HOW TO: Style Curly Hair

How To: Style Curly Hair

Having curly hair can be both a blessing and a curse! In this video tutorial I show you how I style my mid length curly hair. My hair is naturally very curly (and get's lots of tangles!) but I don't wake up in the morning with perfectly defined curls - these curls need to be styled. But fortunately I have had lots of practise managing curls (and frizz!) and can usually style my hair curly from wet to dry in approximately 15 minutes. 

What you'll need to style your curls: 

• Afro Styling Comb
• Detangling/Conditioning Spray (or Water Spray filled with Water + Conditioner) 
• Water Spray Bottle 
• Curly Hair Styling Product - Gel, Cream or Mousse 
• Hair Dryer with Curl Diffuser Attachment (or Small Travel Hair Dryer) 

I have found the best way to style my hair is when it's wet. So every morning I wet my hair and apply some conditioner and comb the knots out in the shower. After showering I wrap my wet hair into a towel and apply my makeup. After my makeup is complete I take the towel down and begin my styling procedure. 

Create Your Curls in 10 Easy Steps: 

1. Spritz detangling spray into wet/damp hair. 
2. Comb with wide tooth afro styling comb.
3. Spray hair with water using a water spray bottle to wet hair before styling. 
4. Lightly comb through hair after applying water. 
5. Squirt a small amount of Styling Product into your hands. Wet hands and rub together to dilute the product.
6. Apply to wet hair using "raking" method. 
7. Scrunch curls with your hairs to create bouncy defined curls. 
8. Tip your head to the side or upside down and blast curls with hair dryer using a curl diffuser. Keep the hair dryer moving to prevent the scalp from getting too hot. 
9. After drying hair for approximately 5 to 10 minutes use hair dryer's cool shot to blast curls with a shot of cool hair to set the style and reduce frizz. 
10. Viola! Perfectly defined curls! 

 

Watch my step by step tutorial How To: Style Curly Hair to see how I create my curls. 

Watch this video on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0l2Ui-NsBI

Motivation Monday: Beauty Icons

Beauty Icons

MOTIVATION MONDAY

This Motivation Monday post feature some wise words from the beauty icons of the past. They maybe gone but their legacy lives on. These are my favourite quotes from Marilyn, Audrey, Elizabeth and Whitney. 

"I don't know who invented high heels, but all women owe him a lot. Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world. " ~ Marilyn Monroe

"Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring" 

~ Marilyn Monroe 

"Big girls need big diamonds." ~ Elizabeth Taylor

"I adore wearing gems, but not because they are mine. You can't possess radiance, you can only admire it." 

~ Elizabeth Taylor

"Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm Possible'!"

~ Audrey Hepburn

"I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles." 

~ Audrey Hepburn

"I like being a woman, even in a man's world. After all, men can't wear dresses, but we can wear the pants." 

~ Whitney Houston

My Favourite Lime Crime Lipsticks

My Favourite Lime Crime Lipsticks 

Coquette
This is my all time favourite Lime Crime lipstick shade. Lime Crime describes this as pale peachy nude. I would say this is a pastel nude with a peachy under tone. It's flattering on most skin tones and looks amazing on bronze skin. Paired with a pale nude lipliner and you have one of the best nude lipsticks ever! 

 

Great Pink Planet 
This was the first Lime Crime lipstick I purchased and its the one I've worn the most. It's a Malibu Barbie pink, Lime Crime describes this electric shade as a pastel pink with a neon note. It's very vibrant and bright strawberry milkshake pink with a subtle purple undertone. This perfectly pink shade suits fair to medium skin tones and it's one of Lime Crime's most popular lipstick shades. 

 

Countessa Fluorescent 
This is the brightest Lime Crime lipstick in my collection. Lime Crime describes Countessa Fluorescent as a cool based neon pink. It's very vibrant with a strong neon hue. This shade is a very fun colour to wear and looks great in summer with matching bright neon clothing. I love wearing this shade with demure, minimal makeup to really make the lips pop. If you're confident give this colour a go you, won't be disappointed. 

 

Centrifuschia

This bright, bold shade is the most wearable colour in my Lime Crime lipstick collection. Centrifuchsia is described as a bright fuchsia and it's a very sophisticated mature pink. This modern hot pink and can also be used as a lip stain with a light layer of gloss applied over the top. It's very long lasting and adds a vibrancy to any outfit. Don't be afraid to try this bold shade, it's very flattering on fair, medium and dark skin tones. Out of all the Lime Crime lipsticks I own, this shade is by far the most flattering on my skin tone. 

 

Airborne Unicorn 

This colour is Lime Crime's signature shade. It's a medium purple with a neon note and it's hue is as mysterious as the unicorn itself. I love Airborne Unicorn it's such a fun colour to wear. There is 3 purple shades in Lime Crime's range of lipstick and this one is my favourite. If you're looking for a vibrant, strong purple with a cool lavender undertone then this lipstick is for you. It's very hard to find true purple lipsticks, most brands offer mauve lipsticks but Lime Crime are the first brand to offer such great selection of purple shades. 

 

Retrofuturist 

This retro red is flattering on all skin tones. Don't be afraid to express your inner Marilyn Monroe by wearing this bright, true red. It's such a universal shade and one of Lime Crime's most popular reds. I love wearing red lipstick in winter and this red is bold, vibrant and rich. It's a statement red which is sure to stop traffic. Be bold wearing Retrofuturist. Every woman should own a red lipstick and this is one of the best reds I've ever tried. 

 

LIME CRIME MAKEUP
www.limecrime.com


VIDEO My Favourite Lime Crime Lipsticks 



Watch video on Youtube: https://youtu.be/D5ouLUqa05A
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My Beauty Routine

My Beauty Routine by LaurenDayMakeup

Last month I shared my Skincare Routine with my readers. This month it's personal beauty care, with my favourite eco-friendly beauty products. When it comes to choosing the right beauty products I always look for cruelty-free affordable options that give me great results. These are my favourite beauty care essentials and I wanted to share them with you. 

Soap. 
When it comes to washing in the shower I choose to use soap instead of a body wash. I think it's more eco-friendly and gives me that extra clean feeling. My favourite soap is Coconut Soap from Eco Store. This cruelty-free and eco-friendly bar of soap is not only great for the environment with it's recyclable packaging it leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean without that dry feeling like regular soap. The coconut scent is subtle but smells divine. It's made in New Zealand by a wonderful family run business. Although it's a little more expensive than your regular bar of soap, I love this brand and feel the extra money is worth it. 

Coconut Soap by Eco Store

Deodorant. 

For my deodorant choice I always like to use a roll on deodorant. I used to use Mum deodorant but it's not cruelty-free. I have tried many cruelty-free, natural deodorants - some worked some didn't but when I found this Crystal Roll-On Deodorant from Body Crystal I was so happy with the results. It's more expensive that a regular deodorant but it's  worth the extra pennies because it lasts a long time and you get 80mls which is more than the average roll-on deodorant. It has a pleasant scent, I have tried both the Botanica and Wildflowers scents. It's alcohol free, not tested on animals and made from natural mineral salts. It's great value too with one deodorant lasting over 6 months. I am really happy with the results I get from this deodorant and highly recommend it. 

Body Crystal Roll-On Deodorant

Toothpaste. 

Finding a cruelty-free toothpaste is not as easy as it sounds. The supermarket shelf is mostly stocked with Colgate and other big name brands. This toothpaste is natural and is available in the supermarket if you look at the bottom shelf you will see it. It's also available at selected health food stores. My favourite cruelty-free toothpaste is Natural  Toothpaste with Aloe Vera by Grants of Australia. The fresh mint flavour is very pleasant and subtle. This toothpaste is vegan and natural with no Fluoride, Parabens or SLS. Best of all it's Australian made and I know when I purchase this toothpaste my money is going to a great company and not to Colgate! I love this toothpaste and hope that you will give it a go next time your toothpaste runs out.  

Grants of Australia Natural Toothpaste 

Personal Care. 

When it comes to that time of the month, I want a product that is not only going to be great for my body but also the environment too. Did you know that most personal care products contain chemicals and nasties that are not only bad for the environment, the chemicals used can lead to TSS. I was introduced to TOM Organic last year when I met Aimee the woman behind the brand and I knew I had to give it a try. She gave me a pack of their tampons to try. I have also tried the TOM Organic panty liners and ultra thin pads. All these products are wonderful and best of all I know they are cruelty-free and eco-friendly. Perfect if you have sensitive skin because they are free from chemicals and synthetic dyes. I have really enjoyed using the TOM Organic range and high recommend it. If you're in Australia you can purchase these products at your local Woolworths supermarket. They are a little more expensive than regular pads and tampon brands but for added value knowing they are made with chemical free 100% organic cotton it's well worth the extra investment. I love this brand so much I even wrote an interesting article about them for my Eco Glamazine last year - you can read it here. 

TOM Organic 

Whether is makeup, skincare or body care I always look for cruelty-free and eco-friendly options. I love the satisfaction knowing my beauty routine is not contributing to animal testing and is having a positive impact on the environment. I hope you will too. For more information about How to Choose Cruelty-Free read this post. 

Join my cruelty-free beauty community: 
Facebook.com/BunnySisters

Fragrance Review: Mariah Carey Dreams

MARIAH CAREY Dreams 

fragrance review 

I am so excited to be bringing you this review of Mariah Carey's brand new fragrance "Dreams". It was just released in Australia last week, after being exclusively sold at Kohl's stores in America. There are two versions available a 50ml and a 30 ml Eau De Parfums. 

The perfume features a frost caps with 3 butterflies and the champagne flute bottle is elegant and modern. The bottle also features Mariah's autograph on the glass at the base of the bottle. The product packaging features a gorgeous new image of Mariah wearing a purple outfit and the 3 butterflies on the box. 

MARIAH CAREY Dreams
Scent: Floral Gourmand 
Fragrance Notes: Top - Bergamot, Salted Caramel Apple, Toasted Almonds, Star Anise 
Heart - Freesia, Honeysuckle, Muguet 
Base - Tonka Bean, Madagascar Vanilla, Patchouli, Warm Musk

"The process of developing a fragrance is exhilarating and it takes me to another place within my creative self, which is why I enjoyed creating Mariah Carey Dreams. I humbly call myself a 'perfumer in training' because I love it so much - almost as much as I love making music. I have the utmost respect for the perfumers because they have the ability to combine a few simple scents into a classic and exciting fragrance." ~ Mariah Carey 

www.mariahcareybeauty.com

This is one of my favourite scents from the Mariah Carey beauty collection. It's very wearable as a day or night fragrance. It's a delicious warm vanilla scent that really lasts. Although it has floral notes it's the base notes of vanilla and musk that really are the signature scents of this fragrance.  

 

Love Mariah Carey fragrances? Join our MC Beauty community on Facebook.
www.facebook.com/MariahCareyBeauty

Watch my Mariah Carey Dreams fragrance review here: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H15-PLJB4B4

My Skincare Routine

My Skincare Routine 

Morning:

• Cleanser  
• Moisturiser
• Lip Scrub (every second morning) 

Evening: 

• Makeup Cleansing Wipe 
• Cleanser 
• Toner
• Moisturiser 
• Eye Cream (every second night) 
• Mask (once a week) 

Moisturiser: Sukin Facial Moisturiser 

This cruelty-free natural moisturiser is light and absorbs quickly. It has a very pleasant fragrance and the handy pump bottle makes application very easy. The price is very affordable as well. One bottle usually lasts me about 2 months applying twice a day. I'm really happy with the results. 

Cleanser: Sukin Foaming Facial Cleanser 
I have always used a foaming cleanser and this Sukin foaming facial cleanser is one of the best I have ever tried. It leaves my skin feeling clean and refresh without that dry feeling. I used this in the shower every morning to refresh my skin and also every evening to remove my makeup. It's excellent value for money and the pump makes application easy with only 1 pump needed to lather and clean my face. 

Toner: T.N. Dickinson's All Natural Witch Hazel 
After cleansing my skin in the evenings I like to remove any excess makeup and cleanser residue with a toner. The product I use is Witch Hazel, it gently tones my skin for a clean, clear complexion. My acne prone skin can be quite sensitive especially when I have many breakouts and this Witch Hazel is calming and soothing on my skin. I apply with a cotton round and one bottle usually lasts me a few months, so it's great value. 

Makeup Wipes: Lacura Fine Balance Cleansing Wipes 
Before cleansing my face each evening I use a makeup cleansing wipe to remove my excess makeup. Most days I wear a full face of liquid makeup and powder so I need good quality makeup wipes to remove my makeup. These are by far the best value makeup wipes. For only $2 you get 30 wipes that remove makeup and even waterproof mascara. The wipes Cleanse, Tone and moisturise my skin is one easy step. I always follow with cleanser and moisturiser for best results. These luxurious wipes contain cucumber extract, Sweet Almond Oil and Aloe Vera. 

Mask: Bellaboo Clear Skin Smoothie Face Mask 
Each week I use a mask to tighten my pores and help with breakouts. I usually like to use clay masks because my skin is very oily and acne prone. I really like this Bellaboo mask to help deep cleanse my skin and draw out the impurities. This mask contains Sweet Almond Oil, Violet Leaf extract, Lemon Myrtle and Tee Tree Oil which leaves skin smooth and flawless. It's always a treat to apply this mask, lay down for 10 mins with some music and candles - just divine. 

Eye Cream: Cosima Flawless Eye Cream
I love this eyecream. It's Australian made with natural ingredients and the light texture absorbs quickly. I apply this every second night under my eyes and under my eyebrow. This eye cream is very soft and has a pleasant fragrance. I really like the pump bottle because it dispenses just the right amount of product for one application. I think the key to looking young is always using a good quality eye cream. You may not see the benefits now but you will in the future and you'll thank yourself later. (read my full review of Cosmia Skincare) 

Lip Care: Lush Sweet Lips Vanilla and Chocolate Sugar Lip Scrub
Every second day usually in the morning before applying my makeup I exfoliate my lips with this Lush lip scrub. The chocolate taste is divine and leaves my lips soft and smooth. I finish with a generous amount of my favourite lip balm.  

MARIAH CAREY: Perfume Collection

My Mariah Carey Fragrances Collection 

Over the past few years I have been collecting Mariah Carey fragrances. I just adore the gorgeous butterfly and flower inspired bottles. There is now 14 fragrances in the Mariah Carey Beauty collection. I have most of her fragrances in my collection now with Dreams, Ultra Pink and That Chick on my wish list. 

Lollipop Splash Inseparable

2007 "M" by Mariah Carey 
2008 "M" Gold Deluxe 
2008 Luscious Pink
2009 Forever
2010 Lollipop Bling: Honey Ribbon Mine Again
2011  Lollipop Splash: The Remixes 

 

My by Mariah Carey

I co-created a Mariah Carey Beauty page on Facebook:
Facebook.com/MariahCareyBeauty

In this video I share with you the Mariah Carey fragrances I have in my collection and describe each scent. 



VIDEO Mariah Carey Fragrance Collection



Watch video on Youtube: https://youtu.be/CxeDCVqczIU