Beauty Blogger Tag

Hello Beauties,  

I decided to do this Blogger Tag that I found on Sweetaholic Beauty Blog, for you to get to know me a bit better :)

So, let's start;

1. Is your hair naturally curly or straight?

My hair is naturally straight and sometimes it is annoying since it doesn't hold curls, and after two hours I end up with wavy hair instead of curly hair.

2. What is your natural hair color?

Naturally, it is ash blonde. However, at the moment it is a redish kind of color. 

3. Do you dye it yourself or go to a salon?

I prefer to go to a salon instead of doing it myself even it entails paying more. I am somewhat wary of doing it myself. 

4. How often do you wash your hair?

I wash my hair approximately 3 times a week. 

5. Do you wear the same style every day or change it?

It depends on the occasion and were I am going that day. During the week I wear Office-Wear since I work full time. Then if I am going out in the evening I like to wear smart casual type of clothing. 

6. Do you do your own mani/pedi or go to a salon?

I do my own mani/pedi, I never went to a salon. The reason for this being that I don't have the time to go to a nail salon every two weeks. 

7. How often to you change your nail polish?

I don't apply nail polish regularly. I like my nails natural and also it is not healthy for your nails to always apply nail polish. 

8. Do you polish your toes in the winter, too or just in the summer?

Hmm, I almost never polish my toes neither in Summer and much less in Winter. 

9. How long does it take to put on your makeup?

It depends on were I'm going. If I am going to work it takes about 15 minutes. If I am going out it takes about 30 minutes. 

10. What do you do first? Face or eyes?

I always start face first. First concealer, foundation, then I do my eyes, and last step I apply powder to set everything. 

11. Do you "collect" makeup or just buy what you need when you need it?

I loveeee makeup, I collect it. 

12. How often do you wear false eyelashes?

Only on special occasions, since they irritate my eyes. 

13. Do you do a full face of makeup every day?

No not everyday. I do a full face of makeup only when I am going out.

14. Do you wear makeup when you are home alone (or with family)?

No, I hate wearing makeup when I'm at home.  

15. Will you leave the house without makeup?

No, never. 

16. How many high end products do you have?

I think none. The most high end products that I own are MAC products. 

17. How often do you wash your makeup brushes?

Every 3 weeks. I know I should wash them more often, but sometimes I am too lazy to even bother lool. 

18. Do you plan your OOTD every night or decide when you are getting dressed?

During the week, I just decide then and there. However, I plan every outfit for the weekend during the week. 

19. How often do you change your handbag?

Almost never. If I like a handbag, I stick to it till it falls apart hehe.

20. What time do you get up & go to sleep?

I get up at 6.00am and sleep at about 11.00pm

21. How often & when do you workout?

I workout 3 days a week, and also it depends how tired I am after work. 

22. Left-handed or Right-handed?

Right handed!

23. How tall are you?

Average height. 

24. Do you speak a foreign language?

My mother language is Maltese. Foreign languages that I speak fluently are, English and Italian. 

25. How many pets do you have?

Persian Cat called 'Carina' :)

26. How often are you on Blogger?

Lately it has been quite hard to keep track of my posts since I am busy with work, however I try to be on Blogger at least once a week.

27. Do you read the comments posted blogs?

Yes, of course. I love receiving and reading all the comments :) 

28. Do you keep a list of products to try as you see other posts?

No I don't. If I watch a video pr read a post about a new product I prefer to research about it then and there. 

29. How did you come up with your blog name?

It wasn't very hard hehe. I just my feelings into a couple of words. 

30. What kind of camera do you use for photographs?

Fujifilm Finepix AX

31. How often do you clean your house? (Daily, weekly, other)

Twice a week. 

32. What is your favorite color?

Royal blue for sure. 

33. What is your favorite beauty/fashion magazine?

I don't have one, I don't read magazines. 

34. Do you swear?

Sometimes, when I'm really angry. 

35. What are you doing with the rest of your day?

Well, at the moment its 8.17pm, so with the rest of the evening, I am going to watch some episodes from the series 'Suits' and then go to sleep. 

That's all for the questions,

I tag everyone to do this tag, and leave your response in the comments section below,

Until next time,

Take Care,

Jessica :)

Beautiful Malta:- Fawwara

Hey Beauties,

This post is especially for our international viewers. In this post I am not going to talk about beauty related to makeup or hair, but beauty related to our beautiful country, Malta.

Last weekend I visited a place called 'Fawwara'. I knew it existed however this was the first time that  I visited this picturesque area. This is a stretch of land between Siggiewi, Rabat and Had- Dingli which are situated south west of the island.

Malta: Il- Fawwara

 Il- Fawwara: History

In the past, Fawwara was known for the large amount of water it supplied. It dates back to the times when the Arabs controlled Malta in the thirteen century. It is a host to two Chapels. one that is dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel which was built in 1616 and the other one is dedicated to Our Lady of Providence which was built in 1575.

I was mesmerized by its natural beauty:

Fawwara cliffs

Fawwara: my mother from the top of the cliffs.

This is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in Malta since only a couple of people live here and no cars can pass through it. I kept on walking to the top of these cliffs which go all the way to Dingli which is another quiet village in Malta.

Fawwara: Filfa

From Fawwara Cliffs, a small uninhabited island that forms part of the Maltese Archipelago, Filfa, can be clearly seen. During 1980, it became a bird reserve, where 3 types of bird species are protected. The following photos are the view that can be seen from Fawwara Cliffs:

Fawwara: Dingli Cliffs

Fawwara: View

Fawwara: View

So, if you are planning to visit Malta someday, this is a good place to start and relax on your vacation,

Until next time.

Take Care,

Jessica xxx

Review:- Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation

Heyy Beauties,

I have a review for you today. I am always in search for new foundations, and after reading and watching very good reviews about this product I decided to purchase it. I purchased it from Echemist with the added bonus of free shipping to Malta. It retails for 11.19 euro, which I think is not that bad when compared to other foundations for example an Artdeco foundation which is 15 euro.

Before starting to use the Bourjois Foundation, I was using an Artdeco Foundation which I had been using for about two years, however lately I noticed that it was breaking me out and after taking a look at the ingredients I noticed that it contained lots of parabens and also an ingredient called oxybenzone. Oxybenzone is found in sun screen products and in fact the Artdeco foundation has SPF. Although the Oxybenzone protects the skin from the sun, it is absorbed in our system and can cause damage to cells and affect hormones. So I think that it is this ingredient that is causing my acne break outs.

The Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation does not contain any SPF and upon using for the first time, I noticed quite an improvement in my skin. Its ingredients when compared with those of the Artdeco product are much better with the added benefit of having fruit ingredients. It claims to use "Fruit therapy for radiance and boosting and maintains essential skin hydration". I vouch for this product that it does what it claims. After using it for about a week and a half my skin looks healthier and my acne has dramatically decreased. It also is oil free.

It has medium coverage however it can be full coverage when built up. The down side of this product is that there is a limited range of colors to choose from.

For the packaging, its a plastic packaging so if it falls it does not break, like other foundation packaging, and it has a pump therefore the product is not wasted. Unlike other foundations, which have a plasticy kind of smell, this foundation has a really sweet and fruity smell.

Therefore, to conclude, I highly recommend this product especially for sensitive, oily and acne prone skin since this foundation takes care of your skin.

Have you used this product? What do you think of it?

Hope you found this review helpful,

Until next time,

Take Care,

Jessica :)

Benefits of Olive Oil

Hi Beauties,

I use a lot of natural products in my beauty regime and decided to share my remidies with you. One of products I cannot live wthout is olive oil. It is pure and natural and healthy for the skin and body. From my personal experience I recommend using Extra Virgin oilve oil since it's more natural and scentless.

Regardless where olive oil is applied – Face or body, it provides moisture to keep the skin looking healthy and beautiful. This natural moisturizer is best used on damp skin, since it reduces greasiness.

Olive oil works with dry and oily skin types since everyone has to moisturize. However, if one has acne-prone skin, one has to use olive oil in smaller amounts, due to the fact that is can lead up to blocked pores.

Exfoliator

If one has dry and scaly skin, one should mix some sea salt, with the olive oil, and gently message it into the affected areas, to remove the dead skin, and enrich the layer beneath it.

Nails

For those who have dry nails and cuticles, olive oil is the answer. Simply, rub the cuticle area and around the nail, with a few drops of olive oil. This provides the cuticles to stay moist, and thus giving the nails a natural shine.

Eye makeup remover

One can simply add a few drops of olive oil onto a cotton pad and gently remove eye makeup without producing any irritation to the delicate skin around the eye. If regularly used, olive oil shall soften the skin, and smooth out any wrinkles. Then, procede with toner to remove the oil residue.

Hair care

When olive oil used on hair and scalp, it could provide the benefits of a deep conditioner. This is done, by coating one’s hair with olive oil, and leaving it for at least 30 minutes – The longer it’s left onto the hair, the hair shall be smoother and shiner. I, personally leave mine during the night. Afterwards, shampoo regularly twice to remove the film of olive oil, and continue with conditioner.

Avoid stretch-marks, treat dried-out skin and eczema by rubbing oil into affected region straight from the bottle.

Hope you found it helpful.

Take Care,

Rachel

XoXo

Review: NYX Cream Blush

Hello Beauties,

The cream blushes have 3.5g of product which is a fair amount for the price. I have the shades CB 02 Natural and CB08 Hot Pink. 

Natural is a light nude-pink shade hence the name Natural, while Hot flush is a fuchsia colour and really goes bright on the cheek. The cream blush is really creamy, soft and one should use a minimal amount. The blushes add the right flush to the cheeks without looking heavy or obvious that one is wearing blush. After applying a face primer, I use my finger - dotting it to my cheeks for a natural effect, then blending it with a small stipple brush. Afterwards, I set the cream blush with a powder blush or a pressed powder for staying power. Those who have dry skin may leave this step out since it creates a very dewy finish. It lasts all day and is very buildable and natural-looking.

There are a lot of shade to choose from; ranging from natural to reds, which can compliment every skin tone. These blushes do not have any scent. Nyx Cosmetics can be found on http://www.cherryculture.com/ , http://www.nyxcosmeticsstore.co.uk/ . For our maltese viewers both websites ship to Malta. *yay*.

Take Care,

Rachel

xoxo

Twitter

Hi Beauties :)

Just to let you know that we have created Beauty is our Passion twitter account. Follow us for extra updates about this blog :)

https://twitter.com/JessicaRachel15

Also our Facebook page is:

http://www.facebook.com/BeautyIsOurPassionBlog

Take Care

Jessica & Rachel xxx

Benefits of Green Tea

Hello beauties, 

Green tea is made from Camellia Sinensis leaves originated in China. It is very beneficial for the human body.

Benefits of drinking green tea:

Studies have shown that green tea formulations reduce sun damage which will enhance sun protection when used in addition to a sunscreen.

Green tea is likely to slow down the development of some signs of aging since it has collagenase and elastase.

Green tea is also known as an antioxidant which accelerates weight loss by stimulating the body’s nervous system. This leads to fat being sent through the blood stream to the body cells to use as fuel.

The body is benefited with extra energy. It also releases the excess water and burns fat.

In these hot days of summer I recommend reaching for an iced green tea since it is the most refreshing way to cool off in summer. It is recommended to drink at least 3 cups or more per day to enjoy the health giving properties of green tea.

Green tea treatment:

In order to make this treatment you will need:

• Ice cube tray,
• Green tea,
• Hot water.
• Lemon juice (optional)

Add 1 to 2 green tea bags (it depends on how much you'd like your tea to be concentrated) to the hot water along with a teaspoon of lemon juice (optional) and stir, until the water cools down to room temperature. Pour the mixture in the ice cube tray and let them freeze for about 24hrs.

First wash your face with a cleanser using warm water in order to open up the pores, then grab an icecube, using it as a toner and rubbing it all over your face until it all melts. Afterwards, wash your face with cold water to close your pores and add your favourite moisturizer. The green tea ice cubes will calm the irritation from a pimple or reduce the appearance of large pores, de-puff any under-eye bags and face altogether.

Take Care,

Rachel 
xoxo

How to control/reduce under eye circles

Hello Beauties:)

As requested by one of our followers, here is how to control or reduce persistent under eye circles.

We all suffer from under eye circles from time to time and they are not a pretty sight. These may be caused by several factors. 

One of the main causes is lack of sleep. Lack of adequate sleep can cause one’s skin to appear paler, therefore increasing the appearance of darkness under the eyes, and also it reduces circulation. If you suffer from insomnia, I would recommend applying an eye crème in the evening before bed and in the morning when you wake up. Make sure that the eye crème that you choose contains Vitamin K and Retinol since these significantly reduce puffiness and discoloration. The eye crème that I use is Nutriganics smoothing eye crème by The Body Shop. I like this product because it is an organic type of product since 99% of the total ingredients are from natural origin. Also, I like how it reduced the puffiness around my eyes and it also reduces the appearance of the first lines and wrinkles. 

Another cause is an unhealthy diet and lifestyle, which is the cause of many ailments in our body. By eating a healthy balanced diet and take the necessary vitamins and the right amount of water, under eye circles should be reduced. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially spinach and cabbage since these have a lot of necessary vitamins. Also, take a vitamin supplement if necessary. 

Smoking does not do your eyes and skin any favors. Smoking causes vascular problems that not only threaten your life but also make your blood vessels appear more prominent and bluer. 

Under eye circles may be the result of an allergic reaction. The most frequently occurred allergies are to, for example pasteurized milk from hormone- treated cows, processed grains, fruits and veggies with residual pesticides and other products that people had never eaten until just several generations ago. Allergies can also be caused by mascaras. Personally, my eyes experience an allergic reaction to water proof mascaras and become blood shot and puffy. 

Natural Remedies

1  1)    Use Cucumbers:- Cucumber slices have long been used to reduce puffiness and refresh the appearance of skin around the eyes. Place a slice over each eye, extending over the darkened area. Do this three times a week coupled with lying down for 10-15 minutes.

2  2)    Apply cool tea bags or an ice cube wrapped in a soft cloth:- The ingredient of Tannin in tea bags reduces swelling and discoloration. Lie down, preferable in the morning, and leave the cool and damp tea bags over your eyes for about 10-15 minutes.

3  3)    Drink green tea:- Green tea is a natural anti oxidant. It is very beneficial for one’s general healthy lifestyle and also to reduce and control under eye circles. 

4  4)  Use a frozen spoon:- Put a spoon in the freezer for 10-15 minutes. Take it out and cover your eyes with it. Hold it there until the spoon is warm again. 

Extra Tips

• Be gentle to your under- eye skin, as this is the most delicate skin on your body
• Avoid rubbing your eyes. The rubbing irritates the skin and can break capillaries underneath, causing both puffiness and discoloration.
• Wear dark sunglasses to protect your eyes.
• Drink water
•  Do not drink too many fluids before bedtime. This can contribute or add to bags under your eyes.

I hope this post was helpful

Until next time

Take Care

Jessica :)

Sources:- 

http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Black-Circles-Under-Your-Eyes

http://allwomenstalk.com/five-tips-on-how-to-get-rid-of-under-eye-dark-circles-and-puffiness/2/

http://www.totalbeauty.com/content/article/how-to-reduce-under-eye-circles

Sephora duo eyeshadow review

Hello Beauties,

Today, I will be reviewing 2 SEPHORA duo eyeshadow.

Hot Brown No3

Gorgeous Pink No4

I own Hot Brown No3 and Gorgeous Pink No4. Each duo was on sale for €3 so I couldn't pass this up. The packaging is very sleek and sturdy. According, to the SEPHORA website these shadows are described as ''A duet of highly pigmented, long-lasting, exclusive shadows that reinvent color intensity''. In fact these shadow are highly pigmented and true to colour however not long lasting as stated. These eyeshadows creases without a primer within 2-3 hrs of wear. With Too Faced Shadow Insurance (an eyeshadow primer) the eyeshadow held for 8+ hrs. I didn't experience any fallout with these shadows. These eyeshadows blend very well with each other as well as other brands shadows. All shadows have the right amount of shimmer.

I would recommend any duo from this collection.

Top: Without TFSI
Bottom: With TFSI

Take Care,

Rachel