Updated Skincare

Skin Care by hazelette featuring a wall mounted mirror

How I Survive Third & FOURTH Hair Day!

Hello everyone,

I often get asked about "training" the hair, being a curly haired girl myself, I'd say I'm pretty familiar with this category. A little bit of background about me is that, my skin type is dry, therefore the skin on my face is dry and my scalp is also dry. I don't produce a lot of oil to begin with, however I do have curly, coarse, dry hair therefore I cannot wash it as often as a person with fine, straight hair. Thus.. the journey begins..

Over the years, I've concluded that in order to train your hair you must consider these factors:
1. Everybody is different; you must know your skin type.
2. What is your hair type?
3. The product itself.

Once you've figured out what your skin type is, you should definitely have an idea of how much oil you produce. Another important factor is your hair type, if your hair is fine, it is actually required to be washed more often than those with coarse hair. So don't feel obligated to train your hair for as long as 4 or 5 days. Again, everybody is different. Finally, the products, different people prefers different products due to their needs. Some may want a matte finish, some may want texture and me, I just want my hair to feel clean and smell clean.

Let's get down to business!

Schwarzkopf Osis Refresh Dust Bodifying Dry Shampoo Spray

I'm quite fond of this dry shampoo, it's not the worst and it's not the best, however it does get the job done without weighing down your hair. It smells "professional" as if it belongs in some high end salon. Overall I'd give this product a 3/5.

Batiste Dry Shampoo (Original Scent)

This is probably the best dry shampoo I've ever used and I've repurchased it a couple of times. The reason I like it so much is because it provides me with all that I want, which is a clean fresh scent, clean feeling, and light weight. I don't care for perfumey scents. I do want to point out that I only like the original scent by this brand, I've tried the other scents and I was not too crazy about it. The only down side to this product is that, it runs out quickly. I'm pretty sure the fact that I'm spray friendly has something to do with it. So definitely check this product out when you see it in stores! 5/5, Bravo Batiste!

Faceshop Clear Hair Mist in Peach Floral & Cherry Blossom

Last but not least, HAIR PERFUMES! Yumm..

Let's face it, after 2 days, your hair will start to produce unpleasant scents and you'd want something to combat that! Well have no fear, hair perfumes are here! Alright, I'm pretty sure these two products aren't ACTUALLY hair perfumes but they do the job, I mean seriously. I've used these products plenty of times and have gotten many compliments about the scent of my hair.. (Little did they know, it's actually pretty gruesome up in there...) If you're familiar with Jo Malone's Nectarine Blosson and Honey Cologne, then you'd probably want to smell the Peach Floral one because I swear it smells just like it, not EXACTLY like it, but I'm positive the creators of this product were inspired by that scent. I just know it. My favourite however, is the Cherry Blossom one, because to me, it smells clean, it has that freshly washed hair scent that I absolutely adore. 

Alright, let's recap!

Day 1: Leave it alone.

Day 2: A light misting of dry shampoo, if you please.

Day 3: Dry Shampoo & Hair Perfume.

Day 4: Dry Shampoo & Hair Perfume. Bun. Hat. (When all else fails, just put it in a bun or a hat, you know how it is..)

Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezey!

Ciao,

Sylvia ♥

Homage to Kartini Day

As a belated homage to Kartini Day on April 21 (Indonesia), please allow me to share what has been withheld in my heart for a little too long. In my 25 years of living, I have heard/been told multiple times that women are supposed to be silent. Of course, this premise would be asserted in several different ways; however, all of which would only lead to one final conclusion: women should not have a voice. For instance, a few years ago, a friend of mine and I had a series of discussions involving the role of men and women in today's society. At the end of the day, he would enforce the notion that the ideal woman is she who is quiet and demure, doesn't talk much and/or exert her opinions in public. In addition to that, I vividly remember two other major occurrences in which two male individuals specifically told me - in two separate incidents - that I was rebellious and very strongly opinionated [as a girl], respectively. Lol wut? I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be hearing that if the guys and I shared the same chromosome pattern. I usually wouldn't give a flying donut about feminist (or non-feminist) jokes or what-have-you, but when such blatant contempts - intentional or not - are directed right at me, I can't help but feel sorry for the givers of these ingenious comments for being stuck in the prehistoric times of modern civilization. Let me tell ya, y'all have a long way to go and lots to catch up on.

Nonetheless, I am grateful. I am grateful for being able to confidently declare that I am a modern woman. No, I am not giving up marriage because I am self-sufficient and think that I am better off without a man. On the contrary, I would gladly bear my partner's children and assume my responsibilities as a mother and wife. No, I do not think that women are better than men, because I think that we're clearly apples and oranges (thx for the new term, my bro).

I am a modern woman because I am a woman of voice. I am a woman of power - capable of making her own decisions, rooted in her own beliefs and having the courage to voice them. I am a woman who laughs out loud. I am a woman who knows when to refrain and when to speak up. I am a woman who is willing to split the dinner bill with her man on a date. I am a woman who will teach her children to respect their father just as they respect their mother. I am a woman of value. I am a woman who will raise my daughter to be her own person, because she can. As Emma Watson says, if someone tells you that you can't be an engineer because you're a girl, do exactly that - become an engineer.

Note: There are many women out there living under dire conditions, who are not as privileged as those with such freedom. It will be a long fight, and certainly a ruthless one. But we are not done - we never will be. Not until women are treated with the same respect and granted the same opportunities, and beheld beyond institutionalized stereotypes, will we stop striving to claim the rights that are rightfully ours. We're not scary; we just want to be free.

- Hazel

Lippy Lovestick: Revlon's "Mauve It Over" Rave & Review

Guys (and girls). THIS lipstick deserves a blog post of its own. It is. The. Best. I know it's old and pretty much outdated now that we have so many promising newcomers, but if I were to stick to one lipstick for the rest of my life, it would be Revlon's "Mauve It Over", hands down. I bought this lippy quite a while back when there was still so much hype around it. What I don't understand is why the hype ever went away - this lipstick is amazing! Now I don't like to be getting unnecessary attention, especially at work. If you're anything like me, you wouldn't bother with the attention-grabbing, flashy lippies to wear on a daily basis. I would rather stick to something subtle that fools people into thinking that it's your actual lip colour (sneaky, beaky). This lipstick gives me a long-lasting natural mauve colour on my lips that I can sport at any time on any day. More reasons for this rave? Firstly, it doesn't break the bank. It's conveniently available at almost every drugstore and Walmart for a very reasonable price (about $7, I think). Second, as a matte lipstick, it stains your lips as a lipliner would but with added moisture. From my experience, I have never really had any problems with chapped lips while having it on, but I still like to layer my lips with a bit of lip balm before applying it. You know, unpredictable Toronto weather... Third, the shade is PERFECT for my olive skin tone.

Review in bullet points:

• Texture: Matte, but not drying on the lips
• A little tip to those who often deal with chapped lips: apply a light layer of lip balm before applying the lipstick
• Colour: Mauve
• For reference, my skin is olive-toned and I am about NC30 at MAC
• Lasting power: Great, almost excellent
• It transfers an insignificant amount following application, but the stain lingers on your lips
• Once the stain settles, your lips will look very natural, as if that's your actual lip colour
• Price: About $7 at drugstores (I got mine at Shoppers. I love that place)

All in all, I highly recommend this lipstick. Considering the very minimal cost, you really get a BANG for your buck. If you've tried other lipsticks that may be similar or have other recommendations, as always, please feel free to let us know by leaving a comment below.

I hope everybody is having a wonderful afternoon on this gloomy day.

Hazel ❥ ❥ ❥

10 Tips on How to Wake Up on the Right Side of the Bed

We all know those 'UGH' days and we hate those days. So these are some tips on how you can start your day off right!

(Featuring my current pick-me-up obsessions!)

1. Drink a glass of water immediately after you wake up - before you do anything else - before brushing your teeth or eating breakfast. Keep a glass of water or a water bottle handy beside your bed for easy access. Water will rejuvenate and help detoxify your system after a night's sleep, not to mention it does wonders for your skin!

2. Put on an upbeat/uplifting song to wake up to. I love this part of the day - I get to party with myself in my own room (it's not as sad as it sounds, I promise)! I am currently HOOKED on the song "All Night" by Icona Pop. Actually, it's been my "wake-up" song for months on end now. I know the song is about partying all night long, but it's got such catchy beats! I kid you not, this is THE perfect song to dance to to wake yourself up. Check out the video below.



3. Take a shower (and do your usual morning routine e.g. brushing teeth, cleansing your face). I know some people may like to do this one differently, but I'm a morning showerer. If you're anything like me, you know you sweat in your sleep, as I do. I would hate getting dressed in the morning NOT knowing how I smell or IF I smell. So, to eliminate all risks, I jump into the shower and get cleaned and scented up. Besides, what better way is there to wake you up?!

4. Have a KILLER breakfast. It may not seem like it, but this will make a HUGE difference in your morning. You know what they say, breakfast is the most important meal of the day (*wemp wemp...*) I used to be so guilty of breaking the breakfast rule all the time, but I like to think I have gotten much, much better at following it. What is the breakfast rule, you ask? Simply have nutrition-filled breakfast every morning and don't wait too long into the day to consume it. I usually have 2 half-cooked eggs and sprinkle it with a little bit of sea salt and pepper before I head off to work, where I would eat the rest of my breakfast which varies from day to day.

I'll share with you the recipe to one of my favourite breakfasts of all time:

• a bowl of almond milk
• pour in some honey almond granola (any brand is fine, I'm not that big of a health junkie)
• add some freshly-washed blueberries (and/or raspberries), some banana slices (amount depends on your preference) - you can also substitute the berries and banana for other fruits of your choice. I love putting berries because they are rich in anti-oxidants, and banana due to the high content of potassium. The latter also acts as a natural sweetener!
• That's it! Enjoy your killer breakfast!!

5. Make an effort to look presentable. You know the saying, "When you look good, you feel good." When you're out in public, wherever it may be, try your best to look presentable. When you KNOW you look good, you will feel more confident. When you feel more confident, you will feel that you can conquer the world and nothing can stop you, not even public transport delays! OK, long stretch, but you get the point. Every day will feel like Friday before you realize tomorrow is not Saturday. But at least you repeat this fun cycle everyday, so it won't matter anyway! Do up your hair, put on some makeup (not exclusive to those who aren't girls), wear a nice shirt + accessories - anything that can make you feel good about yourself. Whatever works for you, do it.

6. Walk to work/school/wherever else. I know this isn't applicable to those who live an hour/hours away from their workplace (myself included). If it is impossible for you to walk, take the public transport sometimes. It sparks you up and gives you a chance to be surrounded by other people who are on the same boat as you (not literally, of course). Traveling this way is energizing and gives you plenty of time for self-reflection before you start the day, which I think is reasonably necessary. Also, you get to be mindful of the people with whom you cross paths because a good handful of them might be cranky. Who knows, maybe you'd be able to share some of your sunshine into their lives (^^).

7. Crank up your favourite music on the way to your destination. Plug in those earphones and walk like a bada$$.

8. Whenever possible, arrive early to work. I love arriving early to work because it gives me loads of time to settle and get my work set-up ready. You can also catch up on some work from the day before if unfinished - that way, you can use the extra space of time to be more productive with the day's tasks. As well, you will have time to craft your favourite beverage and/or treat yourself to some highly-craved breakfast so that you can focus more on your work when you start.

9. Plan out your day ahead. This is the ultimate day-saver if you like to zone out like me. I have a short attention span and am easily distracted, and I find it quite difficult to get back on track once my focus is broken. If you have your day planned out in advance, whether it's written out or memorized, your schedule won't be scattered and everything will run smoothly throughout the day! Naturally, you will only have one person to thank: yourself.

10. Get adequate sleep the night before.  I wanted to make sure that I put the most important tip on the list last. I cannot tell you how many times I've woken up on the wrong side of the bed simply because I didn't get enough sleep the night before. If you're a super busy person and find it impossible to get 8 hours of sleep, then you might want to try 6-7 hours instead. Make sure you wake up at an appropriate time on a regular basis (don't sleep and wake up too late into the day as it messes up with your daily cycle).

I hope my list helps and gives you a bit of insight. Feel free to share with me your day-to-day tips in the comments :-).

xox,

Hazel ♥

MEN'S MOMENT: My BF's Lookbook Inspiration

Ah, finally! I have been wanting to incorporate some masculinity into the content of this blog for the longest time. 2 years ago, I encouraged my boyfriend to create his own Polyvore page – with my help, of course – as a means to help him gather some style and outfit ideas for his everyday wear. It turned out very well, and I do recommend this method to fashion-conscious girls who would love to get their beaus looking more sharp and 'GQ-fresh'.

To give you a little bit of background, my BF currently works on the front line of sales marketing. In his line of work, it is imperative to look your best 24/7 because the majority of your job consists of dealing and speaking with clients. Prior to starting out and landing a position in this field, he had no work experience whatsoever, hence his lack of discretion for contemporary fashion and the like. Now he is much more selective of what he throws on himself, and also spends more time and effort to look his best.

This post will be succinct, but rich with inspiration (or so I hope). Here are some of my favourite looks taken from his personal Polyvore: bballer90. Feel free to check it out when you have a chance :-).

Grey Matter

Grey Matter by bballer90 featuring a zara bag

Business Meetings

Business Meetings by bballer90 featuring D&G

Walk to the Park

Walk to the Park by bballer90 featuring slip on shoes

Again, if you'd like to visit his Polyvore page, you can click on this link.


Thanks for reading this post! Come back soon for more exciting stuff.

Stay chic'n awesome,
Hazel xox