"Real Women Have Curves".

So, well firstly, hiiiii guyss!!! As per usual I haven't done a post in a while, I've been busy working, sleeping, eating, working, eating, eating and eating some more. This lovely eating pattern of mine has unsurprisingly resulted in weight gain... woop woop!! I'm not fussed really, the way I see it is, if I'm unhappy with my weight gain then lose the weight..

                                                     PREACH SISTAA!!! 

Anyway, whilst browsing t'internet/magazines etc I've come across heaps of articles, interviews, quotations discussing female weight and what is deemed "feminine", "attractive" and so on. I'm writing this post based on the specific quote that's been flung around by many women (and men also, but I'm talking about women in particular) in one way or another. That quote being

"REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES!"

I'm not going to go into depth as to how I feel about this because I'm hoping you guysies will have your say on this size zero/weight/appearance debate; I really want to know what you all think about it. I personally find that a lot of those who say this haven't really thought of what they are stating completely, and to some extent I find this quote insulting.

Here's briefly why(Here's why briefly... briefly here's why.. can those words be used as a singular sentence??) Whatever; here's why: I feel it completely undermines women who don't have natural curves, those who are naturally slim/skinny, or those who have lost weight and lost their "curves"; does this mean that they are not "real women"? If they're not women, then what are they? Men? 

Question: Is Crystal Renn less of a woman now she has lost weight? I'm not going to lie, I much preferred her look beforehand but that's not what I'm asking. 

It just grates on me a little; personally, I think curves are very attractive, if I had my way I would be way more curvier, but I'm not so whatever, but that doesn't mean that females who are slim/athletic built are any way less womanly or feminine. I just think that people are so concerned with political correctness surrounding obesity or overweight-ness, but tend to forget about the other side of the spectrum.... maybe that's just me... 

What do you all think? 

Website Of The Week: Boohoo

Not much need for an introduction as this site is rapidly increasing in popularity and success... I'm not surprised in the slightest because it is pretty awesome! 

For those who haven't heard of Boohoo.com, it's a snazzy site packed with the latest trends at decent prices bla bla bla.... it is really good, so check it out. No but really, the prices are pretty decent, minus this offender 

Sorry but why is this £60?? 

Favourite picks time!! :-)

Sofia wrap front mixi skirt - £15

Anya Wet Look Strappy Side Crop Top- £14

Sienna Monochrome Wrap Front Belted Playsuit- £25

Riya Black Wedge Suedette Creeper- £30

Sophie colour block sleeveless maxi dress- £20

Cameron scoop neck front split maxi dress- £15

Alisa Scarf Print Shorts- £10

Danika Red Suedette Cut Away Wedge- £40

Lois pocket back high waisted disco pants- £18

Ok, had to stop myself from posting the entire contents of the site yet again.... I'm assuming that there are quite a few boohoo visitors on the blogosphere...what do you girlies/guylies think of it? 

Review :Max Factor Eye Brightening Mascara

Yes I'm aware, I haven't posted in a while...I've been working so much recently, my free time has consisted of sleeping, eating, or eating whist sleeping... I call it sleeating..

Anyway, I'm a big fan of mascara, will be doing an epic mascara post soon but for now, this is a quick review on Max Factor's Eye Brightening Mascara

I've been chasing around for the Covergirl Eyelights Mascara for a while, but haven't been able to get my hands on it; so when this replica hit the shops, I was pretty much on it like bees on honey! Both claim to achieve the same thing which is basically to "enhance" your eye's natural colour with customised "gem toned colour beads" for brown, hazel, green, or blue eyes. The "light reflecting particles" supposedly brighten your actual eyes too. 

CovergirlMax Factor

Firstly, the packaging: Not much to say; I am quite partial to it, it looks pretty... the eyes on the tube are pretty too. I was disappointed that they didn't have any extra information about how this mascara actually enhances eye colour but such is life. 

The brush: I was impressed with the brush; the bristles were long enough and weren't too close together so it actually did separate my eyelashes no matter how many coats I used. I think this is one of my favourite mascara brushes. 

The formula: I'm torn between whether I like it or not. On one hand it seemed a bit too thick and dry for me, but on the other hand, that may have made my eyelashes look more intense. I'm not sure, I think if it were slightly more liquid I would love it more. Makes it less prone to clumping 

Before and afters: 

Before

After

Does it work?: It definitely made my eyelashes look longer and more voluminous which I loved!  Even after one coat they looked longer and fuller. I only applied around 3 coats, could have kept going but it was hot, and I was getting impatient so I stopped at 3. As for the "enhancing natural eye colour", and "light reflecting particles" ... uh... yeh... that's a pile of tosh! Absolutely no reflection taking place, and no, it didn't brighten my eyes. To be honest I don't understand how that would work anyway; what exactly is being reflected where?? I'm guessing that's why there is hardly any information on the packaging because there's no science behind it. Also, if you do want to try this out, you're better off sticking some glitter eyeshadow in your mascara (old trick). 

And my brown eye colour wasn't enhanced whatsoever, again, there's no explicit science behind it, maybe it works better for those with green, hazel, or blue eyes, because the mascaras are varied colours. Mine was plain black. They can call it whatever; "black pearl", "tonal black" whatever it was but what's that saying? A spade is a spade.. and plain black mascara is...well, plain black mascara 

I would recommend this for those with short, sparce, or thin lashes

Overall, I am pleased with how my eyelashes looked after application, to me personally it did make quite a big difference. I usually wear eyeliner but since getting this mascara, haven't felt the need for it. It's easy to apply, separated and lengthened my lashes, which I love.... As for the whole "eye enhancing" jargon.... well...personally, I think it's a bunch of nonsense. If you want a really good value mascara for dramatic lashes then this is certainly up your street; however, if you want a magic eye illuminating, colour popping, light reflecting mascara then I suggest you look elsewhere...or stick a torch behind your eye sockets. 

At the moment it's only £4.99 as an introductory offer in both Boots and Superdrug so if you want to test it out, now is the time. Let me know what you think of it, it might work for other eye colours 

Website Of The Week: Cheap Smells

I like perfume...a lot. My purse however, does not (aw, that almost sounded like a poem)...but yeh, I like perfume but it's crazy expensive. Came across this website a good few years ago and we've pretty much been inseparable since. It sells cheap perfumes, and cosmetics too, displaying the retail price so you know how much you're saving..WINNING!!  

Here are my favourite bargains

                                           

Estee Lauder

MakeUp Palette

Expert Color Palette

RRP £54.95
Our Price £34.95
Saving £20.00 (36%)

Vera Wang

Rock Princess

100ml Eau de Toilette Spray

RRP £58.00
Our Price £29.04
Saving £28.96 (50%)

                               

Maybelline

Lash Stiletto Volume Mascara

Black RRP £7.99
Our Price £4.49

Saving £3.50 (44%)

Black waterproof RRP £7.99
Our Price £3.99
Saving £4.00 (50%)

                                                 

Hightech Cosmetics

Lashes

Instant Lash Extender 13ml

RRP £19.50
Our Price £8.65
Saving £10.85 (56%)

Model Co

Essentials

Dannie Colour Essentials Set

RRP £85.00
Our Price £12.49
Saving £72.51 (85%)

Nina Ricci

Ricci Ricci Dancing Ribbon

50ml Eau de Parfum Spray

RRP £41.50
Our Price £24.75
Saving £16.75 (40%)

Urban Decay

Palettes

Book of Shadows Volume IV

RRP £46.00
Our Price £27.55
Saving £18.45 (40%)

Revlon

24 Hour Skincare

400ml Gentle Toner

RRP £14.99
Our Price £4.95
Saving £10.04 (67%)

Also, free delivery... :-) 

20 Beauty Tips

After a long day at work I'm having a mindless internet browsing session, and decided to look for the top beauty tips which I'm going to share with all you lovelies. 

1.

For uber soft hair, leave a conditioning hair masque in overnight and rinse out in the morning. 

2.

For a defined yet subtle eye, use black eyeliner on the top lash line, and brown eyeliner on the bottom lash line. 

3.

Run your eyelash curler under warm water or stick it under your blow drier for a second before using it to make your eyelashes curlier 

4.

This is no secret, if you want bigger looking eyes, line your bottom eyelid with white eyeliner. (I however use gold because it blends more with my flesh tone and doesn't scare anyone) 

5.

Try and carry a hand sanitizer around with you; touching random things on your outings could lead to bacteria build-up on your hands...and if you touch your face a lot...SPOTTTSS!!

6.

Eat "detergent" foods. Firm or crisp foods like apples, celery, carrots, or popcorn (yes, you now have an excuse to munch on popcorn more often) are said to help clean teeth as you eat.

7.

For thicker and more voluminous hair, spray some dry shampoo at the roots of your hair..BOOM VOLUME! 

8.

 For yellow nails, scrub them with a nail brush and whitening toothpaste 

9.

Apparently coconut milk makes your hair grow long and thick "“Rub it onto the scalp, leave it on for an hour or so, then wash it out.”

10. 

Avoid very hot showers/baths first thing in the morning. Hot water followed by cool, dry air leads to rough skin

11.

Keep your eyes open when applying liquid liner — otherwise your line will look uneven

12.

Rose and lavender "work wonders" in calming skin inflammation (according to ingredient information specialist Dr. Hauschka Skin Care, Michele VanLandingham) 

13.

When waxing at home, apply tooth-numbing cream in the area you plan to wax about half an hour prior to your session. It will temporarily numb the skin, making the experience a little less painful.

14.

When your lips look small, the rest of your face looks larger by comparison. Dab a shimmery gloss in the middle of your lower lip to make it appear bigger

15. 

Use a deep-cleansing mask once a week to rid your skin of impurities and dead skin cells that may be clogging pores.

16.

For a more "pulled together" look without much make-up, make sure your eyebrows are tamed and in order as these frame your face. (I need to start taking my own advice)

17.

For more profound, eye catching lashes, apply two different types of mascara. It adds length and definition. 

18.

Spray a light shot of fragrance into the bristles. Run it through strands from roots to ends and your hair will smell amazing throughout the day.

19.

For afro hair, try steaming it regularly to enhance the condition of your hair, locking in moisture and reducing breakage

20.

Be careful where you apply your blusher as it should hit the middle of your cheekbone. If it's any higher and too close to your eyes, it will make your eyes appear red and if you place it too low, it will make you look tired

Hope you likey....Feel free to comment and add your own... the more the merrier :-)

Healthy Yoghurt Banana Oat Muffins

Just a quick recipe post I found online. I'm trying to fix up my ridiculous eating habits by reducing the levels of rubbish I stuff in my mouth throughout the day...while browsing the interneweb I came across this badboy recipe... If you want any more healthy recipes let me know and I'll find them...Looks so yummy!! 

Ingredients 

• 1 ¼ cup rolled oats
• 1 ½ cup oat flour (refer to #3)
• 1/2 cup plain, low fat yogurt
• 1/2 cup low fat milk or soy milk
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup sunflower oil
• 2 large, really ripe bananas mashed

• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 lightly beaten egg
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 cup raisins, walnuts or both
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

Note:  In order to make the "flour", you need to grind up your oats... clever right?!! 

1. Preheat oven to 400°
2. Mix rolled oats, yogurt and milk together in a bowl. Let stand for 10 minutes.
3. It will require about 2 cups of rolled oats to make the 1 1/2 cups or oat flour you need. Just pulse the 2 cups rolled oats in the food processor until they turn to a powdery consistency (like dry grits).
4. Now, combine oat flour, salt, sugar, spices, baking powder and baking soda in a separate bowl.
5. Add mashed banana, egg and oil to the rolled oat mixture and mix well.
6. Now add dry oat flour mixture to rolled oat mixture and mix together well. Add in nuts and/or raisins if desired and incorporate evenly. Chocolate chips are great too!
7. Fill greased or lined muffin cups 2/3 of the way. Bake for approximately 16-20 minutes

Here's the link to the site, so useful: http://honestfare.com/yogurt-banana-oat-muffins/