Holllaaaa! This is how I clean my makeup brushes and you are very welcome!
x
Wednesday 20 July 2016
Thursday 14 July 2016
LVL Lashes
I don't want to toot my own horn, but I have literally got the best lashes in the whole entire world (maybe). Was I born with these lashes? Technically. Are they naturally this fabulous? Technically not...
Let me explain! Since January sort of time, I'd been indulging in eyelash extensions. However, I just didn't feel like I was making an effort with my makeup when I had them, which annoyed me. So, I was talking to my friend (Pippa May Beauty), and she told me about LVL Lashes. I had a little look into it and then decided I wanted to give them a go!
Let me explain! Since January sort of time, I'd been indulging in eyelash extensions. However, I just didn't feel like I was making an effort with my makeup when I had them, which annoyed me. So, I was talking to my friend (Pippa May Beauty), and she told me about LVL Lashes. I had a little look into it and then decided I wanted to give them a go!
What are LVL Lashes?
If you've never heard of LVL lashes (LVL Enhance, technically) before, let me (try to) explain! LVL stands for Length, Volume, and Lift. It's basically a modern perm for your lashes which is safer too! The treatment straightens the lash at the root, rather than curling it, which creates the illusion of longer, thicker lashes. It's a more natural alternative to eyelash extensions, plus you don't need to apply mascara (although you can if you like) and the treatment lasts for up to 6 weeks! It takes roughly 45 minutes to do, which if I'm honest is my least favourite part - I'm really bad at laying on my back for any extended period of time (lol)... It just makes me headachey, ok?! The great thing is that as Pippa is my friend, she knows about my weirdness and tries to assist in any way she can! You will also need a patch test for all of the products used throughout the treatment, 48 hours prior to having it done!The Treatment
Firstly the beautician will decide what size shield (the shield is what they use to straighten your lash) will achieve your desired look. A smaller shield will give you a more dramatic look, whereas a large shield would give a more natural look. They will then tape your bottom lashes down, which can be a little uncomfortable if you're not used to it, also, it's not good if you get claustrophobic! Before the shield is added, the beautician will make sure the eye is cleansed and make-up free. Next, they use a bonding gel on the lid which will stick the desired shield to the lid, the lashes will then be straightened by pulling them straight on the shield.
Step 1: Lifting Balm - The balm is applied to the base of the lashes. It breaks down the bond of the lashes to enable them to be restructured into a new shape. This is usually left on for 10-12 minutes, depending on the lashes.
Step 2: Volumising Fix - This is applied in the same place as the lifting balm; it repairs the broken sulphide bonds to fix and secure natural lashes. The Volumising Fiz is left on for half the time of Step 1.
Step 2a: Lash Tint - This is when the tint will be added, usually in black, to darken the lashes and give the effect of mascara. This is applied to the whole of the lash and left for around 3-5 minutes.
Step 3: Moisturising Serum - The serum is applied to the entire lash and has a dual purpose; firstly, and perhaps quite obviously, it nourishes the lashes with natural oils and essential moisture but it also helps to remove any remaining bonding or tint residue. It's at this point that the shield will be removed.
The beautician will them comb through your lashes and gently remove the tape which was holding down the bottom lashes; this can cause discomfort and make your eyes water a little! The beautician will then ask you to open your eyes and look up, again your eyes may water, but it's quite normal! (They may also sting, again quite normal, as long as it's not for an extended period of time! If this is the case, your need to rinse your eyes with water). Then, they'll comb through them one last time once your eyes are open and ba da bing, ba da boom YOU JUST GOT LVLS!
The beautician will them comb through your lashes and gently remove the tape which was holding down the bottom lashes; this can cause discomfort and make your eyes water a little! The beautician will then ask you to open your eyes and look up, again your eyes may water, but it's quite normal! (They may also sting, again quite normal, as long as it's not for an extended period of time! If this is the case, your need to rinse your eyes with water). Then, they'll comb through them one last time once your eyes are open and ba da bing, ba da boom YOU JUST GOT LVLS!
Does it Hurt?
You have to have a patch test done 24 hours prior to having the treatment I had absolutely no adverse reaction to the chemicals/products used. The treatment itself doesn't really hurt at all! I won't lie, there were a few times my eyes felt a bit funny, but I just said to Pippa, my eyes are feeling a bit *insert how they were feeling*, but each time she said that was quite normal!
Aftercare
Your beautician should run through this with you, but I will mention it quickly in case you feel the need to know before you have them done!
For the first two days, you should avoid heat, e.g. steam rooms, saunas, etc. For the first 24 hours, you can't get them wet (think Legally Blonde, final trial scene...), wear mascara or use any products on them (e.g. face creams, cleansers, soaps etc). Pippa also told me to be careful when I sleep, because if you sleep on your front, they may get stuck in a very unfortunate way! Finally, you can't use eyelash curlers on them, at all!
My Thoughts
Once I had my lashes done, I literally felt like the most fluttery lash lady there ever was. Honestly, 10/10 for me - I'm so happy I had them done! I think personally, I would now always opt for LVL over lash extensions; they're just so much more natural and you have far less upkeep with the LVL. If you're near the Peterborough area and want LVLs, then try my friend Pippa, she's amazing!
I hope this was of some help, if it wasn't and you made it to the end anyway - I applaud you!
I hope this was of some help, if it wasn't and you made it to the end anyway - I applaud you!
Sunday 10 July 2016
Weekday vs Weekend Hair & Face!
Behold! I decided to do a little Weekday vs Weekend hair and makeup look; have a wee peek if you fancy! x
Friday 8 July 2016
Make Me Thin...
I know, I'm awful; I've not been posting very regularly and I'm trying my hardest to create a schedule that works for me... do you care? Probably not, but now I've told you, so #yourewelcome...
Anyway, I had to hop on my computer today and type something up because I may have just found the key to potentially getting rid of my weight, for good!
For the majority of my life, I have been aware of food, and diets. I think I was about 11 when my Nan told me I was "fat, always had been and always will be". Let me tell you, at 11, sure I was "rotund" (lol), but I was not fat. However, after that comment, food seemed to become something that I was constantly aware of, forever trying to avoid, but "failing" and then sneaking food when no one was looking. Throw in an ex-boyfriend, who always made me feel quite worthless and unattractive (trust me, that's a whole other story), plus the comfort eating when the relationshit ended and you've reached current Katie. To this day, I still do what I did years ago, I go on ridiculous diets, I fail, I feel like I have to hide that I'm eating and then repeat; I'm constantly aware of other people around me and what they must be thinking about this fat girl, who's eating food that she really shouldn't be.
When I say I've tried the majority of diets, I mean it. I've done Cambridge, Slimming World, Weight Watchers, counting calories, just eating fruit, trying to eat nothing and each time I've put on the weight plus more, back on. It's fair to say I had reached the end of my tether with it all; I was convinced that the only way I'd be able to lose weight, would be to have a gastric band. Failing that, I was getting used to the idea that I'd just be big (and miserable) forever. I've tried to be happy about it, tried to convince myself that I'm meant to be bigger. I follow so many plus sized girls on Instagram and I see how happy they are and I wish I could feel that way, but I just don't. I don't feel attractive, I can't look in floor length mirrors, I avoid anything that's reflective and I HATE photos of me being taken that I'm not prepared for. You'd think that all of that would be enough to push me to do anything to shift the weight, but I've entered into this vicious cycle which is proving very difficult to break from.
A week or so ago I was online, Daily Mail (lol), and I came across an article about Paul McKenna's book, I Can Make You Thin. I don't know why I ordered it because I didn't really pay much attention to the article. But that night I went on to Amazon and put it in my basket, I can't really remember thinking much about it except, at this stage, I'll try anything! I started reading the book last night, and I had to keep reading it. Everything I was reading I could relate to, everything in that (magical, wonderful) book started to make sense and a little seed of hope was planted, perhaps there is a way to lose weight without having to go on these crazy diets.
So today, all I've been trying to do is notice when I'm actually hungry, which is more difficult than I thought it would be. And, I've been stopping in between every mouthful, putting my fork down, or putting the actual food down, instead of eating it within 20 seconds and wondering where it's gone! It took me half a blinking hour to eat my lunch today, it's never, ever taken me that long before! Usually, I bring a bag of food into work and I'll have eaten it ALL before 11:30am and I'm looking for something else. Today, however, I've eaten whatever I wanted, crisps and chocolate, and for the first time in I don't know how long, I can honestly say I've enjoyed every blady mouthful! Plus, I've actually still got food left in my lunch bag! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!
Ok, so yes, it's only been a day, and I know it's crazy to feel so excited and like this is the start of something AMAZING. But I can't remember the last time I felt this excited to potentially lose weight! I'm hoping that this could be what I've been looking for, which sounds insane! If it is, you can guarantee I'll be keeping you updated! How crazy would it be if this time next year, I'm exactly where I want to be! (I've set an alarm on my phone for a years time...WISH ME LUCK)
If you managed to get to the end - thank ya! I know it's a bit all over the place, but I'm just so excited that I needed to share everywhere!
Anyway, I had to hop on my computer today and type something up because I may have just found the key to potentially getting rid of my weight, for good!
For the majority of my life, I have been aware of food, and diets. I think I was about 11 when my Nan told me I was "fat, always had been and always will be". Let me tell you, at 11, sure I was "rotund" (lol), but I was not fat. However, after that comment, food seemed to become something that I was constantly aware of, forever trying to avoid, but "failing" and then sneaking food when no one was looking. Throw in an ex-boyfriend, who always made me feel quite worthless and unattractive (trust me, that's a whole other story), plus the comfort eating when the relationshit ended and you've reached current Katie. To this day, I still do what I did years ago, I go on ridiculous diets, I fail, I feel like I have to hide that I'm eating and then repeat; I'm constantly aware of other people around me and what they must be thinking about this fat girl, who's eating food that she really shouldn't be.
When I say I've tried the majority of diets, I mean it. I've done Cambridge, Slimming World, Weight Watchers, counting calories, just eating fruit, trying to eat nothing and each time I've put on the weight plus more, back on. It's fair to say I had reached the end of my tether with it all; I was convinced that the only way I'd be able to lose weight, would be to have a gastric band. Failing that, I was getting used to the idea that I'd just be big (and miserable) forever. I've tried to be happy about it, tried to convince myself that I'm meant to be bigger. I follow so many plus sized girls on Instagram and I see how happy they are and I wish I could feel that way, but I just don't. I don't feel attractive, I can't look in floor length mirrors, I avoid anything that's reflective and I HATE photos of me being taken that I'm not prepared for. You'd think that all of that would be enough to push me to do anything to shift the weight, but I've entered into this vicious cycle which is proving very difficult to break from.
A week or so ago I was online, Daily Mail (lol), and I came across an article about Paul McKenna's book, I Can Make You Thin. I don't know why I ordered it because I didn't really pay much attention to the article. But that night I went on to Amazon and put it in my basket, I can't really remember thinking much about it except, at this stage, I'll try anything! I started reading the book last night, and I had to keep reading it. Everything I was reading I could relate to, everything in that (magical, wonderful) book started to make sense and a little seed of hope was planted, perhaps there is a way to lose weight without having to go on these crazy diets.
So today, all I've been trying to do is notice when I'm actually hungry, which is more difficult than I thought it would be. And, I've been stopping in between every mouthful, putting my fork down, or putting the actual food down, instead of eating it within 20 seconds and wondering where it's gone! It took me half a blinking hour to eat my lunch today, it's never, ever taken me that long before! Usually, I bring a bag of food into work and I'll have eaten it ALL before 11:30am and I'm looking for something else. Today, however, I've eaten whatever I wanted, crisps and chocolate, and for the first time in I don't know how long, I can honestly say I've enjoyed every blady mouthful! Plus, I've actually still got food left in my lunch bag! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!
Ok, so yes, it's only been a day, and I know it's crazy to feel so excited and like this is the start of something AMAZING. But I can't remember the last time I felt this excited to potentially lose weight! I'm hoping that this could be what I've been looking for, which sounds insane! If it is, you can guarantee I'll be keeping you updated! How crazy would it be if this time next year, I'm exactly where I want to be! (I've set an alarm on my phone for a years time...WISH ME LUCK)
If you managed to get to the end - thank ya! I know it's a bit all over the place, but I'm just so excited that I needed to share everywhere!
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