The Magic of Contouring

Today I am going to talk about an amazing way you can use makeup to fake gorgeous skin. Flip through any magazine, see any celebrity on the red carpet and they all look flawless; what are they doing that makes their skin look so freakishly magical? Well, let me tell you. It's all in the way their makeup is applied, relying heavily on the use of contouring as well as Highlighting. Here's a great example of a makeup look that has employed these techniques:

And another:

See how their skin looks as though it's glowing from the inside out? It's all achieved by using bronzer and Highlighter to contour and sculpt their faces.

Bronzer should be used in the areas you want to recede, like the hollows underneath your cheekbones, your temples and the sides and top of your forehead to create a sharper, slimmer face. You can also use it along your jaw for a slimmer jawline. Highlighter should be used on the areas you want to bring more focus too, like the top apples of your cheeks to create a plump glow, as well as your brow bone and inner corners of your eyes to bring more light into your face and make you look more awake. Also try applying it to your cupid's bow to create the illusion of fuller lips.

Be sure to find the right bronzer. Blondes should use a lighter bronzer than a brunette would use, and be sure you find a bronzer that's the right tone for your skin tone. Certain bronzers have more golden tones, while others are more rosy or even more coral. Also, determine whether you want a matte bronzer or a shimmery bronzer.

With Highlighter, most basic ones are flattering on all skin tones, but certain tones do work to illuminate certain complexions more. Women with dull complexions would look beautiful with a pink-toned highlighter, and those with super pale skin may want to try out pale highlighters that resemble moonlight as opposed to gold. For the most part though, I do believe that gold is beautiful on most skin tones.

So guys, remember to just take your time and try out different products to see which ones suit you best. And I also suggest you watch a couple makeup tutorials on contouring if you're not familiar with the proper way to contour. You don't want to look like an oomph loompa after all!

Here's a great tutorial on how to contour!

Have fun!

Chug That Water for Clear, Hydrated Skin

I know, I know, I know. You've probably heard this dozens of times, but if you want good skin, it is essential to drink tons of water throughout the day. The recommended amount is eight glasses a day, however, I will go even further and recommend at least twelve if you really want to see a difference.

I felt that it was important to remind you all how important it is to drink water because as of late, I have been noticing just how little water everyone around me drinks. It's common sense, yet it's very easy to forget. So yes, carrying around that heavy water bottle sucks, but it's worth.

Instead of buying plastic water bottles, I suggest you find a stylish reusable one that isn't too heavy. It's better for the planet and having it around will remind you to drink up - the more you drink the lighter the bottle will be!

So while that's easy enough, many had told me that the reason they don't drink enough water is because they don't actually like the taste of water; they find it too bland or "boring." I totally understand, so here are some great ways to spice up your water.

1. Detox water - slice up fruits and veggies to create your very own infused water. It tastes amazing and  the added nutrients from the fruits and veggies will work wonders on your skin, and even help control cravings and stabilize your weight. Some great fruits to use are lemons, limes, strawberries, oranges and apples. Cucumbers are also great to use, as is mint for more of a refresher.

2. Sweeten with stevia - once you've got your detox water, you may choose to add some stevia for some guilt-free sweetness. Once of my favourite combos is lemon, strawberries, stevia and mint - it's like healthy strawberry lemonade!

3. Have some tea - The best ones are green, white and herbal. These are great as there are so many different kinds - you'll never get bored of trying new teas! You may love raspberry tea, or mint tea, or nettle tea; the possibilities are endless. Teas are also a great way to warm up in the winter.

With so many wonderful ways to stay hydrated, theres no excuse! Drink up that water and watch your skin glow!

Ditch Dairy for Clearer Skin

When it comes to skin, the better you eat, the better it looks. When I began to eat clean about a year ago I noticed an immediate difference; my skin was clearer, glowing and if i did break out, it would heal much faster. Eating whole grains and tons of fresh fruits and veggies will definitely help, but the best way to clear your skin for good is to ditch dairy.

Growing up, we always hear about how we need to drink milk and eat dairy for calcium and healthy skin, but in truth, that grilled cheese sandwich could be doing a lot more harm than you thought. And all that yogurt thats supposed to be healthy is actually...bad for us? Yup.

We are the only species that drinks the milk of another species; when you think about it, it's a rather weird concept. Most people in the world unknowingly have trouble digesting lactose and casein - the sugar and protein found in cow's milk. Most skin problems arise from poor digestion, so of course dairy is aggravating to skin. In addition, it is also very acid forming, and we should be striving to eat more alkalizing foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Dairy is very clogging, so if you suffer from acne, you may want to try eliminating it from your diet.

I know it's hard; I definitely struggled at first! But now I never crave the stuff, whether it be milk or cheese, or even ice cream. Plus, there are endless alternative available such as:

- almond milk
- coconut milk
- hemp milk
- rice milk

Use these for your cereal, oatmeal, coffee, even in your baking. I assure you that they are all delicious, especially almond milk which is my personal favourite.

For cheese, there are great non-dairy cheese's available. You can also buy coconut yogurt and even coconut ice cream! So don't fear - it's not that bad!

So if you are doing everything you can for your skin and it's still not clearing up, maybe it's time you looked to your diet. Give it a try, and see how your skin does.

All Natural Zit Zappers

Zits. It happens to the best of us. And always right before that big event, or your hot date, or your incredibly important interview. They always pop up at the wrong times, so today I am going to share a few all natural solutions you can apply to any blemishes that work to shrink those buggers immediately.

Tea Tree oil: This stuff is amazing. It's incredibly anti-bacterial, which helps to temper down any inflammation. This works very well as an overnight spot treatment.

Lemon Juice: Lemon juice not only helps to heal blemishes, its also works wonders for any discolouration left from previous acne. It's incredibly brightening, and you probably have one in your fridge right now.

Raw Honey: This is one of my favourite overnight zit zappers. It heals blemishes, acne marks, and even works to moisturize your skin! Some people even use raw honey as a face cleanser. Of course you could always just use it as a spot treatment (which is what I do) or you could incorporate some into a DIY face mask. One I love is raw honey and organic oats.

Fuller's Earth clay: Clay is great for oily skin types as it helps to balance your skins oil production, thus lessening breakouts. This too could work as either a face mask or spot treatment. Try mixing it with raw honey for a super powerful skin remedy. Do take note however, that those with dry skin should only use it as a spot treatment as it can be somewhat drying.

And there you have it! These solutions are all-natural, cheap and most importantly, effective. What do you use when you want to zap a zit overnight?

Oatmeal: More Than Just Breakfast

I adore oatmeal.

It is easily my favourite thing to eat in the morning; add some fresh fruit, maybe some flax and you've got an awesome, healthy meal that can be enjoyed anytime. It is delicious and loved worldwide, but did you know that it can also be used topically to beautify your skin? Yup. In fact, many different beauty products on the market today contain oatmeal! It is wonderful for all skin types, but especially for sensitive skin.

Oatmeal can heal and treat:

Acne - Oatmeal can help to eradicate pesky pimples! It works to absorb oil and bacteria while exfoliating dead skin cells, which in turn helps heal acne. 

Acne scars and sun spots - Oatmeal is amazing at fading dark spots because it has excellent brightening properties. The gentle exfoliation oatmeal provides also helps to even out your skin tone. 

Rashes, Rosacea and Eczema - Oatmeal is incredibly soothing with anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for anyone who suffers from these conditions.

Aging skin - It can brighten your skin, improve your skin's texture, and gently combat wrinkles.

How to use:

1: You can grab a small handful of oats (organic of course) and running your closed fist under water, allow the oatmeal to become saturated with water, softening the oats. Use this to wash and gently exfoliate your face.

2: Combine oats with other ingredients (like raw honey or olive oil) to create your very own skin-loving mask.

Oats are amazing for your skin, and I can honestly say that it has done wonders for my complexion. Give it a try! It's cheap and effective!

Have you ever tried DIY skincare with oatmeal?