The End of an Era

It is the 16th of June, a Thursday. I am 19 years old. I have one exam left of my Leaving Cert. Today is the day it hit me that I'm finished school forever.

It has been almost a month since my last day of school ever (24th May) and today that sunk in. With the stress of the ever-looming Leaving Cert, I barely got the chance to think about how I felt about leaving my second home.

And it was my second home. Those walls saw me enter in August 2010 as a acne-ridden tween, kitted out in new Dubs that made my heals bleed and a green jumper that made my skin itch. It was my sanctuary for 6 years. And last month I left as a young women, giddy with hope and ambition for the future ahead. It's strange, how humans are creatures of habit and how attached we get to a place, the memories associated with it and the people we have met there. All I know is, I'm sorry to be leaving.

Every September that I returned, it felt like I had never left. I watched the cherry blossom bloom every Spring, showering me in pink petals as I hurried to my next class, and then each Autumn I watched it  lose its beauty and shrivel, in preparation for the cold months ahead. My teachers became my guardians, and as I made my way up the system, they became my equals. I watched the new building grow from a floor plan on a page, to the sturdy scaffolding to the final product: shiny new corridors and classrooms to explore. I watched myself mature, transitioning from green to navy jumper, from child to adult. 

The memories of school days are ones that I cannot and will not shake. The chats, the gossip and the giggles. From skiing the slopes of Norway to marvelling the talent of London's West End to exploring the wonders of Belgium. No doubt, I have had the opportunities of a lifetime. 

To my friends, we've had thrilling ups and crushing downs. We've spent almost everyday of the last 6 years together. The thing about being in a girl's school is that you either love or hate your classmates. The ones we hate, we loath together, and the ones we love become our soul sisters. All I can say is, I don't remember life without you.

No longer are we bound by rules. Never again will I wear the familiar tartan skirt and cream blouse that make up the uniform. Nor will I have to abide by the one way system or be restricted by minimal makeup and clear nail varnish. I can wear as many earrings as I like. I'm all on my own now, and the big bad world that I have been sheilded from is finally my oyster.

Now, there aren't only two roads diverging in a yellow wood. I'm standing on a roundabout with countless exits. For 14 years of compulsory education, I have circled this roundabout, but now it's time to chose a destination and begin my journey.

What's left to mention is the Winnie the Pooh quote that I've attached to this post, quoted by our year's valedictorian at graduation. I have been really lucky with my secondary school experience and now it's time to bid farewell. It's been one hell of a journey and I'm sorry to say goodbye.

Update: Back to School📚📝

Welcome back to my blog!

So as many of you have probably guessed, I have returned back to school and will have my first full day of classes tomorrow.

As it is my last year in secondary school, I have conflicting emotions of extreme nostalgia and unwavering excitement. The truth is, in Ireland, sixth year isn't as carefree as what senior year appears to be in the U.S. It is in fact, going to be the most challenging school year of my life.

I have to sit a massive exam - the Leaving Cert. - in June 2016 which will determine what college course I get. 

As of now I'm aiming for points the high 500s, which is extremely ambitious considering the maximum is 625. 

I still amnt 100% what I want to study. I don't want to rule anything out so early, but definitely something in the field of science.

As I have mentioned before, as much as I love and enjoy writing for my blog, this year, it will become a latter priority. I am oozing with passion for everything I do, and so I would never want to make any promises to you guys that time doesn't allow me to keep. I hope to occasionally still post, but mostly updates rather than beauty posts. I hope you guys understand. 

I have had a brilliant Summer and am ready to kick sixth years butt! 

Love Always.

Happy Monday🙊🙈

Good Morning Friends!!

I use this quote to justify the anonymity of my blog😉 LOL. But seriously, I saw this post of Pinterest this morning and I could not agree more.

I strongly believe that in order to be successful, one has to be selfish. I think this applies in all aspects of life: school, work, hobbies etc. I also think people - particularly the younger generation - of today are waaay too open online. Whatever happened to some privacy?! Call me international girl of mystery, gossip girl, A, Blogger Barbie - I don't mind. What people don't know, won't hurt them.

Be kind, but put yourself first always.

Much love❤️❤️❤️

Everyday Natural Make-Up🙆

Hi Again! 

I know that I already did a blog post today (check it out if you haven't already!!) but I thought I'd show you what products I use on a daily basis while I'm unpacking from my holidays.

To get right into it, my natural foundation is RIMMEL'S WAKE ME UP in the lightest shade - 010 Light Porcelain. I would say this provides medium coverage, but is buildable. It has SPF 15 which is also something I consider when purchasing foundations. Aside from all that, I got it on sale for €6.50 at a local pharmacy! You can't go wrong with this one! 

When I'm having skin troubles, I pop some BENEFIT BOI-ING concealer on any blemishes or redness. This is a great concealer for my oily skin, but it can be quite drying for those with dehydrated skin. Once again this is in the lightest shade 01. As a high end product, the price is significantly higher than drugstore, but I've had mine for over a year and use it quite often. 100% recommend.

I go through powders like a bomb, so honestly I use whatever is cheap at the drugstore. Right now I'm using CATRICE COSMETICS: ALL MATT PLUS as a setting powder and the results are satisfactory. I dust it mostly in my T-Zone to avoid a greasy look. I like to change it up often with my face powders but am yet to find one that blows my mind.

Similar to face powers, I tend to switch up my blush almost daily. I brought my BENEFIT HERVANA blush on holidays with me as it is one of those colours you can't go wrong with. It's a simple matte pink that isn't too harsh, which I enjoy as I am often heavy handed while using blush. 

Moving up to brows. BENEFIT BROW ZINGS in the shade light has been my go-to for over a year now. I use the wax in the set on the tail of my brows and the power in the middle. I really enjoy the tiny brushes included in the set and I use them daily. This is expensive, but once again it lasts ages and is well worth the money.

I love to experiment with mascara, both drugstore and high-end. Most of the time, I use one from the drugstore but recently I have been using an ELIZABETH ARDEN CERAMIC MASCARA. I find that all mascaras do the job for me as I have naturally long lashes anyway.

As for lip products, on a "natural day" I use the bare minimal. If I'm feeling fancy, I might opt for a tinted lip balm but usually I just throw on my SUMMER FRUITS EOS which is hydrating and has an enjoyable scent.

Let me know if you'd like to see individual favourites posts ie. all about my favourite foundations, blushes, brushes etc. I love talking makeup so I'm excited to introduce these type of posts into my blog. 

Also guys, feel free to like / share / comment on my posts!

Thanks so much lovelies xx

Learning French!

 Welcome Back Guys!

I recently just returned home from a week-long holiday to the South of France - I will have a photo diary up soon, I promise! 

So while I was there, I did a lot of practising my français. As you guys know, I will have completed my leaving cert. this time next year, but what you may not know is that French is one of my favourite subjects! 

It was reassuring to know that I could get by in France with what I have learned over the past five years at school. 

Of course, with the rise of the Internet and television combined with the influence of American culture, many Europeans now speak fluent English. However, I made a point of speaking French to all the locals in des magasins. It was an accomplished feeling to speak a language I have learned only in a classroom to native speakers.

While away, I considered ways that I could keep up this French practise when I returned home. I decided to purchase some reading material to keep me busy during the rest of my summer break. Pictured below, I splurged on a magazine all written in French called BIBA. I have only really flicked through but so far it loos like a French equivalent of KISS or STELLAR. I adore these type of magazines and am excited to get reading.

As for the book, I purposefully chose something written by a French author and a book that I had never heard of before. It is called L'ÉTÉ DE MES NUITS BLANCHES by Pauline Penot. A full roman will certainly be testing, but I am up for the challenge! 

I will let you guys know how it all goes! 

Thanks for reading and watch this space for my travel diary over the nest few days!

Bonne Chance 

X

HD Brows: The Experience

Hi everyone! 

Lately, I've noticed a boom in the amount of people getting what's commonly known as HD brows- or what I like to call it: The Full Package. It includes tinting, waxing, threading, plucking. 

Curious, I decided - for beauty blogger research, of course - I would take the plunge and try them out. Having only previously ever gotten my brows threaded, I thought this would be interesting to get the whole package done and see the outcome.

I approached a local woman on Facebook who works on the weekends in a salon down the town. She informed me that a patch test would be necessary to ensure I was not allergic or sensitive to any products involved in the process. The patch test would have to be applied 48 hours before the treatment and removed by my stylist on D-day. 

On Saturday, I went down to the salon to meet the stylist. The patch test was in a well presented sealed package. Clear instructions were provided on how to apply.

On Wednesday, I set out to apply the patch test. Reading the instructions carefully, I realised it was similar to applying a temporary tattoo. The plastic film had to be removed, the card was pressed face down on the inside of my arm, beneath my elbow crease. I used a damp face cloth to wet the back of the card until it slid away and the patch test was on my arm. The process was quick, easy and pain-free.

My stylist warned me of cracking and peeling of the patch test, which did begin to occur a few hours in: due to the general movement of my arm I suppose. Luckily I didn't seem to have any reaction to the ingredients in the patch test, despite my usually sensitive skin. I was anxious at this stage to get the treatment done.

I woke up on the day of treatment (Friday) both nervous and excited. My appointment was booked for 10am and so I didn't have to hang around all day waiting to get started. Upon arrival I filled out a detailed questionnaire based on my medical history and allergies. My brows were then prepped for treatment and the skin around them was cleaned. The tinting was first. Gloopy black/brown tint was applied to my brows and then left for about a minute to allow the colour to develop. The excess was then wiped away. 

Waxing - the most daunting part for me - was next. My stylist used an eyeliner pencil to mark out where my arch and tail should be. My stylist tested the wax temperature on the inside of my wrist, then, using a cotton swab, the wax was spread under, above and between my brows. The most painful part was the wax removal under my brows, on the fleshy skin above my eyelid. However, I was pleasantly surprised at the lack of pain I felt. 

Threading was the next step, familiar and comfortable for me. The hairs were trimmed and picked using the thread, this process was relatively painless. Plucking occurred next, once again something I am well used to. The small awkward last few out-of-place hairs were removed with a quick pinch.

Lastly, my brows were cleaned off again and a soothing clear cream was spread around the brow bone area to avoid swelling and redness. 

The first picture you can see below was immediately before treatment and the latter, immediately after treatment.

I am thrilled with the results that you can see above. At first, the tint makes the brows look very bold and defined, but it wears off after a few days to provide more of a subtle outline. I paid €30 for the treatment, pricey for me, but as I am finishing off this post, it has been almost 3 weeks since my treatment and I have no regrets. My brows turned out just how I wanted them. I now just pluck any access hairs that have grown out to maintain the shape, minimal effort if you ask me. I would recommend this treatment to anyone and everyone who thinks their brows need some love, just make sure to get a patch test! 

Love you guys! 

Monday Motivation😁❤️

Hi friends! 

Apologies about the late post. I have been working on a post for the weekend; unfortunately it is still a work in progress. I hope you're excited though! 

I am actually away from home at the moment. Without going into too much detail, I'm doing grinds - tutoring, for all my American readers - all this week down the country. 

GRINDS?! DURING THE SUMMER?! Yes. I have gradually come to terms with the fact that in order to get the high points I know that I am capable of, I will have to work determinately and unwaveringly. I have big dreams and I fully intend on accomplishing them, whatever it takes.

To be successful is to be dedicated and I crave success enough to want this for myself. I know that this blog will take the backseat next year coming up to my leaving cert, but that's ok. I hope you guys will be both patient and empathetic during this stressful and important time in my life. 

I am making the most of the free time I have to build my blog. I have some drafts I need to tweak before I publish: fingers crossed they will be up this week! 

Anyway, back to the point of this quote. The dream is free. I can wish upon a star for a picture perfect future all I want, but it is time to be realistic. To get where I plan to go, I must hustle and put my head down. I promise the sacrifices will be worth it! 

The same goes to you guys, my readers and friends. I can only but hope that you have or will acquire the hard-working attitude I have harboured, especially when it comes to school work. 

Strive for success and it will not pass you by!

Thanks for reading 🎆

X