Say No To Chapped Lips and Dry Skin!

Hey everyone,

We're aiming to get you guys prepared for the winter (for those who actually have a cold winter). So to continue this little series, we're gonna get on the skincare subject now.

Now we all have experienced the dry flaky skin, the chapped lips, the dry rough hands during the winter time, right? This is because the cold temperatures cause slow blood circulation, so therefore your skin does not receive the right amount of nutrients. Also when you are inside, the dry environment cause by the heating will affect your skin as well. Whilst you are going back and forth from cold to dry heat, it confuses your skin so it can't balance itself out. The results would be dry flaky itchy skin and redness. So we have to try now and prepare just so it doesn't get like that again.


Make sure you cleanse your face as you would normally, however make sure it has no alcohol or less alcohol in the cleansers as alcohol will cause your skin to dry out.











Exfoliation is still key, it always is! Exfoliating will get your blood circulation going as well and get rid of the nasty flaky skin. Also build up on flaky skin will be stopped.





Now that your skin is free from build up, you can MOISTURIZE! Very important during the winter. I would advise you to go heavier on the moisturizer. Whether you have dry, combination, oily, sensitive or normal skin. Inexpensive moisturizers are: Ponds Cream for Dry Skin, Palmer's Cocoa Butter, Nivea Creme, E45, Shea Butter and Oil of Olay.






Also for the extra protection you can invest in a really good serum. It does not have to be an anti aging serum. There are loads of serums that has the benefit of restoring vitamins, protecting your skin etc. We all know the expensive ones, so the inexpensive ones you can find in any drugstore. Also try Vitamin E oil, since it will leave an oily residue you could just use 1-2 drops and apply it evenly onto your skin before you go to sleep. This way you won't be walking around like you just ran a 5000000 mile marathon. Also your skin restores itself while you sleep, so why not give it some extra push and you will wake up with baby soft skin.

SUNSCREEN! Yes sunscreen. People seem to think that once its not hot anymore you don't need to protect your skin from UV rays. Did you know the rays can be reflected on the snow, which then bounces off onto your face? Yeah totally does! So do not forget your Sunscreen. SPF 15 or more is advised.
The best thing about our foundations is that they contain SPF 15. So that's the MAC Studio Fix Fluid and No7 Mineral Perfection Powder.
A good sunscreen that is suitable for all skin types even sensitive skin is the La Roche Posay Anthelios AC Extreme Fluid SPF30.

I'm sure you don't want chapped lips. So to prevent that, use petroleum jelly otherwise known as vaseline in your daily routine. Or try using lip balms that contain cocoa butter and shea butter, they are very thick and moisturize your lips very well. So keep it with you at all times! Buy multiples and have it in your handbag, jacket, nightstand and bathroom.






Let's not forget the lovely hands. They're also exposed a lot, whereas feet stay warm in the fuzzy socks that we tend to wear when its cold. A good and effortless trick is to use the residue of your skincare products on your hands. Like after you put your serum, sunscreen and moisturizer on just rub it all over your hands too. Also keep a handlotion in your bag as well such as the Nivea Q10 Hand creme or Burt's Bees Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Creme.





The best way for your skin to absorb these products is after a shower/bath when your pores are open and your skin is ready to absorb the products.

Little Tip: Apply your skincare products at least 30 minutes before you step out into the cold, this way it has time to absorb into your skin and form a protective layer over your skin.

That's it for now. If you follow these steps carefully you will have super nice healthy glowing skin during the winter. Better than a crusty face, don't you think?

Let us know if you have any questions or requests.

Love, Peace & Awesomeness

HDCandy xXx

Don't let your hair wither away in the winter...

Hey Everyone!


So with the Winter on its way, extra precautions need to be taken to keep your hair silky, soft, smooth and full of life. Just because the trees are left bare and lifeless doesn't mean that your hair has to be. We have a few hints and tips that will help overcome those winter blues. 


1. Use good haircare products: 


* If you have coloured hair, use shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for coloured hair. 
* If your hair is uncoloured, use "for dried or damaged hair" or "protecting and repairing" shampoo and conditioner. 
* Try to avoid using too much heat on your hair but......
* If you feel the need to blow dry or use heat on your hair, use heat protectactant creams or sprays. You can also buy some which prevent firzz, which is always a bonus, especially during weather where humidity is high. 
* Split ends are inevitable! We hate them, but they love us. Dry hair increases the chances of split ends. So split ends to hair in winter is like a moth to a flame. To prevent this, use frizz serum on the tips of your hair. This will seal up the split and stop new splits from developing. 


2. Eat and drink right:


* Your hair is a part of your body....and therefore whatever you eat and drink will have an effect on it. 
* Eat your recommended 5 portions of fruits/vegetables a day. It will provide you with all the vitamins and nutrients that you need to make your hair shinier and longer. 
* Another alternative (for you lazier ones :p) and for those who already have a lack of vitamins is to take vitamin supplements i.e. tablets. Check that it is ok with your doctor first. 


3. Protect your hair from the weather:


* Always carry an umbrella with you in case it rains. The rain contains acid (from exhaust fumes etc) which will not be kind to your hair. A simple inexpensive umbrella will prevent any damage caused by acid rain. 
* Similarly, keep your hair protected by wearing a hat - a stylish one of course!
* Keep some frizz serum/conditioner in your bag in case you do get caught in the rain without an umbrella or a hat. 


4. Be nice to your hair: Give it some TLC


* Avoid using curlers, blow dryers or straighteners. Let your hair blow in the wind naturally. Or....keep it tied up. 
* If you do decide to wear your hair back and tie it up, don't give yourself botox! Wear it loose. Pulling your hair will only strain it and damage it more. And you may end up pulling a lot of hairs out!


So these are our basic tips on how to keep your hair looking and feeling full of volume, shiny and healthy. 


We have a few videos up on youtube about haircare products, hair growing tips etc. So by all means go and check them out and maybe that will help you in deciding what products to use. 


Hope you have found this blog helpful. If you have any requests (videos or blogs) please do let us know and we'll get back to you as quickly as possible. 


Love, Peace and Awesomeness, 


HDCandy xXxXx

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Glowing in the Rain...

Hey all!!!

So it's that time of the year again - when the sunshine (the very little that we get) decides to disappear and we're left with miserable, cold, wet and gloomy weather. Funny thing ain't it....Autumn! But that doesn't mean that you can't strut through leaf filled streets looking radiant, glowing and fabulous. This blog will focus on makeup trends and the do's of autumn....stick to these and you'll be hotter than the equator!

One of the hottest makeup looks right now??? The natural, or nude look. What is it - well....exactly what it sounds like. Makeup which makes you look as natural and makeup free as possible. A bit of a cheat - I know! But when it leaves everyone's heads turning, well, what does it matter how you got the look??

So what does this look involve? A flawless complexion, skin coloured lips and plenty of contouring. The perfect everyday look which can easily be varied to suit special occasions: 

*Create your perfect natural complexion with a blend of concealer and foundation

* Defining your eyebrows makes all the difference. And this Autumn, bold eyebrows are a must! Contour them (not to the point where they look drawn on and artificial of course) and leave the rest of your makeup light. . 

* Use the shades of Autumn for your eyes. Golds are not only the classic "safe colours" but they are also classy, sophisticated and so autumn! Be daring as introduce oranges, mustard colours and corals (very frequently seen on the YSL and Dior catwalks) 

* Accentuate and define your eyes with eyeliner. For the day version, use a bit of eyeshadow to create a slight smokey eye. 

* Take it up a notch and use metallic, black and purple to create a smouldering, sensual, sultry, sexy smokey eyes which instantly convert the look into a night time one

* Leave your lips light coloured. Use nude coloured glosses, lipsticks, stains...or even just balm/chapstick to keep them conditioned. 

* Want to add colour to the look? Is the whole nude theme too bland and 'blahh' for you? Ok! Worry not...instead of having nude lips, complete the look with bold lips. Corals, reds and browns are THE autumn colours...so go for one of them. Use a lip liner to line your lips and get that perfect shape. Use the same liner to fill your lips in so that the colour stands out and lasts. Finally use a lipstick or a gloss to add shine to your luscious lips!

* We all love that summer glow, but ladies drop those self tanners and let your skin become more milky white. You will look very chic and vintage sexy, especially with those red smackers! Use bronzer to contour your cheeks and gain a more natural looking glow. Get rid of bright blush and choose more muted metallic colours and satun textures. 

VOILA! The perfect autumn makeup done. Of course its a simple look which, with variations can easily become a night time look. Its simple to do, very stylish, and is seen on catwalks all over the world! 

If you need any help achieving any of these looks, please don't hesitate to ask us - it's what we're here for!

We'll gladly guide you or make a tutorial showing you exactly how you can achieve these fabulous looks.

STAY BEAUTIFUL,

Love, Peace and Awesomeness

HDCandy xXxXx

  

Autumn/Fall Trends 2011

Hey everyone,

Well if you live in England, you may have realised that the summer season is over, or didn't even start. Just skipped summer and went straight to rainy autumn. I've heard that there was hail in Paris. Is that even normal?

Anyways! So since we gotta prepare for school/college/uni and/or work if you were on holiday, I looked up at the fashion trends for this horrible weather.

The good thing is that... ok no good thing about summer ending. I know some people like the colder season, but  for me personally it ain't.

My favourite style this summer was colour blocking. I gotta tell you when that trend came along, I was super excited and I loved how the colours clashed yet made the outfit looks so amazing. And I'm so glad you can follow this trend through Fall or more like early Fall.

The trick is LAYERING! So first and second images show a pop of colour with neutrals. So that means you can perhaps find some nice bright coloured skinny jeans and pair it with a white tank, under a cream cardigan and a nice beige jacket on top. If you're really cold then get yourself a nice fluffy scarf to go with it. 

Third image has a more daring colour blocking going on, but yet looks sophisticated. This outfit is more of a lunch/dinner after a shopping spree look. And last image is perfect for work, more a muted green with a lot of greys and blacks involved. 

SHOES! Well booties and boots are a Fall/Winter must have! They are perfect to keep you warm, won't let the rain get through and just looks fabulous! For the more warmer Fall days try open toe booties. But be warned! No one likes seeing horrible toe nails and crusty feet. So take care of them! All year round! 

OH LEATHER LEATHER LEATHER! We all had our fair share of good and bad outfits with them. I must say, leather is not for everyone especially if you're not confident. It's quite a daring look. 

However, you can dress a leather skirt down with a nice shirt or blouse and a pretty simple coat or jacket (that is NOT leather). 

Leather has quite an egdy look to it. So when you wear it make sure you walk with confidence.
If you are unsure of a leather skirt, try a leather jacket instead. Hey we all gotta take baby steps with something at some point in our lives, right?


Another favourite of mine is more on the androgynous side of fashion. Take a look at this!

This style has been seen a lot lately, especially by Janelle Monae who is known for her single Tightrope (feat Big Boi). Who said only men can pull a tuxedo off? Even Jennifer Beals wore one in the movie Flashdance (1983). You can pair a blazer like this with some nice skinny jeans and platform pumps for an event or dinner.
Going back to the colour blocking, you could try and pair it with a bright coloured blouse/shirt and a bright colour tuxedo blazer. You can pair these outfits with some platform pumps or if you prefer flat shoes then you can always go with brogues.


To finish off I have some pieces from Alice & Olivia. This look is more muted, classy and very feminine.

The creams, beige, whites and camel tones won't ever go out of style. When you don't know what to wear or you're confused, just go for the neutrals. They work well in every environment whether its for lunch, shopping, class, dinner with your boyfriends family or even to go out. It's oh so classy and breathtaking. 

My tip is to pair these neutrals with some sequins, like a sequin clutch or shoes or even a headband. Gold is the best option to go for. Just makes you stand out for all the right reasons!

Little tip to stay warm and looking your best is layering. But not to the extent where you like like some human Michelin Man! Try knee high socks over nude or coloured tights. Cardigans and scarfs over tank tops. 

Also, if you like wearing black a lot or dark colours during the colder season like me, try to add a pop of colour. I have some huge collection of scarfs. In all different colours, so if I am dressed in all dark colours I just add a simple bright coloured scarf to the outfit and voila from creep to CHIC and all this without spending tons of money. 

Also I know the images are from the runway and you can't always get your hands on designer items. But those pictures were provided to inspire your and give you an example. You can easily buy these items in your local mall for a fraction of the price of the designer items! 

Oh and last tip (I promise) invest in a good strong umbrella! You don't wanna mess up that nice hair of yours! 

Ok guys, hope this helps! And don't forget to comment if you have any questions. 

Also please check out our channel for other updates and makeup looks

www.youtube.com/hdcandyx 

Love, Peace & Awesomeness

HDCandy xXx

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In search of God....

A touchy subject....GOD!

Does he exist? Who is he? How do we connect with him? Is he even a him??

So many unanswered questions, yet somehow religion remains an institution with such a strong backbone. 

On a daily basis, we come across religious beliefs, values and practices. Even if you yourself are not a believer in God, chances are someone you know is. Either way, every day is one encountered by some sort of religious input.

For instance, we have been talking about difficult situations and how to deal with them....religion is one of the possible answers. Every religion has a guide to obtaining what we call "inner peace" or "spiritual peace". Namely, how to obtain a mental state of mind where you feel invincible and are therefore ready to face anything.

One of Religion's biggest rivals - Science!

Science has set out to find answers to everything and anything. A miraculous recovery, a brain dead body, the circumference of the earth. You name it....Science will have an answer, if not a theory!

The question is, does Science overshadow Religion? Do the advances in Science mean that Religion is becoming less valuable in the lives of the new generation? Will there be a time where Religion will become extinct due to the endless advances in the methodological studies of the material world?

Religion for me (Harj) will always play a very big role in my life. Being a practising Sikh means that I seek great comfort from my Religion, including in times of hardship. I find that praying and meditating helps me clear my mind and get myself into that medium where I feel positive about the things that I do have, instead of embracing the negativity about the things that I don't have. I believe that God is everywhere. If I were to sit in a room, calm myself down and focus on God, I believe he will be there. I don't believe that we need to go out of our ways to visit places of worship just to connect with God. I do also believe in Karma, and the "what goes around comes around" concept. Do something good and you shall be rewarded by God.

However, here comes the conflictual irony - being a practising Medical Student, I am obliged to think Scientifically at all times. If a patient were to come to me with signs of depression, there is no way in which I could prescribe my patient a meditation CD or tell them to pray. For one they'd look at me as though I have lost my mind and secondly...I'd have no proof that it would work! Just because it helps me doesn't necessarily mean that it will have the same effect on another individual. The feeling and the strength in belief has to come from within....and some people just don't have it.

Maybe this is why Science is streaming well ahead of Religion...Science is backed up by tables, graphs and an unending script of results and conclusions whereas Religion is based on faith and belief!

There are many people who are sceptical of religion and say "if there really is a God, then why do people suffer, why is there poverty, why are innocent children in third world countries dying from hunger?" Yes, it does seem that way doesn't it. But then my lovely readers, I'd like for you to consider this:

If Science has the answers and solutions for everything - then why do people suffer, why is there poverty, why are innocent children in third world countries dying from hunger??? We know for a fact that the world produces enough food (with the aid of Science) to feed everyone on this earth. Yet why is it that not everyone is fed? Instead of finding ways to reduce suffering in the world, scientists spend vast numbers of years making weapons, only for more cities and countries to be destroyed, and for more trouble to be bestowed upon the world.

So I ask.....is Science really as good a thing as everyone makes out? Have we crossed the limit by letting everything have a Scientific explanation? Should we start to bring back and reinforce religious beliefs?

Who says it's wrong to think of a cure to an illness as a miracle? Who says it's wrong to believe that we can gain strength and power from something that we cannot see or hear?? Why are we so caught up on having an answer for everything? Isn't it best to leave some mysteries in life?

Like I said, this is a very touchy subject. One with many different views and opinions. I've just portrayed mine and do NOT have the intentions to offend anyone.

Each one of us have our own conceptions, realisations and understanding of God. This somewhat depends on our intrinsic make-up, training and environment of life alongside mental conditioning.


Let me know what you think and what you make of this never ending debate ....

Love, Peace and Awesomeness

HDCandy xXxXx

Wanna know our SECRET?!?

Hey guys,

We just wanna thank you for the comments and feedback on our blog. You have no idea how much we appreciate all your input. And obviously we're doing these blogs and youtube videos for you guys, to keep you entertained and maybe to teach you a couple tips and tricks. So again a HUGE THANK YOU TO YOU ALL!!

So let's talk about our little secret. It's not so much of a secret. Recently I (Dee) bought a book called 'The Secret' by Rhonda Byrne. This book was recommended by a close friend of mine, and we've been talking about the main point, which is the law of attraction, for quite some time (2 years to be exact). I never got really into it, until I've started seeing the change in my friends life.

I was really intrigued and so I bought the book. And let me tell you MAJOR LIFE CHANGING!

So the great secret of life is the Law of Attraction. In other words, like attracts like. When you think a thought, you are also attracting like thoughts to you. And you're somewhat of a human transmitter, transmitting a frequency with your thoughts.

This means that if you have good thoughts, good things will come back. However if you have bad thoughts, bad things will come. It's not that easy mastering this skill of good thoughts. As seen in yesterdays blogpost, everyone goes through tough times and it consumes you, it eats you up inside. All your thoughts are committed to those bad things, and when you think it can't get any worse; it does!

As stated like attracts like. So whilst your thinking how terrible everything is, it may get even worse, cause you are attracting those things by thinking about it.

I had to learn this the hard way. I had a problem last year while I was at university in London. I thought I got away from it, but I kept on thinking about it, or something that is similar to what happened. And guess what? Like I said, like attracts like. That problem followed me back home and hit me hard! I was struggling, I was at a dark place. But then I spoke to Harj about it, she reassured me that it will get better. However, I didn't completely believe it, until a solution appeared right in front of me. It was a bit of a struggle but the good thoughts that made me believe that I deserve better and everything will work out helped.

Also, I'm pretty bored with studying law. I may be good at it, but I don't enjoy it thoroughly. But MAKEUP! OMG don't even get me started. I love anything related to makeup, I love doing makeup looks and everything. So again as like attracts like, HDCandy are now doing makeup on photoshoots. We have recently been contacted by another photographer who would like for us to work with him, and fingers crossed we'll get that job!

So when you have a problem, talk about it with a friend get your emotions out and then let go. It's not easy, we both know that! But trying is the first step you gotta take. Once you let go, and hope for good things, a door will open that will get you further.

"Your thoughts determine your frequency, and your feelings tell you immediately what frequency you are on. When you feel bad, you are on the frequency of drawing more bad things. When you feel good, you are powerfully attracting more good things to you."

"The feeling of love is the highest frequency you can emit. The greater the love you feel and emit, the greater the power you are harnessing."

The simple steps of this is to 1) ASK     2) BELIEVE      3) RECEIVE

Start with simple things in life if you want. But make sure you believe in it and it will happen.

If you are skeptical and don't believe me, then read up the story of the author for Chicken Soup for the Soul - Jack Canfield. Or the story of Morris Goodman also known as the Miracle Man. And there are so many other stories of how the secret has helped. Whether its health, money or lifestyle. It will work as long as you believe it with all your heart.

If you wanna be a lawyer, doctor, astronaut, makeup artist, photographer etc. As long as you have that persistent thought to become whatever you wanna be, then it will happen.

I'd rather be a makeup artist than a lawyer and well all these opportunities are arising!

Trust me, this works. So far it has worked really well for us, and it keeps on working.

If you would like for us to elaborate on this then let us know and we will do that.

But for now, you can google and youtube THE SECRET by Rhonda Byrne, and find out how you can help yourself. Cause your destiny lies in your hands, God and the Universe will get you there as long as you know what you want. If you don't believe in God, well you can't deny the universe and its force and quantum physics!

Anyways guys, I'll leave you at that. Hope this helps a little! :)

Love, Peace and Awesomeness

HDCandy xXx

A little dose of life...

Hey Everyone!


So we're taking a detour from make-up, fashion, hair and all those things that make us look fabulous. 


We figured that just because we're HDCandy didn't mean that we couldn't blog about life. I mean, we are humans too right? Ordinary humans living ordinary lives. 


We face many dilemmas in life, whether those are educational stresses or financial difficulties. There comes a time in our lives when we wish that we could be someone else. It's natural! The grass is always greener on the other side! We prefer to be someone who we perceive to be better off than us, without actually knowing everything about them. For all we know, they may want to be us for a completely different reason!


Times of hardship are dealt with differently. Some prefer to bottle it all up to the point where they can't sleep, eat, drink or think straight. Others on the other hand prefer to get high/drunk to the point where they forget all about their problems. Which way is the right way? Well...neither!  


All problems have a solution. Solutions may not hit us in the face like problems do, but with careful thought, every problem can be resolved. The best thing to do is talk to someone. If you don't feel comfortable speaking to a family member, then speak to a close friend. If you don't want to speak to a friend then that's ok too.....counsellors and agony aunts exist for a reason! Sometimes it may be easier to speak to a stranger than someone you know, mainly due to the fear of being judged. Well if speaking to a stranger is less stressful for you - do it!


The aim is to get rid of all the negatively and embrace a positive attitude and point of view. Only then will it be possible to come up with a solution.

"You can never solve a problem on the level on which it was created"


                                                                                     Albert Einstein


So stay positive, chin up and fight those evil demons! 


And remember, HDCandy is always here to listen to your problems, if there just isn't anyone out there who listens to you. 


Love, Peace and Awesomeness


HDCandy xXxXx