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how do you do your brows?
Brow mapping string is my go-to method.
I've recently perfected my technique and my brows have never looked better! I'm actually shocked at how nice my brows look and I could have never guessed that such a small change could transform my entire look. I'm afraid plucking stray hairs here and there is not enough for me anymore, I'm never going back and I've learned that eye measurement is an accurate method for shaping brows. I like my brows to frame my face perfectly, I want them to be very symmetrical and I'm a major fan of the clean, defined lines that gives you that freshly done brow look. I use the golden ratio so my brows fit my face just right and I leave no room for mistakes. It's not complicated at all - I just follow the step-by-step tutorial linked above, I'm in love with this video in particular because it's straight to the point and easy to follow. The tutorial is designed as a framework for microblading, but I personally use it to shape my brows. I believe every woman should know how to shape her own brows at home without depending on an aesthetician, and it's a simple enough skill to master.
random make up tip because I was experimenting last night: make your nose look smaller by making your eyes look bigger and your eyebrows looking full. Volumising mascara, falsies only at the ends of your eyes, concealer in the inner corners of your eyes + powder for a very natural look. Draaag it out towards the bridge of your nose and under the beginning of your waterline. bake under eyes, elongated wing and nothing on the waterline. Don’t go for the Nike justdoit eyebrows, but make them fit your face correctly and are as full as your face structure will allow.
this placement of the inner corner thing not with white shimmery eyeshadow but with your concealer and powder.
4 ways to use ginger 🫚 to heal blemishes
Ginger can be used in several ways to help with blemishes due to its anti inflammatory & antioxidant properties
🫚 Topical Ginger Mask
Fresh ginger, honey, and lemon juice.
Ginger reduces inflammation & redness, honey hydrates and heals the skin, while lemon juice brightens dark spots
Instructions: Grate a small piece of fresh ginger. Mix with 1 tbsp of honey & a few drops of lemon juice, apply to affected areas and leave for 10-15 mins
🫚 Ginger Toner
This helps reduce inflammation and prevents breakouts due to its antibacterial properties
Ingredients: Fresh ginger juice and water
Instructions: Extract the juice from fresh ginger by blending or grating & then squeezing through a cloth. Dilute the ginger juice with equal parts water. Using a cotton pad, gently apply the solution to blemish-prone areas. Let it sit for 5-10 mins
🫚 Ginger Tea for Internal Benefits
This helps reduce inflammation internally, which can improve skin clarity over time
Instructions: Boil a few slices of fresh ginger in water for 10 minutes. Strain and drink as tea, optionally adding honey or lemon for taste
🫚 Ginger Essential Oil
Ginger essential oil can reduce inflammation & fight bacteria on the skin
Instructions: Mix a few drops of essential oil with a carrier oil (like jojoba or coconut oil). Apply to blemishes as a spot treatment
🍯 Honey & Cinnamon Mask
Honey moisturizes & hydrates. Contains antioxidants that repair & protect skin & has antibacterial properties that help prevent acne
Cinnamon stimulates blood flow, making your skin glow. Helps with acne & exfoliates & remove dead skin cells.
• 1 tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• Honey moisturizes and cinnamon boosts circulation, helping firm the skin
• Mix and apply for 10-15 mins and rinse with warm water
🥚 Egg White and Lemon Mask
Egg whites tighten & firm by shrinking pores, helps with elasticity & absorbs excess oil
Lemon juice brightens skin & reduces dark spots & pigmentation. Boosts collagen production and tightens pores
• 1 egg white, 1 tsp lemon juice
• Egg whites tighten, while lemon brightens and minimizes pores
• Whisk & apply for 10-15 mins & rinse
🍦Greek Yogurt and Turmeric Mask
Greek yogurt exfoliates and tightens skin. Soothes irritated skin & creates a smooth complexion
Turmeric has anti inflammatory properties that reduce redness & swelling. Combats free radical damage. Brightens skin & even out skin tone
• 2 tbsp yogurt, 1/2 tsp turmeric
• Yogurt exfoliates & turmeric reduces inflammation
• Mix and apply for 15-20 mins, rinse
🥒 Aloe Vera and Cucumber Mask
Aloe vera soothes irritated skin and reduces redness. Hydrates deeply without clogging pores. Helps with sunburn.
Cucumber hydrates & cools the skin, reducing puffiness. Combats inflammation. Tightens and tones the skin, reducing fine lines.
• 2 tbsp aloe vera gel, 1/2 blended cucumber
• Aloe soothes and hydrates, cucumber cools & tightens
• Blend and apply for 15-20 mins then rinse with cool water
🥑 Avocado and Honey Mask
Avocado nourishes & moisturizes. Promotes collagen production. Soothes dry and irritated skin
• 1/2 ripe avocado, 1 tbsp honey
• Avocado nourishes and honey boosts elasticity
• Mash and apply for 15-20 mins, rinse
hey! so i was wondering: what are some things that you’ll always buy high end/spend more money on vs things that you’ll save on/buy cheap.
love your blog!
Spend on:
Bras: I cannot say it more emphatically; the quality of your bra will determine the quality of your entire look. If you want to look your best you have got to invest in a great quality bra that fits you perfectly. This is non-negotiable.
Nail polish: Because you don't want to spend 30 minutes applying a $1 nail polish that's going to chip after a few hours. It's best to invest in the nail polish brands that are a bit pricier but last longer because it's ultimately going to be a great investment of your time.
Bed sheets: High thread count sheets are ultimately indispensable- they last longer, wash better & they ultimately feel better. Sleep quality is one of the most important things you can invest in and I promise you great quality sheets will contribute to a better night's sleep.
Cookware: Specifically a great set of knives and pots/pans will take you a longggg way. Since I've begun taking my cooking seriously I've invested in better cookware and I swear on everything my food tastes and looks MUCH better.
Stilettos: I can't quantify the number of times I've had to leave an event early because my feet were literally screaming on account of me wearing cheap stilettos. Trust me, it's not worth it. Spend some time researching great quality shoes that are well reviewed and save yourself money and hours of excruciating pain.
Jeans: When jeans are of great quality, it shows. They hug you better, they conceal imperfections, and they can last decades. I have less than 10 pairs of jeans in total and I don't think I'll ever need any more because the ones I have are high quality and will last forever.
Hair extensions: I've had to learn the hard way that high quality human hair costs money. Yes, you can find a synthetic or virgin wig online for under $200 but within a couple of weeks, it's going to start shedding like crazy and falling apart when you put heat on it. I strongly encourage investing in one or two really high quality wigs/weaves/clip-ins, etc. that are made from raw human hair because they will last you years and save you a ton of money in the long run. The wig I'm currently wearing cost me well over $1000 but I never have to take it off, I've colored it several times with no issue, and it's going to last me years.
Save on:
Makeup products: Makeup isn't that complicated and there's no reason why you should be spending $60+ on a foundation that is made from the same ingredients as most other foundations. I'm not saying that all expensive makeup brands aren't worth their price, but I am saying that you can find perfectly great makeup products at your local convenience store. I recently returned one of my favorite Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks because I took a trip to Primark and found that their $2 lipsticks are WAY creamier, longer lasting, and complimentary on dark skin.
Workout clothes: No, you don't need to spend $80 on a pair of lululemon leggings to have a great workout, especially when there are a ton of brands that are much cheaper and provide higher quality options. And honestly, I'm a big fan of the "random-t-shirt-and-leggings-I-found-at-a-thrift-shop" workout look because I'm not trying to impress anyone at the gym and I'd rather spend my money elsewhere.
Skincare products: Similar to makeup products, the ingredients that actually matter (retionoids, vitamin c, exfoliants, & SPF) are not that expensive so you don't actually need to spend an astronomical amount to get high quality skincare. When looking for skincare products, focus less on price and more on finding ingredients that work for your skin.
Books: In today's day and age it's really not necessary to be paying $20+ on a book that you can likely access online or second-hand. So before running to Barns and Noble to find your next book, head to a local thrift shop or parous through online stores.
Designer items: Because frankly, no one's gonna know nor care whether or not you're carrying the real Chanel classic flap or the fake one you got on DhGate for $75. Unless you can very comfortably drop thousands on a single piece of clothing or accessory, you should just go ahead and have your cake and eat it too by buying the high quality replica version.
Lovingly,
Elle
Could you please make a post on how to stay fresh and put together through out the day? I always feel and look good for a while after i leave the house but the wind and weather and moving around makes me feel like a mess after a few hours and i come home looking nothing like when i left. What is your routine to maintain the way you look throughout the day?
Thanks so much💗
Hey Anon! I'm just gonna make a big list :)
Smelling amazing is the hallmark of presenting well, so I always moisturize my skin very well, apply a thin layer of perfume oil on my scent points, and douse myself in my perfume of the day. I'll also bring a travel size for touch-ups every few hours.
I keep a tin of sugar-free mints in my purse so my breath is always smelling super fresh.
I always have a small comb and brush in my purse so I can run to the bathroom and fix my hair. I also use hairspray like it's going out of style to make sure my hairstyle is maintained throughout the day.
I keep a tiny compact mirror and take a quick look at myself every hour or so to see what needs tweaking.
I've perfected my priming and setting routine to make sure my makeup stays perfectly in place for at least 12 hours.
I keep a Tide pen on me at all times.
I choose wrinkle-resistant fabrics that travel well and don't require constant ironing.
If it's windy out I'll pin my hair down while commuting to prevent flyaways
I ALWAYS have a fresh layer of lipgloss on, even if I'm not wearing any makeup.
I'm notorious for asking my friends if my hair or makeup needs fixing up.