For the past year or so I've been craving a complete change in my home. After it became obvious that I spend more hours browsing Pinterest for furniture than I do for makeup, I've decided that I'm finally ready to tackle that daunting (but oh, so exciting!) task of upping my interiors game.
Haircare is something I've been increasingly interested in although it hasn't been my forte in the past. Not that I don't like taking care of my hair - quite the contrary, I love investing time and effort in it. But I've never found my "hair identity" and this is fortified by the fact I don't have a particular hair salon I'm loyal to. Few years ago I've changed more shampoos than mascaras every month. Thankfully, alverde shampoos are now my safe harbor but apart from them - I still haven't formed a solid hair care routine I know I can stick by. But I'm open to trying new things in order to make my dream hair care routine happen.
Since the beginning of this year, sprouts have been a small but very welcomed addition to my diet. They're incredibly benefitial and so easy to incorporate into your diet be it as an extra to breakfast, lunch, dinner or even a snack. Once you get a taste of their crunchy, tasty goodness in a salad, on a sandwich or in pasta, you may find yourself asking for this option on repeat so there's no reason not to become a sprouts person. Many refer to them as wonder food due to their high nutritional value. Natural sprouts are good for a healthy body and mind development. They ensure blood purification and strengthen the immune system.
My skin hasn't been oily ever since I left puberty and I'm turning 30 in July so a matte and dry complexion is the epitome of what I'm trying to avoid. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation definitely isn't something I'd pick up for myself while in the drugstores as it's made for normal to oily skin and it contains powders to mattify the complexion. Having all 6 shades sent over (110, 115, 120, 130, 220, 230), I was sure I'll be putting myself through a torture. Imagine the look on my face when I applied this foundation and there wasn't a trace of a matte finish. I must admit, that's where I became intrigued.
Every brand has their forte and I love exploring especially drugstore brands because I tend to find a few budget-friendly yet high-quality finds. Italian Debby wowed me with their mascaras, a face primer but mostly with their Contouring & Strobing Powder Palette (from the #selfie Perfect Collection). I still use that palette almost on a daily basis and I've found another winner which hasn't left my makeup bag ever since it touched my lids. This is the only eyeshadow you need this summer and it's actually waterproof (read: sweat-proof!).
My makeup routine has changed a lot and I've managed to include an almost red (but nor actually a red) lipstick on days when I want to elevate my makeup - aaand there's a brown eye pencil I've been wearing almost every single day. There's tons of new things around here so I won't waste any time, let's get this overview started!
Clinique is a brand I'm truly fond of but I wasn't exactly sold on their contour and highlight sticks - the contour is actually a brontour (cross between a contouring and bronzing shade) whilst the highlight seemed too pale and pinkish (I prefer a golden highlight). Sure, I'm very keen on their lip chubby sticks, matte pop lippies, pop blushes and skincare but these weren't supposed to be suitable to my needs and taste. Boy, was I proved wrong!
What can I tell you about my diet and what have I been eating for the past six months? You know my philosophy - it's all down to balancing things out. Even when I wanted to lose 10kg I haven't been cutting anything out and every change was gradual as the worst thing you could possibly do is abruptly cut out all the carbs - that's something I'd never ever recommend. Basically, what helped me lose weight and keep all those juicy extras away is just common sense.