Getting a tattoo in Hong Kong

Since I last posted on here, I got a tattoo! 

Although now I love it and sometimes even forget it's there, due to it being behind me...literally. It took quite a bit of time and some panic to get used to it. 5 stages to be exact. 

Almost backing out 

Making the artist draw it out at least 5 times until it was 100% acceptable for that needle to even come near me.   

Panic stage 1 

The moment I stood up from the chair I suddenly realised this is forever, there's no going back now. 

Panic stage 2  

Once unsupervised, I somehow had to make sure this tattoo didn't turn into a blob.(A tattoo blowout as they call it) 

Relief 

After the 3 days of stress, I could finally take that *now* gross bit of tape off and see the results of my care.

Acceptance

After a couple of days of being taken aback and scared by my own reflection, I finally forget about its whole existence. 

Where to go 

I tried to do as much research as possible before choosing a place, but to be honest there's only so much I could understand about the tattoo lingo. As long as it looks good and I don't die from it, it'll do. I chose Star Crossed Tattoo in TST. 

Although I booked the appointment 2 weeks in advance, they seemed to have forgotten about my entire existence when I walked in. After waiting (and panicking) for half an hour someone finally bothered to show up. 

While I wouldn't say it was the best service, my tattoo came out perfectly and with pretty minimal pain - the most important element. 

Other shops recommended around HK 

Zinc Tattoo shop  

Blackout Tattoo

Dragon Lair Tattoo 
  

Top Tips 

• Since you're not allowed to go swimming for a few weeks after, it's better to ink up in the cooler months to avoid being a sweaty mess. 

• Choose an artist who's style is similar to what you're looking for. A shop that specialises in sleeves probably won't be able to give you the tiny tattoo of your dreams. 

• Try not to go on a hike or anything too sweaty during the 3 days of wearing tape, you'll constantly be worrying about it. 

Maintaining Your Inner Zen

I don't know about you, but I'm quite an energetic, overemotional, stressful person on the inside which is quite unhealthy because, well you're with yourself constantly and need to make sure your mind has some time to relax. 

Little things like how many likes your selfie got or whether you embarrassed yourself that one time 3 years ago, they are such unimportant thoughts but yet they always hover around you while your trying to relax or sleep. Unless your part of the lucky few who can turn off their thoughts at night, then you can spend hours getting lost in all these silly memories. 

Now I'm not writing this to tell you how to "switch it off" if that is even possible, because if I knew trust me they would be off permanently! But since I'm at the point in my life where i've stopped and thought "wtf am I doing with my life?"  I had to find some ways to calm myself before I internally combusted. 

Music 
I don't mean throw on some Tyler Swift and dance around your room, but if that makes you feel better then why not? I mean some calming mixes that help you concentrate when you're studying. Music is a very personal preference though so I won't expect you all to like this, but I find this mix really helps to calm me down. https://www.youtube.com/watchv=ysx9BVYlUY4&list=LMgYo6nGCPuYn-kYlZWQxmJw

Light Candles
Theres just something about watching the flickering of fire thats really soothing to your mind, so well as an amazing smells and the conscious idea of warmth... just perfect.

Avoid Getting Angry/Frustrated 
This is honestly the most difficult one but if you're pissed off about something just sit down and calmly think about it because if you get angry it'll just fuel your inner fire, which you may regret later. 

Have A Happy Place
I don't want to sound like I'm crazy here, but you know when everything just seems to be getting way to overwhelming and you feel out of control. Distancing your mind from all that negativity and tension really makes you think a lot clearer. Although don't think about anything sad because then you'll cry and have a mental breakdown making you even more overwhelmed. 

No Toxic Thoughts
This is the second hardest one to do, we all know everyone can't resist a good bitchathon, but after a very long time i've realised what you say about others really does reflect on how you're feeling deep down in the inner core of your mind. And also you have the constant fear that you're gonna get caught out. 

Breath To The Rhythm of the Ocean
Just reading that title makes me cringe like I'm some wanna be guru. But seriously it works, the slow rhythm makes your heart rate slow down while your mind is distracted with thoughts of blue waves crashing down, you honestly just pass out within 3 minuets. 

I hope this kinda helps if you tend to be a little bit of an overthinking like myself xx 

Hong Kong Rugby 7's Survival Guide

The Rugby Sevens is one Hong Kong's few big events, especially for expats and is a weekend people look forward to all year! From flying beer jugs to people dressed up as every character you've ever known, the sevens sees a new crazy each year. 

Now I'm not really a sports loving kinda girl, but I never want to miss out on a great excuse to get drunk and party all day. So I thought I should make a survival guide to all of you out there who are more in it for the party then the actual rugby. 

1. Dress Up 

About 30% of the fun is seeing everyone in crazy costumes, taking pictures and laughing, if you don't dress up you'll feel like you're missing out on some of the fun. Try and be as creative as possible but if you've left it a bit too last minuet theres always that one halloween costume i'm sure you can wear. 

2. Prepare To Lose Your Voice

Whether you're screaming at the game or you're trying to talk to your friends over the music one way or another your voice will be gone by the Sunday night. Everyone ends up sounding rather similar to Darth Vader on Monday morning. 

3. Grab Some Drinks at 7/11 Before 

Unless you come to the sevens with an unlimited supply of money, you will use it all up halfway through the day. With overpriced Pimms and food being the only thing you can get in the stadium, you will burn a hole in your pocket much faster then you think. So on your way to the stadium pop in to 7/11 and down some drinks to give you a pre game buzz....who cares if its only 10am!? 

4. Prepare not to eat 

This may just be me but when it comes down to the decision of food or alcohol, alcohol always wins, Vodka is made of potatoes is it's not too bad right? Back to my point about the overpriced food, if you want to pay double the price for a McDonald's then be my guest. 

5. Get To The South Stand Early 

The South Stand is the most exciting, wild and fun stand in the whole stadium, which is why so many people want to get in and there can be almost an hour wait in line on the more popular days like Sunday. You have to be 18 and show your ID (only HK Id's are excepted) or your passport to get it. But once you're in you won't want to leave for the rest of the day but you can't really leave anyway because you will have to queue up to get back in. 

6. Don't spend the whole time trying to get on the screen 

It's like being famous for 5 seconds, the whole stadium will see you. But seriously though don't waste so much time dancing in front of the cameras to get on the screen because the moment you stop trying to get on, you'll get on, it's just how things work! 

7. Prepare to run into everyone you've ever met 

Especially if you are an international school kid, you will pretty much know everyone there because almost every expat goes to the Sevens. So be ready for lots of catching up and maybe some awkward encounters with your "favourite" people... 

8. Stick With Your Crew

It's so easy to get lost and loose people and with loud music and busy crowds. Attempting to hear anyone on the phone is a challenge so stick together or at least mention where you're going, unless you are all dressed the same then it might be a little easier to spot each other in the crowd.  

9. Going Out After Will Be Packed 

If you still have enough energy after a day of drinking and dancing to hit Lan Kwai Fong or Wan Chai afterwards, be warned it will be crazy busy and attempting to walk is hard enough, let alone trying to dance. 




10.Enjoy Yourself 

The sevens only comes once a year and if you live abroad, you might not get to go for a while. Drink, party and let loose and if you have time maybe watch a little bit of the actual rugby.... ;) 

xx

Brow Down To Me

 Now i've only just recently stated to realize that eyebrows are an important part of your face, everyone sees them all the time and that kinda freaks me out. Your eyebrows control a large part of your facial expression and with good brows comes big responsibility.

I only started plucking my eyebrows after some girl came up to me and sarcastically said "your eyebrows are so nice do you pluck them?" I legit looked at my brows for an hour that day thinking they were horrible hairy caterpillars. After that  started plucking.....a lot. One day I got so crazy about how bad they were I plucked nearly all of them out and was stuck with thin little sticks above my eyes that my brother laughed at. So as you can guess I was a little stuck for what my next brow move should be. Before year 11 prom my friend took me to her beauty centre I would say spar but it really wasn't like one. She told me I should get my brows threaded, which I thought thought was a very strange way to remove hair but I went along with it because why not? And yes my eyes watered extreme amounts that every working there laughed at me and yes they were all red and puffy. But once that all went away they were perfect!

So now i've said my goodbyes to the tweezers and leave my eyebrows to the professionals and for only 4 pound at Superdrug once a month it's a really easy way to maintain them.

Before threading them:

After threading them: 

As you can see they are so much neater and the shape is more defined making your look fierce. 

Now for my eyebrow routine, I don't do this everyday because i don't wear makeup everyday but when  I feel like looking like a badass then i'll step my eyebrow game up to the next level using only 3 products.

I normally leave my brows till the end of my makeup routine so I can work out how dark or structured they need to be. 

Firstly I take an brow brush, usually they are on the end of an eyebrow pencil as a little 2 in 1 kinda thing. I brush them all neat and in place making sure there are no little stray hairs affecting my game! 

Then taking my Maybelline 'Master Shape' brow pencil in the shade soft brown (they also do lighter and darker shades). I fill my eyebrows in from the start so they look fuller and a little darker for a stand out look. I then fill in any gaps in the rest of my brow and draw a little more shape into it so that it looks more defined. 

Then its back to the brush to smudge the pencil into the brow so that it all looks like natural beauty (no one needs to know ;) ) 

Now I promise I'm not sponsored by Maybelline or anyone for that matter but I used their "Brow Drama' sculpting brow mascara in medium brown. This helps your eyebrows to stay in place throughout the day as it gently places them down on your face. 

Now for the final step. Using any white eyeshadow place a shadow line underneath your brow so that it contrasts with the darkness of your eyebrow and gives it the finishing touch of definition that it needs to make you look hot as hell! 

And the finishing look: 

I hope you all feel as beautiful as you are. Don't let anyone tell you differently xx

Triangl Bikini Fad/ Dupes

 I have been seeing Triangl bikini's here, there and everywhere since the beginning of summer. It's the new favorite bikini for everyone I follow on instagram and even celebs, like my favorite Kylie Jenner. I'm never normally to phased about bikini's but for some reason ( probably because everyone has one) I wanted one. But oh my $89 US or in English terms £54 for a little bit of waterproof fabric and some string? NO WAY. Are they really worth the price? 

What makes these overpriced bikini's so popular is firstly their adorable colour range, from Candy Pink to Las Vagus Lights, their unique design that to me looks like the inner lining of a bra (in a good way...kinda) and lastly the fact that they look so flattering on your body. I've also heard that they come with a mini black leather backpack to give you more bang for your buck. 

Triangl- Las Vagus Lights 

Now you may be thinking, it can be a little treat for yourself or one of your splurge items for the summer. But with so many dupes around you may be able to save some big ones! I wasn't even searching for a dupe when I stumbled across one in Cotton On for only £12. Which I just had to buy even though it's a tinyyy bit to tight. The only noticeable difference between the two is that the Triangl bikini has a black outline around the whole top, while the Cotton On one only has a black outline in the centre. 

Cotton On also had a range of colours very similar to Triangl's, but sadly my boobs were too big (that's like a good and bad thing!) 

Cotton On 

Triangl- Candy Pink 

Sadly the Cotton On website doesn't have any sign of these dupes but i'm sure if you look in the shops they'll be there. But Asos also do a similar styled bikini without the black detailing. 

 Asos- Embossed Floral Longline Bikini 

Hope you all enjoy the last few weeks of summer and don't forget to #beachessentials xx

5 Bikinis You Need For Summer

Summer is just brushing against our fingertips and I can't wait! With this fabulous weather England is having (teasing us), It's the perfect time to get out your summer wardrobe and get organized for the holidays.

With summer comes beach trips and pool parties. Every girl needs the perfect bikini but lets be honest, one is never enough. So I have come up with a list of the essential bikini styles you need for every summer holiday occasion. 

1. A Neon 

For those late night pool parties, this bikini will keep you glowing under the moonlight all night. The contrast of the bright colours against your skin will also make your tan look darker. 

2. Animal Print 
This bikini make sure you rock up to the beach in style and looking as sexy as ever,  unleash your wild side as animal prints are so in this season.

3. A Classy One 
You never know when you're going to have a summer fling and dive into the unknown, so this bikini is for those last minuet dates to keep you looking sexy and sophisticated.  

4. Tie Dye 
Tie Dye is always in during the summertime, the mixture of colours makes your bikini stand out and look oh so Coachella. 

5. Frills 

Now this bikini may look a little boring compared to the rest, but frills are extremely flattering and will make your boobs look a cup size bigger. Now thats impressive. 

Happy Shopping xx 

Kylie Jenner Inspired Makeup Tutorial

Kylie Jenner has been all over the gossip sites recently with her supposedly sending Justin Bieber nudes. But rumors aside, there is no doubt that she is absolutely stunning and like her sisters, the Kardashians, her makeup is always perfect. Kylie's instagram is like a personal magazine all about her. I have already taken inspiration from her hair style, hence the short cut. But now I think it's time to steal her makeup too! 

Firstly, using your normal foundation, powder and concealer make your face up but remeber Kylie's makeup is quite thick so apply it generously without making yourself look orange! 

Then its time to get into the detail of her makeup. Kylie's eyebrows are her defining feature, she wears them dark and bold so make sure you outline them sharply and fill them in with an eyebrow pencil. Pluck any loose hairs that don't fit well into the shape (It's best if you do this a while before you start your makeup but I'm not that organized) 

Kylie's is usually a smokey brown with an ombre effect. Start with a white shimmery base and highlight under your eyebrow, then with a light gold colour cover your eyelid. Once these colours are set go over the back half of your eyelid with a darker brow and blend well. This will give you eyeshadow that subtle ombre effect. 

I used the Naked 2 pallet to archive this look with the colours Verve for the white shimmer under the eyebrow, Suspect for the first covering of my eyelid and Snakebite for the dark smokey effect on the edge and finally a touch of Busted to darken it slightly. 

Apply black eyeliner to your water line and to the bottom of your eyelid to give your eye more definition and outline. Then use mascara to darken and lengthen your eyelashes, Kylie's eyelashes are always super long, so the more the merrier! 

Highlighter helps to brighten up your makeup and define certain aspects of your face. Kylie will usually apply it under her eyes, down her nose and above her eyebrows. Apply it lightly to these areas and blend it in so that its lighter but not too obvious. 

Using a mixture of light blusher and bronzer, highlight your cheeks and define your cheekbones by brushing the powers up your jawline. This will lighten up your face and help to make your face look thinner and more defined. 

Finally, apply a nude or pale coloured lipstick. Kylie often changes from dark lipstick to natural lipstick a lot but since this the eye makeup is so dramatic, a natural lip gives it the subtle finishing touch needed.

Final Look

 

Products Used 

Left to Right: GOSH lipstick in Cappuccino, Cosline black eyeliner, Collection Extreme felt tip liner, MAC False lashes extreme black, Urban Decay Naked 2, MAC studio fix powder in NC20, MUA Mosaic Blush in English Rose, Bourjois Bronzing Powder in shade 51, Maybelline Pure.Liquid Mineral foundation in Honey Beige, Benefit Watt's Up highlighter, Maybelline Browdrama in Medium Brown and Matbelline Master Shape brow pencil in soft brown. 

What do you think about this makeup look? If you want be to attempt anyone else just leave a name in the comments xx