Top 5 Travel Instagrams Worth Following

Travel Photographer’s on instagram are gifting those stuck in the office with an exclusive insight into some of the most spectacular and aesthetically pleasing scenes around the globe. Here are a few accounts that I think is worth checking out to get inspired this Summer.

1. Foster Hunting 

2. sweatengine (Kevin Lu)

3. wonderful_places

4. kirstenalana

5. muradosmann

So next time you are stuck in dreary office work take some time out to escape through exploring some of these divine photos.

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How To Achieve A Windswept Look And Still Look Polished

We are all so over immaculate hair. To keep yourself looking fresh and bang on trend this summer  it's all about texture. 

Texture is the key to encompassing that easy girl, effortless look and with a few handy products anyone can achieve it.

• Texturising Spray - Adds volume and a bit of grit to the roots 

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

• Try a salt spray to give your hair grit and that desirable beachy texture - a day at the beach in a bottle if you will

L'areal Studio Line Matt Messy Salt Spray

• Lastly try the good old trick that is backcombing. There are hundreds of tutorials online so definitely check them out if it doubt! 

• Here are some rough instructions: Start by sectioning the hair and place your brush or comb 2-3 inches away from your roots. From there apply vigorous stokes towards the roots of your hair to create a knotted tanged like texture in the hair. Repeat this motion until you have the desired amount of volume and smooth over the other sections of hair to disguise the backcombed parts.

                                                      And voila windswept hair achieved 

                                       

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Mistakes You Might Be Making In The Shower

A shower is an everyday habit and yet there may be several mistakes you are making during this routine activity.

• Showering Too Often

According to recent studies, having more than one shower a day, for a time period of more than 10 minutes, can actually lead to the skin becoming parched and as a result looking dull flaky and dry. 

• Not Letting Your Razor Dry

Razors can be the perfect environment for bacteria to spread, this can be dangerous if you cut yourself whilst shaving as it could lead to infection. To help prevent this and mold and rust on your blades, store the razor outside of the shower, as it is the humidity of the shower that is often the cause of these problems. 

Furthermore don't forget that razors should be replaced fairly frequently - it really depends on how often you use it but approximately every 3-6 weeks. 

• Not Properly Rinsing

It may seem fairly obvious but it really is important to make sure when you wash your hair the shampoo is thoroughly rinsed out. Not properly rinsing can damage both your scalp and hair.

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Leave The Hairdressers Happy With Your Cut

We've all been there, waited weeks for a haircut appointment, gone in exciting and anticipating the cut/ colour/ style you've been thinking over for months...

and then you see it...

And it's not what you wanted.

Here are some tips to ensure you get EXACTLY what you want next time you pay a visit to the hairdressers.

Be Detailed And Descriptive

Don't feel shy about being very specific about what you want. Vague terminology is far more likely to result in a dissatisfactory end result. It's their job after all, they just want you to be happy. If this means bringing in photos so be it! The most expensive hair appointment I ever had was as a result of miscommunication and all because I was too embarrassed to show a photo of what I wanted and it turned out to be a waste of both mine and the hairdressers time...

State EXACTLY What You Don't Like

There are certain things that for some people are a huge deal, if so state them! Don't just hope for the best! E.g. If you don't want your highlights done right at the front of your hair, (even if your hairdresser suggests it) simply tell them! They are the experts but it's your hair and therefore your choice!

Forget About How Many Inches

In my experience I find that everyone has a slightly different idea of what an inch is. Therefore if you ask for 4 inches off they might give you 4 inches...but their 4 inches which to you could be 8 inches, so instead mark out with your hands on yourself where you'd like it to be cut to.

The real secret to a good haircut is all about good communication - so that the hairdresser has the same image as you do in mind - this is the secret to a perfect cut colour and style.

                       
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Let's Talk About The Resting Bitch Face

RBF or Resting Bitch Face as it is also known has plagued me my entire life.

I must clarify I am a happy person, I would even go as far as to say I am a nice person and yet the unfortunate fact that my natural expression happens to be one of apparent coldness and bitchiness often means people think I am rude or arrogant.

The fact of the matter is, I suffer from the unfortunate problem of the resting bitch face - a term used to describe a facial expression which (subconsciously and unintentionally) looks pissed off, grumpy, often superior, judgemental and irritated with anything and everything.

It may sound like some-what of a myth made up by grumpy faced girls - but the concept of the RBF has in fact been studied and explored by psychologists. Studies have revealed that the RBF facial expression can affect and influence human interpretations of that particular individual, making them appear untrustworthy, and a person of poor judgement and decision making.

I have experienced several incidents in which people have remarked on my RBF here are a few of my favourites:

'Do you EVER smile'

'Why do you always look so miserable'

'Who's died'

And my personal favourite

(From a complete stranger) 'I've seen you in here the past two days and this is the first time I've ever seen you smile.'

Just like the Free the Nipple movement I call for a Free the RBF movement. Lets no longer judge women for their lack of smiles but celebrate when they do smile.

                                                                           Peace out

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Why I Simply Adore Monochrome

                                     

I have been a fan of monochrome dressing for many years now. There is something undeniably chic about the simplicity of the combination of black and white.

Monochrome is fairly easy to wear and it is for this reason that you can take risks with you fashion choices and step outside your comfort zone. Indeed as the Queen of Fashion herself Coco Chanel once remarked, "Black has it all. White, too. Their beauty is absolute. It is the perfect harmony." 

Pretty much every brand cover monochrome staples but my personal favourite brands are Zara if you're trying to save and Saint Laurent if you want to splurge.

Both white and black are heavily surround by symbolism and connotations, with white connoting to purity, goodness and innocence, whilst black is associated with darkness, mourning but also undeniably of sophistication.

Perhaps it's the link to the glorious screen sirens of Old Hollywood during which films were only made in black and white but those colours forever remind me of chic women with extreme style.

Think Marilyn Monroe in 'Some Like it Hot' or Audrey Hepburn in 'Sabrina.'

 

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Adversement

How To Fix Broken Makeup

We've all experienced that heart breaking moment when you accidentally smash a beautiful powder, or break in half a beloved lipstick.

Here are some tips and tricks to ensure that your makeup lives to see another day.

                                                     Cracked Eyeshadow or Powder:
There are ways to save a broken pan of powder. You just need some spirit alcohol. Start by gathering together all the smashed pieces of powder and place them back in the pan. Add a few drops of the alcohol to the pan. Once the powder is saturated with the alcohol use your fingers or a spoon to smooth the paste flat in the pan. Leave it for 24 hours to dry and once it's dried your powder will be fixed.

Broken Lipstick:

Scrape out the broken lipstick from the bullet and place it in a microwavable-safe bowl. Keep in the microwave for 10 seconds and repeat until your lipstick is liquid. Next, carefully pour the liquid lipstick back into the bullet/tube and leave to cool for 24 hours.

Dried-Out Creams:

Everyone has a beloved cream eyeshadow or cream blush and fortunately there is a simple solution to fix it if and when it dries out. All you need to do is add some saline solution for eyes to the product and mix it with some form of spatula. And voila your cream product will be restored.

                                  And there you have it, your favourite products saved.

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