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Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Spring/Summer braids

Spring/Summer braids

March 27, 2012 2 Comments

Braids are the hottest trend for Spring/Summer 2012.  From milkmaid braids to fishtails (herringbone braids) and braided up-dos, braids can be worn on daily basis as well as for special occasions.
Timeless, and oh so pretty, braids are coming stronger than ever this season with newer, unique versions.  Check out these gorgeous, worth trying braided hairstyle trends. 

The side braid as seen on:

Miley Cyrus

Selena Gomez

Eva Longoria

Jennifer Hudson

Salma Hayek

The milkmaid braid as seen on:

Brooklyn Decker

Sienna Miller

Mary Kate Olsen

Check out this video to learn how to do the milkmaid braid: 



The fishtail (herringbone) braid as seen on:

Vanessa Hudgens

Kim Kardashian

Leona Lewis

Fergie

Blake Lively

Check out this video to learn how to do a fishtail braid in a few easy steps: 


Braided up-dos as seen on:

Charlize Theron

Jessica Alba

Heidi Klum

Kristen Bell

Nicole Richie

Scarlett Johansson

Penelope Cruz

Braids are also great if you want to give your locks a break from heat styling this season.  Trust me; your hair will thank you.

XOXO
Euphrasie85

Photos from here.
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Sunday, March 25, 2012

Nails Of The Day (NOTD): Double neon

Nails Of The Day (NOTD): Double neon

March 25, 2012 2 Comments

It’s been a while since my last NOTD post.  Since then, I’ve also cut my nails shorter. 

This is what I’m wearing on my finger nails today.    


I applied a base coat, followed by two coats of Tangerine nail polish.


When the bright orange colour was completely dry, I applied one coat of Fuschia on the right half of each nail.  Lastly, I applied a top coat.



Do you like neon nail polish?  Leave a comment and let me know!

If you enjoyed this post, check out my previous NOTD posts.

XOXO
Euphrasie85
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Friday, March 23, 2012

How to thin out your nail polish

How to thin out your nail polish

March 23, 2012 16 Comments

Hello everyone!

Don't you hate it when you go to apply a nail polish, and it has gotten so thick that you are unable to apply it?  Instead of throwing the nail polish away, you can use nail polish thinner.  I couldn’t find nail polish thinner in stores or online (the sellers didn’t ship internationally), so I found an alternative: surgical spirit aka rubbing alcohol.

Method:

1.     Remove the cap from the nail polish, and add 3 or 4 drops of nail polish thinner/rubbing alcohol to the nail polish bottle.
2.     Screw the cap back on the nail polish bottle.
3.     Roll the bottle gently between the palms of your hands to blend the thinning agent with the polish.  Do not shake!
4.     Re-open the nail polish and test it.  If it flows loosely from the brush it's ready to use.  If it's still too thick, repeat steps 1, 2 and 3, then re-test the polish on your nail.


Tips:

  • Store nail polish standing upright in a cool and dry place to keep the pigment from settling.
  • If the polish still isn't thin enough to use after adding 10 drops of thinner/alcohol, throw it out.
  • Do not use nail polish remover as a thinner.  Polish remover will ruin the nail polish.


This is not just a short term fix.  I thinned out my nail polishes with rubbing alcohol about a month ago and they are still as good as new!

Do you thin out your nail polishes?  Leave a comment and let me know.

XOXO
Euphrasie85

Picture from here.
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Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Tag post: This or that?

Tag post: This or that?

March 20, 2012 0 Comments

Hello everyone!

 I love watching tags on YouTube, so today I decided to do the This or That tag post!  Read on to find out what I prefer at the moment.  

MAKE-UP
Blush or bronzer - Blush
Lip gloss or lipstick - Lip gloss
Eye liner or mascara - Mascara
Foundation or concealer - Foundation
Neutral or colour eye shadow - Neutral
Pressed or loose eye shadows - Pressed eye shadow
Brushes or sponges - Brushes

NAILS
OPI or China Glaze - I haven't tried either
Long or short - Longish
Acrylic or natural - Natural
Bright or dark - Bright
BODY
Perfume or body splash - Perfume
Lotion or body butter - Lotion
Body wash or soap - Body wash
Lush or other bath company – The Body Shop
FASHION
Jeans or sweat pants - Jeans
Long sleeve or short - Short
Dresses or skirts - Dresses
Stripes or plaid - Stripes
Flip flops or sandals - Sandals
Scarves or hats - Scarves
Studs or dangly earrings - Dangly earrings
Necklaces or bracelets - Necklaces
Heels or flats - I love heels!
Cowboy boots or riding boots – Riding boots (since I have to pick one)
Jacket or hoodie - Jacket

HAIR
Curly or straight - Curly
Bun or ponytail - Bun
Bobby pins or butterfly clips - Bobby pins
Hair spray or gel - Hair spray
Long or short - Long (more versatile)
Light or dark - Dark
Side sweep bangs or full bangs – Side sweep bangs
Up or down - Up

RANDOM
Rain or shine - Shine 
Summer or winter - Winter
Fall or spring - Spring
Chocolate or vanilla - Chocolate 
East coast or west coast - West coast

That’s all for this tag.  I tag everyone reading this!  Share your responses in the comments below.  I would love to know your answers.
XOXO
Euphrasie85
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Sunday, March 18, 2012

DIY: Pedicure

DIY: Pedicure

March 18, 2012 5 Comments

It's almost Spring aka sandal season!  It’s time to show our toes to the world.  Here are some tips for a perfect pedicure.

Step 1:
Remove old nail polish with an acetone-free nail polish remover.

Step 2:
Add Epson salt and your favourite scented oil to warm water and soak your feet for 10 minutes.  This step does more than clean your feet, it also softens dead skin cells in preparation for exfoliation.  


Step 3:
Dry your feet with a clean towel.  Exfoliate with a scrub.  Check out this post if you want to make your own sugar facial/body scrub.  Massage each foot for a minute or two with a quarter-size blob of scrub.  Start at your heel and work your way out to your toes, ankles, and calves using circular motions.  If you have dry skin, you can also use a wet pumice stone on your feet.  Rinse your feet with warm water.

Step 4:
Using a toenail clipper, trim your nails straight across, then smooth the edges with a nail file.  Make sure not to go too short though.

Step 5:
Massage feet and legs with a rich moisturising cream.  Massage your feet to boosting circulation and reduce swelling.

Step 6:
Apply a cuticle remover at the base of each nail.  Wait one minute for the remover to soften the cuticle.  Use an orange stick to push the cuticle.

Step 7:
Swipe your nails with nail polish remover to get rid of any cream residue left over from your foot massage.  Next, apply a clear base coat.  Then, apply two thin coats of polish and finish with a top coat.

Tips:

When soaking your feet, add a few drops of tea tree oil to the water.  Tea tree oil helps fight athlete’s foot and reduce itchiness.

Are you ready for Spring/Summer '12?

XOXO
Euphrasie85

Related posts:
DIY: Yummy facial scrub/mask
Tips for healthy cuticles

Photo from here.
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Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Foundation 101

Foundation 101

March 14, 2012 4 Comments

Hello everyone!

Today’s topic is foundation.  I will tell you a little bit about the many types of foundation available, and how to apply foundation properly.


Foundation is used to create an even colour to the complexion, to cover flaws and give a healthy glow.  A thicker, drier foundation covers more, but it's harder to blend.  On the other hand, a lighter one is easier to blend, but doesn’t conceal imperfections as easily.

Different types of foundation:

Tinted moisturiser
Use if you don't need a lot of coverage but just want something to even out your skin tone.

Liquid foundation
It applies smoothly and is easily found at local drugstores.

Cream foundation
It is thicker than liquid foundation, ideal for normal and dry skin.

Mousse or whipped foundation
Mousse/whipped foundation is liquid foundation with air whipped in, making it lighter and smoother.

Cream-to-powder foundation
You can find this type of foundation in compacts, in tubes or bottles.  Its biggest advantage is the fact that you don't have to put on powder to set it.

Powder foundation
Loose powder or pressed powder.  This type of foundation is ideal for oily skin.

Mineral foundation
Mineral foundation has very few ingredients and tends to be perfect for people with sensitive skin.

Stick foundation
Come in solid form.  These tend to dry quickly and provide a matt finish, ideal for oily skin.

How to apply:
1.   Wash you face.
2.   Apply a moisturising sunscreen, moisturiser or primer.  If your skin is dry, it will absorb the foundation soon after it is applied.  If your face is oily, make sure that your moisturiser is oil-free.

3.   Let the moisturiser, sunscreen or primer set for a few minutes.
4.   Apply concealer where needed.  Pat, never rub, into skin.

5.   Using a make-up sponge, brush or the tips of your fingers, apply dots of foundation on your cheeks, chin, forehead and tip of the nose.  
6.   Blend!  Blending is key for a flawless finish.  

7.   Set the foundation with loose powder immediately after application. 
Tips:
If you use a sponge or a brush, wash it out regularly.

Use a translucent finishing/setting loose powder.

Heavy foundations and powders, can settle into lines and wrinkles making them look deeper.  Instead, use a sheer tinted moisturiser.  For more tips check out this post: Does your make-up make you look older?

What is your favourite foundation?

XOXO
Euphrasie85

Photo from here.
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Friday, March 09, 2012

Raw potato skincare?!

Raw potato skincare?!

March 09, 2012 2 Comments

Hello everyone!

Did you know that, besides being a tasty side dish, the potato is also an excellent skincare ingredient?

Here is why:

The potato is packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.  Vitamin C and B complex and minerals like Potassium, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Zinc are very beneficial for the skin and can all be found in raw potato.  The enzymes present in the pulp of raw potatoes are also good for the skin.  In addition, raw potato contains acids that have antibacterial properties.

Raw potatoes can be used to:
  •          control and prevent acne; pimples and blackheads
  •          fade scars
  •          soothe  inflammation
  •          treat under eye bags and dark eye circles
  •          reduce swelling
  •          cleanse excess oil
  •          soften and cleanse skin
  •          treat minor skin burns
  •          cure common warts 



There are two main methods of application; 

1.   Pulp mask:
  •      Grate the raw potato pulp and apply to affected area.
  •       Leave it on for about 15-20 minutes.
  •       Wash it off.

2.   Juice:
  •          Make a juice using raw potato (without skin).  
  •          Keep the juice in the fridge for about 30 minutes.  
  •          Apply to affected area.


Long-term use of raw potato results in beautiful, smooth skin and even complexion.


Tips:


This DIY mask is ideal for oily skin.  Still, do not use more than twice a week on your face otherwise it can over dry your skin.

XOXO
Euphrasie85

Photo from here.
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Monday, March 05, 2012

Plopping wavy/curly hair!

Plopping wavy/curly hair!

March 05, 2012 5 Comments

Hello everyone!

As I told you in a previous post, I tend to get board easily with my hair style and I love changing it up. (This probably has something to do with the fact that I’m a Gemini!)

I have naturally wavy/curly hair, type 2c/3a to be exact!  I want to start wearing my hair curly again, it’s been a while and I miss it.  I do use a heat protectant every time I blow dry and straighten my hair; still I want to give my hair a break from heat styling.  When I wear my hair curly, I diffuse with cold air, but before that I shape my curls using the plopping/plunking method.

What is plopping/plunking?

Plopping (sometimes referred to as plunking) is a method used to help create curl structure prior to diffusing or air drying.  Plopping gives hair more volume and also reduces frizz!  This method is very popular among NaturallyCurly.com members.

How to plop?

Step 1:
After washing and conditioning your hair, rinse with cold water and gently squeeze out excess water.  Apply your hair styling product/s.


Step 2:
Put a microfibre towel (or cotton t-shirt) down on a chair or any other flat surface.  You can also use a microfibre hair turban.  Position the wet hair onto the towel so the curls are all concentrated on top of the head.  This structures your curls like an accordion, similar to scrunching.  


Step 3:
Twist the two ends of the towel to fit the size of your head.  Attach the two ends behind your head with a rubber band or tie them together.


Step 4:
Leave the towel on for at least 15-20 minutes.  For best results leave it on until your hair is about 60% dry. 


When you take the towel off, you can scrunch in a bit more gel, if you want to.  Let you hair air dry or blow-dry with a diffuser.  Try not to touch your hair until it’s completely dry; this will reduce frizz.    

What is your natural hair type?  If you’re not sure you can find out here.

XOXO
Euphrasie85

Pictures from here.
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