How to create a stylish bun

I always get asked how I style my hair into a bun ( as shown in the above and below images ). Really it is super easy and quick. In the post I'm showing you how you can achieve the same look in my first video tutorial. There are a few different ways I can achieve this style; I can use a bun rod, bun donut or style it naturally. However today I will be showing you the bun rod method. Bun enhancers can be purchased from almost anywhere; beauty stores, pharmacies, discount stores or online. 

I love this style because it is effortless, yet chic and sophisticated. You can use it for work, for a formal occasion or for everyday use, like I do. 

A bun rod

My first video tutorial

Click here to watch the original Youtube version

The best of cruelty free, drugstore, cosmetics brands.

About three years ago now I came across an article published by PETA that discussed animal testing. After reading through the article with shock, I took a deep sigh of relief and thought thank god I don't use brands which carry out these kind of testing practices. However this article stayed on my mind for a while and I when I got home I wanted to check that all my makeup was cruelty free. I went onto the PETA website and downloaded the list of companies that carried out product testing on animals. I was shocked to discover that a lot of my drugstore and pharmacy cosmetics were from popular, well known brands that test on animals.  From then on I decided to only purchase cruelty free cosmetics brands. Deciding to do this did limit the range of drugstore brands I could shop from, however I felt I couldn't justify the suffering of any animal for the sake of my own vanity. 

I have put together a short list of Drugstore brands that are cruelty free and who's products I frequently use.

1) RIMMEL LONDON

I am a fan of their nail polishes, I find them long wearing and durable. They are also super affordable starting as low as $4.00 in price. 

2) REVLON 

Revlon makes some pretty good lipsticks. The lipsticks are creamy, apply well onto the lips and don't have that cakey appearance.

3) CHI CHI COSMETICS

I love Chi Chi's nail polishes. They have some lovely opaque shades and again are super durable. I can wear them for up to 4 days without any chipping.  

4) AUSTRALIS

Australis makes a good eyeshadow primer. I alternate between this product and my Urban Decay Primer Potion.

5) NYX COSMETICS

I am a fan of the NYX eyeshadow pencils. They are great as an eyeshadow base or used alone.

6) BOURJOIS

I like the Bourjois mascaras. The mascara will last for a long time and the paint doesnt dry up after a short amount of time, like other mascaras will. 

For a full list of companies that are cruelty free click on the link below

http://www.peta.org/living/beauty-and-personal-care/companies/default.aspx 

Lime Crime Unboxing

This morning I was delivered a package from Lime Crime Cosmetics. I was very surprised that it turned up as quickly as it did, considering when I placed my order I was told to expect lengthy delays with the shipping. Lime Crime is one of my favourite cosmetics brands for three reasons. Firstly their products are Vegan, secondly their branding and packaging is amazing and most importantly because the quality of their products is excellent. I will go on to do a review of what I purchased soon, but today I wanted to share some pictures of when I unpacked my parcel.

    

This is what you can expect to receive in the mail.

Purple coloured box with the company branding.  

                                                   

As you open the box a message from Lime Crime founder.

You receive a sparkly sticker of the Lime Crime Logo.

I purchased three of their lipsticks.

I received a free trial eyeshadow

I really love the packaging of their products. The unicorn mascot appears on the top

of the lipstick box.

The lipstick case is pink with the holographic logo and stars. 

And without the cap on the lipstick

Make your own lip scrub

Using a lip scrub will buff away dead skin cells, restore a smooth texture and promote a healthy, full pout.  You can easily make a lip scrub at home.

What you will need

- Brown raw Sugar

- Vaseline 

- Round makeup pads

1- Wash your lips, removing any makeup or impurities. 

2- Take the makeup pad and apply half a tea spoon of vaseline. Then then take 2 pinches of raw sugar and place it on top of the vaseline. 

3- Apply the makeup pad to your lips in a circular motion, like when you brush your teeth.

4- Allow the sugar and vaseline to stay on your lips for about 2 minutes.

5- Then wash the mixture off your lips and pat them dry.

6- Finish with a lip balm. 

Three quick nail polish application tips

Three quick tips for nail polish application.

1- Always apply a clear base coat to your nail before applying the colour. This will protect your nail from being stained by the colour and makes it easier when it comes to removing the polish.

2- To prevent your nail colour from chipping, apply a single coat of clear polish over the top to seal in the colour.

3- After removing your nail polish you can massage into the nail a mix of lemon juice and Bicarbonate of Soda. You can use a toothbrush to do this. This will remove any nail polish remover, buff the nail and restore a white, healthy shade to your nail.

Getting beachy, volumized locks

Achieving hair that looks like you have just stepped off the beach is super easy. Just follow these few simple steps.

What you will need
-Volumizing Hair Mousse
-Hair Dryer 
-A brush
-Dry Shampoo or Working Hair Spray
-A Teasing Comb


1- After washing your hair, apply mousse while hair is still damp. Work the mousse from your roots to the ends.

2- Blow dry your hair. Whilst doing this; tip your head forward and apply the hair dryer to the back of your head, while brushing your hair away from the scalp. This is going to cause the hair to set in an unnatural way, so when you tip your head back you will have instant volume.

3- Once your hair is time to do some backcombing to the crown section of your hair.  Section the hair into portions of about 10cm wide and 1cm thick. Take your dry shampoo or working spray and apply it the the roots of the hair. Allow the product to sit for 30 seconds and then backcomb the hair.

 Done :)