Smashbox Full Exposure Review

Hey guys!

So my dad took a trip to America recently and as one would, I requested he bring me back make up, I mean who wouldn’t? On my seemingly endless list was the “Full Exposure” eyeshadow palette by Smashbox.

In my efforts to try and use this wonderful thing I discovered it was probably one of THE most underrated products out there. I absolutely love it and having used Urban Decay's Naked palette before, I would definitely score "Full Exposure" above "Naked 1"

Racism

Despite what the media or the people around you may say, racism is as prevalent today as it was in the 1950s.

If you look beyond the superficial layer of tolerance that many countries display where people of colour (POC) interact seamlessly with white people, the utterly disgusting prejudice that lies beneath suddenly becomes a blaring orange light.

Whether it’s from the small but significant wage difference, or the blatantly obvious injustice occurring in America right now, RACISM IS REAL.

I’ve seen a lot of comments, all which seem to float around the idea that: “Racism isn't as serious an issue as people make it to be. Stop going on about something that's not relevant anymore."

Right. Not relevant.

Let’s look at the facts, shall we?

Billions of people around the world have been subject to the horrific, and often violent, actions of people based solely because they held a different skin tone. I myself, amongst them.

Millions of people in America are paid a lower wage because of their skin tone or their heritage; because of where they come from and what they look like.

A Cherrios commercial on American TV depicting a mixed race family with a white mother and a black father caused OUTRAGE amongst white people because “you’re polluting the minds of our children”.

So let me ask again, is racism REALLY not relevant?

No?

Well, tell that to the 18 year old, Mike Brown, who was shot six times because a police officer thought he’d robbed a store, despite having held his arms up in surrender.

Tell that to the fact that his murderer is now walking FREE with $400,000 having been donated to him for having killed a Black Teenager.

Tell that to the fact that when someone rang up 911 to report an incident, they were asked TWICE whether the person in danger was WHITE or BLACK.

Tell that to the fact that a white football star was allowed to return to school with no charges laid against him after he violently raped a girl and posted it online for the world to see, yet when a 12 year old boy was found paying with a toy gun, he too was killed.

Tell that to the people who have had their lives torn apart because America struggles to keep their own people under control.

Tell that to the fact that “racism is not real” but “reverse racism is a fact”.

Welcome to a world where despite our history, we don’t seem to learn and instead repeat actions of the past hoping for a different outcome (which is the definition of insanity).

Welcome to the 21st Century where people form the future will look back and say: fuck, I’m glad I wasn't alive back then.

Welcome to a world where when a white man goes on a shooting rampage, it’s associated with a mental illness and he is sympathised with; where a black man accused of killing a police dog is faced with 35 years of imprisonment but a white man who killed an innocent 18 year old boy is allowed to walk free.

Welcome to racism.

Eid

Hiiiii! So we’d like to first of all start off by wishing everyone who celebrates Eid, whether it be today or tomorrow or any day after, an Eid Mubarak and even to those who don’t. We hope you all have a blessed life and may god bring you all peace, prosperity and happiness from this day onwards.

Eid comes twice a year for us Muslims and to keep it simple they are both celebrations, hence the greeting “happy Eid” or “Eid Mubarak” which translates to “have a blessed Eid”.

The first Eid comes after the month of Ramadan which is the ninth month on the Islamic calendar and it is a period in time where we are encouraged to fast (no eating, drinking, smoking, basically no ingesting anything) for a whole month as well as to give charity where we can. The fasting is a practiced method of cleansing our souls/bodies and giving us a period of time to reflect, repent and to forgive. Abstaining from eating (generally from sun up to sundown), almost all other activities that is a privilege instead of a need (such as music and tv), allows us to empathise with those who are not as lucky as we are and thus, it encourages us (for a little while at least) to be grateful for what we have and not be bitter over what we lack. The purpose is to teach us patience and humility and to exercise restraint in order to achieve a closer relationship with Allah (God). Following the month of Ramadan, we have Eid al-Fitr which is also known as the “Feast of the Breaking of The Fast” is a period of celebration where we gather together to pray in the morning then visit family and friends for the next few days sharing our joy and handing out gifts to one another.

Top 10: Lipsticks Review

Hi guys!

This one’s been heavily requested (according to Rama) so I’m going to do a quick review of 10 of my go-to lipsticks/balms. I’ve tried to include a combination of nudes and more vivid colours just so you guys get to look at it from a broader perspective. I’ve also tried to do a combination of high-end and drugstore brands to make it slightly more universal (YSL or Chanel aren’t included because I’m poor).

The lipsticks I have chosen come from various brands: Revlon, MAC, Bourjois and Rimmel. Most of them can be purchased in Priceline (ranging from about $8 to $25) and the MAC ones can be purchased in Myer or any other retailers who supply MAC products ($36). It was so hard to choose 10 out of my collection but I managed, haha.

HSC/VCE Stress

Hey Guys!

Soooooo some of you guys have requested advice on the HSC/VCE and how to deal with the stress of it all. Now as someone who is utterly freaking out about their exams in two weeks *heavily breathes* I thought it would be great if we had a lil chat about it.

Okay so I totally know how all you stress heads are feeling right now, if anything I am the biggest stress head you’ll find, but I’ve got some tips to help you beat that heavy weight on your chest:

1.       WATER, WATER, WATER! Okay I cannot stress how important hydrating yourself is, especially in high pressure situations. Water is the key to everything! Got a pimple? Drink water and that bitch will be gone before you can say “tupac lives” Stressing out? Water will wash away the pain!

2.       Motivational walls. I’ve found that having motivational pictures dotted around my room really help. They remind me of who I am and who I want to be! It keeps me wanting to strive for achievement and most importantly they remind me not to give up. This is our time to shine and ain’t nobody got time for giving up.

3.       Healthy food. I am the first one to run to unhealthy food, I pounce on that shit like it’s nobody’s business (terrible I know) However  I’ve found recently that improving my diet and substituting my hungry jacks for a fresh and nutrient filled meal has really given me the energy boost I’ve needed. Grains and vegetables are a must and don’t forget the protein, lamb, chicken or turkey whatever you want. Also including exercise into your daily routine gets you feeling more energised and really helps to give you the kick-start you need!

4.       Herbal teas/ green tea. Okay when I first tried green tea I felt like I was drinking Satan’s wee, that stuff was nasty, but the more I drank the more I fell in love. Green tea has so many benefits from clearing up your skin to speeding up your metabolism, it works wonders!

5.       SLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP! Sleep is so damn essential you wouldn’t believe. Experts say you should be getting a minimum of seven hours of sleep a night. Your body needs this time to recuperate and repair.  Trust me the more sleep you get, the more your body will thank you. Try going to sleep around the same time every day, so that your body falls into a routine!

6.       Most importantly, love yourself. You are fabulous and you can do this! You’re gonna ace those exams, don’t stress yourself out. Take time out here and there, too much stress will only make you forget what you’re doing!

This is your last year of school, take the bull by the horns (figuratively of course, please don’t go out and grab a bulls horns) and enjoy yourself. Kick those exams in the butt and believe in yourself you boss ass biatch!

Copyright: Instagram

Lots of luck,

Kimiz xo