Beauty Tips

do you need to moisturise before bed?

2012-01-20T08:16:00.000-08:00

this is a question i used to ask myself all the time - and i was highly confused about what the right answer was because i had so many opinions to choose from...

the conclusion i have decided upon, and found to be true is that it's different for each person. you need to get in touch with your face, and decide each night whether or not it needs a little extra moisture. your jawline is a pretty accurate reader of this - and you'll soon get to learn how frequently you need to apply moisturiser.

when i was going through my Dr Hauschka phase, i stopped moisturising at night time altogether, and that led to some really bad skincare issues, like acne and dehydration. it was only once i re-introduced nightly moisturising that my skin began to improve and heal.

so, my current routine is to moisturise every other night (most of the time, but sometimes a little more), and that seems to keep my skin in check. i use my regular Sukin facial moisturiser, rather than some expensive 'night' formulation, and i just lightly massage it into my skin 15 minutes before i go to bed.

for those people that think it'll clog their pores, there's no need to panic, because that's all down to the moisturiser you choose - if you choose a comedogenic product (pore clogging) then of course it will! any breakouts are more likely to be related to your skin being dehydrated, or using a product that's far too thick (unfortunately night creams have that tendency).

your skin should still be able to 'breathe' through a good moisturiser. a light lotion will do just the trick.

so, i'm curious, how many of you moisturise at night?

have a lovely day ♥

happy new year!

2012-01-13T07:30:00.000-08:00

hello wonderful readers! i hope you are having a very happy new year so far. i just wanted to let you in on my latest video, where i show you what i got for christmas and update you on a few things that will be happening in 2012, and some of the resolutions i made for this year...

2011 was an epic year:

- i published my first book, which received really good feedback from the press and blogosphere in general. you can check out healthy breakfast recipes on amazon, if you haven't seen it yet!

- i reached over 3,000 subscribers on my alissaevelyn youtube channel! and started my notjustapples channel full of recipes and advice for type 1 diabetics, like myself.

- i travelled to australia all by myself, and lived there for 3 months :) i met amazing people, saw forest fires, went to a Kate Miller Heidke gig, ate kangaroo, went on a roadtrip and lived on a retirement village.

- i made some delicious, unsual and healthy food on my food blog, not just apples, which grew to an average readership of over 200 people each day...

- i started working for my church, as events co-ordinator, which is super fun.

- i met Tracy and Maria. blogger meetups are awesome!

- i was given a press pass, and lots of Total yoghurt.

and i believe that 2012 will be filled with amazing things also: my niece turns 1, the olympics will be held in london, the queen is having her diamond jubilee, my best friend is getting married, my natural beauty tips book will be published...

and i know that there's a whole host of things that lie in wait, that i don't even know about yet!

what was your favourite thing in 2011? what are you most looking forward to in 2012?

101 things to do when you're bored

2011-12-06T08:32:00.001-08:00

drink some tea

go for a walk

watch a movie

turn on some music

dance

check out videos on YouTube

bake some cake

send an encouraging text

go wild food foraging

create an inspiration board or book

knit or crochet something

write a letter

sit in a cafe and people watch

figure out exactly how you'd spend a million

sing

meditate

clean & tidy your room

read

change your desktop picture

organise your recipe folder, and go through your recipe books and mark ones you'd like to make.

have a nap

update your budget

write a blog post

play with your makeup

dress up

draw

try out a new hairstyle

call someone

chew some gum

find 5 new words in the dictionary

scroll through old photos

organise your wardrobe

play the cloud shapes game

plan a party

video yourself

paint your nails

weed the garden

follow some yoga on youtube

make some homemade almond scrub

have a bath

light a candle

find new blogs to inspire you

go to charity shops and play the £5 challenge (basically see what amazing thing you can get for £5, good fun by yourself or with a friend)

write to your local council

write a "happy list" of 10 things that make you smile

make some bunting

origami

watch catch-up TV

open a tin from your pantry

tie dye

make pancakes

learn a phrase in a foreign language

alter a piece of clothing you never wear

put stuff on ebay

clean

sprout some seeds

make an indoor tent

stumbleupon

go to your local petshop and look at the fish

skip or hopscotch

make the ultimate sandwich

poach an egg

offer to babysit for a friend

postcrossing.com

go to the library

brush your teeth

doodle nonstop

plan a roadtrip

do laundry

get friends round for a sleepover

make a chickpea pizza with interesting toppings

walk barefoot

pack a picnic

lie outside on a blanket

sew up a bag out of an old shirt

go fishing

play boardgames with your family

lay the table and have 'high tea' with friends

watch the sunset or sunrise

practice creating perfect winged eyeliner

write a gift list for Christmas

make a mixed CD

scavenger hunt

create some art for your bedroom

make homemade applesauce

catch a bus

barbecue

rearrange your room

ride a bike

camp in your own garden

draw with chalk on the sidewalk

make paper flowers

wash your car

take a photograph every hour

fly a kite

visit your nearest art gallery

pluck your eyebrows

alphabetise your books

volunteer for charity

make a snowflake paper chain

go for a torchlight walk

more ideas for things to do when you're bored at home, or with friends and family:

- laugh hysterically for no reason at all

- pray

- go wild swimming

- make and eat cookie dough

3,000 subscriber giveaway!

2011-11-08T10:34:00.000-08:00

hey everyone! i have just passed 3,000 subscribers, which is incredible :)

so, to say a massive thankyou to each and every one of you, i have decided to hold a giveaway of some special things that i bought in australia, as well as give you the opportunity to be part of my upcoming book!

for more info and to see the prizes that are available, check out the video:

to enter, all you have to do is:

♥ leave a comment on Youtube, or on Facebook or Twitter, telling me the best thing you've learnt from my channel - perhaps a tip about acne, skincare or healthy living, or maybe you've learnt something about positivity or inner beauty?

rules:
- this is open internationally!
- you must be a subscriber
- the deadline is a month before Christmas, on the 25th November at 9am GMT
- you should be over 16, or have parental permission to give me your postal address if you win
- by entering, you give me permission to use your comments as part of my upcoming beauty tips book

for extra chances to win, leave another comment on:

http://www.twitter.com/alissaloves

http://www.facebook.com/alissaevelyn1

you can also leave a comment on this post to enter, if you like!

for more info on the beauty tips book, have a look at my introductory post here...

how to build self confidence & increase self esteem

2011-10-15T02:03:00.000-07:00

hey everyone! i hope you are feeling fantastic today ♥

today i want to share with you a video that i created a while back, but that i've been thinking about a lot lately - especially since my return from Australia.

self confidence 101 took a lot of emotional energy to create, and a lot of time went into making sure that i shared only sound advice with you. in the video i share a little of my journey to becoming a more self confident woman, tips and advice i've learnt along the way and practical steps on how you can get there too.

i believe that true confidence is something that can be learnt - it's not something you are born with. so without further ado, please check out the video, and then read on for more of my story, as well as tips, links and further advice...

so, i hope that this has inspired you to live without fear, and to take charge of your life!

once i'd uploaded this i got lots of emails from people who've had difficulty making big decisions, or who suffer with social anxiety, or who just don't feel confident in everyday life to speak their mind, saying how grateful they were for the advice and how much it's helped them. because this is something i have dealt with personally, that made me question... how many more people can i help?

i started the Youtube channel in order to build the confidence of people like me, to inspire people that a different way of life and a different way of thinking was ok. that being a positive person was great, and that your interests, no matter what they are, are important!

my shyness used to stop me from interacting with the world - i was a very socially anxious teenager - but i've come through that, and i have now travelled across the world by myself, and i also run my own business. i just would have liked to have to learnt the things that i mention in the video sooner, so i could actually LIVE life to the max more!

anyway, my mum and i sat down and had a heart to heart. we decided to compile all these tips into a book, so that you could be encouraged further and understand deeper the lessons to increasing your self confidence and boosting self esteem.

i've edited this book loads of times, because i wanted it to be phrased positively, and be of the most help it could possibly be. so i hope you like it!

it is very simply titled How To Build Self Confidence & Increase Self Esteem - and it's currently available as a Kindle (which you can download to your smart phone or computer too)

let me know what you think, or leave a comment. i hope it's also good advice for you to share with other friends who struggle with self confidence too ♥

an introduction to natural toothcare

2011-10-10T03:52:00.000-07:00

hey everyone! hope all is well in your life at the moment ♥

today i want to share a little more info about natural toothcare with you all - it's something that i'd been putting off for ages. saying to myself 'well, everyone uses Colgate, so it must be fine', but i'm fairly certain that that's probably not the case, and if you start to understand more about what's in it and how much you digest each time you brush.

did you know that one less than 1 tube of toothpaste can actually poison a child so much that they die? yep, there's even a warning on the packet. so, what do you think that's actually doing to you?

there are so many unexplained illnesses in the world - so many diseases and auto-immune attacks that science can't fathom yet. one day we will, and we'll all be really shocked by our past behaviour. i picture myself sat down to dinner when i'm 70, chatting with my grandkids about how much food we gorged on, how we were able to fly whenever we wanted for minimal costs and how we saw it as our right to drive, own a microwave and surf the internet for hours on end.

i figure it makes sense to live with that future notion in mind, and a very simple way is to start by ridding your bathroom cabinet of poison. after all, doing something because everyone else does it never got anyone anywhere did it?

if you want to know more about switching to natural toothcare, and some more good reasons to do it, check out:

this article about the amount of "Colgate for Kids" toothpaste it takes to kill a child
learn that fluoride is the main component of rat poison!
read the wisdom of arguably the greatest dentist of all time, Weston A Price and his discoveries on the role of nutrition in tooth decay, and how through his research he came upon a solution to avoiding 95% of all dental caries (cavities)
find out why the government started adding fluoride to our tap water and how fluoridation has changed our health - thanks to the anti-fluoride campaign for taking a stance against this.
learn the importance of preparing your wholegrains, to enhance nutrition and digestion, and keep your teeth sparklingly clean

it's so important to realise that so many things have been so well advertised and subsidised by big companies earning mega-bucks, that we've lost sight of what's really right and good for you!

large toothpaste companies earn shed loads of money, and their advertising preys on the human need to look beautiful and have white teeth. whereas if we ate a natural wholefoods diet without any of the other stuff that gets well advertised (like crisps, chocolate, cereal, margarine, icecream and pizza) our teeth would do alright anyway - as Dr Price shows us in his research.

all i'm saying is, think about it.

figure out if it's worth the slightly additional cost of buying a fluoride-free natural toothpaste...

do you use a natural toothpaste? what do you think of fluoride?

the importance of protein for beautiful skin!

2011-10-03T03:01:00.000-07:00

hey everyone! i hope you are all having a beautiful day :)

it's been wonderfully sunny in England lately - everyone keeps thanking me for bringing back some of the Ozzie sunshine! how unusual to get the 3rd hottest day of the year on the 2nd of october?! anyway, i'm not complaining...

here is a video that i filmed with Tracy, The Love Vitamin, whilst i was down under. we decided to switch the camera on and talk a little about protein, our experience of it and a bit more of it's importance for your health. keep reading onwards for more of an in depth chat about protein and skin:

protein is of vital importance to good looking skin, and a well functioning body - it contains the building blocks that help our cells function normally and keep stable. without protein, i've noticed that my skin gets really out of shape, and loses it's natural 'glow'.

there are many different sources of protein - meat, fish, eggs, dairy, pulses, nuts, and vegetables. but which is the better source? firstly, check out this awesome article with a table of high protein foods for vegetarians, and this to compare the amount of protein in meat vs beans.

whilst i was eating a mostly fruit and veg diet i noticed that my skin got much worse, rather than improving. once i re-introduced good quality wild and organic meat and also yogurt, i noticed a significant improvement in a very short space of time. protein is essential to good skin, so make sure you are getting enough!

how much is enough? about 50g a day is about average, according to medical studies. and this can be attained by increasing the amount of greens, nuts/seeds and lentils/beans in your diet. try writing down what you eat in a day, then counting up the amount of protein in your day (using the chart in the link above) to see how much you're currently getting.

if you still aren't convinced that protein is super duper important to help rid your skin of acne, heal up skin blemishes or give your skin that 'glow' that you're after - read these articles:

♥ The Importance of Protein for Beautiful Skin and Hair

♥ Protein and Skin Healing

♥ Two Proteins that Enable Skin Regeneration

ps. for continuous updates and photographs, follow me on Facebook or Twitter!

say hello to the love vitamin!

2011-09-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

during my time in Australia, i was fortunate to get to meet up with the lovely Tracy, otherwise known as The Love Vitamin. it just so happened, by pure coincidence, that she and I were living about 10 minutes away from each other - which is exceptionally odd, given that we've both been watching each other's YT channels for ages now.

it was super surreal to meet her, and to realise how petite a woman she is - such a surprise! we were like little and large! haha.

she'll be in Oz for another few months, and i was gutted that i couldn't stay out in australia a bit longer, so we could've hung out more - she's a very lovely and interesting person, and we talked for ages about skin, food, health and life in general. it was awesome. anyway, here's a little intro to her if you've never heard of her before, or you want to see what she's up to...

how to deal with homesickness

2011-09-27T03:17:00.001-07:00

hello lovely readers! i hope you are having a beautiful day :)

i've been very remiss at actually posting on this blog, getting thoroughly disctracted by video making, writing my beauty book and my food blog. so i apologise for that - thanks for sticking with me... and i hope i can bring you some interesting and good quality articles for you to read in the future.

today, instead of a beauty tip, i want to share something a little more personal: my battle with homesickness. now, this won't be relevant for all of you, but i reckon every one of you will come across someone with homesickness at some point in your lives, so it's sort of handy to find out how to deal with it, isn't it?

anyway, start by watching this video, and then keep reading for a more in depth chat:

i did have tremendously horrible homesickness from the ages of 8-16, that manifested itself in very physical ways (sort of a cross between a nervous breakdown and food poisoning - not very nice).

there were many occasions in which the only solution was for my mum to come pick me up - i even threw up at my dad's wedding and one christmas at my grandparents too. there was no logical explanation to why i felt so awful - and it was quite embarrassing to admit to anyone how i felt.

it has been a miracle being able to travel by myself to other side of the world - and i can definitely say that homesickness is behind me... so i wanted to share my tips with you all, and tell you how i get past my fears and anxieties and became a globetrotter!

1. physical vs mental strength
our brain is a very complex and powerful thing - it should never be underestimated, and ought to be respected and nurtured. BUT, it's not just your brain that suffers with homesickness, it can actually be a purely physical reaction to your new surroundings and lifestyle. be aware that your body might take a while to adjust to a new place, and let it ease into it.

2. take responsibility and get busy!
one of the best methods for getting over homesickness is to distract yourself by taking on responsibility for an event or person in your new destination. if all you have to worry about is yourself, then that's a really dangerous place to be in - it's not good to have too much time with your thoughts, especially those based on fear or anxiety.

3. know your route home and make a conscious decision to stay
when you're young, this is a hard one to get to grips with, as you can't always just leave (because it's not safe, you don't have the money, or the knowledge to travel on public transport). as you get older and can drive, etc, then it becomes easier, i have found. if you're the parent or guardian of someone who suffers from homesickness, then making sure that they've chosen to go on trips and travel is paramount!

4. the power of voice
most times i couldn't get to sleep when i was away from home, the only thing that would help soothe me was to have someone read to me, or listen to a storybook tape or music or watch Friends. familiarity and rhythm combined to create something truly calming, and i was always lulled to sleep rather quickly.

5. get into a routine
keep busy, keep distracting yourself. set your body back into a rhythm of routine.

6. emergency comforts
i like to wear a comfy hooded sweater, and bring with me plasters, lavender oil, ibuprofen and a few other things, in case of emergencies. that way, i won't worry about the unknowns.

7. prayer
i truly believe that it's only been through prayer that i've seen a way out of homesickness, given it burdened and restricted me for so long. by being able to pass my worries onwards, i knew i had someone else to lean on. i wasn't alone.

8. don't let fear stop you from acheiving your dreams!
please, please, don't assign yourself to living with homesickness forever, even though it can feel like that at the time. living with fear and anxiety of any kind is not healthy, and isn't really 'living'. keep going onwards and do things that scare you, until you come to realise that life goes on the same everywhere always.

i should have added also, that talking to other people about it is very important. don't be afraid to look childish or stupid - because it's much worse to keep it to yourself, trust me, that's how it festers and goes out of control. allow other people to help, and guide them to let them know how they can help you.

if you are a teacher or camp co-ordinator, be mindful of just how fragile someone with homesickness is, they are usually teetering on the emotional verge, so love and patience is important. please don't yell at them. let them have a really good cry, and let them speak to their parents. do try to distract them, and ask them if they'd regret not staying. be aware that sometimes it's really difficult to think anything outside of worry, so perhaps asking them to run an event or look after someone else can be helpful.

casual messy updo hairstyle tutorial

2011-08-29T15:02:00.000-07:00

hey everyone! in case you haven't yet seen my most recent hairstyle tutorial video, here it is...

it's super simple to do, and will always look nice if you don't try to do it 'perfectly' - the essence of this look is in its decontructed, 'messy' look :)

healthy living tips: fresh air

2011-08-21T20:00:00.000-07:00

hey everyone! hope you are all ok. i'm doing really well here in Australia - loving every moment :)

i just thought i'd catch up on this blog, and let you all in on one of my latest videos, if you haven't already seen it - #7 in my healthy living tips series, all about fresh air.

read on after watching for more info...

so why is it important to get out in the fresh air, and how much of it should we be getting?
- fresh air is one of the all time most secretive, yet obvious, beauty tips out there. my mother has always said that a good quantity of fresh air will ensure a great complexion and help you sleep better too.
- it's important to make sure you go outside every day, and breath in the pure natural air (especially if you live in the countryside). even better if you can do your exercise out of doors - have you ever noticed how horseriders, skiers, gardeners and cyclists have awesome skin?
- by spending more time outside, you'll be breathing in cleaner air with more oxygen and positively charged ions. this:

enables you to breath better
helps to refresh your cells
makes you happier and more positive (because you'll be in nature!)
helps regulate body temperature
increases your vitamin D level
strengthens your immune system
smooths out your circadian rhythm (aka sleep pattern)
aids recovery from illness,
and helps you live longer too!

- other key ways of breathing good air when indoors are: good ventilation, living indoor plants, no toxic room sprays or fresheners, keeping windows slightly ajar.

how to get rid of acne scars

2011-07-15T22:04:00.000-07:00

hello lovelies!

i'm back with the next installment (from australia!) of my all about acne series.

there are a couple of different types of acne scarring - hyperpigmentation from mild acne (usually red dots where a blemish has occurred), and proper acne scars from severe acne (ranging from icepick scars to keloidal scarring).

once my acne cleared up in february i was left with hyperpigmentation around my mouth and along my jawline, which is now gone 5 months later! here are my natural and holistic tips to getting rid of acne scarring:

1. patience!
time is absolutely essential - because it takes 1 month for your skin to regenerate, and because the damage is so far down with hyperpigmentation, it'll take much longer for the deepest levels of skin to renew and refresh. so WAIT! there isn't a miracle product or cure better than time.

2. good weekly oil massage
a simple weekly massage with a simple oil like sweet almond or grapeseed can really help boost the circulation to your skin surface, therefore promoting healing. it feels nice too - so give it a go!

3. heat + light
i've mentioned this before - it's important to get out in the sunshine, and to make sure your skin stays at a good functioning temperature. both times i've slept in a cold room i've got acne - and that's probably one of the main causes of it for me. sunshine helps the healing process too!

4. exercise
this will help your skin to heal and balance out because it gets your circulation going - and is probably what helped your acne to heal in the first place! gentle 30 mins of walking is helpful as a start...

5. good acne concealer
i recommend mineral products - disappear by jane iredale is my ultimate favorite, and then lily lolo mineral foundation over the top when the scarring is in it's early stages.

6. anything to encourage good blood flow!
basically, a good diet and lots of fresh air will help oxygen and essential nutrients keep your skin in balance and encourage it to heal quicker.

7. dermatologist visit
for those of you who have suffered from severe acne, and who have waited a good year to see improvement in your scars, i would recommend a visit to a good dermatologist (it'll be worth paying more money in the short term to make sure you get good results first time). they could suggest a simple filler, chemical peel or laser resurfacing to help even the skin tone.

for a greater in depth discussion - check out my yt vid:

avoiding acne scarring

2011-06-03T11:52:00.000-07:00

hello lovely readers! i hope everything is ok with you ♥

here's a few tips and pointers on how you can avoid acne scarring...

but first things first - i must mention that i scarred from my acne, whether i picked, squeezed or left a blemish. it didn't seem to matter what i tried, i was left with these small red and purple marks where my acne had been. so, i don't actually think you can avoid acne scars... but you can make sure they aren't any worse or permanent than just a small red dot that disappears in a few months (and mine are now all disappeared 4 months later - yahoo!)

1. eat a great diet full of anti-inflammatory foods

follow an elimination diet, or simply try cutting out suspicious food groups to determine whether one particular food is causing the inflammation to occur. then load up on leafy greens, berries and fresh ginger to help reduce the redness.

2. exercise every day in a moderate and gentle way to keep your body in balance

frequent moderate exercise is awesome for you! and the more you can do outside the better. choose activities that are really fun and sociable, rather than things you feel you ought to do.

3. get out in the sun and fresh air

clear out your system by being in the sunshine and breathing lots of good air. it'll do you wonders - we were made to be outside.

4. avoid exfoliation, touching and picking your spots, massage and strong topical treatments whilst your acne is inflamed

leaving your skin alone to do it's job is the best thing you can do for acne, and to reduce your chances of permanent acne scars. infrequent hygienic squeezing is ok if you know how to do it, but this can also force the pus to lodge itself even further into your tissue and cause damage.

5. use products for sensitive skin in a gentle way and avoid 'acne' products unless they have been prescribed by a doctor

acne products can increase pigmentation due to their strength, as well as causing all sorts of other problems... avoid expensive mistakes and opt for a handful of products designed for sensitive skin instead.

here's a more in depth review:

i hope this information is helpful to you! keep an eye out, or subscribe to alissaevelyn to learn about how you can treat your acne scars ♥

ps. for regular updates, news and details about upcoming videos or giveaways, check out my new facebook page and like it

the 15 minute principle

2011-04-12T07:47:00.000-07:00

there are some things in the beauty world which hit you with their simplicity - the 15 minute principle is one of these. i mentioned it in my latest acne series, part 3: how i got rid of my acne.

basically all you have to do is wait 15 minutes between cleansing/toning, treating and moisturizing.

the logic behind this is that it gives your face time to heal over and adjust before applying another product. that way your skin is less likely to get aggravated and inflamed, especially if you have open wounds, and you are more likely to put the product on in a more relaxed way. it's perfect for people with acne, or breakouts.

some people might find this a little tricky to fit into their morning routine - some people take 5 minutes usually to get up and out the door, so this might not be for you. but for other like me who take about an hour to get ready, this is no big deal... it just means setting the timer for 15 once you've cleansed+toned, then another 15 minutes after you treat, and then you can dab on some moisturizer.

now i've got rid of my acne :) all i do is cleanse/tone and then wait 15 minutes before applying my moisturiser. it seems a little bizarre to wait, but my skin is so good, that it's got to be worth doing, right?! plus it's FREE :)

my acne story: an introduction

2011-03-29T14:59:00.000-07:00

so here's my introductory video to this acne mini series - in it i show you my acne scarring, detail my journey with acne, and talk about the types of acne that are common - possibly TMI for many people, but i think it's helpful know the ins and outs...

mild hormonal acne on my chin and jawline plagued me for months. i kept thinking it was getting better, and it would improve over a week or so...and then it would just breakout again. which is why you read such enthusiasm in previous posts detailing a new discovery that i think is going to be the answer!

anyway, stay posted, and subscribe to my youtube channel, alissaevelyn, for more in this series...

ps. by the way, in case you are wondering, i don't have before and after acne photos because i didn't want to have a picture of it anywhere!

writing, writing, writing

2011-03-28T12:52:00.000-07:00

hi all! just thought i'd send you a little update on what i'm doing and where i'm at!

i've recently been writing my first book - how exciting is that? it will be a comprehensive book of natural beauty tips, everything from 'should you use vaseline?' to 'what's the best form of natural hair removal?' to talking about how i maintain my skin and live a healthy lifestyle. i've been putting lots of hours into research and so it's pretty stocked with information and some unusual (but practical) ideas!

i'm really looking forward to publishing it soon and being able to give you blog readers a sneak preview as well as the opportunity to win a copy!

this week i also hope to upload a video about my acne story - which i hope will help any of you out there that suffer from acne or regular breakouts. if you have any questions that you'd like answered, please don't hesitate to ask (either in the comments section, or anonymously on Formspring, or message me on Youtube) - i want it to be a really helpful resource for people...

and if you haven't already seen my new healthy food and diabetes channel, do check it out and subscribe!

everyday natural makeup routine

2011-03-09T14:23:00.000-08:00

so, my latest yt video is all about my everyday makeup routine. it's really natural looking, as well as using natural cosmetics too!

it's not a complicated look, but is perfect for something you might apply everyday, to go to work or school, rather than to a formal occasion or out clubbing.

the products i use have changed since last time i made a makeup tutorial video (which was ages ago!) - but i'm careful not to purchase too many products, and am only buying new makeup when i run out of a tube or a pot. it's much more eco friendly, and means that the makeup doesn't go off and so it won't have to be thrown away! way too many people have too much makeup, sticking to a few good products is much more cost effective and sensible! buying makeup can be quite addictive...

anyway, i hope there are some new products here for you to try out, and i hope you enjoy watching...

how to create a simple natural everyday makeup look in 10 steps:

1. start with a good base - apply a great moisturiser with spf15+, and vaseline on my lips and eyebrows (to tame them!) then let it sink into your skin for 15 minutes before continuing.

2. apply concealer - jane iredale's disappear in light on blemishes or hyperpigmentation, then lily lolo foundation under eyes and in circular motions on top of other areas that need more cover up.

3. apply the first layer of mascara - Une casual volume in C03 to the upper and lower lashes.

4. apply a gentle line on the lower lashes (in the waterline if you want to make your eyes appear smaller, under the lashes if you want them to appear bigger) with body shop eye definer in taupe.

5. then apply another coat of mascara to elongate a volumise those lashes!

6. brush foundation all over your face in circular motions for a more even looking base, or for a more formal occasion.

7. apply jane iredale eye highlighter pencil on eyebrow bone and cheekbones to accentuate the shape of your face.

8. apply lily lolo blush in cupcake on cheeks for a natural looking glow - it's amazing as it also looks a little like bronzer when you apply it...

9. apply bobbi brown gel eyeliner in sepia ink to upper lids and flick with the ultra fine eyeliner brush, for a more interesting and fashionable look.

10. finish off with a gentle application of bare minerals mineral veil, if you remember, as this will set your makeup look for the day and give you an extra glow!

faces of beauty

2011-03-01T02:08:00.000-08:00

hi everyone! just a quick post to let you know i am featured on faces of beauty this week ♥

the whole concept behind faces of beauty is wonderful, and i couldn't wait to be a part of it! everyone featured on the site must take a photo of themselves wearing no (or minimal) makeup and write a paragraph about what makes them beautiful.

each ladies' paragraph is really inspiring and raises faith in the modern woman. they preach that beauty is not all about how you look on the outside, it's about what's on the inside - and as each women shares her story you become more and more aware of their own transitions and journeys. and more often than not these women have struggled with their own self image in the past, and through their own effort and support of others they have learnt to love the way the are.

i think it's a super positive thing, and so if you'd leave a comment on the post that would be much appreciated by the wonderful woman who runs it - Heather (who is going through a very tough time at the moment, so all and any support is a great thing) - who is such a star for encouraging women through FoB.

if you ever feel down about your self, or suffer from low self esteem, head on over to Faces of Beauty to remind yourself how wonderful it is to be alive and how fantastic you really are.

simple twisted updo hairstyle: how to

2011-02-14T04:22:00.000-08:00

hey everyone!

more often than not, here in the UK, it rains. and on those wet and windy days it's important for us ladies to have a hairstyle that doesn't mind being blown around or getting a little damp - a hairstyle that doesn't mind a little frizz or wave appearing, or being a little out of place.

my hair is naturally wavy, frizzy and curly - a total mess in wet and windy weather. so, instead of going for my usual bun or ponytail or hat 'do', i decided it was time to try out some braided looks, as they are far more elegant and pretty.

♥ so, this is what i eventually came up with:

sea salt mask for acne

2011-02-05T03:08:00.000-08:00

here's another thing which is cheap, easy, logical and worth trying if you suffer from acne anywhere on your body.

this was first 'discovered' when people with acne came back from a beach holiday with clearer, smoother skin. hmm, the sea salt water must be a natural exfoliating cleanser! and of course it is - it's highly anti-bacterial and exfoliating too, which helps eliminate the acne bacteria as well as leave your skin glowing.

i use a salt water rinse on my face every other evening, which seems to help reduce redness as well as making my skin a more even texture. and the areas where i had broken out are healing over quite nicely. i've been doing this for about two weeks now, and definitely notice an improvement in my skin.

for more success stories and reviews, check out: makeupalley, acne.org, healthboards, shimmer kisser, acne under control. the evidence is quite compelling in itself...

it's important to use good salt! don't go using fine table salt or anything, it needs to be good quality sea salt (i use Maldon). then all you need to do is dilute the salt in a little warm water and splash this over your face, or use as a toner with a cotton wool pad. leave it for 10-15 minutes before you apply your moisturiser. it may feel a little tingly, and be quite uncomfortable on open wounds (try to avoid this if you have sensitive skin) but that's just it working properly.

♥ you could also try: adding a cupful of salt to your regular bath if you have body acne, making a scrub of salt mixed with honey, making a paste with a little water and using it as a spot treatment.

of course, if you have access to the actual sea itself, go swimming in that instead!

apple cider vinegar for acne and skin problems

2010-12-10T01:23:00.000-08:00

apple cider vinegar is a relatively new thing to me. i found out about it on the blogosphere and bought my first bottle a few months back - i'm sure it was in some sort of haul video this last summer. but anyway, i first purchased it with a mind to use it on my hair, as i'd heard that this helps strip product build up and make your hair shinier. but after several repeat attempts, i still have not managed to make ACV work for my hair. i think my shampoo is just TOO good! ha ha.

so, i have been experimenting with using it on my skin. with really great results actually! which is why i thought it only fair to pass my information on to you guys ♥

firstly, if you want like 400+ positive reviews on it, check out the MUA boards, which completely rave about this for all sorts of things. and the acne.org boards for their shining reviews on using this for clearing your skin.

my own personal experience with this has been somewhat interesting. i started by using it as a direct spot treatment - which did not really work for me. i was literally putting some ACV on a cotton pad and pressing onto the infected area. i think this just aggravated it more than anything. so, i switched it up.

i mixed together in an old Neal's Yard blue glass spray bottle half of apple cider vinegar and half of rose water with a few extra drops of rosemary or lavender oil. i created my own anti-acne toner basically. which was so easy, and a really cheap thing to make too (added bonus!)

i spray my face with it once i've put my makeup on in the morning to set my makeup (sort of) and then once in the evening after cleansing. sometimes if i've gone out for an event and have lots of makeup on, i'll use this as a final cleanser/toner to make sure all the product is off and my face is really clean - i just spray a little onto a cotton wool pad and gently run it across my face. i make sure to shake it each time i use it too, just so that the product is evenly mixed.

i've finished almost two wholes bottles of this toner now, and i love it! the lavender and rose water calm down the strong scent of the apple cider vinegar, and it's less pungent. it's not too strong or direct an application to irritate my skin, though it is enough to help tighten my pores and even out my skin tone.

along with other things (which I'll talk about soon, i promise) this is really helping to clear up my acne around my mouth and jawline. thank goodness!

i've also been using it as a dressing on salads, which is yummy, and i'm sure helps the skin from the inside too.

radiant skin article

2010-10-11T03:15:00.001-07:00

this article popped up on my bloglovin reader and i thought you guys might be interested to read it...

Radiant Skin 101 talks about the causes of breakouts in relation to diet. and i must say that i find this all totally true! since summer i've put sugar and milk back into my diet, by accident and laziness - not purposefully. and my skin has been breaking out like mad. i'm cutting it back out again now, and i'm already seeing much improvement... so please do read the article and follow it's advice ♥

circulation - the secret to good skin

2010-09-09T02:35:00.000-07:00

i have to start by being really honest. i am not a great exerciser. there. you have it. i don't think i have ever grasped just how important it is though - maybe that's been the problem.

when i was at school i actually did pretty well - once exercise was no longer compulsory i joined the nearest gym - which i loved. you could run for ages whilst watching MTV, relax in the pool and steam rooms after a good session of cross training. and actually when i look back at photos of myself at that time...

Exhibit A:

i don't remember having any problems with my skin. i never worried about it - i was one of the 'lucky' few who didn't have a battle with acne or spots. i always thought it was just good complexion - and a pretty good diet that did it.

then when i went to uni i got more and more interested in healthy eating and food, and i ran every other morning throughout my first year.

Exhibit B:

and now, although my skin is OK, it's nothing in comparison to what it was. it has more breakouts, and the 'glow' that you get from exercise isn't there naturally... i spend more time on it, put more makeup on it, and just generally fuss about it more.

so what do i learn from looking back at these photos? and what can you also take away with you?

- exercise is important!

and not just pilates and yoga dvd's, or a bit of gardening, or a short walk at lunchtime. no, it has to really get your circulation going. otherwise you stagnate. all those bad things in your skin can't get flushed away nearly as quickly, and so you skin breaks out because the circulation isn't working correctly to get rid of the dirt.

when you go for a run or a session on the cross-trainer, you boost your circulation, enabling your body to work at it's best level, it's cleansing level. you let out sweat (essential cleansing! - it's good for you) and if you drink water whilst you do this - which you NEED to - then you'll help the cleansing one step further too.

so that's what i've been doing. stagnating. sitting in my own grime. ew, it's gross, but necessary, because essentially that's what i've been doing. and i think that's probably why loads of people in their early twenties get breakouts more than at school - because they are less active.

obviously it can swing the other way, you can exercise too much! you need to be careful to exercise with a thoroughly cleansed face (with perhaps only a light layer of mineral make-up if you are really self conscious, and a little mascara) so then when you start to get warm and your pores open it won't let in any dirt that's sat on your face. finishing your exercise by jumping in water is usually a great idea, and sitting in a steam room (which gyms often have) is fantastic - or having a hot shower. i always wait until my face has returned to a regular-ish temperature before i rinse it off with water.

there are a few other ways you can improve the circulation without full hardcore body pumping exercise - although it really is the best, as you benefit from so many other benefits at the same time. you can go for a full body massage - it stimulates all the systems under the skin, especially the lymph system (aka, waste disposal unit!) and promotes a fantastic healthy glow.

body brushing is another way to get this same effect - i've been doing this and have noticed a distinct difference. i once heard someone say that if you have time to brush your teeth, then you have time to brush your body. and it's so true. you just gently sweep the body brush towards your heart in long strokes, in the morning and before bed. it's worth a try, and should be really helpful for those with bumpy skin texture.

so, in conclusion, i think i'd better start running again, what do you think? well, we'll be getting a puppy next week, so soon i'll be forced out of the house to walk for at least 2 hours...perhaps i can break into a run halfway through.

honey and almond facial scrub

2010-06-18T05:25:00.000-07:00

this homemade facial scrub is ridiculously easy to make, and incredibly simple and pure. i was trying to think of a scrub ingredient that wouldn't be too abrasive, and harsh on my skin - something that would even out the skin tone but not aggravate it...and finally i came across the idea of using ground almonds. i adore cooking with them, so we've always got some in the cupboard...

i mixed 1 teaspoon of raw honey with 2-3 teaspoons of ground almonds, just with my finger - but you can use a spoon if you want to be a tad more hygienic. i put it in an empty neals yard jar (the blue glass ones which really are exceptionally beautiful) and it keeps for a really long time, although you'll probably use it up within two weeks.

i used it a couple of times, and i felt cleansed and moisturised as soon as i rinsed it off. it smells delicious as well, and it can be as cheap/organic as you choose it to be.

i filmed a video with my brother about this homemade facial scrub which is perfect for men as well as women, i think it's pretty funny - there's some outtakes at the end, as well as a little how to watching jonny make the scrub!

why use honey and almonds on your face?
- honey has great antibacterial and healing properties, as well as being very soothing and fighting redness and inflamation. it's also a fab humectant (moisture attractor) and hydrator
- almonds have fab moisturising properties, and when soaked and then ground are gentle enough to use as an exfoliant for sensitive skin, it's also great for healing scars and is a fantastic emollient (moisture saver)

Note: moisture attractor + moisture saver = fabulously moist skin!

if you don't have ground almonds, you can grind some up or if you have a nut allergy then you could try using oats instead, that would be fantastic too - although best to grind them up in a food processor first! you could also try baking soda, rice, wheat germ or high quality salt.

* you could also use this recipe as a mask, just use about twice as much as normal, and leave it on your face for 15 minutes. rinse off with warm water, then splash with cold. divine.
*you could also try adding a bit of lemon juice for a bit more lightening, cleansing power if you choose to!
* if you don't want to use raw honey or you don't like it's smell, try exchanging it for yogurt, rose water or a drop of milk which are also super beneficial for skin.

i hope you enjoy experimenting with using honey as a cleanser, moisturiser and scrub, and all-round fantastic beauty ingredient!

if you haven't asked me a question yet, or you're interested in checking out my answers to some fantastically random and brilliant questions, then do check out my formspring, or use the box in the sidebar.

ask me anything

2010-06-01T02:00:00.000-07:00

hiya! i hope your day is beautiful and the sun is shining...it's raining here with me at the moment, but i'm not letting it get me down ♥

i just wanted to mention to you all that i have started a formspring account where you can all ask me questions, and even post them anonymously if you want...

here's the link:

http://www.formspring.me/alissaevelyn

i will be doing a q&a video soon, as it's been requested a few times, and i thought it might be nice for you all to get to know a little more about me. so go ahead and ask a question, it can be anything, random, intelligent, personal...be creative and ask questions you really want to know answers to.