Tuesday, October 29, 2013

'Ain't Nobody Got Time for Makeup' Makeup

So maybe sometimes poor decisions are made on Monday nights.  Especially when you have appointments in the day on the Tuesday.

I woke up this morning running a bit late and I looked exhausted (probably because I didn't get enough sleep). I didn't really want to put on a whole face of make up, not that my daily routine is super heavy anyway.

I quickly washed my face and moisturized.  Also, I made sure to apply sunscreen. Then I went to the 2 magical products I needed.

1) Undereye Concealer
source: http://demandware.edgesuite.net/sits_pod18/dw/image/v2/aaen_prd/on/demandware.static/Sites-armani_us-Site/Sites-gab-master-catalog/default/v1383079276238/Maestro%20Eraser%20Concealer%20-%20New%20Straub%20Image.JPG?sh=670
My personal favourite undereye concealer is from Giorgio Armani "Maestro Eraser". It's a bit of a splurge (a lot of a splurge) but I love it.  It blends in so naturally and so easily.  I've tried many different concealers, I tried using just BB cream as an undereye concealer too but this has got to be my favourite!

2) Brow Gel/Tint
source: http://www.benefitcosmetics.fr/medias/sys_master/8801262403614.jpg
My current favourite is Benefit's "Gimme Brow".  It recently won Allure's Best of Beauty award too!  It's great for my sparse brows because it fills it in, gives some colour and tames it.  Super quick and easy to use.

So that's it. The secret to a quick and easy make up (if it can even be considered that) for all of you that prefers to sleep in those extra 2 minutes :)

Let me know if there's anything else you'd like to see :)

Thoughtfully yours,
C.C.

Sunday, October 27, 2013

The Vinyasa Scarf

So I LOVE my Vinyasa Scarf.  I think I almost wear it everyday! I also bought another one in black (reversible so the other side is black and grey stripes!).  

While there are tons of videos to show you how to wear your Vinyasa scarf Addie and I picked out a few to try as well as used our 'creative' minds to think of a few looks to make.

1. Double Loop


2. Unbuckled Double Loop


3. Triangle Wrap



4. Simply a Scarf

5. Simply a Tucked Scarf

6. Easy Knot

7. Circle Knot



8. The Traveller

9. The Penguin Shrug

10. The Wrap Shirt

11. The Long-Sleeved Wrap Shirt


12. The Vest Cardigan

 14. The Long Sleeved Cardigan

Do you have any good ideas?  Did you want a tutorial?  Comment below! :)

Thoughtfully yours,
C.C.




Friday, October 25, 2013

Easy Eyes

Have you ever had those mornings where you have absolutely no time to put on any makeup? Or, you prefer that extra 10-15 minutes of sleep. 

source: http://blog.swagbucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/tumblr_mdjfiz4gcE1rqj5g7o1_500.jpg

I have very straight eyelashes that are also fine and sparsely spread across my lash line.  This look honestly takes me less than 2 minutes to complete.  

If you are looking for a very natural look just to enhance your natural beauty (because that's what make up should be for most of the time!), you might want to give this a try.

In this tutorial I used:
- a felt tip eyeliner (I used stila all day liquid eyeliner in black)
- an eyelash curler (I used my shu uemeura one)
- black mascara (I used dior iconic overcurl, it was what I had, I would suggest something that is waterproof if you really want a curl to hold because they normally contain wax)

To start off any make up look, you always want clean hands (and face that is moisturized).  If you need to feel free to prime your lids if they get super oily!

1. Using a q-tip or clean finger tips lightly lift the eyelid up so you can see your lashline and waterline.  Apply your eyeliner in between the gaps at your lashline (not your waterline).  This technique is called tight-lining.  I do that to about 1/3 of the way in (from the outer corner of my eye).  See the picture below to see what it looks like.  (Doesn't it look so natural?)


2. Curl your eyelashes with your favourite eyelash curler.  You want to try to find one that fits the shape of your eye.


source: http://img2.timeinc.net/instyle/images/2010/bbb09/shu-uemura-eyelash-curler-300.jpg

3. Apply one coat of your favourite mascara.  A waterproof formula tends to hold curls best. I go from the base of my lashes all the way up.  Don't worry about getting it on your eyelids.  If that happens, wait for it to dry and grab a q-tip.  Rub gently with the q-tip to remove the dried mascara from your lids.

source: http://images.bloomingdales.com/is/image/BLM/products/8/optimized/1168958_fpx.tif?wid=1200&qlt=90,0&layer=comp&op_sharpen=0&resMode=sharp2&op_usm=0.7,1.0,0.5,0&fmt=jpeg

Tada! You're done and ready to head out the door :)



Please comment below if you have any other questions or requests :)

Thoughtfully yours,
C.C.

University Student Solutions: Sunday Dinner


Just because we're super busy and have exams doesn't mean we have to sacrifice good food. On Sunday, we made dinner together after a long week and preparing for another long week. Our dinner was quick to make and required very little clean up. 

What we used:
- Rice
- Avocado
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Fish (Technically we cheated because we bought frozen fish and cooked it in the microwave)
- Seaweed
- Olive oil
- Soy Sauce
- Salt and Pepper

Preparation:
1. Make rice. (Let us know if you'd like a tutorial on that! We know the secret finger trick!!!)
2. Prepare frozen fish according to the instructors. (when microwaving consider putting saran wrap over top the dish and make sure to leave a corner open so the hot air can go out, or consider getting a microwave cover)
3. Cut avocado and cherry tomatoes
4.  Add some soy sauce, olive oil, salt and pepper.
5. Bring out some nice salty seaweed.
6. Serve and enjoy.

Thoughtfully Yours,
Addie and C.C.



Thursday, October 24, 2013

Easy as 1.2.3.

Get a complete everyday makeup look with just 3 products! This was my makeup look our photoshoot. For C.C.'s makeup look, comment and we'll make sure to show you soon!

 Here are my 3 everyday essentials as seen in Addie's Style Book

1. Start with a clean, moisturised face. 
2. Apply an even layer of a light coverage foundation. I like Maybelline's Fit Me shade 120 foundation because it applies like a lotion and doesn't feel cakey like many foundations do. 
3. Line upper and lower lash line with a black or coal eyeliner. I used Physician's Formula eye liner. Stay close to the lash line to avoid looking unnatural.
4. Swipe a neutral lipstick to complete the look. I chose Rimmel Kate Moss lipstick in a matte finish, shade 17. 


Feel free to comment if you have any questions or for C.C.'s look :)

Thoughtfully yours,

Addie

20 Twenty-something Essentials



Being a twenty-something means growing up. Although you don't have to be a full adult, there are some essentials you will need. Here's our list...

1. post-its 



2. A good face wash (Invest in your skin)

3. Interview clothes

4. An organizer

5. A kettle

6. A good loofah


7. Cup(s) of tea

8. A quality bra

9. LBD (little black dress)

10. A reliable friend 

11. A cookbook or two

12. A grown-up email address

13. Tampons

14. White T-shirt

15. A savings account

16. A reliable water bottle (preferably one that can hold hot and cold drinks)

17. A nice tote bag



18. A simply, comfy pair of heels

19. Nice leggings

20. Health awareness (physical, mental etc.)


Thoughtfully yours,

Addie

sources: 
http://www.shespeaks.com/pages/img/review/U-by-Kotex-Register-Rewards-Deal_08292010175728.jpg
http://static.tumblr.com/5434033e88d852c7148cf2940887626a/4lcmunt/QKNmfqzgv/tumblr_static_loofah-a.jpg
http://api.ning.com/files/7l33hFydjUDdgQwAOGSyNly*rUmtyfhCUUMeWIqNgm4bGe3ayVv4B0N1HVx0YFXFElWIvJQ-wc577hlgN-db2DXVLqvdtQ4R/postitnotes1.jpg
http://www.shopaholicgeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/longchamp.jpg


Wednesday, October 23, 2013

University Student Solutions: Exam Essentials

source: http://storage.theinformationdaily.com/images/medium/202.jpg

As midterms are coming close to an end... that means Finals are right around the corner!

Here are a few essential items to make sure you pack to your exams.

1. HB Pencil (lead/pencil sharpener)


source: http://books.arc.losrios.edu/StoreImages/114-962240-1.jpg
Most exams I have written have required me to bring a pencil to fill in the bubbles for my scantron card.  Make sure it is HB.  If you are using a mechanical pencil, consider bringing an extra incase it breaks; don't forget to bring some lead as well.  If you are using the old school pencils, bring a pencil sharpener (and an extra as well!).

2. Eraser
source: http://somethingsarecool.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Staedtler_Mars_Plastic_Eraser.jpg
How else would you be able to correct your answers on your scantron card?  Or you may not make mistakes, but no harm in bringing one just in case.  Try to find a eraser that works for you (removes marks completely).  Personally, I love my Staedtler one; it removes EVERYTHING.

3. Student Card/Photo Id
source: http://moresay.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/monsters-university-posters-student-id-cards-01.jpg
Don't forget to bring your student card or some sort of government issued photo identification so your proctors can verify who you are!  I've seen people get turned away from exam rooms because of it!

4. Water Bottle

source: http://cn1.kaboodle.com/hi/img/c/0/0/115/9/AAAADLJhUcsAAAAAARWXtw.jpg?v=1292355327000
I always bring a water bottle with me, especially if it is a long exam! I love my camelbak because it doesn't leak (not yet at least) and I can sip it like sipping a smoothie through a straw.  Sometimes the exam rooms are a bit dehydrating so... sip up! :)

5. Sweater

source: http://demandware.edgesuite.net/aacg_prd/on/demandware.static/Sites-RootsCA-Site/Sites-roots_master_catalog/default/v1382566188074/customers/c972/04030035/generated/04030035_008_a_475x475.jpg
Sometimes exam rooms are super chilly, especially in the summer.  In the winter, they get extremely hot.  This poses the biggest dilemma.  My advice? LAYERS.  Bring a sweater and wear a t-shirt.  If you are already a wearing a sweater and it gets too hot, at least you have something underneath that you can wear (e.g. not just your bra).  If you are wearing a t-shirt bring a sweater just in case it gets too cold.  I sometimes even double up, especially when the exam is written in a gym hall.

6. Other:


source: http://www.directeffectcharities.org/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/backpack1.jpg

Some other items you may need to bring, dependent on what your professor may have told you in class.  They may include: calculators, pens, highlighters, rulers, pencil crayons, textbooks, dictionaries, ziplock bag, etc.  

Pro Tip: Pack your bag the night before so that you won't be in a rush when packing up your backpack to leave for your exam if you are running late! 

Also, don't forget to eat a nice healthy breakfast (check out Breakfast in 5 by Addie) before your exam so your brain has energy! 

With that, all the best.  Good luck. 

And may the odds be ever in your favour.
can't wait till Catching Fire comes out!


Thoughtfully yours,

C.C.