The Art of Being 26

I turned 26 at the beginning of March and man was it a game changer for me. Don’t get me wrong there isn’t anything that bad about being a year older but to me I feel like hopping from 25 to 26 was somehow an important milestone in my life (it’s nothing like turning 21 – there’s nothing that can compare to that sense of freedom).

26 is probably less of a big deal to others in terms of numerics, I mean you don’t get people coming up to you anymore with the cheesy, “How does it feel to be a quarter of a century?” line, now people say things like, “wow you’re 4 years away from 30, better start settling down”. I can already drink, smoke, vote, rent/buy a car/house which does make being 26 a little less important, on paper anyway. As the days and months pass, new thoughts start to surface about entering your “late 20’s”, which will turn to 30’s and you think about what you’ve done or alternatively have yet to do to properly live up to being an adult. That’s the moment that 26 changes your entire perspective.

It’s not all gloom & doom, you simultaneously feel older than expected but also thrillingly young and hopeful. It’s quite possibly the one age where you are still undeniably, wildly young but you’ve been young for long enough to know how valuable it is to be so. You have more respect for our youth because we’ve all been there, stressed out, sexed out and blissed out.

Here’s are 3 moments that have defined turning 26 for me;

1. You will be financially responsible going forward. You’ve been through the phase of maxing out a credit card but you now understand that the fleeting joy of buying some bullshit item isn’t worth the persistent discomfort of trying to play catch up with your bills & never having money.
2. Find your tribe, love them hard. People evolve and if we actually stayed friends with everyone we befriended in club bathrooms it would be an embarrassing view of our personal development. You’ll find that your group of friends is completely different to the groups you were a part of in high school or University. You’ll still have very close relationships with a handful of people who’ve had an impact on your life but its okay to let the rest of them go, because the key to finding long-lasting relationships is to find people whose life lines grow parallel to yours.
3. You will have a front row seat to the spectacular array of experiences that show you just how different this age can look on different people. Some of your friends will be doing exactly the kind of reality-defying, irresponsible, drunken antics that we all did when we were 20. Some friends will be getting engaged, some will be rising to challenges, some will be making real money for the first time or exceeding expectations, or buying a house and so on. 26 can be very old or very young, depending on any number of factors. Your 26 is quite unlikely to look like someone else’s. Which is why it’s so fun.

This is no one’s beginning, and no one’s end. 

 

 

Spring Clean Your Skin Care Regime

10 Changes To Make to Your Beauty Regime

Spring brings a mix of sunny days and evening showers, making it important to understand your skin’s needs as the seasons change. Start by having a look at the contents of your bathroom cabinets and vanity bags and ask yourself whether those products are suitable for Spring. You don’t really need that heavy foundation, you should rather opt for a lightweight powder or CC cream that still offers you coverage without weighing down your skin especially in warmer weather when we tend to perspire the most. Ideally we should keep wearing sunscreen all year-long, but we all know that we tend to decrease or stop using SPF in Winter and now it’s time to start applying SPF again.

Here are 10 ways to Spring Clean your Skin Care routine:

1. Layer On the Sunscreen – The beauty rule is: “As long as there is daylight, you need sunscreen”. If you’ve skipped out on using an SPF moisturiser in Winter, Spring is the season to get back on track. Opt for SPF 30 or higher to ensure that your skin is protected from the harmful effects of the sun. These days skin care technology is so advanced and you no longer need to worry about the white/purple residue that sunblock used to leave on your skin. You can even try out mattifying SPF moisturisers that won’t leave you looking greasy like Justine’s NEW Tissue Oil Face Cream for Oily Skin which retails at R189 in brochure.
2. Exfoliate Your Skin – It’s time to scrub away those dull, dead skin cells to reveal radiant and healthy Spring skin. If you have oily skin you can exfoliate your face up to 3 times a week and for normal to dry skin types 1-2 times a week. Stay away from hot water when exfoliating and rather use lukewarm water and mild exfoliators. For a list of products that I’d recommend have a look at this post… Exfoliate Your Woes Away.
3. Update Your Vanity Bag – It’s time to do the dreaded task of detoxing your makeup bag. Organise your makeup collection and get rid of unwanted and expired junk that is older than 6 months. Give those makeup brushes some much-needed TLC and wash away all that build up gunk that causes blemishes on your face. Replace outdated makeup with Spring classics like a new tinted moisturiser as a substitute for heavy foundation – your skin naturally gets darker in warmer seasons to opt for a shade that will match your skin tone. A bronzer will instantly warm up your skin tone and can also highlight your features.
4. Lip Saviours – The delicate lip area still needs attention even though we’re out of the dry season. Using a protective lip balm with hydrating essentials will keep your lips soft and kissable all year round. Lip tints are an affordable an easy way to hydrate lips with a touch of colour. Splurge on Clinique’s Chubby Stick Intense Moisturising Lip Colour Balm available in a variety of 

   shades and priced at R275 each at Red Square counters.

5. Try a Face Mask – Give your skin some pampering once a week with an at home facial treatment. Depending on your skin type you could use a hydrating mask for very dry skin, a brightening mask for pigmentation or a charcoal mask to absorb oils and impurities on oily skin. My favourite find this month was the Sorbet Salon Skin Thermal Rescue Mask which combines essential oils (Lavender, Geranium, Grapefruit & Tea Tree), advanced actives (Salicylic Acid) and highly concentrated vitamins (A, C & E) to deliver salon results that will leave my skin feeling renewed and restored. Get it at Clicks or Sorbet stores for R120 each.
6. Moisturise – It may also be time to switch up your lotions. No matter how much oil skin produces, everyone must wear a moisturizer. Use oil-free mattifying moisturisers for oily skin or creamier, richer versions with shea butter for dry skin. Try Justine’s Tissue Oil Body Butter which retails at R119 in brochure.
7. Cleanse Away Impurities – It’s important to wash your face twice a day to remove greasiness, impurities and pollution from the environment. If your skin was drier in Winter and is now more oily in Spring/ Summer then its time to switch from a creamy to a gel or foaming cleanser which won’t dry out your skin or leave it feeling tight. Try Neutrogena’s Visibly Clear range of face washes that are designed for all skin types.
8. Hair Care 101 – Over the winter, your hair can also develop damage through dry scalp, split ends and overall dry strands. For the spring, try moisturising shampoos and conditioners or oils to smooth hair and remove dryness. L’Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oils range is great at transforming dry, damaged hair into soft and shiny hair sensations. Get the full Extraordinary Oils range at Clicks stores from R49.95 each.
9. Lighten up. For spring and summer, use light weight coverage in the form of tinted moisturisers and lighter, brighter make-up colors. The dull, drab days of winter are behind you so freshen up! It’s time to let your skin glow. Nude palettes are an easy way to help warm up your skin tone. I’ve found that L.A girl blush and eye-shadow palettes are the perfect dupes for Urban Decay and are available at Dischem stores nationwide priced from R99.95. Check out the range – L.A Girl cosmetics.
10. Treat Yourself – Now that your feet are out of boots, reward them for their seclusion and slip into some sandals and treat yourself to a pedicure and with some ridiculously bright colours like oranges, pinks and even turquoise!

For a list of products to get your skin Spring ready, see below:

That’s all for now! If you’d like anymore info on any of the products in this post, feel free to mail me.

Ciao xx

 

Neutrogena Visibly Clear Correct & Perfect

Hi beauties!

I was thrilled when I was approached by Beauty Bulletin to be part of the review club for the brand New Neutrogena Visibly Clear Correct and Perfect range. I had never done a vlog before so this was uncharted territory for me, but I was excited nonetheless. Thankfully, after many hours of recording and editing, the final video was a success and is now on YouTube…

I’m going to be focussing on the NEW Neutrogena Visibly Clear Correct & Perfect range. This range consists of 2 amazing products, the Complexion Scrub and the CC Cream which comes in 2 shades: Light & Medium.

I’ve been using these products for 2 weeks now and I’ve got to say that I LOVE them! I’m so happy that I received them when my skin needed them the most. Jhb Winter has hit hard and my skin was starting to look dull & fatigued. Ever since I started using the scrub and cc cream I’ve seen a huge difference in my skin tone and texture. My skin looks brighter and more even toned and it feels much smoother and softer.

The Correct & Perfect Complexion Scrub works to improve your complexion by helping to correct spots, blemishes and other imperfections. It sloughs off dead skin cells to reveal your natural beauty underneath! By removing these dead cells and impurities it also helps to prevent further breakouts. It doesn’t over dry your skin either which is great news for these cold winter months.

 

Now for my favourite product of the month, the CC Cream! I’m currently using the medium shade. This cream has a dual action in that:

1. It instantly covers spots and acne scarring and
2. It helps to fade away and correct dark marks.

I no long use foundation every day, just sunblock and then I apply the CC cream. I’ve found that it instantly brightens my complexion and that my skin is looking much clearer than when I first started using the product. The cream is super easy to apply, it’s like putting on a moisturiser and it blends perfectly to match my skin tone. It may look a little dark but once applied to the skin it does blend in well and matches my face and neck perfectly.

It’s oil free which works perfectly for my skin type as I have a very oily T zone. I don’t have to apply powder to remove shine at all now. This is a really convenient product, especially for ladies who travel a lot, instead of carrying a moisturiser AND foundation, you’ll have 1 product that does the job of 2 in your makeup bag.

I feel much more confident every day now that I don’t have to wear tons of foundation and concealer to hide dark spots and breakouts. Neutrogena Correct & Perfect range has definitely helped me to see that natural even toned skin is possible (EVEN IN WINTER). I even feel as though my skin has a sun-kissed glow which comes naturally in Summer and has to be faked in Winter.

Want to hear some even better news? These products are currently retailing for ONLY R99.99 each at selected Clicks, Dis-Chem, Foschini, Pick ‘n Pay and Checkers. Also available on Takealot.com). This price is well worth it for the quality and efficacy of the Correct & Perfect range.

I feel much more confident every day, now that I don’t have to wear tons of foundation and concealer to hide dark spots and breakouts. I’m proud to show off my natural skin and Neutrogena Correct & Perfect range has definitely helped me to see that radiant, glowing and even toned skin is possible (EVEN IN WINTER)

Do you wanna #SeeWhatsPossibleSA? Get your hands on these products to experience healthier, clearer skin without using makeup! Tweet your thoughts on the range & Instagram your pics when you get your hands on these products, remember to use the #SeeWhatsPossibleSA and tag @Neutrogena and @Beauty_Bulletin.

That’s all from me! Thanks Beauty Bulletin & Neutrogena for giving me the opportunity to test this range out. I am now obsessed with it!

That’s all from me

Cheers

xx

Suede Makes a Comeback

Suede continues to dominate Autumn look books this season proving that it has indeed made a comeback of note. I am loving this Autumn trend, which I am sure we will see rolling into Winter & Spring as the fabric is versatile enough for cool and warm temperatures. Picture chunky knits paired with skinny jeans and suede ankle boots for chilly Winter nights out or a playful onesie underneath a suede waterfall jacket for fun Spring days. Suede is the “softer” cousin of leather and looks great in neutral colours, giving shoes, bags and jackets a sophisticated edge.

You may think this trend isn’t for you, or like me, may think you’d end up looking like you’re out of the Wild West, but keep in mind that the beauty of fashion is that ANYTHING GOES! I found some easy ways to incorporate this classic trend into my everyday look book for Autumn;

1. Suede Ankle Boots
2. Leather & Suede Combos
3. Bags

Naturally No.1 is the easiest and dare I say most affordable look to achieve. Ankle boots are simple enough to wear with almost ANY outfit, yet they still remain a statement piece. Remember that this style of boots pair effortlessly with skinny jeans, jumpsuits, dresses and even skirts. Boots will last you for seasons, if you take proper care of them, so don’t be afraid to invest a good pair. I’m loving the taupe hue but tan, black and grey will always be old faithful colours to turn to. Details such as studs, zips, lace ups and of course tassels add an instant flair of glam  to suede so keep your eye out for those styles if you’re looking for something simple & sweet.

Leather & Suede Combos have been my saviour this season. I fell in-love with a tan waterfall jacket from Forever New (see below as seen on Boitumelo Thulo – love how she styled it up!) and its been my staple piece ever since I purchased it. The combinations of these 2 chic fabrics makes the jacket versatile and allows me to wear it with jeans, dresses and even wrap skirts. The leather gives the jacket a feisty edge while the suede sweetens the look for a girly feel. I’ve found that tan & black are the 2 colours that best suit these combos. Steer away from tacky combo leggings but always say yes to boots, jackets and bags in these styles!

 

Now for those of you who still aren’t sold on this trend, why not try out an accessory in the form of a stylish suede handbag. Make sure to go for a colour that really pops like maroon, taupe or olive-green. Brass buckles, leather edges and tassels add sophistication to suede bags & here are some super cute styles below.

I hope this post inspires you to jazz up your Autumn wardrobe!

xx

 

 

Exfoliate Your Woes Away

I’ve been noticing that my skin is already starting to feel dry & tight and it isn’t even Winter yet! This calls for one solution: EXFOLIATION. I generally am quite consistent with using an exfoliant at least once a week to slough off those dead skin cells but now that my skin is showing signs of fatigue I’m going to bump it up to twice a week.

The easiest way to get the most out of your moisturizer is to exfoliate. Once dead skin cells are cleared away, the moisturizer is better able to penetrate dry skin & provide some much-needed hydration. Your body naturally gets rid of dead skin cells in a process called desquamation. These cells have an internal clock that tells them when they can travel up to the skin’s surface to be sloughed off. However, a build-up of dead cells on the surface can result in dull and ashy skin. Choosing the proper exfoliating agent is key to achieving polished results without irritation. There are many ways to exfoliate your skin, from brushes and scrubs to enzymes and acids. Always test the exfoliant on a small patch of skin first to ensure that it doesn’t irritate your skin or cause a breakout. Bear in mind that your facial skin is not the only thing that needs to be scrubbed, the rest of your body may be hidden under layers of clothing in Winter which leads to more dead cells adding up and the answer to this is a BODY SCRUB.

My personal favourite exfoliators are facial & body scrubs. I’m guilty of purchasing way too many scrubs, but that’s also why I thought I should write this post – I’ve tried out A LOT of products and by far the below are the holy grail of Exfoliants on the market right now. They are all affordable, quality products that actually work.

First up is the NO.1 selling Garnier product on the market 3-In-1 Pure Active Wash, Scrub & Mask. This product is perfect for people suffering from Acne or problem skin. It fights the appearance of blackheads and oil in three different ways. As a face wash it cleanses and removes impurities. As a scrub it gently exfoliates skin and unclogs pores. As a mask it absorbs excess oil and mattifies the skin. Pick it up at your nearest Clicks, Dischem or grocery chain for R99.95 (150ml).

 

Next up we have a personal favourite, Avon’s Planet Spa Perfectly Purifying Face Scrub. This amazing face scrub comes a in 75ml tube and last for almost 3 months if used correctly. You only need a small pea sized amount to exfoliate your entire face once a week. Immediately after use your skin is soft, supple and radiant! This product will thoroughly cleanse to leave your skin feeling refreshed. Contact your AVON representative to find out about specials and to order today!

 

My last facial exfoliator pick is the Himalaya Herbal Apricot Scrub. I was pleased to see that certain Clicks stores have started to house a few products from this brand, so it saves you the trouble of having to find a Himalaya stand alone store. This gentle scrub is great for use 2-3 times a week as it doesn’t irritate the skin or cause excessive drying. Apricot granules gently exfoliate dead skin cells and blackheads and help stimulate fresh cell growth while Wheatgerm oil, rich in natural Vitamin E, nourishes your skin. An added bonus point is the fantastic scent! The result is silky smooth skin. You can even purchase this online from http://www.naturescript.co.za  for R70 (150ml).

Now for Body Exfoliators! I’ve tried quite a number of body scrubs but I find that the below two products work best for me all year round. They leave my entire body soft & supple and my skin looks radiant throughout all the seasons.

For an everyday shower gel, body wash and scrub in 1 try Dove Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash, a major draw of this product is the scent & the fact that it nourishes while gently exfoliating. It contains a formula called NutriumMoisture which is 100% natural and is so easily absorbed by the skin that it can nourish from deep down. I’ve always been a fan of Dove, especially because of the moistursing properties that almost all of their products contain. Price: R34.00 – R37.95 depending on stores (250ml).

 

 

I have my nails done once every 3-4 weeks at Sorbet salons and I’ve been noticing how large the core Sorbet range is, they stock everything from skin care, sun care to nail care and even brow and lash care! I always buy one particular product; the Cleansing Body Scrub with melon, green tea, avocado oil & Vitamin E. It soothes, smooths, exfoliates and revitalizes your body, its great to use in the morning. Can you believe that you can pick up this 200ml tube for only R33?! Get to your nearest Sorbet salon now!

 

Tips & Tricks:

• Get into the shower and wet your body from head to toe. Don’t exfoliate your skin if you are sunburned or have any open cuts or wounds.
• Apply your exfoliating cleanser to your loofah or gloves. Begin scrubbing your body in a circular motion starting with the bottoms of your feet and working your way up. When you reach the bikini area, don’t scrub too hard because the skin is very sensitive. If you don’t have a loofah or gloves, don’t stress because using your hands works just as well!
• Use a body brush to exfoliate your back and other hard-to-reach places.
• Be gentle on your face, particularly around your eyes and mouth. Use an exfoliating product especially formulated for the face, which is gentler than products designed to be used on the body.
• Don’t forget about your hands. You want them to look and feel soft and smooth too!
• Rinse your body with lukewarm water, and follow with the coldest water you can stand. Apply a shower gel to soften your skin, if you’d like.
• After stepping out of the shower, apply a moisturising body lotion all over. Body lotions and facial moisturisers containing alpha or beta hydroxy acids are ideal choices because these acids continue to remove dead skin cells.
• Use a body moisturiser once a day. Exfoliation is drying to the skin, so you must keep your skin hydrated.
• Drink lots of water to help your skin retain its glow.

Enjoy & scrub dub dub away!

xx

 

 

 

Khaki is the new Black!

Hey All!

I’m sure a lot of you have noticed that Khaki has become a must-have colour on our Autumn/Fall fashion radar. This color seduces because it stays halfway between the military style (characteristic tone of the army uniforms) and the safari, especially when mixed with earth tones. From Forever New, H&M to Cotton On & Factorie window displays, this has become a statement colour. Khaki is a shade that resembles the Autumn season: the leaves changing colour, shorter days and cooler nights – you get the picture.

Khaki will inject a military influence into your wardrobe and give you a classical look instantly. I suggest experimenting with different textures, if heavy cottons and waterproof fabrics is your thing then soften the look with linen and chunky knits to give off a feminine appeal. Not all of us can pull off a head-to-toe khaki look (unless it’s a well-tailored jumpsuit), mixing it up with grey, navy, black, beige or even burgundy (which is also a must have Autumn colour) works really well.

Green khaki will be recurring in Autumn collections thanks to its versatility, so don’t be afraid to invest in a piece thinking that it may never be on trend again. This season Khaki is the new black! If you’re not fully sold on this trend, then how about adding a khaki scarf or heels to your look and maybe even painting your nails in the hottest Autumn colour?

Have a look at some of my favourite looks below;

Here are some of the pieces I’ve picked up recently;

Top left: Military Zip-through Jacket from Forever New, Top right: Wrap over top from Factorie, Bottom left: Lace up detail blouse from Truworths, bottom middle: Shirt dress from Cotton On (belt not included), Bottom right: Pussy bow blouse with metallic detail from Forever New.

NYX Lovin’

Hi Everyone!

I’ve mentioned NYX Cosmetics in a previous post called My Favourite Lippies, but I want to go into more detail about the amazing brand.

NYX offers anything a professional makeup artist is looking for, at an affordable price. From Lippies, Eyebrow markers and Eyebrow Push Up Bras (yep, you read right) to the most beautiful eye shadow palettes and Glitter liners!

What I love most about NYX is the fabulous name given to each product. It gives an already flourishing brand a feisty edge. My favourites are Milan & Angel Food Cake which are both lip products BTW.

I went on a spree recently and indulged in what I like to call… NYX Lovin’. I walked away with 2 Soft Matte Lip Creams in shades Milan & Stockholm, a Butter Gloss in Angel Food Cake, the Eyebrow Marker & Eyebrow Push up bra and an Eye-shadow Palette called Let Them Eat Cake.

I haven’t gotten around to creating looks with all the products yet but I am completely obsessed with all 3 of the Lip products! The Soft Matte lip creams in particular are just pure magic! They glide on perfectly with no mess and stay put for a few hours without drying out your lips like normal matte lippies. They’re great for everyday wear! For more of a glossy finish try the Butter Gloss. It literally just melts onto your lips and the colour just pops. I’m usually not a fan of lip gloss but this product has made its way into my everyday makeup bag for sure.

From left to right; Butter Gloss in Angel Food Cake, Soft Matte Lip Cream in Milan and lastly Soft Matte Lip Cream in Stockholm

Pick up these products and more at your nearest Clicks store. The Soft Matte Lip Creams are priced @ R109.99 each. The Butter Gloss is R129.99 each.

Follow @NYXCosmeticsSA on twitter & insta to see more of the range and the glam looks you can create.

Ciao
Xx

All That Glitters… is in my hair

I want to share a gem of a new hair product that’s just hit S.A shores:

Garnier Ultimate Blends

Think Organics, all the natural goodness but better, bolder and with more bounce! The range is affordable and easily available at Clicks, Dischem and grocery chains.

There are 5 lines available within the range; The Colour Illuminator for coloured and highlighted hair, The Sleek Protector to tame that frizz, The Nourishing Repairer for dry damaged hair, The Strength Restorer for weak, brittle hair and The Fresh Revitaliser for an intense cleanse. The great thing about these products are that they are natural and free of parabens! Yay mother nature!

I’ve tried out the Colour Illuminator and Nourishing Repairer shampoos and conditioners. What I love is that you just need a few drops to get foamy and thoroughly cleansed. They both smell amazing. My favourite has to be the Nourishing Repairer range, it left my hair soft and silky almost immediately and lasted even after drying! It contains Avocado oil and Shea butter and intensely moisturized my dry ends. Winter is coming, and now more than ever I needed to nourish my tips. Avocado oil in particular is known for strengthening heat damaged hair, preventing hair loss, adding shine, treating dandruff and moisturizing from root to tip! If those 5 benefits don’t get you hooked then I don’t know what will.

A day after washing and my hair still smells like heaven, has volume but with no frizz AND its as shiny as ever! I’m in love! Hello new shower ritual! I love that the formula didn’t weigh my hair down but still kept it tamed and sleek.

More great news… the range is on special at Click’s stores. Grab the 200mls for R26.95 each or the 400ml for R39.95 each. I can’t wait to get my hands on the mask for a more intense treatment weekly.

That’s all for now… Ciao xx

The Nourishing Repairer Shampoo and Conditioner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lilypad’s Logic

So I’m sure most of you have seen a cat meme or 2. They’ve basically taken over the Internet. My favourites are the “cat logic” ones although not all of them relate to my kitten Lily. Our friends call her “dog” mainly because she behaves like one – she will lick you, jump on you and want to play fetch (you will do the fetching).

I’ve decided to put together a little something called… Lilypad’s Logic.

Her playtime is at 2am when you’re in a deep sleep and you’re suddenly pulled out of your blissful dream by a savage cat biting your toes. Sanvir has it the worst, being a tall person his toes always stick out of the bed, this is just target practice for her.

Lily is quite a vocal feline and cries for attention, when you finally succumb to her whining – she goes into attack mode. I have the scars to prove it. She has a knack for running after my ankles and nipping at them.

She is thee most affectionate kitten at all the wrong times, these include but are not limited to, when I’m showering (she sits outside the shower door and meows uncontrollably), on the toilet, brushing my teeth, putting my makeup on or trying to nap. God forbid you lock her out of the bathroom, she wails like like you stole her candy.

Lily is an indoor cat, I’ve tried exposing her to nature but she hates it. Sanvir says she has a “Bryanston cat” mentality. I bought her a leash and attempted to walk her, I ended up carrying her the whole way. She was terrified of the grass and refused to let her delicate paws touch it. Since she’s been indoors for most of her little life, she hasn’t picked up the skills of a normal cat, for example… jumping and climbing. She’s too scared to jump off the arm of the couch and meows until we show her how to get down. If she ever feels like she can’t see anything happening on the counter, she politely let’s you know by giving off a little meow for you to pick her up.

Her favourite game is hide-and-seek. I hide, she seeks.

Apparently I play this game a lot, without my knowledge. I’ll innocently walk out of a room and be ambushed.

She loves to play fetch, but I have to throw the ball AND fetch it. She just runs alongside it. It’s not that fun, trust me. When she’s tired, she flops down and it’s game over.

She will sleep in anything! I mean anything, from boxes to bags to cupboards. Packing with her around is pressurising. I have to fit as many things as I can into the bag, before she finds it. If she falls asleep in it then too bad, I’m packing around her. She once snuck into my cupboard and fell asleep, the door closed and she never noticed until the next morning when we searched for her for about an hour. She eventually sleepily meowed to be rescued.

Ive realised she has more attidude than  a teenage girl;
She loves the wet food pouches but just for the gravy.
She loves to be brushed but only if you let her bite the brush first.
She wants exactly 3 belly rubs, any more and you will be bitten.
She will love you, on her own terms.

She’s full of attitude but she’s also the cutest, furriest kitty around. We wouldn’t trade her for the world. Watching her run into the glass sliding door never gets old😂

My Favourite Lippies

Hi Pretty people

Hope you all had a fabulous Easter weekend 😊

I was clearing out my “weekend” bag when I realised how many lip balms/ lipsticks and lip crayons I carry around with me. I’ve decided to cut down and keep just my favourites with me. Without a doubt, I’d choose a lip crayon over a lipstick anyday! I find them easier to apply, hydrating (winter is coming) and they provide longer lasting colour.

My top 3 lippies are Revlon’s Colour burst Matte balm in 225 Sultry & 250 Standout. Sultry is a beautiful shade of pink that works on all complexions. It’s perfect for everyday wear! Standout is quite a deep red that I think would work better on medium to darker skin tones, it could end up being a bit vampish on lighter tones. It’s a great addition to a glam look and compliments a winged eyeliner beautifully. The only problem with Matte balms is that they tend to feel dry on the lips after a while, I just apply a little labello and I’m good to go.

I’ve saved the best for last… my ultimate favourite lippie is NYX’s Chunky Dunk in Rum Punch. I’m absolutely in love with the colour, it compliments my soft honey skin tone brilliantly! Rum Punch is a very light plum, that I’ve seen look amazing on ALL skin tones. It’s great to use if you’re not in the mood for makeup but need to make a grocery run (me, this morning). It glides on easily (perfect for car application) has a glossy finish. I find it much more hydrating than the matte balms.

NYX is a relatively new brand in SA. There hasn’t been much advertising around the launch other than social media and WOM. I suggest following their Instagram & Twitter accounts (@nyxcosmeticssa) to discover more of the range – which is phenomenal btw! Move over MAC… 😉

1st swatch is NYX’s Rum Punch
2nd is Revlon’s matte balm in Sultry
3rd is Revlon’s matte balm in Standout