Found! Amazing beauty site & a fantastic philosophy..

It's late at night and I am trawling through beauty sites, heading from one post to the next. I then stumbled across 'Beauty Heaven' - what a name for starters! This site is managed and contributed to by professionals in the beauty industry and has product reviews, how tos and advice, as well as news and other interesting articles.
I am really looking forward to exploring this site more - will definitely be trying there how tos and contributing to reviews of products (you can do this by becoming a member - read more here).

There is something for everyone here, and if I hadn't been clicking on random links leading to new posts I would never have found this amazing piece of advice I just read from Bobbi Brown the founder and creative director behind Bobbi Brown Cosmetics. What captured me was "I've always believed in showing women what's right about them, instead of what's wrong" , such a simple sentiment but so wise! Dress and style yourself to highlight the aspects you love - you will feel amazing and that will show! To read Bobbi's interview with Beauty Heaven click here.

I then headed to Bobbi's Australian webpage and found this philosophy echoed in the opening lines of her story, "makeup is a way for a woman to look and feel like herself, only prettier and more confident." If you have some time, the story of how she started in the industry in America and formed her company is pretty fascinating (click the link - Bobbi's Story). I had no idea her breakthrough involved an American Vogue cover, Naomi Campbell and selling 100 lipsticks in her first day of retail.

When I was travelling in the USA I picked up a Bobbi Brown eyeliner product and have been waiting for a special occasion to try it out. This weekend I will definitely be doing some makeup trials with it... and if I love it, will expand my collection of products.

Have you recently been inspired by someone's story or philosophy?

Kooklah Xx

The No Shopping Challenge...

At the start of this year I created and set about completing a list of items that I had always wanted to do. I called it "130 Things to do this Summer", I posted photos and updates to my friends on facebook, many of them helped complete a few items or have been influenced to do the same. Once my three week holidays had ended I had completed about 123 items. I am currently completing another list (and adding more items as I think of things I would like to do), titled  "She believed she could, so she did- What would you do if you knew you could not fail?" (click to check out the full list).

The shopping challenge is Item #7, the conditions? No make-up, clothing or accessory shopping for ONE month. I had chosen June as this month, so I am 7 days in... I am finding it not too bad, except when I get email alerts of sales or am walking past stores with items I love for sale or new stock in. Anyone who knows me well knows that this will be big, for one month to do no shopping.

During this time I am planning to knock more items off my list including the ones that revolve around redoing my room and sorting through my wardrobe (I want to cull my clothes down significantly).

There are of course people who have really committed to this and are doing it for longer, Jill Chiver is one of them. In 2009 she decided she would (in an effort to reduce spending) not shop for a year, instead she would 'shop in her wardrobe'. I love the idea of this- looking into your wardrobe for options, wearing those items you look at but do not wear, forcing yourself to be creative. Following her own experience, Jill has set up a program called "My Year Without Clothes Shopping", for more information click here .

I am starting small, but I want to prove to myself and others that I can do this... who knows I may extend the timeframe..

Kooklah Xx

Three Essential Make-up Items Kept Close

Like most girls, I always have a few items left in my handbag "just in case". Often they are anything from moisturiser, facial wipes, eyeshadow, clear or glitter nail polish, nail file, eyeliner and foundation.

Whilst looking at a post on Lauren Conrad's website about the three items she makes sure are always in her handbag, I was inspired to think about what mine would be. The three items I would pick as three essential items to keep close (particularly for quick fix-ups, mini makeovers or in situations where you get a last minute invite and need a major touch-up) are concealor, lipgloss and mascara. Below I have included a reason why these are my picks and how they can be used as substitutes for other make-up items.

*Concealor- For blemishes, dark circles if I am in a rush in the morning or need a touch up. But as the concealor I keep in my bag is a stick, if spread thin it can also be used as a back up to foundation.

*Lipgloss- I prefer light or hot pink. Keeps lips smooth and shiny- you never know who is falling in love with your smile! Also if pressed it can be used as a gel blush to add colour over cheeks, put over concealor on eyelids or lips for a matte effect creating an eyeshadow gel (looks especially good if the gloss is shiny or has flecks of glitter).

*Mascara- Essential for 'awake' eyes and to make sure my long eyelashes are nice and curled. Also, if I don't have my trusty eyebrow brush (which is one of my favourite beauty items) a mascara wand makes a good back up.

Happy Styling,
Kooklah Xx

(Please click to view Lauren's article, beauty-essentials)

Sparkle, Sparkle, SPARKLE...

I love to have abit of sparkle.

 In makeup, hair, clothing, shoes or accessories. It reminds me of the saying, "every girl deserves to be a princess". It can brighten dull days, make people notice you and give a burst of confidence.

Glorious sequins and sparkles

A small bit of sparkle can be added to an outfit for just a hint of glamour without been too obvious (especially for those who are not sure if sparkles, sequins, glitter, jewels are something they want to add to their style or wardrobe) or for a more solem/serious occasion.

Once you get used to the colour, sparkle, attention, you can add more-like a whole outfit! Or maybe, like I did, jump straight in? Below are some beautiful sparkly clothes...

Shoes or accessories to pair with a sparkly outfit for extra punch, or to add to another outfit that requires some bling such as dark clothing, to work, brunch with the girls...



 Makeup looks that add sparkle! From subtle glimmer to eye catching sparkle glamour....

I love using sparkle to add a special something to an outfit, I feel pretty, sexy and special. I'll take the crown to go! haha. Thought I'd finish up with some sparkly celebrity looks! Whose style do you like the most?

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