3 Things I've Learn't About Adulthood (So Far)

Adulthood has always been a very interesting concept to me. For some reason, we're all in a hurry to grow up and become independent. But when something doesn't quite go to plan we're very quick to pull the 'I'm still a teenager card'. As I have been an adult now for approximately 11 months and 2 days, I thought it would be an appropriate time to reminisce. I've managed to get my first job and save money, move out of home into my tiny apartment in a city eight hours away, complete tertiary study, and accomplish plenty of other 'adult' things too. This is what I have learnt and discovered about growing up along the way. Whether you're about to join the club, or have been a member for a while now, you might be able to relate in some way.


1. If In Doubt, Call Mum

Moving out can be pretty scary. All of a sudden you're in charge of things you didn't even know existed. Things like the 12 different settings on your washing machine, because apparently you can't just chuck the lot in? I can't even recall the amount of times I've rung home to ask what temperature to wash my jeans at. Moral of the story, just because you don't live with your parents anymore, doesn't mean they're not still there to guide you. Don't let your pride get in the way, pick up the phone. And if your parents don't answer, Google is your next best friend. Trust me.

2. Making Friends Is Hard!

By the time you finish high school most people have a nicely sized group of friends. Let me tell you now, that changes pretty quickly. Your peers are off on their own exciting adventure, so it's inevitable that you'll see less of them than when you were at school together everyday. It's easy to get comfortable with the friends you've been with up until now. But unfortunately in the adult world, you don't get stuffed in classrooms with 25 other humans your age to take your pick from. Making friends now actually involves effort and real life conversation. Weird huh?

3. You'll Spend $20 On a Pizza, But Refuse To Spend The Same On a New Razor

True story by the way. In the blink of an eye, the responsibility of managing your money is thrust upon you, and it's freakin hard! What's even worse, you have to spend your hard earned cash on mundane things, like toilet paper, or dish washing liquid. When you first enter into the adult world, more often than not, you won't have disposable funds. You very quickly learn sneaky ways to save a buck or two. For instance, using your suitcase as a washing basket because you're too cheap to buy a real one. Or using the washing powder you already have in your cupboard as a body scrub because it gets the job done just as well for a fraction of the price, (even if you do end up a little rashy).

Back to the pizza story. I most likely ordered enough $20 pizza's to buy me several new razors. Twenty bucks for just one pizza didn't seem all that bad when it meant I wouldn't have to cook, do dishes, or even leave my apartment. But every time I made the dreaded trip down the cosmetics aisle at the supermarket and cautiously slid the $22 razor of its shelf, I always put it back. My logic behind it was that I couldn't afford to spend such an abominable amount, and I was being good by saving my money. But when 7 o'clock on a Friday night rolled around and I still hadn't planned dinner, I never hesitated to call Dominos .

Makeup Starter Kit | A Beginner's Guide

It kind of dawned on me today that perhaps some of my readers might be interested in makeup, but don't know where to start. A majority of my makeup posts so far have been looks that someone who doesn't like to wear a lot of makeup probably wouldn't wear. So today is a post for them. These are a group of products I would recommend to those just starting out with makeup, or people who prefer a more minimal look. None of these are too pricey either, which is perfect if you're a student (or about to become one again, like me).

The Base

Lets begin with our base. A foundation will even out your skin. The foundation you choose will depend on two things; your skin type and the coverage you are after. A foundation that I think most people would be okay with is Rimmel Match Perfection. It isn't a matte finish nor is it dewy. Its coverage is medium and the colour range is fairly good. My next recommendation is the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer. The purpose of this is to conceal darkness around the eyes or any redness on the face. This one is good for a beginner because it is not too warm or cool toned. You can use it both under your eyes and on spots and redness. It is really creamy and easy to blend but it also has really good coverage. If you wanted to you could even skip the foundation and just use a bit of concealer where it is needed. If your skin gets a little bit shiny through the day it could be a good idea to use a powder on top of your foundation. This will set it in place all day and you can touch up when you get a bit oily. A good one for a beginner is Rimmel Stay Matte in the shade transparent. It comes in other shades too, but I like transparent because it won't change the colour of your foundation. Then you don't have to worry about finding the correct shade either.

Injecting a Little Colour

Now that your base is finished, we can add onto it. Because we have evened everything out, your face may look a little bit flat and two dimensional now. Blusher is a great way to add back a little bit of life. I don't own any lower end (inexpensive) blushes, so I can't recommend one from experience. But for a beginner I would stick to powder and stay away from cream or liquid blush. I feel powder gives you more control so you're less likely to make a mistake. Stick to neutral pinks as well to begin with. Here's a tip, if you accidentally apply too much blush, take your foundation brush and blend it out. This will make it less obvious that you added a little too much. I also wouldn't worry about bronzer when you are just starting out with makeup because this can be a tricky one to master in terms of shades and application.

Eye Focus

Onto our eyes. Cream eyeshadows are perfect for a beginner because they are so easy! Just take a little bit on your finger, swipe it across your lid, and that is your eyeshadow done. Its not like a powder where you have to use several different shades for it to look nice, and you don't have to blend like crazy with a brush. My favourite cream eyeshadows are the Maybelline Colour Tattoos. I have several of these beauties but my current favourite is in the shade Bad to the Bronze. Its a shade that will compliment every eye colour so you don't have to worry about finding one to suit yours. In terms of eyeliner, skip it! It is one of the trickiest makeup techniques to master. Mascara on the other hand may also seem daunting, but it is super simple! My pick for a beginners kit would be Maybelline Illegal Lengths. Its not going to get clumpy and the wand is brilliant so it makes it super easy and quick to apply. For your eyebrows stick to a pencil that is a similar colour to your brows. Pencils are great if you're not overly skilled because they can be more precise than a powder of gel. The name of the one I use has rubbed off but it is a Rimmel one.

Lip Time

My biggest advice to a makeup beginner about lipstick and gloss is to stick to a colour very similar to your own. This means you can't go too wrong with application so it wont look messy. You also shouldn't have to touch up as much as say a red lipstick. My favourite lower end lipsticks are the Rimmel Kate Moss ones. A shade that I think would suit a lot of people is number 19. These lipsticks are just great because they are very pigmented (meaning they show up well) and so long lasting without being drying. If you're feeling brave they have a great selection of colours as well. These are just my fail safe lipsticks that everyone should try whether they are just starting, or full time makeup junkies. Let me know if you'd like to see a blog post on my collection of them.

So there you have it. These are the tried and tested (by me) items that I would recommend to someone just starting out with makeup. They are pretty much fail proof and inexpensive so what more could you want. You don't have to use all of these either. Or you could even add to it. Makeup doesn't have to be scary, just stick to the basics and go for a very natural look to begin with. And practice makes perfect! I know its an overused saying but in terms of makeup, it is so true. I hope I've been able to help you in some way, shape or form. Have a lovely day, or night, whenever you are reading this!

The Warehouse Products Price List
Rimmel Match Perfection- $20.50
Maybelline Fit Me Concealer- $19,99
Rimmel Stay Matte Powder- $15.50
Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil- $10.50
Maybelline Colour Tattoo- $13.99
Maybelline Ilegal Lengths Mascara- $24.99
Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick- $14.99

New Hair | Courtney Grace

Guys, I just couldn't help it. I went even shorter. And I LOVE IT. I'm one of those people that will just decide one day out of the blue that I feel like cutting my hair, and then do it the next. A few times this has lead to absolute disaster, but the last two times have left me so incredibly happy. What's changed you ask? Well the answer to that is I have learnt that finding a good salon is key, not just which ever is nearest or most convenient.

Firstly I would just like to make a disclaimer. I have made a promise to myself that everything I write on this blog will be truthful. If I'm asked to review something, I will give you my honest opinion. I'm not about to tell you that something is absolutely worth your money if it is in fact, not. I chose to book at the salon I got my cut at, and I want to share my amazing experience with you, for you!

At the beginning of the year my hair was long and damaged and I needed a change. I booked in at Hillcrest Hair Design because my mother and my best friend both get their hair done there. I had had short hair a few times in the past, and decided I wanted to try it again. The problem I faced each time though at other salons is that the stylist never really listened to what I wanted. They tried to encourage me to keep it longer just in case I didn't like it short. I always ended up leaving with hair longer than I had envisioned. At Hillcrest Hair Design I booked in with Karina the for my first appointment, not really knowing what to expect.

I arrived and she sat me down and she took a look at my hair, and we talked about what I wanted for a good few minutes. I could tell she was really trying to get a good understanding of the style I wanted. I showed her pictures as well just to make sure which she took a good look at. From the beginning I told her I was not afraid to take a lot of hair off, and she listened! This was such a first for me. Another thing I liked was that she really took her time. Nothing about the cut was rushed. I was honestly so happy with how it turned out. It was exactly how I had imagined it. The best part was that it was so manageable that I could still style it myself at home and have it look decent. The reason I'm talking so passionately was because this was probably the first time in 18 years that I have been truly happy with a haircut.

Then last week I decided once again I needed a change. I called Hillcrest Hair Design again, asking especially for Karina to do my cut. When I arrived she remembered who I was and the cut I had last time which was comforting. I told her I was happy with how it turned out last time so I wanted to go shorter. Once again she listened, and took another look at my hair, though she knew it already. She made sure I understood the certain things that come with having hair above your shoulder, like the ends flicking, but in no way was she trying to discourage me. She asked for my opinion the whole way through the cut which was very comforting. I've had experiences where the stylist has done her own things from start to finish, and I've been to shy too tell her that I don't like it, like a lot of us are. The cut I have at the moment is easily my favourite cut I've had so far. I said that about the last one, but they just keep getting better. I don't know how she does it? My hair takes me less than ten minutes to completely style with heat and all. I am obsessed with short hair. I think it suits me so much better.

If you've gotten to this point, thank you. I had some reservations thinking that perhaps people would not appreciate this post thinking I had been paid or pushed into doing it. And that may be the case for some people. But I hope not. I just had a really great experience and am so grateful to Hillcrest Hair Design for it. I want others to be able to have the same experience. Of course I also want Hillcrest Hair Design to get the attention they deserve. If you like, pop in to book an appointment. Brenda and the team would love to see you. Let them know you heard about them from this post! They are all so friendly and the atmosphere in the salon is the same. I'll leave a link to their website below. They also have a Facebook and Instagram as well. Even though I am moving cities in 2 months, they will still be my salon of choice because I have gotten to know and trust them. I may just have to wait until I come home for visits!


hillcresthairdesign.co.nz (Their website)

A Simple, Classic Makeup Look | MissCourtneyGrace

 One of my favourite things to do when I have free time is sit down and play with my makeup. I guess it is the equivalent of a guy and his video games, I could do it for hours. Anyway, I have accumulated quite a collection of new makeup over the past few months, and thought I would put a few products to the test. And that was how this simple, classic makeup look was born.

To begin with I primed my clean skin with MAC Matte Creme  and let it sink into my skin for a while before applying foundation. I have oily skin but if you have a different skin type switch up the primer. I never used to use one, but I totally notice the difference now and would never skip it. 

For my foundation I used Estee Lauder Double Wear in bone. I'm only using a sample at the moment but I am loving it so I think I am going to go back in and purchase it. Its a beautiful matte, full coverage foundation. However it NEVER looks cakey! The only word I can think of to describe it is, well, beautiful. I buff a small amount of this in using a fluffy brush. 

For concealer I used Maybelline Fit Me in fair under my eyes. I first blended it will a small fluffy brush but then went in with my fingers because I prefer to finish with this to get the ultimate blend. I don't really get dark circles so I focused most of it in my inner corners (by the side of my nose) which brightens everything up immediately! 

For powder I used my MAC Studio fix in the shade NW 15. I just dusted a little bit of this in my T-Zone to stop me from looking shiny. A good tip to not end up with the dreaded cake face is to not apply your powder straight away, but leave it till just before you head out the door. Otherwise you'll probably end up applying it twice and build up a bit to much powder. Whereas it doesn't really matter if you look a wee bit shiny in your own house. 

My brow routine has changed, and I'm honestly loving just one product. I used the MAC Eye Brow Crayon in Lingering. I started my combing my brow upwards with a clean mascara wand. Then I applied the pencil just to the bottoms of my brows, and blended up with a small, dense, angled brush. A MAC artist taught me this. It gives quite a defined look, but it is still soft. I then just combed through again to distribute it all. 

My blush is also MAC in the shade Melba which is just a matte, peachy colour. I prefer matte blushes for in the daytime because I'm not a fan of how shimmery blushes catch direct sunlight. It just doesn't look natural. Following on the MAC trend, my highlight is a Mineralize Skinfinish in Lightscepade. I applied this to the top of my cheek bones, across my forehead, down my nose and my cupids bow (just above the lip). I went quite heavy on the highlight because I wanted the skin to be the focus.

Onto eyes! I used the Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Bad to the bronze as a base and blended some MAC Quarry eyeshadow into the crease which is a cool toned matte brown. It is really important that your crease colour is matte because you want to create the illusion of a shadow. I applied a thin line of Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner, curled my lashes, and finished with a coat of Maybelline Illegal Length Mascara. 

I chose a coral lipstick to compliment the bronze eyeshadow. The one I used was the Rimmel Kate Moss lipstick in the shade 12. I applied one coat of this, blotted with a tissue, applied again, and then through a tissue patted some powder on with a fluffy brush. This ensures that your lipstick will have lasting power. 

Looking back, I probably should have called this look 'A MAC and Maybelline Makeup Look'. But I'm just really loving those brands right now! Obviously if you want to recreate this look you don't have to use the same products. I really do encourage you to sit down just for half an hour and play with some makeup though. Do it on a day where you aren't going anywhere so it doesn't matter if you muck up. Trial and error is a great way to discover new things. I'm definitely one to stick to a quick, basic makeup routine. So taking time out to play around gives me lots of creative ideas and inspiration. 

Here's a quick challenge for you when you get ready tomorrow. Switch up one product, or try something you wouldn't normally do. Its Autumn now, so wear a bold lip! Or try a new shade of eyeshadow. Or if you don't want anything too drastic maybe pop on a tiny bit of blush if you wouldn't normally. Or even some just lip gloss. Who knows? It might make all the difference in your confidence for that day. I hope you're having a wonderful day and you'll hear from me again shortly!

My Apologies

Well hello there, it's been a while. About four months actually. I feel as though before I begin blogging again I owe people an explanation or apology of sorts as to where I have been. So far this year has been crazy. Not busy, just crazy. I've experienced some great highs, but also some really low lows. The past few months have been a true test of my strength to say the least. I'm not going to go into detail because I'd like to keep things private for my sake and others involved. But hopefully you understand why I have taken a break from blogging for a while. But I'm back!

Even though the past few months have been difficult, I would not change a thing. I have never been more sure of myself and what I want which is an amazing feeling. I feel as though I am starting a fresh. I have been accepted to study a Certificate in Fashion Make-up Artistry in Wellington beginning in July which I am beyond excited about. I can't wait to start my career and see where it takes me.

I don't really know how often I am going to be blogging. Having a schedule didn't really work for me last time because I ended up becoming stressed instead of enjoying the process. I have a few ideas circulating so I will post them when I feel like it. But I promise you, I am back! And more hungry and passionate than ever. Watch this space for some new posts because I will hopefully have one up that I have been working on sometime in the next few days. As always, I'd love to hear what you would like to read about. So you can leave a comment or leave a message on the Facebook page connected to my blog (Courtney Grace Beauty).

Have a lovely evening, or day, whenever you are reading this. And I am so excited to be back!

Hair Care Review| Kerastase Discipline Range

Recently the lovely team at Hillcrest Hairdesign allowed me to try a range of the products they had just gotten in store. Naturally, as the beauty fanatic I am I jumped at the chance and was very excited to give them a go. When I first went into the salon I sat down with Brenda (the owner) and Lisa who talked with me about my hair and what products and treatment would suit me best. They chose the Kerastase Discipline range for me and I took some samples to try at home. I came back a couple of days later into the salon for them to do the treatment from this range on my hair as well. They began by washing my hair with the shampoo and then applied a treatment from root to tip. This was then blow dried and straightened into my hair, and then washed out again. Then another product (I presume this was the conditioner) was applied to my hair and rinsed. Lastly they blow dried my hair one final time and added in some waves at my request.

I've been using these products all together for a week now and these are my thoughts

Pros

• Shampoo lathers up super easily so you feel like you are really cleansing your scalp
• When washing out the shampoo and conditioner in the shower I noticed a lot less hair fell out than usual
• My hair was easy to comb through when wet
• I feel as though these products cut down drying time for me
• My hair was sleek, smooth and straight just using a blow dryer, I didn't find the need to straighten it as well. It says on the website "Blow-dry styling becomes a true pleasure" and I totally agree with this
•  Again like it claims on the website, my usual frizz was reduced, even in humid but windy weather. It stayed just as sleek until the next time I washed it. 

Cons

• Conditioning treatment was difficult to wash out and took a long time
• If you like your hair to be very low maintenance this is not the product for you because you achieve the best result by using heat. 
• These products can be a little pricey so may not suit everyone's budget. 
• The in salon treatment was wonderful as a one off but anyone with a busy lifestyle might find it difficult to spare a couple of hours every so often for it. 
• Hair may get a little greasier faster with these products

To sum things up I am very grateful to Hillcrest Hairdesign for allowing me to give these products a go. If I wasn't a poor student I would definitely be continuing them. Perhaps something I can add to my Christmas wishlist! If you're looking for somewhere to get your hair done, definitely pop into the salon. The staff are lovely and super talented, and the atmosphere is always relaxed but fun whenever I get the chance to go in. 

How to: Not Wear Makeup!

Okay, I know what you're thinking. Why would I have to teach you how to not wear makeup if its as simple as, well, just not putting on makeup. But I know that for a lot of women it's not quite that simple. I've been unsure for a couple of weeks now whether to write this post or not since my blog is all about makeup. But going makeup free is something I feel strongly about so I finally decided I would. Getting back on topic, I understand that a lot of women don't have the self- esteem to be able to go without makeup which I feel really sad about. But I can also sympathize with them because I used to be the exact same, and sometimes I still am. In no way am I saying that you (and I) should never wear makeup. I'm just saying that going makeup free for a few days a week can be really beneficial for both your skin, and you confidence. These are just a few tips I use, and thought I'd share with you to help you feel a bit more confident going au naturel.

1. Use a Primer

On the days where I don't feel like wearing makeup I go in with a primer after applying my morning skincare. What some people don't realize is that you can still use a primer when you are not planning on wearing makeup. If you choose one that works well for your skin type it can make your skin look just that little bit better without caking on the foundation. Blur creams are all the rage at the moment and I love the 5 Second Magic Blur by Garnier. It fills in my pores and reduces any shine.

2. Curl your Lashes

 Every girl should invest in an eyelash curler whether they wear makeup or not. I got mine for around $6 from Farmers. Curling your lashes can really open up your eyes and make them look bigger without having to apply mascara. Its so simple and takes hardly any time but it's so effective!

3. Pop On Some Sunnies

If you're leaving the house and you feel a little bit uncomfortable showing your bare face, you can always pop on some sunglasses. It's a trick all the celebs use. Having your eyes and a bit of your face covered means you have a little less to feel self-conscious about. And don't worry, I guarantee you'll be able to go without them eventually, in your own time. Small steps!

4. Dress to Impress

Just because you aren't wearing any makeup doesn't mean you have to wear your oldest clothes and your hair in a messy bun. I know that's exactly what you feel like doing when you don't think you look your best. But sometimes wearing your favorite dress and styling your hair can give you that extra boost in confidence when you don't have any makeup on.

5. Tame Those Brows

Come on ladies, if we were all granted three wishes I bet perfectly tamed brows would be on everyone's list. A good brow can make all the difference when you don't have any makeup on. Giving them some attention each night when you do your skincare routine is a great idea. Then in the morning, spray some hairspray onto a clean mascara wand and brush through them to keep them in place all day.

6.Put on a Bit of Lip Balm

This is a pretty obvious one, but sometimes keeping you lips in tact can keep you looking a lot fresher when you are bare faced. No one likes the look or feel of dry chapped lips, so keep them looking their best with a bit of lip balm.

7. Look After Your Skin

If you want your skin to look good without makeup, you have to look after it. Pretty self-explanatory right? This means to get your skin in it's best condition you have to at least cleanse and moisturize your skin morning and night with products to suit your skins needs. Your face is what you present to the world so naturally you want it to look its best. Having good a good skincare regime is the best way to achieve this. I know for a lot of people the thought of going without skin makeup is terrifying. I still feel this exact same way. I get pimples, all the time. But you just have to trust in the fact that no one can affect the way you feel about yourself, but yourself. You have no reason to feel self-conscious because people are too busy to be worrying about the spots on your face. In all honesty, going without makeup is the best thing I could have done for my acne. It was awful to begin with, but you come a lot more comfortable as time elapses.

8. Smile!

Go stand in the mirror. First of all, stare at your reflection, expressionless. After a few second of this, try smiling at your reflection. Notice the difference? Which one do you think looked better? Sometimes simply smiling can make you look 10 times better, makeup or no makeup. Smiling also makes you feel better on the inside. Its a win- win!


For me, the best thing about not wearing makeup when I don't want to is that when I don't have time to, I still feel confident because I am used to it. On the days I go without, it literally takes me 20 minutes to get ready. It really is so liberating being able to leave the house without anything on my face. Its kind of like flipping the bird to society in a sense. I'm definitely not saying you shouldn't wear makeup because I love it. Makeup is so much fun! But when you start to feel as though you have to wear makeup as opposed to you get to wear makeup, something isn't right. No one should ever feel like that, so taking a break from makeup may be what you need.