Re-Designing my blog

Hi my lovely followers,

Just an important update that I will no longer be using this site (wanderlustplanetsite.wordpress.com), as it is part of a WordPress site and I was looking for a more formal option. I decided to go with a website that is my own personal website and it is named: Glamorous without Guilt

I want to stay connected with all you lovely people, so please follow me on my new website on the following link.

https://glamorouswithoutguilt.blog/

See you on Glamorous without guilt!

-Lizzie x

What does a beauty writer’s evening beauty routine look like?

I’ve had a couple of requests over the past few weeks if i can write a blog post about my evening beauty routine and what it entails. It’s not easy figuring out a beauty routine which suits your skin type. Everyone’s technique is going to vary depending on their skin type and some might like to include other products than what I use on my skin. But for me, instead of a cleansing type of beauty ritual, my routine is more so based on focusing on having that “me” time. I like to include lot’s of relaxing products and comfortable sleepwear to help me get into my “zen” mode. Its very important at the end of each day to be able to relax, but I understand that it can be difficult as well at times, when the days are jam-packed with things to do and time always ticking by so fast.

I think one of the hardest parts of forming a good beauty routine is to keep that habit up. In order to find a routine that  works with me, I had to do some researching into products and also self-conducting tests to work out exactly how much I should be concentrating on my beauty prep before bed. Like I mentioned earlier it does vary from person-to-person.

Here is a run down of what my beauty routine before bed looks like:

Resurrection hand balm

Hand creme-Invest in a good quality hand creme. Something natural, paraben-free, deeply moisturising, and something which has soothing ingredients. I use Aesop’s Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm ($31.00).

Makeup wipes-I know a lot of people don’t like using makeup wipes to remove makeup, because of some of the harsh chemicals in cheap drug store brands. Others believe that the makeup wipe is only spreading the bacteria on the face. I honestly believe the more you save up and invest in good quality skincare, the more your skin will glow and benefit from it. There are eco-friendly and paraben-free makeup wipes out there. A lot of them actually do come with added vitamins and soothing ingredients such as tea-tree and aloe-vera. The more you are willing to research and invest, the more your skin will appear in a nice healthy condition.

Cleanse-Cleansing your face after you have removed your makeup is a good habit to fall into. Benefits include the removal of oil, dirt and debris build up on the skin. I always cleanse my face  after I remove my makeup. Cleansing also helps to remove any bit of makeup that is still on my skin. I love the feeling of my skin being nice and soft after I cleanse.

Face mask-Once a week, I will put a face mask on. The benefits of placing a facemark is endless. Some benefits include: removal of excess oils on the skin, and help with keeping pores under control. I use the “No Dirt On Me-Natural Silk Facial Mask” brand and it doesn’t have any hidden nasty ingredients in the face mask. It’s what you want out of a face mask, also something which is healthy and which nourishes the skin.

Sleep-Over the past few weeks, I’ve tested what the exact amount of hours of sleep I need in order to feel refreshed and up-and-going in the morning. I set an alarm for less than six hours and it ruined me. So less than six hours was a “no go.” Then I tried getting a good night’s sleep by sleeping 7-8 hours. I found out that I need at least between 7-8 hours of sleep everyday in order to function properly. Investing also in a quality mattress will definitely make your nights sleep more sweet. The Leesa mattress (see below) is designed with a universal adaptive feel to provide the cooling  and core support to help individuals sleep better. Check out Leesa to learn more about their luxury mattress https://www.leesa.com/products/leesa-mattress

 

Leesa mattress

According to The Sleep Foundation (2017) website, individuals spend up to one-third of their lives asleep and most people don’t get enough sleep. Never the less, sleep also plays a vital role in our beauty sleep. This was something my mother drilled in me from when I was younger. “Make sure  you go to bed early to    have wonderful skin, otherwise if you don’t, wrinkles will start slowly appearing!”

Silk pillowcase-invest in a silk pillowcase-100% Pure Silk Pillowcases-have benefits such as the silk being hypoallergenic and keeping your skin cool and hair healthy while you have your beauty sleep.
https://www.shhhsilk.com.au/collections/sleep/products/2-pack-pink-silk-pillowcases

Lavender mist spray-we are fortunate to be living in a world where we have access to a lot of amazing products. I use a
lavender mist spray on my face to make me feel calm and rested before bed. I’ve always had a fascination with lavender and the soothing effect one squirt of the spray releases, is truly a bit of heaven! But you don’t need to spray the mist on your face/body, you can also spray a bit  on your pillow too!

Fluffy robes-Are my favourite! They are just so warm and soft, I would definitely recommend investing in one for winter, because without it I have have turned into a frozen ice cube by now!

Ugg boots-What more can I say? everyone should invest in a pair of Ugg boots for winter. The Peter Alexander Ugg Boots (which I have), are made from real suede, has a comfortable EVA sole, and are warm and toasty, nicely coloured, and are made from 100% Sheepskin lining.

Snuggly PA pj’s

Flannel PJ’s & thick winter bed socks-Lastly, I absolutely love, investing in a few pairs of thick winter socks. There are some really cute designs and patterns on winter socks from Myer and David Jones and there are even knee-high options. With Flannel PJ’s, in winter the aim is to stay as warm as you possibly can, I don’t know what I would do without flannel PJ’s.

Follow me on Twitter to stay up-to-date with my beauty writing adventures: @wandertravel1

 

Why Eco Friendly Makeup Wipes And Bamboo Products Are On Trend

Ever wondered what ingredients makeup wipes consist of? Or whether they are healthy or harmful for the skin?

With the latest trends of fashion, makeup and skincare, makeup wipes have made a new comeback. Soothing ingredients such as camomile, lavender and tea-tree oil have taken the next step into making this transformation.

No longer do makeup wipes need cause skin irritations on an individual’s skin. Nor do they need to have the added ingredient of alcohol in wipes which produces a stinging sensation or drying of the skin.

Now thanks to the beauty gods, Kendall Seddon, Co-Founder of ‘Luvme’, an eco-friendly and organic product business, makeup wipes do not have to be full of nasties anymore!

Kendall told The Carousel about what ingredients her products consist of and how she started her family-run business based in the hinterland of northern NSW, Australia.

What was the inspiration behind your organic bamboo makeup wipes?

We started with Littleshoppers on-line business then created the LUVME Brand. I am a mum of three beautiful girls and I wanted to create and develop a product that would make a difference to the earth my children inherit and generations to come. It bothered me greatly that 3.75 million nappies go into landfill in Australia and New Zealand every day. Research says that disposable nappies take 500 years to break down in landfill, so I began to research how we could develop premium nappy and wipes which would break down in two years and be biodegradable. The products are made from bamboo and are super absorbent without all the chemicals, alcohol, chlorine and other nasties, while still maintaining quality, features and comfort any parent expects for their baby.

What year did you start your business?

We started out in 2010 with Littleshoppers selling baby products on-line and on e-bay. My mum Laurie is also my business partner and we then developed a business plan to create the Luvme brand which I researched to develop our products, patents, manufacturing and marketing of our eco bamboo nappies and wipes. Over the past few years we have grown our range of products and we are now launching our new LUVME Eco Bamboo Pull-up pants, Australia’s first biodegradable Pull-up! Our family value in the business is that together we can make a difference ‘one babies bottom at a time!’

Why do you think eco products and wipes with the inclusion of vitamins are making a comeback to remove make-up from the skin?

Like so many trends over the years they get revived and reinvented. Sometimes simplicity is just the best.

Cleansing our skin of make-up is important, it’s an essential step for good skin care. For busy mum’s and women on-the-go, carrying a LUVME Bamboo 20 Pack of wipes in your bag or kept in the bathroom is so convenient, they are already moistened so wiping off your make-up is one easy quick and simple step!

Luvme Bamboo wipes are biodegradable and compostable! We use only natural ingredients and bamboo has excellent natural antibacterial and deodorising properties along with citric extract (fruit based) to cleanse our skin gently. LUVME wipes are gentle on all sensitive skin from babies, toddlers, and yes …make-up removal and safe and gentle on skin conditions such as acne and eczema too.

How are your wipes beneficial to the skin? And how do they differ from other brands?

LUVME Eco wipes are 100% bamboo, they’re fragrance and alcohol free, naturally moistened with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E together with purified water, vegetable glycerine, citric extract and plant based decyl glucocide and polyaminopropyl as preservatives. Aloe vera is renown for providing anti-inflammatory properties and also for healing chronic skin problems such as acne and eczema. It’s an amazing ingredient that is gentle and effective together with Vitamin E, which has antioxidant properties which work to protect damaged skin cell structure… so as a make-up wipe it’s really a great tonic for your skin as it cleans.

On a babies bottom it is soothing, and protects their sensitive skin from developing rashes and discomfort.

Other brands use alcohol, fragrances and chemicals, all of which get absorbed through our skin. Alcohol has a drying effect on our skin so it’s not going to enhance anti-ageing, and I guess it’s a personal choice as to what we are happy to put on our skin. We believe ‘natural’ is best!

Where can consumers buy your products?

Our products are sold in Independent retails such as Foodworks, IGA stores, SPAR Supermarkets, Your Friendly Grocer, GO VITA, chemists, organic and health stores across Australia, as well as being sold retail in some child care centres too.

Customers can call us or email to locate a local stockist in their area.

Is your collection limited only to mums?

No not all! The Bamboo wet wipes also come in an 80 pack size and we sell them to Child Care Centres, Aged Care Centres, and really anyone can use the wipes!

They are great to have in the car if you’ve had take-away or an ice-cream and want to wipe your hands, we know of truck drivers who handle fuel and hoses who buy our wipes and love them and are impressed by how strong LUVME wipes are too!

The LUVME ‘All Natural’ Coconut & Lavender baby Bath Wash is suitable for all the family, we are going to re-label this product as ‘Family Wash’. It’s also great to fill up your hand-wash dispenser with and use in your bathroom. Bath-time isn’t just for babies, I love a big bath at the end of my day. Coconut oil leaves your skin super soft and lavender is soothing, so a great combination to settle and soothe …. dare I say with a glass of wine!

Tell us what you mean when you say your brand is perfect for Eco Mums “without the Organic Price Tag”

As consumers we know anything sold as ‘Organic’, ‘Natural’ or ‘ Eco friendly’ usually means a more expensive price tag.

In many cases these products are considered a speciality and exclusive. Our family dream was to manufacture a quality bamboo, eco friendly, biodegradable nappy and wipes that is very affordable, a competitive price against all the other brands, so that parents can have a choice to buy a premium eco friendly product, guilt free of all the nasties, knowing it is better for their baby and they are contributing to a better earth for future generations.

A product we are proud of, that all families can afford, because let’s face it the family budget is always under stress.

Check out LUVME  products here.

*** Please note: My article was published on The Carousel Website https://thecarousel.com/beauty/why-eco-friendly-makeup-wipes-and-bamboo-products-are-on-trend/

***To keep up-to-date with the latest beauty news, make sure you’re following me on twitter: https://twitter.com/wandertravel1

 

Film Review: All Eyez On Me (2017) by Elizabeth Charters

“Legends never die.”

Benny Boom (Next Day Air, 48 Hours to Live), directs an all star cast in All Eyez on Me, delivering an exceptional film about the life of rapper, actor, and activist Tupac Shakur (played by  the talented Demetrius Shipp Jr.). The film features elements of hip-hop music and provides behind the scenes analysis deciphering the hidden messages behind Tupac’s lyrics, including controversial songs such as ‘Brenda’s got a baby.’

‘Thug life’ has never been a more accurate summary as the film depicts Tupac’s struggle from early days in New York, emerging on the stage, to selling platinum records and charting number one hits, until his tragic death, at the age of twenty-five. Tupac’s empowering speeches on issues surrounding race, with him being described as a revolutionist and an influential hero, adds to his success in informing white America of the harshness and grim consequences that individuals faced because of race-related issues.

The film displays Tupac’s rawness as his powerful music portrays America as ‘the biggest gang there is’. Themes that play a crucial role in representing Tupac’s life, include friendship and how famous artists strengthen their ties to each other by looking after each other, especially in the music industry. More so, the film just as much states that if you wrong the people who look after you there will be consequences as well. Dominic L. Santana stars as Suge Knight, who manages Tupac’s music success, and Jamal Woolard plays rap legend Biggie Smalls. Not only do the actors mimic famous rappers’ personalities, but they also look a lot like what the original all star legends did. Tupac also states during the film, “If they kill me, I want the people to have every drop, to know the real story”.

All Eyez On Me illustrates that music is something more and that it speaks to people in various ways. One of these concepts which Tupac marks in his music is that of struggles and gang communities. Tupac reminds his viewers, “A shooting can happen anytime and anywhere”. Just as some are proud of his success, there are people who are jealous and would do anything to eliminate Tupac from the competition. The film reminds viewers of how some individuals were out to ruin Tupac’s image and that he was constantly reminded of the “bullseye on his back” because of race.

The media focusing on Tupac’s private life and the American Vice President disagreeing with what Tupac wanted his music to represent, provided Tupac with “all the tools to destroy himself”. This is a must-see film which documents the talented cultural icon whose legacy continues to grow long after his passing.

All Eyez On Me is in cinemas from 15th June through Roadshow Films.

*Please note: My article was published at http://www.filmblerg.com/2017/06/12/film-review-all-eyez-on-me-2017/

 

Film Review: Whitney: Can I Be Me? (2017) by Elizabeth Charters

The extraordinary biographical documentary Whitney: Can I Be Me?, directed by Nick Broomfield and Rudi Dolezal, explores the glorious singing sensation, Whitney Houston, and the tragedy which unfortunately led to her death on February 11th, 2012.

The opening scene cleverly utilises a voiceover announcing the day ambulances arrived at Whitney’s place in Beverly Hills. Individuals are told that Houston died of a mixture of drugs, but the voiceover of Pattie Howard, Whitney’s bass singer, sentimentally explains that she in fact died of a broken heart .

The story goes back in time thirteen years before Houston’s death and the audience is able to see how adoring, gracious and caring Houston has alway been. There are numerous interviews from individuals who worked with Whitney and from her family and friends. These scenes are interspersed with past footage to remind viewers of what she was actually like as a person, and how the media portrayed her. Backing vocalist at Houston’s concerts, Sharlotte Gibson describes in the film that, “Everything came naturally for Whitney”.

Born in 1963 as an African-American female artist in Newark, New Jersey, the hardships, struggles and riots that were commencing in her hometown, provided Houston with inspiration for her music. The film depicts how Whitney’s mother, Cissy Houston, dictated her decisions and choices throughout Whitney’s career. “Can I be me?” was Whitney’s favourite saying when things in her life got tough.

This intense biographical documentary also displays Houston’s rise to fame, starting from her appearance in the drama/thriller, The Bodyguard, when her popularity exploded. When various interviewers would interview Houston about her success, she would state that, “Success doesn’t change you; fame does.”

The film explores Houston’s famous 1999 tour, including the role of bad boy, RnB rapper, and then husband, Bobby Brown, and how he became more involved with Houston’s music performances and contributed to her accidental death. The film also displays the close connection between Houston and her daughter Bobbi Kristina, who tragically died on July 25th 2015 the same way her mother did. The film explores many other factors, such as Houston battling her own demons, individuals not seeing clearly what was happening to Houston, and others being jealous of her fame. Houston during the film replies back to the camera stating, “You have to find the happiness in yourself before you step into this business.”

Reiterating her strong, unique and mesmerising voice, the film captures Houston’s talent, but also sends a strong message to her fans and audience members watching the film, that music can be so much more, as it makes individuals feel things and can relate to events happening in our own lives. As the biographical documentary depicts, Houston captivated the world by sharing her talent and as well by voicing her opinions on how music can be an escape place when life gets too hectic.

Whitney: Can I Be Me? is in cinemas from 15th June through Rialto Distribution.

*Please note: My article was published at http://www.filmblerg.com/2017/06/12/film-review-whitney-can-i-be-me-2017/

*Also please watch this film! It is AMAZING!! and really gives an insight into Whitney’s life and what detrimental effects fame can have on an individual.

How changing your style of make-up doesn’t have to be a bad thing: By Elizabeth Charters

I developed this fascination with applying makeup and skincare when I was a child. I remember going through my mother’s draws until I found her stash of lipsticks. But my fascination with beauty doesn’t end there, in fact this was only the beginning. I can remember the day when I was a child and I invited my primary school best friend over. We would pretend we were already adults and wear my mother’s clothes and apply makeup on each other’s face. (Don’t worry, mum’s permission was always asked first!!) We thought our application of makeup was grade A perfection.   

As I grew older, I no longer needed to borrow mum’s lipsticks, instead I was able to afford my own. Age, knowledge and my own sense of style played a vital role in how I viewed what beauty means to me today. Over the years my makeup has changed from wearing dark eyeliner, to eventually a more natural look with no eyeliner at all, only eyeshadow and mascara on my eyes to enhance my features.

Recently though, my makeup and skincare style has also changed due to the factors including the person I want to become, the type of person who I am today. From what i’ve shared with you, you can tell my make-up style doesn’t change that often, as I stick to the same routine, and that way I can get my make-up/morning skin routine done in time in the early hours of the morning when the sun is just about to rise. But lately when I’ve been applying these same products on my face, i’ve been feeling kind of dull. That shimmering glow has gone. I knew that from my teenage years, up until my young adulthood my product choices was long over due, as I myself was not the person who I was back then.

It might have something to do with me recently starting a makeup/skincare course and focusing on the high end makeup, which even though it can be expensive, it’s worth it and lasts a long time, as opposed to cheaper brands. Everyone has their own preference when it comes to beauty, but these are just some tips that I have learned along the way. I used to buy products which would only last me a few weeks and then I would purchase them again, because they were cheap compared to the high end cosmetics or lotions. Now looking back, every-time I purchased makeup/skincare it probably would equal up to an expensive bottle of lotion anyway.

I wish I had read something prior to me starting a course in beauty, that made me re-think about my beauty routine and the difference that beauty can make from comparing big brand names, and investigating why they are expensive, and being informed about ingredients in products. Still in today’s society, while there is a lot of advertising about the benefits of healthy ingredients, which are vegan and/or cruelty-free, people are still unfortunately ignorant. Memories of me walking into cosmetic/skin care places when I was younger, asking for ingredients without parabens, had people confused and in today’s society things have changed and the paraben-free products are considered the normality. Like skincare and makeup advancing, so did my taste of style in both these fields.

I realised through having a close network of people around me that it’s ok to stray away from trends and experience your own unique style. Now I choose products that are pricey, but have optimum results. Instead of having my minimal makeup look, I apply my makeup based on where I’m going and what i’ve planned to do that day. I keep my dark smokey eyes for night outs and my pale shimmer colours during the day. I love a good contour, highlighter and lipstick too. As I’ve learned more about the beauty industry and keeping up to date with some of the trends I want to replicate on my looks, these last additional make-up products are something new which I have chosen to be apart of my routine. Beauty provides me with the courage to not be invisible, but i’ve also learned that it’s having confidence within yourself that will get you far in life.

One of the things I learned, was not to be afraid to be creative and try new kind of styles and colours of makeup and indulge in nourishing lotions to keep the skin feeling hydrated and fresh.  Don’t feel pressured to follow trends because they are in, or you want to keep up with the latest make-up/skincare, do it because these products you choose to wear represent you.

Some questions to consider when going to change your style include:

• A re-assessment on the type of individual you are. Do you want your makeup/skincare routine to reflect this?
• What products are you applying on your face? Do the ingredients matter to you?
• Do you like finding products which make you feel fresh?
• Do you like trying new brands/products benefiting your skin based on the season? If you do, try re-inventing your routine in accordance to the season?
• Who do you look up to in life? Investigate what products they use on their skin and find similar products. This can be your own way of adding a different style.
• Does the announcement of new cosmetics have you craving various products designed to do different things to your skin?

For those of you whose passion is beauty, you will know how change is essential in makeup/skincare. Whether your change is sparked from turning a different age, wanting a fresh look for the season ahead, you’re tired of using the same beauty routine or have become consciously aware of what ingredients in your beauty products go on your face, you will know when it is time to change up your style. And for those of you who don’t hopefully this piece can help you out! 

 

About the Writer:

Elizabeth is a freelance writer, editor and an emerging travel/beauty blogger.  She has a writing and editing certificate and is in her final semester of her literature degree. Some of her passions include: a love for all things beauty related and staying up-to-date with the latest fashion trends.

Twitter:@wandertravel1

WordPress: wanderlustplanetsite

***Please note: This blog post was featured on Beautifinda
https://www.beautifinda.com.au/how-changing-your-style-of-make-up-doesnt-have-to-be-a-bad-thing/

 

Film Review: The Mummy (2017) by Elizabeth Charters

Starring Tom Cruise and directed by Alex Kurtzman (director of Star Trek and The Amazing Spider-Man 2), The Mummy is part of the “Dark Universe” sequence of films that are hitting screens over the next couple of years.

The original The Mummy was released in 1999, and Kurtzman’s new take on this film adaptation is action-packed and features incredible explosions and stunts. If you are the type of person who enjoys watching thrillers, this is a must-see. Elements of study in the film based on a new world of gods and monsters include reiterating the history of Egyptians, their myths and rituals, exploring caves, and reading inscriptions. But the film isn’t for the faint-hearted who don’t enjoy looking at insects, rats and images of the undead.

The film goes back in time thousands of years to when crusader knights invaded Egpyt and were buried. Egyptian princess, Ahmanet (played by the talented Sofia Boutella), is mummified and buried in the desert, where no one knows the location of her tomb. She is safely hidden for 5,000 years. Ahmanet’s multiple killings were the cause of her mummification, having killed her father, his wife, and their baby because she wanted more from life, namely to be next in the line to the throne.

Kurtzman has taken the “Kiss of Death” myth to the next level. The mummy sucks life away by kissing people and turning them into the undead, making everyone endure her sins. The quote ‘The past can’t be buried forever’ plays a crucial role in deciphering the film. Tom Cruise’s character, Nick Morton, is ‘condemned to external darkness’ after shooting open the tomb where the mummy had remained. 

Jake Johnson plays Nick’s best mate, Chris Vale, with their chummy companionship taking a turn once they encounter the tomb of the mummy. In another supporting role, Annabella Wallis captures Jenny Halsey’s passion for archaeology brilliantly. However, despite good performances, the film jumps from action to storyline and the introduction of further characters, leaving minimal time for what was happening to sink in for the audience.

A cross-over with Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (originally published in 1886), there are common links in this gothic and thriller like production. The film distributes a message to the audience that ‘there are monsters within all of us; others choose to let them free while the rest keep them quiet.’

The Mummy is in cinemas from 8th June through Universal Pictures.

 

• Please note my article was published on Film Blerg website! http://www.filmblerg.com/2017/06/09/film-review-the-mummy-2017/

 

3.5 blergs

Vegan And Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Are On The Rise. Here’s Why

Elizabeth Charters

Health & Beauty Contributor

08/06/2017

Winter has approached and we may associate the season with wearing over-sized jumpers, eating lots of yummy soup until our bellies are full, and wearing stylish boots.

However winter can also have its drawbacks and that includes taking a toll on our skin and reflecting on which makeup products best suit us for this chilly season.

According to vegan.com, in ancient times, women used a mixture of animal fat, starch, and even white lead as an early form of “foundation” to create a desired complexion. These days, vegan and cruelty-free products have proven that they are more than just a trend. Benefits include: keeping an individual’s skin moisturised and healthy, the inclusion of vitamins, minerals which don’t irritate the skin, and products which don’t harm animals.

There is a difference between vegan and cruelty-free products. While most individuals think they are the same, cruelty-free products are any products which have not been tested on animals. More so, vegan products are any items that do not contain animal ingredients or animal derived additives.

Given our skin absorbs 60% of the products we apply, individuals need to think carefully about which cosmetics benefit their skin most.

Here is a list of the top vegan brands we recommend you try this season. Remember that choosing vegan/cruelty-free products don’t need to be enemies with your wallet. There are lots of products which are affordable as well as having a good life expectancy and being high in quality.

Brands which are both vegan and cruelty-free include:

• Nabla Cosmetics
• Inika Organics
• Lush Cosmetics
• Kat Von D
• Hurraw! Lip balms
• Axiology-Vegan lipstick brand

Cruelty-free with some vegan products, include:

• NYX
• Nude by Nature
• Too Faced
• Anastasia Beverly Hills
• Hourglass
• Nars
• Stila
• Marc Jacobs Beauty
• TheBalm
• ColourPop
• Klara Cosmetics

There are also parent companies which test on animals which own a cruelty-free/vegan brand, for example The Body Shop products are (cruelty-free) formulated without animal testing or using ingredients derived from an animal. However The Body Shop is owned by parent company L’Oreal and on its website they point out they test cosmetics on animals, but are still fighting overall for the rights of cosmetics to not be tested on animals.

So now you know a bit more about vegan/cruelty-free products, start re-organising your cosmetic and skincare routine with the benefits of vegan/cruelty-free cosmetics, in order to make your skin radiant and healthy this winter.

Follow me on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest beauty advice: @wandertravel1

* please note my article was featured on The Carousel website for all things beauty related :

https://thecarousel.com/beauty/why-vegan-and-cruelty-free-cosmetics-are-on-the-rise-this-winter/

 

How to achieve a natural makeup application: Q & A with freelance make-up glamour guru Nikki Charters:

Ever wondered how you could achieve a natural inspired makeup look? Don’t know the colours suitable for winter or the ones that match your skin tone? I interviewed the young and talented Nikki Charters about her makeup career. She helped answer these questions along with many others, as well as tips and tricks you yourself can try at home!

Question) How would you describe the term natural makeup in regards to the beauty profession?

Nikki: Natural makeup (think: dewy, glowy, well defined, brushed up brows, mascara, earthy tones) is for people who want to feel beautiful without looking overly made up. Also natural (think: earthy, organic, mineral) makeup lines are very popular today. These products enhance beauty in a way that look as if the individual who uses these products is wearing none or a subtle amount of makeup, while looking luminous.

Question) Why do you think natural make-up is having a prominent rise this winter?

Nikki: During winter, people want their skin to look like how it did during summer – this can be achieved by natural makeup.

Question) Do you have any hot tips on how to keep an individuals skin looking healthy and radiant?

Nikki: A good skincare routine is essential. Moisturise at least an hour before makeup application, prime face, opt for a dewy finish foundation as oppose to a matte finish. Highlight the face – highlighting creates light, creating the illusion of brightness and accentuates features.

Question) What are some of your favourite products for a natural complexion look?

Nikki:

• Urban Decay naked skin weightless liquid foundation
• Better than sex mascara (too faced)
• Kat Von D shade and light eye contour palette
• Anastasia Beverly Hills dipbrow pomade
• Too faced melted liquified long wear matte lipstick in Cool Girl.

Question) When did you decide to use cruelty free makeup?

Nikki: I decided to use cruelty free makeup around August 2016 when I realised it is unnecessary for an animal to suffer for a cosmetic product. I was able to find so many brands that do not test on animals and produce high quality makeup.

Question) What are some cruelty free benefits?

Nikki: Some cruelty free benefits include:

• Cruelty free cosmetics are less toxic. On average the ingredients used by cruelty-free brands have a proven safety record and it is very unlikely to use a product that would cause harm or negative side effects. In addition to this, many cruelty free brands offer “green” products free from potentially harmful chemicals. This means that the ingredients in the product you’re applying to your face and/or body and absorbing into your skin are all-natural and don’t contain harsh chemicals.
• Cruelty free brushes are so much cleaner. Brushes made from animal hair absorb plenty of bacteria because of the structure of the hairs. Those hair trap oil and dead skin and breed bacteria. Because of their structure no matter how much you clean them they are generally not as clean as cruelty free brushes are.
• You can support Indie brands or local businesses It is an awesome feeling to support local businesses and independent brands. Many of these brands are cruelty-free and will have high quality, unique products with a personal touch.

Question) Can opting for a natural makeup look suit any occasion?
Nikki: A natural makeup look can be effortless and suit any occasion. From work, day to day activities or a special event – natural makeup can suit all and make an individual look healthy, give you that “luminous from within” look and can accentuate features.

To book in your makeup appointment with Nikki, head to the Beautifinda webpage, which features her contact/pricing details:

https://www.beautifinda.com.au/listing/victoria-australia-nikki-makeup-artistry/

For all other enquires please email Nikki at:
nikkimakeupartistry@outlook.com

Follow Nikki on Instagram:
@nikkimakeupartistry

About the Writer:

Elizabeth is a freelance writer, editor and an emerging travel/beauty blogger. She has a writing and editing certificate and is in her final semester of her literature degree. Some of her passions include: a love for all things beauty related and staying up-to-date with the latest fashion trends.

Twitter:@wandertravel1

WordPress: wanderlustplanetsite

***Please note this interview was published on the Beautifinda website:
https://www.beautifinda.com.au/how-to-achieve-a-natural-makeup-application/

 

 

Short Film Review: Creating A Monster (2016) by Elizabeth Charters

In this fascinating short documentary named Creating a Monster, screenwriter, Gene Lida Riess explores the dark side to being on a reality TV show. She investigates how distractions are constructed within controlled environments.

Riess interviews numerous reality TV stars, ranging from The Bachelor to Big Brother. The name of the documentary says it all; images across the screen in reality TV are misrepresented to make the individual seem like someone else, like a monster.

Riess highlights numerous ideas, including ideas based on how producers get what they truly desire out of participating reality contestants, by stereotyping people, and how individuals on the shows are perceived by the wider audience as certain characters.

The rawness of these interviews is displayed in the honesty of the reality stars, including their emotional instability when asked to share how the producers made them seem like someone else compared to who they truly are. “The people who go on reality TV are the people who are unsettled in life”, Boog, a 2013 Big Brother intruder tells the audience.

There are a lot of moments within this documentary which capture the dark side of reality TV, with the lighting helping to display this. While the interviews are conducted in the light, in between takes, the camera flashes back to an individual watching this particular short film on a big screen, alone, in the dark, sitting mindlessly and eating snacks. This may display the ignorance of watching a reality TV show for an individual’s enjoyment, without realising the impact of what these reality stars face once the TV show is over. The online bullying, misplaced identity and threats are all a part of what individuals who feature on these shows potentially undertake. Riess reinforces the statement within the film that individuals need to be aware of the detrimental effects that being on reality TV causes.

Furthermore, Riess explores why individuals watch reality TV in the first place. Factors such as enjoyment or people identifying with individuals on reality TV are elements explored. This is a crucial documentary to today’s society, and is a thrilling take as reality TV shows become more prominent.

Secret Matters screens as part of the St Kilda Film Festival from 18th to 27th May.

*** Please note that my piece has been published on Film Blerg!

Short Film Review: Creating a Monster (2016)

Also the featured image is from the St Kilda Festival 2017 Website