Give your self a mani- pedi in 10 easy steps

I must admit that nothing can compete with getting your nails done professionally at the spa, but what about those days when something last minute pops up and you want your hands and toes to look their best, or when you are just to lazy to make the effort to go all the way to the spa or worse when its the end of the month and you are sadly broke =( 

being an absolute nail junkie i have managed to come up with a little self mani-pedi routine which i can turn to when in need and it works just as well as getting it done professionally

step 1 - remove nail polish 

step 2 - soak your hands and feet in hot water for about 20mins and add some bath foam and or bath salts to lavish it up a bit. ( soaking your hands and feet with soften the skin and make it easier to trim your nails and scrub off all the dead skin)

step 3 - scrub away with a body scrub and then lightly with a foot scrubber, (use the soft sider on hands and on top of feet)

step 4 - trim nails and remove cuticles

step 5 - file nails in to shape

step 6 -  massage hand/foot cream or lotion

step 7 - wipe your nails with nail polish remover to get rid of oils and to give your nails a fresh clean surface for nail polish

step 8 - base coat 

step 9 - nail color 

step 10 - top coat

I always enjoy pampering my self a little, play some music in the background, light some scented candles, relax and have fun plus this is a super fun activity if your are having a slumber party or spending the day with your girlfriends 

Flawless Face / foundation routine

Step 1 - always start on a clean cleansed face, remove all traces of make up and exfoliate 2-3 times a week

Step 2 - Start by applying a moisturizer with spf in it! in the day i use clinique city block spf 40 in the day       ( It acts like a moisturizer+ spf+ primer)

Step 3- Choose a foundation that matches your skin tone and skin type. formulations vary on skin types. the best way to ensure your foundation matches your skin color is by testing the color on your jawline. it should blend into your skin color, any lighter or darker is NOT acceptable!

Step 4 - dot the foundation on your face and either rub in fingers or use a foundation brush to blend it in. Focus on areas that need coverage the most, don't pile on foundation where you have good skin. DO NOT FORGET THE NECK AND EARS.. YOU SHOULD BE ONE COLOR =)

Step 5 - conceal your under eyes if needed, always test a concealer at the shop before buying it, you don't want to get stuck with something that doesn't suit you. further conceal edges of your nose if you have redness, and cover up any remaining blemishes. Pro Tip using a lip linear or eye liner brush on a spot gives a more airbrushed finish.

Step 6 - dust loose or compact powder over your t- zone if you have oily skin and if you are creating a matte finish. i always only use translucent powders to cover the shine and oiliness without adding coverage.

Lastly i would advise all you to spend most amount of time on your skin, by perfecting your foundation and concealer application. You will realize that if your face make up is done perfectly you wouldn't even need to much eye make up etc.

P.s if you plan on doing a heavy eye look with dark eye shades i recommend you first do your eyes and then apply your foundation and concealer after. Sometimes heavy/ dark eye looks create a mess on your face which is hard to wipe of and clean if you have already done your foundation and concealer.

Try out this routine and let me know how it works for you! =)

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Pretty Pretty Bling

Helloo Helloo

I really can't help but feel festive with all this christmas extravaganza going on around me!! i love the holidays and especially this time of the year, with all the trees and deco, the music, the lights the bling and the glam!
every year i get blown away by how 'big' xmas is here in Malaysia.. its only the 12th of novemeber and starbucks have started their specials.. the malls are all glittery and shinny with trees and ornaments and even though this country is still ' hot' weather wise (because it always is.. like all year round) it weirdly feels like winter and x-mass!!

by now i am sure all of you can tell exactly how excited i am ha ha ha.. so in my high rises blingy spirits i went and got my self some a couple of lovely jewelry pieces... i think they are so nice and festive and perfect for this holiday season!! hope these inspire you all to get 'pretty pretty bling-ed up' i think these pieces are perfect for a night out or to glam up any outfit!

The ear rings are from Topshop the 'Freedom' line 

And the neck lace is from Diva !! 

Beauty from Within

Hello Hello

As much as i love being all girly girly with tons of make up and lovely perfumes and all those other pretty smellies and knick knacks i have to admit that beauty comes in from with in.. and it Always matters how you are feeling...

you have to feel your best to look your best and if you truly are happy on the in side it shows all over that face and if you are not... no amount of make up can make you shine or look stunning...

so... get to know your self! find out what brings that smile on your face.. find out what exactly makes you happy and feel your best!! it could be a nice beautiful sky, great weather, someone at your local shop wishing you a great day.. and of course the greater things in life like a relationship, your family and friends. it could be a song which makes you hop around like a bunny or just looking around your self and being thankful for the little things..

take some time and look around for all the wonderful things you have! be thank full for the fact that you could always be worse off then you may think you are.. i KNOW!! Its sounds very obvious but trust me we all forget and just start living in a rut and start feeling not so great from time to time.. and it effects how we look and feel!

so wake up and smell the roses.. they truly are as beautiful as all of you are

love and be loved!!

 a very happy and grateful Serena who looks pretty good today (if you know what i mean) ;) !! xx

loving much 2 ( current favorites)

Hello Hello and Happy November

i can't believe how this year has nearly come to an end, time is just racing by and i have no idea where it is headed.

i quite liked the concept of a "loving much" post.. reminds me of the monthly fav type posts and thought id do a follow up, hence this one =) ... in addition i have been all over the place lately as i have been really busy with final year, project submissions etc.. its a drag trust me and i can't wait for it to be over and more importantly feel Normal again..

so in the mitts of my insanity i have been loving a few things lately



 Chanel PURETE` MAT - i recently had run out of my compact face powder and had been wanting to get the Chanel one so i finally gave in and got it and i can't tell you how much i love it, it is totally worth the price and a chic to carry around in your handbag doesn't bite anyone =P .. its a special treat every time i reach out for it.. i got it 20 Sable Mat and it goes really well with my skin tone, apply's beautifully and looks really natural..

 MAC 187 - i have had this brush for quite some time now but barely ever turned to it until recently i randomly decided to see how it would work with liquid foundation.. and i must admit i actually love using it as a foundation brush and am so pleased with the results.. i just prime my face first, dab on dots of foundation directly to my face with my fingers and then "push" the foundation in with the 187 and then using circler motion buff it in.. it actually makes foundation application quicker and blends it in seamlessly  with hardly much effort..

COLD PLAY! COLD PLAY ! COLD PLAY - enough said!!

 Sephoras Universal Atomizer - i have been wanting an atomizer for so long, and i have had my eye on the travelo for ages now, i just love the idea and the design and think its a must have for every girl out there... but sadly i have i still have not managed to get my hands on the trendy travelo's AS YET.. so i just got the sephora atomizer and it does the job just great and i love being able to carry a lil mini of my perfume in my bag and spritzing the day away...

 Sleep.. ha ha trust me so say that but seriously its about the only time i can put my mind and my thoughts to rest.. sleep has become ME time and i absolutely love it and wish i could just totally laze around and sleep for hours on end

 dark cloudy rainy skies - the weather these days in KL, Malaysia (for those of u wondering where i am) is absolutely stunning and so unpredictable!! one minute its all sunny and the next bolts of thunder and magical breezes blowing chills down your spine.. very romantic and the closest i can get to winter right now

JAFFA CAKES!! YUMM YUMM YUMM 

well thats about it for now.. i have gotten some stuff from Clinique and other random make up finds which i will be reviewing soon so keep posted!!
till then =)

Serena! xx