femininity and glamorous

Hello, ladies!

It is summer, the classes are almost over, and I cannot wait to travel cause my brain needs it.
Traveling is amazing, packing well not so amazing! I remember once I was traveling to Macau it took me one whole week to pack my suitcase, well I'm kinda lazy when it comes to packing. But packing is not always an easy task, especially for women, who usually carry more than men.

After all, when it is necessary to choose what to take, everything seems to be indispensable and doubts arise about what is a priority, what can be left aside, and, especially, how to accommodate all in the luggage.

The good news, however, is that with a few simple tricks, it's easier to carry everything you need, making the most of the space in your suitcase.

Hello girls!
You know that palette of eyeshadows or a lipstick that has been in the drawer for years, and you do not throw it away because you might need it someday? Know that it may be unfit for use on your skin. You may have already faced this situation: Suddenly you realize that your moisturizer cream has an expiration date that has passed (well I have faced this situation last week, this is why I made this post). The question is, do you have to throw away immediately? Well, only a dermatologist can say so. As we know a cosmetic product does not spoil overnight, so there is always an additional time when it will still be in good condition. This will depend on several factors such as composition, manufacturing and how to use and storage.

Although we have the custom of checking the expiration date of food and medications, many women are not in the habit of doing this with makeup and skincare products. And the worst: being on time on the label does not mean that the product is good to use as it begins to deteriorate from the first use. Contact with the oxygen of the air, temperature, and luminosity are degrading factors that intensify with the passage of time.

Applying contaminated makeup or skincare product can lead to the emergence of allergies, irritations, and even more serious infections. Therefore, one must keep an eye not only on the expiration date but also on the time a product remains suitable for use after it is opened.


When You Should Replace Your Beauty Products

We woman loves to buy or receive cosmetics as a gift, and we love to apply cosmetic products. There are few who resist products that play with vanity and which signify youth, beauty, and health. But it is necessary to pay attention to important details before acquiring a cosmetic and/or applying it.

Expired products can cause irritations and even more serious allergies since the validity refers essentially to the preservative, an ingredient that prevents the proliferation of fungi and bacteria.


The shelf-life of a beauty product is therefore very important because, as with food, an out-of-date product can be harmful to health. But it is not only the validity of a cosmetic that makes it fit to be used, if not taken care of hygiene and use appropriate and necessary, incredible as it may seem, the cosmetic products that help us to become more beautiful can make are hazardous to health.

Skin care products: Moisturizers, Face Creams and Eye Creams; Sunscreen; Anti-aging or anti-acne products: 6 months to 1 year

The products that offer the most risks after expiration are the creams with alpha hydroxy acids, as they can be very irritating to the skin; moisturizers, due in function of the oils and vegetable butter that degrade before the expiration date; the sunscreens, which stop working on defending the skin from the sun's harmful rays.

Mascara for eyelashes: 3 months
Even if it is within its expiration date, the mascara may deteriorate well before this time due to the constant entering and exiting of the applicator, which favors the entry of air into the package. From the moment the mascara is opened, it provides a perfect environment for the proliferation of micro-organisms such as fungi and bacteria, which can even cause an infection in the eye region. In this way, the eyelash mascara usually has a good condition of use for a maximum of three months after they began to be used. When observing changes such as the changes in texture and odor, do not hesitate to discard them.

Gel and liquid eyeliner: 4 to 6 months
The deterioration of the eyeliner happens in the same way as in the eyelash mascara: when taking and putting the applicator in the pot, we are facilitating the entry of air and microorganisms. If your eyeliner gets a thicker, drier, brittle texture, it's time to throw it out even before 6 months.

Liquid lipstick and gloss: 6 to 12 months
Liquid lipsticks and gloss in packs with applicator have the same problem as mascaras and eyeliners: their use causes a lot of air to enter into the product. Therefore, they should be discarded after a maximum of 12 months of use. Changes in color, texture, and odor are a sure sign that you should throw the product away immediately.

Liquid foundations and concealers: 6 to 12 months
The concentration of water and the injection of air into the package are two factors that contribute to the deterioration of the foundation and liquid concealers. In addition, if we often use our fingers to apply these products, it helps taking microorganisms into the bottle.

If contaminated, these products can clog pores, cause irritations and allergies and even can cause serious infections by bacteria such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. If your foundation begins to get even more liquid or becomes thicker, get rid of it as soon as possible.

Creamy foundations, eyeshadows, and blushes: 12 to 18 months
Since they have a greater amount of oil in their composition, the creamy foundations are more resistant than the liquid ones. The eyeshadows and creamy blushes lose out compared to powdered versions, which are less prone to contamination.

Lipstick and lip pencil: 1 to 2 years
Since they contain a high content of oils and waxes, stick lipsticks and pencils do not offer ideal conditions for microorganism growth, so they are usually safe for use for 1 to 2 years.
Another advantage of the pencil is that, when we point it out, we remove the more superficial layer, which usually stores most of the microorganisms.

Eye Pencil: 2 years
Just like the lip pencil, the eyeliner is made predominantly of waxes and oils, which reduces the risk of germ contamination. Again, pointing the pencil helps remove the surface layer, which is the most dangerous.

Hello, Everyone!
At this holiday season, it is worth to invest some time in a special make-up or experiencing something different. After all, this is a good opportunity to test that new eyeshadow palette or use that lipstick that you love so much. More than following the trends of the moment, take advantage of your natural pretty face. Nowadays, there are several makeup products, adapted to the different skin types to get the intended effect.

From the full coverage foundation that uniform the skin tone and give a greater luminosity, or that provide a greater coverage of the spots and imperfections. Powders and highlighters sticks, which create spots of light on the face. Eyelash mascara, which lengthens and give more volume, creating a doll lash effect. Bronzing powders and blushes, which allow the contouring of the face and give a healthier air, highlighting the cheekbones. Eyeshadows that enhance the eyelids and "open" the look. Eyebrows mascara or tint, which fixes and give a greater expressiveness to the face. Lipsticks that increase the volume of the lips and with long-lasting duration so that you do not have to reapply it every time. Anyway, it is difficult to choose between so many options.

On the New Year Eve parties, women bet on bright looks, with sparkles and bright, radiant colors. And makeup does not have to be different. Beautiful, healthy and well-cared skin is key in production. 



Women are increasingly looking for makeup trends as it is a way of enhancing natural beauty and making them even more beautiful for the special occasions. Party makeup has a varied choice of trends, so, I'm writing this post with five makeup suggestions for New Year Eve pa, both for those who prefer a lighter makeup and a more bold one,  or want a sexy and sophisticated look. After all, this is a good opportunity to experience that more elaborate party makeup.  For more end of the year, party makeup tips click here.

For those who do not have a lot of makeup practice like me, my advice is to try before, in order to evaluate the effect and see if you like the final result. Nowadays, there are many videos with makeup tutorials on youtube that show you step by step and with which you can inspire.

Before applying the makeup is important to remember that preparing the skin to receive the makeup is crucial, so before anything remember to always to apply a moisturizer, a primer and sunscreen protect your skin from harmful agents.

After that the makeup starts with a correction of imperfections that are made using a foundation and concealer, a party makeup asks for a foundation with a full coverage effect, so remember this when choosing the foundation that will be used.

Hello everyone!
The Christmas is around the corner! Christmas and New Year. The end of year parties along with some work fraternization become the biggest concerns and, you have to buy all the gifts and preparation of the dinner,  and you have to think about "which clothes to wear?" or "What makeup do you use?" are constant questions, especially if you are one of those who enjoys producing the festivities. Both Christmas and New Year Eve, you find opportunities to create a different, more festive, more cheerful look. However, it is important to take into consideration that the makeup should last all night. For you who have not decided how to make up during this special season, check some tips for the night:

Do: Prepare the skin before to wear the makeup

For the New Year, which has several possibilities for parties, the makeup can be more bold, with brightness, colored pencil or darker lipsticks. At this time, it is important to focus on long-lasting products, so the look lasts all night. Products like a primer, pore minimizer, long-lasting foundation and matte lipsticks are great suggestions for the moment.


Do not: Creamy lipstick

It may be a makeup trend, along with glossy lipstick effect, but definitely should be left out on end of the year party occasions. That's because these parties are usually accompanied by dinners with lots of food and drink. To avoid reapplying the lipstick all the time or erasing it, prefer more nude lips or matte texture, which is longer lasting.

Do: Invest in the makeup trends

Metalized, platinum-plated and chrome-plated shades are a great choice for new year parties. If you are looking for an occasion to use these products, the moment is for the holiday's parties. If you choose a metallic shade, for example, combine with a nude lipstick, to create a balanced look. It is time for celebration, celebration, and more celebration. Feel free be happy and glamorous!

Do not: Too overworked makeup

Just because it's Christmas, you do not have to wear makeup with green, red and gold shades in the eyes and most importantly, do not use all three at once. If you're spending the Christmas at home with family, it's also not interesting to wear a heavy makeup. The important thing is to feel comfortable.

Do: Take it easy

At Christmas, we can think of a more discreet makeup, mainly because this is an occasion that most people spend at home with their family: The priority is to keep skin lighter, without many wearing too much makeup, since you will be at home and there is no need to look like who is going to a red carpet ceremony or a wedding.

Hello, beauties!
Well, everyone knows that we can take care of your skin with the ingredients that we can find in our home (or in the market)? Yes, it is possible. Take a look in this article!
When the subject is low-cost beauty treatment, homemade facial masks are the best! But since there is not always enough time or money for this investment, today I'm going to share four recipes to do at home that will leave your skin incredible.

1. Detox Mask
Clean the skin with green tea (to detoxify), tea with flowers and fruit (sensitive skin) or mint tea (oily skin). Then use the same tea to make the mask. How to do: heat 1 cup. of a tea of your preference (to be well concentrated) + 1 sheet of gelatin. Apply on the face with upward movements (from the center of the face outward) to stretch the skin. Leave it for 15 minutes and rinse.

 2. Mask to lighten the skin
To renew the cells and lighten the skin invest in this combination. How to make: mix 1 tablespoon of brown sugar + 1 tablespoon of natural yogurt. Apply on face and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse.

3. Oily skin mask
How to do it: separate 1 tablespoon of cornmeal + 2 tablespoons of natural yogurt + mint leaves. Crush the mint until you get a juice. Then mix it with the other ingredients. Apply the mask and let it act for 15 minutes. Then wash your face with water.

 4. Mask to increase the natural resistance of the skin
It hydrates and increases vitality, leaving the skin stronger. How to make: boil 4 pieces of pumpkin. When soft, remove from the water and mash with a fork. Add a little of honey and stir until it reaches the consistency of a paste. Apply on face. Leave it for 15 minutes and rinse.

There are so many different skincare products nowadays, that it can be quite difficult to find the ones that suit your skin. For this reason, it’s very important to know your skin and to establish an effective skincare routine according to its type. Here is a list of some useful and helpful tips.

Determine your skin type

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Before deciding to buy any skincare product, you have to determine the type of your skin. This is extremely important for products that don’t suit your skin will not only be ineffective, but they can even worsen the situation. 
However, there is no reason to be worried, since you can find so many tips online on how to determine your skin type, and all you need to do is follow a couple of short steps. Before you start testing it, you should know that there are several types of skin, including oily (characterized by large pores and grease on your face), dry (characterized by small pores and flakes), normal, sensitive and the combination of these types. And, now that you know all the facts, let the testing begin!

Cleanse your skin



                                     image source: 1, 2, 3

Cleansing your skin can be very tedious after a long day when you only want to go to bed, however, this step shouldn’t be avoided under any circumstances. Once a day, in the evening, is usually enough, unless your skin is oily, then you can clean it in the morning as well. 
It’s very important that you find a suitable cleanser. For example, if your skin is dry, oil-based ones will do the trick, but if it’s oily, stay away from them, and stick to foam-based ones. We advise you to wash your face with warm water so that your pores open up, which will allow you to clean all the dirt that accumulated on your skin during the day. Once you do this, apply the cleanser. However, after cleansing it, you should rinse your skin with cold water to close up the pores.

Find a suitable moisturizer



Moisturize, moisturize and moisturize. This is a rule of thumb for every skincare routine, especially, during the cold winter months when our skin becomes dried out easily. You should use a moisturizer once or twice a day, or even more if you have very dry skin. This step comes after cleansing in order to restore the moisture, prevent flaking and wrinkles from occurring. 
If your skin is oily, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t moisturize it, but it simply means that you have to stick to oil-free products. However, even though we encourage you to apply a moisturizer regularly, don’t overdo it, since too much of it can lead to clogged pores and, consequently, acne breakouts. 

Pamper your skin with a facial mask

                                      image source: 1, 2, 3 

Enriching your daily skincare routine with a facial mask can be extremely beneficial for your skin. You can find an amazing face mask online which will nourish and revitalize your skin, making it radiant again. You can go for a clay mask if your skin is normal or oily since it absorbs excess oil and unclogs your pores. Another great mask which will help your pores open up is a thermal mask. However, if your skin is dry to normal, you should definitely go for cream masks which contain ingredients that will soften your skin and further moisturize it.

DIY masks 


If you’re into face masks, don’t hesitate to experiment and make the one which will perfectly suit your skin. For example, a banana face mask is great for oily skin, since it will moisturize it, without making it even oilier. All you need to do is mix a ripe banana, 1 spoon of honey and a few drops of lemon juice. On the other hand, an avocado mask is exactly what you need if you have dry skin. Mix half of avocado with honey, apply it to your skin, leave it for 10 minutes and then rinse it off with cool water. As you can see, it doesn’t take a lot of effort, and yet your skin will be well-moisturized thanks to the natural avocado oil.
All in all, establishing an effective skincare routine is not that difficult. You should just get to know your skin type and buy only the products suitable for it. 


BIO
Sophia Smith is an Australian based fashion, beauty and lifestyle blogger, graphic designer, lover of basics, white and DIY enthusiast. Design plays a huge role in her personal expression. She is also focusing on minimalism and good quality. Sophia loves sharing meaningful content that inspires women. Over the years she has written pieces for Eco Warrior Princess, Viva Glam Magazine, LA Fashion, How to Simplify, Natural Path, Urban Naturale and many other blogs and magazines.   

During the winter, to keep the skin hydrated and with a healthy aspect is a little bit difficult. Although there are lots of creams and lotions which help to leave the skin in hydrated and well cared, some of these treatments are still extremely expensive.
Every woman has her tricks to keep herself pretty. Knowing the right stores to buy nice and cheap clothes, use that special brand of makeup and attend certain beauty salon are some of these tricks, but you can get even more beautiful with some silly, cheap little secrets that can be used at home.
Today I'm writing this post with some natural alternatives that can be made at home and at a low cost.

Coconut oil
The coconut oil can do wonders for the skin and one of its main characteristics is hydration.
There are several ways to use it, directly on the skin, in the most problematic areas or by adding a few drops in the bath. The oil will leave the skin very soft and with a fantastic smell. For more tips about coconut oil in the beauty read HOW TO USE COCONUT OIL IN YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE!

Olive oil
Olive oil is a miracle substance that, not only does wonders to dry skin, as is one of the basic ingredients of most moisturizing creams on the market. When used alone, it eliminates the danger of chemicals on the skin and other ingredients in lotions that can decrease its effectiveness.
Olive oil is composed of a lot of antioxidants that help to repair the skin dry, irritated or even reddish skin, as well as to prevent and repair the damage caused by the Sun. Soak a piece of cotton with oil and apply on the skin (mainly in the drier areas), let it act for few minutes and then wash the face.

Aloe
If you have an Aloe plant at home, will be one of the best investments. This plant not only has a long durability, and also has an easy maintenance. When you need Aloe, just cut part of the plant and squeeze the gel.
This will have a colorless, gelatinous appearance and is on the inside of the leaf. You can cut the plant at will because it will grow again, which demonstrates its miraculous properties. Aloe not only moisturizes but also repairs the irritated skin.

Olive oil, lemon, and salt
If you're not a fan of putting olive oil directly on the skin, this is a great alternative. Mix the juice of a lemon, with five tablespoons of salt and a tablespoon of olive oil to create a luxurious scrub.
The smell of fresh lime has invigorating properties and with the olive oil, this scrub will leave skin fresh, moisturized and extremely smooth.

Honey
It not only deeply moisturizes the dry skin but also improves the skin appearance. Put directly in the drier areas, gently massage the skin, leave it on for 2-3 minutes and then wash the face.
Repeat this every day and you will see the skin improvement.
Scrub for smoother skin: To remove impurities accumulated on the skin and also the dead cells, nothing better than a good exfoliation. When you don't have the right cream, however, you don't have to spend a fortune on an expensive treatment. Just mix some honey and sugar, creating a cheap and simple exfoliating mask. The recipe must be applied on the face, and make a circular motion.

Chamomile to decompress the face
When we sleep or spend several days working or studying too much, it is normal that our skin looking bad at the end of the day. To relieve redness and reduce the swelling of the face, try chamomile tea. Just prepare the tea and put it in the fridge for a night. The next morning, soak a cotton ball in the tea and apply on the face, especially in the swollen areas, such as dark circles, for example.

Water for a beautiful skin
A spray of mineral water or coconut water can be used on the face to help keep your skin looking good. Another good tip is to dip the face in ice water to help hide dark circles, inflammation, and swelling.

Papaya, yogurt, and honey to hydrate
It is possible to hydrate the skin without the need of industrialized creams. A good recipe is to mash a piece of papaya and blend it with two tablespoons of yogurt and a little honey. The mask should be applied to the face and let it act for few minutes. Then just wash your face with water.

The cold weather came and with it, the hottest clothes, the warmth of the fireplace, but also the time has come to pay even more attention to the skin! Lower temperatures, wind and rain can alter the skin on your face, making it need different care from those you kept in the summer. It is necessary to pay more attention to hydration of the skin so that the effects of winter do not make much difference on the skin.
During winter, due to weather conditions, the excess of dry air, the skin tends to dry faster. For the skin to remain healthy, smooth and hydrated, it is advisable to take into account some care.
There are several types of skin: oily skin, combination skin, dry skin, sensitive skin and normal skin. In addition, there are young skins and mature skins and all these need specific care that must be adapted according to the lifestyle and seasons of the year to always maintain a beautiful and healthy skin.

In winter, the skin types that suffer most are dry skin, mature skin, and sensitive skin. The first does not generally exhibit a very high natural hydration level which is further diminished by low temperatures, the wind, and heat. Sensitive skins, on the other hand, are generally reactive skins that can give warning signs like redness, and dryness in this season of the year.
It is important to fill the nutritional deficiencies of the skin with suitable products and food so that it does not feel discomfort and that the appearance of the skin remains beautiful and luminous even on colder days.

Here are some tips and what types of products you can use to have a healthy skin during the winter.

How to keep a beautiful and healthy skin? 

• Regularly clean the skin with a mild soap, those of glycerin are a great choice;
• Use an exfoliant to remove dead cells and impurities;
• Treat acne with special products;
• Stay away from the stress: take time for face masks or leg creams, as well as being a great way to keep the skin looking more beautiful, helps to relax the mind and therefore leaves the skin brighter;
• Always remember to use sunscreen (even and especially in winter) as it is the best way to keep your skin youthful (not what we most want?) And stain-free;
• Use a deep nourishing daily cream in the winter. It can be the same range that you use in the summer but it should give to the skin of the face greater hydration;
• Always use highly nutritious and sun protection indexed lip protection. Sun protection may be lower than summer sunscreen but should never be neglected;
• Apply a moisturizing serum before your daily cream. Serum will help keep the skin of the face moisturized throughout the day;
• Invest in a good night cream that allows the skin to recover from the aggressions of the cold, wind and the heat;
• If you do not live without air conditioning, apply thermal water on the face regularly during the day, so that it does not lose water or give back;
• Drink water and eat fruit to maintain an adequate hydration;
• Apply a moisturizing mask one to two times a week, especially if you have a dry and mature skin;
• If you have a sensitive skin, use suitable products that allow you to fight against signs of cold and heat;
• The body also needs a greater hydration, since the use of more and warmer clothes cause greater dehydration. Apply moisturizing cream daily.
• Enrich your diet with foods rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids such as blackberries, strawberries, walnuts, nuts, artichokes, almonds, flaxseed oil, cereals, grains, tuna, and turkey.
• Avoid fried foods, besides being highly caloric they end up reflecting in the skin, leaving it oily, facilitating the appearance of pimples;
• If you really want to have beautiful skin, never sleep with makeup, always remove it with a good astringent before going to sleep;
• Sleep well, a good night's sleep can work wonders for your skin and beauty.

Body Lotion
Look for lotions that contain ingredients such as alpha hydroxides (A.H.A.), hyaluronic acid and glycerin. When looking for a moisturizing body lotion, consider two variants: hydrating lotion, which helps to moisturize, and an occlusive, which helps maintain the hydration of the skin. During winter, the skin tends to lose water due to weather conditions and excess dry air so it will need to replenish and balance the hydration of the skin after all the baths. To maintain hydration, dry the skin (without rubbing) with a soft towel and apply a moisturizing body lotion and a neutral pH.
For sensitive skin: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, £7.19 (1). For oily/ combination: Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish, £9.75 (2). For dry skin: Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Miracle Cleanser, £34 (3). For mature skin: Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm, £39.50


Try Neutrogena's Deep Hydration Body Lotion, Kai Body Butter, and La Roche-Posay  Iso-Urea Cream: rich in glycerin, it's perfect for sensitive skin and will help to moisturize and maintain the skin hydration for longer.

Facial moisturizer
Look for moisturizers that contain ingredients like glycerin, antioxidants (vitamin C or E), softening oils (avocado oil or jojoba oil). Applying moisturizer to the face is essential to protect the face from severe weather conditions. In addition to the basic need for a humectant and an occlusive, such as glycerin, for example, antioxidants are also essential to combat the damage caused by free radicals. Ingredients that help soften the skin, such as avocado oil, help moisturize the skin without clogging the pores and reducing redness.
For sensitive skin: La Roche-Posay Hydreane Rich Moisturising Cream, £14.50 (1). For oily / combination skin: Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief, £34 (2). For dry skin: Dr Hauschka Rose Day Cream, £29.50 (3). For mature skin: Clarins Super Restorative Day Cream, £69 (4). 


Try Face Cream, Yes to Carrots, with FPS15 or Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30: in addition to glycerin, the skin will benefit from sunflower oil, aloe vera, carrot, and more.

Balm
Look for ingredients like jojoba oil, shea butter, and FPS. Balsams should contain ingredients that help replace skin oils. Also, do not forget that, regardless of the lower temperatures and cloudy skies, it is essential to protect the lips from UV rays.
Try Nivea's A Kiss of Smoothness lip balm with FPS15 or Nivea lip Butter: In addition to being affordable, this balm has all the moisturizing ingredients needed to maintain hydration without irritating the skin.

Oil is a great idea for the skin
For sensitive skin: Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil, £20 (1). For combination / oily skin: Aromatherapy Associates Mattifying Refining Face Oil, £35.70 (2). For dry skin: Decleor Aromessence Marjolaine Oil Serum, £44 (3). For mature skin: L'Oreal Age Perfect Extraordinary Facial Oil, £19.99 (4). 

For sensitive skin: Eve Lom Muslin Cleansing Cloths (used with your regular cleanser), £14 (1). For oily / combination skin: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, £41.75 (2). For dry skin: Merumaya Skin Brightening Exfoliating Peel, £19.50 (3). For mature skin: Philosophy The Microdelivery Triple-Acid Brightening Peel, £59.50 (4). 

Photo and price source: http://www.redonline.co.uk/