What's in my holiday make up bag?

Copyright: Sian Wootton

Today's post is a glimpse inside my holiday make up bag. It's been so hard tp narrow it down and it keeps changing by the minute. As I don't get to put make up on that often I do enjoy having the chance to wear it more (hopefully) whilst away and getting to experiment with different looks. When travelling to a hot country though choosing the right products is important. You want ones that are going to withstand the heat and not slide off your face. Last year I found that some products made my face sting as I was sweating (sorry TMI.) Even tried and tested ones that have never had an effect before. So I'm a bit wary of what I take. Most of the products I'm taking are drugstore because I really don't want my more expensive stuff to melt and be ruined. I would cry. That being said I still adore the products I've chosen to take.

Copyright: Sian Wootton

Face

Soap and Glory solar powder

Rimmel Stay Matte powder

Benefit license to blot

Smashbox camera ready bb cream- with spf 35 it's really protects your face whilst providing a bit of coverage

Tarte cc stick

L'oreal True Match concealer

L'oreal True Match highlighting concealer

Benefit The Porefessional primer

Bourjois Cendre De Rose Brune little pot blusher (fab they come with a brush)

Milani Luminoso blush (this comes with a brush too, which is so handy)

Benefit face spf 45

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm

Copyright: Sian Wootton

Eyes

Collection Glam Crystals eyeliner Rock Chick

Collection Glam Crystals eyeliner Le Freak

Maybelline Colour Tattoo on and on bronze/ bad to the bronze

Maybelline colour tattoo gold

Maybelline Colour Tattoo pink gold

Collection Eyes Uncovered nude palette

Maybelline The Falsies mascara (not pictured but I swapped it in place of Benefit Rollerlash as it's more waterproof, plus I love it)

L'oreal Super mat- matic black eyeliner

Copyright: Sian Wootton

Lips

Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Olé Flamingo- I love these as they last so long

Bourjois Rouge Editon Velvet Hot Pepper

Maybelline Colour Drama Love my Pink

Maybelline Colour Drama Keep it Classy

Copyright: Sian Wootton

Tools

Real Techniques miracle complexion sponge

Eco Tools Fresh and Flawless travel brush set

Real Techniques setting brush

fluffy eye shadow brush

Eye brow/ angled eye liner brush

Real Techniques Fan brush

PS Love double ended eye shadow brush

I'll be putting some of the products in my hand luggage if I want to make my face look a bit more presentable on the flight or at the airport.

I will be putting in the Smashbox bb cream, Tarte cc stick, True Match concealer. As well as my Bourjois healthy balance powder as it has a mirror and my Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream.

What are your holiday make up must haves?

Sian x

Get ready with me: Birthday edition

I really enjoyed putting together my last get ready with me post and have been wanting to do more ever since. However as a lot of you know I don't often get to leave the house but who says you have to leave the house to get glammed up? Especially when it's your birthday. My birthday plans were pretty low key, but high key for me. I asked if we could have a family get together at ours and I ended up having the best birthday I have had in years. Plus the fact that I got to make myself look pretty was a bonus. So here goes a step by step guide on how a chronically ill person can make themselves look a bit more presentable on their big day.

 

Just as I adviced in my first post do as much preperation as you can the day(s) before. Paint your nails (I used Barry M Majesty, a gold glitter colour) get your outfit ready and your make up planned. Here is the make up I decided to use and got ready the night before. I like to put all the products I'm going to use onto a tray as you will see below. As you will see in the photo below I also plaited my hair the night before, to give my hair some natural waves. I find this such a great and low energy way to get pretty hair. 

 

Max Factor Face Finity Foundation

Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder

Sleek Face Form in light

Makeup Revolution Iconic 3 Eyeshadow Pallette

Maybelline The Falsies Mascara in black

Barry M Blink waterproof precision eyeliner

Makeup Revolution Lipstick in Dazzle

Also pictured: Benefit porefessional primer but I completely forgot to use it.

 

 

Of course when it's your birthday starting your day opening presents needs to be factored in. But remember to  pace yourself. Two presents and I needed a rest, to save my energy for the rest of the day. A side note for my spoonie friends make sure you have scissors handy to help you open your presents, they come in handy when you don't have much strength.

 

 

After a rest it's time to start getting ready. First off clean your face and then moisturize. If I'm wearing more make up I like to use Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing lotion. I also used the simple eye roller ball which is great for helping your eyes feel less puffy. This time around I put my outfit on first. You will see what I wore at the end of this post but as it's your birthday what better time to dress up. Who cares if you're not leaving the house. Dress up and make yourself feel special. What I would say is if you do get dressed first then put on something to cover yourself up so you don't spill anything onto your party frock.

 

Start with your base. For extra coverage use a brush to apply your foundation with a brush. Then cover any red areas or blemishes with concealer (Collection lasting perfection.) 

 

 

Moving on to a bit of contouring with a little help from Vivianna's makeup YouTube channel. Thank you thank you Anna. Very well timed contouring 101video. In which she suggests contouring with a more tawny shade rather than the standard bronzey shades. Following her advice I first used some Rimmel Stay Matte powder where I would apply the contour and then using an angled fluffy brush I used the highlighter shade from my Sleek pallette to contour my cheek bones. 

 

 

Using my iconic 3 pallette I created a bronzey eye by first using the 2nd shade, which is like a shimmery light rose colour. I put this all over my lid. Then I used the 5th shade along, a darker rose colour and used this on the outer third of my eye and in the crease. Blending it all together with a fluffy brush. On my brow bone and inner corners I used the 1st shade to highlight and make my eyes appear brighter. I then had a moment of madness where I thought if I shut both eye lids I'd be able to see if the eye shadow matched. Such a classic brain fog moment. Oh why can't I see?! After chuckling to myself I lined my upper lashes with a felt tip style liner. I did try winging it out but as I have eye bags it just all bunched up and looked like a big blob. Then to finish off my eyes I used a couple of coats of Maybelline The Falsies Mascara, which I think I might have inspired a few of my family to try after all their compliments.

 

I've recently discovered it's best to do your undereye concealer and powder after doing your eye make up so that if you get any spillage you're not then taking your concealer off and can cover up any marks. So after doing my eyes I used the Rimmel wake me up concealer under my eyes blending it in with a concealer brush and setting it with the stay matte powder. I also applied the powder over my t zone.

 

 

Then give your plaits and roots a spray with some dry shampoo. I was going to use Herbal Essences but the top is stuckso I used Co Lab in the scent Rio. These are both great dry shampoos. And there is no white resindue which is just fabulous. Rub it into your roots and let your plaits out, massaging the dry shampoo into the waves. Try not to brush your hair too much but just give it a bit of a tidy.

Then put on your lippy, blotting it with tissue to give it more staying power and then add an extra layer. 

 

Lastly put on your jewellery. This necklace was a gift. Put on your crown (if you have one) which was also a gift, I have some pretty awesome friends. And put on your shoes.

 

 

Next pose for full length photos. This is a very important step. Not just for blogging purposes but to look back on and think "oo didn't I look nice." Note I only wore those heels for posing. My legs were shaking so much as I no longer have the muscle tone for them, so they are wheelchair only shoes. The shoes were customised by Glam it up Laurna. I changed into a pair of black flats with a bow and gold studs. My dress is from Forever 21.

 

Then go enjoy your day. I had such a lovely day spent with family, and lots of cuddles with my 3 week old twin niece and nephew. And was totally overwhelmed by all the cards and gifts my spoonie friends had sent. As well as enjoying yummy food and yummier cake. 

 

 

 

And this was me by the end of the day. Tired but very happy.

Hope you've enjoyed this post. I'm really enjoying writing these kind of posts so hopefully I will document some more in the future. 

 

Sian x

Get ready with me: How to look less ill

Hi! So if you're new to my blog let me just fill you in a little. I suffer from a chronic illness called Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or M.E for short it is also known as chronic fatigue syndrome. I am around 90% housebound and when I do get out I need to use a wheelchair. Anyway moving on... many people that suffer from a chronic illness despise the phrase 'but you don't look sick.' However of course there are times when we want to look less sick and more human. Not wanting to scare members of the public too much. So todays post is a little how to/ get ready with me post on how to do so.

 The look I was aiming for was quite understated but very fresh and of course awake. The occasion was a family gathering at our house so I didn't want to go too overboard.

If you can prepare the night before then do so. Plan your skincare, haircare, make up and outfit and lay out all your items so they are easily accessible. Get someone to help you if you need to. As you can see I have prepped my make up bag so that all the products I expect to use are at the top. Hung my dress up outside my wardrobe. And I thought I would opt for a bit of a different hairstyle for a change with some waves. So I thought the easiest way to achieve this would be by platting my air in bunches. I really struggle to hold hairdryers etc so this seemed ingenious.

Secondly the night before try and get as much sleep/rest as you can. And I say as you can because I know it is often beyond your control.

Now onto getting ready. Note to any chronic illness folk that you should only do what you can manage on that day and get help where needed. If you are able to wash your face then do so. I like to use simple moisturising face wash as being indoors a lot my skin needs as much moisture as possible. Prep all the items that you wish to use and obviously make sure you have a decent mirror close by too. I usually do skincare (other than wash my face) in bed, the more I can have my legs extended the better. Then apply a moisturizer to help your skin look more hydrated and healthy. At the moment my two favourites are Garnier skin naturals moisture match for dull skin (the orange one) and Clinique dramatically different moisturizing lotion+. Both make your skin feel really quenched. Then if you want extra radiance or more of a pick me up I like to apply Clarins Beauty Flash Balm. It makes your skin look fab and is a great base for your make up.

For this look as I wanted something very light and because I have a teeny bit more colour than usual (I know, I'm super pale) I opted for a cc cream rather than foundation. I used the Max Factor which is great for evening up your skin tone and giving a fresh base.

Now if you are looking tired and worn out your greatest make up friend is concealer. I opted for the Rimmel Wake me up concealer (does what it says) under my eyes to disguise the dark circles. Then on any blemishes and around my nose I used Collection Lasting Perfection. Blending them all with a soft brush.

Then I took the Collection mosaic bronzer and used an angled face brush to contour my cheek bones. Making the lovely fish face as I did so. Because I was in a rush and wanted to use most of my energy on chatting and eating cake that was all the make up I applied. If you do want to add more make up then I would suggest using a white or nude eyeliner on your water line, a light eyeshadow in the inner corners of your eyes and mascara to open up your eyes more and make you seem more awake.

I then got dressed with some help from my Mum. As I wanted to wear a dress I cheated on the legs front and wore tights. Tights can be a spoonie lady's best friends. Also loving the fact that the dress came with the necklace attached, yet another small cheat. Extra glam, without the extra effort. 

I then used the Batiste dry shampoo to help hold the waves. Applying it to my roots and rubbing it in, then to each plait.   Brushing it through gently once I'd taken the plaits out.

And there you have it my completed look. Looking less sick chick that had just woken up to more healthy and ready to socialise.

Sian x

Body image

As I think I have mentioned just a few times I am off on my holidays soon, huzzah! I know for so many people the thought of going on a Summer holiday can really make them self conscious and send them into a panic about needing to look their best. And yes looking your best whilst on holiday can make you feel fantastic. However being too hung up about revealing your body on the beach can really eat away at people. For months now my feeds have been full of statuses about 'getting a bikini body' and it's the same every year. As well as plenty of statuses about how much they need to deprive themselves. And a lot of the time it's from the most gorgeous looking of girls.

To be honest it makes me feel a little bit sad. I look at them and think "look at you, you're stunning." But that's kind of the point; we will always judge ourselves more than anyone else will. It's just something we all do. Which I think is very naughty of our brains really. And so every year we see these statuses, or we hear our friends talking about what they're cutting out (sometimes literally) in order to look 'acceptable' on the beach.

What's worrying is that people will turn to fads and unhealthy solutions long before they will even consider eating healthier or excercising (M.E folk you know I don't mean you when I say the e word.) I swear if I get one more friend request from people selling juice plus! Gah! Juice Plus will not change my life. Changing our thinking habits just might though.

I know some people might say "oh well that's easy for you to say, you're slim," but again that's projecting this image of what we think a beach body is. In my early teens when I stopped running and horse riding from cysts on my ovaries and problems with my bowels I put on quite a lot of weight. I look back now and think "jeez, I had no idea I was that big." But in a way that's a good thought, because it means that at the time I wasn't constantly bullying myself that I no longer had a six pack. The only time I remember being affected by it was ringing up to say I couldn't do a youth theatre thing and them saying "oh is that big Sian." Ouch! And that was me completely done with them. But I lost the weight as a bi-product of being able to do more as my illness improved and over a few years; not because of that comment. 

A few years ago the round table came round our neighbourhood with Father Christmas on his sleigh and when he asked me what I wanted for Christmas, I replied that I wanted a new body. He said "but why when you're beautiful". Well thank you but what I would like is a body that worked much better. Because when you are chronically ill and disabled you start to appreciate your body on a whole new level. Your focus is more on how your body works and how much I guess you took for granted just what a good job it was doing. As I have said, health is wealth. A healthy body allows you to have everyday adventures and things we consider basic like walking around the shops, driving, playing with our children. You start to think "who cares what my body looks like when I'd rather it still could do those things."  And other than the fact it doesn't work properly I'm pretty happy with my body. In fact I'm just happy, even with all the rubbish I face every moment of every day.

Often people work so hard to lose weight or tone up but the last thing they do is change their thinking. Someone who has lost weight might still look in the mirror and still see their old shape. Often we don't fully appreciate it until someone else comments on it. Which in a way is sad as this is the body you've been telling yourself you wanted. Our thinking though is still so used to looking in the mirror and being negative or focusing in on what we think are our problem areas, that we can't switch off from that. So if you do want to lose weight, tone up or even if you feel you need to gain weight look at ways to monitor that change and adapt your thinking.

I also want to share this link to an article in Cosmopolitan UK about a woman having the confidence to wear a bikini after an emergency surgery to remove her spleen. It's motivational stuff, so do give it a look dont-apologise-wear-bikini. And recently I have seen a few similar stories floating around on social media. I read one last night about a group of young people insulting a woman who was sunbathing and had stretch marks on her belly. She of course got upset that people would so blatantly insult her. However the post was about how in fact she was proud of her body. Those stretch marks were as a result of pregnancy and reminded her of the wonder of having children and how much joy that bought her. Then there are the stories about Instagram deleting bikini photos for not being deemed attractive; read more here. The rise of people showing off their feeding tubes and bags and sharing them on social media, which personally I think is great for awareness of stomach and inflammatory bowel conditions, you go ladies and gents! Then of course there was the stories about photos being removed of women that had had mastectomies, around the time of breast cancer awareness month. Where it seemed a no make up selfie was deemed a sufficient way to promote breast cancer care and awareness but not cancer patients showing that they are still beautiful despite all the horrors they faced. Celebrate your bodies ladies! 

So my message is simple. Love your bodies. Look after them, treat them well. And if you do want to make a change then do so out of love not hate and do so healthily. I'm going to leave you with some positive quotes to help motivate you and hopefully I will do more posts on body confidence soon. Cue lots of shameless holiday snaps!

Be good to yourselves

Sian x