The Red Lipstick.

A symbol of vigour and vitality, love and lust… Red is the most fervent colour of life itself. I believe that every woman should be able to experience the feminine empowerment embodied in the iconic red lipstick.

I must admit, I have an exceptional obsession with the red lipstick. Perhaps it’s an addiction to the sheer exhilaration of dressing my lips in such a thrilling colour. Such an intense colour should not be feared but embraced. Unlike some, I wouldn’t say that it is a difficult colour to wear though I do have some tips on perfecting red lips that will last throughout the night.

1. Exfoliate your lips – flaky lips are especially exaggerated by bold lip colours. Using a soft tooth brush or a mixture of honey and sugar, remove any dead skin before starting your makeup routine. 
2. Begin by staining your lips – even before any other makeup is applied. I love using Revlon’s Just Bitten Kissable Lip Balm Stain in Adore (005). By the time I’m ready to return to the lips, I simply blot away the excess balm leaving them feeling soft and moisturised.
3. Line the border of your lips – this will assist you in attaining clean edges (a crucial component of the perfect red lips). Remember to stay at the border (between lip and skin) without touching skin. However, carefully applying lip liner on the border itself can create the impression of fuller lips. The shade of lip liner should be identical to the shade of the lipstick to be applied. I can always rely on Revlon’s ColorStay Lip Liner to last throughout the night.
4. Apply a few coats of lipstick, blotting in between each coat. This can be done by placing a folded tissue in between your lips and gently pressing them together and allows you to gradually build colour. If you find that your hands are not steady enough to apply the product directly from the bullet, use a lip brush to carefully paint on your lipstick.

Though I do appreciate all forms of the red lipstick, I cannot deny my consistent gravitation towards the classic matte formulas. My all time favourite red lipstick would have to be Maybelline’s SuperStay 14HR Lipstick in Ravishing Rouge or Enduring Ruby, which I discuss here.

What comes to mind when you think of couture? Extravagant jewels? Intricately embellished clutches? Elaborate headpieces? When I think of couture, I think of deliciously and daringly red lipstick. I hope that I’ve convinced you to pick red next time you’re in need of a colour to dress your smile!

Love,

Julie T.

Dearest Reader...

Do excuse me if my musings are somewhat hazy this week, for I've just emerged from a musical coma. This weekend, I felt urge to return to my piano (which I have been unintentionally neglecting recently) and for some strange reason, I've been playing Strauss' The Blue Danube over and over again. Perhaps it's my subconscious ode to the calm before the storm i.e. my approaching exams. If so, the let us raise our glasses and bid farewell to freedom before I immerse into this fairly daunting workload.

Call me a daydreamer, I don't mind. After a long day, all I want to do is make myself a cup of tea and sip away amongst the lush greenery of my garden. Especially following a tedious Monday, there's nothing like a little rendezvous with Mother Nature to calm the soul and ease the mind.

Though I'm not one to purge on excess amounts of junk food when under exam stress, there's nothing like a square of Lindt's dark chocolate to cheer up an anxious student! Roasted Almond, Mint Intense and 85% would have to my three most loved dark chocolates from the Lindt Excellence range. A single square of such robust yet smooth and velvety chocolate is enough to leave me feeling alive again! 

Eating well definitely helps me get through a long day. At times eating fresh can be quite expensive and overpriced at uni. This is why most of the time I prefer to pack my own food. Though it may seem rather simple, I always feel so cheery when I know I have a delicious pasta ready for lunch. (Of course I make sure I pile on the veggies and in the end my 'pastas' really contain only 25% pasta!) And forget muesli bars... Strawberries, an apple and a tub soy yoghurt is the way to go!

This would have to be one of the most relaxing weekends I've had this semester! I'm terrible, I know... And though I do spend a lot of my time tutoring on Saturdays (something I actually quite enjoy), I thought I'd embrace the sunny Spring weather... A neutral linen shirt and watch combo. Oh and my favourite skinny jeans. Ahh... Such relaxing comfort. 

You know what else is relaxing? Trying on cat-eye sunnies amongst extravagant arrangements of orchids. Who said us city dwellers have no appreciation for nature and her fine gifts? An afternoon at the annual David Jones Flower Show is enough to make anyone consider becoming a botanist! Titled The Enchanted Florence, this year's show was inspired by the aristocratic English lady turned designer, Florence Broadhurst. The delightfully psychedelic floral displays certainly reflect her sensational creativity. 

I'm not going to lie... Whist writing this blogpost I've been listening to an orchestral performance of The Blue Danube Waltz (on repeat). Before I press pause and truly remove myself from my delusional thoughts, I'd like to wish you a charming and sunshine drenched week for I shall be retreating to the confines of my study desk. I only hope that I shall make it to the next blogpost...

Love,

Julie T.

Dearest Reader...

Flower buds rupture into ruffles of silky petals, as vivid floral skirts adorn store windows... Blue skies wash away winter clouds, just as grocery baskets fill with punnets of strawberries. Spring has finally arrived. In the week leading up to nature's quarterly metamorphosis, I took the opportunity to embrace the season of rebirth and regeneration...

There are only twenty-four hours in a day. Less than twenty once you factor out the time you spend sleeping. Unlike those incredibly discounted heels that were half a size too small, we just can't stretch out time. Nor can we take back these hours once they've slipped away. (Curse you 'no returns on sale items' policy!) All we can do is make sure we think carefully and make the right decisions the first time round. Knowing that I have a vicious series of exams in 18 days, I've moved a humble whiteboard to the wall in front of my desk. Let the guilt-provoking, daily-to-do-list-making begin! 

In the spirit of the season, I also made the decision to do a little bit of spring cleaning... Soul spring cleaning. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green arrived at my door earlier this week and I can't wait to begin reading it. From what I've heard, this is going to be one of those unforgettably moving novels. One of those novels that leave you teary but with a newfound view on life. Literature is always such a brilliant source of such spiritually awakening enlightenment!

Speaking of spring cleaning, making sure that your pantry and fridge is always filled with wholesome and nutritious delights is the best way to cleanse your system! There will always be a huge jar of almonds living in my pantry. We all know what it's like to come home from a long day, with cravings for something flavoursome and crunchy. There's nothing like the heartwarming smell of toasted almonds after an exhausting day. Whilst munching away on some delicious almonds, I always take a moment to unwind and peacefully scroll through the wonderful world of Instagram. Ahhh... Double tap.

With the blossoming flowers and sunny days of this season comes... Strawberries. Hurrah! Who doesn't love strawberries? A plate of fresh strawberries and a square of Lindt dark chocolate for dessert is the epitome of life's simple pleasures. 

Did I mention, I really love my strawberries? Strawberry and banana protein smoothies always make my day! I have a great way to add a thick creamy texture to your smoothie without adding any fats... Here's my secret: I soaking some oats in almond milk (and some vanilla essence) overnight then add it into the blender come smoothie time. I'll be sure to post a recipe soon so you can try it out yourself!

Breakfast of the champions... Yes, Weetbix. But nobody likes staring into a bowl of sad and soggy brown wheat mush. A charming mix of chopped strawberries, banana and toasted almonds ought to inject a little charisma into your bowl of cereal! And yes, that's almost a punnet of strawberries in my bowl (it would've been the entire punnet but I had a few whilst chopping). It's Spring and I really like strawberries, okay?

For my dearest readers on the other the hemisphere, I hope my proclamations on the beauties of this season has brightened your day a little. Still can't remember, how lovely this season is under those grey Autumn skies? Please allow me to quote young Miss Mary Lennox from Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden. What is Spring? 'It is the sun shining on the rain and the rain falling on the sunshine...'

Love,

Julie T.