Author

Lina Clémence

Hair Styling

4 Easy Headband Hairstyles For School In 5 Minutes | Hairstyles For Girls

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


Cute, no-heat headband hairstyles for every day wear! 

Hey guys! We are always looking for simple and quick hairstyles for school mornings and thought these headband styles from our YouTube channel would be perfect for back to school season. These “5 minute hairstyles” are all super easy but still look fashionable, even though they take very little effort!  The headbands add a stylish finishing touch and of course can be changed up and matched to your outfit of the day.

4 Simple Headband Hairstyles Video Tutorials:




(Click here to watch the video directly on YouTube.)

Hair tutorial #1 features a classic twist on each side of her head, finishing in a low fishtail braid.

Adorable headband hairstyle with fishtail braid

Hairstyle #2 is a trendy half up hairstyle with extra micro braids wrapping around the headband. We used a silver braided headband and placed it high on her forehead.

Quick and easy half up hairstyle using a headband


Hairstyle #3 is the easiest of all! A fancy side ponytail with a twist wrapping around the back.

Easiest hairstyle for school. Side ponytail and headband.

Hairstyle #4 features a pretty beaded headband placed between 2 small braids. We created no heat waves by sleeping in braids overnight to complete this look.

Boho braids and beaded headband hairstyle. Video tutorial.

All four of these hairstyles can be done with straight hair, wavy hair, or curly hair. Medium length hair or long hair will work best.

Link for the Topsy tail (affiliate) as shown in hairstyle tutorial #2


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Cosmetics

Full Body Reset with the CurrentBody Infrared PEMF Mat

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


This post is sponsored by CurrentBody

I first became curious about PEMF therapy after learning about the effects it can have on muscle recovery. While I am not an athlete of any kind, I do work a physical job on my feet.

As a 41 year old full time makeup artist, I stand for many hours at a time, often on hard floors, and by the end of a long day, as much as I love my job, my body hurts. As I look to the future, I hope to do this job for another 20 years if I can.

I have struggled with tendonitis in my right wrist and overall fatigue, feeling pretty wiped out after a large wedding party or a long 10 hour commercial shoot day.

As I often worry that my physical body won’t keep up as long as I want it to, I’ve started looking for ways to keep myself in the game, both mentally and physically.

I recently got to try out a PEMF mat thanks to CurrentBody, my go to source for any type of beauty device.

CurrentBody Wellness Infrared PEMF Mat

What is PEMF Therapy?

PEMF stands for pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. This is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment that uses pulses of electric current at a low frequency to energize the body’s cells.

The PEMF current can increase blood flow, increase oxygen delivery to cells, promote healing, reduce inflammation, relieve pain and can even assist with bone healing.

Simply put, these are like messages that tell your cells to do what they need to do.

PEMF therapy has been used both in humans and animals, particularly horses.

Alternating rows of amethyst and obsidian stones

CurrentBody Infrared PEMF Mat

The CurrentBody Wellness Infrared PEMF Mat contains 6 electromagnetic coils that deliver 9 PEMF intensity levels, 1-30 Hz, plus infrared heat 95-167˚F.

It also contains thousands of Amethyst and Obsidian stones to help with relaxation, circulation and heat retention.

PEMF Levels

Level 1-3: Relaxation, stress relief, and improving sleep.
Level 4-6: Muscle recovery, improved circulation, and mild pain relief.
Level 7-9: Deep tissue healing, joint pain relief, reduces inflammation.

PEMF Therapy Safety

While safe for most people, there are some individuals who should not partake in PEMF. 

Do not use a PEMF mat if you:

  • Have a pacemaker or other implanted electronic device
  • Are pregnant
  • Have cancer
  • Suffer from epilepsy 

How to Use the PEMF Mat

Unfold your mat where you plan to use it. It’s very heavy so you’ll want to make sure you have enough room before spreading it out.

Select your desired time (shown in hours), heat level shown in celsius and PEMF setting, ranging from 1-9.

Lay down, close your eyes and relax. You might choose to meditate or even fall asleep. I almost always end up falling asleep, even if I don’t plan to.

Of course you might prefer to do some reading, watch a show or scroll on your phone.

When you are done, wait until your mat is cooled down then fold it up.

My PEMF Mat Experience

I’ve been trying out this mat for the last 3 weeks, using it on a near daily basis. Here’s what I’ve noticed from my experience. 

I’ve mostly been using it after work, using my time on the PEMF mat to reset and recharge before dinner. I’ve been using the mat on settings 1 through 5 as I don’t currently need any extreme muscle repair.

On levels 1 through 3, I experienced the refreshing effects of a long nap in a much shorter time.

I’m not super proud to admit it, but I used to be a daily napper, and my naps were almost always 2 hours. After about 45 minutes of snoozing on the PEMF mat, I felt just as refreshed as I would from a nap, without the confusion or grogginess.

This is helping me save time, obviously, but also just feeling more reset and truly refreshed. Instead of feeling slow and out of it, I feel ready to take on a few additional hours of work or enjoyment. 

I feel warmth and relaxation while using it and haven’t experienced any tingling, dizziness or pain of any kind.

PEMF Mat Tips

Likely due to the amount of crystals and stones embedded into the mat, the CurrentBody Wellness Infrared PEMF Mat is quite heavy. For this reason, and to protect your back, I recommend storing somewhere low, like under a bed, so you can just slide it out when you’re ready to use it.

I suggest storing it in the room you’re most likely to use it. For some, that may be your bedroom, for others, perhaps a home gym for post workout recovery.

Because of the trifold nature of the mat, you can fold it into a seated position and still get the benefits while sitting upright. This could be nice for more active relaxation like watching a show or reading a book.

For even more active PEMF therapy, you can do yoga poses or stretches while on your mat. 

A small pillow is nice if you plan on taking a PEMF nap. There’s room for it at the top of the mat where the logo is, without covering any of the mat’s main area.

Practice the concept of “habit stacking” by doubling up on your device. I often start out my PEMF mat therapy wearing my CurrentBody LED Light Therapy Face Mask.

Habit stacking with my CurrentBody LED Light Therapy Face Mask

Will I Continue PEMF Mat Therapy?

Being that I am only beginning my prime wedding season as a makeup artist, you bet I will. I have a feeling I’m going to be looking extra forward to my PEMF naps after every Saturday wedding. 

Those types of jobs require me to get up super early, talk the entire time and be high energy for 4-6 hours at a time. The older I get, the more it wipes me out and now I have a tool to help combat it. 

CurrentBody Discount Code

If you feel like you could also benefit from a PEMF mat, CurrentBody has given us a generous discount. Use code IVYPEMF to save $120 off.




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Sustainable Fashion

Fashion, Sustainability and the Quiet Weight of Race

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence



A couple of weeks ago, I experienced a racially charged incident at my local shop in Stratford. A moment that served as an uncomfortable reminder – I can never get too comfortable. Racism, whether overt or quietly embedded in the everyday, is never far away. It weaves itself into the fabric of life, sometimes subtly, sometimes glaringly, but always there… 

Exposure to racism, in subtle, overt, and systemic ways, has been a consistent thread in my life.

– Patterson, 2020, p. 194

This thread hasn’t always been dominant but it’s always present, enough to shape the way I see the world and the work I do within it. It has shaped my values, my creativity, my community, and my desire to reimagine fashion as something more equitable, more honest, and more active. I wasn’t planning to start this blog post this way but perhaps that’s the point. These experiences don’t ask us permission to interrupt our being. 

As someone working at the intersection of sustainable fashion, privilege and financial mobility, I’ve often found myself reflecting on how deeply race, wealth, education and environment intertwine. I didn’t enter sustainable fashion because it was trendy, I came to it because it was necessary. Being a single parent on Universal Credit has meant that I have always struggled financially but it has never stopped my love of making and developing my skills. My work drives me to investigate the ‘how’ and understanding ‘why’ race and environmentalism collide with privilege. By privilege, I mean the ability to make conscious decisions about questioning injustice and having the financial and social freedom to do so. Ultimately, I wanted to ask better questions: Who gets to be sustainable? Who gets left out?  

In sustainable fashion conversations often revolve around materials, carbon footprints, and innovation. Rarely do they linger on the uncomfortable truths – that the global fashion system is propped up by centuries of extraction and destruction — of labour, of culture, of land, often at the expense of Black and Brown communities. It’s hard to talk about sustainability without also talking about colonialism, about racialised labour, about the true cost of fashion. 

Studying MA Fashion Futures During a Time of Uncertainty 

When people of colour look at environmental discourse, they are unlikely to see their struggle represented. They may choose to put their energies elsewhere. That, in turn, makes those stories even less prominent, creating a vicious circle of narrowing interests.

The course offered a critical lens that resonated with me deeply, combining speculative design with ecological and social thought. It was here that I began to stitch together personal, political and environmental narratives through my projects. Having the time and space to research, explore and challenge the information gap within the intersections of these areas at the time of studying and create new knowledge. Fast forward to 2025 and there are now so many more references of intersectional lived experiences both written and visual of marginalised communities around the world and how they engage with and have contributed to sustainable fashion – in the past, present and future. 

Building Confidence and Community: Life After the MA 

After graduating, I was fortunate to receive Developing Your Creative Practice (DYCP) funding from Arts Council England. That support wasn’t just financial mobility; it was emotional and professional validation. It gave me the confidence to believe that my voice, my ideas, and my questions had value. 

Through that funding, I began working more closely with young people in Newham and Hackney, offering workshops and collaborative projects rooted in sustainability, identity, and storytelling. These communities, vibrant, underrepresented, and rich with untapped creativity, continue to inspire me. They remind me that sustainable fashion doesn’t have to come from glossy studios, brands or global platforms. It can start with a shared needle and thread in a community centre, a salvaged garment, or a story passed down through generations. 

From the Centre for Sustainable Fashion to the Gallery Space 

My time as a Directors Assistant and Project Support with Centre for Sustainable Fashion (CSF) has further deepened my awareness and knowledge. Surrounded by people asking bold questions and challenging the status quo, I have both the space and encouragement to explore the role of race and identity in sustainability in my work, themes that have always felt urgent, but often unspoken in mainstream discourse. 

This journey culminated in my first contribution to an exhibition, ‘Fashioning Frequencies‘ at London College of Fashion, where I am currently showcasing a collection of upcycled garments. Each piece is unique and tells a story about memory, material waste, heritage. Seeing the response to my work so far has affirmed something I’d long felt but never fully owned: that these stories matter, and that there is space for them in fashion’s future. 

Why I Keep Doing This Work 

Inequality and racism. Whether in the form of a morning insult or centuries-long structural imbalance, is a quiet weight many of us carry. It influences where we feel safe, how we move through institutions, and how we are seen (or not) in professional spaces. But it also fuels a sense of purpose. 

I don’t create just to resist. I create to reimagine. 

Sustainable fashion, for me, is not about perfection or purity. It’s about care. Care for the earth, yes but also for the people who live on it, especially those whose contributions have been overlooked or erased. In the stitches of my garments, in the classrooms and workshops I hold, in the spaces I share with others, I try to make room for something different. Something softer. Something stronger. 

Fashion can be more than consumption. It can be a tool for education in social and racial equality, justice, and joyful resistance. 

‘Fashioning Frequencies’ is an exhibition exploring fashion as a transmission of identity, agency, and history. It is free for all and open now until 21 June, Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-5pm, at London College of Fashion, UAL, East Bank,105 Carpenter’s Road, Stratford, E20 2AR.

Patterson, J. (2020) All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis. USA: Penguin Random House. 

Williams, J. (2021), Climate Change is Racist. United Kingdom: Icon Books. 


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Luxury Fashion

Nomad iPhone & iPad Cases / Style Dieter

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


Many lifestyle brands and products that are built around a rugged lifestyle lack a refined touch. But not Nomad.

From the “ChargeCard” Kickstarter project in 2012 to now a quality, legit growing accessory brand, Nomad has come a long way.

From the many similar brands that I’ve seen, this burgeoning brand seems to have nailed both “form” and “function” perfectly, especially the leather iPhone and iPad cases that I like very much.

Nomad Goods Iphone Ipad Nomad IPhone & IPad Cases

Nomad appreciates subtlety and understands that their customers would too, and so they don’t slap logos on their products’ beautiful leather surfaces. #majorlove The brand also takes product ageing into consideration in their product design, and they walk the talk by featuring “After 100 Days” photos on all their leather product pages.

On the other hand, the brand dedicated a “Wallpaper” page featuring downloadable wallpapers which I really appreciate. This nice little branding act is often overlooked when profit margin and business growth is the priority.

Visit Nomad


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Plus Size Fashion

Let’s catch up 🌸

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence



It’s been a while since I’ve been on the site so I decided to start back blogging. It was my first love before I got into influencing more on my socials and I realized you can have the best of both worlds.

So let’s catch up, shall we? Last time, I was giving tips on how to shop while losing weight.

I hope they have worked for you all. I still have clothes I can’t seem to part with though lol. As for my weight loss journey, it has been going well for the most part. I finally made my goal weight of 185, and I’ve been maintaining it pretty well. Occasionally, I will eat some of my favorite foods. Seafood is what I normally crave all the time. Dr. Pepper is still my all-time favorite soda, but I indulge in the Zero-Sugar version which tastes the same to me. My doctor did take me off a BP medication and I no longer have to take iron supplements for iron deficiency anemia. Losing weight has definitely helped me physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Let’s get to the fashion. The real reason I created JustBeingLaKedra.com. It’s still my passion, but I’ve ventured into lifestyle content. I realized I could do other stuff too. I love home decor and decorating so much. I love DIY projects, traveling, and trying difficult eateries. There’s more to me I want to showcase to you all. I’ve managed to work with some great brands these past couple of years. From CurveSoul, Meet.Curve, and Avenue to name a few. I lose motivation sometimes, but I always get back on the horse.😊 Content creation doesn’t come easy. Trying to balance working a 9-5 and content creation has been a challenge. It requires a lot of time and commitment, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

That’s just a little update on what’s been happening. Stay tuned because I have more in store.


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Happy 5th Anniversary Just Being LaKedra
Plus Size Fashion

Happy 5th Anniversary Just Being LaKedra

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


✨️🎉Celebrating 5 Amazing Years of Just Being LaKedra 🎉✨️

Wow, where do I even begin? 5 years ago, I took a leap of faith and started this incredible journey with Just Being LaKedra. What started as a simple fashion blog has blossomed into an amazing community filled with love, support, and inspiration. I’m beyond grateful for each and every one of you who has joined me on this path.

From my personal journey of weight loss to embracing self-care and promoting body positivity, it has been an honor to share these experiences with you.

Seeing so many of you embrace your bodies, love yourselves unconditionally, and express your unique fashion styles has been truly inspiring. Fashion is more than just clothes; it’s a powerful form of self-expression and a way to celebrate who we are. I’m committed to continuing this mission, helping each of you feel fabulous in your own skin, and loving fashion in every way.

The opportunities that have come my way through this journey have been incredible. Collaborations with amazing brands, connecting with fellow influencers, and sharing on various platforms have all been dreams come true. But the most rewarding part has been the connections I’ve made with all of you.

As we celebrate this milestone, I look forward to the future with excitement and anticipation. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a part of Just Being LaKedra. Here’s to many more years of growth, empowerment, and fabulous fashion. 🎉🩷

Bri aka Just Being LaKedra🩷


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Women's Fashion

Patterned pink skirt – No Fear of Fashion

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


Finally, a skirt again. I told you in a previous post that I spotted this patterned pink skirt by accident only a couple of hours after I saw a woman on Instagram styling it six times. Loved it and ordered it. Fits like a glove.

I created many outfits with the skirt, a few of which are copies of the Instagram inspiration, of course, copycat as I am. This version with my golden yellow top from Milan is my favourite. The suede yellow slingbacks from Marks&Spencer bookend it perfectly in my opinion, although a bit matchy matchy. The shoes are holding up surprisingly well, considering they are suede in a light colour and six years old. Bought them in Newcastle when I was there with Nikki of Midlifechic. Scroll down a bit in that post and you will see them.

Below: After I sorted all the photos at home I discovered there is a man behind me, sticking his tongue out haha. I guess he won’t mind being recognised in this blog post.

Patterned pink skirt

Below: The plant man had such pretty plants. He displayed them well.

Plants at the market

Loes and I strolled across the market.

Below: You can see the lower hem at the back. I like such a feature and I like that the skirt is really long. Can I also mention the quirky heel on the slingbacks?

Patterned pink skirt

Below: We decided to have a coffee at this market stall. Great coffee.

Patterned pink skirt

Below: Here is Loes, my photographer with a summer haircut. That pink colour suits her so well.

Loes

Below: This is Loes from head to toe. The trousers and jumper make a charming summer outfit.

Loes

Below: A rather successful close-up with the long glass drop earrings by Lara Design. This close-up is for my friend Jose-Maria, my blog supporter since the very beginning. He loves elegant outfits and close-ups, so I dedicate this post to him.

Long glass drop earrings by Lara Design

Below: A stall with pies. I bought 10 little ones to try all flavours. Definitely will go there again. Only we ate the 10 little pies with the four of us, so I don’t really know which one was the best.

Delicious pies

Below: This is one of my favourite stalls with French cheese, sausages, pesto, you name it. All sorts of delicacies. Great for when people come round for drinks.

Food delights like French cheese, sausages, pesto etc.

Below: And the nut stall is fab too. A queue (actually 4 queues) all day long but well worth waiting.

Patterned pink skirt

Below: I got chatting with the lady of the Polish crockery stall. Very nice woman.

Patterned pink skirt and Polish crockery

Below: If you are interested, her website is www.emilia-bunzlauceramika.nl

Polish crockery

Below: Close-up of my beloved Demellier pale slate bag.

Demellier bag and shiny bracelet

Below: And a close-up of my shiny bracelet. I think I found it in a second-hand shop once. It was at the back of my wardrobe where I suddenly saw it again. People are right when they say that if you haven’t got your clothes (shoes, accessories etc) in view all the time, you forget about them. In our small home it is just not possible to have everything in view all the time, but luckily I have a good memory.

Shiny green and transparent bracelet

Below: The terraces surrounding the market square were filled with people enjoying the weather and the hustle and bustle of the market.

Terrace in the sun in Haarlem

What happened in my life this week

Saturday Ron was selling all sorts of nearly antique (or just old) stuff at an outdoor antique market. Stuff from our house, his allotment and the shed. The market is called Antique Market and sells ‘brocante’ which is a French word for anything old but not yet 100 years old.

Below: The antique market in the morning when it was raining cats and dogs.

Antique market in Haarlem

Below: After 1 pm the sun came out. Ron is on the left, in front of his stall. The photo isn’t sharp and it was at the end of the day when they were packing everything away. He was there with our friend Marla and they both sold well.

Antique market in Haarlem

Below: I made Salad Niçoise with fried chicken this time instead of fish. I don’t like cooking and I am not very good at it either, but this is just a matter of assembling. I figured Ron would be tired after a long day at the market. I can be nice. If I want to haha.

Salad Niçoise Saturday evening

 Nothing to report about Sunday.

Monday on the other hand was a great day in Amsterdam with Sylvia of 40PlusStyle.

Many photos to come.

Sylvia (below) was the one who gave me the support and encouragement to start my blog in 2012. Now living in Portugal and still travelling a lot, she visits the Netherlands now and then. Of course, we meet when she is here.

Sylvia is still able to pack everything in a carry-on suitcase even if she is away for a couple of months and still look stylish.

Below: Terrace of Café De Jaren in Amsterdam where we had lunch.

Terrace of café De Jaren in Amsterdam

We had tickets to visit a historic house of rich people around 1884 which is now a museum, Museum Van Loon.

Below: The kitchen.

Kitchen of Museum Van Loon in Amsterdam

Below: Stairs and the ceiling.

Stairs and ceiling in Museum Van Loon in Amsterdam

Below: One of the bedrooms. They weren’t shy of a little pattern here and there.

Bedroom in Museum Van Loon in Amsterdam

Below: There was an exhibition called Flourish by an artist who paints portraits of people he approaches in the street in Suriname. He paints them after a painting of someone of the Van Loon family. The artist is Kehinde Wiley who also painted the official portrait of Barack Obama.

Museum Van Loon in Amsterdam with art of Kehinde Wiley

I quote: “Kehinde Wiley’s new body of work constitutes a visual response to the portrait collection and historic interiors of Museum Van Loon. Melted into the museum’s collection, Flourish addresses ties between Western portraiture, Dutch global colonial presence and contemporary art as social and cultural practice. Simultaneously, Flourish highlights beauty and grace in the 21st century, captured through models the artist met in Suriname.”

Below: Here is another painting by Kehinde Wiley. (Sorry about the lamp light on the painting.)

Art by Kehinde Wiley in Museum Van Loon in Amsterdam

Below: Me and Sylvia in one of the rooms. A kind gentleman took our photo.

Me and Sylvia of 40PlusStyle

Below: The stunning garden of Museum Van Loon. At the back there is a little restaurant. Yes, in that gorgeous building which used to be the coach house.

Garden of Museum Van Loon in Amsterdam

Below: A last view of an Amsterdam canal and back home after a joyous day. Bikes are everywhere.

Canal in Amsterdam

Tuesday the day started with rain and this continued until noon. By that time I had arrived at Marjolein’s house and she made me coffee and lunch. As the skies had cleared, we ventured out for a photo shoot. It is always hard to find a new and interesting background for our shoot but Marjolein came up trumps again. Several public objects throughout The Hague had been turned into artwork and became a mural. We found a number of them. We couldn’t use all of them as people parked their bike or motorbike against it (rude). Below one as an appetizer. I ‘removed’ the cart that was parked against it. By the time I went home the sun came out. Never mind, we had a good day and a successful photo shoot.

Wednesday I took the shoes back which I bought a week ago. I didn’t think they were too comfortable, Ron hated them and frankly, I didn’t have the money to spend. The shoes went back to the shop and surprise, surprise, I got a refund! Usually, you get a voucher. I was so pleased. Rest of the day physiotherapist, fitness, chores and clearing the leaves from the garden.Thursday Ron and I walked dog Watson at the beach on a gorgeous day. Below: Ron and Watson in the shadow.

Ron at the beachFriday the family came over and we all went to the beach. It was wonderful.

Below: Nicky and Zoë, fetching water from the sea.

Mother and daughter at the beach

Below: This time fetching water and looking for seashells with daddy and grandpa.

Family at the beach

Below: I was there too, bit of a blurry photo.

Me and granddaughter at the beach

The baby was content with her bottle and slept a lot.

Greetje

No Fear of Fashion


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Skin Care

The truth about skin care products and their expiry date | Skin Secrets

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


With the rise of skinfluencers and live selling, it’s no surprise that we find ourselves purchasing multiple products in search of that one product that truly works. But when products start piling up on our shelves, this question pops up in our mind: are these expired?

Using expired skin care products can do our skin more harm than good, possibly even undoing any progress your skin had previously.

Read on as we share all you need to know about skin care and their expiry dates!

Do skin care products have expiry dates?

Just like food and medicine, skin care products have expiration dates as well. Using them on your skin past their prime can be ineffective, and even harmful to your skin. Over time, the active ingredients in skin care products tend to break down, reducing their potency and efficacy.

Factors that affect skin care’s shelf life

Not all skin care products expire at the same rate. Several factors determine how long a product stays fresh and effective:

  • Exposure to light & air: Sunlight and oxygen can degrade active ingredients, making the product less effective. 
  • Storage conditions: Keeping skin care in warm, humid environments (like your bathroom) can shorten its lifespan. 
  • Packaging: Products in airtight pump bottles or opaque containers tend to last longer than those in jars, which are exposed to air and bacteria every time they’re opened.

If you notice changes in the product’s texture, colour or smell, even if it’s still within its expiration date, it might be time to toss it. Products that have separated into layers or developed clumps should be discarded.

C15 texture

What happens if you use expired products?

Using expired skin care products can cause more harm than good for your skin. As the active ingredients break down over time, the formula loses its effectiveness. This reduces its ability to provide sufficient effects and results for your skin. 

Expired products could also lead to irritation, redness or breakouts as preservatives lose their potency, which potentially increases the risk of bacterial or fungal growth.  

skin irritation

To keep your skin healthy and make sure you’re getting the most out of your skin care routine, it is crucial to check expiration dates regularly and replace any products that are past their prime.

How to check for expiration dates?

Before using any skin care product, do a quick check on its expiry date. Most products will have: 

  • A printed expiration date: This tells you when the product will expire, even if unopened. 
  • A PAO (Period After Opening) symbol: Look for a small jar icon with a number, like 12M (12 months), indicating how long the product is good for after opening.
expiry date on DR's Secret packaging

3 proper ways to store your skin care

Taking care of your skin also means taking care of your skin care products! Proper storage helps maintain their effectiveness and ensures you get the most out of every drop. Here are some ways to store your skin care properly:

  1. Keep them in a cool, dark place: Avoid direct sunlight and humid environments to preserve their stability. 
  1. Consider buying smaller quantities: This minimises waste and ensures you’re always using fresh, potent formulas. 
  1. Label your products: Add a small sticker with the date you opened them to keep track of their shelf life. 

At the end of the day, skin care is an investment in yourself. So treat your products with care and caution, and they’ll take care of your skin in return!

All, Beginners’ Guide, Sensitive Skin, Troubled Skin / Acne


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Asian Beauty

Natural Makeup For Work (Video Tutorial)

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence



Is that how my face look like 0_0

Can’t believe I actually filmed my first makeup tutorial in 2.5 years.

I’ve been away THAT long, always wanted to come back and make more makeup/beauty videos, but just never know when I can do it. I thought it would be a lot more smashing and exciting, but it was just like any other day in reality.

I have not reached that state where I dreamed of reaching – silky smooth, hydrated and problem free skin – I now question if perfection is actually achievable. Nonetheless, I am at a state where I’m happy with what I currently have, and have accepted it to be part of me (still working on it, but I’m doing so well now!). It’s so strange to see myself in makeup again after so long. I’ve grown to really like my own face without makeup, and with some makeup on, it adorns my face so beautifully. It makes me feel great to be able to put makeup on once again!

So with the blemish and flaws that are still present on my skin, I present to you this makeup look which is one of the looks I’ve been wearing to work the past 2 months.
It’s understated, natural, no perceivable eyeliner that set off alarms in most people’s eyes.
I love how easy it is, I can put this look together within 15 minutes in the morning rush hour :’D If I don’t mess up my brows that is. And I normally don’t, so I don’t know why I messed it up during recording!

This is the complete eye look, just really minimal. It looks even less obvious in video because the camera washes out some of the colour. In real life, it gives myself beautiful and natural looking depth. Indiscernible to the untrained eyes.

THE PRODUCTS

  1. E.L.F. Perfect Finish HD Powder
  2. KATE Mineral Powder Foundation (OC-C) 
  3. AVENE Very High Protection Cream SPF50+
  4. CANMAKE Mat Fleur Cheeks (04)
  5. KATE Brown Shade Eyes (BR-6)
  6. REVLON Matte Balm (225 Sultry) (Review and swatches here)
  7. MAYBELLINE Volum’ Express The Magnum Waterproof
  8. KATE Lash Maximizer White
  9. INNISFREE Auto Eyebrow Pencil (03 Grey)

Compared to my old looks, this look has a lot less products, right? That’s mostly because I just started getting back into wearing makeup recently, and I am really cautious this time. I don’t want to put on too much just in case it might irritate my skin. So I start with very little products, and slowly add more to it if I want to. Who knows, maybe a few months down the road, the number of products I use will increase exponentially, trying to squeeze every single product from the new releases onto my face all at the same time? Hahaha!

The brushes I used are all from REAL TECHNIQUES (not TRUE TECHNIQUES hahaha). The purple brushes are from their Eye Makeup Starter Kit. Looks like the recently revamped it, kept the brushes the same and changed the case that comes with it (now grey instead of black!).

I’ve actually been looking at getting a new lash curler, but my old KOJI No.73 is still working fine.. Just need to change the rubber lining every so often because it does break apart, which affects the curl that I can get. Speaking of which, it’s time I change to a new rubber lining.

As for the makeup brush cleaning sponge, I bought the sponge from a store that sells household products, cut it to fit the cute tin case my aunt gave me and it’s done. Really handy for cleaning the brushes in between different colours, especially when going from dark to light shades. The excess powder collects at the bottom which I then clean out once in a while. Time to wash the sponge soon, it’s getting brown!

All in all, I am really glad I can do this again. Even though this gratitude is an afterthought, I still want to note it down. It really helps to reflect upon all that have happened in my life and to count my blessings. Even though things aren’t exactly at where I want them to be, I’m still rejoicing at how far I’ve come, and how much improvements I’ve experienced. I will continue to keep my body, mind, and skin healthy, and hope to bring more videos with you all.

And now, the video tutorial.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Qf16j48EuY




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British Beauty

Glossier Lip Glaze Review & Swatches

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


*Links marked with asterisks are affiliate links, these help Ree with running costs of the blog

Priced at

Glossier Lip Glaze Review & Swatches

Glossier have a brand new lip oil and I have all the shades here to show you. Check out my review and swatches of Glossier Lip Glaze.

What is Glossier Lip Glaze?

What is Glossier Lip Glaze?
What is Glossier Lip Glaze?

Glossier are dubbing this a next-generation lip oil

  • Refreshing, cooling formula
  • Delivers a sheer glaze of shiny colour
  • Lightweight and non-sticky texture
  • Promises 12 hours of hydration
  • Wear alone or layered with other lip products
  • Available in 6 sheer shades

Key Ingredients

Melting Oil Base – formulated with a rich blend of nine botanical oils, it delivers a deliciously smooth and soft texture

Apricot + Raspberry Seed Oils – nourishing oil blend that leaves lips looking smooth and plump with hydration

Liquid Shea Butter – creates a smooth, lightweight-yet-highly-conditioning feel for softer and cared-for lips.

Chilled Glaze – menthol-derived cooling agent that leaves a comfortable, minty-fresh feel on lips

Glossier Lip Glaze Shades & Swatches

There are six shades in the collection:

The Glossier Lip Glaze Shade Range
The Glossier Lip Glaze Shade Range
  • Icy – clear blue
  • Frosty – clear lilac
  • Chilly – cool baby pink
  • Tangy – coral pink
  • Creamy – warm rose
  • Melty – rich red brown
The Glossier Lip Glaze Shade Range
The Glossier Lip Glaze Shade Range

Here are the swatches of Icy, Frosty, Chilly, Tangy, Creamy and Melty:

The Glossier Lip Glaze Shade Swatches
The Glossier Lip Glaze Shade Swatches

My Review

My Review of The Glossier Lip Glaze
My Review of The Glossier Lip Glaze

Texture & Formula: Creamy with a Fresh Mint Kick

The first thing you notice when applying Glossier Lip Glaze is the texture. It’s creamy yet lightweight, giving lips that smooth, balmy cushion without any of the tackiness that can ruin a good gloss.

There’s a definite minty tingle, which feels cooling and fresh but never overwhelming. It’s that perfect middle ground between invigorating and comfortable. If you’re sensitive to mint, don’t worry, it’s not a stinger, just a subtle cooling effect. If you hate mint, it’s worth noting that the minty feeling is quite long lasting, so these may not be for you.

Shades & Sheerness: Easy to Wear Everyday Tints

Each shade in the Lip Glaze range is incredibly sheer, which makes them super flattering and versatile. These aren’t bold pigment-heavy glosses. They’re sheer washes that enhance your natural lip tone and layer over liner or lipstick if you want more punch.

Featured Shade: “Icy”: A Nostalgic Favourite

Icy is the pale blue-toned clear gloss that has my heart. It immediately reminded me of the first-ever gloss I bought from Benefit years ago. It was a translucent gloss that promised to make your teeth look whiter. That one’s been long discontinued, but “Icy” brings back all that glossy nostalgia in a modern, hydrating formula.

Though it looks blue in the tube, it applies mostly clear, adding a subtle cool tone. A great throwback moment for me!

Finish & Wear: Glossy, Plumping Look Without Stickiness

The finish is plump, juicy, and glassy. There’s no shimmer just a jelly-like shine that wears well for a gloss. It does fades after eating or drinking but reapplication is quick and easy, and actually feels good because it boosts hydration each time you swipe it on.

Hydration & Comfort: Like Skincare for Lips

If your lips are often dry but you hate sticky formulas, Glossier Lip Glaze is a win. It feels moisturising without slipping off, and while it doesn’t replace your lip balm entirely, it definitely adds a hydrating layer throughout the day.

I’d say it feels more like a gloss than a lip oil, but still manages to keep the lips feeling soft.

Who Should Try It?

Glossier Lip Glaze is perfect for anyone who wants a subtle, wearable gloss with a bit of extra care built in. It’s not for those looking for bold pigment, but if you love a “your lips but better” vibe with a fresh twist, this is it.

If you are looking for something more on the budget end, that also leaves a stain on the lips, check out NYX Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stain Review and Swatches.

Where to buy it

Glossier Lip Glaze is £22 for 8ml and it’s available now via the links below:


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