Ah, finally; my favorite time of the year – the end of it! 
This begins endless dinner parties for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve, and then New Year’s Day (yes my crazy family, friends and I celebrate all these days!)
This gave me an idea on a post – what beauty essentials do we need while we are going to all these events? You can’t carry too little in case you need something, but you can’t exactly drag around your big make up trunk!
Here are some of my recommended essentials needed in your bag for a nice evening out. Please add your own in the comments!
- Lip products. Lip products need constant reapplying as the color wears out after drinking and eating (and all those kiss-greetings!) so remember to bring whatever lip product you’re using, whether it’s lip balm, lip stick or lip gloss. A great lip balm that keeps your lips super moisturized with little (or no) reapplying is this one by Rosebud. I highly recommend it.
- Cover up. Remember to bring a little concealer or a compact – whatever you use to cover up – in your purse. (Here are some tips on what foundation would suit you.) A concealer stick is great for on the go and can touch up any dark circles or blemishes that could be revealed after your face has sweated a little – especially after a long night of dancing!
- Oil- control. I never leave home without my trusty oil blotting sheets, they are wonderful! I have the powdered ones so I’m getting two in one; a little touch up, and it removes the shine! You don’t need to spend money on those brands who overprice them (not mentioning any names…). You can get really inexpensive ones from your local drugstore that work just as well.
- Mini perfume. If you’d like to spritz yourself as the night goes on, do bring a small version (or the original) of your perfume. If you’d like your perfume to last without the touch ups, read this tip here on how to make your fragrance last longer.
- Breath mints. Pretty self explanatory, right?
- Hand sanitizer. Or maybe it’s just me being paranoid, but I do keep a tiny hand sanitizer in my bag, especially after the H1N1 flue scare! It also helps for all the handshaking and greetings you’ll have to do! If not, just remember to wash your hands before eating and after!
In conclusion, have fun and try not to think about any beauty ‘mishaps’ – you need to enjoy yourself! However, just remember to include those little bits and bobs in your bag just in case (and whatever can fit in your bag!).
Also, this is optional; but, if you have an all-in-one makeup palette, do pack that. This is easy for touch ups on eyeshadow, lipstick and blush. What beauty products do you keep in your purse for nights out? Do you have any other items to add to my list? 
Bust enhancement creams raise a big question mark in my mind. I’ve seen many creams, lotions and ‘magic’ treatments aiming to make your bust bigger, but the way I see it… the only way is to stick two silicon funbags underneath your chest.
However, I was approached by Pupa (an Italian brand that I’ve been very interested in for awhile) to try out their new Breast Enhancer Intensive Treatment with Volufilne. At first, I hesitated: First of all, I love my cup size (that may or may not have the same starting letter as the word Apple), and second of all, I don’t want to give anyone the impression that I condone such silliness as obsessively rubbing cream and believing your bust will magically grow – because the way I see it, there are no magic creams, period. (Although I would love to be proven wrong.)
So I did what anyone else does in this tech-age and Googled the living soul out of breast enhancement creams. Believe it or not, I did find some glowing reviews that didn’t seem like there was anything suspicious going on in the background (read: $$$). And when I re-read Pupa’s brochure on the product, it didn’t give us any wild hope; it basically just said it helps give a firming effect to breasts that have lost it’s elasticity due to weight loss, pregnancy and breast feeding. The lotion was used with lasers where the results did show an increase in volume, but that’s another story and there was no talk on lasers for me (thank goodness)… all they wanted to send me was a simple lotion.
So I lightened up and obliged. Also, I admit – I’m pretty damn curious.
Breast Enhancer Intensive Treatment achieves its cosmetic lipo-filling effect thanks to a vital Bio-Extract: Volufiline which promotes the natural process of accumulating lipids in the adipose cells supporting the skin.
Adipocytes (adipose cells) are specialized in accumulating a large quantity of lipids within them in the form of triglycerides. Volufiline is formulated to stimulate a particular protein – adipophilin – responsible for the physiological accumulation of triglycerides and their organization into lipid drops. This helps to store the lipids in the adipocytes until they mature.
This cosmetic lipo-filling action leads to an increase in the volume of the subcutaneous adipose layer, enhancing the size of the breasts and leaving them rounder and better contoured.
One thing I really like about the Breast Enhancer is the smell. It’s something like a mix between baby powder or something from a high class spa in Paris (I’m guessing, of course).
I’ve been using it for a week now and no; I won’t be shopping at Victoria’s Secret anytime soon. While I do feel that it does live up to its claim – the surface of the skin does seem smoother and the skin seems ‘taunt’ – I have not been pregnant, breast feeding or have any drastic weight loss, so I’m not sure I’m the right candidate for any ’serious’ effects.
Either way, if you feel your breasts need some ‘help’, this is worth a try; it’s fairly affordable, moisturizes, smoothes the skin, and has a pleasant smell. And like I said, my skin does feel more taunt, but I suspect you’d need to use this cream even longer (or forever) to keep that feeling up, which would be quite expensive. So it’s really up to you! It’s worth a try though, I do like it as a lotion. And if it doesn’t work, you can do what I do with all lotions I don’t like: just use them as hand cream.
Girls, give it to me: what do you think of breast enhancements creams? Also, if you’ve ever tried any of them, do let me know! 
Teen Vogue has a great article out about Australian supermodel Mirander Kerr, who has just finished writing a book on self esteem and health advice for young girls. I had no idea about this, but I think it’s awesome! I know some might think; what does she know about self-esteem … look at her! However, she might know what she’s talking about – she studied psychology, naturopathy and nutrition at school. And like I say over and over, doesn’t matter if you’re a young student, the president or a supermodel – everyone deals with self esteem issues.
Here’s an excerpt of the article:
“I love to read! I’ve come to consider some of my favorite books as trusted friends I can always depend on,” she says. Her love of the written word is exactly why she recently completed her latest project, a book called Treasure Yourself.
“Your teen years are when you create a foundation for the rest of your life, from habits to ideas of who you think you are and what you believe you are able to accomplish. A confident teen is more likely to set out to achieve what she dreams of simply because she thinks she can. I want to contribute to that.”
And her signature positive attitude has served this 26-year-old well, from her gig as a Victoria’s Secret Angel to her multiple magazine covers.
“One thing I tell girls who want to break in to the industry is that there’s no such thing as ‘looking’ like a model. There are so many different shapes and sizes, and everyone has things they want to change: freckles in odd places, dimples where they might not want them, and hair where it shouldn’t be. Just remember that picture-perfect doesn’t exist — perfection is you, just the way you are.“
What do you think? Would you take advice on a supermodel and buy this book? I’d love to read it, if anyone knows anything on release dates, do let me know!
I think it’s safe to say everyone and their grandmother will be bringing out their hottest pair of heels to wear this holiday (and party) season.
It’s believed that the way your feet feel determines the well being of your whole body. And with aches, corns, blisters, muscle spasms, calluses, bunions and er… general pain, heels can be one heck of mood spoiler. Think about it; if your heels are killing you and your feet feel like it’s about to fall off, you don’t feel that great and your party night (and not to mention your mood) is ruined.
(I am now having flash backs of sitting at the curb of the road, the ball of my right foot going into spasms as the poor boy next to me tries to calm me down. Later, he has to CARRY me to the cabstand and send me home … Oh, and in case you didn’t know – people like to laugh at others misery. Not fun.)
How to pick out the right pair of heels
First and foremost, and it goes without saying: it’s important you find a pair of heels that actually fit. It doesn’t matter how cheap they were or how gorgeous they are, buying just one size too small or too big is a big no-no. Buying a smaller size leads to pain, pain and more pain, while a bigger size makes you walk around like you’re playing dress up in mommy’s shoes; which, makes you use all sorts of other muscles in the foot, which … you guessed it, equals more pain.
Oh, the trials of being a woman! 
If your shoes tend to ’slip’ to the front, you can try this hairspray trick I wrote about recently. I also found this fantastic image (click to enlarge) to give you more information on all the downsides of wearing heels.
These are some more general tips on buying the right pair of heels:
- If you can, avoid pointed shoes. They squeeze your toes together and can create bunions and injuries such as Morton’s Neuroma. A good way to see if your toes have enough room is that you should be able to wiggle your toes without problems.
- Buy shoes that allow your feet to ‘breathe’ – avoid plastics that are uncomfortable and allow your foot to stay cool. Leather is said to be the best.
- Try to avoid kitten heels where the heel is very thin. This puts unbelievable pressure to your knees and the ball of your feet.
- Buy shoes at the end of the day, as your feet expands throughout the day.
- The ideal heel height is 1-1.5 inches.
How to make your heels more comfortable
Here are some tried-and-tested tips on making your heels the most comfortable possible on your night out.
- Get backup flats. Bring a pair of flip-flops or your favorite flats in your bag. That is, if your bag is big enough to fit them in. I used to do this; once the ‘night’ was done with and I’m just left with my friends, I switched my shoes and actually start to enjoy myself and my feet could relax.
- Cushion up. Many fashionable heels don’t necessary have any padding – no pain, no gain I suppose? It doesn’t mean you have to suffer though; there are many gel pads and cushions inserts available today. You simply stick them to the sole of your shoes. Dr. Scholl’s make excellent ones for every type of shoe and concern.
- Season them. If you bought new shoes for this new season, wear them around the house a bit to ‘loosen’ them up a bit. I think everyone can relate to wearing new shoes the very same day of buying them and having painful blisters.
- Band-aid galore. Carry a few (and for your girlfriends; I am known as Band-Aid Queen) band-aids in your wallet, just in case an uninvited blister decides to show up – or make a fashion statement and wear crazy colored, zebra patterned ones, they are sure to spice up any shoes!
- Baby steps. As in, take smaller steps so there is less pressure on your foot. Long strides create extra weight each time you take a step, which speeds up the chances of aches and pains. And please, no running in heels. Ouch.
- Limit yourself. Don’t wear heels everyday, unless you want to have procedures in the future such as correcting bunions, ingrown toenails, replace worn out toe-joints, knee or back surgery. Limit yourself to two hours at a party and then slip on your flats for the rest of the night – don’t worry about not looking tall enough or something ridiculous; you wouldn’t want to risk having all sorts of problems just to look a few inches taller, would you? Also, try sitting down for intervals if your shoes are starting to wear you down.
- Pamper them! End your night with a warm foot bath. Fill a tub full of warm water and just relax and soak your feet, massaging them gently. You can even add a bit of milk to your mixture; I hear it is very soothing for aching muscles.
- Moisturize. To end, moisturize your feet before sleeping, further massaging them. All that stiff movement in your heels can lead to dry, rough heels and dry lines all over your foot. Moisturize your foot (any body lotion will do, this one will be great) and if you want to take it a step further; after moisturizing, wear socks to sleep to really let your foot ‘drink’ in the moisture and recover from all that pain.
In conclusion; please take care of your feet. I know heels are sexy and everybody loves them, but if you’re going to be miserable and in pain the whole night, there’s no real point, is there? Shouldn’t you enjoy your night instead of worrying about your feet? Not to mention all the other complications heels can start up. Don’t risk it! Take care of your feet and limit the heels, no matter how beautiful they are.
And, as always, I love hearing from you – feel free to add in your own tips on heels – how do you survive a night in them? What do you do to make your heels more comfortable? The more tips, the better.
Images: high heels, boingboing.net,
Wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Do you remember those days as a kid, skipping down to local candy shop, spending your money (all $2 of it) on candy, and then feverishly spreading them all over your lips and making a big mess? …No? Was it just me then? I remember as I kid I’d always buy those ‘magic dust’ candy or take anything with food coloring and spread it all over my lips as if it were lipstick.
Well, those days of spreading sugar all over my lips may make actual sense today – I’ve read that a natural, gentle way to exfoliate lips is to make your very own sugar scrub.
All you have to do is mix some olive oil and some sugar together, pat it on your finger, and gently rub it against your lips. Exfoliating your lips once a week (or more, depending on your lips) gets rid of extra dead skin cells, flakes and reveals soft, smooth lips. It’s also great to exfoliate your lips before applying lipstick, as any flakes or extra bits will show through more with lipstick.
Do you exfoliate your lips? What methods do you use? I know there are many other methods than a sugar scrub as well, but this seems the most gentle, not to mention quick and easy – you can find these ingredients in your kitchen!
Image: Unknown
How many foundation ad campaigns have you seen like the one above? A ton, I presume – and all promising beautiful, clear, radiant skin. But then you try it on yourself and it looks a mess, doesn’t it? There are countless foundations on the market today, and the first step to finding a foundation you want is figuring out what type of foundation will suit your skin type and your preferences. (And before we start, if you don’t know your skin type, find out here.)
Sure; there are millions upon millions (OK, might be exaggerating a bit) different foundations formulas from airbrush, spray, wipe on, mineral, solid stick – but they are basically one of these three formulas:
Left to right: Compact/Pressed Foundation, Liquid Foundation, and Loose Powder.
Compact/Pressed Foundation
Said to be one of the heavier finishes, compact foundation (or pressed powder) used to have a bad rep as being too thick and full of talc like in the olden days – the heavier formula absorbs oil instantly and gives a heavier coverage, so some are a little hesitant!
However, today there are many different ingredients used that help skin look fresh, matte, smooth, and not heavy at all.
- Great for those with oily or combination skin.
- Covers large pores.
- Portable and convenient packaging for touch-ups.
- Absorbs oil instantly for quick touch ups during the day for busy women.
Liquid Foundations
The most popular formula, they range from sheer tints to heavier coverages. It’s easy to apply and the most hygienic packaging are pump bottles.
- Suits most skin types, but those with oily skin will have to top it off with powder.
- Oil free formulas will suit oily skin.
- Gives a slightly dewy look.
- Can be applied by sponges, brushes or your fingertips.
Loose Powder
Depending on your application (and layers), loose powder can be used sheer or heavy. Normally applied with a fluffy brush or kabuki brush – mineral makeup foundations are normally in loose powder formulas.
- Suitable for any skin type, but dry skin may need a liquid underneath.
- Instant oil absorption.
- Very matte finish, no shine at all.
What type of foundation do you use? I’m personally not a big fan (probably will be in the future though) so for now I’m still using a translucent loose powder base by Aubrey Organics most of the time, (review here) or Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer when extra coverage is needed.
Hands up those who is in love with Kristen Stewart’s eye makeup? (Those with your hands down: you’re weird.) The girl has permanently sexy, smokey eyes; and I for one can admit I’m jealous. Very jealous. Who does her makeup?!
Kristen has beautiful olive green eyes and one thing’s for sure; she has a damn good makeup artist! From all her recent premieres she’s been attending (or shall we say headlining!) she seems to stick to the same eye makeup: smokey eyes to bring out her beautiful green color. Here’s her makeup for the past two Twilight movies; the first for Twilight in 2008 and the second for New Moon this year!
I think the epitome of her eye makeup look was showcased on her recent November issue of Allure, which in a word is stunning. It shows Kristen as we know her – her messy hair, nude lips and intense eyes. Also, you can see that the makeup applied is how she wears makeup to premieres, so it does seem to be her ’signature look’!
What’s great about this look too, is that the colors are ‘neutral’ so it can suit any eye color, not just green eyes.
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