PILLOW TALK

If you are anything like me, jumping into my very own bed after a long day is the most satisfying thing.... Ever. Like forever and ever. Sometimes I can't even be bothered to remove my clothing - (saves time in the morning I guess).

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Nevertheless, there are certain steps we should take before we leap into slumber wonderland.

HAVE YOU REMOVED YOUR MAKE UP?

Yes, you must remove make up and dirt particles from your face. Not only will it leave an imprint on your pillowcase, but will delay your skin from regenerating and will cause pore blockages. It takes 5 minute to cleanse, tone and moisturise - if you do it properly. Make up remover wipes are good too if you are still too lazy to conform to the skin cleansing routine. Be sure to then cleanse properly in the morning. Give your skin the respect it deserves.

Avoid panda eyes by removing your mascara before you go to bed.

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3 Steps to Skin Cleansing.

1. Use a Eye Make up Remover to gently remove mascara and gel liner. A bi-phase product (oil and water which you need to shake to emulsify) is ideal. Otherwise, almond oil is good too.

Bi-Phase Eye/Lip Make up removers available. Pic by Google Images.

2. Use a cream or milk cleanser and gently apply to your fingertips. I always add water to my fingers to assist with the emulsion of the product. Gentle circular motions all over the face and neck. Rinse with warm water. Repeat with a second (true cleanse) cleanse to remove any unwanted leftovers.

Use a Eye Make up Remover.

Pic courtesy of Google.

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3.Use a toner/lotion to remove any cleanser that may have not been washed off. Toners are astringent so therefore you may feel a tingle - it is tightening your pores at the same time. Nothing like a multi-tasker. Lol.

4. Apply a pea-size amount of moisturiser; preferably a NIGHT CREAM as this assists with further hydration of your skin whilst sleeping. It is a lot thicker than your day cream, but this is necessary for the skin whilst it is also resting and regenerating.

BRUSH YOUR HAIR.

Think back to the Brady Bunch days - when Marcia brushed her hair 100 times before bed. Not only will remove any knots but it will also stimulate your scalp to encourage new hair growth. For long hair, a loose plait is ideal so that it doesn't get tangled throughout your sleep.

Marcia Brady - Google Images

BRUSH YOUR TEETH.

Arrrggghhhh........this is the most tedious of them all. However, for good oral hygiene we must be vigilant with our teeth cleaning. This will keep tooth decay at bay and remove unwanted plaque build up from the day's food intake. Don't forget to floss too. #notetoself

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Finally, HAVE YOU WASHED OFF YOUR FAKE TAN?

If you have applied a 2 hour self tanner, be sure to remove it before bed time. There is no need to sleep in it (unless specified by the manufacturer) and get tan all over your sheets. Not to forget, that you may also ruin the developing the tan. Just rinse the tan off with water only. No soap, body wash or shampoo just during this wash, as they can cause streaks in the early stages of the tan developing.

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So there you have it. I'm tired just looking at all that needs to be done prior. No wonder we couldn't be bothered. We shall not be lazy. We will save face. Good night. SK xxx

Alice in Wonderland. Google Images.

IT'S THE MONTH OF LOVE.

Welcome to February - yes we are already in the second month for 2016.

It is the month of Valentine's Day. Cupid will be busy sprinkling love dust all over the world. Did you know that during a leap year - this year - an old wive's tale says that women can actually propose to their lovers on the 29 Feb. I'm curious as to how many women actually do take the leap.

Moving right along......... Valentine's Day is a great excuse to pamper yourself with a day at the Day Spa, receiving some TLC and perhaps getting your hair and make up done before you are whisked away to your romantic dinner. Well, you'd hope that dinner was on the agenda. Dessert will have to wait if you know what I mean.

Did you know that feeling 'in love' and all mushy actually increases your endorphins (your feel-good hormones) which in turn is great for your overall well being. You accumulate a glow about you. Your skin looks great and your smile is permanently fixed. This is great news for all you lovers out there.

BUT........what about those who aren't in LOVE???  This doesn't mean you have to forgo the beauty pampering. Make yourself feel great. Here are the Lipstick Files' ideas how you can fall in love with yourself - 'one can only learn to love another, once they learn to love themselves first'....... that is me saying that. lol

1. Book yourself into a Day Spa. Get the works done. Body Massage, Facial, Mani/Pedi, Head massage, Vichy shower. A lot of spas also offer lunch and champagne during your pampering session too, so be sure to ask.

2. Get your hair washed and blow dried or go for a new hairstyle altogether. A change is better than a holiday sometimes.

3. Kiss and make up - get your make up professionally done by a Make up Artist - check out Napoleon Perdis, MAC, Mecca and Myer / David Jones where you can redeem product for the amount you pay for the make over. Add LASHES - flutter those babies.

4. Buy a new outfit and shoes - a girl needs to feel glamourous. Add a new handbag to the mix and believe me you will feel fabulous. It doesn't need to be Chanel, Dior or YSL.........it just has to look good on you and you need to own it lady. Target, Sussan, Jeans West all offer affordable fashion. A price tag does not need to defy you. Hold that head up high. And as for shoes - the higher the better. The world looks different when you are up higher. Or you can purchase flats if that's more you, but be sure that have added bling to spice the look up.

6. Spray your favourite scent. Spray it in the air and walk into it. Spray it behind your ears, onto your hair and on your inner arms so that when you walk past - heads turn cause they think they have walked through a rose garden.

7. Put on your favourite music whilst getting dressed. Dance around the room. Dancing also increases endorphins - only to bring you more joy.

8. Phone your girlfriends. Organise a night out with good food, cocktails and dancing.

9. Take loads and loads of selfies. Look at how beautiful you are. No man needs to tell you this if you already feel beautiful.

10. Introduce yourself to new people you meet during your night out. You never know who can come into your life during the month of LOVE.

Enjoy lovers

SK x

* All pictures are courtesy of Google Images.