Beauty

Monthly Roundup – August

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I’ve taken screen shots from my Instagram to remind me, and show you what I’ve been up to this month.

Skincare and Haircare

I cut my curly hair using tips from Brad Mondo and tips from various natural hair vloggers to style my 2C curls.

I changed my contraception so got quite a few hormonal spots and this Body Shop Tea Tree, Skin Clearing Mattifying Toner was invaluable; as was The Ordinary, Lactic Acid which very gently and naturally exfoliates.

Now it’s the end of August and my skin has settled so I’m using Neal’s Yard Remedies Orange Flower Toner and Orange Flower Moisturiser everyday to keep my skin all glowy and nourished (along with the The Ordinary Lactic Acid twice a week).

Food, glorious food!

Me and my bloke spent our Tesco vouchers on Pizza Express (who will be going into liquidation next month apparently) and order two ‘new’ veggie pizzas and all of the salad.

To take advantage of the governments ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme we went to Ruyi Vegetarian Restaurant. Amazing!

I’ve gotten back into the fake meat brand Vivera and have been making simple stir-fries. Like these Vivera Shwarma Kebab strips with rice and pea and sweet corn and Jamaican Jerk BBQ sauce.

The hot weather made really reduced my appetite so these mezze/tapas style bowls were great to nibble on.

Style

I’ve had purchasing a Nirvana tee at the back of my mind for decades and this month I found an official pale pink one. Cute and grungy!

I got sick of buying summer shoes that were either too flat and bad for my shitty joints or too heavy or that flew off my feet going down stairs. I bit the bullet and bought Crocs. I actually think these look pretty bad-ass as they remind me of late 80’s/early 90’s street style. Here’s my full review of Crocs.

I still think the simplest thing to wear is a maxi dress. Hides a ton of sins and all you have to choose are shoes and then a jacket/cardigan for evening.

Lifestyle

In the crazy hot weather I’ve been wearing these sandals from Newlook, drinking Rockstar blueberry energy drink, using this light and fruity perfume from Eden and ( even with my limited concentration span) flew through My Sister The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite.

The households charity shop donations for the second quarter of the year: A crazy wide pair of linen trousers, a face scrub you have to mix from powder (I managed to spill the first pot everywhere), vest I’m now too big for, too small jeans, a teeny-tiny dress from Japan, shoes which I’ve had over a decade and worn out.

Tips on How Not To Be Constantly Late and a fun checklist to see How Basic Are You?

Listened to

80’s pop and bluesy rock.

Watched

Snowfall about the start of the crack epidemic in early 80’s LA, like a mixture of Breaking Bad, The Getdown and The Wire.

Canada’s Drag Race, love Priyanka!

Galdem (on BBC iPlayer) about women making it in the UK grime scene.

Read

My Sister The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite.

Don’t forget to like, comment or subscribe! Xxx

🖤✨Chrissie✨🖤

How Basic Are You? Just for fun :o)

/ Vamp It Up Mcr (Chrissie) / 1 Comment
    • You own a Hydroflask or Waterbottle #
    • You buy pretty stationary #
    • You never use it #
    • You wear scrunchies #
    • You have an avatar of yourself and change it’s outfits regularly #
    • You have had a yoga/fitness instructor/physio “change your life” #
    • You buy so many scented candles #
    • But rarely light them #
    • You have a favourite nut milk #
    • You LOVE Riverdale #
    • You plan events by making Pinterest/mood boards
    • You have lots of retro and vintage ‘inspired’ things but they are all new #
    • You have an astrology/arrow/love heart/infinity tattoo
    • You ‘do’ brunch #
    • You take group photos and put retro filters on them #
    • You love Taylor Swift
    • You own a Nutri Bulit/blender/juicer #
    • You’ve said “I seriously need to detox!” #
    • You’ve gone to Glasto/Coachella
    • You explain that you’re “weird and so ditzy”
    • You watch Love Actually/Bridget Jones/The Holiday every Christmas
    • You love oversized jumpers with tiny shorts/leggings #
    • Your favourite season is Autumn/fall
    • You put Christmas/Halloween decorations up asap #
    • You’ve posted throw back photos of holidays saying “Take me back…” #
    • You’ve bought a book because a celeb recommended it #
    • You watch Love Island
    • You use the words ‘literally’ and ‘basically’ way too much #
    • You love iced lattes or mochas #
    • You live in Ugg’s, Tivas, Crocs or ‘Berkies’ #
    • You’ve been a ‘sexy’ version of something for Halloween #
    • You’ve watched Keeping Up With The Kardashians deliberately #
    • You’ve made your own denim shorts/halter top #
    • You love the (younger) royal family #
    • You love “a cheeky Nando’s”/Visit to Chipotle
    • You’ve made a TikTok/Insta story in baggy joggers but full makeup
    • You feel so much better when you’ve had your nails ‘done’
    • Your ‘reasonable’ amount of plushies/teddies is taking over your space #
    • You call everyone hon/chick/babes/sweetie whether they like it or not #
    • You do quizes like this #

    This is inspired by a quiz from Buzzfeed. I’ve changed it to incorporate a more UK based audience and added and removed a few things. Here are Freddie and Kelsey, two US influencers, taking it themselves for As/Is channel.

    What did you score? I got 29/40, which doesn’t really surprise me!

     

    Cutting My Own Hair & Bringing Out Natural Waves/Curls

    / Vamp It Up Mcr (Chrissie) / 3 Comments

    Before

    As you can see it has an undefined frizzy shape and then it’s gone crazy at the bottom where it’s been twisted up overnight. As it’s thick and long, it tends to sit around my shoulders like a very warm cape.

    Cutting My Own Hair

    I used a technique for cutting your own hair by Brad Mondo, which is simple and effective. Basically, you divide your hair into quarters, two at the front, two at the back and put little hair bands at the length you want to cut. Do not lift or pull the hair at the back around to the front when cutting, instead keep it straight and behind your shoulder. Cut below the hair band. Please do watch the vid, don’t take it from me!

    The sensible style

    I look so much like my Mum here, it’s uncanny!

    The 2000’s Bone Straight Style

    I used to wear this style to look a bit edgy for clubbing (so much product) but then that flat, straight look became the norm!?

    After

    Big chunky waves and curls!

    The easiest way to bring out natural curls & waves

    1. When you come out of the shower, tip your hair upside down and gently scrunch with a flat pile towel or thick T-shirt to remove excess water.
    2. This also lift the roots of your hair allowing for more movement.
    3. While hair is still very wet (but not dripping) and your hair is still clumped into curls/waves apply a lot of curl cream. Don’t rake it through but squish it into the individual curls/waves.
    4. Warning: If you let it get too dry before applying products, it will split and go stringy and/or frizzy. Then you have to soak it all over again.
    5. Apply any hair oil afterward. Oil acts as a barrier and will seal in the moisture you just added.

    Would you/have you cut your own hair? Do you think you could bring out any natural movement in your own hair? Let me know in the comments!

    🖤✨Chrissie✨🖤

    Monthly Round Up – July

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    Style

    I’ve mostly been wearing this combo or these pants with the-dye tops. I’m all about clashing prints this summer.

    I bought these adorable and very unique Freda Kahlo earrings by Wilderness from Sour Cherry, who are located in Afflecks and they also have an online shop.

    I’ve been wearing this outfit (shrug, maxi dress, black gladiator sandals) the few times we’ve been out and about.

    I posted about Items of Clothing That Seem Ideal in Theory but…

    Hated my heavy, long fringe in the heat so gave myself a short choppy one instead.

    Food

    After reading that Pizza Express will be slowly closing branches permanently from September my Bloke used up his Tesco points and treated us to a meal. We thought it crap that the rocket didn’t come with the mozzarella and tomato so we ordered that as well. We also ordered three 14″ pizzas which were amazing. A spicy, smokey one with aubergine, peppers and humus (added after cooking); a slightly sweet one with sultanas, black olives and red onion and a cheesy one with garlic.

    I tried Aldi’s No Steak Bake which had the loveliest flakey pastry and a mince sauce that was so rich it would have suited a Spag Bol better!

    Did a comprehensive Cupboard and Fridge Shop at Ocado (didn’t realise they have Follow Your Heart Cheese unfortunately). It’s all gluten and dairy free apart from the pepperoni which has milk in the flavouring.

    We visited V Revolution. I had this cheese burger with bacon, slaw and onion rings. My bloke had the burger between two doughnuts which he said was very tasty and not as weird as you’d think. Okay…!?

    I’ve started putting chilli (fresh, or oil, or sauce), spring onion and crushed roasted peanuts on everything. So refreshing for summer!

    Skincare and Makeup

    If I Could Only Use One Skincare Product this is what I chose and explained why.

    I blogged about my Lifestyle Tips for Maintaining Healthy Skin.

    Unpopular Opinions – Makeup Tag was surprisingly fun to join in with. Spotted on Just Geeking By.

    Lifestyle

    I posted 20 Tips for Living a Greener, More Sustainable Lifestyle

    Another tag which I find by the lovely Heather over at Just Geeking By was The 90’s Tag I was a teen in the 90’s so this was so much fun!

    The last tag I joined in with was The Daily Gratitude Tag – Home Sweet Home

    TV

    Limitless – a spin off from the film staring Bradley Cooper. A guy who’s on pills which expand his mind consults for the FBI. Light and entertaining.

    Preacher – About a preacher, a con-woman and a vampire ft. God and a murderous Saint. Totally nuts!

    Films

    The Avengers films – Never get bored of these.

    Captain America – Kinda boring.

    Mortal Engines – Film Set in the future most cities will have morphed into huge machines which move around and swallow smaller cities to survive but not all cities are as ruthless as this. Two young people fight to find justice and fairness. Based on the Mortal Engines Quartet books by Philip Reeve.

    Super 8 – A film incredibly similar to Stranger Things before that series was created.

    Youtube

    Brad Mondo – Very honest, funny, sweet hairdresser who reacts to people doing their own hair and also does tutorials.

    Music

    Kate Bush album Hounds of Love; Fun Loving Criminals album Scooby Snacks; Lady Ice (fellow Mancunian) single No Silence; Nadia Rose single Skwod.

    If there’s anything you want to ask me or to tell me, please leave a comment, I love reading them and replying to you!

    🖤✨Chrissie✨🖤

    My Lifestyle Tips for Healthier Skin

    / Vamp It Up Mcr (Chrissie) / 1 Comment

    A few months back I set myself a challenge to get healthier skin in just one month and I achieved it! Here are some general lifestyle tips, which have helped me to keep my skin healthy (along with that skincare regimen) since.

    🖤 Cutting right down on foods which don’t agree with my digestive system for better gut health, like dairy and gluten (making sure I found suitable replacements).

    🖤 Imagining I’m a big pebble in a river and letting the water (life’s stresses and problems) pass around and over me, while I remain stable and steadfast, rather than shaken up and disturbed. There’s a certain amount of ‘ What will be, will be’ attitude to this in order to not worry about or wring yourself out trying to get the ‘perfect’ outcome. The deep furrow in the middle of my forehead has actually relaxed and I don’t get indigestion from stress or feeling anxious anymore.

    🖤 Keeping up my water intake and my salt intake so my body absorbs and uses the water properly, rather than it going straight through me.

    🖤 Using a gentle cleanser (at least once a day) which includes T-tree oil to balance my skin and keep any blemishes at bay.

    🖤 Realising when my skin is de-hydrated and needs moisturiser or dry and needs oil.

    🖤 Still getting takeaway but from places that use a large range of freshly cooked ingredients like Eastern/Asian takeaways or including healthy mezze/tapas/a big salad with any junk food type meals.

    🖤 Keeping my hair fastened back off my face when the front pieces are dirty or oily. Not touching my face and fringe as much. Washing my hands more often.

    Simple but affective! What do you think?

    🖤✨Chrissie✨🖤

    20 Tips for Living a Greener, More Sustainable Lifestyle

    / Vamp It Up Mcr (Chrissie) / 1 Comment

    TIPS ON LIVING A GREEN LIFESTYLE

    1. Recycle/Upcycle
    2. Reuse/Repair
    3. Buy organic
    4. Reduce plastic consumption (use wooden/fabric/glass/metal alternatives)
    5. Avoid single use plastic
    6. Support independent companies
    7. Buy local produce
    8. Campaign/fund raise for wildlife and nature
    9. Drive an electric car or cycle or use public transport
    10. Use cruelty free and natural skincare, selfcare and household products
    11. Buy from and donate to charity shops
    12. Sell quality items on Depop and donate the money to smaller charities
    13. Use fabric tote bags for shopping
    14. Grow your own veg (growing a little tomato or chilli plant or regrowing veg ends like lettuce on your windowsill counts)
    15. Avoid fast fashion as much as possible
    16. Get clothes altered and learn how to hem and use darts to alter size/shape (fairly easy but makes a huge difference).
    17. Buy your electricity and gas from Good Energy/Ecotricity
    18. Use the phone provider Eco Talk
    19. Turn off the light when you leave the room
    20. Wear another layer, rather than turning up the heating

    Just do your best and don’t stress!

    💚✨Chrissie✨💚

    If I Could Only Use One Skincare Product…

    / Vamp It Up Mcr (Chrissie) / 1 Comment

    • It would have to be the Comfort + Hydrate MICELLAR CLEANSER from Neal’s Yard Remedies!

    Why?

    • Easily removes makeup and cleanses skin.
    • You don’t have to rinse it off if you are in a hurry.
    • It’s certified organic
    • Packaged in an easily recycled glass bottle (I love the look of them lined up on the window ledge).
    • Kind on sensitive skin
    • Skin is left feeling soft and replenished

  • What is your hero skincare product?

    🖤✨Chrissie✨🖤

    Unpopular Opinions Makeup Tag

    / Vamp It Up Mcr (Chrissie) / 3 Comments

    My lovely friend Heather from Just Geeking By tagged me in this a while ago but because my iPad has decided to put the keypad right in the middle of the screen so I can’t see what I’m typing!? So I have to use my laptop for blogging, (which I keep at home) on days I don’t have brain fog.

    Popular Makeup Product You Don’t Like

    Brow kits. Unlike Heather, I have found shades which work for me (usually more ashy tones, oddly) but the wax just isn’t strong enough. My brows grow along and downward. I had to brush them through with hairspray on a spooly to stop them looking like Hagrid’s! I’m so glad I wear glasses now which cover them, and eye bags too.

    Popular Makeup Product/Brand That Everyone Else Seems To Hate But You Love

    The Body Shop. I’ve used their products since I was 12 in the 90’s and still rely on the Lipbalm from their Hemp range, everyday. I didn’t buy from the brand during the time they were owned by L’Oreal.

    Yes, it can be annoying having their reps creep into your DM’s but I don’t consider them to be one of the aggressive and greedy MLM’s that screw over their reps (which is bigger concern for me).

    I’m staying out of the whole JK Rowling debacle on both sides.

    Makeup Collab You Didn’t Like or Weren’t Interested In

    I have to agree with Heather on this one, I’m not that interested in who has designed the product as long as what it does, works for me. I really like Soph from Soph Does Life but I didn’t rush to buy her makeup because I have far too much makeup already.

    Popular Makeup Step That You Never Do

    Primer as it clogs my pores terribly. Stupidly I don’t use eyeshadow primer either, even though I have very oily lids, then wonder why my perfectly blended makeup looks muddy after half an hour. Yup, I need to buy some!

    Popular Beauty Influencer You Don’t Subscribe To/Watch

    People like James Charles as I think their unnatural look and the amount of layers they use is more along the drag side of makeup. I prefer to still look like myself, even with a full face of makeup on. No shade thrown to anyone.

    Popular Makeup Product/Brand That You Dont Use/Support Anymore

    Max Factor, L’Oreal because they STILL disgustingly test on animals (and sell in China). They also buy up cruelty free brands (simply to get the competition off the market), with no intention of becoming cf companies themselves but they still profit from well-intentioned shoppers who don’t want to support cruel companies.

    Makeup Trend That You Have No Interest In Trying

    Cut-creases. I know they are more of a wildly used technique than a trend these days. My skin is so soft (because of Hypermobilty Syndrome) and I have such little space between my eyes and brows that’s it’s almost impossible, unless I used a dark, narrow, almost graphic line. I tend to graduate colour sideways along my eyes and then go upward at the edges.

    Makeup Product That Worked Better In Theory. Either Swatched Better or Worked Better On Others Than You

    All over illuminator under/over foundation, specifically Charlotte Tilbury, Hollywood Flawless Filter. It showed up ALL of my flaws! If you already have very even, smooth skin with tiny pores then it will make you look even better. If you are like me, it will throw the textures and different depths on the surface of your skin into stark contrast with each other, oh and settle into your pores too. Gold pores – awesome.

    So let me know what you think of this post and if you want to join in then please do!

    🖤✨Chrissie✨🖤

    Black Owned Brands & Bands inc. Rock, Hip-hop, Alternative Apparel & Cruelty-free beauty

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    🖤 Black Rock/Metal Playlist by Nova Twins

    🖤 I personally recommend the whole back-catalogue of Skunk Anansie

    🖤 2020 – 2021 Black Rap and Hiphop Playlist by Red Music

    🖤 General Black Owned Business Directory

    🖤 Cruelty-free, Vegan Beauty and Lifestyle List by Vegan Beauty

    🖤 Cruelty-free Beauty and Lifestyle List by Logical Harmony

    🖤 Hair and wellness family owned brand. Cruelty-free and vegan,

    🖤 Alternative Style and Makeup

    • Glam Goth Beauty
    • We Are Unapologetic
    • Gothic Lamb
    • Coloured Raine Cosmetics
    • Jada Le Bour
    • Pocky’s Shoppe
    • Hooked On Ariel
    • Via Shea
    • A Whole New Witch
    • 6t9
    • Candles With Purpose

    🖤 Kawaii and Alternative Styles

    (compiled by @foxxtailz on Instagram)

    • Otaq Apparel
    • Polka dot Cute Shop
    • Magical Boys Club
    • Dragon Dandy
    • Teal Teacup
    • Moshi Melon
    • Plushii Kawaii
    • Hard Decora
    • I Puke Kawaii

    (compiled by @yasminesumman on Instagram)

    • That’s So Kitschy
    • Default Club
    • Charmin Darlin
    • Hissyfit Clothing
    • Maurio Kart (death metal shirts especially)
    • House Of Bats

    Happy shopping and listening!

    🖤✨Chrissie✨🖤

    Trying to Get Naturally Healthy Skin in Just One Month – Week 4

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    Products

    • The Body Shop, Vitamin C, Cleansing Polish
    • Neal’s Yard Remedies, Micellar Cleanser
    • Pixi! Glow Tonic if at home or The Ordinary, Lactic Acid
    • Ecologue Bamboo Face Pads
    • The Body Shop, Vitamin C Moisturiser
    • Neal’s Yard Remedies, Rosehip Oil

    On the rare days I wear makeup I use the Vit C Daily Glow (by foaming it up, rather than massaging with the scrubby bits). I only use the Pixi Glycolic or The Ordinary Lactic Acids every other day. I use the micellar cleanser, moisturiser and oil everyday. Read previous weeks routine and diary

    Monday

    Did full skincare routine. Forgot oil before bed last night but still looking quite radiant this morning.

    Samosa for dinner and big bowl of Daal (lentil curry) and oat cakes for tea.

    Tuesday

    Used The Ordinary Lactic Acid, moisturiser and lots of oil today.

    I woke up feeling so thirsty and wanted hydrating foods so Saag Aloo (spinach and potato) with rice for lunch and aubergine curry for tea (and a random samosa for super).

    Wednesday

    When I woke up my skin felt and looked like I didn’t need to do any skincare at all! Still did my routine though. My lips are really smooth and nourished as well (I think it’s the oil).

    Had four beers but hydrated before and after drinking.

    Thursday

    My skin was dry, so more inside and outside hydration was needed.

    Had a salad for dinner with shredded carrot and beetroot, cucumber, ice berg lettuce and seeds and cashew nuts, had mushroom Satay for tea.

    Friday

    My skin felt quite grainy and looking quite matte so I applied Pixi Glow Tonic, left it on for 15 minutes, rinsed it off with a wet face pad and then moisturised. Much better!

    Having a drink again tonight so I’ve eaten a big salad and replaced my coffee with a nut milk protein smoothie instead. Left my Rosehip oil by the bed to remind me to use it.

    Saturday

    Considering I ate a huge bread crumb coated veggie burger with spicy curly fries (certainly not wheat free) I’m impressed with how I look just after waking up today. A bit pink, rather than red, my skin isn’t really dry and I don’t have loads of water retention at the side of my nose, chin or eye bags, like I normally would after drinking and having wheat. Draining massage everyday when applying skincare really does work!

    Sunday

    Here I am (with no product on my skin) in the one bit of week sunshine we had that day, before it disappeared behind clouds again. My skin would have needed a filter to look anywhere near this smooth and radiant a month before!

    The Conclusion of my Month Long Challenge

    Positive Changes

    It feels great to just be able to casually take a no-makeup selfie, without reaching for the foundation and even then, deleting so many rubbish shots. I also leave the house bare faced now and with confidence because I know people won’t be staring at my puffy, blotchy face anymore but wondering instead how I look so glowy, when it’s not even sunny!

    What I’ve Learned

    • Oil can balance oily skin as long as you find the right oil for your skin and use it at the right time of day/night
    • What you put inside of your body has a huge effect on the outside, it might just take several days or weeks to notice, which can be confusing so keep a diary.
    • Before you touch your face for any reason make sure you wash your hands first. I always forget this when applying makeup, usually because I’m in a hurry or being spontaneous.
    • Yes, you should cleanse your skin in the evening but don’t beat yourself up if you forget now and then.
    • Get used to you! Your face maybe having a bad day but that’s life and you’re still you behind it. After all, it’s your personality that’s he point!
    • All of this facial massage and staying hydrated and getting enough sleep advice actually does work, if you stick with it.

  • The Realistic Road to Success

    If you don’t have, or are already on top of a medical/allergy related skincare concern (for me it was spots, oil and a huge amount of redness in the past), then yes, it is possible to get naturally healthier looking and skin in a month! It does take patience to find the right skincare routine and diet for you and the tenacity to stick to it though.

    Do you think my experiment over the past month might help you?

    🖤✨Chrissie✨🖤