HOW TO: Get rid of Mountainous Pimples

Have you ever had a pimple so large you thought it might have its own gravitational field? Well, fear not because I have the solution! (Yes, I did intend to sound like a bad infomercial.)

Anyways, there's this thing I've been doing for a few times, and it's seemed to have worked every time so I thought I'd share it with you guys.

You can get this from the Body Shop

Here's my secret: Every time you feel one of those really huge pimples starting to form, use a 1-2 of drops of tea tree oil (like the one shown in the picture) and rub over the area. Repeat for a few days until you feel that the eruption has passed. Even though the pimple bump is there for a few days, it never progresses into an actual pimple! (does that make sense?) Note, a little goes a long way!

Tea tree oil is an excellent way to get rid of an oncoming pimple because of its antimicrobial properties. This removes the bacteria that are the cause of the pimple so that the pimple stops developing. Note that tea tree oil (and other acne treatments) might also dry your skin out, so remember to moisturize!!

5 Must Have Skincare Items to Survive Winter

From left to right, top to bottom: lip balm, body butter, FAB moisturizer, Clean & Clear moisturizer, face mask, exfoliator

During the winter, my skin looks basically like a dried up pavement with like a billion cracks (horrific, but true). So, without these things, I don't think I could make it through the cold Canadian months, haha. They're essentials to me!

1. Lip Balm

If I go even a night without lip balm, my lips will start crusting and cracking, and all-round looking disgusting. The one I've been using the most often is one by eos. I love the waxy consistency (even though some people hate it), I just think it seals in the moisture really well. I think the flavour I have is called Peppermint Vanilla (I forgot, lol, if I'm wrong, I'm so sorry)

2. Facial Moisturizer

A moisturizer is so important to me, like, if I don't use it for even a day, I will notice dry flakey patches (not pretty) on my face. The one I use at nighttime is the "First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream." It's really thick and creamy (duh), but the thing I kind of dislike about it is the smell. Although it's not strong, it's definitely not something I would call pleasing.

In the mornings, my favourite is one by Clean and Clear called "Morning Burst, Hydrating gel Moisturizer." Oh my god, the smell is amazing. It smells like melons, and from a person who doesn't even really like melons, it still smells like heaven. It's a really light formula that goes on really easily and sinks in real quick.

3. Face Exfoliator

I don't exfoliate every single day (that would be too much!) but when I do, I use the "Acure Brightening Facial Scrub." It has argan stem cell and chlorella growth factor, and because of those ingredients, it kind of looks like you're putting seaweed mud on your face. Sounds gross, but I swear, after, your face feels like a baby's bum. 

4. Body Butter

I've got a huge tub of the "Shea Body Butter" by The Body Shop, and if there's still anyone out there who hasn't tried it (I swear, everyone has, by now), The Body Shop body butters are like really thick moisturizers. Usually, I find them kind of gross and sticky, as they tend to be very oily (especially in the summer), but in the winter time, I'm so dry, I literally could not care. The thickness and oiliness actually goes to help my skin be "normal." 

5. Hydrating Face Mask

Again, this is something I don't use daily (more like weekly), the one I have is the "Amino Herbal Hydration Mask" by OZ Naturals. I tend to use this in conjunction with the face exfoliator mentioned above, and the combo gives me what feels like new skin. If you ever see me stroking my face like a weirdo, you know what products I just used on my face, LOL. This mask is a clear gel that you just apply to your face, and as it dries, it gives you this cooling, tingly feeling that's really nice. The mask also has hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and vitamin E, which are all super great for your skin.

Are there any items that are absolutely essential in your winter skincare routines? Leave them in the comments below, as I would love to find more gems, haha.

Thanks for reading!

--J

Ipsy Bag Review | August 2015

Briogeo Volumizing Spray (mini), OZ Naturals Mask (mini), Trust Fund Nail Polish (Elegantly Wasted), Hikari Lip Gloss (Merlot), Doucce Eyeliner (Black)

August was the first month I've ever received an Ipsy subscription, and it was pretty good. I don't think I'm going to do it again, though, since, for me, living in Canada, it is a bit pricier. (The Canadian to US Dollar SUCKS right now, and I also have to pay shipping :( ) Maybe I'll do it again around Christmastime.

Side note: I do love how everything appears to be vegan and natural! 

The Flops

Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Volumizing Blowdry Spray

This didn't really volumize anything, for me. Maybe it's because I have such long, heavy hair, that it pulls it down anyways.... It does smell nice, though!

OZ Naturals Amino Herbal Hydration Mask

This mask has many ingredients that work together to supposedly hydrate your face, but I personally didn't see any ground-breaking results after using this. 

My Favourites!

Doucce Cosmetics Eyeliner

This thing is AWESOME. Maybe it's because I don't have too many kohl eyeliners and my standards are lower, but I really enjoy using this. Its dark, goes on smoothly enough, and waterproof, making it perfect for the waterline/tightline!

Trust Fund Beauty Nail Polish in Elegantly Wasted

This nail polish has one of the nicest formulas I've ever tried. Elegantly Wasted is a two-coater that evens itself as it dries, making my job much easier, as I don't have to worry about uneven streakiness that I sometimes have to with other nail polishes. :)

Hikari Lip Gloss in Merlot

This lip gloss is a dark reddish colour (the picture above isn't that accurate in terms of colour, it is closer to the first picture above, sorry!) Even though this is kind of an "out of my comfort-zone" colour for me, I was pleasantly surprised when I put this on. It somehow doesn't look as bold as a dark red would, and I can't wait to start wearing this more often when autumn comes!

Sorry I didn't get any pictures of the bag :( If you want to see what it looks like, go here.

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Thanks for reading!

Jakie

July Favourites!

I cannot believe how fast July has passed, it feels like I haven't even done anything, and summer is already half over. :(

I don't have many favourites this month, but the ones I do have, I love so so so much, so without further ado, here they are:

Maybelline Lash Sensational (Waterproof)

This mascara is honestly the best mascara I have ever tried. Granted, I haven't used many, but this is honestly amazing. It coats and separates beautifully, making your lashes super duper long. It also doesn't smudge under the eye and holds a curl amazingly.


I've been loving Zoella's new beauty range, Tutti Frutti. I haven't got all the products but the two I have are keepers, for sure!

Zoella "Kissy Missy" Lip Balm

This lip balm is a beautiful pink that can either give you a slight wash of colour, or give you Barbie pink lips. It has a sweet smell (which might be a little too sickly for some). The downside to this is that it comes in a pot. I wish Zoë had put it in a tube, so we didn't have to get our fingers messy each time we wanted to apply.

Zoella "Scrubbing Me Softly" Smoothing Body Scrub

I much prefer this scent to the lip balm (Zoella says the entire line has the same scent, but to me, these two smell very different). It has a much lighter and fruitier smell. The sugar scrub has bursting beads infused in it, and has extracts of blueberry and acaï. After using this in the shower, it makes the skin feel wonderfully soft and smell divine.

"Dear Hank and John" Podcast

"Dear Hank and John" is a relatively new podcast, created by Hank Green and John Green, where they answer questions from listeners. In these answers, Hank, John, and sometimes star hosts, give us their advice and make their listeners chuckle. Honestly, it's amazing, and free, so go check it out!

Gossip Girl

I finished this series earlier in the month on Netflix, and I am so so so sad that it's over. I know it's not a particularly new show, at all, but I just hadn't seen it before and thought I'd give it a try. and I'm so glad I did. After starting, I honestly could not stop, and I basically bulldozed through this as soon as summer started. If you haven't seen it, GO GO GO! You will not be disappointed. :)

And here we are, at the end of the short list of everything I have loved this month. Thanks for reading!

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Rawr, 

Jakie

My WANTED List

These 5 things are some things that I have wanted for literally forever! I haven't gotten around to buying these because most of these are pretty expensive items, and I do not have the luxury of having extra money. So, below are a list of some of the most coveted items that I do not own.

1. Too Faced Natural Matte Eye Palette

Ever since this bad boy came out, I've been dreaming about it. ;) I'm just so in love with all the colours!! And, I'm the type of person who's more content with a smaller makeup collection and would prefer a small amount shadows that I use consistently over having so many palettes that I forget about some of them. And, since I already have enough shimmery eyeshadows, this would be perfect to finish my tiny collection. 

2. Penny Board

These just look so cute! Like, that shade of blueish green is one of my favourite colours ever. I'm not the most sporty of a person, but I've heard that it's not that hard to learn how to ride these things. Do I need to say anymore? These things are so darn adorable, and would totally become my go-to mode of transportation if I had one.

3. Instax Mini 8 Polaroid Camera

I just love the look of polaroids. Well, actually, I love anything vintage, so wanting a polaroid camera is no big surprise to anyone that knows me. The idea of being able to capture a moment forever, and being able to have it developed in minutes is so appealing to me. When I daydream about my perfect room, I imagine a wall full of polaroids, sporting some fond memories.

4. American Apparel Disco Pants

These just look like the perfect substitute for leggings in the cold Canadian winter. They're super highwaisted (making my short legs look just a bit longer) and is made of really thick material. What more could I want? 

4. A Pair of Cute Overalls

These are from ASOS, but, really, any pair of cute overalls would do. I remember wearing these when I was little, and I'm so glad these are making a come back. I just think these are so fun and casual, and is the perfect summer look!

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Thanks for reading, 

Jakie

6 Drugstore Beauty Product Fails

This is my first official post, and I hate to start things off complaining, but I can only write about what I know, right? And as a poor student, I haven't really had the money to buy too many luxurious products, so I've come across a few drugstore products that have disappointed me.

This list comes in no apparent order (I just couldn't figure out which was worse :P )

1. Revlon Lash Potion "Blackest Black"

In Canada, this bugger costs around $11 (which is significantly more than most Maybelline mascaras) and I did whole lot of research before buying this. From the reviews I read, it seemed to be either a love, or hate thing, and I decided to take a gamble.

After wearing it for a few months, I decided that this mascara is only "meh." Most of the time, it applies really heavily, causing lashes to clump, which is a no-no for me. But, a good thing about this mascara is that it doesn't smudge or "go south" on the bottom lashes.


2. Essie "Fiji"

This is my first ever Essie nail polish ever! After reading a couple of review on Fiji, many of which said that it was a perfect opaque, pale pink. Some sites even said it was a "one or two coater."

While a pretty pale pink, opaque is a word I'd use to describe this polish, the first coat is streaky, and after the second, you can still see your nail underneath.

One last thing, I don't know if it's just me, but this bottle of polish seemed to dry out faster than others... Is it just me?

3. EcoTools Concealer Brush

This brush came in EcoTools' starter pack of 5. While all the other brushes in the pack were super soft and all-round amazing, this one was a little too scratchy for the undereye area.

When using, there's just one or two bristles that poke the wrong way underneath the eye (it's okay everywhere else, where the skin is less sensitive)



4. Rimmel Match Perfection Concealer "230 Light"

First, the brush applicator isn't very soft at all, when it's used on the skin close to my eye, it can sometimes hurt at contact (maybe I just have really sensitive undereyes D: )

And second, I know it's supposed to be "light coverage," but this seems to be too light. As in, sometimes I think it does nothing to cover my dark circles.



5. Dove Refresh + Care Dry Shampoo

I bought this one after Zoella raved about them, and after I read reviews on Makeupalley.

For someone like myself, with super black hair, this tends to leave those white casts on your air, making you look a few decades older than you actually are. (But I guess if you're blond, you should be fine, lol)

Also, this is just personal preference, but I think the scent of this dry shampoo is just way too strong.

6. Rimmel Gentle Eye Makeup Remover

I bought this on a whim at a Shoppers, after seeing it on sale.

This is probably the weakest makeup remover I've ever tried. Honestly, it's like water, it doesn't remove much at all. The bottle says "it removes even waterproof mascara!", and... Well, it doesn't. :(

I still use it occasionally, though, to remove lipstick or to clean my eyelash curler, so it's not a complete waste of money


If you're still reading, thanks for sticking with me all this way, haha. If you enjoyed this, stick around for more!


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Rawr,

Jakie