Current Beauty Obsession: John Masters Organics Rose Foaming Face Wash

Hey everyone! 

I'm working on some fitness posts for you, just got to get some pictures and photos of me doing some of the exercises without looking like a complete spazz ;)

So here we are and today's topic is about my latest beauty product obsession, but first, here's my philosophy on beauty: 

Obviously there is huge pressure from media and the beauty industry to look a certain way (and there's a lot of money at stake for these corporations), but everyone has a unique style and sensibility about them. Especially in today's culture, being unique is something that is harder and harder to come by. I also feel that beauty is an ever-changing and fluid concept; a principle that is distinctive to its beholder. I can find beauty in almost anything, so my definition is quite broad. However when we talk specifically about skin, my take is that it should be clear, even, and dewy. It projects a notion of health and youthfulness that is simply captivating.

As I was contemplating this philosophy on the Tube, I got inspired to write about this: 

I discovered this little miracle while wandering through Whole Foods one day, and as I am on a quest to eradicate all unnecessary chemicals from my beauty routine, I thought let's try it! (I also have a new found obsession with anything Rose and Lavender, they're totes amaze)

See, the problem I have with my skin is that if I don't exfoliate enough everyday, my skin gets all sorts of build up which leads to white heads, which leads to picking (I'm a habitual picker, I know, BAD), which leads to a face that resembles lasagna. NOT CUTE.

And then if I exfoliate too much, well my skin decides to turn itself into an oil refinery. Again, NOT CUTE.

This cleanser doesn't foam too much but just enough to get you that "cleaning" feeling. And the linden flower (a calming antioxidant) and plantain extracts tone and soothe your skin leaving it calm and happy!

Since using this cleanser (about 2 months) I haven't had to perform any extractions around my nose which is INCREDIBLE! My pores are smaller and my skin tone has evened out. AND it smells awesome! It gets a 10/10 from me!

My next project is going to be making a home-made version of this bad boy so that I can make it myself for a bit cheaper (this cleanser gets a little pricey at $30 for a 4 oz bottle, but totes worth it!) and then share the recipe with you!


What's your take on beauty and do you have any products you absolutely can't live without? The more natural the better! :)

Living Like You Love Yourself

So I decided for my very first blog post EVER to write about a topic that seems to be popping up everywhere in my life right now, falling in love with yourself.

I know I know sorry to get all sappy on you guys right out the gate but bare with me. :)

So, living like you love yourself...easier said than done eh?

This topic is one that resonates with me because it is something that I, and several people dear to my heart, have struggled with at some point in their lives. Whether it be anxiety about body image, financial security, relationships, feeling inadequate, whatever the cause, these matters can make it rather difficult to live happily in the moment.

Recently I've struggled with my self-confidence in my dancing. Especially here in London, there are so many amazing dancers and I never feel good enough, but I always have to remember that there is ALWAYS going to be someone better than me, but that doesn't negate the progress I've made nor does it imply that my journey is insignificant. I have learned to acknowledge that everyone is in a different place on their journey and to be content with where I am on mine.

But enough about me and my problems. ;)

I found this image on Pinterest one day (it could've been any day because I am on it literally ALL the time) and it hit me like a really strong shot of whiskey (for the record I can't stand whiskey, even the kind I recently had in Germany)

 Boom. Four simple things to start doing to "love yourself."

1) Eating like you love yourself shows self-respect and is a way of expressing gratitude to our bodies for the incredible things it can do. I will touch more on this topic on another post because it gets me all fired up like a Mocha-Coconut Frappucino. 
 
2) Moving like you love yourself is an easy one for me, get up and dance. Dance is my ultimate way of self-expression and it gets me up and moving. How do you use your body on a daily basis to express who you are? You have but one body, use it without limitation.

3) Speaking like you love yourself is, to me, the most powerful of the four. Humility is of course very important, but we must still carry a high sense of self-worth. Speaking highly of ourselves both verbally and mentally is key. My theory is that happiness comes from the inside out; our souls can hear what we say inside our heads, so having negative thoughts is a sure fire way to bring about some mopey feelings. Anytime I find myself saying things like "you're not good enough for so-and-so" or "you look like a giant beached whale" I "P.A.R.": Pause. Acknowledge. Redirect. Take a moment to halt the negative thought, acknowledge that it is there and that you don't need it, and redirect it to something constructive and useful to you. Do this enough times and positive thoughts will be the first and only ones to fill up that pretty little brain of yours. Parle-vous positivity? ;)

4) Acting like you love yourself is a combination of all the above. Every decision and action we make throughout the day combines to make up who we are. I don't know about you but I want to be the happiest, most perfect best possible version of me that I can. 

So wherever you are in your life right now, I hope you can take the time to meditate and acknowledge all the wonderful things happening to you right now: whether it be your loved ones, health, career, children, anything that makes your soul smile. Practice being in the moment and being appreciative. I feel that our time on this Earth is so limited, so we must make the best of it! <3

What are some of your tips and tricks to staying positive and expressing your love for yourself? Comment below and I can't wait to try them out!