DIY : Lip Scrub

Recently, I've been out there looking for a great lip scrub. I wanted something that was exfoliating but yet moisturizing at the same time. There are some really good products out there with natural ingredients that I feel would get the job done without doing damage to my lips. However, they are so expensive! I don't get it.
On closer look at the ingredients I realized I had all of them at home. So I went home, made it and is totally happy with the outcome. I wanted to share this quick and easy DIY with you.

All you are going to need is

• 100% organic coconut oil
• brown sugar 
• olive oil
• container to put your product in

Depending on the size of your container you are going to measure the same amount of each ingredient and mix it to form a chunky paste. Don't mix too much because you don't want to dissolve the sugar. If it is beginning to dissolve just add some more sugar. 

Easy enough right ?

Check this video out for a quick tutorial.

Enjoy! Feel free to leave comments to let me know how this works for you. I swear by it.

The Tarte of Giving Collector's Set & Travel Bag : Review

I was so excited to received this beautiful makeup collection for Christmas ! Even though you can't get this particular set anymore ( it was limited edition) the individual products contained , you can definitely shop them at Sephora.com and Tarte.com . I am going to discuss each product in turn and give you my thoughts . All of the products I have really used them extensively so I feel confident to give you a proper review of them.

 

The eyeshadow palette I was most excited for . In my photo you can see I've been using them all . They are all very pigmented . They go on like a dream and last all day even on my combination/oily skin. They are also super easy to blend.

There is a combination of matte and shimmery shades so it's a great palette for everyday use and also for more special occasions . I have definitely used it for both. 

The set came with 8 sample sized lip glosses. The colours all suit my skin tone and I love the minty flavour they have. However, you definitely need to apply a lip liner to get a great colour pay off and to set it. Also, they are on the sticky side. My favourite is the Tarte Maracuja Lip Gloss in Ro. Its the perfect nude pink for my skintone. I would like to purchase the full size but I'm not seeing it anywhere ! :(

There are two cheek products in this set. It's the Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour blush in Memorable and the Tarte Flush Cheek Stain. The first I love , it goes on beautifully giving the cheeks a healthy flush of colour. On the other hand the cheek stain was a complete fail for me. I'm not sure if I got a bad batch or what. It was super greasy and barely pigmented. I tried to use it as a lip stain but to no avail. I really wanted to like this stain because of all the healthy ingredients used to make it. What's your experience with it ?

The Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4 in 1 mascara is pretty awesome. It doesn't clump. It spreads out your lashes and gives them length . 

These products I'm about to write about have become a part of my daily skin routine. It's the Tarte maracuja oil ( looking to get the full size) and the Tarte Maracuja C-brighter eye treatment. I have seen vast improvement in the quality of my skin and the dark circles under my eyes have noticeably lightened! I highly recommend these two products. 

So there you have it everyone . It's a great combination of products that comes in a very useful travel makeup bag that holds a tonne of things and the upside is the Tarte makeup brand formulates all of their products without parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate, triclosan, synthetic fragrances and gluten. Yes it's a little pricey but it's definitely worth it to spend a little extra for healthy makeup that won't do long term damage to your skin.

DIY: Manicure at Home

Are you like me ? Can't be bothered to spend a tonne on professionally done manicures ? Well this post is about showing you an easy manicure routine that I use to save me money whilst getting professional level results.

Here is what you will need and where you can get it :-

• Acetone- any drug store
• Cuticle Remover- I use Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover
• Cuticle Pusher- any drug store
• Nail Files- any drug store
• Nail Buffer- any drug store
• 100% Organic Argan Oil or Olive Oil- I use argan oil I bought from Amazon.com
• Q-tips- any drug store
• St. Ives Apricot Scrub- I like this because it really gets rid of the dead skin 
• Bowl with warm water - things around the house
• Hand moisturizer- any drug store or beauty shop
• Towel- things around the house
• Any nail polish colours of your choice. In the picture I choose from Essie's Marshmallow and Chinchilly. 

Let's get started with the process.

1. Clean of any remaining nail polish using the q-tips and acetone.
2. Using the nail buffer, even out, smooth, buff then shine nails.
3. Soak hands in water and quickly dry in towel.
4. Use the nail files to shape your nails in the way you prefer.
5. Now using the cuticle remover , massage it onto your cuticles . Use the instructions for the cuticle remover you have for best results. The Sally Hansen one really works though. 
6. Push back your cuticles with the cuticle pusher ( the wooden stick).
7. Use the scrub to exfoliate your entire hands and also to get rid of the cuticle remover on nails. 
8. Rinse nails in water and dry well with towel.
9. Here is where I apply the argan oil directly onto my nails. This stuff if amazing. Your nails look extremely healthy and shiny. Don't forget to massage the oil onto the cuticles. 
10. Moisturize hands with your choice of hand creams. I use Bath and Body Works Body Butters. They smell amazing and really seals in moisture leaving your hands super soft.

At this point you can stop , but if you would like to paint your nails with your favourite nail polish here is what to do.

1. Remove excess oil from your nails with acetone. This ensures nail polish goes on smoothly without any of those annoying air bubbles.
2. Apply your base coat, your nail polish of choice and then top coat. 

Now you can enjoy your beautiful manicure that you did all by yourself! 

Is there anything additional you do ? Please feel free to leave in the comments below. 

Style Watch says : Happy New Year!

2013 has passed. There were certainly lots of ups and downs, but the important thing is that I've learnt so much from it all. My 'gut feeling' is that this year, 2014 is going to be an amazing one filled with love, success and of course fabulous fashion and beauty. I have so many ideas to take this blog to the next level so readers please stay tuned. I wanted to thank each and every one of you who have read my blog posts and shared it in what ever shape or form. I'm truly grateful.

Here is to a wonderful and stylish 2014! Cheers !

Statement Jewels

These beauties are a current obsession of mine. I love the way they add that level of sophistication and extra umph to any oufit. It's kinda like pairing your outfit with that awesome shoe.

For months I have been eyeing this stunning statement necklace from Zara . From time to time I would stare at it on the website telling myself that for Christmas I will get it.

Photo credit: Zara.com

I recently made the decision to purchase it and just when I was going through the ordering process I saw it ! Out of stock! Sigh ..... I checked back a few days later and they took it off the site ! I guess it was not meant to be . Better luck to me next time I guess.

Anyway, coming back to topic now , when and if you do decide to wear these lovely baubles , my general rule of thumb is choose one item per outfit. Like , if you're doing a statement necklace with your outfit do that alone . Same with statement earrings.

          

Photo credit : Pinterest

Aren't they gorgeous! They can be on the pricey side but I think it's worth the investment. What are your favourite stores or websites to shop for these amazing baubles? 

My Hair Curling Shenanigans : Long Lasting Curls for Thick, Long Hair ?

Look at this picture .

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Have you always been envious of those beautiful waves ? I have always been. At one point I was so obsessed to achieve this look I literally viewed a hundred You Tube videos, give or take. Did your eyes opened up a bit at that ? I know it's a tad bit crazy! Video after video I witnessed beautiful curls being made . That perfect Victoria Secret voluminous curl. I wanted that too!

Then I curled my hair for the first time . My curls fell flat after half an hour and  I was left with a big , frizzy mess. I was most annoyed . What the heck was I doing wrong ? It took me about 20 more tries ( over a span of time of course) to finally figure out a successful way for the my curls to last at least half a day.

I've learnt so much about my hair during this process. First up, my hair is very thick and long so the weight of it causes the curls to fall flat in no time. I also realized holding the iron in my hair for the average 8-10 seconds does not cut it. A proper curl does not form and I did not want to expose my hair with more heat. I could go on and on but these are the main things that were preventing me from having successful curls.

After the many trials and errors here is the routine I found works for me. Here is a short video showing you the products needed.

So here are the steps to get those LONG LASTING CURLS:

Prepare your hair.

• Lightly spray hair with hair spray to create texture.
• Spray hair with your heat protector then brush out to evenly distribute the product.

Curl your hair.

• Part your hair how ever you like .
• Grab half inch sections of your hair and curl away from the face. 
• After each curl pin it to set the curl. ( this is the important step to achieve long lasting curls)
• Lightly spray entire head of curls and leave them to set for about half hour or in my case I leave it for about an  hour. ( I do my makeup or errands around the house to pass the time.)

Style your hair.

• Unpin all curls and lightly comb through them with your fingers
• Arrange them however you like .
• Give one last spritz of hairspray and you are all done ! 

Ladies, I hope these steps helped in some way. Please feel free to let everyone know what helps you achieve longer lasting beautiful curls. Comment below and let me know . 

Style Watch Says : Happy Divali!

Hi everyone! I wanted to take the time to wish each and every one of you a Happy Divali! Much love , peace and prosperity to you all! Let all that is good and positive fill your lives.