Exams...

This week is exam week in my school. I have 10 exams, each of them 1 and a half hours long. It seems that they will never end.

See, that's the thing about exams. They seem endless, but at the same time you never have enough time to write everything that you know. Another thing I've noticed is that you study beforehand, and you can remember everything perfectly but once you go into the exam centre, your mind goes blank. Of course you remember everything again when it's over, usually just after you hand up your paper. Yet another weird thing is that they always ask you the things you DON'T know, rather than what you do. It's like they don't actually want you to do well. Argh! It's so frustrating! Okay, overall I think exams are very strange.

However, there is debate over which is better: class tests every so often, or a week of exams every day. Personally, I think a week of exams is better, but here's a list of arguments.

Class tests are better because:

• you don't have to revise as much
• less stress
• they are shorter and sometimes easier

A week of exams is better because: 

• they only happen twice a year (in my school, anyway)
• you know exactly when they're happening (for example, I know I'll have exams next June)
• more time to revise
• you get off school early for a week, and if you're lucky like me, you get a day off
• teachers prepare you for them, usually wasting class time, not that anyone minds. Sometimes they even tell you exactly what is on the exam, which isn't very smart of them, but definitely appreciated

So you see my point. Exams are better. Let's face it - they're there, and then they're over and there's nothing to worry about for about 6 months. Class tests just get in the way.

Okay then. That's it for now. I hope you found this more interesting than my beauty posts. Click here to read my rant about them.



PS. This post was originally written during an exam. For proof, see my Twitter.  

I'm back! And why I'll never write beauty posts again..

Sorry it's been so long, but I have been totally busy (tests, Angry Birds, exams, homework, new phone, birthday, more homework...you get the picture). Over these past couple of...days? Weeks? How long have I been out? Anyway, I've been thinking about this blog a lot. And I realised that I am doing NOTHING of what I was planning for this blog. It's been a complete fail so far. Wow, that's depressing (but not really).

What I originally made this blog for was to express my opinion on interesting topics. So far, I've been doing posts on BEAUTY, of all things! That's not my opinion, it's either fact or someone else's opinion! I feel really bad about myself now.

Also, I promised that I would post every day. Well, that didn't work out. And now I know why - because I was bored. With my own blog. What a saddo. So from now on I'll post whenever I have something interesting to say. that way, both me and the readers won't fall asleep while reading it.

Okay, I decided I'm not going to delete those beauty posts. This way, every time I feel like writing about beauty, I'm going to read back over them and see how boring it is. Leave it to the experts!

So here goes...I PROMISE TO NOT POST ABOUT BEAUTY ANYMORE BECAUSE IT BORES THE HELL OUT OF ME. (unless it's DIY stuff you can make at home from stuff you can find in your kitchen - there's an idea!)

Okay, that's it for now. I'm not going to post for another week, because I have winter exams, but I PROMISE to be back soon with something actually interesting. Kay, bye!

xx Natalia

How to Prevent Chapped Lips

Nobody likes dry, chapped lips. The problem is, most of us tend to get them during the winter months. Here are some tips on how to prevent them:

• Don't lick your lips. It may feel better for a little while, but the saliva soon evaporates, leaving your lips dryer than before. If you tend to lick your lips (one of the most common bad habits), avoid flavored lip balms, which is too tempting.

• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water. During the winter, we're usually not as thirsty as in the summer, but is just as important!

• Use a good chapstick, like Carmex, Nivea, Soft Lips, Burt's Bees etc. See if the chapstick you're using has SPF. It may seem like the sun isn't shining in winter, but the harmful UV rays are still there.

• Use an ointment before going to bed. Vaseline and Burt's Bees are very good.

• If you live in a dry area, you might want to consider getting a humidifier. This is a machine which distributes water vapor. If you already live in a humid place, don't get one. Also, you could try having a well-watered house plant in your room. This is good for the skin, and also makes the air fresh (hello science!).

Watch this video for really good winter skin care tips. It's a girl called Andrea. I really love her videos, you should check them out. Enjoy!

The 10 most useful cosmetics you will ever own PART 2

Here is Part 2 of my most recent post. If you haven't seen the first one already, click here.

1.       Concealer

This one has to be chosen carefully, as it has to mimic your skin tone. Choose the oil-free kind. Use it under the eyes to hide bags, and also on inflamed areas or spots. Apply onto clean skin with a clean cotton bud (or brush), and only on the area that needs it. If you create a big circle around a spot, you’ll only draw more attention to it.

2.       SOS Spot Buster

In the case of a sudden emergency, this will always help you out. Try a few different brands and see which one suits you most. Test both gels and roll-ons. Apply directly onto the spot and leave it there. After a few hours the spot should shrink and start to dry up. You can use it a few times a day, but be careful – if you use it too much, your skin will get used to it and it won’t work anymore. In that case, try a different one for a while, and then come back to it.

3.       Cleanser (and/or toner)

It is really, really important to remove makeup before going to bed, and to cleanse the skin thoroughly. Soap isn’t very good for the skin, as it makes it very dry, and makes it produce more sebum, which is the oil that makes your skin shiny. That’s why you need a good cleanser. It removes the build-up of dirt, grease and makeup, and mattes the skin. It can also help prevent acne. Choose alcohol-free cleansers, as alcohol can really irritate your skin (and make your eyes water). Toners are not necessary, but if you want to use one, it is better to buy one from the same series as your cleanser, as they will work together. You can try a toner which mattes the skin, or one that prevents blackheads, blemishes etc.

These are different for everyone, as everyone has a different skin type (read my last post for more on skin types), so you just have to find the best one that suits you.

Here's some links to get you started:

• The 18 Best Cleansers - TODAY Style
• The 10 Best Cleansers - Marie Claire

4.       Body lotion/butter

To keep your body soft and silky to the touch, moisturise it every day after showering. There are lots of sweet-smelling body lotions out there. Try exotic smells such as mango and papaya, coconut, or cocoa butter. You will smell gorgeous all day long, while also keeping your skin hydrated.

The Body Shop has a wide range of sweet-smelling body butters and lotions, plus the products are organic. You could try one of those!

5.        Exfoliator

To remove dead skin cells and encourage the skin to make new ones, it is good to exfoliate it about once or twice a week. For the delicate areas of the face, use a special face exfoliator, which will stop your skin from flaking and help keep it smooth. These sometimes come as a 3-in-1, a cleansing gel, exfoliator and face mask. For the rest of your body, use a regular exfoliator. Refreshing scents include tangy lemon, sweet raspberry and healing aloe vera.

Or you can always make your own one by mixing a glass of water, a glass of sugar, and the juice of half a lemon (a natural antioxidant). Heat them up and mix, then cool. When the mixture is cool, use it like a normal exfoliator – just wash your face, and then apply the mixture, rubbing it into your face. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel. Do this about twice a week.

Now go out and buy your essentials!

The 10 most useful cosmetics you will ever own PART 1

We don’t have unlimited budgets, and it would be a pity to spend all of your allowance or savings on tons of makeup and products that don’t do anything except clutter up your shelves. So here is a list (in no particular order) of the necessities – everything you will need to look gorgeous every day.

Note: This post is split in two because it is so long, and also because it took ages to make.

1.       Clear mascara

You can use it anytime to add subtle definition to your eyes, without going heavy with black. You can wear it at school, even if there’s a ban on makeup. It can also replace eyebrow gel for tidying brows. Many clear mascaras also contain minerals which work wonders on your lashes, making them thicker, longer and more luscious. Plus, there's never any clumps!

  

2.       Lip gloss

A girl’s best friend, useful for adding volume and dimension to your lips, and more moisturising than lipstick. It comes in many different shades, from bold cherry reds, to subtle nudes, to clear. Remember - bubblegum-pink lip gloss makes your teeth look whiter. If you don’t like lip gloss because it’s sticky, try to find a good brand non-sticky formula gloss. Try some of the flavoured ones as well – they are deliciously juicy. Save some for your lips though!

3.       Vaseline

Often called the “wonder cosmetic”, Vaseline is a definite must have for every girl. It can be used for everything:  soothing chapped lips, moisturising scaly elbows, tidying eyelashes, softening cuticles...the possibilities are endless! Slather on your eyelashes at night to make them thicker and generally healthier. Plus, there are so many types to choose from! There is the original blue, the green aloe vera, the pink rosy lips and the brand new brown cocoa butter, which smells gorgeous, just like chocolate. Pick your favourite and get addicted. 

Check out these cute chapstick ones as well!

4.       Hand cream

All year round, it’s  important to keep hands moisturised and cuticles soft. Use it twice a day – in the morning before leaving the house, and at night, just before you go to sleep. Your hands will thank you for it! My personal favourites are Dove, Vaseline and Cocoa Butter.

5.       Moisturiser

If you have dry skin, this is definitely a must. Use the more greasy, thick type at least once a day to prevent skin from flaking and looking lifeless.

It is super important for combination and oily skin  as well, because even though your skin is prone to breakouts, it also needs hydration. Use the more water-based, non-greasy type, so you don’t encourage build ups.


If you don't already know your skin type, take this quiz to find out.

There are so many moisturisers out there, for all types of skin, here's a few links:

• 100 best moisturisers
• 100 moisturisers for combination skin
• 100 moisturisers for dry skin
• 100 moisturisers for oily skin
• 100 moisturisers for sensitive skin
• 100 moisturisers on a budget

That's it for today, I'll be back soon with more beauty buys!

Can you fall in love with a celebrity?

Let’s be honest - we’ve all done it…had a crush on a celebrity. But do you know why so many girls fall in love with celebrities? Could it be true love?

How does it feel to be in love with a celebrity?

When you think about him, you smile. You feel that you were made for each other, and that you’ll be together one day, but deep inside, you think that it’s impossible. You feel jealous of his girlfriends.

Why do we fall in love with celebrities?

Because it’s easy. We’re exposed to the media. Most celebrities look great and are in the centre of attention. Our own grey reality seems boring compared to theirs. Celebrities seem perfect, because we don’t get to see them when they’re sick, sweaty or in a bad mood. We just see the good side of them.

Is the feeling real?

Even if your friends say it’s not true love, they’re wrong. Your feelings are true. But remember that you don’t actually know this person. Everything that you know about him from TV or the Internet, isn’t everything.

What should you do with that love?

Think of it as a gift. It’s great preparation for a real relationship. You imagine lots of situations in your head, and it gives you a chance to think about them. When they happen to you in real life, you’ll know what to do. Remember to spend time with people you actually know too. Give other boys a chance.

The colors of winter 2011

This winter is going to be a bright one! Here's the top color trends so you don't get left behind:

1. Bold colors

• yellow

• orange

• magenta

• red

2. Metallics and shiny colours

3. Bold prints such as animal prints, polka dots, stripes, mixed prints

 

4. Other color trends:

• Blue and lavender

• Midnight blue

• Burgundy (or rust)

• Plum

• Melon

• Classic neutrals - black, white, grey

• Soft pastels

Now go and clear out that wardrobe to see what you already have before buying new stuff!

How to rock a natural make up look

We’re all natural beauties, of course, but sometimes we need to help Mother Nature out a little and hide some things, while highlighting others. This makeup look is perfect for a casual look, and school as well, as it doesn’t create that “plastered on” effect. The best thing about it is that it only takes 5 minutes, saving time for your busy schedule.

Wear it with pride.

You will need:

• Light foundation in your natural skin tone (liquid or powder, whichever you prefer)
• Concealer
• Clear mascara
• Eyelash curlers (optional)
• Eyebrow palette
• Tweezers
• Lip gloss (a natural colour, nude or pale pink/red) or lip balm
• White eye shadow (or a soft white eyeliner pencil) 

How to do it:

• Cleanse your face by washing it and pat drying with a clean towel.
• Apply the foundation evenly on your face and neck, but don’t plaster it on. You don’t want it to look like a mask.
• Apply concealer to any “danger zones” and under your eyes to get rid of bags and make your eyes look brighter.
• Pluck any stray hairs to even out your eyebrows, but don’t over pluck. Puny eyebrows are a big turn off. Keep them natural, and go along your natural arch.
• Use an eyebrow color a tone lighter than your hair, and then comb them through with clear mascara, to keep them neat, tidy and in place.
•  Apply some white eye shadow (or liner)  on your eyelids, but only as far as the crease. This makes your eyes brighter and more awake.
•  If you want, use eyelash curlers, but be careful not to rip them out or poke yourself in the eye! Put clear mascara on your lashes, going down first, and then up in a zig-zag motion.
•  Finally, add definition to your lips using lip gloss. This adds volume, as well as a 3D look. Remember, clear gloss makes your lips redder, while bubblegum-pink makes your teeth look whiter.

Ta-da! You just enhanced your natural beauty!

Here's two other natural make up looks you might want to try: