Mastering Your Makeup

A letter to my followers....

Hi Everyone,

So here we are in April, I'm now blogging over 15 months and I feel I've totally lost all my flow with writing and also my creativity….bad mojo times for me!

Blogging is hard work! I’m sure for the most part of portraying pictures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat we look like we have the time of our lives, getting ‘free stuff’ in the post, attending events where wine & cupcakes are just customary but…for every event and every gift you receive there is this unrelenting pressure to then ‘blog’ out it. Now before I go on please don’t get me wrong this is not a letter of complaining or negativity but more a commitment to motivation which right now I really feel I need.

My own life is pretty busy right now, as is yours, you've probably just grabbed a minute to read this piece because you think it’s something you want to hear about, rather than having hours on end to read each and every blogger who takes your fancy. I’m lucky to be part of Blogging Networks on Facebook so there’s these things called sharing threads and when I get a while to sit and read I catch up on people that way. It can be hard even as a blogger to find the time to support others in their ventures as we all have our own commitments.

So why write this letter?....Well I feel you deserve more than what I am giving you right now. I am trying my best/ well 80% of my best with the blog at the minute, I have shared my snapchat to track anything interesting happening in my day (although not all makeup related) I am mindful to tweet as well as post on facebook and share things on Instagram but there’s not enough actual posts and that’s something I swore I’d never do. I would stick to a timetable and not let the readers down by random postings and just all pics of ‘oh look at me and my wonderful life’ I hate that bullshit! Excuse this language but I do feel so strongly that posting pics with a one line caption on your social media account is not a blog!

For posts that I write I like to include; links to websites to buy or see what I’m talking about, pictures of the product on me or swatched or what it looks like in daylight. I like to talk about my personal experience and make it clear that my opinion although valued by myself you do not need to take my word as gospel. You won’t see me slag off any other blogger be them named directly or that nasty bitchy thing I see where ‘you know your one with the name/hair/pics/tagline’ whatever that basically tells you exactly who they are talking about but just doesn’t say ‘That Emma Sheehan one’.

Anyway…blogging as I said is hard and if you have the time to give it 100% of you then you deserve 100% of the benefits and perks that promoting a product professionally and opportunities which can enhance your own learning or career path. That is my opinion. The sense of ‘entitlement’ in some bloggers I have experienced over the last 12 months is sick and completely unprofessional. I like to conduct myself in a manner like my blog is my business. You won’t see much about my personal life on the blog as it’s just something I don’t see as relevant to my makeup & beauty world.

I have made some decisions last night while I sat and pondered where is the blog going and what am I doing so I’d like to share them with you…

I started this blog with my journey into the makeup world and that is by no means over. I love learning, I would attend course and workshop day in day out if I go. I panic when it comes to practicing but all that is going to change from now on. I have so many posts to write at the moment that if you bear with me I will get on top of them all.

I am no longer going to post randomly throughout the week, I am going to post three times a week on designated days and I think for me and my life a Monday, Wednesday & Friday would suit the best. I cannot guarantee when in the day the post will be sent out but it will be on those days. If I can manage to get the hang of scheduling posts then I may just do that.

As the post are going to be regular so too will be the theme of what I’m writing about, For instance; I am going to finally complete the ‘How to’ series on the blog and I haven’t forgotten all the suggestions from you lovely people. I am also going to feature a Ziaja product each week as this is a brand which has given me a huge opportunity and one which I firmly believe in and support. I will continue to feature reviews of products I have tried and also blog about workshops/courses/events/salons and MUA’s I visit be it within my own personal time or for review purposes on the blog.

I feel extremely grateful to have been given so many wonderful opportunities on my blog and I never want anyone to think that I take that for granted with shoddy reviews or blatant entitlement shining through my posts. I do have an extremely open mind when it comes to products be them high end or high street. I review products that I am sent and also that I have bought myself. I will admit I feel a bit snowed under with the amount I have to review which have been sent to me but I buy a lot of makeup and beauty products myself. I would love to have the funds to purchase high end products at least once a month and feature them but you know what life is like…the best laid plans never work out and my wish list just keeps growing!

I hope you see this letter, as a positive letter because I am feeling very positive about the Mastering Your Makeup Blog. I love my blog and it’s going to be awesome because I am going to make it into something more wonderful than ever. So with all that said I look forward to building my little beauty empire online. I really hope three posts a week will be enough for all my beauty lovers. I hope you like the content and really hope you follow me on all social media because I love interacting and hearing from my followers. If you have any comments, questions or suggestions for the blog then please do get in touch. One of the biggest reasons for starting my blog was to make new friends when I moved to Dublin so I’d really like to keep growing my network.

Thanks for all the lovely support with my Mastering Your Makeup up to here and onward and upward we go J Have a wonderful weekend xxx

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14:07:00
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Artistry Makeup- Eyeshadow Palette & Lipsticks

16:34:00
2 Comments

My 1st Event with Ziaja Skincare Ireland in Clearys Dublin

16:37:00
2 Comments

New!! Ziaja atopic dermatitis products: Press Release

INTRODUCING ziajamed atopic dermatitis products

- treat and relieve the symptoms of atopic dermatitis and reduce flare-ups -

TWEET IT! #ziajamed #ADrelief #eczema #itchaid #itchease #itchfree

Introducing NEW ziajamed atopic dermatitis, a range of products for the dermatological treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). AD is the most common type of eczema, a disorder of the skin which tends to run in families and can be set off by stress, sweating, allergens and often linked to asthma and hay fever.

AD affects people of all ages but is most commonly seen in early childhood. ¹*In Ireland, it is estimated that possibly one in five children under the age of six and one in twelve adults have eczema. Typical symptoms of AD include dry, cracked and inflamed skin along with itching and redness on elbows, knees, hands and face. AD can’t be cured but can be managed and treated with a diligent moisturising routine (emollient therapy) that keeps skin hydrated to maintain a healthy skin barrier.

ziajamed atopic dermatitis is a new range of dermo cosmetic products that care and treat the symptoms of AD quickly and effectively to reduce the number of flare ups. The products are recommended for babies (3 months and older), children and adults with various stages and flare ups of AD and for those suffering with very dry skin conditions.

ziajamed atopic dermatitis products contain a special ceramide complex that imitates the natural composition of the skin barrier to effectively hydrate skin and rebuild the natural skin barrier. AD prone skin has been shown not to produce as many ceramides (naturally occurring lipids essential to healthy skin barrier function) as healthy skin and is therefore less able to retain moisture due to a weakened skin barrier.

The benefits of ziajamed atopic dermatitis treatment include:

v treats the symptoms of AD quickly and effectively to reduce the number of flare ups;

v intensely moisturises, softens and reduces roughness of skin;

v reduces excessive itching, burning and redness;

v regenerates the natural hydrolipidic barrier of the skin;

v builds up the skin’s natural bacterial flora to improve skin’s own defence against irritants;

v contains only the essential active ingredients in a neutral base formula;

v all products are pH balanced, hypoallergenic, odourless and dermatologically tested;

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: ceramide complex (ceramides 1, 3, 6II, phytosphingosine and cholesterol), a skin-identical lipid composition which restores the protective barrier function of the skin and delivers enhanced moisturisation to restores a healthy skin barrier. Other key ingredients include allantoin and vitamin E to soothe irritations and redness, corn syrup to effectively reduce itchiness, urea, a fast acting and highly effective hydrating ingredient and fatty acid triglycerides which are lubricating and softening moisturisers.

All products are *dermatologically and allergologically tested to ensure they relieve the symptoms of itching and inflammation, restore hydration and regenerate the natural skin barrier.

ziajamed atopic dermatitis lubricating body lotion (400ml) rrp€8.49

Intensely hydrates the skin and prevents moisture loss. Formulated with a special ceramide complex clinically proven to restore the natural hydrolipidic barrier. The gentle formula instantly soothes skin irritation, reduces burning sensation and redness and delivers long lasting itch relief. Containing only the necessary active ingredients in a neutral base, the gentle fragrance-free formula is great for applying on very young children’s skin as it won't sting sensitive, chapped and irritated skin.

ziajamed atopic dermatitis lubricating bath & shower oil (270ml) rrp€9.99

Gently cleanses very dry, eczema-prone skin while protecting against moisture loss and increasing skin hydration. For everyday mild cleaning of face and body this advanced lubricating bath oil also reduces itching, redness, roughness and excessive flaking. Containing only the essential active ingredients in a neutral base, the cleansing oil is suitable for babies and children and is completely free from parabens, SLES, mineral oils, soap and colourants.

ziajamed atopic dermatitis soothing moisturising face cream (50ml) rrp€7.99

Soothes irritated skin, softens dry skin and relieves excessive itching. Builds up the skin’s natural bacterial flora to help skin become healthier and less likely to react to irritants. Formulated with essential ceramides to infuse lasting moisture stimulating regeneration of the natural hydrolipidic barrier. Contains only the essential components of the formula. Fragrance and parabens free.

NOTES TO EDITOR:

*source: Irish skin foundation

*Dermatologically and clinically tested at the Allergology Laboratory at the Clinic of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology in Poland.

ABOUT ZIAJA MED: A specialised line of dermo cosmetics that extends the ziaja brand into a dedicated dermatological skincare offering tailored to the needs of specific skin disorders including atopic dermatitis, acne, allergic and hyper sensitive skin, premature skin ageing, pigmentation and rosacea. All ZIAJA MED products contain the synergistic combination of active ingredients selected because of their high efficacy and good tolerance by the skin. All ZIAJA MEDproducts are subjected to rigorous laboratory testing that ensure their safety and effectiveness. All ZIAJA MED products are hypoallergenic, odourless and dermatologically tested under the supervision of specialists. All ZIAJA MED products provide long term preventive activity.

WHERE TO FIND IT: INDEPENDENT PHARMACIES NATIONWIDE – shop online at www.originalbeauty.ie. Call 01 4440451 to find your nearest stockist.

16:02:00
1 Comments

Miss Fit Skinny Tea- Review & Thoughts

Hey All,

So here we are on another Tuesday but for me it’s a different type of Tuesday. I've realised I have 11 weeks until I fly to Portugal for a week. That’s 11 weeks to turn this around and be in my best shape yet heading off. I bought two bikinis at the weekend tried them on and I was not happy, at the moment there'll be no strutting down any beaches, it’ll be hiding under a canopy somewhere.

So what’s all that go to do with a tea? Well after Christmas I was sent a 14 day teatox from Miss Fit Skinny Tea. This is an Irish company and I had been in touch with Ruth, the owner and we decided it'd be a great idea for me to try this out. I was really excited as like for most ladies, Christmas was a heavy time and I was all geared up to start 2015 a fresh and had a wedding late Feb to get ready for. I started cutting out bad food in Jan and was ready to start the tea early Feb. I wanted to use it close to the wedding so I felt really good and the big question is, did it work?

Miss Fit Skinny Tea - 14 Day Teatox (Infuser Sold Separately)

Pic from www.missfitskinnytea.ie

Absolutely it did!! Before we get into how I felt before, during and after let’s look at what you need to do and can get out of this tea;

“Drink just 2-3 cups of Miss Fit Skinny Tea first thing every morning and last thing in the evening for 14-28 days to get the following results:

Reduced Body Fat

Reduced Sugar Cravings

Metabolism Boost

Better Digestion

More Energy

The blend of ingredients combined with our very own meal plan and exercise guide

will help you achieve your desired weight loss goal” (http://www.missfitskinnytea.ie)

So before the wedding as I said I was doing ok, I had cut out nearly all the bad stuff, alcohol wasn’t really on the cards apart from two occasions in the month so I had that good to go, not half as many take aways during that time, really upped my water so I felt in a good place to start the tea. Now I have to be honest, the taste is tough going for me, I am so used to a good old fashioned tea first thing so this was a bit yucky when I first tried it. I struggled to drink the 3 cups a day as they were so I added a slice of lemon for the first day or two. This still really wasn’t helping so I then took the plunge and added a small drop of juice. It just took the edge off the taste. I knew this wasn’t probably the best plan but for me, it was the only way I’d drink it. I am not a big herbal tea drinker but I really need to get my head around this as now with the holiday coming up I am trying to cut as much tea out of my diet as possible. Our office in work is really cold so we lean to tea just for heat rather than even wanting it so that needs to change. Getting through 2-3 cups a day wasn’t bad at all! It’s not hard to do when you bring your infuser to work. I would often drink 5 cups of tea a day so to replace three was not an issue really.

I was on the 14 day package which you can buy from http://www.missfitskinnytea.ie/ for only €24.99 and the infuser (cutest little strawberry) for €5 the 28 day package comes with a free infuser so the total cost is €44.99 reduced from €59.99 at the moment!! 28 days would be an excellent habit to get into for anyone now looking at that beach body and thinking…yep I’ll have one of them!

During my time on the tea I felt awesome! I really did. So I’d wake up and make my tea, take my vitamins and have a breakfast and I was set them until lunch time. No mad 11am sugar cravings, I felt full and content and had a good bit of energy. I would then have a healthy lunch ( I actually became really conscious that I was using the tea so what was the point in eating crap food) As I also said, the sugar cravings were gone so I didn’t want my crisps, chocolate or fizzy drinks. I wanted soups and salads, I wasn’t even sick full or overly hungry so my 14 days passed in the blink of an eye and I was feeling brilliant.

When I finished the tea I thought ‘this is great’ and ‘I’m sorted now’ but my lifestyle change wasn’t long enough for me. I tried to keep up with all healthy things but slowly and yet surely, my sugar cravings came back, I started to miss breakfast and I just missed the tea! I think for me if I had used the 28 day tea, it would have been more time to really make those positive changes and maybe then I wouldn’t have reverted back as much as I did.

Now I’m not saying I gorge on junk food all day every day now, I am trying to stay healthy, drinking smoothies, lots of water but I am craving things and little packets of biscuits have appeared in the office L It’s time to sort this out again in the next 11 weeks so when I go away I won’t think about it. My plan going forward, is to take the tea again before the holiday, as I work out and start to shape up, the tea will help with the energy levels and then I think when I actually go away I will bring it with me. I think on holidays it would be a great idea to have that first cup of tea in the apartment (which I will deffo have) as my Miss Fit Skinny Tea and then have another one during the day. I’ll have that beach bod I just know I will!!

I really hope you enjoyed this post, I enjoyed reading all about the tea before I started, really loved how I felt during my use of the tea and now miss it a lot. For anyone that wants a boost and to kick start the summer body or even just to feel better, get onto Miss Fit Skinny Tea now and order yours!