♯dontjudgechallenge

Hey Guys, 

Today's post is for the guys and the girls and I want some interaction and thoughts about this as it's about something that has taken the social media by storm. For those of you who don't know what The "don't judge challenge" is it was originally intended for individuals to share their insecurities on social media whether it be showing what they look like without make up or parts of themselves they clarify as a 'flaw.' 

This is a topic area which is really close to me, if you have read my first ever post you will know I have never been fully confident about my own looks for various reasons, one of those being bullied from a young age. This is something I have slowly overcome with my age, and realised that everyone has insecurities. Make up has helped me grow my confidence and I am not ashamed to admit that I feel more confident when I am made up. Recently I have gained more confidence wearing less make up, and even not wearing any during certain occasions. 

The Don't Judge Challenge, just like any other social media craze, eventually turned into something nasty. People drawing  fake freckles and monobrows and then revealing themselves with a full face of make up shortly after. This to me is quite the opposite of don't judge, as they contrast going from 'ugly' to what they classify as 'beautiful.' 

Left: No make up (just good lighting)
Right: Give me confidence 

We see beauty in different ways in the media, the growth of 'plus size' models (some of whom are actually smaller than the average UK woman) as well as seeing more multi cultural models across media and in fashion. However, it seems no matter how much we argue that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes those sad people who will pick up on others insecurities and use it as a social media craze still exist. 

As a response to this challenge, Jan Bonito (who some of you will know as the guy who recreates himself using make up to morph into various celebrities) posted a video using ♯goodenoughchallenge showing himself removing all make up and that everyone has their own beauty. Blogger My Pale Skin also created an eye opening video showing all of the comments she received when she revealed herself without make-up, the video is titled 'You Look Disgusting'. If you have not seen this video yet (I posted it on my Facebook page this week) take five minutes of your time to watch it here  I promise you it is an eye opener to those who think beauty bloggers in particular are perfect, and don't have their own insecurities. 

On a day to day basis I see so many hurtful comments to bloggers and celebrity pages, particularly when they have chosen to share a part of themselves which may not have been easy for them to do. In the past I also worried about posting particular pictures, or even creating a youtube video as I felt it would bring back the same criticism as I received in the past years, however it is something I am now strongly considering as tutorials are something I regularly get asked about. 

What are your thoughts on the Don't Judge Challenge?

Pucker Up!

Hey Guys, 

Those of you following my Facebook page, twitter or Instagram will know I recently went to the IMATS in London. It was obviously heaven on earth for me- the make up, and discounted prices, I will definitely be making another trip in store next year! The talking point at the IMATS was the huge queue going through the whole venue. But what were hundreds of make up enthusiasts queueing for? Was it worth the hour and a half wait...?

The queue was for NYX and in my opinion it was definitely worth the wait, the brand always does great products with a professional finish and this post will show you exactly what I mean.

I first discovered NYX least year at the pro beauty exhibition and I have been addicted ever since. My favourite brow palette was my first ever purchase, and I now double it up as a smokey eye shadow kit for an everyday look. At £9 (IMATS price- £13.50 online)it was a bargain. 

My new addition this time around are the lip creams. The finish and feel of these is better than anything similar that I have tried so far, both drugstore and high end make up brands. I bought four shades in two completely different finishes to test and I will definitely be adding to this.. 

The shades I bought are: 

Spice Xtreme Lip Cream (bright red- shine finish)

Candy Land Xtreme Lip Cream (baby pink- shine finish)

Buttery Nude Xtreme Lip Cream (peachy/nude- shine finish)

Milan Milan Soft Matte Lip Cream (baby pink- matte finish)

These ranged from about £3.50-£5.5-0 at IMATS and are available online for £5.50 (matte lip cream) and £7.50 (extreme lip cream). 

Top- Milan Milan
Middle- Spice
Bottom-Buttery Nude

My favourite is the nude, as I have found it difficult to find a nude which I feel suits me, this is perfect especially paired with NYX lipstick in Indian Pink (oh how well that fits!). My only regret is I didnt buy more shades in a matte finish, as at the time I was in a debate about whether I would like them. I actually love the Milan Milan I purchased in matte, and I think I will venture into more matte shades following on from my experience.

They feel really good and comfortable on my lips, and not sticky or drying which I find some super shiny or matte finishes can do. I can get away with wearing them for about 4-5 hours before needing to reapply which is amazing. 

All in all my favourite purchase of the day and I look forward to adding to my NYX collection, this really is a pro brand at a budget price! 

What are your favourite NYX products? 

K xx

Please feel free to post any skin care tips, products or comments you may have which could benefit others. 

Now You See It, Now You Don't

Hey guys, so seeing as I have decided to only blog about items I think are worth talking about I have decided to use my time to cover a topic which is slightly embarrassing for some, but something that is so common amongst females and an experience worth sharing. 

I recently decided to have laser on my face to get rid of some unwanted hair, I did my research and went for a few consultations with many salons only offering IPL. I am Asian, therefore I have medium tone skin and dark coarse hairs which can be a bit obvious and embarrassing if you don't remove them appropriately. I was sick of my Sunday hair removed routine, and decided to take the plunge and go for it. 

A friend of mine has recently opened a skin clinic in St Albans, so I went along for a consultation. The Skin Shop and Clinic was great, made me feel comfortable, explained all the details and I had a little patch test. Jane (my laser consultant) also explained the different types of laser and what works best with my hair type and skin combination, something not many other places did as they were more fixitated on getting me to book in a session with them instead. 

The laser Jane recommended for me is called Saprano Ice. The laser is paired with a cooling process, so overall my sessions feel like she is rubbing a ice pack over my face, I rarely feel any heat and if and when I do I let her know and she will repeat the cooling process. I have never felt any pain during any of my sessions. 

Each of my sessions lasted from around 15-20 minutes. I started to see results within my 3rd session, and I have to admit there is a large amount of hair I havn't seen again since then. The one thing I know everyone dreads is the hair removal in between, yes I did have to shave, but my results started to show so quickly that I have actually only needed to do it 3 times or so over the period of 6 months. 

I can not vouch this particular laser would work for absolutely everyone, but if you can get a consultation for it and it's suitable for your skin and hair type I would definitely say its worth the money and to go for it. However there are a few things I would like to stress when thinking about getting laser done: 

Image Source: Orchid Spa website

• Don’t think the process is going to get rid of everything but have expectation that it will slow down growth. 

• There is a chance that hair which was less noticeable before will become more obvious as other areas clear. This has actually happened to me but I think its purely psychological. 

• Nothing is permanent and there is always a chance the hair may return, so think wisely before spending your money. 

I can not recommend both the Saprano Ice laser treatment and the skin shop and clinic enough. They have really helped with a slightly inconvenient and embarrassing problem and I can not believe the reduction in my hair. Although there is still some hair, I would predict about 90% reduction to before in the areas which I showed the most concern. The biggest downfall for me has been that I am noticing hair which I never did before,I am not sure if this is down to the hair removal in between or because some areas are so clear. As it is a costly process I really don’t want to part with the funding again, but I am pleased I have been able to banish the most troublesome areas. 

Have you had an experience with hair removal you would like to share? If so, post below! 

K xx

Please feel free to post any skin care tips, products or comments you may have which could benefit others. 

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