Summer Senses-Summer Blogger Challenge, Week 6

Hello Ladies!

So it`s week 6 of The Summer Blogger Challenge set by Amy . This week is "Summer Senses"

This could be interpreted in any way. The way I am taking this up is using "senses" as my inspiration.  Summer for me is the end of May, June, July and August. 

So what do I feel is my "Summer Senses"....

Flowers:

There are two flowers that make summer for me, and remind me of when I was little picking them and my mum having them in the house.  The flowers are Lilacs and Honeysuckles. The smell of them both are so different but smell so good. They are a wild flower usually, but can be hard to find, depending on the what way the summer goes, especially in Ireland.

*images from Pintrest*

Colours:

When summer comes in I love Neon, Bright colours, whether on the nails or with a lippy. Bright/Neon Pink, Orange and Yellow are my favourites. They really get me in the mood for Summer and the weather. You can make them stand out or pair them down. 

*images from Pintrest and Google search*

Scents:

This one is quite a random one! There are 3 scents that make summer for me! One is citrus smells like oranges. I love whether is body lotions or candles. Orange scents are so summery for me. Another scent is quiet similar to each other. Freshly cut grass! You know summer has landed and the weather has picked up when you see people out in the gardens planting and cutting their grass. Another is odd, but being from the country in Ireland and brought up around a farm environment the smell of cut HAY is another summer scent for me.  It reminds me when I was little rolling and jumping in the rows of hay before they where made into bales. So it brings back alot of memories. 

*images from Pintrest*

Allergies:

This one is not fun for me! I suffer with Hayfever because I have asthma! As much as I love grass cut and hay cut, it does not effect me. I get bad headaches or sneeze a hell of a lot. Do any of you have hayfever?

*image from google search*

Me and my Boyfriend:

Me and my boyfriend John are going to be 7 years together this August, so the end of Summer for me is our anniversary.  I`m not gunna get mushy here! Wont do that to ye, but it is a summer sense if that makes sense to you. Its my feeling of the end of the summer.

*image from Pintrest*

I hope you enjoyed this post. It was a little bit random, but I suppose it let you get to know me more. 

If you want to know more about me or want to see a certain post. Let me know!

Heres where to find me:

Email: nataliekeanemua@gmail.com

Facebook:Natalie Keane MUA

Twitter: @Natke05

Instagram: nataliekeanemua

Till Next Time!

Natalie xx

Packing for Summer - Week 5 Summer Blogger Challenge

Hi Girls!

Welcome to another week of the Summer Blogger Challenge, week 5 to be exact!

Cannot believe we are 5 weeks into Summer! It`s flying by!

Again Amy has set another great challenge, "Packing for Summer".

As it is still the time for people heading away on there Holidays, it can be hard to decide what to bring. The dilemma of will I pack this, will I take this, will I need this?, is commonly going around in our heads.  I know for me I make a mental list in my head late at night , in bed, which can stress you out before you head off. 

So to make that list a little easier, here are my TOP 5 items/products that are a must have when "Packing for Summer".

Packing for Summer Top 5:

1. Dry Shampoo, Batiste Dry Shampoo, €3.80. 

I cannot leave without this. I wash my hair every 3rd day, so for that 2nd and 3rd day its great to freshen up. I use the dark one, because the other ones leave a white residue in my hair, and when I am away or on holiday, I just want to make doing my hair simple and easy. Dry shampoo is great for that hot weather also, when your hair will not hold volume, due to the HOT weather, so spray a little into the roots when hair is fresh clean or day old, it doesn't matter, it will give you the volume you need, for that night out. 

There are so many dry shampoos and scents and colours out now, so there is one for everyone. 

*Image from Google search*

2. Sudocrem, Sudocrem €3.50

This is something I always have either at home or when away. It is not just useful when you have a baby, but is great for a whole other things. Sudocrem is an antiseptic cream, which works wonders, especially if you are away. Wheather its a bite from a insect, a cut or a spot that is coming up, applying Sudocrem will disinfect that area and keep the area clean and protect it so it can do its work and allow the area to heal or go down. If i have a bad break out, I apply  it to the spots before bed and the next day I do see a huge difference. Its one of those one product wonders and one I always have. 

*Image from Google search*

3. Body Spray, Boots Natural Collection Wild Strawberry Body Spray €3.00

We all love to smell good, when on holiday. For me I do find perfume to be a special product to use when on a date or in an intimate area, weather with friends or that special person. But during the day you still want to smell amazing, so a body spray is a great one to pack. I love the Strawberry scent, as its fruity and sweet, perfect for the day. It is not heavy and is lightweight. Its as though you always smelt like strawberries and is no unoffensive. I would wear this everyday and is a great way to freshen up. If you dont want to waste your GOOD perfume, get a sweet scent for the day and a deep scent like Vanilla for the evening. These are so simple to pop in your bag and are great on the go. There are loads to choose from from all different brands, so have fun choosing!

*image from Google search*

4. SPF, Riemann P20 Once a day prtctSpf 15,  30 or 50+,€32.99

This is a popular SPF in my opinion and a great one. SPF is so so so important in sunny weather, even if it doesn't seem hot or sunny, you can still burn. SPF is used to protect you from the harmful UVA/UVB rays. This one is suitable for the face aswell. But as long as it is waterproof , suitable for the face aswell as the body and has a high spf, you will be protected for your holiday.

*images from Google search*

5. BB Cream, Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream €11.99

I have probably mentioned BB Creams in so many of my posts, but to me its the perfect go to product for the summer. If you dont know what a BB cream is HERE is my post. I will always pack a foundation, but I love to wear a BB Cream during the day it is lightweight and has still more coverage than a tinted moisturiser. I like combine it with a liquid concealer if I find my skin breaking out. When I am in the sun, my face loves to break out in more and more Freckles, (haha) so I dont want to hide them and because i have an uneven tone a BB cream is light enough for me to feel natural. I love the Maybelline one especially as it isnt orange toned and suits my skin. Comes in Light , Medium and Dark and they suit alot of skin tones. It has a SPF of 30-35 and if you cannot get a spf for the face or if an spf breaks you out an BB is the best option! BUT DO NOT layer SPF, as it will cancel each other out and you will lose all the protection. 

*Image from Google search*

So that was my WEEK 5 "Packing for the Summer" post. I hope I may have helped you in some way. It was a random product list, but one that I stick to always. 

Any questions, please get in contact and let me know what you thought, have any other post ideas, want to collab with me or have a question on a product etc. 

WHERE CAN YOU FIND ME??

Email: nataliekeanemua@gmail.com

Facebook: Natalie Keane MUA

Twitter: @Natke05

Instagram: nataliekeanemua

Would love to hear from you, chat with you and follow you back, so get in touch!

Till Thursday!

Natalie xx

FIT FOR SUMMER! - Week 4, Summer Blogger Challenge

Morning Girls!

*WARNING: THIS WILL BE A LONG BLOG POST*

So again another Tuesday of "Summer Blogger Challenge", set by the wonderful Amy. Week 4 is as you see by the title "Fit for Summer"!!

In my previous post Week 3 Summer Bucket List and in alot of fellow bloggers, they mentioned they wanted to get fitter and maybe lose a few pounds, get healthier, toner and get a bikini body. 

For me it has been a goal since Christmas, and it is not an easy task, especially in this era, where there are so many temptations! 

Between Chocolate, Pizza, Chips, Pasta, Wine, Cheese, Sweets , there is so many things that we eat waaayyyy to often and should be kept as a treat or for special occasions. 

Since I have started this journey, I have been really interested in the knowledge and what is good and bad for your body. I am not saying it has all worked, but to be honest I am still finding my way. 

I love food, always have. I would rather go for a meal with my boyfriend and have a few glasses of wine and head home, then go to a nightclub and get drunk on a weekend! My boyfriend is a huge "CHOCOHOLIC" and me I love Savoury! I am a Starter and Main Course kinda girl, where he is a Main and Dessert man! Crazy but true. Also as my name means "christmas" in Italian, I honestly believe I am some fraction Italian, I love Italian food, soo much.....Not good when losing the pounds! (p.s I am 100% Irish)

Enough RAMBLING!!! lol,

How did I get started? I hope, may help you, in some way.

I looked at a photo last year that sacred me! The REAL reality of how much weight I gained is unreal! I cried and cried and then kicked my self in the a**  and said one Monday morning, it starts here, a new ME! 

I first got onto Pintrest and and set up an Inspiration board, things I wanted to gain as I got fitter. So I posted Food, Body Inspirations, Exercises, Clothes and Quotes that would motivate me. 

Heres my Pintrest Board: Fitness Inspiration (Follow me) 

The next thing I did was research blogs and REAL people that are helping people lose the weight or are on the same journey for there own reasons. I have been loving and following Miss Joanne Larby, an Irish Makeup Artist, Plus Size Model, Blogger and all round lovely lady she is also known as the the MAKEUP FAIRY, on her blog she has a Fairy Fitness series and they have been a great motivator for me. 

Another person is Pat Divilly, a personal trainer who is inspired by the Paleo Diet and gaining strength. He has a book out, which I own and is full of great tips and foods to help you get to where you want to go and exercises that have pictures and have detailed instructions.He has also an online client list, a 2 month blueprint to help you lose weight, A personal trainer online! More details on his facebook, have a look!

I love following REAL people rather then Celebs and what they use, as 9/10 times the truth is twisted in some way.  Even though we still envy their bodys, Kim Kardashian, Beyonce, Kate Upton, some I have craved to look like!

I have also begun to buy and cook better foods, cut out carbs 5 out the 7 days (white bread, white pasta, white rice etc), eat more veggies, especially greens, proteins and cutting out sugar in alot my foods. I have not had any Diet Coke in 8months! :) I have taken up Chamomile Tea, Green Tea and more Water. I would also keep a food diary,as you will be so surprised on what you actually eat in the day. Also track your mood, that can trigger your eating and you can see how and what can cause that overeating! Alot people count calories, for me to make it simple and that I have a limit, I go by the OLD Weight Watchers Points, I dont do the classes or follow is to a "T" but just as a guideline. 

Heres a example on what I would eat during the week. If you want a more detailed Diary, let me know.

The next decision I made was to work out! Not something I had done in ages. I used to play football, camogie (irish sport), handball, do Irish dancing and run. 

But once I got older and had to work, I had to give them up, thats when I gained the pounds. 

So now, I have been walking every morning 15-30mins briskly, do 20 leg presses and 20 arm presses. I try and do 50 squats 5 days a week, run 2o times up and down the stairs and stick the ipod in and do my own "THANG"! (It really makes ya sweat!) All these things have helped, but I am going to join the gym in the coming weeks and see what I can do there to better myself and advance my workout. 

Another thing that motivated me is getting some house equipment, a skipping rope, weights etc and some work out gear, I love Pennys, aka Primark! This will make you want to workout. They have some really colourful and some great easy equipment to start out with. 

So here are my beginner tips:

1. Weigh yourself and measure yourself to get a idea what weight you want to be

2. Look at what you are eating and cut down on the sugar.

3. Keep a food Diary

4. See your GP so that losing the weight is safe and get some tips.

5. Decide on some exercises and what you want to work on.

6. Create an inspiration board

7. Research new recipes to keep things fun and fresh.

8. Get some easy work out equipment for home

9. Look at some REAL people and follow their progress

10. Create a fun playlist to workout/dance to. 

11. Just weigh yourself every 2nd week or once a month, DON`T GET OBSESSED WITH NUMBERS! 

12. Every little pound adds to your goal, so be proud! 

13. Its OKAY! to have a CHEAT DAY & ENJOY IT!

I hope this may help your to get FIT FOR SUMMER and that what I am doing might give you some tips. I am not anyway a professional, only intrested in food and what it does and how our body works. :) (GEEK)lol!

I know it may have seemed rambly, but I wanted it to be more chatty and personal and not a HOW TO! This is what I am doing, kinda a diary form of thing. A letter to you all ,that are wanting and are in the middle of a journey. I am no expert and am still looking at new healthy options in getting fitter. I dont believe in diets as they are more damaging. I want a new lifestyle and feel good about myself. It is a physical change but also a mental and confidence and health change. Let me know what you thought and if you want an update and more in depth post on my journey, if it interests you. 

If you have any further suggestions for posts or series you would like to see contact me. How did you like this post?, please let me know.:)

Where can you find me?????

Email: nataliekeanemua@gmail.com

Facebook:Natalie Keane MUA

Twitter: Natalie Keane MUA

or Comment Below!

Till Positive Thursday!

Natalie x

Summer Bucket List - Week 3, Summer Blogger Challenge.

Hello Ladies,

Another week, another challenge, set by Amy . This week its out "Summer Bucket List".
This can be interpreted in so many different ways, so instead of keeping it very Beauty/Makeup related, it will vary!

I have so many things I want or want to do and a Bucket list is something that will keep you focused and to work hard towards it. 

Natalie Keane MUA SUMMER BUCKET LIST!!

1. Get healthy, fitter and lose weight! - This is a goal of mine since last year, but I have let everyday life take over completing this goal. I am still a long way from where I need to be, but I aim to be healthier and fitter than before the summer.

2. Expand my services- As a newly qualified makeup artist, work is hard to find on an everyday baisis, so I want to do a tanning and nail course, just to have as an extra. 

3. Build a client list- Again makeup related but important for me to have. 

4. Visit 2 new places in Ireland- I hate flying and money has stopped us going away this year, so I want to go to 2 places in Ireland I have never been and experience new food and environments. 

5. Create a Portfolio- I want a portfolio to show skills that I have and show how I progress. 

6. Be more outgoing- Not letting everyday worries effect me and live life!

7. Invest in new makeup and brushes- I want to get some new products to add to my kit.

8. A house- I want to have my own space with my boyfriend and call is home!

9. Get a dog- I really , REALLY, want a Bernese mountain dog! They are like a big teddy!

10. Experiment with my style- I want to try a new hairstyle and mix up my clothes, find new things I would never try!

11. Cook more!- I love to cook, but I keep it safe. I want to try new recipes and learn how to cook for 1 and cook for 10. Also want to learn some family recipes and have a good knowledge of foods.

12. Know more- I want to absorb and learn new things. I have a passion in makeup and beauty but also an interest in art, mental health and nutrition and fitness. So to learn more about these things, would be great. 

I hope my bucket list did not bore you! They are quiet personal and things I want to do THIS SUMMER! I have a LIFE bucket list and if you want a sneak peak at that, please let me know.

Any other posts/request, let me know!

Where can you find me?

Email: nataliekeanemua@gmail.com

Instagram: nataliekeanemua

Facebook:Natalie Keane MUA

Twitter: Natalie Keane MUA

or Comment Below!

Until Thursday Ladies!

Natalie xx

Summer Trends- #SummerBloggerChallenge Week 2!

Hello Ladies. 

So it`s week two of Summer Blogger Challenge, set by @amygoldfish . 

This week is "Summer Trends", which I love.

Again, a great one if you are heading on your holl`ers and want to try something you would never try on your everyday life!

Unfortunately it`s hardly warm or sunny today in Ireland, Thunder/Lightening....NEED I SAY MORE! But to take my mind off whats going outside, I am to be Summery inside! 

My trend for this summer is "BLUE & ORANGE"
Seen on the catwalks this year both in makeup and materials, Blue and Orange are in this Summer 2014..

                                               Image from Google Search*


When using blue this Summer, you can use it on the lid (looks great on Brown Eyes)  and create that smokey eye! OR as a liner on the waterline, which really opens up your eyes, great for that POP! Especially if you are testing the waters. One that was big on the red carpet was BLUE Gel Liner. There are so many ways to incorporate it into your makeup.

Image taken from Google search*

As for Orange I love to use it on my cheeks as a blush or on the lips. You can get different shades, weather its a coral, which is subtle or a bright orange lippy or an orange red lipstick, there are so many tones to choose from. If you find it doesnt suit you, keep trying different shades as different undertones suit different skins. Orange is a great upbeat, happy colour. A nice alternative to red, especially during the summer, I tend to leave the reds for the winter. 
Weather you want a light balm, a stain, a gloss, a lipstick there are so many now  to choose from. 

AND HERE`S MY CREATION!!

*makeup on myself and my own work and photo taken by me*

I used a blue liner and shadow on the waterline and under the lashline, groomed brows, highlighted cheekbones, a bronze to the skin, weather you go for heavy or light coverage foundation is up to you, I went for a medium coverage and concealed. I kept my skin glowy and dewy. I went for a light frosted silver shade on the eye and defined with a darker grey. Added black to the lash line and smudged. Curled lashes and black mascara.

Lips was a moisturizing balm in a bright orange. I love orange and blue with my brown hair. 

Product list:

Face:

Catrice Prime and Fine Primer

No7 Stay Perfect in Ivory

Loreal Lumi Maguiqe Primer

Rimmel Bronzer

Brows

MAC Mystery

Eyes

Urban Decay Primer in Greed

W7 in the Buff in Silk and Storm and Onyx

Catrice Absoulte Eye Colour in 730 Too Good to be Blue

Catrice Kohl Kajal Pencil in 110 Blue I know you?

MAC Zoom Lash mascara in Black

Lips

Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm in 245 Audacious

I really hope you like the "Summer Trend" I picked and recreated. Let me know what you think! :)

If you have any questions or requests please get in touch!

Comment Below, Email me: nataliekeanemua@gmail.com

Facebook Me and Tweet Me 

Till next time ladies!

Natalie xx

Summer Bag Essentials

Hello Ladies,

I was asked on Twitter to take part in a Summer Blogger Challenge, by Amy Goldfish . 

This weeks challenge is Summer Bag Essentials.

Since it`s now June, its the perfect start to the challenge, beach bags, suitcases are being packed. Unlikely for Ireland to have a HOT summer, but you never know. And incase we do, heres what I will have in my Summer bag. 


SPF:
At any time the year its important to wear an SPF. Bur especially when the sun is out, as the UVA/UVB rays are harmful to your skin. There are so many on the market these days, but make sure it is high enough. If you cannot get one you like, a primer/tinted moisturiser/foundation you choose should have an SPF, just dont layer Spf as it will cancel each other out. 
A great, an cheap SPF is from non other than ALDI. Lacura Anti Aging Sun Cream is just €4.99 and comes on SPF 30 & 50. Is fragrance free is soaks right into the skin. You can wear this alone or under makeup. 

Aldi Lacura Anti Aging Cream €4.99

BB Cream:

Instead of a heavy foundation sliding down your face in the heat and if you find a tinted moisturiser is to light, try something inbetween like a BB Cream. I really love it through the humid, warm weather. It sits well and covers them discolorations and blemishes. My favourite is Maybellines Dream Fresh BB Cream. Price is about €11.99 and lasts a long time.

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream €11.99

Lip Balm:

Sometimes we forget our lips, unless they are chapped in the winter. The weather can still effect your lips, even in the summer. And because it is one the thinest parts your face, its important to protect it. So a Lip Balm that norishes and has an spf is important. You can get them anywhere and in any flavour. One that is great is Nivea Kiss of Protection SPF 30, Price is about €3.

Water:

Water is supper important to stay hydrated in hot weather. Having it to drink and keep drinking it during the days is needed to keep your skin in great shape. 

Your choice on what brand of water you choose to drink. 

 

Accessories:

Incase of a event emergancy, its good to have a couple of accessories in your Summer Bag. What I would put in is hair ties and clips- if you go for a dip in the sea and dont want to destroy your mane then you will need these. Deodrant- to keep fresh in the hot weather. Sunglasses- to protect them eyes and make a fashion statment, I love aviators myself. Lastly your favourite statment necklace or earrings to bring day to night!

These are my Summer Bag Essentials and will be in my bag, as soon as Irish weather gets warmer! 

I hope you like this post. If you want to see more Summer Bag Essentials, then search #summerbloggerchallenge. 

If you want to request a post or ask a question or just have a chat with me then get in contact.

Email me: nataliekeanemua@gmail.com

Tweet , Facebook and Comment me. 

Till next time

Natalie Keane