Thursday 28 September 2023

Hey lovelies!!

It's almost October and I just know my skin is going to start hating me if I don't maintain some proper hydration over the next few months. Thankfully I've tried out all sorts of products and I'm wise enough to know that my skin often needs a little more hyaluronic acid than usual in the Autumn and Winter months. Failing that, I often reach for some of my favourite makeup products that give me a temporary glow when I'm in a rush or need a little pick me up on duller days.

Whether you want some glow inducing skincare product recommendations (glow getter), or maybe you've got those locked in and you just want some glowy makeup basics (glow get her), I've listed a few of my favourites below to help give you a head start! 

Skincare/Before Makeup:

- SPF: They weren't kidding when they said this was a must! I use a SPF 50+ sunscreen on my face because I want to protect my skin as much as possible and prevent it ageing from the sun. I highly recommend investing in one that fully protects your skin because you will really see the benefits both in the texture of your skin and, as a result, the way your makeup sits on your face.

- Hyaluronic Acid Serum: I mean kind of a no brainer but it really does give your skin a little extra boost when you add it into your skincare routine.

- Plant Derived Squalane: Makes your face super shiny afterwards but it sure does give you some serious hydration. Definitely a night serum if you're looking to wake up with dewy skin and a more youthful complexion.

- Essence: Very popular in Korean skincare and I've absolutely loved what it has done for my skin, especially this one from Cosrx. It is such a good brand and their essence has really made a difference in the way my skin looks!

- Moisturiser: It says it in the name, it gives your skin moisture! Not only does it do that but it helps to hydrate and protect your skin thereby giving you a much healthier complexion. I have tried quite a few different moisturisers and my favourite one right now is also from Cosrx (featured below).

Makeup:

- Glossier Futuredew: I adore this product! It's an oil-serum hybrid that can be used by itself or as a base for your makeup to make your foundation look that extra bit glowy. This has always been a staple for me come rain or shine!

- Highlighters: Applied to the highest points of your face, highlighters have always been the perfect go-to when you want to make any makeup look shine.

After Makeup:

- Setting Sprays: You wouldn't think this was all that important but a dewy setting spray has done wonders for getting me that beautiful glow when my makeup has looked a bit drab or too matte for my liking.

- Face Mists: Similar to setting sprays, you can easily find a good face mist that can be applied before and after makeup to hydrate your skin and give the products on your face a quick refresh.

Be sure to check out the products I've linked below and let me know of any products you recommend!

Until next time...

Love always, Stephanie

xoxo

Tuesday 26 September 2023

Hey lovelies!!

Home. Home to me can be a person, a place or even myself. I don't believe that there is just one home for me in this universe, I think people can have multiple so they feel comfortable wherever they go.

I often find myself referencing things in my head that I view as 'home' because they either make me feel safe, loved or secure or all those things combined. I can have more than one physical home, for example: my family home and my own home, just as I can feel at home with a partner, at a BTS concert (one day), in Seoul by the river or alone dancing to my favourite music.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that it doesn't have to be about a physical building in the conventional way we view a home for it to be classified as one but rather sometimes it's more about the way something feels that makes it a home to you.

I once told somebody that: I guess that home stays in your heart. When someone is no longer around (for example, a family member) they don't stop being your home because that home is now in your mind. You could revisit memories or some find comfort "talking" to that person as though they're still around. A partner can be your home and you go to them for safety, to feel comfort, etc. You can also be your own home. You simply just change which one you go to depending on what you need.

In one of my previous posts I touched on how leaving home is a shock. I know that even though it's still there and it still exists, my relationship with it has adapted slightly because I've left it, but it will always be my favourite home and where I feel most me. It was where I did all my growing up, it's where my family is and it's pretty much all I've ever known up until recently.

Over the last year, I have adapted a lot and overcome quite a few hurdles in terms of my emotional feelings about having a new home but, as time goes on, I'm learning that there should always be a balance. Things don't stay the same forever and I've learnt to both embrace and appreciate the new opportunities that have come my way. I'm bringing my sense of home into this new home and slowly but surely I've warmed up to enjoying my time here.

Now that I've let time do its thing, I feel that I can start to look inwardly and improve the relationship I have with myself so I can make my home (i.e. my mind and body) more welcoming. I'll be sure to share bits and pieces with you along the way so feel free to check back in again soon.

Until next time...

Love always, Stephanie

xoxo

Thursday 26 January 2023

New Year, New Vibes

Hey lovelies!!

I genuinely feel like the first two weeks of the year are just a practice run...actually the first month is a practice run because whilst I like the idea of having it all together before 1st January, it's not always possible.

Saying that, I have enjoyed being able to settle into the new year. The decision to take it slow, enjoy the smaller moments in life and learn more about myself and my habits is something I feel would better equip me for the rest of the year.

I'm hoping 2023 is all that I hope it will be - something about it feels right. I know that I'll go through things that will challenge me and push me out of my comfort zone but I'm going to channel the strength and confidence I had in 2019 when I had started a new job and somehow managed to not be terrified by all the new things that were being thrown my way. I think it's working...I mean I haven't had a breakdown yet so all in all, things are going well!

We all talk about goals and I really think they're important but not for shaming yourself into doing something but more so for the gentle push we all need sometimes to achieve the things we want most. The goals can be big or small but having them means that you can bring some purpose into your life and keep you focused to create a life that you love with the things and the people you love.

One of my goals is to read more and having challenged myself to read 23 books in 2023, I am ready to sit on my new sofa and bathe in the sunlight that streams into the room as I sink into the cushions and read the many books I have accumulated over the last two years but never got round to reading. I will get there and not out of sheer panic but more so because it is something that I genuinely enjoy even though I fell out of the habit soon after graduating from university.

Ease yourself into the year and don't worry if you haven't got it all figured out yet. It may be a new year but just take each new day as a chance for a fresh start if you need it. Please know that it is not the end if this first month of the year didn't go as planned, they rarely ever do so give yourself some grace and take it slow.

With that said, I hope you all have a great start to your new year and I look forward to seeing where 2023 takes us! Let's go!

Until next time...

Love always, Stephanie

xoxo

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