Safe tanning

The sunny skies are here again – well, maybe not today, but still, we know, they are just around the corner. So I guess, most of us will be adorning our skirts, shorts, dresses and everything that will show some skin. The Winter months have kept us not only indoors most of the time, but also meant having to layer on lots of clothing to keep ourselves warm. I find Summer or rather the lead up to Summer really exciting – albeit the fact that it can sound a little tad superficial. But yes, most of us ladies, would often start to get some waxing, and other kinds of primping done! From manicures and pedicures to prepare for the sandals and open-toed shoes, to the waxing of legs, underarms and whatever else for those lovely outfits that would show our legs and arms! Next comes the tanning – before Summer arrives. Well, we all know the dangers of the Australian sun, so sun-tanning is really not recommended. There are so many other options now for us to have that bronzed “goddess” look without depending on the sun. From spray tans at salons, to fake tan lotions to body lotions that gradually builds up your tan.

For tips on how to apply fake tan effectively, Jodie from Dead Sea Source has some fantastic tips. For me, I personally use the body lotion that gradually builds up a tan. There are a lot of options out there – Avon, Johnson & Johnson’s Holiday Skin, Dove’s Summer Glow and LR Health & Beauty’s Aloe Vera  Holiday Feeling & self tanning lotion, to name a few. Just a tip from me, instead of waiting for Summer to arrive, I usually start using the body lotion, in Winter, so that you build the tan gradually and come Summer, you’re all prepped and ready to go! You would only need to maintain the colour.

I have never tried going to a salon to get some spray/fake tanning done. I guess it’s just because I’m afraid I might come out looking unnaturally ORANGE! But, I have heard rave reviews from those who go to the Ella Bache’ salons. Apparently, the tip is that they put on a latex glove before slathering the lotion on you, ensuring an even application. Besides of course not getting their hands stained with the lotion too that is!

I hope some of the safe tanning tips would help you get ready for Summer. Maybe you have some of your own tips to share with us. Feel free to write it up under our comments section.

Metallics that suit you

Are you a silver or a gold? Do you know? Do you know that not all metallics would suit your colouring? Here are some tips on helping you decide what metallics would suit you.

The first step is working out which season you really are. Autumn, Winter, Spring or Summer. Summer and Winter are classified as cool and Spring and Autumn – Warm. According to the Chicfashionista. com, in order to determine if you’re cool or warm, pick a piece of white paper and put it close to your face. Close your eyes for a few seconds. If you notice the paper before your face when you open your eyes, then you are warm and if you notice your face first, you belong to the cool group.

Cool

Winter Characteristics:

Skin has blue or pink undertones. Most Winters have dark hair or light blonde hair (almost white). Their eyes are usually of deep colours like dark red-brown, hazel, grey-blue, violet, grey-green or green with white flecks in the iris.

Summer Characteristics:

Summers have skin with a blue undertone. There is usually a visible pink in their skin. There are Summer with very fair skin and would often look pale without blush on. Their skin is often translucent. Most Summers have blonde hair when they were young, which would often darken to a “mousy” colour. Brunnettes would have hair ranging from light to dark brown with ashy overtones. People classified as Summer would most often have blue, green, aqua grey or soft hazel eyes.

Warm

Spring Characteristics:

Spring would have creamy ivory, peach, golden beige, golden brown skin. Most Springs would have a golden undertone in their skin. They can be flaxen blonde, yellow blonde, honey, strawberry or golden brown. They are characterised with blue, green, teal or aqua eyes, with golden flecks in the iris.

Autumn Characteristics:

An Autumn would also have golden undertones in their skin. Their skin is either ivory, peach, peach with freckles, ivory with freckles, dark beige, golden brown. They would often have red, coppery red-brown, golden brown, golden blonde, strawberry blonde, golden grey hair. Their eyes are usually dark brown, golden brown, amber, hazel with golden brown or green gold, or green with brown or gold flecks eyes.

Wearing the right metals

Now that you know which season or “climate” you belong to, you simply need to know which metals would suit you.  Basic rule of thumb: silvers would suit the Cools and gold would suit the Warms. If it is still too hard for you to determine your colour, simply hold a silver or gold piece of jewellery on you face and see which one stands out, the jewellery or you! If you seem sallow under whichever metal, then it is definitely not for you. The metal that suits you would light up your face and highlight your qualities.

It’s only relative.

I used to be 45kg at a height of 1.6m – that was when I was 19 mind you.  That was also when I first met my husband. At the ripe age of 19, everything seemed great – boobs were still up there, my waist was clearly visible and I looked very young then of course!  The last time I went back to Singapore was when my first child was a year old. 7 years and a few more kilos later (no I won’t disclose my weight and with emphasis on the word MORE), I’m right back in Singapore, looking forward to a fun time.

Unfortunately, the start of the trip made me feel very insecure. Why? Well, firstly, majority of the girls there were skinny, and I mean really skinny. If you gauge their size, I would say they would be wearing an Australian size 4 or 6, compared to me an Australian size 8 – 10 – huge difference indeed. What made it worse was when I went shopping. It didn’t bother me that I wouldn’t fit their smalls, I am realistic, the cut was made to suit the average Singaporean! But what was annoying was, each time I entered a store and touched an outfit, the salesperson would immediately (instead of greeting you), say , “This is free size!”, or better still, “Only small left”. Without me asking mind you! It really made me wish I was a lot smaller – despite the fact that I was also taller than the average Singaporean. So I stuck to shoe shopping instead – yes, I would indeed need a much larger size, but larger feet meant taller person! At least in my own mind that is.

Was this normal? Had it always been that way? Was I fat – well, I certainly “felt” that way! But I looked around, and saw the numerous slimming salons littered along Orchard Road, and even the housing estates. Does being skinny equate to being healthy? Maybe a select few are, but imagine this – I was slimmer then, but I was also a chain smoker, and used to skip A LOT of meals – and I know of a few who have the same “diet” as I did when I was 19. Having thought it through, even though I am no longer that 45kg teenager, I know I am lot healthier – no smoking, eating healthier foods, drinking lots of water – than I ever was. Maybe I need to tone up a bit more and add exercising to my regime. Other than that, I know and accept the fact that I am no longer a teenager, but a woman with curves and everthing else that comes with motherhood. Plus, I guess it’s all relative – in Singapore, I would be seen as bigger than normal whilst in Australian, I would be regarded as smaller than the average Australian!

Should I fake it or leave it…

Back from my trip to sunny Singapore. Can’t say that I didn’t enjoy myself, what with the really cheap and affordable manicures and pedicures, massages and what I’ve missed out on – eyelash and hair extensions! No, I didn’t go for all of the above, much as I would have loved to. I did have the complete manicure and pedicure package, which cost me all of but AUD$29.00 – yes you read it right! It seemed only a few years ago – say 7 years? That I trodded around the shops at Far East Plaza only to find a mere handful of nail bars and salons. This time round, I was amazed at the number of nail bars available! Each with their own specialty! What caught me off guard were the number of salons that specialised in – Eyelash and Hair Extensions! Was that the latest craze? Had I been missing out on something? I strolled along the shops, wondering if I should get my lashes done – just for the fun of it. I even observed the girls while walking around Singapore, looking at the results of those who donned on these fake eyelashes. Yes, you could tell they were fake unfortunately. The emphasis made on their eyes were actually – scarry! Thick and long lashes with very dark eye make up and not to mention the long – hair extensions…kinda reminded me of ELVIRA!

The salons specialising in hair extensions also blew me away. The samples were hung along the front of the shops, reminding me of…dried cuttlefish! Seriously! Some even coming in a myriad of colours!

Still I contemplated on having my lashes done. After nearing the end of my stay – 2 weeks, I decided against them. Why? Firstly, my dear friend, who is an experienced beautician, has not got hers done – so there must be something that isn’t right for her NOT to do it! Secondly, the fact that my own lashes might drop off after a month, along with the extensions, scared me a little. I also read the dangers of having eye infections if not done by an experienced and responsible person. So, decided to stick to my not very long but very natural lashes instead. The upkeep and other possible dangers really stopped me from going ahead with them. Plus I’m really not a high maintenance chick who needs to get stuff done to her face every month – no time and really no money! I’ll just stick to mascara thanks! And as to my hair – my husband’s reaction to me contemplating on having extensions – “Why don’t you just grow it out? Wouldn’t that be cheaper and easier?” Totally agree.

Sportswear – the Trendy way.

Ok, so most of us mums love being in our trackies, well, really who doesn’t? It’s comfortable, convenient and a quick way to get dressed when we have to rush off for school drop offs. But then again, that doesn’t mean we have to look daggy in them. Here’s some suggestions on my take on sportswear. Easily put together.

Adding colours to an otherwise bland outfit is always a good way to liven things up.

Accessories you can match with:

Pendant watch on chain necklace

Chunky bracelet

Accessories you can match with:

Diva Black strap watch

Black Knitted Sling

Accessories to match with:

Shanti Leather Sling

6 strand bone bracelet

Painted ceramic necklace

My Take on Disco

I was walking around the shops the other day and noticed that the “disco glam” era is coming back in fashion. But, seriously, I wouldn’t be caught dead in sequins! So I thought, maybe there is another way to jump on the bandwagon, be part of fashion and not look ridiculous. Here’s my take on the Disco Glam trend:

This outfit is great for night. Simple black dress, with black leggings and matte gold belt and high heeled peep toe shoes. Jazz it up even more with this Egypt Hobo bag. Disco without having to look like a disco ball!

For day, try an embellished t-shirt with jeans and a jazzed up pair of ballet flats. Add the cuff bangle and this velvet tote, which has been embellished with feathers and sequins.

Smart casual? Well this batwing top with tights goes well with either the skinny belt worn losely or the wide belt. Team it up with a pair of peep toe shoes embellished with diamontes and this black flat flap-over faux snake skin clutch, voila !

With an embellished top like this, you won’t need any jewellery to accessorise your outfit. Add in the silver high heeled shoes with a faux snakeskin grey jewel bag and you’ve got another smart casual Disco Glam outfit sorted. Team it up with a pair of straight, skinny or bootleg jeans. If you prefer gold, then simply team it up with gold heels and a gold coloured handbag.

Spring Fashion – Layering with Vests

I love Spring especially Spring Fashion! It allows for lots of layering and thus a lot of free expression and different ideas on how to dress. There are many ways to layer, but don’t just stop with cardigans. Why not try waistcoats or vests? Team it up with t-shirts  for a casual look or for a crisper look team it up with a shirt. There are many different styles of waistcoats out there, from the double breasted to the single breasted ones. There are also those which come in a style of a halter tope. Whichever one you choose, make sure it suits your body shape.

For women with larger busts, make sure you go for the single breasted ones with a low neckline and button it up to accentuate your waist. Women with a boyish figure should leave the buttons undone.Waistcoats can be worn with jeans, pants, and even skirts! It is so versatile that the options are endless. Complete the look with chunky jewellery or l ong necklaces. The options are endless!

Friday’s Favourite 8

As promised in my post on Monday, here are MY favourite 5 products that I use daily to make myself presentable and feel good (on the inside and out!):

1. Cleanser, toner, eye-gel & moisturiser – Ok, so there’s already 4, but this is considered my ABSOLUTE necessity.  Products that I have to have on my face or else I’d feel nude! These products are the basics that I use everyday, even if I’m at home. My favourite are the Mario Badescu range, which you can purchase from Kit Cosmetics.
2. Mineral foundation – I personally love the one by Buff Mineral Cosmetics. I usually use the one that comes in their dispenser brush. Not only is it quick and convenient, but it has been personally custom-matched to my skin tone!
3. Eye brow powder & wax – There are quite a few of these on the market now. The one I use is by Smashbox. I simply use an eyebrow contour brush to fill in my eyebrow and add the wax which sets it.
4. Mascara – Another good product I use is Mirenesse mascara. So far, it has been the only mascara that really works. I have fairly sparse lashes, so this really curls and thickens my lashes instantly!
5. Mineral blusher – Again, by Mirenesse. Just apply it very lightly on the apples of my cheeks for that instant glow.
6. Lip gloss/balm or not – This is optional. Sometimes, I do put some lip gloss on, but most times I don’t, it all depends on how dry my lips are really.

Vuala! That’s my 5 to 10 minutes beauty regime – every morning. Seriously, I’m not lying, it really takes me that amount of time and it’s all done. Now if I can do it, so can you! Do something that makes YOU feel special! You know you deserve it! And it does make a difference to how you feel once you know you look good.

The Basics

Continuing from Maggie Alderson’s article, here are some basic tips she shared that we should be able to achieve, without spend too much, if any money. I’ve also added some tips of my own.

• Nails – Have to be clean and tidy, even the toenails! If you can’t afford the time or money to go for a pedicure, at least take off the old nail polish that is already on them. Fingernails ought to be of equal length.
• Eyebrows – Don’t have time to go for a wax? At least monitor it daily and pluck away any new growth.
• Hair – If you colour your hair then you have to keep it up, if not, then you’re lucky. You would also need a regular haircut – a tip for those who are just too busy, make sure it’s an easy to manage hair style. That way you can get away with not getting it updated too often.  And yes, the shorter it is, the more styling it usually needs (from experience). I’m not privilaged enough to go to the salon to have it blow-dried and styled as often as I would like, so I do it myself. I guess I’m blessed with having a manageable hair style, so I simply wet my hair brush and blow dry it – takes me less than 5 minutes. It’s just to tame any wild or off the beaten track hairs! If you really can’t be bothered – in Winter, that’s where the beanies come in! In Summer, donne a hat!
• Face – Besides cleansing, toning and moisturising, you would need a little bit of make-up. Just the basics really – I normally put on some mineral foundation, which comes in a dispenser brush for easy and quick application, mascara and lip gloss or lip balm. That’s just my basic. If you want to go just a teeny bit further, wait for my Friday’s Favourites 8, where I’ll share with you my daily 5-10 minute “beauty” regime.

Ok, so I hope that these tips should make you feel like you have accomplished something when it comes to your beauty regime. Yes, for those who feel they don’t have one and think they don’t have time for them, think again – to do this for yourself is to love yourself.

Do you think you’re worth it?

I was reading this article by Maggie Alderson on The Saturday Age’s Good Weekend magazine. She talked about her visit to a spa – a big treat for her, only to be ticked off by the masseuse. The massuese was in fact disapproving the fact that she doesn’t take time to look after herself. Maggie then goes on to state the basics that she should be able to achieve herself, in order to take care of her image. I’ll share her very logical and in fact pretty simple steps in my next blog.

The article then featured 4 women, ranging from the ages 28 to 63, confessing to how much their upkeep costs, just to look good. Their beauty regime included the facial products, manicures, pedicures, hair cut and foils, as well as Botox injections for some. The highest spender was a 39 year old whose expenditure came up to $19, 090 a year! Whilst the lowest was $11, 187 for the 63. I then looked at their profession, the 28 year old was a managing director of a financial company, the 39 year old was a legal secretary, the 50 year old a director and designer and lastly, the 63 year old was an artist and textile designer. No doubt women with LOTS of cash to spare. Unlike ME, a business mum, still in her infancy stages of business, with 3 kids under 8, who is also studying part time. The first thing that struck me was – where do they find the time? Manicures, pedicures, regular hair cuts and colouring, regular waxing and the list goes on! I was going to use the excuse – no way would I have time to do all that. Then it occurred to me. Hang on – we don’t really need to spend too much to look good. And also, do we not deserve to look good and thus FEEL good about ourselves?

I also remembered a lady I once knew whose daughter went to my daughter’s previous school. She has got 5 kids between the ages of  2 and 8, and yet, she is able to look immaculate, with full make-up, hair probably styled in place, and not a frown on her face everyday! So I thought, if SHE could do that, then so could I! I shouldn’t have any excuses for not taking care of myself really. And like I said before – am I not worth the time and money?

So, inspired by this article, I decided to find out how much I actually spend on a yearly basis on my own beauty regime.

Daily:

Cleanser            $39.95 x 3

Toner                 $39.95 x 3

Moisturiser     $49.95 x 3

Eye Gel              $49.95 x 2

Scrub                 $35.00 x 3

Mineral

Foundation      $35.00 x 2

Mascara             $35.00 x 2

Eyebrow Powder

& Wax                 $31.50

Mineral Blush  $45.00

Annual total: $810.95

Occassionaly:

Hair cut            $30.00 x 3

Pedicure           $35 x 2

Annual total: $160.00

Grand total:$970.95

The total came up way lower than the women in the article. Which made me think, am I not spending enough on myself because I don’t think I deserve it? For instance, the haircuts – I only have it 3 times a year. And the pedicure – twice a year, that’s if I get the chance to and only in the Summer. I do save a lot by doing the other regimes myself – at home, like the waxing (ok I lied, I shave with my epilady so it’s even cheaper!) I don’t go for facials, instead I do it myself. The cost wasn’t incorporated because I don’t do it often and so my facial mask has lasted a very looooong time. Massage…ah…I get it from the best – my kids! They’re free and full of energy, I just tell them to punch my shoulders and they’re always keen to please. Exercising, yes, I used to go to the gym, now I use whatever that is free – the park has got some excellent equipment (if I do use them), running around after a 3 1/2 year old usually gets me puffed up and HOUSEWORK – that is a definite fat burner. Manicure – I don’t paint my nails, I just make sure they are the right and comfortable length.

So, do I look after myself? I do, is it enough, at least I think it is. Now, I try my best to spend at least 5 to 10 minutes on my appearance before I go out the door. And yes, it does make a difference when I look and see myself presentable to the world. I just have to remember that  the time I take to get ready – is MY ME TIME.  So remember to spend that time on YOURSELF. YOU DESERVE IT! You don’t need to spend heaps of money doing it, just enough to make you feel good. And if that lady with the 5 kids can do it, so can you!