2014 Favourites #1

Since it's been about 10 months since I've last published a favourites post (what!? where has the time gone???), I thought I'd start them up again. Since I haven't written a favourites post this year, this will be a recap of my major favourites from the beginning of the year. Who knows? I may even compile a second list in December! (Hey, the interests of a teenager can change a lot in a few months)

Makeup Favourites
I'm going to start by talking about a well-known brand of makeup that is loved by ladies around the world - M.A.C. Sadly, this brand isn't available in the city where I currently live. However, I purchased a few products while I was in America. And wow. I now understand why M.A.C is so popular - the quality is amazing! While it may seem a little expensive, it's definitely worth it. The favourite product I purchased from M.A.C is the Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation. It gives great coverage without giving your skin the 'caked' look. Since it's a liquid, I set it with the M.A.C Mineralise Foundation (loose powder).

Another popular makeup brand is Benefit Cosmetics. Benefit products are recognisable due to the retro-themed posters surrounding them in stores, not to mention their super-cute packaging. I use the Pore-fessional balm I recently purchased and use it as primer, and I absolutely love it! Also, my sister would definitely recommend the They're Real mascara. It may seem a little daunting to be applying a mascara that promises the illusion of fake eyelashes, but trust me - it does wonders for your eyelashes!

Other Favourites
For a while, I've been looking for a simple, classy, everyday watch. And surprise surprise, I found one while I was at Macy's in America! I love Michael Kors products, period. His bags, clothing and even bracelets are all completely gorgeous, but don't get me started on his watches. It's amazing that he's created such a diverse range of watches to suit both men and women, and it was pretty crazy when I saw my watch (pictured below) and instantly knew that it was the only one I wanted. (Okay, I really hope I'm not sounding crazy to all of you right now) But anyway, I nearly purchased the rose gold watch in the same design, but instead chose the gold one. Gold is just so classic, and will go with a lot more of my clothes.

Michael Kors Midsized Golden Runway Watch with Chronograph

Let's move onto hair! In between washes, it's not unusual for the ends of my hair to feel dry. I'm so glad I was introduced to the L'Oreal EverSleek Oil Treatment, because although I love Moroccanoil, it's way too pricey, considering the rest of the market.

Now onto oil treatments in general...
If you've never used an oil treatment on your hair, you should definitely consider trying one. Although it does seem a little strange that tree sap will do any wonders for your hair, you'll be surprised at the results. All you need is 1-2 pumps of whatever product you choose, depending on the length and thickness of your hair. Massage it between your fingertips, then run it through the lengths of your hair. You may want to comb your hair to evenly coat the ends, but other than that you're good to go - no rinsing is required!






This next favourite may seem a little twelvie-style for some people, but I'm going to mention it anyway: Arizona Iced Tea in peach flavour. In my opinion, this narrowly beats peach-flavoured Lipton Iced Tea in the taste department, but how can you walk past their packaging? Although I never purchase things for their packaging alone, I have to admit it's a cute bonus.

My sister and I have been obsessed with iFunny for about two and a half years. And finally, we created a joint account! While it's been active for less than three days, it's been fun creating original content and finding photos/gifs/videos to repost. Although the app revolves around American holidays and inside jokes (The Super Bowl! College Decision Day! Freedom!), it's almost guaranteed to make me smile every time I open the app. Go iFunny!

Finally, my favourite song over the past six months has probably been MMM Yeah by Austin Mahone and Pitbull. Remember that favourites post from last year where I mentioned Austin Mahone trying to make it? Well, he's finally broken through with this song! Although it was released some months ago, radio stations have begun to put this particular song on replay. I love the beat of the song, and the music video is a-ma-zing.

It's been a short but jam-packed six months for me. Make the most of these next six months, because 2014 seems to be dissolving quickly. Stay tuned! xx


Currently listening to: It's my Birthday (Will.I.Am feat. Cody Wise)
Currently watching: The Vampire Diaries Season 5

New year, new you!?

5, 4, 3, 2, 1, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Yeah, it's pretty crazy that 2013 has already been and gone, especially with all the drama that has happened in just one year (Miley Cyrus' crazy performances, Kimye's, ahem, very public confessions of love for each other, and of course, Cory Monteith :'( ). But anyway, you've all probably been thinking and reflecting on how the past year has gone for you. Hopefully, it's been great! But if you feel like there's something you may have to change, such as stopping a bad habit or spending more time and effort in your schoolwork or sport. These things are perfectly fine to make your New Years resolutions list; however, there are unnecessary wishes you may be adding that are likely to end in excessive worrying if/when they don't come true. Some things such as...

I will get a boyfriend. 
No, no, no! You can easily ruin love by wanting it too badly, especially if you force yourself to put up with bad behaviour from other people. Love will come at the right time, trust me! For now, focus on loving yourself and maintaining good relationships with friends and family.
"Never allow loneliness to drive you into the arms of someone you know you don't belong with."
- Unknown

I'll get straight A's at school
This could only be a reasonable resolution if you were previously sitting on a B+ in a few subjects, and getting straight A's in the others. In most cases, this resolution will only cause you unnecessary anxiety and stress over assignments you can only do your best in (I'm not saying you will never get straight A's, though - try your bet and that's seriously all that matters). Instead, promise yourself that you'll put an extra effort (and procrastinating less - yeah, we all do it) into your schoolwork this year - who knows, your grades may end up skyrocketing before you know it!

I'll stay best friends with ____.
Ba-bow! Once again, you can't force something like friendship. Sure, you can definitely make an effort to maintain a friendship with someone (but don't force the pressure of being their best best friend), but who knows? If you're weighing yourself down by a friend who's clearly moved on from your group of friends (keep in mind that this may also be temporary), you could also be stopping yourself from making new friends of your own.


Instead, say things like...

I'll try to be more positive
I'll learn to cook/clean/master another important skill
I'll put more effort into sport
Etc, etc...

Really, it's what you think you can accomplish in the time frame of one year, in addition to school, work and any other commitments you have. And definitely don't try to reinvent your personality ("New year, new me!!"). Just stay true to yourself, be kind to others, and accept the fact that either way, 2014 will be amazing xx

Next Week: Alphabet Creams Decoded