How To Correctly Remove Mascara

Having mainly worn waterproof mascara for the past few years, I know first hand of the struggle it can take to remove the stubborn black formula from your eyelashes before bedtime. Especially if, like me, you like to put coat on top of more coats to make sure you get every single eyelash to look thick and long.

One thing you shouldn't do is rub your eyes viciously with a facial wipe, as the skin around your eyes is very sensitive, and by pulling on it you can loosen the natural elasticity underneath, resulting in wrinkles (I had previously done this for a few years, so I'm expecting to look 60 very soon ;)!!)

So I have composed a few tips to help you remove mascara in a safe, pain-free way.

♥ Decide which product you want to use; I recommend trying a variety to find what works best for you and your skin. 

♥ You can use an oil (such as coconut oil) to remove your mascara, by soaking it in a cotton wool pad and applying it to your closed eye.

♥ You can also use a cleanser/makeup remover (using cotton wool pads), by holding the pad onto your closed eye until the makeup has began to dissolve, and then by gently rubbing in a downward motion.

♥ But be very careful with this method, as you don't want to be getting anything in your eyes - it's a very sensitive area, so make sure you're not allergic to any of the products first!

♥ If you still have some mascara left on that refuses to come off, take a facial wipe that is alcohol free (I don't recommend this if your eyelashes are prone to fall out; this is just what I personally do, as I don't like to get the tiny hairy fibres from cotton wool stuck to my eyelashes).

♥ Place the wipe between your fingers and gently grab your eyelashes with it, whilst slowly rubbing. Be very careful, as you don't want to lose your eyelashes, but sometimes this is the only way you can get it off.

♥ You can also use the wipe to swipe your eyelashes as though you're applying mascara, which will help to remove it.

♥ After you're done, clean up any oily residue you may have and apply your favourite eye cream underneath and around your eyes, in case you have slightly tugged on your sensitive skin.

What method do you use to remove stubborn eye makeup? 

Do you disagree with the use of wipes?

Thanks for reading!

Allergy Awareness Week: Hay Fever

I recently received an email explaining that it's currently Allergy Awareness Week, along with some tips for hay fever sufferers and I was asked whether I could feature this on my blog. I usually turn down propositions like this, as most of the emails I receive wouldn't be of interest to any of my readers. However, I know that one in four people in the UK suffer from some sort of allergy and that hay fever is extremely common, so I decided to include these helpful tips in a blog post, so I hope they help a few of you out there who suffer from the old itchy eyes and regular sneezing that's probably really annoying!

These are a few ways which could help reduce some of the symptoms:

1. Be A Fashionista
Did you know that pollen can actually deposit on your eyelashes? Wear your stylish shades from now on whenever you're outside, whatever the weather, make sure you are stopping any pollen from making your eyes itchy. Make sure you test out your summer wardrobe by changing your clothes when you go inside. Wearing the same clothes you wore outside in your home can spread pollen throughout the house.

2. Take It Sooner Rather Than Later
Allergy Specialist, Dr Adam Fox, says:
“Common allergies are often trivialised but for some, symptoms can have a considerable impact on their ability to function. To avoid allergies affecting your daily life, it’s beneficial to start using a preventative treatment early on in the year and continue throughout the season.” 
NasalGuard AllergieBLOCK (£11.99, Boots) is a clinically proven preventative treatment which blocks all types of airborne allergens from entering your nose. It's a drug-free gel you dab on the outside of your nose which is suitable for children of all ages and pregnant women.

3. Fruity Secrets
Watch out for food allergies if you're allergic to pollen as you may also react to some fruits and vegetables that contain similar proteins. If you're allergic to tree pollen it's best that throughout Spring and Summer you avoid red berries. Red berries and sometimes even apples can cause your lips to start to tingle. Try eating dried fruit, bananas or oranges instead.

Even though I'm not a hay fever sufferer myself, I know that it's very common and that these tips may help some people out there!

Let me know if this was of help!

Thanks for reading!

Tips: Preparing For A Night Out

I thought I would do a post on what I do to get ready for a night out. This may seem like a lot and that I've made a big deal out of going for a fun night out, but it's nice to feel comfortable and confident when you're out with your friends!

1. Drink plenty of water throughout the week

If I know that I'm going out at the weekend, I tend to make sure I drink lots of water so that my skin is in tip-top condition ready for the weekend! The last thing I want is to look bad in photos and for my foundation to clog up! I've found that drinking green tea also improves the condition of my skin (even though the taste is bleugh!)

2. Pamper!

The day before I go out, I like to relax in the evening and make room for a pamper session. This usually involves washing my hair, scrubbing my skin and moisturising! I also like to use a face mask (oh and do my eyebrows!) I like to fake tan a little bit too, especially on my legs (I'm as white as paper).

3. Whiten teeth

I drink coffee everyday, which is a nightmare if you like perfect white teeth! I like to use Pearl Drops Tooth Polish in the run up to my night out, which helps whiten my teeth so I don't feel too self-conscious. Plus, I try and steer clear of coffee and fizzy drinks during the week!

4. Get your outfit sorted early!

Trust me, you don't want to be just going out the door and realise that you don't like your outfit! Try some outfits on early in the week and plan what you're going to wear. It saves plenty of time and worrying when it comes to the day (I fail to do this most of the time so make sure you plan!)

5. Practice in your shoes

I hate being on a night out and being unable to dance because my feet are in agony! Either wear sensible shoes that you know are comfortable, or practice in your heels during the week to make sure you'll be comfy! If you're still worried, pop a few plasters in your bag (which your friends may steal!) You can also buy stick-on gel supports that you can place in your shoes, which might help and make you able to at least walk 10 steps without feeling much pain ;-)

Seriously, the things girls go through to look good...

I may have made it sound like a big deal when going out, but it's best to be prepared, especially for me as I'm a big worrier! I hope this has helped in one way or another and you've enjoyed reading this. I just thought I would do a post on some tips, rather than a review!

Thanks for reading!