped and dry, and I know that just using lipbalm won't solve it. The only way I can make my lips nice and soft this season is using lip scrubs.You only need oils and sugar for a home made one and they are so easy to make. Really.

Since it's nearly Christmas one of my favourite festive flavours has to be cinnamon (hmmmmm the smell) I had the great idea to mix it with another a flavour I love-chocolate-and the final result was quite impressive.

Here's how to:

You need 1tsp caster sugar and a little less than 1tsp of whatever oil you want- I chose olive. Then add 1/2tsp cinnamon and 1/2tsp cocoa powder. Mix it all up and voilà.

 And did I mention cinnamon is also good for making lips look plumper? It also smells good and tastes sooo chocolatey I'm sure you'll love it- I know I do!

D.I.Y. | Make-up Remover

This is probably one of the simplest things I have ever done. I love all things that are beauty related-creams, make-up, shampoo and more- but have you ever read what these products contain? I always try to buy the best quality products I can but it can be hard when the products in your budget contain a long list of unpronounceable chemicals. To my horror most of them contain silicones or even paraffin, the reason why your eyes burn when you are using the products. Some ever contain fragrance, which for people with sensitive skin like me, is one of the most horrible things ever.

So, after looking at some sensitive make-up removers in shops I decided to make my own. It cost me pennies and literally only took me a couple of seconds to make- you'll be amazed at how well it works!

shake it up before every use.....

Here goes:
4 tbsp water
1tbsp sunflower oil
(optional; just to make it feel nicer) 1 tsp glycerin

Pour it in a bottle and mix it all up. You're done.

It was that easy!

I have used sunflower oil as it is one of the lightest oils and can be easily washed off, but you could also use vegetable or sunflower oil if you don't have it. There is no need to rub, and I can assure you it removes even the most stubborn waterproof make-up! I follow up with a face wash to clean off the residue of the oil. Only thing is that it should be used up after around a week as the water can make the oil go off easily.

D.I.Y. | Baroque Chain Ribbon Bracelet

I've been lusting after some chain jewellery lately as I just love the eye-catching shine and the detail they give to every look. I saw a few pieces in the high street which are knew where going to be so easy to DIY so here's my tutorial!

You need:
5 inch chain
10 inch ribbon
A beading needle
Thread same colour as the ribbon

1. Thread your ribbon through the beading needle and weave it through your chain, leaving approximately 2.5 inches ribbon each side. Make sure the ribbon and the chain don't twist on themselves while doing this. To help, you could use sellotape to stick the chain down to the table to keep it still.

2. Once you've done that, sow the ends of the chain to the ribbon to keep it in place. If the ends of the ribbon are fraying, you could put a bit of PVA glue or use a glue stick to seal them.

And its done! See it was so easy and quick I also made a longer white bracelet by doubling all the measurements. You could also embellish them with beads if you want, but I left mine as they were because I like the subtleness of them. I would suggest to tie with a knot, as they come loose easily if ties with a bow.

Hope you liked it :)