23 THINGS I'VE LEARNT, AT 23!

1. Everyone is struggling for money

2. Don't fear others reactions.

Don't be that person that sits in the nursing home at 90 wishing you had done something.

3. Everything happens for a reason.

It may seem shit at the time but there's a reason you didn't get that job, no longer speak to a friend or that chocolate cake has gone stale.

4. Get rid of those people that lie about everythinggggggggggg.

I cant be the only one who has had a friend that lies about pointless stuff and makes out that they're better than you. I mean sureeeee you bought yourself a brand new, 66 plate range rover in matte black with spinners... at 20.

5. You can be friends with someone who is the total opposite of you.

You can be friends with people that don't have the same beliefs, backgrounds or fashion choices.

6. Everyone comes into your life for a reason.
Some stay, some don't.

7. Dating players will never end well.

Those guys who have Tinder profiles, give you the 'were just friends' crap or comment on girls Instagram pics will never be the committing type.

8. Popularity at school means nothing when you leave.

9. Chivalry is still alive.

There are still some guys that treat a girl right, you just have to find him.

10.  Kylie's Lipkits are overrated
But I'm all about those highlighters

11. Parents are annoying. That's their job!

Is it just my parents that give the 21 questions after a night out?
Who did you go out with?
Where did you go?
How much did you drink?
What time did you get home?
Who's the guy on the right in the blue jacket in your profile pic?

12. You will reminisce about your university days

13. Mums know best
When you're set on that Audi A1 that you've fallen in love with, but she convinces you to go for a lower grade car, trust me...she knows!

14 We all say things we regret!

15. 3 day benders will be a thing of the past

I swear, I woke up on my 22nd birthday with the worst hangover and I knew my partying days were over.

 

 16. Always trust your intuition
If something doesn't feel right then it's probably not!

 

17. Stay focused

Don't let anyone steer you away from your end goal.

18. Social media is fake
We all know those people that like to make you think they lead the life of Kim Kardashian, yet shop in Primark.

19. I can't control my expressions
 If I don't like something my face will tell you before I do.

20.  Nightclubs are no longer fun

Girls crying in the toilets over some guy, getting a stiletto in your foot because Jenny has gone wild on had 4 Smirnoff Ice, or guys picking fights because a random looked at his 'bird'.  I'm so over it.

21. You can never have enough shoes
Heels, flats, boots, sandals.. buy them!

22. You have to start from the bottom to get to the top
Work placements, internships, low salaries, no salaries it's all experience to get where you want to be.

23. Every girl dreams of owning a walk in wardrobe
Ever since seeing Sex and the City I've wanted one (preferably with a pair of blue Manolo's in it too).

DIY DUPE: ROSE WATER MAKEUP REFRESHER

For all you lucky people who will get roses this Valentine's day, I have a DIY makeup refresher for you to try when your roses begin to wilt and die.


The spritz contains green tea and aloe vera gel, which helps to hydrate and keep your skin dewy and fresh throughout the day. I added cloves into my recipe, but if you don't like this warm undertone you can just use rose.


A great tip is to keep this in your handbag so you can use it throughout the day when your makeup and skin needs a lift.

To make this you will need:

• Rose water
• Roses
• Aloe vera gel
• Green tea bags
• 300ml boiled water
• Drop of red food colouring
• Measuring Jug
• Spray bottles

Pull the petals off of the stem and add them into the saucepan, add the water, cloves and simmer. Then once the roses have wilted and turned mushy pour the liquid into the measuring jug.

Next add the aloe vera, rose water, food colouring and green tea bags to the solution for 5 mins.

  

After the tea has steeped take out the tea bags and leave to cool for a couple of hours. Then pour into your spray bottles, this will last around 2 weeks.

So ladies, if you want to try this easy DIY out, you know what to ask for this Valentine's!!!



DO YOU KNOW WHAT'S IN YOUR BEAUTY PRODUCTS?

I first discovered the importance of knowing what I was using on and in my body, after my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer last year.

After researching different chemicals that are used in products, I decided I would use as many chemical-free alternatives as I could. I believe it's important to know what you're putting on your body as well as what goes into it, as the outside eventually ends up on the inside! 

Parabens:

These are chemicals used in cosmetics to prevent bacteria from reproducing and to extend the shelf life of the product. Parabens are used in everyday products such as deodorants, foundations and moisturisers which are under investigation due to the link between parabens and breast cancer.

 

Cancer Research has reviewed the evidence and said that, "Parabens can encourage human breast cells to behave like breast cancer cells, by moving about and invading tissue, avoiding cell death, and suppressing the work of a drug commonly used to treat breast cancer."

This was an easy transition to make as Holland and Barratt offer paraben, alcohol and SLS free deodorants and other beauty products in their Dr.Organic range. There are many brands and cosmetic companies that have started releasing paraben-free ranges to help with this health worry.

Fragrance and Perfume

Perfumes are put in everything from face creams to feminine hygiene products to give it that iconic brand smell. Not only is it a powerful marketing and sales technique, but it is also used to disguise the actual smell of the product in its raw chemical state.

 

Yes To is a range that I buy as it is cheap, natural and sells perfume free products (and they smell amazing). They are available online, in supermarkets and health stores in the UK.

SLS

Sodium Laurel Sulphate or Sodium Laureate Sulphate as its referred to, has been a common chemical added into cosmetics to produce the foaming action that we see in shampoos, toothpaste and other cleaning products since the 1930's (It's even in baby shampoo).

 

On average more than 200 chemicals are used on a woman's skin everyday and more than 60% of these chemicals get absorbed into the bloodstream.

 

After learning that the synthetic chemical is used in industrial cleaners, I changed my hair care routine immediately. I now wash my hair with baking soda and water and then 'condition' with a vinegar rinse. However, if you wanted to buy SLS free shampoos, here are some available on the high street.

Ors Olive Oil Shampoo 


Yes To Cucumber Shampoo 


Body Shop Rainforest Shampoo 


Palmers Manuka Honey Leave-in Conditioner


Noughty Take Carer Scalp Soothing Shampoo 




Natural Products I've Added Into My Beauty Routine



Coconut Oil:





I recommend the 100% virgin coconut oil to make sure that it is totally natural. It is also good to cook with and has many health benefits.

I've added coconut oil to my hair care routine by running this through the ends of my hair to help combat split ends. I also use this as a lip balm and moisturiser too.

 

Lemon Juice:

 

 

This natural juice is rich in vitamin C and citric acid which helps to keep skin bright and clear and break down sebum. It is especially good for fighting blackheads and breakouts by applying directly to them. I also use it after I have washed my hair as a hair rinse to keep it shiny and looking healthy.


You could also add this with a chunk of ginger and whizz it up in a blender to make a flu fighting vitamin C boost, or as a detoxing morning drink and mix with apple cider vinegar.

   
Aloe Vera Gel:




  This is one of the best natural products for skin and hair care because of it soothing and cooling properties.

I use this a lot when I have breakouts as this helps with the redness of spots and blemishes. I also apply it after I have shaved to moisturise and soothe my legs.

If you want to see what chemicals are hiding in your favourite daily products, below are some terms to look out for:

· Methylparaben

· Ethylparaben

· Propylparaben

· Butylparaben

· Isobutylparaben