Why We Still Need Feminism in Today’s Society

Hello, lovelies!

As I continue my social work education, feminism remains a central perspective. The word feminism may seem difficult to conceptualize. Feminism is this: advocacy for women’s rights. Women’s rights have come a long way, but gender inequality still exists. The quest for women’s rights continues. Concepts like body-shaming and pay inequality still exist. Today, I’ll share my perspective on why we still need to keep the feminist conversation alive in 2017.

 Because our bodies are not objects

In our society, we teach women to prevent assault. Why don’t we teach not to assault women? Our bodies are still legislated and engendered.

Because a wage gap still exists 

The idea that women and men don’t need equal pay is ingrained in our society. The wage gap between women and men remains.The pay gap stands at about 21%. Until this wage gap closes, we will need feminism. Until pay between men and women is equal for the same job, and amount of work done, we need feminism.

Because our society places blame upon the woman

 

This has become a product of our culture. We blame women for the the circumstances they find themselves in; whether it be cat-calling, or abuse. This is an ingrained aggression in our society. More discussions about the inherent objectification in these behaviours must occur.

What is your opinion on the relevance of feminism?

 

 

 

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REVIEW: Too Faced Shadow Insurance 

Hello, lovelies!

Eyeshadow primer helps shadow remain crease-free once on the lid. My eyeshadow tends to flake when I blink. Before buying this product,  I often substituted concealer for primer. I bought Too Faced Shadow Insurance Eyeshadow Primer during Sephora’s VIB sale. This product is a mess-free alternative to using concealer as primer.

The Packaging

This primer comes in a squeeze tube with a nozzle on the end. It is lightweight, and durable for travel. The print on the package is simplistic and elegant. You should shake the tube before dispensing the product, as it tends to separate.

The Primer

Too Faced Shadow Insurance is beige, with a non-greasy formula.  It blends into the lid to create a blank slate for shadow application.  The best method for use is to blend it into the lid with your fingertip. Using primer increases the longevity and vibrance of the eyeshadow colours I use. A tiny dot of product covers my entire lid.

Too Faced Shadow Insurance retails for $24 at Sephora.

How to Save Money at Sephora

Hello, lovelies!
Sometimes it’s difficult to justify spending too much money in one place. It’s a scenario that you may be all too familiar with – you fill your shopping basket with cosmetics and skin care essentials, then your heart pounds as you see your total. I’ve been there, and I hope you find this post useful!

Today I share tips to help you save money at Sephora. 

Become a Beauty Insider

Sephora’s loyalty program operates on a tiered system. The three levels are: Beauty Insider, VIB and VIB Rouge. Each tier offers different perks.Upon becoming a Beauty Insider, you earn 1 point for every dollar spent. These points may be redeemed for product samples. 

Stock up on samples

Virtually every purchase will come with one, or more, samples. Trying sample sizes of products is a great way to test a new product without purchasing it full-sized. These samples not only save you money, but they offer convenience when traveling. 

Keep an eye open for samples

The sales section of Sephora’s website offers a selection of available products, and changes frequently. Waiting for a specific item to hit the sale section will save you hard-earned cash. 

If you shop at Sephora often, and have found ways to save money, I’d love o hear your tips!

My (Refined) Skin Care Routine 

Hello, lovelies! 

I previously wrote about my daily skin care routine. As part of my New Years Resolutions, I decided to refine my daily routine. I have modified some of the steps in my routine, and added new products. The core steps in my routine include: Cleansing, exfoliating, and brightening. 

Monday-Saturday: 

I cleanse my face with Noxzema anti-blemish pads to banish any imperfections. I follow this step with moisturizer. My skin tends to be drier in the winter. To overcome this dryness, I switched my moisturizer to Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Drink of H2O Hydrating Boost moisturizer. This formula is lightweight and non-irritating. 

Sunday:

At least once a week, I use products suited for a deeper clean. I recieved a sample of Fresh Cosmetics Vitamin Nectar Vibrancy-Boost face mask recently, and it is a perfect product to use for this purpose. The mask contains crushed citrus fruits and has a grainier texture than my Noxzema pads. I use it weekly to remove excess dirt, oil, and dead skin cells. The gentle exfoliation creates a good balance for my skin.  (Stay tuned for a full review of this mask!) 

I remove all makeup with a gentle, cleansing makeup remover wipe. I often switch between makeup remover wipes and Clinique’s Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm. 

REVIEW: Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer 

Hello, lovelies!

Anybody who knows me will know that I’m Casper-pale, especially during the winter. I often brighten my complexion with highlight powder, blush, or bronzer. I received Benefit’s Hoola Bronzer as a Christmas present. I’ve used it regularly to enhance my complexion.

The Packaging 

The bronzer is in compact-style package. One side of the container holds the bronzer palette. A small brush fits into the top side of the container. The package design features bamboo and a deep pink colour.

The Bronzer 

The Hoola bronzer is available in a single colour. The product is matte, and pigmented. The pigmentation of the bronzer is strong. If you have paler skin, like me, I suggest blotting the brush on a tissue after dipping it into the container. This lets you build the colour, and tap off any excess. The colour is soft, and adds a bronzed, golden colour to the skin.

Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Bronzer retails for $36 from Sephora.

How to Use Highlighter

Hello, lovelies!

Using a highlighting powder is a way to add glow and radiance to your skin. Some of you may wonder – what exactly is highlight, and what does it do? Highlighter is a product available in compact or stick format. You apply it to high points of the face (like the cheeks, and forehead) to give skin a natural-looking glow. I recently expanded my cosmetics collection to include a highlighting powder. It brightens my skin, which often becomes dreary in winter. In today’s post, I’ll share tips to help you choose, and use, a highlighter.

Apply it to three main areas – the cheekbones/temples, the eyes, and the Cupid’s bow

Applying highlight to these three areas draws attention to the high-points of your face. Makeup can sometimes create shadows underneath the eyes. Applying highlight in this same area brightens the skin. It draws attention away from any dark areas.

Blend, blend, blend

After applying highlight, blend it into the skin with a brush or makeup sponge to buff any edges. Blending will integrate the highlight into your skin, and create a crease-free base.

Mix with moisturizer 

If you’re looking for an all-over glow, mix your highlight into a few drops of moisturizer. This is best achieved with a liquid highlighter. Once mixed together, you can apply the formula to your entire face.

How to choose a highlighter:

Your skin tone is helpful in determining the best highlighter shade. If your skin tone is pale-light, a pearl or champagne-coloured highlight is best. The light pigment adds a subtle radiance to your complexion. For those of you with medium-to-olive skin tones, highlighters with a peachy or gold undertone will prevent skin from appearing too frosty. Rose gold or bronze shades work best for darker skin tones. These shades offer pigment, without  appearing grey-toned.

What are your top tips for using highlight? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!

 

 

 

4 Cozy Self-Care Rituals to Try During the Winter Season

I often discuss self-care and its importance here on my blog. I engage in self-care often, as I continue my education. I find it especially useful during the winter season, when the weather is cold, dark, and dreary. In today’s blog post, I’ll discuss the self-care rituals I engage in on a regular basis. I also share ones I’ve discovered that may be useful to you, too, during this season.

Let light in

Winter is the prime season for an increase in SAD (or Seasonal Affective Disorder). This is a seasonal depression that results from the changing seasons. A lack of sunlight can attribute to sluggishness and a general moody feeling, also. To compensate for increased darkness in the winter, I light candles throughout the house. I often light a lavender-scented candle in my office while writing and studying.

Take a bath

Drawing a nightly bath is helpful for many reasons. It relieves stress, detoxifies and helps relieve colds/sinus infections. These conditions which often  up during the winter season. A soothing bath can include anything from bubbles to a bath bomb.

Stay hydrated

When most people think of hydration, summer comes to mind. Drinking water and staying hydrated has health benefits all year-round. Consuming enough water throughout the day helps you stay healthy throughout the winter season. I aim for 6 glasses per day to achieve the following health benefits:

• Keep my skin hydrated – I hydrate from the inside-out to keep my skin soft and supple. I supplement my water consumption with skin-loving products like Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Drink of H20 Hydrating Boost Moisturizer.
• Boost my immune system – Drinking adequate amounts of water helps fight off winter colds

It’s okay to take a break

It’s easy to get swept up in the bustle of the season. The winter season can bring pressure and expectations. That’s why it’s never a bad idea to take a step back from your to-do lists and projects to rest and rejuvenate.

How do you engage in self-care during the winter season?

 

 

 

 

REVIEW: Sephora Collection The Cleanse Brush Cleaner

Happy Friday, lovelies!

Cleaning my makeup brushes occurs on a weekly basis. I normally cleaned the bristles with a combination of soap and water. I bought Sephora Collection: The Cleanse brush cleaner during the V.I.B. Sale last fall. I sometimes do not clean my brushes as thoroughly as I should. This product lets me complete that task (or as some would say, chore) without difficulty! The cleansing spray effortlessly cleans makeup residue from all types of brushes.

What is it?

This product is a quick-dry spray that is alcohol-free and requires no water. To clean each brush, just spray the cleaner into a cloth or paper towel, and run it along the brush head until clean.

The Packaging

Sephora’s brush cleaner comes in a hairspray-style bottle. The product offers 200 ml of liquid. The packaging is black with a flower design – sleek and simplistic.

How does it work?

The spray requires little effort to use – this is my favourite aspect! Spray the cleaner on a paper towel or cloth, then sweep the bristles of your brush along the towel/cloth. For brushes with synthetic fibers, a circular motion is reccommended.

“The Cleanse” is one of the products offered by Sephora Collection’s line of brush cleaners. This product created ease and simplicity into my brush-cleaning routine.

Sephora Collection “The Cleanse” Daily Brush Cleaner retails for $15 from Sephora’s website. A sampler size retails for $8.50.

Nighttime Beauty Tricks

 

Hello, lovelies!

A nighttime beauty routine is just as important as a morning routine. Taking a few extra steps before bed contributes to relaxation. Engaging in certain steps or habits at night will lead to a better morning. In today’s post, I offer tips I use nightly.

Invest in a silk pillow case 

Your pillow case contributes to your beauty. How? Pillow cases made from cotton or other materials often collect debris. This can transfer to your face or hair. You should wash your pillow case weekly to keep skin clean. To go a step further, invest in a silk pillow case. A silk pillow case prevents creases in your hair or skin, and it does not absorb dirt or oil.

Remove all of your makeup

Removing all makeup before bed lets your face breathe. You’ll wake up looking and feeling refreshed in the morning. By removing all makeup, you are ensuring that pores remain clean.

Get a full night’s sleep

Sleep increases melatonin. This hormone acts like an antioxidant, which fights fine lines and imperfections. Getting a full night’s sleep ensures your cells are repairing themselves. They don’t call it “beauty sleep” for nothing!

What beauty tricks do you use nightly?

 

 

 

 

 

The Best Apps for Bloggers: Social Media, Blogging Platforms, and More

Hello, lovelies!

Between tracking analytics to posting social media updates, accessing specific applications (apps) is key. Universal access lets you blog from wherever you are, whenever you wish. Today I share a look into some of the most popular apps for bloggers. Each of the categories I’ve listed below provides various apps that you can use as a blogger or creative.

Blogging Platform

Downloading the app version of your blogging platform lets you write posts, and respond to comments. Various platforms exist to blog with. I’ve highlighted two of these platforms below:

• WordPress: WordPress allows me to blog with ease. I use the app to draft blog posts when I’m away from my computer. The “Blog Post” feature lets me draft and publish posts with a few simple clicks. WordPress offers both a free and paid version.
• Tumblr: I am still navigating Tumblr, but it is an efficient micro-blog. It is a good platform to publish short-form content including photos, quotes, and video.

Social Media 

Like many of you, I use social media regularly. It is useful to connect with other bloggers and creatives.

• Instagram:  Instagram’s photo platform lets users share insight into their daily lives. For bloggers, this app allows us to post our favourite products and beauty looks. Instagram integrated a Stories feature. My favourite aspect of this feature is the ability to share minute-by-minute updates. These updates provide a raw, unfiltered insight into the user’s daily life.
• Facebook: I use Facebook to share my blog with family and friends. I’ve expanded my reach through Groups such as Blogging Boost. These groups let me share my content with users worldwide.
• Pinterest: I joined Pinterest about three months ago, and am still navigating the platform. Pinterest offers an outlet to connect with other bloggers and content inside your niche.

Photo Editing

Creating the perfect photo often requires edits. Many photo editing applications let users crop, brighten, and change their photographs.

• PS Express: This Adobe program is Flash-based. The app enables users to edit photos on their websites or blogs, or they can upload the photo from their device. Features range from brightening, to blurring.
• Snapspeed: Snapspeed lets users tune images with Brightness, Contrast, and Blur menus. I used this editor briefly, but found it was not user-friendly.

 

If you are a blogger or creative, what apps are your favourite?