my acne story: an introduction

so here's my introductory video to this acne mini series - in it i show you my acne scarring, detail my journey with acne, and talk about the types of acne that are common - possibly TMI for many people, but i think it's helpful  know the ins and outs...

mild hormonal acne on my chin and jawline plagued me for months. i kept thinking it was getting better, and it would improve over a week or so...and then it would just breakout again. which is why you read such enthusiasm in previous posts detailing a new discovery that i think is going to be the answer!

anyway, stay posted, and subscribe to my youtube channel, alissaevelyn, for more in this series...

ps. by the way, in case you are wondering, i don't have before and after acne photos because i didn't want to have a picture of it anywhere!

writing, writing, writing

hi all! just thought i'd send you a little update on what i'm doing and where i'm at!

i've recently been writing my first book - how exciting is that? it will be a comprehensive book of natural beauty tips, everything from 'should you use vaseline?' to 'what's the best form of natural hair removal?' to talking about how i maintain my skin and live a healthy lifestyle. i've been putting lots of hours into research and so it's pretty stocked with information and some unusual (but practical) ideas!

i'm really looking forward to publishing it soon and being able to give you blog readers a sneak preview as well as the opportunity to win a copy!

this week i also hope to upload a video about my acne story - which i hope will help any of you out there that suffer from acne or regular breakouts. if you have any questions that you'd like answered, please don't hesitate to ask (either in the comments section, or anonymously on Formspring, or message me on Youtube) - i want it to be a really helpful resource for people...

and if you haven't already seen my new healthy food and diabetes channel, do check it out and subscribe!

everyday natural makeup routine

so, my latest yt video is all about my everyday makeup routine. it's really natural looking, as well as using natural cosmetics too!

it's not a complicated look, but is perfect for something you might apply everyday, to go to work or school, rather than to a formal occasion or out clubbing.

the products i use have changed since last time i made a makeup tutorial video (which was ages ago!) - but i'm careful not to purchase too many products, and am only buying new makeup when i run out of a tube or a pot. it's much more eco friendly, and means that the makeup doesn't go off and so it won't have to be thrown away! way too many people have too much makeup, sticking to a few good products is much more cost effective and sensible! buying makeup can be quite addictive...

anyway, i hope there are some new products here for you to try out, and i hope you enjoy watching...

how to create a simple natural everyday makeup look in 10 steps:

1. start with a good base - apply a great moisturiser with spf15+, and vaseline on my lips and eyebrows (to tame them!) then let it sink into your skin for 15 minutes before continuing.

2. apply concealer - jane iredale's disappear in light on blemishes or hyperpigmentation, then lily lolo foundation under eyes and in circular motions on top of other areas that need more cover up.

3. apply the first layer of mascara - Une casual volume in C03 to the upper and lower lashes.

4. apply a gentle line on the lower lashes (in the waterline if you want to make your eyes appear smaller, under the lashes if you want them to appear bigger) with body shop eye definer in taupe.

5. then apply another coat of mascara to elongate a volumise those lashes!

6. brush foundation all over your face in circular motions for a more even looking base, or for a more formal occasion.

7. apply jane iredale eye highlighter pencil on eyebrow bone and cheekbones to accentuate the shape of your face.

8. apply lily lolo blush in cupcake on cheeks for a natural looking glow - it's amazing as it also looks a little like bronzer when you apply it...

9. apply bobbi brown gel eyeliner in sepia ink to upper lids and flick with the ultra fine eyeliner brush, for a more interesting and fashionable look.

10. finish off with a gentle application of bare minerals mineral veil, if you remember, as this will set your makeup look for the day and give you an extra glow!

faces of beauty

hi everyone! just a quick post to let you know i am featured on faces of beauty this week ♥

the whole concept behind faces of beauty is wonderful, and i couldn't wait to be a part of it! everyone featured on the site must take a photo of themselves wearing no (or minimal) makeup and write a paragraph about what makes them beautiful. 

each ladies' paragraph is really inspiring and raises faith in the modern woman. they preach that beauty is not all about how you look on the outside, it's about what's on the inside - and as each women shares her story you become more and more aware of their own transitions and journeys. and more often than not these women have struggled with their own self image in the past, and through their own effort and support of others they have learnt to love the way the are.

i think it's a super positive thing, and so if you'd leave a comment on the post that would be much appreciated by the wonderful woman who runs it - Heather (who is going through a very tough time at the moment, so all and any support is a great thing) - who is such a star for encouraging women through FoB. 

if you ever feel down about your self, or suffer from low self esteem, head on over to Faces of Beauty to remind yourself how wonderful it is to be alive and how fantastic you really are.

simple twisted updo hairstyle: how to

hey everyone!

more often than not, here in the UK, it rains. and on those wet and windy days it's important for us ladies to have a hairstyle that doesn't mind being blown around or getting a little damp - a hairstyle that doesn't mind a little frizz or wave appearing, or being a little out of place.

my hair is naturally wavy, frizzy and curly - a total mess in wet and windy weather. so, instead of going for my usual bun or ponytail or hat 'do', i decided it was time to try out some braided looks, as they are far more elegant and pretty.

♥ so, this is what i eventually came up with:

sea salt mask for acne

here's another thing which is cheap, easy, logical and worth trying if you suffer from acne anywhere on your body.

this was first 'discovered' when people with acne came back from a beach holiday with clearer, smoother skin. hmm, the sea salt water must be a natural exfoliating cleanser! and of course it is - it's highly anti-bacterial and exfoliating too, which helps eliminate the acne bacteria as well as leave your skin glowing.

i use a salt water rinse on my face every other evening, which seems to help reduce redness as well as making my skin a more even texture. and the areas where i had broken out are healing over quite nicely. i've been doing this for about two weeks now, and definitely notice an improvement in my skin.

for more success stories and reviews, check out: makeupalley, acne.org, healthboards, shimmer kisser, acne under control. the evidence is quite compelling in itself...

it's important to use good salt! don't go using fine table salt or anything, it needs to be good quality sea salt (i use Maldon). then all you need to do is dilute the salt in a little warm water and splash this over your face, or use as a toner with a cotton wool pad. leave it for 10-15 minutes before you apply your moisturiser. it may feel a little tingly, and be quite uncomfortable on open wounds (try to avoid this if you have sensitive skin)  but that's just it working properly.

♥ you could also try: adding a cupful of salt to your regular bath if you have body acne, making a scrub of salt mixed with honey, making a paste with a little water and using it as a spot treatment.

of course, if you have access to the actual sea itself, go swimming in that instead!

apple cider vinegar for acne and skin problems

apple cider vinegar is a relatively new thing to me. i found out about it on the blogosphere and bought my first bottle a few months back - i'm sure it was in some sort of haul video this last summer. but anyway, i first purchased it with a mind to use it on my hair, as i'd heard that this helps strip product build up and make your hair shinier. but after several repeat attempts, i still have not managed to make ACV work for my hair. i think my shampoo is just TOO good! ha ha.

so, i have been experimenting with using it on my skin. with really great results actually! which is why i thought it only fair to pass my information on to you guys ♥

firstly, if you want like 400+ positive reviews on it, check out the MUA boards, which completely rave about this for all sorts of things. and the acne.org boards for their shining reviews on using this for clearing your skin.

my own personal experience with this has been somewhat interesting. i started by using it as a direct spot treatment - which did not really work for me. i was literally putting some ACV on a cotton pad and pressing onto the infected area. i think this just aggravated it more than anything. so, i switched it up.

i mixed together in an old Neal's Yard blue glass spray bottle half of apple cider vinegar and half of rose water with a few extra drops of rosemary or lavender oil. i created my own anti-acne toner basically. which was so easy, and a really cheap thing to make too (added bonus!)

i spray my face with it once i've put my makeup on in the morning to set my makeup (sort of) and then once in the evening after cleansing. sometimes if i've gone out for an event and have lots of makeup on, i'll use this as a final cleanser/toner to make sure all the product is off and my face is really clean - i just spray a little onto a cotton wool pad and gently run it across my face. i make sure to shake it each time i use it too, just so that the product is evenly mixed.

i've finished almost two wholes bottles of this toner now, and i love it! the lavender and rose water calm down the strong scent of the apple cider vinegar, and it's less pungent. it's not too strong or direct an application to irritate my skin, though it is enough to help tighten my pores and even out my skin tone.

along with other things (which I'll talk about soon, i promise) this is really helping to clear up my acne around my mouth and jawline. thank goodness!

i've also been using it as a dressing on salads, which is yummy, and i'm sure helps the skin from the inside too.