Negative Space and Self Esteem

Welcome back!

I have been thinking about posting another brainfood post for a while but I wasn't exactly sure what to write. My last post about introversion was better received than I thought so I thought I would do another personal mind post about what I determine negative space is and how you can improve your self esteem. As always I have included a few illustrations to help this post along.

First things first I do not suffer from any sort of mental health illness but like many other people I do struggle with self-esteem and how I perceive myself. This is a huge problem amongst the general population because today's society teaches us that self-love is arrogant and big-headed. But self-love is okay. As the famous saying goes how can you expect someone to love you if you do not love yourself? So grab yourself a cup of tea because we are going to be here for a while...

When a person suffers with self-esteem issues it does not always mean they are uncomfortable with the way they look, they could in fact be uncomfortable with what they are and aren't good at, what decisions they make ect. When I have days like this I know that I am in a negative space in my own mind, because the way I perceive myself is completely different to how other people perceive me. When I am in a negative space my day normally goes like this:

But I am here to say hell no to those days because there are ways that you can counter act these feelings.

1. CUT OUT NEGATIVE PEOPLE. 
The first way to combat negative space is quite simply to surround yourself with positive people- friends and family alike. Make sure that everyone in your life supports you and your goals. If there is one thing I have learnt it is that negative people can make your self-esteem worst. Even if they are not bashing your dreams or insulting you personally they can still influence your mood. People who are bitter, jealous or angry can make you feel that way about yourself. The best thing to do when you find yourself in this situation is just to distance yourself from this person therefore their negativity will not be able to affect you anymore.

2. SPEND TIME WITH YOURSELF. 
Another step that you can put in place is to spend a little bit more time with yourself. Enjoy your own company do things that you enjoy doing. It doesn't matter what. It could be anything from reading and writing to drawing and painting. Meditation is also a good way to relax whilst in your own company. Like all relationships, your relationship with yourself takes time to grow. Don't expect an instant fix from this step but over time you will discover more and more about yourself and eventually improve your self-esteem.

3. EXERCISE.
This is more of a scientific approach. It is a known fact that exercise releases feel-good hormones and chemicals in your brain called endorphins. This gives your body the feeling of positivity and better self body image. If you really hate exercise, start off slow- go for a walk by yourself or do some morning stretches. Trust me you will feel better for it, not just physically but also mentally and emotionally!

4. SLEEP AND DIET.
Sleeping and food? That's something we all enjoy. However stuffing your face with pizza and having afternoon naps is not going to make you feel better about yourself. But having a healthy sleep pattern and balanced diet will. Try to not stay up into the early hours of the morning, instead go to bed at a sensible time that will allow you have at least eight hours of rest. A lack of sleep can cause you to have exaggerated negative feelings which can make your self-esteem worst. Steering clear of junk food or food high in artificial sugars will also improve your mind set. Artificial sugars can make you feel happy for an instance but in the long run they will make your body crash out and feel sluggish, not a feeling that helps.

I hope these tips will help you on your way to a happier, healthier you! However it is very important that I literate that sometimes people get down and that is okay-  it does not mean you have a mental health illness. But if you think you need help and guidance you should always consult a doctor. There are also many helpful mental health charities that you could contact too such as: mind, sane and rethink. Additionally there are many other helplines in the UK you can call like the samaritans.

But remember everyone, you are all beautiful!

*CIAO*

Bye Bye Under Eyes: The Best Products That Banish Dark Circles

Welcome back!

If you are an avid reader of my blog then you know that this summer I am rocking the "no make-up" make-up look. Mainly because it gets so humid here in London and make-up just makes my skin feel uncomfortable. In the summer I want my make-up on quickly and to remain fuss free throughout the day. So I thought I would amp up my skincare routine to minimise the amount of make-up I have to wear- particularly around my eyes.

Like many lovely ladies out there I suffer from dark under eye circles. No matter how much I sleep or how much water I drink I always have the dreaded purple-ish patches under my eyes. Perfect for halloween but not any other day of the year. Anyway after a year or so of trying different products I have found two that work for me and I would not leave the house without applying them.

Introducing my under eye saviours, both by benefit. The It's Potent eye cream and the Puff Off eye gel!

First things first I don't use these products together. I use the eye cream at night after I have finished the rest of my skincare routine. I just apply one large dab under each eye and pat it in gently with my ring finger. Being as gentle as possible is the best way to minimize dark circles. In the morning just before I apply my make-up and just after I have prepped my skin for the day I apply the eye gel with the built in applicator.

This eye cream is honestly my favourite part of my night time routine. It smells gorgeous and doesn't make my eyes water like other products. The product claims that it can actually fade dark circles and smooth fine lines over a prolonged period of time. I have been using this product for about six months and I definitely feel that my under eyes have gotten brighter and less purple. 

The texture is creamy and consistent and feels fresh once applied. When I wake up in the morning I can see a huge difference if I haven't applied it the night before. It really brightens the skin around your eyes and makes your skin look so fresh. 

As I said I apply this gel in the morning. The consistency is smooth and smells lovely. It glides over the skin and I can instantly feel it soothing my puffy eyes. 

The tip of the tube even has this handy iron shaped end which helps you move the gel around your eyes with ease. Once I have applied this I can definitely see that my under eyes are less puffy and discoloured. Sometimes this works so well I don't even have to apply concealer. Brilliant! 

Overall I would recommend these products to anyone suffering with dark circles. But just remember what works on my skin may not work for you. We are all different and have different skin types which work in different ways. I always recommend that you buy a sample size of any product before investing in a full sized version. 

*CIAO*

OOTD: Black Sun

Welcome back!

This summer I have a huge obsession with the t-shirt dress or wearing oversized t-shirts as dresses. I know to some this is a huge fashion faux pas but I actually don't care because I think they are very flattering on me and I like to wear them. Before I get into that too much though lets just get on with the outfit.

I wore this look out shopping with friends as it is super comfy and London summer friendly. I also like wearing black, even in the summer, as it is a very flattering colour on almost anyone and who doesn't like to look a bit edgy these days? Hence the title black sun. Enjoy!

Unif Dress.

Ebay Choker.

Alexander Wang Bag.

Primark Sunglasses.

Topshop Shoes.

*CIAO*

Misconceptions of an Introvert.

Welcome back.

I haven't posted in a little while but if I am honest it is because I haven't felt very inspired lately. At the moment I don't feel very fashion forward or feel very much into my beauty regimes. I just feel thoughtful. So I figured the best thing to do would be to let my thoughts out on here. 

Lately I have been thinking a lot about my personality and the misconceptions that come along with it. I always knew that I was a rather withdrawn person, especially in new situations. However it wasn't until I took the Myers Briggs personality test that I found I was truly introverted, massively. For those of you that don't know what the Myers Briggs test is, it is basically a personality test that defines four aspects of your personality and the outcome is one of 16 personalities. Anyway, if you want to know more you could probably Google it. 

The traditional definition of introvert is a term to describe someone whose motives and actions are directed inwards. Introverts also seem to be more preoccupied with their own thoughts and feelings. That is me. Through and through. However growing up introverted I have found that there are a lot of things that people don't really understand about me. I am not speaking for all introverts, these misconceptions I have encountered could also be caused by other elements of my personality, I'm not entirely sure, I am not a psychologist, just a girl with a passion for the mind who has a blog. Nonetheless I have created this list for fellow introverts to enjoy, also for extroverts who want to know why we (well mainly I) can be so strange.

Before we begin I just to lighten up this post a little. Throughout you will find some simple illustrations that I personally think help explain introversion or I just think are slightly amusing. Enjoy! 

1. I DO ENJOY BEING SOCIABLE.

Many people assume that introverts don't like going out with friends to have a good time. Not all introverted people are anxious of social situations. I actually really enjoy spending time with people be it at the cinema, restaurant, bar or outside. Just because I am an introvert that doesn't mean I am that person at the edge of a group nervously flicking through my phone, pretending to be busy so I do not have to involve myself. I can actually be quite the social butterfly once you get to know me.  

2. I AM NOT RUDE. I JUST HATE SMALL TALK. 

When I got to a certain age I found that many people's parents thought I that I was rude. I didn't really get this at first but now I am older I can see why. I would only speak to people (who weren't my friends) very minimally. I am not good at small talk. I am very awkward, I never know what to say and when I do say something it is almost never engaging just answering. I am not like this because I don't want to talk to you, I just cannot stand small talk. So what if the weather is beautiful outside? I promise I don't want to talk about anything too complex though, just something more interesting than the weather.  

3. I AM NOT SHY JUST SELECTIVE.
A huge misconception of introverts is that we are all incredibly shy and quiet. I can tell you, I am not a quiet person around people I am comfortable with, just ask my best friend. She will tell you I'm crazy. I'm just selective about who I completely be myself around. This is not because I don't want you as my friend. I just need a little more time to work you out and make sure that my personality won't be a shocking sight for you. Trust me this is better for both of us.

4. I DON'T HATE NOISE. I JUST HATE CHAOS.
Introverts are known for drawing their energy from alone time. Yes, I do really enjoy being by myself to re-charge but this doesn't mean that I can't work in a slightly more social, team orientated environment. I like noise whilst I work and I really enjoy working with a team. Sometimes I even think it can help me learn new things and come up with new ideas. However what I do hate with a passion is working in a chaotic environment. When things are messy, unorganised and extremely loud, quite honestly I just find this unproductive and extremely unhelpful.

5. I CAN LEAD. 

Many people often identify introverts as the followers throughout life never the leaders. But I am going to stand up for my fellow introverts and say we can lead just as well as anyone else once given the chance. This misconception of follower vs. leader comes along with the other misconceptions of being shy and unsocialable. Furthermore people assume that introverts are not assertive enough when it comes to leadership. Now, whilst we may not be very over bearing leaders we will be passionate about the project and always give it our all.

*CIAO*

The Clear Agency Press Day

Welcome back!

I was recently very lucky to get an invite to the clear agency's press day and since previous posts about press days have been quite popular I thought I would do another one. There was so much at this press day but I decided just to include a few of my favourite bits. Enjoy!

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The first brand I was especially excited to be seeing was "This Is A Love Song". If you haven't heard of this brand you need to, now. Click here for their full site. All of their designs are inspired by pop culture so you are bound to find something that reflects your tastes. 

The accessories from TIALS were so beautiful I just wanted to snap all of them up. I particularly liked the boom box inspired clutches and jewellery. I could definitely see myself rocking one of their chokers and matching bracelets for a night out with a simple black or white dress. You may not be able to see by the photo but the patterns are all made up of tiny individual beads! Very impressive!

If I were to buy just one item from the TIALS range it would be the statement collared shirt to the far left of the above photo. Just think of the endless possibilities there are to a bold printed monochrome shirt. Buy it in a larger size for an oversized feel then pair it with jeans and your favourite high-tops, instant urban chic! 

The next brand definitely on my "to-watch" list would be the jewellery from Gina Stewart Cox. If you love simplicity in your favourite metals this is the brand for you. I love the simple profile of a lions head on a long delicate chain. Perfect for those days when you want to spruce up your look with minimal fuss accessories.  

The matching ring, bangle and earrings are just as gorgeous. I think they would add the perfect amount of detail to an outfit you just need to add a little something to. 

But if lion heads are not your thing you could always go for a american indian skull motif. I think these would look great at festivals, especially the roped necklace. 

Another one of my favourite brands at the press day was Unif. However due to their unique designs and copywrite I was not allowed to take photos. I do guarantee that their newest collection is out of this world, with amazing textures, a whole load of colours and just the right amount of sass! To check it out click here. 

  

I hope you enjoyed this post! Speak to you all soon!

*CIAO*

OOTD: Cross Country

Welcome back. 

I love layering recently even though it is warming up here in the UK. I think it gives your outfit a hint of hippy chic, but also keeps that spring breeze at bay.

I entitled this look cross country as I feel like a bit of a country girl when wearing knee high socks and flannel. Enjoy!

Sunglasses: Primark.

Denim Jacket: Vintage DKNY.

Flannel Shirt: Pull and Bear.

Dress: Forever 21.

Knee Highs: Primark.

Shoes: Topshop.

This outfit is so comfortable and perfect for running errands in. I love the timeless flannel shirt as it goes with absolutely everything and I know it won't go out of style any time soon. 

*CIAO*

Review: Love Lettuce Face Mask

Welcome back!

Recently I went to a Lush store to pick up the usual bath bombs for my routinely Sunday soak. However whilst I was in there I met the most lovely Lush staff member who gifted me a pot of love lettuce face mask. Now, I have never tried a Lush face mask before, please don't shoot! I am just a bath bomb girl, but I thought as it was given to me through such good will I would give it a go. 

On the pot the product is described as an effective, exfoliating face mask that gives normal to oily skin a radiant glow. I have combination skin so I thought that it should work just fine on me. The face mask's main ingredients are almond shells, almond oil and lavender oil. 

Once I opened the pot I was overwhelmed by how fresh the product smelt. It was like walking through a fresh produce market. The colour was also very natural looking so I knew straight away there were no nasty ingredients. The texture of the product is also very thick and clay like which is what I like in a heavy-duty facial mask. 

On my skin the mask felt extremely thick but once it dried it thinned out a bit. When I applied the product I could really feel the almond shells so it was definitely exfoliating my skin and cleaning out all the oils. I left the mask on for ten minuets as instructed by the packaging. When it was time to take the mask off my skin felt really tight and I couldn't really move my face. This is how most facial treatments feel on my skin though so I wasn't worried. 

I removed the mask with warm water. It was very easy to get off once you have done a little scrubbing. I am actually really impressed with the results. My skin not only felt silky smooth but my redness had seemed to have disappeared entirely! This definitely gets a huge thumbs up from me. 

*CIAO*