Category Archives: Beauty

Homemade beauty

30 Monday Jan 2012

Posted by in Beauty, Recipes

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

, , , ,

Hummus. Skim Milk. Dried lentils.

There are things I miss, now that we live in Tonga. Sometimes you’ll find an item in a supermarket, only to have it disappear the next week, never to be seen of again. I’m currently experiencing this with vegemite. I have to resort to peanut butter on my toast. And that’s just not the same.

I also miss a good body scrub. My tub ran out after a few months and I searched in vain for a replacement. The closest thing I could find was a body wash with itchy little granules that gave me a slight rash. Ewww.

So, I decided to improvise and make my own. It turned out really well and smells good enough to eat! Not only was this much cheaper than buying something from a store, it was made with things I already had in my pantry. Plus there are no added chemicals.

There are a whole bunch of recipes that you can google or look up on pinterest. This is a combination of a few, after a bit of testing. It’s what worked best for me.

DIY body scrub

1 cup white or caster sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract or essence
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon olive oil (you could also use almond oil or coconute oil)

Mix sugar, cinnamon and vanilla together. Add in the olive oil. Add more oil if you want it runnier, I like mine firm. Put into a small plastic container with a lid (yes, I put mine in a yogurt container. I make that from scratch too!). Keep in the fridge for freshness.

I’ve been using this once a week and my skin is so much happier and smoother. Make sure you wash it off well, if you don’t like a slightly oily feeling on your skin. I just leave this to soak in for extra softness!

Don’t tell my Grandma

27 Tuesday Sep 2011

Posted by in Beauty, Style

≈ 7 Comments

But I am thinking about getting a new tattoo in Tonga. My grandma doesn’t like my tattoos. When she complained after my last one, I threatened to get her name on my butt.

I currently have three. “Yahweh” on my left forearm, tattooed in Sydney, my home. It represents my faith, as Yahweh is the most high name for God.

A dove on the back of my right calf, which I got in Thailand. It represents new horizons, and the dove is also a visual depiction of the holy spirit. (Matt 3:16, Mark 1:10, Luke 3:22, John 1:32)

My third is on my left ankle. It says “Andrew” and represents my commitment to my husband. I got this one in the Philippines.

I collect tattoos from my travels, to represent different stages and experiences of my life. And because a tattoo is something you are going to have for a long time, I usually think about them for a long time before committing to my ink.

I also get them in discreet places which can be covered up, as tattoos are not everyone’s cup of tea. And I make sure they are small and elegant.

I won’t reveal what this latest tattoo will say or show. But I’m having trouble deciding on placement.

So I need votes.

Should I get photo 1, my wrist? Photo 2, my back? Photo 3, my shoulder? Or photo 4, my foot?

You can see these pictures and more on my pinterest. Just follow the link to the side!

Plantation Discovery Tour…

25 Thursday Aug 2011

Posted by in Beauty, Holiday

≈ Leave a Comment

… On why there are no road maps in Tonga.

I think I mentioned before that Tonga is a random place. Things happen at the last minute. Or don’t happen at all. Or may happen late. Or may happen next week.

Tonga has no street signs, street names or road maps. So travelling around this little island of Tongapatu is a big adventure, which hubby, myself and the five other AYAD volunteers discovered when we tried to find the beach.

We rented a van for the day and headed off in the general direction of the beach. But kept finding only rocky cliff faces. Or we’d drive down what we thought was the road to the beach. Only to realise that we were half way into someone’s Taro plantation. And that our van was bogged in the mud.

Nothing is simple in Tonga!

What I’m loving lately; Product Review

01 Friday Jul 2011

Posted by in Beauty

≈ Leave a Comment

For the last year or so I’ve been using an Aveda facial cleanser, which I really loved and it did wonders for my skin. However, at $65 a bottle and a bottle lasting around 2 months, it was not so great for our budget. I couldn’t really justify the cost anymore and have been searching for a low cost replacement. I’m pretty happy with the Aveeno Positively Radiant Cleanser and wanted to share my find. I’m also interested in the great products you guys use. Please recommend something!

The Aveeno cleanser was about $12 at a local pharmacy. So points for the price. I’ve been using it for about 6 weeks now and my skin seems to like it. The smell is citrus; nice and fresh. It has soy products, foams up ever so slightly, removes all dirt and is moisturising.  Most importantly, my skin doesn’t feel dry or tight after I use it and there is no soap residue left, so I don’t need to tone. I find most toners very drying on my skin so this is great news.

The other product I’m loving right now is Australis Paparazzi Perfect foundation. I find foundation hard to buy sometimes and usually I end up choosing a shade too light. Or a foundation that ends up cakey. This one is great and the natural beige shade matches my skin perfectly.

It evens out my skin tone so well that I really just use it as a concealer. I don’t like a full face of makeup as it makes me feel uncomfortable and most days, I just be bothered. I just dab it over any blemishes I have, sweep some over my nose and a bit under my eyes if I’m looking tired. Then I’m done.

This was $14 from Target. Bargain!

The IT List

03 Friday Jun 2011

Posted by in Beauty, Life's Thoughts, Style

≈ Leave a Comment

theitlist
Happy Friday everyone!  The IT list is celebrating it’s ONE YEAR anniversary this week!  It has been published 42 times in the past year… crazy, or what!?!? Also, the IT list will go on a brief summer hiatus for the next couple of weeks – but don’t worry, it will return before you know it!  In the meantime, enjoy these fabulous links!

  • alisha of alisha & brandon is challenging herself to mix and match 30 pieces of clothing for the next 30 days (also known as the 30/30 Challenge) – she’s off to a great start! (find alisha on twitter!)
  • infashuation is giving away a super fun multi-colored straw bag.  Go enter now… go on! (find infashuation on twitter!)
  • thought & musing is looking sweet in peach and polka dots – what a fun combo!
  • a lucky fifth is dreaming in black and white – check out the fun inspiration she has compiled here!
  • the stylish housewife is rocking a fun striped dress paired with leopard shoes – in my book a perfect match! (find the stylish housewife on twitter!)
  • rose a la mode is giving away an amazing pair of KM2 Shoes valued at over $300 – pop on over and enter! (find rose a la mode on twitter!)
  • sweetie pie style is crushing on a boho style handbag for summer – check out her picks, all under $100! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
  • good tots reviews what recipes they have been loving in her household lately… including a super yummy cocktail recipe for the adults!
  • good clean fun has the perfect summer burger for you… it’s stuffed with carmelized onions. So yum! (find good clean fun on twitter!)
  • lady M is an ‘opposite blogger’ – she’s blogging from the Souther Hemisphere where the weather is changing there, but in a different direction! (find lady M on twitter!)
  • the capital barbie is featuring some fun silk shifts for summer including this unique one from Forever 21 that is less than $35! (find the capital barbie on twitter!)
  • one hundred inspirations features Ashley Tisdale’s fresh summer outfit for only about $100!
  • good life for less turns a maxi skirt into a dress for a simple summer look. (find good life for less on twitter!)

The IT List

13 Friday May 2011

Posted by in Beauty, Life's Thoughts, Style

≈ 2 Comments

theitlist
Welcome to another inspiring installment of the IT list… take some time to be inspired by these amazing blogs – and Happy Friday! 

  • rebecca with an R spells out her current wish list… what made the cut? This gorgeous clutch for one, the rest you are going to have to find out yourself by heading over there! (find rebecca with an R on twitter!)
  • one hundred inspirations recreates this gorgeous 70′s inspired Elle Machpherson look on a budget – I am really loving this look!
  • a spot of whimsy found these really neat graphic maps for popular cities in Europe.  They are so unique, I would love one for myself! (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
  • capital barbie rounds up unique graduation gifts for a stylish grad – she has some great ideas here!  I really love this bow ring. (find capital barbie on twitter!)
  • baby shopoholic got some great pieces and great deals at baby Gap recently. I can’t stand how cute this denim moto jacket is!  
  • lady M is sporting an adorable floral bib necklace and has the perfect outfit to go with it. I am loving this necklace for spring! (find lady M on twitter!)
  • the stylish housewife celebrates her birthday in this gorgeous one shouldered maxi dress. Go over and wish her a Happy Birthday! (find the stylish housewife on twitter!)
  • good clean fun brings you good old fashioned milk and cookies… chocolate toffee cookies to be exact! Yum! (find good clean fun on twitter!)
  • sweetie pie style is crushing on coral… what a perfect shade for summer. I am loving all her picks… especially this nail polish, but make sure you swing by to check out the others! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
  • the fancy red boots has an adorable outfit for a day away from the city… check out her boots that she found at an unlikely spot. I love them! (find the fancy red boots on twitter!)
  • good tots rounds up ‘sweet’ macaron themed items from etsy – perfect for the francophile gal in your life.  This poster is just too, too cute!
  • infashuation rocks this amazing horse sweater AND she dishes on where she finds one of kind pieces like these – don’t miss her tips! (find infashuation on twitter!)
  • along abbey road is giving away a gift card to Anthropolgie… need I say more? Pop on over to enter why don’t you!?!
  • thought and musing has the most perfect outfit for a picnic if there ever were one.  And I am absolutely in love with her hat!
  • rose a la mode is looking perfect in plaid… also stop by to get the word on her new posting schedule. You know, the early bird gets the worm! (find rose a la mode on twitter!)
the IT list is produced weekly by jill of good life for less, for information on how you can be involved, click here!

Fashion Beauty Friend Friday

04 Friday Mar 2011

Posted by in Beauty

≈ Leave a Comment

Hi friends,
I’ve recently joined a group called Fashion Beauty Friend Friday run by the inspiring Katy Rose. (Click here for more info) It’s such a great idea – each friday all the ladies who participate answer questions on one particular aspect of their life/style/blogging habit. Keep reading for my first effort, today’s topic is all things beauty related!

1. What’s your favorite drug store makeup product and your favorite higher-end product?

Hmmm, I’m not the best person to answer these questions! I really don’t wear a lot of makeup or spend much moneyon beauty products. I prefer a natural, low key look. Lately, my best purchase was gold nail polish for $2. I think it was from Hot Dollar, so you know, super classy. My favourite higher end product is my facial cleanser from Aveda which is around $60. Which is VERY expensive for me but works wonders for my skin.

2. Is there one type of product that is your go-to, can’t live without?

I’d say a basic, light foundation. I use it more as a concealer, quite sparingly on my face, rather than full on coverage. I wear that most days to even skin tone. Right now I’m using one from Rimmel but I often swop shades and brands to experiment.

3. What’s the best hair product you’ve ever used?

Dry shampoo. It’s amazing. If you have never used it run, don’t walk, to the pharmacy! I love that it quickly freshes up your hair, gives volume and saves time – less shampooing needed. Brunettes take note: only ever use the coloured ones for brunettes. Or else you’ll get a grey tinge.

4. Fess up, what’s the worst beauty look you’ve tried to rock and look back at now with a little shame or apprehension that you actually did that?

All of my haircuts in high school, accompanied with ugly glasses that were too big for my face.  There was no rocking anything. It wasn’t a cool nerdy look. It was just embarrassing!

5. When it comes to beauty products, we all use the same basic products. What do you use that helps show off your personal flare and personality?

I think it’s always best to work with what you’ve got. And stick to what makes you feel comfortable. There are beautiful women who just love to experiment with makeup but that will never be me, as I can’t be bothered. I’ve made more of an effort lately as I have my picture taken most mornings for the blog, and that helps me feel confident in photos.

My skin is a paler creamy colour so I might highlight this with a little pink blush. My eyes are very big and pale blue (my favourite feature of myself) so I might wear lots of mascara and leave it at that.

Not to force my views on anyone but to me, this sums it up best. “Beauty is fleeting and a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Proverbs 31.

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 262 other followers