31 Days Of Basic Beauty

Day 25 - The New Food Pyramid.

I truly think that to feel  beautiful we must feed our bodies with healthy foods such as a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, nuts and legumes.
 A lot of the time I eat way too many sweets but since moving house we have not been able to afford luxuries like chocolate and soft drink. I have been living off a (surprisingly cheap) diet of vegetables, fruits, rice, Gluten Free pasta and a treat of dried fruit and nut mix with chunks of cacao in it, yum!

What is the food pyramid? The food pyramid is a pyramid shaped diagram of  the optimal number of servings to be eaten each day of a food group. The first food pyramid was published in Sweden in 1974.

I remember having a conversation with my Naturpoth and he mentioned that the government will be bringing out a new food pyramid soon so I had to check it out myself. As you can see the old food pyramid advised that a person eats 6-11 general servings of bread. pasta or cereal a day. Thats a lot!

The new food pyramid recommends their serving size in ounces rather than one general portion. The new food pyramid also bases their foundation on daily exercise and weight control. Why? because those two elements are linked to staying healthy and the amount of food you consume can keep you in a healthy weight range along with regular exercise.

Picture Source

This new food pyramid gives a much better idea on how we can all balance our diets to make the best out of our bodies. If we eat well, our bodies benefit from the vitamins and minerals fresh food brings.

Because your Beautiful

Have Fun!

Renee x

Sorry guys ! Due to my moving house and lack of internet recently, I will be unable to complete the rest of my 31 Days Of Basic Beauty within January. But it will be finished none the less.

31 Days Of Basic Beauty

Day 24 - Natural Teeth Whitening.

A long time ago I heard that munching on Strawberries was a great way to whiten teeth naturally, so today I want to find out if that's true and if I can find two other ways to make your pearly whites shine.

Strawberries: Due to their high Vitamin C content, strawberries really do get rid of yellow stains on the teeth! 
Strawberry teeth cleaning recipie: Try mushing strawberries up to a pulp, add a pinch of Bi-carb Soda and gently brush your teeth with them. Then rinse your mouth out with warm water. Even though this is a well known teeth whitening recipie some warn that the acid in the strawberries can strip the tooth of enamel. If you don't want to risk it try this method instead...

Coconut Oil Pulling: This is a very new mothod to me and I am eager to try it out. Coconut oil has many health benefits including improving dental health and reducing bad breath.
How do I do it? In the morning on an empty stomach, grab a tablespoon of coconut oil and swish it around your mouth for about twenty minutes. Spit it out in the bin (not the sink because it may solidify and block the pipes) and brush your teeth as normal. 

Baking Soda: Baking soda [Sodium Bicarbonate] is mildly abrasive, gently scrubbing away stains on the tooth surface. Baking soda is very alkaline, so if you eat a lot of acidic foods such as cola I think this may help to balance out the PH in your mouth.
Baking Soda Paste: For a once-a-week treatment try moulding some aluminum foil to the shape of your teeth. Mix some toothpaste and baking soda to make a paste, apply to your teeth and cover with the foil. After an hour remove the foil and brush your teeth as usual.

Sneaky Extra: Another way to keep your teeth shiny and healthy is by munching on crunchy foods like carrots and apples. They help to remove any sugars and chemicals that cause stains and discolouation.

Because your Beautiful

Have Fun!

Renee x

31 Days Of Basic Beauty

Day 23 - Fragrance Matters

Today I plan to talk a little about fragrance and I want to have a bit of fun with this post. I mainly just want to to show you guys a fragrance wheel so you can see the different types of fragrances out there. 

As you can see from this and previous blog posts, I kinda have a thing for charts.

Parfum: The most concentrated form you can get. Between 15- 25% pperfumeoil dissolved in alcohol.

Soie de Parfum: 15% - 18% perfume oil

Eau de Parfum: 8% - 15% perfume oil.

Eau de Toilette: about 4% - 10% purfume oil.

Eau Fraiche: approx 4% or less perfume oil,

Eau de Cologne: have 2% to 5% perfume oil.

All perfumes have  top, middle and base notes. But what are they for?

Top Notes: give the first impression of a fragrance. These are usually lighter and once applied to the skin they last between 5 - 30 minutes.

Middle Notes: Also known as "heart notes" these scents give the body of the whole fragrance. They may be evident to start but it usually takes 10 - 30 minutes for it to properly reveal itself. Middle notes are the notes that classify the fragrance like in the chart (floral, oriental, woody).

Base Notes: They last the longest and are also important fixatives to slow down the evaporative rates of the lighter notes. Base notes bring depth to a perfume. Common base notes are musk, vanilla, patchouli and oakmoss.

I hope this post has been interesting for you. What is your favourite fragrance that you gravitate to? I like floral scents.

Because Your Beautiful

Have Fun!

Renee x

31 Days of Basic Beauty

Day 22 - Concealer Basics

Many years ago when I started my interest in makeup I was completely baffled by concealers. I didn't know what colour would suit me and I was confused by all the choices out there, so...
What types of concealers are there? Heaps! Here is a run down:

• Liquid Concealer: Creates buildable coverage and can be used on most skin types except on very dry skin. Liquid concealer suits blemishes because it's not as likely to cake up. Liquid concealers are ideal for covering wrinkles because of the light texture.
• Stick Concealer: Stick Concealers come in a semi-solid texture somewhat like a lipstick. They are travel friendly and easy to use. They give a medium to heavy coverage and are best applied with a clean finger tip or a concealer brush. Stick concealers are great for the undereye area and around the nose and mouth. They suit normal, dry and sensitive skin types.
• Cream Concealer: Usually found in a pot or palette, creamy concealers are best for under the eye or for covering up brown spots. These type of concealers tend to be thick and require a good blending technique using fingers, sponge or a brush. Best for dry, combination, normal or sensitive skin.
• Cream-to-powder Concealer: My favourite type of concealer because I like using powder foundations. These types of concealers are usually found in a palette and come in a creamy formula, once it is blended in it leaves a powdery matte finish. These concealers are best for normal to sensitive skin. 
• Colour Correcting Concealer: Found in a palette or a stick, this type of concealer is used when a flesh tone concealer doesn't cover up severe skin discolouration. Make sure you apply lightly and blend them in well so they don't appear under your foundation. The colours are for different purposes:

e.l.f Concealer Palette

Lavender: Neutralises yellow or a sallow complexion

Yellow: Counteracts dark purple tones, such as under eye circles or scarring.

Green: Neutralises redness including rosacea.

Pink: Can liven up very pale skin tones and neutralise blue cast.

Orange/ Salmon: Neutralises blue,deep purple and even greyish tones on deep skin tones.

Because Your Beautiful

Have Fun!

Renee x

31 Days Of Basic Beauty

Day 21 - What's your Foundation Colour?

Choosing a foundation colour is not as difficult as it may seem. Once you have decided what type of foundation you would like to try whether it be a liquid or powder, Matte or Sheer then you can decide which shade suits you the best.

The most important part when buying a foundation is not to be to scared to ask for assistance. The ladies at the makeup counters have been trained to find a foundation to suit you. They will ask you questions such as: 

• What skin type do you have?
• What kind of coverage would you like. Light, medium or heavy?
• What are your major skin concerns and what would you like to cover up? eg: Pinples, uneven skin tone, wrinkles, under eye darkness.
• Do you prefer a liquid or a powder?

Once these questions are answered you can start playing with some product. Make sure you shop with no makeup on or ask the assistant if there is some face wipes under the counter to take your current foundation off. Choosing a foundation shade always works best on a bare face.

Pick a colour that you think you may be, then one slightly lighter and slightly darker and test it on your cheek like this:

The colour closest to your skin tone is the one to pick. Take a walk outside and have a look at it in natural light. Some shops can have yellow light and can make the foundation look different to it's true colour. Be aware that foundations have a cool tone and a warm tone to them. if your not sure which is which again, ask for assistance. 

I hope this post helped you choose the right shade for your skin.

Because Your Beautiful.

Have Fun!

Renee x

31 Days Of Basic Beauty

Day 20 - Choosing Foundation.

The base of any makeup is a good foundation. However there are so many different types of Foundation how do you choose? 

Here is the low down:

Source

Matte Or Dewy Finish: Matte foundations are great for people with oily skin. These foundations tend to dry quickly so apply it with a sponge or your fingers. Using a moisturiser before applying a matte foundation will ensure an easier application.
A foundation that creates a dewy finish glides on smoothly and gives the illusion of not wearing any foundation at all. Dewy foundation is great for people with Normal to Dry skin because they are made with silicones and can 'run off' an oily skin type. 

Whipped or Mousse Foundation: I used to use whipped foundations a lot in my teen years. They are light and very easy to blend. Whipped foundations are full of air and suit any skin type but they are fantastic for normal to dry skin.

Mineral Foundations: Mineral foundations are favourite of mine because they are made of natural minerals. Mineral foundations are in a fine powder and are best applies with a big Kabuki brush so that they buff evenly onto the skin.

Pressed Powder Foundation: These foundations come in a compact and look like a pressed powder, however a foundation stays on longer than a regular pressed poder because of the special formulations. These types of Foundations are great for normal skin types. 

Stick Foundations: I have only just started using stick foundations and I am a huge fan. Not only are they compact and travel friendly but they have a medium coverage that hides redness and blemishes whilst on the go. Stick foundations can make a dry skin type look drier but are perfect for normal to oily skin.  

Because Your Beautiful

Have Fun!

Renee x

31 Days Of Basic Beauty

Day 19 - Natural Skincare

I have a special interest in using natural ingredients for my skincare. there are hundreds of fantastic plants and oils that benefit the skin but because this is a basic guide I have only chosen six common ingredients.

Rose Petals: Rose Petals have healing properties and are great for cleansing, toning and moisturising. Roses are also anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral. You can use rosewater to treat acne and its calming properties can help reduce swollen spots or redness on your skin.

Calendula: This has been long used as a anti-infective for skin that has trouble healing. Calendula is widely used on skin conditions such as excema, skin inflammation, Dermatitis and Acne. Sensitive skin types will also benefit from its calming properties. 

Chamomile: For centuries Chamomile has been used for many health reasons including the skin. Chamomile has natural antibacterial properties and is wonderfully soothing to sensitive skin types and reducing inflammation to red and swollen Acne skin. 

Olive Oil: In ancient times Olive Oil was used as an anti-ageing remedy and was used to moisturise dry skin. Olive Oil contains Hydroxytyrosol which is a rather rare compound and happens to be plentiful in Olives. This is one of the key compounds that prevent free radical damage. Dry skin and Mature skin types will benefit a lot from using Olive Oil on their skin.

Ylang Ylang: Ylang Ylang has amazing anti-inflammatory benefits, so it is often found in skincare. Acne prone skin may see an improvement on redness and blemishes. Ylang Ylang stimulates new cell growth so its a popular ingredient to add to anti-ageing skincare to smooth wrinkles

Lavender: I saved my favourite for last. Not only does Lavender have a earthy and calming fragrance it has great anti septic and anti-fungal properties. Lavender soothes acne prone skin and boosts circulation making the blood flow to the skin encourage quick healing and reproduction of new skin cells. Lavender is also wonderful as an anti-ageing ingredient.

Because Your Beautiful

Have Fun!

Renee x

31 Days Of Basic Beauty

Day 18 - Basic Haircut For Face Shape.

Lets just get stuck into it. If you haven't read my Face Shapes poststart here so you can figure out your shape. Now you can decide what hairstyle you would like to try. New Year, New You?

 Long: If your have a long face shape, hair that is too long can make your face look longer. The best hair cut is shoulder length and shorter length hair. Also avoid having a part straight down the middle becuse it will draw the eyes down to the longest part of the face. If you really love your long hair, try it with a blunt long fringe across your forehead. This can help shorten the face length and look really feminine.

Liv Tyler

Hairstyles that suit Long Face

Round Face: The aim is to add height and length to the features. Soft layers will slim the face, but make sure they are chin length or lower. Hairstyles that add height to the crown are also very flattering. Try to avoid blunt straight fringes across the forehead this can make your face look fuller. A blunt cut without layers near the jawline can make your face look rounder, try a graduated bob instead past your jaw.

Ginnifer Goodwin

Hairstyles that suit Round Face

Square: The secret to the perfect haircut for a square face shape is to create roundness and to soften the strong feature that the square face shape brings. Long hairstyles that soften and frame the edges of the face are ideal. Blunt cuts that are just below shoulder lenth are very flattering. Feathery bangs or a side parting can look great on a square face shape as well. Also you can choose a hairstyle with layers starting at the jawline to soften those strong angles. Try avoiding short pixi haircuts, these make the face look squarer in shape. 

Kiera Knightly

Hairstyles that suit Square face

Heart Shapes Face: Short bobs and pixi styles suits heart shaped faces perfectly. Long wavy or soft curls framing the face are also flattering for this face shape. Choppy layers that add more dimention are also a good choice. Steer clear of styles that are wide around the top of the face, these accentuate a small chin. Also long styles with no layers and do not frame the face can make a heart face look long.

Reese Witherspoon

Hairstyles that suits Heart Face

\\

Diamond: These face shapes look good in almost any style. A blunt shoulder length cut or wispy bangs for long hair. Wavy medium to chin length hair can look very flattering as well as subtle face framing with long layers. Avoid excessive layers and too much volume, especially near the upper part of the face as it can add to the fullness to the forehead.

Scarlett Johansen

Hairstyles that suit Diamonds

Because Your Beautiful

Have Fun!

Renee x

31 Days Of Basic Beauty

Day 17 - The Perfect Hair Colour for your Skin Tone

The paler your skin tone the lighter you can go with your hair colour. There are still a few things to keep in mind so that your hair colour makes you look vibrant and healthy and not sallow and sick.

Pale Skin Tone : Hues of Butterscotch and strawberry suit a warm tone. Blonde with gold undertones are Ideal for a warm skin tone. If you have cool skin tone try a light to medium Ash blond. 

Warm Tone and Pale Skin

         Isla Fisher                                                                         Chloe Sevigny

Cool Tone and Pale Skin

               Mila Jovovich                                                            Renee Zellweger                 

Medium Skin tone: For a warm skin tone try  medium golden brown or deep golden blonde, strawberry blonde or coppery red. A cool skin tone will suit a medium brown possibly with ashy undertones, or a light ash brown.

Warm Tone And Medium Skin

              Mandy Moore                                                           Heidi Klum

Cool Tone and Medium Skin

                                                                        Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Garner

 

Dark Skin Tone: For Warm Undertones try a brown-black possibly with red highlights. You could also try a deep chestnut.
If your have a cool undertone you could also try Black-brown but without the warm highlights. Black hair with a blue or ash tints suit you really well.

Warm Tone and Dark/Olive Skin

                                       Beyonce                                                                Jennifer Lopez

Cool Tone and Dark/Olive Skin

             America Ferrera                                                           Zoe Saldana

Because Your Beautiful

Have Fun!

Renee x

31 Days Of Basic Beauty

Day 16 - Basic Brow Fill

Eyebrows can really make or break a makeup look, so here are some tips in keeping the in check.

Its best and easiest to start with freshly shaped eyebrows, either by going to a salon and getting them professionally waxed or threaded. When you get home you can now fill in the sparse bits if you like.

Using a brow pencil similar to your hair colour and with a brush at the end is a great place to start.

You can use a gel or a wax as well.

• Outline your natural eyebrow shape lightly with the pencil, gel or liner.
• You can start filling them in now using light feathery strokes
• Fill the brow in the natural direction of the hair growth.
• The inner part of the brow should be the lightest, getting gradually darker near the end.

Now that your eyebrows are filled, set them by using a clear mascara so the colour doesn't smudge or fade.

Famous Celebrity Eyebrows

Megan Fox

 Gwen Stephani

Because Your Beautiful

Have Fun!

Renee x

31 Days Of Basic Beauty

Day 15 - Basic Smoky Eye

Smokey eyes are such a popular choice of eye makeup. If you have never worn a smokey eye No need to wrorry, these simple steps will leave your eyes smokin' (pun intended).

You Will Need:

Clock wise from top: Models Prefer Nude eye-shadow Palette, Model Co Lashxtend,

Furless Cosmetics Angled Brush, Eco Tools Eye-shadow brush. Furless Cosmetics Blending Brush.

Place some concealer around the eyes and blend it in.

Apply a matte light coloured shade all over the eyelid up to the brow. I used Bare.

Use a dark matte or luminous shade and apply halfway across the eyelid, blending outwards. I used Glisten

Select a medium tone matte or luminous shade and apply in the inner corner of the eye. Use a blending brush to blend half way along the eyelid and up to the crease. 

Using the angled brush line your eyes with a very dark colour. I used Earth.

Apply mascara by starting at the root of the hair and wriggling the brush up and finishing at the tip. Apply a couple of coats if you want your lashes to really stand out.

The finished result is a soft and romantic smokey eye.

 I hope you enjoyed this simple tutorial and look out for my next Basic Beauty blog posts.

Because Your Beautiful

Have Fun!

Renee x