Where do I even begin? I've decided to do this post around 15 minutes ago, after realising how stressed I've been these past two weeks. If things were worth stressing over, I do not know. Probably not, though. I have the tendency to make a mountain out of a molehill, and it seems that I will never learn otherwise.
Anyway, since this post is about ways of coping with stress and not me rambling, let's get down to it.
1. Take deep breaths
When you are on the verge of breaking down, stop, take a deep breath and relax. Although it may sound silly, it's like a slap in the face - it gets you thinking about stuff in a rational state.
2. Cherish your loved ones
These are the people we tend to take it out on. Afterwards, I'm plunged by a guilty sensation worse than how rubbish I was initially feeling.
3. Find a hobby
If you're anticipating one of those moments, stop what you're doing and go do something which you actually like. It could either be watching YouTube videos, television, reading books or blogs, going for a walk... anything as long as it takes your mind of things. Some hobbies are less accessible than others, so I suggest finding something that you could do anytime at the comfort of your own home.
4. Make lists
Being an organised and undiagnosed OCD freak, I enjoy making lists, and ticking off my efforts once accomplished. Having things systematized puts me at ease, rather than having uncounted things to do and not knowing from where to start, let alone finish.
5. Set deadlines
After making your list, set deadlines for your to-do acts. If things are related to school or work, they will probably already have their own, but I prefer to set virtual limits for myself. This will prevent you from leaving things up to the last minute.
6. Do separate research after lessons
Okay so this is aimed for those still at school - don't just rely on your class notes. They are not enough! I have developed a habit where I find time to gather my notes and start researching and elaborating on what I wrote in class. Doing it subject by subject prevents you from getting overwhelmed with all the extra information, but it makes you feel much richer knowledge-wise.
7. Take long baths
I still need to indulge in this, but I presume it does work.
8. Take an early night
Avoid staying up late when feeling at the end of your rope. Make a cup of your favourite hot drink, whatever it is, and tuck yourself in bed. I find that hot water with honey and a slice of lemon eases me into my sleep.
9. Learn to say "NO"
There was a time when I embarked on a bountiful of to-do items, then wondering how the hell I'm gonna do everything in time. Now I'm learning to not take on more than I can chew, and if I feel that I don't want to do something, or go somewhere, I just don't. If you feel that that little something is going to send you over the cliff, just don't do it. There's nothing wrong in saying "no" sometimes.
These are most of the things I exercise when I'm under stress, or to avoid stress altogether.
Are there any other things which you find useful? Let me know! Until then, it's good to remember that 99% of the things that we worry about don't happen.
This very morning before the start of the 9am lecture, I went with a couple of friends browsing through beauty counters outside University. It was my friend almost ending up buying the wrong shade of foundation that tempted me to write this post. Going to a beauty counter to purchase a new foundation can be frustrating, and something that we tend to delay.
After seeing countless beauty videos and reading tips on choosing the right foundation, here are my main tips in a nutshell.
Skin type
Probably the most important thing to be aware of. Most foundations, if not suitable for all skin types, target:
oily/combination
normal
sensitive / blemish-prone
dehydrated
dry
Firstly, if your skin is sensitive it doesn't necessary mean that it's oily - fact. In winter, my sensitive skin chooses to deprive itself of all hydration, but it still goes bonkers if I apply an unsuitable product.
Coverage
Decide on the amount of coverage you want - light, medium or heavy. If you're looking for a daytime foundation, the best route to go through is light-medium coverage. A little SPF is also beneficial to avoid slapping numerous products on your face. On the other hand, if you're looking for something to hit the clubs with, go for medium-heavy coverage. Also, avoid any foundation containing SPF if you're going to have your picture taken with flash. Ever wondered why your face turns out much paler than the rest of your body in photos? Yes.
Right shade
Take note: your hands are not the same colour as your face. It's useless trying to blend the foundation on the side of your hand; your chance of getting the right shade is second to none. The way to go is to apply the product on your jawline and blend it down to the side of your neck. Keep in mind we have different colour zones on our face.
Samples
It's not rude to ask for a sample, as long as you don't march up to the counter and demand it from the salesgirl. Take a small pot with you, and after trying different shades and showing interest, ask for a small pump of the product. It's best to try the foundation in your own environment and spend some time with it, see how it blends with your skin under natural light. Remember that the light in beauty stores is artificial. You'll also have time to ask people for their opinion. If you get compliments without asking, it's even better.
Making the decision
Don't be pressured to buy - if you don't like it, don't buy it. It's you who'll be pouring out the gravy. You should take your own time at buying a foundation, it's something which should not be done in a slapdash manner. There are plenty of foundations for each and every one of us.
Rather than just sipping coffee and catching up with friends during University Fresher's Week, this year I attempted something different. Along with those, I got a friend of mine to accompany me with her camera, and we went on a hunt for A/W'13 trends on campus.
A while back I was not one that thought of makeup in terms of seasons. Not that I do so strictly now, but it's nice to actually play around and see what suits you. While in summer we tend to shift towards the cooler, more vibrant tones, winter time is perfect to experiment with darker colours.
If you are in need of revamping your makeup bag, here are some bits and blobs which I think are worth investing in. Today, we'll be tackling those peepers...
This palette contains matte and glittery shades, therefore it's perfect for both daytime and evening. The colours are perfect for autumn, and you can apply them with a damp brush to intensify the pigmentation.
While bronzey-brown eyeshadow looks great with all eye colours, it's especially suited for the blue-eyed folks.
Purpley and reddish shades are a nice alternative to brown-toned eyeshadow for those with brown eyes. While wearing such shades on the eyes can sound terrifying, finding the right shade can prevent you from looking dull, or worse, like you have allergy eyes.
Cheaper alternatives that are worth investing in are the Rimmel London Scandaleyes Shadow Sticks. My favourites are Bulletproof Beige and Bad Bronze (at €5.84 each), which go perfectly well blended together.
Little pots I can't wait to get my hands on are the Maybelline Colour Tattoo 24H Cream Eyeshadow in And On Bronze and Metallic Pomegranate. I believe they are around the €10 mark in Malta, which is quite expensive compared to the UK (£4.99 each). However, I've heard nothing but good things about them, so hopefully they would be worth investing in.
I know, I know, this is cheating. A multi-purpose palette featured in an 'eyes' post. But I just couldn't resist. Although it looks expensive at first glance, this NARS palette would be a gem to invest in. Considering the prices of NARS eyeshadows and blushes, this palette is a fairly good price. It consists of four eyeshadows (All About Eve, Nouveau Monde, Bellisima & Condura), a blush in Deep Throat and the famous bronzer in Laguna. With all these products, it would be the perfect palette for travelling.
Do you own any of the above products? Are there any others which you think are worth investing in? Leave your A/W must-haves in the comments below. In the mean time, keep your peepers open for A/W lips and cheeks.
I don't usually take photos during Fresher's Week, but this year it was concluded otherwise. While I decided to combine A/W trends and Fresher's Week (more info later on next week), we also got our pictures taken ourselves. My friend Laura got her Nikon camera and started snapping away. As an aspiring photographer, she is seriously competent at what she does. Here are some pictures that made the cut.
Day 1
First day of Fresher's Week; with Laura & Lara (taken by Insite)
Day 2
Writing notes
Day 2: Stopping students for my article
Snapping some pictures of ourselves; with Lara
Day 4
Chatting over a cappuccino on Thursday morning
In between lectures on campus with Annabel
Day 3 is missing as there weren't any pictures taken. We only had one lecture, and were at University for only about three hours. On day 5, which is today, my only lecture got cancelled and I stayed at home to work on an article for Eve, which will be up by some time next week.
I have a feeling this photography spree is about to become a habit. Photos are possibly the only physical way to keep track of memories. In the meantime, while I'm currently contemplating which camera I should invest in, Laura... we could put your beloved Nikon to some more use.
The jumpsuit, or boiler suit as it's called here, is especially for those fashion risk takers. Expect strange looks from people, especially in Malta... but it screams "CONFIDENCE". Top off the outfit with a pair of boots and a leather bag.
The parka is something I would totally wear.I have never bought one for myself as being only 5"2, the ones I came across always seemed to swallow me up. However, I think the ones below are a decent size, and most importantly, they're in camo print.
I cropped the whole picture for the purpose to see how you could put the whole outfit together. Apart from this, I find leather and camo to be a fit combo.
A jumper could also be worn with a pair of leather pants or leggings. In case of leggings, go for an oversized jumper - you don't want to moon anyone with your buttocks.
Wear with a plain white top or shirt, depending on the style of the skirt.If the weather gets chilly, top off with a leather jacket, and you're good to go!
Fashion is all about taking the trends and adjusting them to your own personal taste. It's common to not like camo just because you don't like the colours, which can sometimes look dull in one's eye. Camo does not have to be on the scale of green and brown - it can include a combination of other totally different colours.
