DIY Beauty-body & face scrubs

(coffee, honey and oatmeal scrub)

My friend, Whitney, gave me a wonderful recipe for a homemade scrub, I have made this scrub multiple times. Everytime I have used this scrub my skin has felt fresh, clean, smooth and it glows!

Find the recipe below as well as a few others.

This amazing scrub can be used on the body but also the face and lips!

Here is Whitney's simple and easy to follow recipe:

Ingredients:

*Sugar - I usually use brown, it really exfoliates your skin but isn't as rough as white/castor sugar

*Vanilla (essential oil) - Add as desired for scent; one/half teaspoon (or approximately ten drops) is usually enough depending on the quantity you are making. For an interesting mix, blend two scents.

*Baby Oil (carrier oil)- The baby oil combines with the sugar to help blend the ingredients, again add small amounts and mix until the scrub is at the right consistency for you.

Whitney's scrub-
looks good enough to eat!

Method:

*Blend the ingredients you choose together until you are happy with the consistency, add the carrier oil to the texture ingredient in small portions and then add some of your chosen scent.

*Use a spoon to mix-either use a bowl or add the ingredients straight into the jar you will store it in.

*The scrub can be used 'dry' (use a loofah on skin that isn't wet) before washing it off in the shower. It can also be used in the shower/bath, lather and scrub- the water will heighten the scent of the scrub.

*Once you have scrubbed the mix onto your skin, rinse it off with lukewarm water, pat the skin dry and moisturise. If there is some mixture leftover, store in an airtight jar and use next time!

Some Tips:

* I have discovered some wonderful ingredients that could be used for some variation:

~Essential oils: The fun part! Pick your scent...I have mostly used vanilla as it isn't too overpowering but some other scents to try include rose, peppermint, lavender, cherry, peach, chocolate or even add some of your favourite perfume!

~Carrier oils: baby/olive/vegetable/sunflower/almond/coconut oils, lemon/lime juice, milk

~Ingredients for texture: sugar (white, brown or raw), sea salt, coffee, coconut, oatmeal, strawberries (mashed), cucmber (grated), yoghurt or honey

     

*The carrier oils are used to provide enough moisture to the scrub mix as the essential oils used for scent are too potent to use them solely in order to soften and combine the scrub

*To decide what you should use as your main ingredient look at what you have available and/or how smooth or rough you desire the scrub to be (consider the area it will be used on)

~For a smoother texture, add more of the liquid based ingredients or use a smoother texture option, such as honey, strawberries or yoghurt (yoghurt blended with oatmeal is great for mild facials)

~If you want a rougher, highly exfoliating scrub use salt, sugar, coconut or coffee and consider limiting the amount of carrier oil you combine in the mix.

*You can mix these ingredients around to make different types of scrubs- perfect gifts for friends and family! One that I would love to try is a chocolate-vanilla strawberry scrub.

*A rough, exfoliating scrub is perfect for the larger and dry areas of the body such as abdomen, back, legs, arms, elbows, feet and hands. Very useful in winter, before tan application or waxing.

                                                       *A smoother mix or a small amount of the rough mix is perfect for using on your lips (to get that perfect pout), face, hands and feet (DIY facials, manicures or pedicures).

*For lips I find using a toothbrush or eyebrow brush alongside the scrub help to prevent chapped lips.  

*Soaking hands and feet in warm water, milk or lemon juice before applying your scrub to soften dry skin. Use a pumice stone to remove dry skin and then moisturise.

*Lemon and milk are fantastic and gentle exfoliators due to the acids and enzymes present. Milk also helps to restore and rejuvenate the skin. Honey is amazing for creating soft skin and reducing scars. Cucumbers and strawberries soothe the skin and reduce fluid build up (such as puffy eyes or ankles).

Enjoy making your own scrubs!

I love it and can't wait to start gifting them to people,

Kooklah, Xx

http://forthestyleseekinggirl.blogspot.com/
http://kooklah.blogspot.com/
 

Sense of Romance...

The romantic style of dressing is one of my favourites.

 It is a style characterised by feminine, flirty, fun and pretty clothes or accessories with details such as lace, draped or flowing fabric, tulle, ruffles, pretty details including florals or a little sparkle.

An example of a long, flowing dress. The bodice is sequined with floral detail

Floral, lace, sparkle and button detail...

Using this style will not only ensure you look feminine and pretty but can also increase your confidence by making you feel attractive and happy.

 Romantic style is very girly, perfect for dates, outside events or parties.

I love this outfit, perfect for a date, girls night or even an outdoor cocktail party.
The ankle boots add abit of edge whilst highlighting the legs and flow of the ruffles in the dress.

                                            Lace is a very simple and beautiful way to add abit of romance to an outfit. It can be through the use of shoes or accessories such as headbands, earrings, bangles or, through using lace as the emphasis of the outfit for example dresses, skirts, shirts...

Lauren Conrad:                     Lauren really suits this feminine and romantic style.  Lauren has used slighty curled hair in a bun, with wispy pieces around her face. Her makeup is very natural with emphasis on flirty eyes..                                             

                                     

This dress has great detail at the top, it is very flattering and looks well put together and relaxed. The slight jewelled/crystal headband adds a lovely detail to the hairstyle that complements but maintains an understated look.

Blake Lively: Blake has really embraced the romantic style with this outfit. Her hair is very whimsical, with braids and plaits that are loose, her hair is partially pinned. It is very much so a hairstyle that will loosen and gradually fall out over time, which will only add to the overall look. The hair accessories which have been used are floral with beading, it is still quite natural as it blends with her hair colour.

I love that this dress is understated, cap sleeves, no plunging neckline with a slight flair below the hips. The lace work is amazing, complemented by floral details. This dress looks amazing and comfortable, a great one to copy for the beach, a date, a picnic or a party. Blake's accessories in the ay of floral rings and a collection of charm bracelets are fantastic and really increase the romantic, slightly bohemian style.

Carrie Bradshaw- the intricate, mulitlayered dress worn in Paris (look at all that fabulous material, with the lace, ruffles, glitter and sequins) and the long, flowy orange maxi worn in the Middle East, this dress adds a fantastic pop of colour!

Romantic style can be simply achieved in the form of a sheer blouse...

 ...or through the use of a beautiful pair of shoes.

                                                      Accessories are usually pretty and intricate with use of florals, beaded, glittery or lace detail

                                                                                                                                                                    

For your makeup focus on soft styles and colours such as nude, bronze, pinks, shimmer, glitter, gloss. A very natural, feminine look- wide eyes, long eyelashes, peachy pink cheeks.

 Hairstyles that compliment or enhance this style are waved styles like the pictures depicted above, loose braids, plaits or buns. Girly, flirty and fun hair. Doesn't have to be perfectly put together, when I dress in this style or decide to use a romantic hairstyle I tend to focus on creating a girly, dreamy look-if it gradually falls or changes, don't worry! It really does add to the look...

 

  Styling Tip: if looking ultra feminine is something you are not too comfortable with, you can still embrace the Romantic style- combine flirty, feminine details with another style.

 For example a flowing dress with a blazer or leather jacket, floral or pink heels with a LBD (little black dress), beautifully curled or wavy hair, a ruffled top with jeans or tailored pants or pretty, detailed accessories. This is the beauty of this style, it can be used to completley create an outfit, but also to influence or provide an addition to an outfit. 

I hope you enjoy this post! I had alot of fun creating it,

Happy Styling,

Kooklah, Xx

Abit of Girly-ness

This is just a little short post.. I was planning to publish my post on romantic style but I am not yet finished! So I thought I would post up a picture that I found, and loved.

I believe there is always a way to put a feminine, girly twist on an outfit or an item of clothing. Could be your accessories, colour choice, makeup or shoes. Keeping well looked after nails  is something that I think is so important- even just moisturised hands, filed and nail protectant covered nails can help achieve a flawless finish. I know I notice people's nails, think about it- you shake hands, use a pen, hand over money. Our hands do so much, they are really in the limelight, five minutes of effort can take jagged, half-chipped nails to glossy or coloured perfection.

I love the playfullness of the nails below, and I can imagine them teamed easily with a floaty, romantic dress as well as a tour shirt and jeans type combo....

Girly, Unique, Fun!

Add a cocktail ring or a decorative bangle and you are set for an amazing outfit.
You don't have to be perfect but I love it when I see girls who have made the extra effort to look alittle put together and classy.

Abit of girly-ness can never go wrong,

K, Xx

summer brights

This summer I have made a really conscious effort to wear colour. I have also found that choosing to wear bright colours or a statement piece significantly improves my mood and outlook either for the day or just in general. Now don't get me wrong, I love the little black dress, I am a huge fan of darker clothing. Its so versatile. But in accordance with my new year outlook -this year is my year, the year to instigate change, make choices that are what I actually want. My favourite colours that I've been wearing? Red, pink, purple, blue, green...with sequins and glitter thrown in. If something makes you happy, wear it. It will give you a brilliant confidence boost, which will make other people notice .... Happy summer styling! K, Xx

building inner confidence

I love the saying "Always make an effort as you never know who you will meet". I think it provides a sense of hope but also motivation ... I know on difficult days I always feel better after abit of time focusing on me. Whether it's my makeup routine, styling my hair or putting together an outfit often I'll have music on as I do so, I leave feeling happy, confident and positive about myself and the day or night out will involve. This confidence or the smile it brings is what makes other people notice. You're more likely to make friends, meet a boy or have a positive impact on someone with this feeling - including creating a positive outlook for yourself. While it isn't solely makeup or clothes that can give you this boost.. I think they definitely help! Below is a list of items that make me feel confident and amazing 99% of the time * a pair of heels or wedges- boost height, highlight legs and make calf muscles stand out * a little black dress (lbd) -I have one that has a frill out the front and back and falls to just above knee length whilst skimming over problem areas. * my black skinny jeans- they are worn in and so comfortable * feminine underwear - frills, lace, or the new sequin /beaded bra I just bought from Kiss My Button Vintage (kissmybuttonvintage.com or facebook.com/kissmybuttonvintage) providing a secret boost! * a fitted yet not skin tight dress - my current face is a hot pink, v neck dress that falls above the knee, fitted around the bust and waist. Love it. * patterned stockings -define your legs and add a cute, sexy, cheeky feel. * perfume - smell good and other people notice. I love Anna Sui's babydoll, and Sarah Jessica Parker's lovely, the SJP perfume has actually resulted in people telling me how good I smell, long after I can smell sit-in if that doesn't make you feel good, what will? * combing my long eyelashes so they really stand out putting a couple flicks of mascara, instant eyeboost, Flirty eyes! * bronzer or blush, contours face, highlights cheekbones ..blush creates a feminine feel for me where bronzer makes me feel sexy and reminds me of summer * eyeliner -defines eyes * white eyeshadow- blend and the result is eyes that stands out, makes your eyes look bigger * free flowing straight, waved or loosely curled hair One of these or a combination is guaranteed to ensure an inner confidence for me personally, what does that for you? K, Xx

FashionBlues

Today I am having one of those days where nothing seems to fit right, nothing feels comfortable and my self esteem is low. These days are frustrating and really wreck your perception or views of things. I know I'm not the only one, my friends often say the same thing and I think, although it has always been an issue that people have dealt with, these days I think it is increased through the use of the media and the internet. There is no escape from the celebrity world where 'thin is best', I don't agree, there are many people who are not stick thin hut still look good and are beautiful. I always try to remember that we should be embracing individuality ....if we were all the same that would be boring. To make myself feel better I'm spending my day off doing things I enjoy including movies with some of the girls tonight where I can guarantee that no one is the same size, shape or has the same style. K, Xx

I love the elegant classic look. The use of simple aspects to create a flawless, stylish look. It can be easily achieved .. a classic chignon, a black dress, statement jewelry, a blended base for makeup with one or two features enhanced but it's also in the attitude, the look, the walk, how you act or smile. Less is more.

It's a no, no, NO from me..

My last post was about items I love, this is about the items I do not like. It's my own personal taste and this may come and go (I mean at one stage I didn't like wedges ...).
* Jeggings - I mean really? Jeans are so specific to shape, height, weight and stretchy legging /jeans are not flattering, except for maybe completely toned or skinny girls. These pants show up any imperfection and I really don't think it is confidence boosting. Like tights my friend assures me that they are comfortable for long drives or plane rides or for around the house ...this may be so but when you reach or are about to reach your destination try to change into something more flattering (can still be comfortable) especially if you are meeting someone important.

* Visible Panty Lines- (VPL) they look tacky and gives the impression that your clothes are ill-fitting. These days a variety of different types of underwear are available to prevent this. The most effective are seamless, streamlined undies available in all colours although the nude/skin coloured give the best no line effect under a multitude of outfits and fabrics including tight, sheer clothes and the dreaded white pants..

* Large amount of exposed cleavage - by all means flaunt what you have and use your assets to your advantage but less is more. Cleavage can be displayed tastefully, but as my Grandmother always told me, 'keep some mystery about yourself', if a guy can see everything on display constantly he will lose interest- no effort required, no chase. Some ways to intrigue while maintaining style and still look sexy are use some lace, , nicely draped clothing or details like ruching. These will accentuate curves in an elegant way. Also keep in mind the occasion, venue or company - no one wants to look like an escort at a family dinner, funeral, children's birthday party or work event.

*Ugg boots- no. Unless worn during camping, around the house, on school camps or retreats, drive-ins (For which I have my own). Or house parties... but it should end there, I don't care how many tassels, beads, wool, sequins, beads, zips are used to embellish them or how expensive they were, do not wear them out to a pub or club (I have seen it), an important party like a 21st or another event where dressing up is usually required, out to dinner or the shops or school.

*Tassels - they seemed to be on alot of things this winter- hats, shoes, shirts... not the best look outside of a rodeo or farm.

*Obvious bikini triangle tan lines- paired with strapless dresses it looks tacky and cheap (beach coverups are obviously different). I really dislike seeing someone. At a wedding or even dressed up, out in these beautiful dresses with large white triangles on their chest. Either alternate swimsuits or attempt to blend the tan (fake tan, gradual tanning moistuiser. Or moisturiser and bronzer.You could also wear a different dress!

* Super short shorts that have the pockets coming out the bottom of the pants. You look like you can't afford clothing, you may as well not be wearing clothes, it looks undignified and cheap.

* Dresses /skirts over jeans - not a great look, probably uncomfortable too. Makes you look bulky and hobo but not in a chic way.

* Wearing heels you can't walk in- this is a MASSIVE fashion NO. If you cannot walk in the shoes do not buy them, or practice walking in them until you can before you wear them. It doesn't look impressive, you look uncomfortable and silly, who would wear something that makes them lose a skill they gained before they were two? I wear heels quite regularly and if they are particularly high or difficult I still do a couple of laps of my house. If you can pull them off and walk or dance in them properly you will look confident and sexy (your legs will look amazing too)!

* Unblended makeup - makes you look like you couldn't be bothered to look nice, makes you look fake and everyone -guys included- will notice. Take the time to shop around for a base colour similar to your skin tone and blend as you apply. Powder and primer will also help create a flawless base that will look great on its own or enhance the rest of your makeup. Moisturiser will also ensure hydrated skin and reduce imperfections which are harder to cover or blend over.
K, Xx

current obsession

My current fashion obsessions are: * tapered jeans- classic favourite and one I have loved for years. Looks great with band shirts, blazers, cropped jackets, floaty tops, slouchy knit jumpers (e.g Meredith Grey or Carrie Bradshaw) and look amazing with ankle boots or stilettos * rouched sleeves- add flattering detail to otherwise boring tops. Works on t-shirts or longer shirts. I team mine with a tapered leg to balance my silhouette *stilettos - ankle boot style with zips and studs with open heel, lace peeptoe ankle boots, coloured stilettos (current colours I am liking include red, black, tan, green purple and blue. *maxi dresses/skirts - add class, femininity to a look. Available in all kinds of styles from basic beach cover ups, to floaty florals perfect for bbqs or outdoor concerts, to dressy formal Maxis. I am 5"2 and have 3maxi dresses and one maxi skirt currently in my wardrobe. Belts are a great addition as you can add one to help shorten the dress to avoid stepping all over it. But varying lengths can be found. * costume jewelry - huge cocktail rings that cover half your hand with embellished aspects, dangly chandelier earrings, long necklaces with beads, chains or material. In my jewelry I love silver or white gold but for costume jewelry I always gravitate to gold. I have no idea why. I also live big studs. * scarves- in the space of four months I went from owning one to eight. Long ones, fluffy ruffled grey, red wool (my current favourite as it's a long bit of attached wool that you place over your head like a necklace and twist) * clutch purses- I like a unique look, whether big, tiny, bright coloured, additions such as buckles, zips, chains... *coats- I love blazers, dressed up open jackets/cardigans, leather jackets and coats. Have the most amazing red winter coat which I bought in Melbourne in August. Happy shopping! Please comment, especially if you have a topic of interest or question for me K, Xx

Fashion Inspiration

My Inspiration...  

These women below all inspire or influence my own style and I thought I would share them with you.

The famous Audrey up-do. I love the height!

I love the classic, elegant look and am always aiming for that

. 

The catlike eyes, the smile. This makeup look is so iconic.

I have always played up my eyes more so than my lips, I have really long eyelashes and expressive eyes so I try to make the most of what my best friend calls 'flirty eyes'. I think it also works with the classic look I aim for when I am going to an event such as a wedding. 

 Elizabeth Taylor.

Bold makeup and I am also inspired by her eyes, even with the red lipstick I am drawn to the way she has made her eyes stand out. She has strong eyebrows too, like Audrey which I think frames the face and makes someone take notice.

Drew Barrymore. This woman is a huge inspiration to me. She is so comfortable in her own skin and firmly stands by who she is. She has said "You are your own person with a right to make decisions that sometimes won't please other people".. I think this confidence comes through in her style. She also has such a great almost effortless girly quality.

She also has an edge which I love as I enjoy breaking out the bandshirt and jeans look

Marilyn Monroe.

She embodied a womanly look, embracing her curves. I read in an article that in today's society she would be 'too big for hollywood'. I think she is amazing. She wrote poems and manuscripts which have since been collected and put into books, what I have read shows how smart and insightful she was.

Blake Lively.
She has so much energy which comes across in all of her photos. 

                                She always manages to look trendy, amazing and confident.

Lauren Conrad.
I enjoy looking at Lauren's style because she also follows a classic look as a basis to forming her outfits. Out of all the episodes on her show she never wore the exact same outfit twice, she styled herself and managed to put a twist on or create new outfits. Looking fabulous every time.

****

I think it is important to have people who inspire your own style or fashion choices. It helps to highlight what kind of clothes or looks you like personally and makes it easier to then go and select clothes and accessories which fit that style. I'm off to look through one of my favourite little boutiques, it's my birthday dinner this week- so I want to look and feel amazing.

K, x