Like, Love, Longing for...

1.      Essence gloss stick : This is the newest item in my makeup bag, I recently wrote an article on my “First Impression” of this product so if you’d like to read about it more extensively I’ll place the link down below. I like this product, I really do. There are so many shades to choose from, Glossy or Matte the world is your oyster. The gloss stick which I have is in the shade “Clear Nude”, It’s super wearable and such a beautiful winter shade which I’ve been wearing practically non-stop. I will be perfectly honest though, the only reason as to why this product didn’t cut it onto my “love” list is simply that when I made the purchase it looked to me as it was a twist gloss stick BUT it actually needs to be sharpened. It doesn’t so well in that department, Other than that I think I’ll keep using this product.

2.      L’oreal Telescopic Mascara: My mom was the one who placed this product on my desk a few weeks ago so this was totally by accident but it definitely makes it onto my ‘Like’ list. The packaging says ‘Extra-black extreme lengthening mascara’, they weren’t joking. I’ll usually use this when I’m getting ready for a night out because it makes your eyes pop. One coat and you’re ready to go, you really get extra length and volume so a little goes a long way, not to mention that it really stays on, removing it is going to take a little extra Miceller water but I do think it’s worth the purchase.

3.      Victoria’s Secret, “Total Attraction” fragrance mist: Alright so for those of you who follow my blog, you’ll know that I’m a tad bit coco for cocopops over this brand so I knew that this fragrance was going to end up being a favourite from the get go. Let me just start off by saying that the new fragrance mist packaging is to die for, It’s so classy looking and just Ah, yes I love it…Not that the previous packaging was terrible because it really wasn’t but I do think that this is a step up from what it was. The scent I got this time around is called ‘Total attraction’ and to me it smells of strawberries but upon doing abit of research it actually has tones of, Cherry orchid & Lily Blossom’s, so not far off. All in all this brand still remains affordable and a definite favourite in my books.

4.      Sally Hansen, Miracle gel top coat: I’ve worked through a number of top coats in the past ranging from good to pretty ‘blah’ but this has quickly become one that’s pretty great. My nail polish usually doesn’t last me longer than about three days as i wash cars and dishes (not very conducive too great looking nails, I know) but when I purchased this product I found my nail polish lasting between five and six days. A definite repurchase in my eyes #Like

5.      Colourpop Lippie Stick, Tootsi:  This will be my first Colourpop purchase and I am so incredibly excited about it… I’ll be making the purchase from a company called ‘MuseSA’ (I’ll place the website link below) they sell a variety of makeup brands which we cannot get our hands on yet here in South Africa. I’ve ordered my lippie stick in the shade “Tootsi”. I’ll keep you posted on the service I receive and will most likely do a “First Impressions’ article on it as well. Keep an eye out

6.      Urban Decay: If you haven’t heard yet then here it is, Urban Decay is coming to South Africa ladies and gentleman #HappyDance The stand alone store will be opening up in Sandton city, Johannesburg in Mid-May 2016. I cannot wait to see what it will look like and get my hands on some of their aweseom products!

S

Xoxo

Protein and M&M Cake Jars!

‘A moment on the lips is a lifetime on the hips’, or so they say but it doesn’t have to be that way especially with this cheat treat recipe!

Ingredients

1 Large Egg

1 Large egg white

1 Scoop of Vanilla protein powder

½ Cup of unsweetened Vanilla Almond milk (or any milk substitute)

1tsp Vanilla Extract

6Tbsp Coconut flour

1/8 Cup Almond flour

½ Banana (or unsweetened apple sauce ¼ cup)

½tsp Baking Powder

1Tbsp Mini baking M&M’s

Method

1.      Pre-heat your oven to 350F / 180C

2.      Mix all the ingredients in a bowl, add the M&M’s last and mix by hand

3.      Take out two half-pint size oven proof jars, coat them with non-stick cooking spray and evenly distribute your mix into them. Don’t fill it to the top as they will rise.

4.      Top it off with a few more M&M’s and bake for 25-30 Minutes.

5.      Allow the jars to cool then screw the lid on and you’re set.

Want to guess how many calories are in this recipe? A grand total of 327, now you really can enjoy an indulgence without feeling guilty ;) Enjoy every bite!

S 
Xoxo

*Recipe taken from 'Bodybuilding.com' website

Essence Velvet/Gloss sticks - First Impressions

A fellow beauty blogger recently posted an image of her Essence cosmetics haul and in this cute bundle lay the new Essence Velvet sticks. I immediately became curious about this product as I’d never seen it on the shelf before so alas, I hit my local drug store (Dis-Chem) and was fortunate enough to find these on the stand. A first impressions post had to be written so here it is!

Ok so let me start off with the basic’s here. In this range of Velvet / Gloss lip colour sticks there are a total of ten shades, five velvet and five gloss. It’s sort of self-explanatory that the velvet sticks have a ‘Matte’ finish to them and that the gloss sticks have a… well gloss finish to them. The shades include:

Velvet:                                                Gloss:

01 Nude Hero                                   01 Radiant Rose

02 Peony Star                                  02 Clear Nude

03 Mega Melon                                03 Luminous Rosewood

04 Cherry Crush                              04 Poshi Pink

05 Plum Perfect                               05 Brilliant Burgundy

I picked up one of each, 05 ‘Plum Perfect’ & 02 ‘Clear Nude’

Clear Nude

When I first applied them I noticed that both are highly pigmented and feel a lot like a lip balm. They aren’t very moisturising but neither dried out my lips either which was a pleasant surprise especially coming from a ‘Matte’ lip product which usually does just that for me. They have a long wearing period and seem to fade evenly when you eat or drink. #LookingGood

When I first opened up the packaging I looked at it and thought that it looked just like a jumbo lip pencil. Don’t think that I’m very far off with that one. I find that because of the shape it’s pretty easy to achieve the perfect lip edge using this product, the formula is pretty hard so you won’t have to worry about smudging either.

Perfect Plum

The only thing that I was a bit “Huh” about with regards to this product is that when you look at it appears to be a “twist up” but in fact it is not. You will need to sharpen these lip colour sticks, which I guess isn’t much of a down fall since a little goes a long way with these…

 All in all I’m definitely not disappointed with these lip colour sticks although I cannot say just yet that I love them as I haven’t quite had them long enough , I’ll have to keep you posted in that regard. If you have these in your vanity are they one of your favourites or will you be purchasing yours the next time you’re able to?

S

Xoxo

( Side Note: Since I've been wearing this product quite a lot lately I have just tried to sharpen it - the results aren't so great as it does so unevenly and the actual lip colour softens as well #BitOfAMess, Anyone else experience this or is it just me? )

I think I speak for a lot of makeup artists when I say we have an excess of lip products and I am no different in this respect. I love collecting lip products, be if for the use of my clients or just for personal use. I’m going to share with you my top 5 lip products at the moment (mostly drugstore products)

Beauty Treats: Sugar Lip Scrub

I had previously never used a lip scrub but was really quite curious about them, so when I came across this particular one which, might I add is quite affordable I thought I’d give it a shot. This gentle scrub is made of natural sugars to exfoliate your lips, leaving them feeling soft and smooth. They come in an array of about 4-5 flavours of which I got the ‘Raspberry’ one, I really cannot say that I am disappointed as it was very gentle on my lips and did the job quite well so an all-round “Thumbs Up” for this product especially with the dry winter months headed our way here in South Africa.

Labello: Lip Butter

If someone had to ask me what I would take with me if I was to be stranded on an Island somewhere, my answer would almost certainly be lip balm. I cannot live without it and if I don’t have one at hand all the time my poor boyfriend always has to fork his out for me. In turn I have quite obviously tried almost every lip balm under the sun but the ‘Labello – Lip Butter’ is the product I have always gone back to. My favourite is the ‘Raspberry Rose’ flavour (Apparently I like Raspberry) It keeps my lips moisturized for a long period of time and even leaves a light pink tint to my lips (2 birds, 1 stone). The packaging is convenient, its small and in a tin so you can stick it in your pocket and go – like I often do, One tin usually lasts me a fair amount of time and it’s affordable as well so it’s a big BONUS for me since I go through the stuff at a rate of knot. Item in shopping basket – Tick!

Essence – Lip Gloss

I’m really not much of a lip gloss lover, purely because I cannot fathom the sticky mess that becomes of my lips after I’ve applied them BUT my loves, this product is a welcomed surprise. For starters, it’s not a hot sticky mess (thank goodness), it applies easily and doesn’t make you feel like you need to wipe it off almost instantly. I feel comfortable wearing this product on my lips all day long and it’s got a great scent. They come in an array of shades for various skin tones which I think is great, I purchased the shade “Beauty Secret” in a nude like pink, it’s so wearable and great for everyday use.

M.A.C- Crème Cup

OK so maybe this product is a little bit more on the high end side but I dig it nonetheless. This lipstick was my first ever M.A.C. lipstick and I bought it because it’s such an effortless everyday colour that I could wear with any outfit and to this day has remained one of my favourites. I find that most of the M.A.C. lipstick’s are pretty moisturizing however I always put a bit of lip ice under it, they are long wearing and I’ve never been disappointed by their products. As I said before they are a bit more expensive but you are paying for quality so if not, why not right?!

Essence – Sparkling Miracle

I really like Essence products, I know. This last lip product is one that I carry in my handbag everyday as it’s another very versatile item. For starters the names given to these lipsticks are utterly adorable and the packaging is easy on the eye as well. This product is of a deeper pink with a hue of purple in it and a touch of sparkle as well, it’s moisturizes your lips and picks up any look #MustHave

 Only now at the end of my article have I noticed that every product on my list has some sort of pink touch to it, apparently I like pink <3 I hope that this post was useful to at least some of you and that it will help you in making your next purchase. I’d love to hear what you all think, so drop me a comment

S

Xoxo

Whatever the question, Ice-Cream is the answer!

Okay, I’m about to get real with you all, I’m a total and utter Ice- Cream nut… There, it’s out. I will eat ice-cream all year round and if you offer it to me I most likely won’t say no. Chocolate, Strawberry, Rocky road, Mint, you name it and I probably love it, (Unless it’s liquorice because then you can eat it yourself, I can’t stand the stuff, haha.) Every now and then I get a serious hankering for ice cream (this being the case now) and because it’s Lent, I’ve clipped my own wings and not eaten any for the last 4 weeks #Gasp, I know.

So I thought that if I talk about it I’ll feel better, I’m going to share an ice-cream recipe with you and hopefully you’ll enjoy making it and enjoy eating it even more, Here goes:

Chocolate Ice-Cream

1 Box (500ml) Ultra Mel Chocolate custard

5ml Vanilla essence

50-75ml Cocoa Powder

30ml Castor Sugar

1 Tin (380g) Evaporated milk, Chilled overnight

1 Tub (250ml) Fresh Cream

1.    In a large mixing bowl, blend the chocolate custard and vanilla essence. Blend the cocoa powder, castor sugar and boiling water and add to the custard mixture.

2.    Beat the evaporated milk into a medium mixing bowl until thick and foamy. In a separate mixing bowl, whip the cream until stiff peaks are formed.

3.    Fold the evaporated milk and cream into the custard mixture. Spoon into a suitable container and freeze.

Makes 1 Litre

HINT:

To ensure that there are no ice crystals in the ice cream, spoon it into a suitable container and freeze for 2 hours. Remove the ice cream, beat and freeze until needed.

Honestly, I think that this post has just made me crave ice cream that much more. I do however hope that you’ll all try making ice cream from scratch; it makes the end result that much tastier… All my love,

S

Xoxo

 Taken from, Deona Tait -"Shortcuts to flavor".

February Favourites & Update

So today’s post is going to be a favourite’s combined with a bit of an update as to why I’ve been so scarce on the blog of late… So my news is (drum roll please), I have FINALLY completed my professional make up qualification! #HappyDance

I am so very excited to be following my dreams and turning my passion into something great. I completed my course at a great academy based in Equestria, Pretoria called, Halouw Make up Academy. The lecturer, Louise, is fantastic at what she does, she is hands on and makes every effort to help you uncover your potential. Needless to say, it was a very fulfilling experience and was a total game changer for me. I will link the academy’s website at the bottom of the post if you are interested to know more or would even like to complete the course yourself.

Right, onto the favourite’s portion! My favourites for the month of February consists mainly of the products which I received in my course kit, I was like a child in a candy store the day I received my kit by the way :D. Alila Cosmetics – is a South African brand made up of hypoallergenic products (Fantastic). The brand was initially established with Makeup artists in mind but now also have a number of everyday women who want to look and feel their best using a product that goes above and beyond its price. I have come to love these products over the duration of the course and am excited to share these gems with you.

8 Shade Kamaflage Foundation Pallet R1 250.00

This pallet is so handy for a makeup artist. I love the material it is made from (Leather like) it makes messing a little easier on you as it wipes off so easily. My favourite feature of this pallet is that each pot is magnetic. Hence you can customise and tailor your pallet to your specific needs and that of your clients, which is ultra-convenient. With regards to the actual foundation, it is a crème foundation with a fantastic amount of coverage being ideal for television and fashion looks. This product is hypoallergenic which I think is brilliant. I’ve used it on myself several times and am yet to be disappointed.

20 Eyeshadow & 4 Blush Pallet R1 834.00

This pallet works pretty much the same as the foundation pallet, each little section is magnetic so mixing and matching is made especially easy for you. The colours in the pallet when first purchased are the perfect colour combinations for a complete make over. Each little pot of eyeshadow is beautifully pigmented and allows you create pretty much any look you have in mind, to add to the excitement the pallet also contains 4 pots of blush in various shades of pinks/browns. Pigmented and allowing for a beautiful finish I’d highly recommend adding this gorgeous pallet to your kit #ThumbsUp

Professional Brush Set R390.00 – R1 317.00

This is my favourite item in my kit and this is the most important item to any makeup artist, these are your tools to create the look you set your heart upon. Alila Cosmetics stocks 3 variations of the professional brush set, they come in pieces of 12, 18 and 24. I have the 18 piece brush set and love every one, they cater to your every need as a makeup artist. I have washed my brushes already since receiving them and am happy to report that they don’t shed. These brushes are of high quality and come in such a cool pack and store rollup. You definitely want to put this one on your list!

 

Fix That Makeup Setting Spray R155.00

The last item that I’m going to be adding to my favourites for the month is the Alila, Makeup setting spray. Let me start off by saying that this is the first setting spray that I have used but I doubt it will be the last. This product is hypoallergenic and I really like it and that’s not because it’s also alcohol free! It will keep your makeup in place all day/night long and is especially welcomed in the heat we’ve been experiencing in South Africa lately. It doesn’t make your face feel sticky or your eyebrows feel scrunched, it has a pleasant scent and is relatively inexpensive as well.

 

I could go on about the entire contents of my kit but I’m sure you’ll be hearing a lot more about these products and all the other wonderful ones that I received. I really hope that you all loved the sound of this brand and the future things to come, I will definitely be keeping you up to date on everything. If you’d like to purchase one of these products please feel free to click on the Facebook link at the bottom of my page and contact me directly for these great products as well as any questions you might have.

Have a beautiful day and remember to smile while you still have teeth  :D

S

Xoxo

www.halouw.co.za

Team Bride

So I’d like to start this post by saying a huge thank you to everyone who continues to support me on my blog, you all mean the world to me and I cannot express my utmost appreciation for it.  xoxo

I’d also like to apologise for being so scarce this last month, I have had quite a bit on the go and will reveal all in my next post so watch this space dolls!

Right, now lets get started on today’s topic… Weddings, yay! Who doesn’t love a wedding and all that the day represents, I definitely do. Now what happens when the lovely bride approaches you to be her bridesmaid and you have no cooking clue what it entails… Well wonder no more, I’m about to provide you with a girls guide to being a great bridesmaid, best grab a pen and paper

Be useful:

You must play a significant role in the brides’ life if she has chosen you to be her assistant leading up to the big day so she may ask your opinion on various things from centre pieces to dress styles, make sure you are there for her when you are needed. The biggest thing is making sure that you are catering to the brides needs and keeping her cool, calm and collected. Don't forget about her hen night, come together with the others to plan a day of fun and laughter, one she will remember forever for all the right reasons.

If she asks you to either read in church or write a speech, take a deep breath, I promise it's not as scary as you may imagine, honestly, speak from the heart and it will all go off without a hitch.

Be Honest:

When she asks your opinion, it’s because she wants it, not what you think she wants to hear. Choose your words carefully and be honest. If you love something, say it, if you don’t, be tactful but let her know all the same.

Be Available:

Dress fittings, dinner meetings, dress rehearsals, cake tastings. It’s a big day and it takes a lot of work so make sure you’re available when the bride needs you. Besides, you want to be around for all the excitement leading up to her special day.

Be Supportive:

She’s your girl, be there for her. Planning a wedding is stressful and the weeks before her big day will surely be even more so. Help her pull the plug on all the craziness for a movie or an afternoon at the spa. Lend an ear and help the girl let her hair down. She’ll feel one hundred times better after sharing your company.

The Big Day:

Once the day finally arrives, you’d better keep it together girl (hehe), try not to smudge your make up when you see her in that dress for the first time.
Ensure that you have a baggie ready for the new Mrs. containing the essentials such as deodorant, lipstick, tissues, water, the works and you’re good to go.

This is the day that you all spent months planning, the day that the bride has been dreaming of her entire life.  Honestly other than that the most important thing I can tell you is this: You have planned, rehearsed, stressed and gone over notes as much as you can. There is nothing more you can do but enjoy this momentous day with the beautiful couple.  Document it all and hold it close to you for the rest of forever.

S

Xoxo

 

My beautiful cousin at her own wedding last weekend and yeah, i was a bridesmaid xoxo