Top 5 Makeup Products that Every Woman Should Own for Everyday Use

Top 5 Makeup Products for Everyday Use

Women use makeup everyday for all occasions and with so many brands and products on the market, it can be daunting to choose the right ones for you! I have put together a list of my five most trusted products which get me through everyday. These products are also affordable, readily available and of a high standard of quality. Take the time out to purchase and try these products, I guarantee you that once you have tried these, you will be set for a lifetime!

1. Nude by Nature: Natural Mineral Cover $39.95

This is my number one go-to product for everyday wear. This mineral powder foundation is perfect for every skin type and tone. The product is super light but still effectively covers uneven skin tone, redness, pigmentation and also minimises the look of acne and enlarged pores. Unlike most foundations that are thick on your skin and clog your pores, this mineral foundation allows your skin to breathe whilst maintaining a fresh and natural look. It is available in 5 different shades, ranging from light to dark tones, allowing all women to use this product. Liquid foundations can often be expensive and only last for a minimal amount of time. However, the Nude by Nature: Natural Mineral Cover can be worn everyday and still manages to last almost 6-8 months. You can purchase this product in most pharmacies, department stores or on the Nude by Nature website.

2. Chanel: Le Crayon Yeux Precision Eye Definer $30.00

This eyeliner pencil is so far my favourite eyeliner I have used (and I have tried quite a few!). This is also an everyday product for me and I generally go through eyeliner pencils quite quickly. This has been my favourite as it has a soft texture allowing it to glide easily on the skin, but still appears dark to achieve the desired look of a black eye pencil. The pencil is also double sided with a built-in smudge applicator to soften any harsh lines, giving a smoky effect. Perfect for both day time and night time looks, as you can use it on the eye lids to create a winged effect, or on the inner line of your eyes. This pencil can be purchased in Myer, David Jones or any Chanel makeup boutique.

 

 

 3. Benefit Cosmetics:  They're Real! Lengthening & Volumising Mascara $24.00

This is often listed as a best seller and there is no wonder why, it is truly amazing! The brush is specifically designed with strong, staggered bristles which grab close to your eyelash root, boosting the length and volume of your eyelash.  Much of the reason as to why this is my favourite mascara is purely because of the brush, it is not flimsy like most others and gives your eyelashes a decent coating without clumping.The brush is also curve-shaped which effectively lifts and curls as well. For those of you with fairer skin tones, there is a brown option available and for those with a quirky style, there is a blue option. One of the best things about Benefit Cosmetics is that they always think of everything, the mascara can also be bought in a mini 'travel size', perfect for little holidays or when you're on the go. This mascara can be purchased from any major department stores in the Benefit Cosmetics section, Sephora, Mecca Cosmetica and Mecca Maxima.

4. Urban Decay: Naked Flushed $32.00

The Urban Decay: Naked Flushed palette is one of my favourites for two simple reasons.
1. It's convenience! The Palette includes a bronzer, highlighter and blush to give women the ultimate 'flushed' look.
2. Urban Decay really know their colour schemes and have clearly done extensive research to understand what colours work well together and with different skin tones.
Thus, this palette comes in three different shades, each with a different shade of bronzer, highlighter and blush. My personal favourite is the 'Naked' shades, which includes a medium bronze satin bronzer, a soft pink champagne shimmer highlighter and a dusty rose blush. However, if you have a fairer skin tone you may prefer the 'Streak' shades and for those who prefer a more bronzed, golden look, you may prefer the 'Strip' shades palette. The palette is packaged very well in a compact case, easy to take on travels or carry in your handbag. Urban Decay also has a Naked Flushed Double Ended Brush to pair with the palette, except any blush brushes would work fine. This product is available in any Mecca Cosmetica, Mecca Maxima or Sephora store or online.

 5. NARS: Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil $26.00

Finally, my last product for everyday is the NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil. The beauty of this product is the combination of lip gloss and lipstick properties which create the perfect lip colour. The lip pencil has a smooth, creamy formula allowing for a soft, yet glossy appearance, however, the thick substance, packaged the way it is, allows the gloss to be put on the lips in a much easier, less messy fashion. Not only does the product look good, but it also contains moisturising and Vitamin E properties making it healthy for the lips! The Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil comes in 13 different shades of nudes and light pinks, with some having added shimmer. My personal favourite colour is 'Buenos Aires' which is described as a nude beige pink, however some other nice colours include 'Happy Days' and 'More'. Again, this product can be bought in any Mecca Cosmetica, Mecca Maxima and/or Sephora stores.

Happy shopping everyone!!

Amelia

When to move on

Relationships don't end for nothing. There will be signs, such as:

1. You fight every single day and feel better when you're not with them. In fact, you probably don't even look forward to seeing them. Or maybe you're really keen to meet up but they make no effort.
   
2. There is a lack of trust. Trust is the basis of a relationship.
   
3. If you're always second choice.
   
4. You have absolutely nothing in common. This will impact you later on once the "lust" or "infatuation" at the beginning of the relationship dies down, especially when you go out as a couple, if you even go out together... because you know, they might be the type who stays at home 24/7.
   
5. They judge you for things that make you who you are. Whether it be your love for animals, the songs you play on piano when you are sad, or how you have to sleep with your comfort blanket every single night, when people make fun of these little things, it will hurt.
   
6. Your friends and family disapprove and also give you valid reasons.
   
7. They don't care about respecting your privacy and spill your relationship secrets to others, whether it be a close friend or a stranger, knowing you would be unhappy. When you tell others about your partners flaws, you not only give them an insight about what goes on in your relationship, but also change their impression of your partner.
   
8. You have completely different goals for the future and neither of you support each other. If you think their dreams of being a rockstar are ridiculous, and they don't have faith that you won't get bored of your 9-5 office job, you'll end up hurting each others' self esteem.
   
9. Thinking about your relationship doesn't make you happy. Instead, you might feel sad, guilty, or even ashamed.
   
10. When you keep saying "but we've been together for so long" to justify the relationship. You're not scared of losing them, you're just scared of change.

Summer Fashion Essentials

Casual, Swimming and Evening Wear Essentials to Inspire your Summer Wardrobe

These collages have been created on the very popular website, Polyvore. This website is used widely by women of all different ages with different interests, to create inspirational mood boards. This website allows you to use photos from many other websites, as you will be able to tell once you continue reading and the products can range from affordable, everyday brands to extreme luxury brands. These mood boards should not be used as exact outfit guidelines, but can be used to inspire you and show how simple clothing items (which you should have in your wardrobe) can be used to effectively create a stunning outfit!

1. Casual

These casual looks could be used for any day time wear, such as going for a low-key lunch or just for a day out shopping.

The first outfit follows a very minimal colour palette, whilst having a pop of colour through the red lipstick. Everybody knows that a denim skirt is an essential wardrobe piece and when you find the perfect one, you don't mind paying that little bit extra for it. This skirt can be picked up for $275 from Current/Elliott. The bag is the most affordable buy of this outfit and can be picked up for just $21 from M&Co. How can you go wrong with a cross-body bag? They are perfect for when you are on the go and you would be surprised how much you can fit in them. This bag is very simple and can go with most outfits and colour palettes being such a pale grey. 

Neutral colour palettes are so popular right now, particularly as it is very popular with celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner. This colour palette is perfect for the summer season as it is light and enhances the skin tone and can be paired with any other colour. You can never go wrong with a pair of white shorts and metal frame sunglasses. My favourite item of this outfit would have to be the Nine West Sandals, as they are simple and sleek but have a certain edge because of the silver embellishments. Although these sandals are priced at $140, these sandals are practical, of high quality  and are extremely comfortable. My other must-have from this collection is the YSL Best Coral Lipstick ($51) which can be worn literally everyday. 

2. Swimwear

It is now really easy to find sexy swimwear with so many brands and options available on the market. It is also really easy to pair basic swimming costumes with a number of accessories to create the perfect beach outfit. For this, I have stayed with the basics, pairing this basic black one-piece with a white hat, canvas bag, gladiator sandals and a pair of quirky sunglasses. The sunglasses are my favourite pick from this outfit and are from the Quay x Shay Mitchell Collection worth $86. With sunglasses at that price you don't mind taking them to the beach or pools as they are not too expensive yet still are of a good, practical quality. The best buy of this look is the white Cruse Fedora Hat found in Bardot for just $34.95. This hat is practical and can be worn both casually and formally. 

3. Evening

Finally, this evening look is very simple, yet adds some light pastel colours to achieve a gorgeous look. A white dress like the one pictured can be purchased from any store and I can guarantee that this dress can be worn for many seasons and occasions, both casually and formally. Here, the white dress has been paired with some sky blue suede heels and matching nail polish. The heels are an amazing buy, and definitely one of my favourites, priced at $210 from Dee Keller. The nail polish by Essie called Borrowed & Blue ($12), matches perfectly and just gives that edgy touch.

Hope you have found some Summer fashion inspiration!

Happy shopping!!

Amelia

7 Simple Job Interview Tips

Some simple yet effective tips for doing well in your next job interview. I think people with a loud, confident voice are lucky especially when it comes to make good first impressions and such. But that doesn't mean that soft spoken people can't do the same. Each of us have our strengths and weaknesses. You might be confident and great at socializing but bad at time management and being prepared. Or soft spoken and timid but really knowledgeable about the company. It's not about who wins or loses but how you can show your strengths and how you can overcome your weaknesses. 

So lets get started.  

Note: the first 2 steps are things you should cover prior to a job interview.

1. Being prepared: 
As obvious as this sounds. You are responsible for doing research about the company or organisation prior to the interview. Visit the company website and read (not scan) through everything. You should also know your strengths, weaknesses and accomplishments however small or large they are. Ask your friends and family for advice if you can't identify your strengths and weaknesses. If you are still not sure read tips on interviews, Identify your strengths and weaknesses by comparing yourself to those around you, write them down. You probably found them by now I hope. Also know what your interests are. Do you like reading, cooking and so on? If you don't have any interest, find them. 

2. Dress appropriately: 
Dress for the job and to match the company's atmosphere. Maintain professionalism from head to toe. Looks matter when creating a good first impression. The clothes you chose for that day and your whole look will create an impression of you to the interviewer before the interview even starts. So dress professionally, in clothes that make you feel confident (don't force yourself to wear something just to look the part, pick something that captures the company atmosphere but also reflects on you as a person). Pick something that is professional, comfortable, suitable for the company atmosphere and something that makes you look great (in your opinion). 

3. Be early for the interview:
It's definitely better than being late. So manage your time, get enough sleep prior to it. Bloodshot eyes and dark circles are not a great look. Sleep and a well balanced diet are important. Plan ahead so that you have more than enough time to take care of yourself, this includes personal hygiene and getting dressed. Organize everything including transport. Are you taking public transport? Are you driving? Turn up 15 or 30 minutes early. And relax. You are doing great!

4. Be yourself:
Don't put on an act, just be you. Just be confident in who you are. You will be just fine. And concentrate on your interview rather than your acting skills. Be relaxed in your own skin (if you are a stressful person consider doing yoga, it helps). When shaking hands with your interviewer, smile (naturally, not creepily), apply the same pressure as the interviewer (do not break his or her hand and do not try to tickle them). Your posture is important. You should always have a good posture. If you don't, then here's  your opportunity to improve it, don't waste it. Good posture shows that you are confident (even if your soft spoken), it shows you are interested and gives the interviewer a good first impression of you. If you are someone that is bad at talking to people then here are some steps for you:

• Practice talking, just general dialogue by yourself. Just like learning a speech. Say your words clearly. If you mess up, Keep trying. Stuff like this doesn't happen overnight.
• Talk to your pets or friends or family. Whoever or whatever you are comfortable talking to. Ask yourself or ask them (excluding pets...) to ask you a few interview questions. Then give them a response (small, stupid, whatever) just try it. 
• Try talking to people you don't talk to in class, at university and so on. Get used to that sense of nervousness. It's alright if you are nervous. Just talk, just say hi or small talk is fine. And each time you do it, just talk for a little longer than before. This should help you with your communication skills but also your listening skills. (It's most likely that your listening skills is already great, I can relate). 

 Another important thing is to show your strengths in way that hides or outshines your weaknesses. For example:
You are: confident, knowledgeable, positive, arrogant, great at communicating, bad at time management and so on.

 Strengths:

• confident
• positive
• knowledgeable
• great at communicating  

Weaknesses:

• arrogant
• bad at time management 

Then you should show your confidence, positive energy, knowledge and communication skills. And limit your arrogance and improve on your time management skills. At least this shows the interviewer that you are capable of learning from your mistakes. That you are aware of your weaknesses.

You confidence levels should be at its peak. Even a soft spoken person must have something that makes them feel confident. Surround yourself with positiveness. Maybe read some positive quotes, do something you love. Surround yourself with people who make you feel happy in your own skin. This should help. And it's something everyone should try. 

5. Be attentive:
Listen to the interviewers words carefully, DO NOT TALK OVER THE INTERVIEWER. Just relax, listen and respond when asked to. You will get your chance to speak soon. Be patient. Show some emotion, smile (even if it's just a little) when he/she says something funny. Nod when he/she is looking for some agreement. Doing all these little things have a big impact on first impressions. Don't just sit there like a lifeless being. Show some interest. 

6. Watch your body language:
Things like biting your nails, shaking your legs, twirling your hair, playing with a pen. STOP IT. Bad habits are bad (a no no, a zero, a fail). An interview is not the time or place for you to be doing those bad habits, save it for later (or better just stop doing them). If you can't limit it, control it. It's not a great look. It shows that you can't do step 5 properly (and step 5 is very important). All your attention should be on your interviewer (he/she is lucky). Just put down everything, maintain good posture, look at your interviewer (maintain eye contact, it's not scary). Relax. No eye twitching, no creepy smile. Just relax.You'll be fine. 

It's just you and the interviewer/s. You are listening to this nice person talking. They are going to ask you a few questions. However tough the questions will be, you'll be fine. You are prepared. You'll do great. So don't be nervous or scared or upset. Your responses should show your effort (and they will, trust me). It (your responses) should tell the interviewer a bit about the type of person you are. If you have done the prior steps properly then you don't have to worry. Because the interviewer should already get a nice, clear picture of you. 

You did it! Your interview is over.You did well! Be proud!   
So, how was it? Bad?! Better than you expected?! Couldn't have done any better?! Whatever it is you have done it. It wasn't the end of the world. 

If your interview was bad, please don't be depressed and don't blame yourself. Stay positive, it will be fine, okay?  You gained another experience. You'll only get better from here on!

7. Learn from your mistake/s:
So you didn't get hired huh? It's alright. It can't be helped. Cry, scream, do whatever you need to, so that you'll get all that useless negativity out of your system. But by the end of it, just move on. More importantly find out why? Why didn't you get the job? When they tell you, you should write it down. You should then read over what you wrote and then improve. Learn and grow. So next time you'll do even better. 

So, that's it from me. I'm a soft spoken person with a lot of knowledge and if these steps can help someone like me or just anyone I'd be super happy. Lets do well in our next job interview! Do your best! All the best! 

Best regards,
Gayathri

For further reading:

1. http://www.kellyservices.com.au/AU/Careers/my-Career-Centre/Job-Interview-Questions-and-Interview-Tips/#.Vo8uvPl94dU
2. https://www.roberthalf.com.au/job-seekers/career-advice/job-interview-tips
3. http://career-advice.careerone.com.au/job-interview-tips/interview-questions/how-you-handle-tough-interview-questions/article.aspx
4. http://au.hudson.com/job-seekers/helpful-tips-career-advice/interview-preparation/interview-tips
5. http://www.seek.com.au/career-advice/job-interview-tips
6. http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2013/01/top-10-tips-for-acing-your-next-job-interview/
7. http://www.quintcareers.com/job-interview-tips/
8. http://www.hays.com.au/advice-services/interview-questions-tips-1650

5 Places you need to visit before you turn 30

 

We all know at some point in everyone’s life they must grow up and become responsible adults’. But before that day it is important that you experience every wonder in the world that you possibly can. These are the 5 places that you owe yourself to visit before you turn 30.

Halong bay, Vietnam

There is a moment when you floating amongst the towering, emerald coloured, limestone islands that you will achieve inner serenity. Whether it is by kayak or an old timey boat you will lose yourself in the moment as you transcend the sparkling oceans from barge to barge. You can arrange to stay on party beaches with dozens of others, but you would be doing yourself a major injustice. The true beauty of Halong Bay can only be found with a couple of close mates, a cool drink in your hand and sublime kiss of sunshine on your face. This is truly the place to find your inner peace.    

Madrid, Spain

There is a level of energy in Madrid that simply cannot be matched by any other city on this list. Whether it is the never ending nightlife, the culinary expertise of the city or the historical sites waiting to be explored. Madrid is something that needs to be experienced in your lifetime to sincerely appreciate, the lifestyle and culture of the Spanish cultural hub of the world. I implore you to see the city for yourself before you turn 30, so you can truly embrace and fulfil everything you can see in the city of life.

Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown in New Zealand is truly the adventure hub of the world. The sparkling clear waters of lake Wakatipu takes a back seat to the shear amount of activities you can do in Queenstown. Ski, Skydive, Bungie Jump, Rafting or even take in the sites of Milford Sound there is no chance you will get bored in Queenstown. Just be warned that no matter how long you plan to stay, you will always wish that you had planned to stay longer.  

Paris, France 

Paris is faithfully called the city of love because of the allure of the lights, food and atmosphere of the city. No where else can you go and feel the sheer sensation of love for the city and the lucky person who accompanies you. Once you get a taste of baguettes, the smell of wine and the shinning city of Paris from the top of the Eiffel tower you will understand the true definition of beautiful.  

Machu Picchu, Peru

Peru is such a wonderful country, with rich history and jaw dropping landscapes. However, it is the breathtaking site of Machu Picchu that makes Peru a must visit country. The inspiring views along the Inca Trail or the rich history lining the the mountains will make you swear that you have landed on another planet. Discover the secrets left behind by the Incan civilisation before the area becomes too commercialised by big businesses looking to alter its natural magnificence.   

Most Anticipated Games of 2016

With the new year comes a new beginning and nothing shouts a new beginning like the most anticipated games of 2016. These games will have you never wanting to go back to work again and you just may not! Here's a look at what's fresh in the gaming world.

• Uncharted 4 A Thief's End

  

We are super-excited about Uncharted 4: A Thief's End. It's an upcoming third-person shooter that adds to the popular Uncharted series, following on from Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception but set three years after that game ended. Drake is joined by his apparently not-dead-after-all brother Sam as they attempt to solve a mystery involving pirates and, of course, hidden treasure.

• Tom Clancy's The Division

Tom Clancy's The Division is one of the most talked about games right now, but the post-apocalyptic shooter doesn't have an official release date yet.

• Crackdown 3

Unveiled at Gamescom 2015 in August, Crackdown 3 is set to be one of the most exciting games on the horizon, showcasing some truly amazing technical advancements that make it stand out from the crowd. Intrigued? You should be

• For Honor

Medieval warfare game For Honor sees players take on the role of a Viking, Samurai or Knight, with each faction offering its own unique abilities. Unusually, players use controller's analogue sticks to control movements and actions in battle, demanding greater accuracy to be successful. 

Chase your happiness

Bad things happen. Sometimes you see them coming, and other times, it'll crash into you like a truck. (You may think this is just a simile but I actually got hit by a truck this year.) (It was the first day of semester 2 and that's when I knew what the following months would be like.) Whether you are going through a messy breakup, had a fallout with your friends, were fired from your only job, lost your licence, failed a unit (or two,) this is for you.

I don't know how many of you will get this reference, but if you wanna know more, watch the Studio Ghibli film Spirited Away. ^_^ (although this picture won't be as funny if you had to study it for a year in Japanese Extension for your HSC.)

Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional. This is one quote someone on askfm two years ago had in their bio, and although it seems like just another cliché, it's true. I've learnt that no matter what happens, you should always get up, dress up, and show up. The best revenge is to move on, get over it, and continue to succeed. You should never give someone the satisfaction of watching you suffer.

Not every day is good, but there is always something good in each day. Maybe you got your winged eyeliner right on the first go. Perhaps the barista wrote your name before you told him. Or maybe you saw a dog. (If that doesn't make you smile, I don't know what will.)

I think sometimes we underestimate ourselves and what we are worth. But I believe that the bottom line is, we deserve to be happy... and the first step is to see the positive side, even if it feels like the whole world is against you. You won't feel better if you always complain about your problems or about other people. Focus on yourself and don't compare yourself to anyone. Most negative thoughts are self inflicted. If you can't find anything worth living for, find something worth dying for.

Time doesn't heal if you do the same thing every day. What changes people are experiences, and those they surround themselves with. One day you will fall in love, and it won't even have to mean anything. It could just be with how the sky changes colour in the morning as the sun rises, or with the adrenaline rush when you go to the skate park. And if you hate the thought of feelings, just remember I too used to dance with a different stranger at every party I went to in my first year of uni. There are thousands of books you haven't bothered to read, and new songs coming out every day. Things will get better.

Stay away from vodka and don't re-read old conversations. Don't check your bank account balance, or calculate your GPA - just pretend everything is okay. Did you know scar tissue is stronger than regular tissue? No matter how alone you feel, you always have yourself, and I think that's the most important person. Life goes on. Will you?