BRONZERS: NO-FAIL Guide!

Who knew that Bronzers would be the best beauty holy grail in our make-up kits! I remember the days when all we knew was foundation LMAO - This is before we learnt how to use concealer around our non-fleeky eyebrows, to highlight the under eye for that I-slept-12-hours look, and before we mastered how to chisel the cheek with contour. I mean, I personally had not know about bronzers for the longest time, and to be honest, initially they were very limited in their shade ranges. NOW, we have competitions between the likes of Fenty, Huda, and Revolution Beauty, all trying to make us spend our pennies for that summer-ready glow!

One of my favourite bronzers is the Fenty Beauty Sun Stalk'r in Mocha Mami - call it my warm by day, glam by night everyday bronzer. Unfortunately for Fenty Beauty, my eyes have also caught the attention of several other winning bronzers (some old, some new) for women of colour e.g. Revolution, Iman, Bobbi Brown, NARS, Charlotte Tilbury, the list goes on...On the contrary, sometimes you just have to make do with a pressed powder or blusher TBH and it works just as well, without spending the extra pennies.

Head to my YouTube Channel to see my first impressions of the New Revolution Glow Splendour Bronzer.

Watch On Youtube: First Impressions Of Revolution Glow Bronzer

The key to using bronzer is to add a little pigment to your usual foundation routine. If you were anything like me, your first experience was probably shambles; and you've gone wayyyy overboard and heavy with the shading. Let's keep those images in our lost files shall we! Also, finding out that your skin type, tone, texture, and face shape matters when using bronzer, can be a little confusing. Ultimately, bronzers give your make-up look a whole new meaning, and there's no reason why you can't add that sultry dimension to your face today.

Below is a practical, quick-application, fail-proof guide to applying your bronzer! I'd love to hear about any techniques you use that are key to achieving a great bronzed finish. List your must-do's/don'ts in the comments!

1. Choose a bronzer for your skin

Depending on your skin type, decide what bronzer format you want to use. Creams and Liquids often given you that buttery, summer shine; whereas, powders often provide a suede-like finish. Powders also tend to work better for oily or normal skin. Decide whether you will opt for a matt finish for a natural radiance or rather a shimmer bronzer for that highlighted effect.

2. FYI Bronzing is different to contouring.

Contours aim to define and chisel your face; whereas Bronzers add warmth and tone. Your bronzer shade should only be 1-2 shades darker than your skin tone to emulate that tanned vibe.

3. Bronzers are best used after you have applied your foundation & under-eye highlight for greater impact. It could also be used as a blush.

4. Use the right tools - brushes are better than fingers for even coverage. A wide, fluffy brush would do the trick - you may want to avoid stiff brushes which could cause streaks or harsh lines that you may struggle to blend out.

5. Light work - Apply moderately, a little at a time. Gently tap off any excess from your brush before applying.

6. Apply it strategically - forehead and cheekbones, sometimes the jawline- where the sun would usually hit your skin in order to achieve that warm definition.

7. Firstly, sweep your brush along your cheekbones, starting at the apple of your cheeks (If I've used contour, I usually apply the bronzer slightly above the contoured line). Apply bronzer to your other target areas, then use a circular motion to blend it out into your skin.

8. Blend! - let it reach your hairline and gently buff out the colour using your brush. Use a different brush to sweep away any excess bronzer to get that natural skin finish without it creating a heavy look.

9. Any excess on the brush could be used to add a little definition to your nose contour and neck. IF you've gone overboard *oops*, perhaps use a translucent finishing/setting powder to minimise any dark pigmented areas. Not bronzed enough? Add a little blush for that extra pop of colour!

10. If using a cream or liquid bronzer, consider using a setting spray for a longer-lasting wear and to prevent extra oil or shine.

And finally, If this does not work...it wasn't me lol! But, let's go have a chat somewhere.

I hope this simple yet practical guide has been informative and helps you get that bronzed, sun-kissed glow ready for summer! Bronzers are my holy grail as part of my everyday make-up routine, so check out my Instagram @Honestlyhazel to see how it looks all put together.

Hazel xx

PROTECTIVE STYLING: Loving Natural Hair

My Hair Care Journey

Just the other day, I looked back at a picture of myself as a young child; a cheeky smile with two twisted pigtails in my hair. I was born with soft curly hair, which grew quickly to be long and soft; however, as you know, with Natural Afro-Caribbean hair, the maintenance is highhhh. The effort is essential and the patience is necessary, and you can repeat that again! After a few years, I'm sure my Mother's fingers must have been aching, because since motherhood, I can now truly understand the energy and commitment you need in order to tackle the treacherous challenge of weekly hair dos.

There are many options when it comes to styling natural hair; however, culturally, there is also a great emphasis on protective styling (single braids, tie-backs, cornrows, wig life). It's not always easy to implement styles on hair that is curly, kinky or frizzy; therefore, many women opt to relax or texturise their hair as a method of taming for easy management or manipulation. My mother started relaxing my hair when I was younger, so I've had over 15 years' experience of sitting on the floor or in salons, almost getting kinks in my neck whilst getting my hair done. Little did I know, this experience was preparing me with the skills I needed to eventually take control over my own haircare. I realised my hair was not reaching its full potential; for instance, I was getting split ends as a result of not having regular trims or having regular treatments. When I used to go to the salon, and the hairdresser would say they're going to "trim" your hair and you end up with a bob and 4 inches less than you started with >.< painful!

"...after years of constant chemical application to my hair; it began to start breaking again, and more frequently than I hoped".

Thankfully, over time, I learnt how to finesse my edges and have my hair looking slick, despite my hair always being a thinner texture. After being left to maintain my own hair at my big age; I had already mastered the technique of using relaxer to prevent hair breakage and strengthen my hair. Some hairdressers that wash out your relaxer and put you under the dryer after 2 washes - beware! (If you know about the pink water, then you know what I mean). I continued to enjoy the ease of styling and loved the length my hair had grown to -everyone was jealous *scoffs*; nevertheless, after years of constant chemical application to my hair; it began to start breaking again, and more frequently than I hoped.

Going Natural

I decided that I could not be bothered anymore. I would take out my braids after 3 months and decide to just start leaving my natural re-growth alone. It helped that the ends were still relaxed and I would simply straighten the roots so the texture matched, and this trick worked for a while, until it didn't. Let me know in the comments how your transition to natural hair has been?

Natural curls

For me, the difficult part was combing out the curls on hair wash day. Imagine being close to tears because you can't comb your hair from root to tip?! My wash routine would take me hours! I finally plucked up the courage one day to do THE BIG CHOP!

I've been natural for 2 years now! I'm extremely proud of my journey back to basics; however, honestly, the amount of times I have come close to chopping off all my hair again, because I've almost broken my neck trying to comb through it?! Natural hair is really not easier to maintain...overall though, I can't complain. This is a new journey I decided to embark on, and it's one that's going to have my hair looking healthier.

To really master natural hair, I had to get schooled! In essence, I had to understand the underpinnings of natural hair, being; 1) The foundation (my hair type), 2) The products to use, and 3) Styling and maintenance. When I could grasp what worked, what my strengths were, that's when I could start seeing an improvement in my hair. I have always had fine hair that's easily prone to breakage; although it's now with the added kinkier 4B/4C curl pattern. My hair is also low porosity; which means the cuticles are tight, allowing little moisture to be absorbed into the hair. From experience, I can tell l you that my hair needs moisture upon moisture, and the shrinkage is real. This does not mean I use an abundance of grease - I simply need to use a variety of leave-in conditioners, daily moisturisers and styling lotions more regularly.

Why not try the hair porosity test yourself to discover more about your hair?

Put a strand of clean hair in a glass of water for 5 minutes to see whether it floats or sinks. If it floats, you have low porosity hair like me. If it sinks to the middle, you have normal porosity hair. If it sinks, your hair is high porosity, and is likely to retain a lot of moisture and hair treatments. This method could help you determine which products may be more beneficial for your hair type.

Even now, I'm still mastering different styling techniques and testing different products for that high-moisture, frizz-free bounce. If you would like to see my hair wash and style routines for my natural hair, make sure you are subscribed to my YouTube channel, and I'll post a tutorial sometime soon.

Currently, my hair is in braids. Thankfully, I did my hair prior to the lockdown, as it's the best style for easy maintenance! As hair shops and salons remain closed due to COVID-19; several women are being forced out of their comfort zones to figure out how to manage and style their own hair whilst at home. Protective styles such as braids, are great for growth and prevents the daily heat application or products you would otherwise use.

KID-FRIENDLY Protective Styling

As a Mum to TWO girls, it dawned on me that I also have to find a hair regime that works for them! Their hair is actually similar to mine when I was a child - soft, fine and curly; although, when it comes to children's hair, I've always been paranoid about the possibility of breakage or damage as their scalp is much more sensitive.

Washing

Nowadays, I wash my daughter's hair every 7- 10 days. I do it less so now compared to when they were younger, because I found that washing frequently used to dry out their scalp. As babies they had cradle

cap (dermatitis on the scalp), which led to a constant use of oils (coconut and olive) to help soothe the scalp. It was catch 22; however, as the oil just added to the natural oils already being produced on the scalp which subsequently made the cradle cap worse. I eventually found the perfect regime for the girls which had a good balance of oils and moisture to keep their hair and scalp soft.

Hair wash day!

A brand I'm currently loving right now, is Shea Moisture, which smells heavenly! It's an affordable brand which uses natural ingredients; but most importantly, leaves out harmful substances such as sulphates, mineral oils and parabens which can damage your hair - this makes it perfect for my daughters. Mineral oils, for instance, can leave your scalp irritable, dry, and cause breakage, which is

the opposite of the healthy hair you envision.

Click to SAVE 10% on BEAUTY using code 10BEAUTY!

She Moisture have a great range, which include shampoos, conditioners, and treatments and I've started using these products for both myself and the girls. In future, I personally will continue to use cleaner natural products and avoid many of the regular range of shampoos and conditioners where you'll find these chemicals. To find out more about the range, head to Sheamoisture.com. You can also get 10& off at Lookfantastic.com using code 10Beauty.

Styling & Protection

Styling natural hair, especially when it has a kinky texture, can be difficult as our hair needs care. It's often prone to unnecessary breakage; so most times I use a wide tooth comb when tackling their curls. I may also use a detangling spray (I love the Curlykids range) or a curling butter (Kids range - Shea Moisture), and these can help make combing a lot easier, whilst adding nutrients at the same time.

As the twins are still young; I have avoided using extensions in their hair because their scalp is still softs and their edges can still be sensitive to pulling and tight styling. Instead, I've been using protective styling regularly to keep their hair neat and promote healthier growth - simple plaits. From time to time, I put their hair in ponytails or bunches but it wouldn't usually last long. These girls are a little wild, so after spending 2 hours styling, they've done 7 roly-polies and a frigging slide off the edge of the sofa. I opt to style their hair once a week now with a little, soft edge control, whilst keeping it moisturised in-between.

Night care

FYI; most naturalistsa know the golden rule of wrapping your hair at night. If you don't wrap your hair ya just lazy, admit it. The girls were gifted some silk bonnets which they love! It's become a part of their bedtime routine, so every night they're asking for their hat LOL. Wearing a bonnet does well to maintain your braids, prevent friction against the pillow, and helps to retain the natural oils in your hair. Bonnets are very affordable and you can often get them online or from your local hair shop.

I hope this blog post has given you some insight into my haircare journey, and how you can also take steps towards healthier hair. Don't forget to subscribe to this blog to receive updates when there's a new post. You can also like, and share this to get the word out to friends of yours that need the low down!

Perhaps, I'll show you a more in-depth video tutorial of our haircare routines, featuring many of the above products mentioned, so make sure you're subscribed to my YouTube Channel: Honestlyhazel!

Hazel xx

*This blog is not sponsored. Affiliate links may be used.

15 Self-Care Ideas To Try This Easter

It's almost Easter, yet another day of celebration that we can't exactly make the most of because of Madame Covid; however, THERE'S NO HARM IN TRYING!

What would your normally be getting up to around this festive period? Dining out with family, going to Church, juggling Easter egg hunts with the kids, or struggling to avoid the carbs you decided to give up for Lent? Let me know in the comments what you're doing different this year!

Easter will definitely be a different vibe for 2020; and for some who may be apart from family or friends, you may not have a clue what to do. All is not lost! When you're stuck for ideas, look into your soul and say 'I deserve better'! That's right, I'm talking about self-care YET again, because I believe it is the root to all of life's mini hurdles.... feeling hungry? Self-care. Felling angry? Self-care. You went back to your Ex? Self-care. Easter's going to be quiet? You've guessed it, start bettering yourself today, by making more time for yourself please.

This year for Easter, I'll have to sing praises from my living room and remember where I put the gravy. I've decided that I'm also going to keep the twins busy doing Easter eggs hunts around the house, with the hope that they might clean up their crap as the go along. If I'm lucky, I'll have some time at the end of the day to wind down, sit back, oil my edges, then relax. Ladies, don't feel guilt for wanting to spend quality time with yourself!

Here are a few self-care ideas to try this Easter:

1. Spring closet clear out

Use this weekend to de-clutter and purge your wardrobe. Sort out the old from the new, the 'must-keeps' from the 'I should have thrown you to the foxes last year'. You could also use this time to rid some of your unwanted make-up (I'm guilt too for having concealer since 2018) Throw it Sis!

2. Retail therapy

After de-cluttering, why not bring in new colours and vibes to your palette. As it's spring, brighter hues and floral prints are back in fashion. Since the lockdown, you'll find many retail fashion stores offering discounts. If you work for the NHS, you'll find several extra discounts online e.g. with Bluelightcard.

3. Diffuse essential oils, light candles

Creating a place of ambience and peace is essential to

4. Meditate

Meditation is great for enhancing your self-awareness, as well as, reducing anxiety and stress, which I'm sure some of you may be facing due to the lockdown or added changes of working from home. Meditation is actually pretty simple; however, you could probably head to YT for some meditate-with-me vids.

How to Meditate?

1. Find somewhere relaxing to sit or lie comfortably (if you want you can also have music playing)

2. Close your eyes and try to breathe naturally

3. Focus on you breathing. How does it sound, how long is each breath, where did you feel your breathing in your body? What can you hear in your environment? How are you feeling?

4. Mindfulness is about acknowledging that our thoughts explore and wander off. Try to then re-focus on your breathing again.

5. Come back to reality gently and kindly.

Check out Mindful.org for more on How to Meditate.

5. Get baking

Whether you're a chef or your best dish is Chicken a la toast, why not hone your cooking skills or try something new. Easter is the perfect time to learn how to make a roast salmon or chocolate brownies, and it can be simple if you find a recipe to follow online. Allow yourself to develop a healthier relationship with food and the fridge.

6. Adult colouring books.

Some of us are still kids at heart. I know I personally still love to colour every so often, because it's therapeutic and stress-busting! You'll be amazed at how much colouring or sketching can also bring the family together, as well as help expose your more creative nature.

7. Practice gratitude with daily affirmations

Look yourself in the mirror and tell yourself, "I've got this!". Your body hears everything your mind says, so make sure you're replacing those negative criticisms and challenging those irrational thoughts by thinking positively. Try leaving post-it notes on your mirror or around the house as daily reminders.

8. Fill your home with flowers

Flowers make everyone happy; and since it's Easter, you can find flowers everywhere in the local shops. Send flowers to yourself as a thank you, and decorate your home with a beautiful scent, reminding you of the outside world.

9. YouTube Yoga

Challenge yourself to see how far you can stretch as you unwind and untie those knots. Yoga or exercise in general is a great way to release endorphins and build up your stamina. Follow a few 10-minute work-out routines to help you feel re-energised.

10. Practice new hairstyles

Of course beauty comes from within; however, you can still look great by trying out new styles. Try something new, practice a bridal up-do, bantu knots, dye your wig. If you're wearing braids, trying styling the braids differently. Confidence breeds beauty, so once you've mastered your new look, slay!

11. Revamp your skin care routine.

Fancy healthier, glowing skin? Tackle some of those blemishes with a new skin care routine. You can simply use natural ingredients you have a home to make a cooling face mask; or opt to buy some facial tools or new creams for journey towards so-called "flawless" skin. Try using exfoliates, toners, or perhaps create your own spot cream? Lookfantastic have amazing brands such as The Ordinary and Clinique, so if you're looking to kick start a new skin care routine you might as well start now?!

**Check out their beauty skincare products and pampering tools you could use on Lookfantastic.co.uk and use code LF15 for an extra 15% off (be quick, exp. 13/4/20).

12. Learn a new dance routine

Dancing around the house is always fun! Join the new dance crazes you see on social media, or better yet, start your own! Be creative and care-free.

13. Beauty & Grooming

Pampering is not just about face masks and hot baths. Use the weekend to paint your nails (I'm sure those of you who are wearing acrylics are dying inside since the nail shops being close LMAO). If you can't get to your local beauty salon, why not DIY at home - you can re-shape your brows, wax your toosh and oil your cuticles easily. Try the acetone and foil method to remove those nails xx

14. Take a break from social media

Whilst social media is great for keeping in touch with the world, it can also be linked to lowered self-esteem, sleep deprivation and isolation. Perhaps if you feel overworked or burnout trying to keep up with everyone, why not try slowing things down, take a break and disconnect in order to reconnect with yourself and family at home. It's easy to use social media as a distraction from everything else at home; however, try unplugging from social media, increase your presence with your friends and family or simply focus on getting things done.

15. Treat yourself

Last but not least, Easter is a time to remember what's important. Many may be celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, and many others will be celebrating with Easter eggs. All in all, Easter is a special time for self-reflection and to be appreciative of our achievements, our family and our friends. Use this weekend to care for yourself and indulge in something you've missed out on recently. It may not even just be due to the lockdown that you've avoided doing something; regardless you can pat yourself on the back by treating yourself to something you want or need.

I hope this list has been helpful toward helping you all be the best versions of yourself. Take pride in self-care because it's so important. If you'd like to add any more tips to list, I'd love to hear from you so comment down below, drop me an email at honestlyhazel@gmail.com, or you can find me on Instagram @Honestlyhazel :)

I hope you all have a memorable Easter!

All the best, Hazel x

*Affiliate links have been used in this article.