bloomzy /

Giveaway~

☆★みんなさん、ありがとうございます★☆
I finally reached 300 followers. Thank you everyone~
To say thank you, here is my first giveaway…
1. Lancome Magnifique miniature perfume
2. Last Call Hair Mask
3. Chanel samples; Eye make-up remover & moisture boost cream
4. Hello Kitty Lanyard; for keys or phone
5. Hello Kitty towel
6. Japanese stationary
The lovely and amazing Samispo0n contacted me,
and told me that she wanted to contribute a little something to the giveaway.
And I think you guys are really lucky, because she sent me a W♥C Deco sticker to add to the prizes. These sold out straight away when they were first available online and are very popular with gals right now.
So please visit Samispo0n‘s blog as a thank you!!
1. You must be a follower
2. Comment on this entry with your email address.
3. Link to the giveaway on twitter, or your blog etc. to receive an extra entry.
e.g.
Follow and Comment = 1 entry
Link on Twitter etc. = 1 entry
Once the giveaway has closed, I will pick the winner by random number generator. I will then email the winner, and they will have 3 days to collect their prize.
THE GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!!
The winner has been picked and will be notified asap 😀

bloomzy /

Gaijin Gyaru Series; Ash (Hedonists) [Week 3]

Here is the third interview in the ‘Gaijin Gyaru Series‘ – meet the fabulous…
1. First off, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Could you tell us a little bit about your fashion background and how you got into gal.
I’ve been all over the place in terms of fashion. In middle school I went through a phase where I had NO fashion sense at all. I actually used to steal my brother’s clothes and change out of my “girl clothes” before school. I had about a billion “alternative” phases after that. As I started leaning further away from “alternative” I got a bit girlier, and even leaned on the hipster side clothing wise.
As many people already know, I have family here in Japan. From a young age on I’d always annually visited. In my visits to Japan I never really cared about fashion till about age 17, 18 as everyone lives in Chiba… for those of you who don’t know Japan well, that’s like living in New Jersey suburbs instead of NYC. Meaning I wasn’t really exposed to fashion in Japan much anyway. Around 17, 18 I started venturing into Tokyo by train with cousins… that’s where I had my first run ins with Shibuya, gals, an SERIOUS FASHION as a whole. It was love at first sight.
I didn’t really seriously pursue it, however, till I realized a friend of mine in the US were into it too. Though she and I don’t really talk anymore, I really consider her my motivator.
2. What are you favourite things about gal?
The confidence it brings, the fact that its ultimately girls dressing for the admiration of other girls rather than dressing for guys, and the immaculate detail required for even the most haphazard of coordinates.
3. Do you have any style preferences and is there anything you wouldn’t try?
I could never see myself as manba. Seeing as that style is more or less dying here in Tokyo, it’s not saying much. That and I really can’t see myself in either him or mori gal styles. They’re just too frilly for me, and there’s not many ways to tone them down in that way. I’m very feminine, but I like an emasculate and rough touch. Hence my love of skulls, crosses, chains, etc. Note that I generally carry a man’s bag and have a lot of men’s accessories.


4. In your pictures you always have flawless hair, but how do you stay on trend with it? And do you have any hints or tips for those wanting to carry off something similar?
It’s safe to call me hair obsessed. Teasing, curling, straightening, setting. I own more product than anyone should. I certainly wouldn’t call it flawless though. On a good day, I’m at best 80% satisfied with my hair.
In terms of being on trend, I watch magazines (both men’s and women’s oddly enough) as well as people I see on the streets, and take what I like and apply it to myself. Hair is a very personal thing as it really needs to flatter YOUR face shape and YOUR overall style. There’re many styles I love that simply look ridiculous on me and as such I never wear them or I’ve only worn them once.
Hints/tips… Hmm… One: definitely have a very layered cut– no matter how long or short your hair is. Layers help give thin hair more volume and help give thick hair more playability. Two: Don’t be afraid to play. Watch tutorials, mess around. Days you have no plans are awesome for this– you stay entertained and you learn a new style. Three: Invest in a GOOD tail comb for teasing. I’m talking like the ones you see at salons. Those cheap plastic ones tend to break too easy and they also tend to tease your hair in a more messy/visible way as the teeth are a bit further apart.
5. You always have the perfect mix of casual and sexy in your coordinates, but who and what do you look to for inspiration? In terms of WHO, I really love Sakurina, Kanako, Hiromin, Lie… the list goes on and on really. I’d say I relate most to Sakurina as she, like me, likes to add edge to girly styles. Kanako and Hiromin I love for them being themselves in such a girly and feminine style. Even while their personal styles tend to be a little TOO tomboyish for my own taste. Lie aka Kei… She’s just ridiculously sexy. I buy EDGE’s just for her really. She was my favorite NUTS model. I also look at gals I see on the street a lot for ideas… and even let my eyes wander to OTHER style subcultures.
6. You currently live in Tokyo and are often socializing with gyaru-o and hosts. Do they relate to you as a gal and how do you get on with them? First let me say, to put nicely most gyaru-o and hosts are none too bright. I’ve met a lot of nice guys and I’ve met a lot of assholes– but nearly all of them are relatively empty headed. It’s kind of unfortunate. It’s as if to be cute and fashionable means your brain has to disappear. I get approached pretty easily as being mixed people take the chance I understand Japanese more often– even though half go both ways. About 50% speak and about 50% don’t. Guess that 50/50 shot is good enough odds as generally the fear a foreigner won’t understand them is pretty much the number one thing that stops guys from hitting on foreign girls here. About half the guys who talk to me would drop any interest in me in a second if they were to meet a “cute tall nosed blonde” who speaks Japanese. I’ve seen it happen as one of my best friends is a cute German girl with quite the proficiency in the language, hahaha. Of course, there’re guys who will approach despite not speaking English and despite knowing the girl likely won’t understand, but yeah… many don’t for fear of communication failure. One thing I hate though is because of the lifestyle of ViVi model Marie, a lot of these guys assume mixed girls are easy so I’ve had to teach a few idiots a lesson here and there. In general though, most of my friends are male and I relate pretty well to the GOOD guys I’ve met of the host and gyaru-o variety.
7. It’s always interesting to know how Japanese gals relate to Gaijin Gyaru, however have you found they relate to you differently – being part-Japanese?
I don’t know how differently… Though I’ve actually found some girls to be a little more cautious of me from time to time, then they would if they liked the style of a “real foreigner”… though at the same time I’ve had girls I’ve never met before run up to me in the club and ask if I speak English and if I can translate for them cause they really wanna shag some foreign guy they met, ahahaha. I’d say it really depends on the girl. One obstacle I’ve had is there’re a lot of stereotypes here that all mixed Japanese and Caucasian people are what we call here “motteru hito”. Basically an expression meaning they’re good looking, fashionable and/or people want to date them. While I don’t apply to many of these factors in my personal opinion, I think it makes some girls afraid I might be a bit of a bitch.

8. Recently more and more Western gals are complaining about negativity in the community. As someone who has been on the receieving end of this, how do you deal? I have to be honest, the crueler the secrets got, the more entertained I was. Call me a masochist but I enjoyed most of my hate hahaha. I don’t generally get much negative attention online, so it was almost a relief to get some flack, even if it was malicious. To those not like myself who take these things to heart I just have to say– keep your head up. The secrets are anonymous for a reason. These are generally people who lack the cajones to say these things to your face. Anyone who can’t stand behind their words isn’t worth your concern.
9. Do you have any advice for newcomers who feel a little apprehensive about joining the style? Absolutely go for it. Everyone has the potential to make a great gal provided they tap into it. Just remember to take advice and to constantly work at it. While one or two people are fortunate to look gal or close to gal on their first try, most work hard to get to the point where they’re undeniably IT.
10. Finally, as you know the aim of this series is to promote a better image of ‘Gaijin Gyaru’ by showing that it’s not only the Japanese gals who can get it right. How are YOU representing Gaijin Gyaru? I think that by even being here, being involved in gear and gyaru-o social circles I’m contributing to a degree. But I’m not the only one here doing that… There’re a few great gals from other countries out here. I wish I was doing something better for us than just being gal 24/7 and partying with/hanging out with gals and gal-o’s but at the moment it’s all I got. However, I was recently scouted by a modeling agency so I suppose of I get to model as a gal I guess that’d be a real way to really represent those of us with a Western background in the gal scene. My agency’s pretty tiny though so I don’t know. If I get work at all I may have very little say in the style genre.

A note from bloomzy: I love Ash because she has such a strong-willed, honest attitude. She always looks great and her coordinates are to die for. She doesn’t give out advice often but when she does it’s very valuable, so hold onto it ;D
If you’re a friend of Ash (hedonists) on livejournal then you can enjoy her frequent and interesting posts on her life in Tokyo – she offers an in-depth view of the Gal culture, and often posts photo’s and purikura.
You can also find her on ricoche and see posts by Ash on livejournal in the gyaru communities. Keep an eye out for her coordinates @ everyday_gyaru.
bloomzy /

June gets & Giveaway…

June Gets
I missed out May entirely, but here are my June purchases ;D

GILFY faux-shirt shorts – bought from Lucie-Liu.
– Detail pic –
I didn’t like these when they originally came out, but they grew on me.
I like how they’re versatile enough to fit in with several coordinates.
Final verdict: Very cute and they look great on.

Topshop had a sale on Tokyo lashes, so I purchased some criss-cross ones.
I have yet to wear them but I’ll do a quick review when I do.
– Detail pic –
Note: I loved these so much I bought another set for my upcoming giveaway (see info below).

Some stud style bracelets from H&M.
I only own a few bracelets and they are very feminine and a little too expensive to wear everyday. Therefore I wanted something a bit more casual, that I could use as a point for my coordinate.
I need more bracelets~

If you remember I mentioned wanting this, in pink.
Well the amazingly wonderful Cherriparfait sold me hers.
She really is such a lovely person and I really appreciate her kindness.
ありがとうね~!!

GLAD NEWS top, which Cherriparfait also sent me.
We had both wanted to buy this from Mitsu a while ago, and she remembered.
♥ ♥ ♥

Finally, my most recent purchase; my ‘twin dress’ w/Claire – we both bought one.
It has a lace trim and a VERY bodycon feel to it when worn.
It just seemed to fit my current Mode obsession,
and it was only £3.99 from H&M :O
Giveaway
I decided the other day that I would do a giveaway once I reach 300 followers.
This is just to say thank you to all those who follow the blog and of course, read it. The giveaway will feature beauty products (like the above eyelashes) and much more – but for now it’s all hush hush ;D
I never thought that within 7 months I would have almost 300 followers – it really is amazing for a girl like me, who has never publicly blogged before. I wasn’t sure about whether to share my love of Gal with the blogging community, but thanks to you guys I can’t stop ;D
So for those of you who aren’t already following me, or have just dropped by…please click on the link on the right hand side and as soon as the count reaches 300 I shall be doing a giveaway.
I will post it here (of course) and I will announce it on my twitter and tumblr – so keep an eye out.
bloomzy /

Gaijin Gyaru Series; Lucie-Liu [Week 2]

Here is the second interview in the ‘Gaijin Gyaru Series‘ – say ‘hello’ to…

Name: Lucie-Liu
Age: 22
Location: Northumberland, UK
1. First off, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Could you tell us a little bit about your fashion background and how you got into gal.
You’re more than welcome! I’m flattered to have been asked to take part!
My fashion background isn’t terribly good; I never had much of an interest in following trends when I was younger…I started getting more into it once I went to uni and wasn’t stuck in a school uniform all week and a work one all weekend. I was a bit alternative and gothy/emo for a while but I wasn’t very good at that either! I started getting a lot more girly when I was in my final year and it was around then that I started to get into parapara which lead me towards Gal!
I joined Hibiscgyaru as a first generation member and through the more experienced and knowledgeable girls I learnt more about Gal and how to style myself better…I also got a lot more interested in clothes, and following trends.
2. What are you favourite things about gal?
My favourite thing about Gal is probably the way I feel when I’ve taken the time to make sure my make-up and hair is good. It’s true that knowing you look put together and good makes you feel better about yourself and I know I feel awesome when I’ve spent an hour and a half doing my hair and make-up before I’ve even got my clothes on.
Other than that, I’d have to say I love how dedicated each style is; if you’re into the pale denim, floral, cowboy type trend that is currently around then there are shops like Liz Lisa which have clothing just for that style; if you want to look ultra-sexy there is MA*RS which is packed out with brilliantly sexy clothing…it’s dedication to a trend or a specific look which you don’t see in the Western world. When a trend emerges here, shops tend to carry carbon copies of the same pieces of clothing but in Japan the shops make the trends their own and each has an individual look and each store has fiercely loyal customers who subscribe to this look to represent themselves.
3. Do you have any style preferences and is there anything you wouldn’t try?
I have to say, I do love a range of styles but I find that some just don’t fit with the way I look. I really love the cowgirl trend that I have already mentioned but with the 5 tattoos I have on my legs alone, I don’t feel I can really pull this look off.
I absolutely love Gilfy, Backs, and Glad News. I feel like the slightly edgier, rockier look of these brands suits my image and my personality, although I also like Cecil McBee for more ‘grown-up’ clothing, and Co&Lu when I want to be less dressed up and more playful and bright in my clothing. I also love MA*RS for the sex appeal its clothing pretty much oozes.
I think I would steer clear of the cuter, pastel type outfits seen a lot in Popteen because although I enjoy the clothing, I don’t think it’s for me. I also probably wouldn’t try wearing Liz Lisa, or more hime type clothing.
Lucie-Liu workin’ some of her Co&Lu
4. You live in the UK, so how do you keep up with the latest gal trends?
I am a religious saver of any Gal photos I see online; the ohyeahgyaru tumblr is brilliant for this, and any photos can be used as inspiration for hair, make-up or outfits! I follow several Gal blogs including the awesome Universal Doll which offers excellent breakdowns of the latest trends and a huge database of information, links and tips! I try to buy Ranzuki and Ageha when I can from the Japan Centre in London and I have a back catalogue of Popteen that I refer to for hair and make-up ideas also. I, personally, have found that posting on message boards can be very counterproductive as there ends up with so many conflicting views on how something should be done, or if it is indeed a Gal look.
When I have been to Japan I take a note of what is popular in the stores and I will either pick up something that is right on trend for the moment or basics that will outlast the trends!
5. Are there any British stores that you would recommend for the gals who can’t afford to go to Japan or use a shopping service?
I love River Island, and recently H&M has been producing some items that can be worked into an outfit and made Gal. I find it useful to make a note of specific items I want to create a look and then browsing several different shops until I find as close to what I want as I can!
6. Your make-up is always gorgeous. Do you always use the same routine, or do you like to try out different trends?
Thank you! Most days I use the same routine to be honest…I like saving trying out new things for when I’m either going out or when I don’t have to catch a train as I find it very time-consuming!! It’s the same with hair; if I’m trying out something new I’ll wait til I have the time to spend on it rather than rushing it to get somewhere on time!
7. How did you find 109 and the gal scene in general when you first visited Tokyo?
The first time I visited 109 and Tokyo, I wasn’t sure what to expect…Because I was there while the January sale was on, I experience the mania that is 109 at its height! I felt a little intimidated by 109 and the huge amount of fashion it has to offer because I hadn’t yet figured out my own personal style, and I hadn’t found the confidence to work the style into everyday British life.
When I returned earlier this year I found shopping to be a much more enjoyable experience as I knew what the trends were and I knew the shops that I preferred and what I wanted from them. I found all the staff to be absolutely lovely (apart from one incident in SBY >.

bloomzy /

Gaijin Gyaru Series; Mitsu [Week 1]

Here is the first interview in the ‘Gaijin Gyaru Series‘ – please welcome…

Name: Mitsu
Location: Tokyo/Houston

1. First off, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Could you tell us a little bit about your fashion background and how you got into gal.

Happy to do so for my favorite gal blogger ♥

Well I’ve always liked fun clothing. I went to my prom in a vintage electric blue cheongsam. I used to work for a small clothing company that imported cyber clothing into the US. Compared to how I used to look in those days, gal is really tame.

When I moved to Japan in 2007, I really had no concept of gal beyond the overly tanned platformed girls that often showed up in Japan-is-Weird news articles. However, I went to 109 and was quite addicted. I loved all the fashion choices, the attention to detail, the fun nightlife, everything.

2. What are you favourite things about gal?

In Japan gal is so amazing. It’s really inspiring to see these women decide lifestyles for themselves because they love gal as a culture. When I first lived in Japan in 2007, Japan was ranked 91st out of 128 countries in terms of gender equality, and 98th in terms of workplace equality. The US was 31st, the UK a bit higher. In 2010 Japan is doing a bit better in terms of equality, but back then and now gal really does have a certain amount of girl power within it. Even when gals spend so much time and money on cosmetics and hair, it’s not for the outcome of a supposed Yamato Nadeshiko ideal of Japanese men.

3. Do you have any style preferences and is there anything you wouldn’t try?

I absolutely love dresses and onsies. They’re so easy to plan an outfit around and if you’re trying a new style, a dress helps you not buy a whole set of pieces. I also like how a dress or onsie can look different styles depending on the accessories. So you can own 1 dress and wear it 4 different ways, so cheap

I have two boxes of hats so I guess I should mention them as well. So wonderful during this humid summer season.

I won’t rule out anything, but I find Rainbow Brite style AmeKaji a bit too much for me.

Cardigan: Duras
Vest onesie: OneSpo
Striped shirt: Glad News
Jewelry: YSL, Gilfy, and Louis Vuitton

4. You’re currently selling MODE to us all (which I love), but what are you wearing right now?

hahahaha well while writing out responses to this interview I’m sitting around in my workout clothes. Lately I’m working out a lot, so I don’t have a lot of opportunities to dress up. When I do it’s sharp monotones mixed with playful items.

5. You live half of the year in Tokyo, studying. What is it like being a foreigner who follows Gal? (How do non-gals perceive you etc.)

Hmmm…well I can only state how it is for me. I will state that my height, colouring and frame make it easy to tell that I am a gaijin, however I do seem to shock people when I turn around if they only see me from the back. Since I tend to dress mostly gal they see me usually in extensions, heels, and nails and then when I turn they’re quite shocked to see a very obviously white face staring back at them. So I’m used to hearing strangers say whoooa gaijin or sugoi sega takai no hito (such a tall person) or something to that ilk.

For those who know me especially non-gal Japanese they always tease me with gyaru gyaru gyaru, but it’s all in fun. Gal Japanese it just depends. Through living in Japan I’ve learned you often have to make the first effort in getting to know people, so I try to be friendly and complimentary and good things happen.

6. I know you love to hang around Shibuya and Shinjuku when in Tokyo, which are both gal hotspots. So how do the Japanese gals relate to you?

Well I lived in Shibuya. Not just Shibuya-ku (which includes Harajuku and Yoyogi), but 5 minutes away from 109. So I got used to being in that area. Many of the shopstaff I’ve gotten to know and some I’ve known for 2 years. Even when I leave for 5 months they remember me and we’re back where I left off. It’s really fun to go into a store that’s got a somber atmosphere and shop staff run up to you and chat. Very bad days have been made very good by some of those gals.

I feel pretty comfortable in those shops especially so I find it pretty easy. I think if Japanese gals don’t know me, they possibly think I’m a tourist or such. So I try to make every effort to help dispel some stereotypes if I can.

7. Your blog is the go-to place for all things ‘Gaijin Gyaru’. How do you keep up with the latest trends?

Thank you!! I’m always shopping, in person or on-line. So I try to make connections between stores. I read a lot of magazines so that helps, too. Really all it is, is keeping your eyes open.

Pepper onesie: W♥C
Shirt: Paris Disneyland
Hairbow: Gilfy scarf
Glasses: Urban Outfitters

8. I have also noticed how you speak out at the common misconceptions of Gal (you have to be blonde, stick-thin etc.). So what is ‘Gal’ to you?

Well first of all I think everyone who likes gal should understand that gal is not natural. There is absolutely no one on the planet who woke up and was instantly gal today. Sure some aspects help, like waking up with extensions, nails done in gal style, eyelash extensions, etc… However, even Tsubasa without putting on the right clothes and make-up was not gal this morning.

Sure there’s a certain mentality that comes with being gal, but a lot of that is confidence. Confidence that comes from taking care of yourself which gal aids in doing so.

However, there are just too many styles to say in less than the size of an academic paper what is gal and what is not. Just like there are many sizes of gals. Contrary to super skinny myths, Gilfy which always has tons of denim each season, on its webstore the size 26 shorts typically sell out much faster than the size 24 shorts. Elastic in shorts is also a growing trend, among all styles.

Defining gal for me is how someone uses and thinks about each aspect of their look: hair, nails, make-up, shoes, outfit and how they play with that within and outside of gal parameters. What Chinatsu is doing now would’ve not been thought of 3 years ago, but she’s creating a way for gal to expand.

9. Do you have any advice for newcomers who feel a little apprehensive about joining the style?

Anyone absolutely anyone can enjoy gal fashion. I do not care what ethnicity, size, level of attractiveness you are, anyone can do great gal. It just takes some hard work, lots of consideration, and understanding how to dress your body.

Everyone is welcome, gal is HUGE in Japan. It didn’t get that way from kicking people out, instead it keeps growing and redefining styles to be let in.

10. Finally, as you know the aim of this series is to promote a better image of ‘Gaijin Gyaru’ by showing that it’s not only the Japanese gals who can get it right. How are YOU representing Gaijin Gyaru?

Eeks. Well I try to keep everyone updated, always try to be positive, and hopefully raise up new gals into further playing with their style. It’s very important to me to always keep the Doll as positive as possible and as welcoming as possible. Keeping everyone updated on current trends hopefully helps dispel some of these stereotypes overseas gals get.

Living in Japan can be very hard for several reasons as a gaijin, so a positive mindset will get you far in dealing with situations in and outside of gal.

A note from bloomzy: Mitsu is the go-to Gal in the western blogging community. Her frequent posts on the current trends, topics and Japan related articles offer more than just your average insight into the world of gal. I adore her personal style and her positive attitude when it comes to gal, and I never miss a post. You can stay updated @ Universal Doll.

bloomzy /

Gaijin Gyaru Series….

The Gaijin Gyaru Series is coming soon…as in TOMORROW!!

And since I will be posting the first interview tomorrow, here’s a quick lowdown on what will be included;

  1. I have picked 6 gals that I believe are representing the Western gal community right now – these range from America, Japan, UK and Europe.
  2. There will be one interview a week – every Friday (it’s early this week as I have a wedding to attend).
  3. Each gal has been asked 5 staple questions, and another 5 questions which are individual to that person.
  4. There will be hints, tips and advice from each of the gals.

So don’t forget to check back tomorrow when the first interviewee will be my favourite ‘Gaijin Gyaru’ (I’m bias ;D) – Miss Mitsu!!

Also coming soon:

  • April/June Gets!!
  • Sales post.
bloomzy /

Mode hair & Skin care….

Mode Hair
If you haven’t heard about the current MODE trend in Gal, then check out Mitsu’s amazing introduction, or pick up the current issue of Happie Nuts which features Emoda’s Ena Matsumoto.
I really love the look and idea of Mode, because it’s a more sophisticated and stylish kind of Gal without being too boring or old – even if Mode is aimed at the older Gal. By this I mean that whilst chic is always great, I don’t want to look like I’m going to the office (blouses and pencil skirts etc.) or too old for my time whilst I’m still a university student.
Anyway, Mitsu also posted a wonderful hair tutorial to Ena’s Mode style bun. I loved the look of it and thought it could be a more stylised alternative to my usual messy top bun. When I mentioned this she said how she would like to see my version as my hair is the polar opposite to hers – long and thin.
Please excuse the bad webcam pics. I didn’t have any make-up on so I didn’t want to show my ugly half-awake/half-asleep face.

An example of the length of my hair/how thin my hair is.
I was really shocked when I put my hair up into the ponytail because it was so thin. I thought it was getting thicker, but I guess it’s going to take longer D:

My take on the ‘Mode bun’
I should mention that this was rather rushed. It took me about 20mins and I did it as soon as I had woken up. This was because of an impromptu visit to the beach so I was in a bit of a rush to get everything together and get ready. However no more excuses, I plan to have another go next time I want to carry off the Mode look.
I found it very hard to get this style right as my hair is so thin and long.
I found rolling my hair under to be slightly challenging as it was so long, but I managed.
My second dilemma was down to how thin my hair was. Even after back-combing I found that my hair could have been thicker to make it work better. This was probably because it didn’t really have the volume/thickness that Ena and Mitsu managed. Maybe this was due to my lack of time or maybe this style just isn’t meant for those with thin hair. Even so I do want to try it again – maybe using a thickening shampoo just before – as I really liked the overall look of it. I felt as though I looked more like my age, then when I do a messy top bun…don’t ask me how that makes any sense but I have trouble with people always thinking I’m younger than I am haha
I thought my version was too messy to start with, but then I saw the original picture of Ena and I didn’t feel so bad because it seemed that was the look she was going for, albeit with a more sleek outfit than mine ;D
So this style, whilst difficult, is still a winner for me.
Skin Care

In the last few weeks leading up to the end of last term (at uni) I found myself going out to lots of restaurants, comedy clubs (eating food such as nachos etc.) and takeaways with friends. Whilst I enjoyed this immensely I am now suffering from the consequences. My skin and body are at a low. The weight/toning-up post will come later but for now I want to talk about skin.
Thanks to the wonders of the female body (hello PMS) and too much junk food, my skin broke out. This probably isn’t a big deal for most people, but my skin has always been relatively spot free and smooth. So you can understand that this got me down a little bit. Therefore I started eating healthier and I tried out a few skin care products to battle the blemish.
Please note that I have sensitive skin so I don’t usually use spot fighting scrubs/facial moisturisers.
1. Deep Action Facial Scrub – I usually buy this as it is really effective. It can be used as a daily wash or as a mask. But for some reason the bottles always tend to break on me. I wanted to buy it again this time but they didn’t have any so I went for…
2. Tea Tree & Peppermint Cleanser/Toner – I have used Tea Tree before and I know it can have brilliant effects on your hair but I haven’t used it on my skin before. Unfortunately this just made my skin break out even more. I don’t know if this was because my skin disagreed with the product or if it would have done it anyway. I stopped using it as I didn’t find it any help at all D:
3. Deep Action Daily Exfoliating Wash – I thought this may have been the first product I know and love, but re branded so I bought it…but it wasn’t. It had a different feel to it and I couldn’t use it as a mask like the first one. However it did start to clear my skin up, but after using it daily – as it is supposed to be used – I found my skin drying up, and not just a little bit. It caused my skin to flake and it left my face feeling rough and dry. Definitely the worst out of the two.
4. Savlon – What? An antiseptic cream?! It may sound ridiculous but when I told my boyfriends mum how I had dry skin and spots she recommended me this – if anyone is interested she did also give me some Clinique moisturiser but it didn’t work anywhere near as good as this. I never knew you could use it for spots but apparently you can (the website mentions it too), and it works wonders. The majority of the blemishes are gone and my skin feels normal again.
It really makes me wonder why I spend all my money on skin care products when something so simple and universal can help. As you can see I like Superdrug’s range of skin products but after this I think I will either stick to the Savlon when I have a break-out or choose something more natural like The Body Shop’s products.
Do you have any odd cures for blemishes or strange skin care routines?