There’ll be autumn weddings too, not to mention birthday bashes, Halloween and bonfire get-togethers, and dare we mention the festive party season? No? Okay, too soon. However, there’s no harm in thinking about all the fun stuff you’ll have coming up, and preparing a little beforehand so that you can feel your best in every single Instagram shot (alright then, most of them).

The following are some ideas, inspiration, and advice for those who want to look and feel their very best for each event they have on their upcoming calendar, and even for the ones they haven’t RSVP’d to yet.

Makeup and nails

When it comes to doing your own makeup for an occasion or party, make sure you have several practice runs in the evenings, or the weekend before the event. You might need to brush up on your eyelash application or get that contouring technique perfected, so it’s worth remembering that practice makes perfect!

Take a look on YouTube and Pinterest for some inspiration and tutorials on formal makeup looks, and test out what’s going to suit your skin tone, hair, and outfit choice. You’ll want to turn up to the wedding venue or rooftop bar feeling your very best, and if you’re not feeling your face; you won’t be able to get into the swing of things with confidence.

Try and work out how long the makeup will take you to do beforehand, and give yourself some extra time, in case you need to correct anything or fix a smudge (it’s bound to happen).

For some tips on achieving a flawless makeup look, you can always head towards a friendly face at a cosmetics counter in-store. It’s also the ideal excuse to splurge on that CC cream or liquid lipstick you’ve had your eyes on. You can ensure the condition of your nails by using a cuticle oil on a regular basis before you come to paint them or visit someone for a manicure.

When it comes to your nail polish choice; your options really come down to a neutral, nude shade, or a pop of colour, that will stand out on your fingernails and toes. Classic berry tones and reds suit every skin tone, and will go with a huge variety of colours, ensuring your nails wouldn’t clash with your clothing; but, instead, would complement it.

If you’re unsure and wary of looking too busy; pick a taupe or a pale pink shade, which will definitely go with your outfit, whatever the colour. Or, use your nails as a canvas to have some fun; nail art and mirroring techniques can be beautiful, but, if you’re not trained, these are best left to the professionals, so book yourself in the week beforehand.

Hair and skin

Whatever your hair type might be; you want it looking the best it can on your big night out, day of dancing, or whatever celebration it is that you’re heading towards (even if that is the fact it’s a Friday, and the weekend is here). On the run up to the event, make sure you take some time to indulge in a hair mask or two, so you know your hair is as strong and conditioned as possible.

It’s important to nourish your hair before any styling, straightening, or curling, as most of these techniques require the use of direct heat to your hair, along with products and sprays that you’re not used to. Figure out if you’re going to use a professional stylist at a hair salon, or if you’re confident enough to execute the hairstyle of your choice yourself.

If you’re going with the salon option, make sure you’re booked in as soon as you’ve RSVP’d to the invite. Give yourself enough time to get dressed and apply your make up after the stylist (whether it’s you, or somebody else) has worked their magic. If you choose to get your hair done in the morning, ensure your style is locked in with enough spray, and it will see you through until you get in the Uber to go home.

It’s always a treat to pamper your skin, but in the days leading up to the event; make sure you moisturise each day after your bath or shower. If you plan to apply a fake tanning product, it’s key that your skin is hydrated, particularly around your knees, elbows, and heels. Fake tan a couple of evenings before; so it looks as natural as possible, and there’s time to fix any potential mistakes.

If you don’t feel the need to change the shade of your skin in any way, ensure it’s looking as bright, soft and glowing as possible. Applying specialist foot cream to your feet and toes, and popping some cotton socks on them, before bed each night will ensure they are soft and open-toe-shoes ready. The morning of the event is a great time to use a body scrub, to get rid of any dry areas of skin, and pop your body cream, butter, or souffle of choice on from head to toe.

Glad rags

Just because you’re heading out to a formal event or an invite-only bash, doesn’t mean you have to feel completely uncomfortable, or unlike yourself. You can rock an outfit that fits both the occasion and your personal style; so bear that in mind when you head onto ASOS to do your shopping. Thinking about the best colour palette for your hair and skin tone is a wise place to start; you might think you’ve found the outfit of your dreams, only to find the colour makes you look washed out and unwell. Order a few things; that’s the beauty of free returns! Feeling your best self will ensure that you’ll have a great time, no matter what the occasion.

The post Feeling Fresh: Wedding Season Might Be Dying Down, But Party Season Is Just Starting appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.

Am I really starting to worry about looking old in my twenties? Either way, it’s got me thinking about not only my appearance but also my lifestyle! Following any one of these tips will help, but trying out all four will make a huge difference, making you not only LOOK younger but FEEL younger, too.

Emily tulip print midi skirt with pockets and side zip fastening c/o 405Story (available to buy here).

Keep stress to a minimum

It can seem odd that something strictly internal can have an effect on our external appearance. But the science makes sense. Cortisol is a hormone that lives quite happily in your body until you get stressed. Then, its levels increase to damaging levels.

When increased, it can give you insomnia, which will make you look more tired during the day. It can also cause weight gain, and give you high blood pressure. Obviously, none of these things are good for a youthful appearance! So, focus on stressing less and exercising more. This promotes the release of endorphins, the hormone that makes you feel good.

Hairy maintenance

Starting to lose your hair can be a stressful time in anybody’s life. But the truth is thinning, or thin hair is a sure-fire way to look older than your time. Happily, though, help is at hand. Hair loss products can be very effective. I’ve constantly got an issue of my hair matting together and having to be brushed out in clumps, but deep conditioners help to combat this.

There is plenty of products on the market to find something that suits you. I’ve been using GHD heat protect spray, final shine spray and paddle brush because remember: healthy hair follicles mean healthy hair! Some companies will also give you a free trial to see how you like the product first, or you can buy samples. It’s also advisable to add protein-rich foods into your diet. While they can’t turn back the clock, they will make the hair you have look shinier and thicker.

Oh, and this isn’t just for the ladies… Men, take note! Although beards are undoubtably trendy, there is a difference between Brad Pitt stubble and a fisherman’s overgrown beard of chaos. S has a pretty big beard, but he uses oil to moisturise, a trimmer to tame it – but he also uses a shaving blade to get a close shave around his cheek bones and on his neck.

  Tips for growing your hair long

Reduce alcohol intake

Another important step that it is never too late to take is reducing the amount of alcohol you drink. Or, even better, quitting completely. This is because some of the effects are almost reversible. To be honest, I’m getting a bit fed up of wasting my weekends on the sofa  clutching my stomach anyway…

The Daily Mail charted the difference that stopping drinking altogether can do for the skin and hair here.

You’ll be amazed at the difference just four weeks made to the participant. If you quit drinking too, you’ll find your eyes are less bloodshot and your facial skin less flushed. You will also see an improvement in dry and oily patches on the face. Don’t forget that drinking less can also contribute highly to weight loss.

Quit smoking

We all know that quitting smoking will improve your health, but it’s always useful to be reminded of the tangible benefits. Consider these. Stopping smoking will give you more energy, a better sex life, reduce stress levels and bigger lung capacity. The latter will make all the difference in your later years. As for the damage it does to your appearance?

Firstly, smoke from tobacco dries out your skin, while internally it reduces nutrients and oxygen. Smoking also increases the chance of wrinkles forming on the skin a whopping three times over. Don’t forget about teeth. Good teeth are a strong sign of a healthy person, and stained teeth can add years to your overall look.

This fascinating video from NHS England features a makeup artist showing a 16-year old smoker what doing so will do to her appearance.

No matter your age, or whether you’ve been smoking for two years or 20-years, stopping is always worthwhile. If going cold turkey is too challenging, begin by reducing how many cigarettes you smoke a day. This will make the transition from smoker to ex-smoker much easier. I gave up when I was 20, so I know just how hard it is.

  7 Reasons Why I Think You Should Quit Smoking Right Now

The post 4 Things You Can Start Doing Today To Look Younger And Fresher 🌷 appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.

Here’re some of my top beauty tips for outdoor girls that love adventure!

1. Hide behind some shades. – Looking back at our Dartmoor pictures, I realized that dark sunglasses made EVERYTHING better. It’s inevitable forward the end of a camping trip; you start to look a bit of tired. Packing for Ben Nevis, I’ll be taking my Rayban Wayfarers.
2. Semi-permanent makeup is a game changer. – That said, sunglasses aren’t always suitable – we can’t hide behind shades all the time. I’m a fan of the natural look and don’t wear much makeup. But mainly when camping or going hiking, I stay far away from anything that can smudge. I’m sure other blonde girls can relate, but the truth is – I hardly have eyebrows. Ever since I had my eyebrows tinted by a mobile beauty therapist, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
3. Sometimes less is more. – When you’re carrying everything on your back, you’ll appreciate that every pound counts. That’s why it’s lucky that blotting paper and face wipes cost pennies and takes up no room in your rucksack. Whether you decide to wear makeup or not, these are both a are a must! Don’t add more chemicals to your face, just wipe and blot away!
4. Braid your hair. – Trust me, I always wear my hair down, but fighting 45mph winds, you’ll soon change your mind. Ensure you always have a hair bobble and a couple of clips on you. I’ve been experimenting with different styles I’ve found on Pinterest. Find a hairstyle that it easy, will keep the hair out of your face and looks cute.
5. Don’t get caught with greasy hair. – We’ve got a portable shower that we take wild camping with us. But for those days in-between, dry shampoo is a God-sent! I try not to use it too much because using it often can cause damage to your scalp. Take a trip to the mini cosmetics section in the supermarket and pick one up, you won’t regret it!
6. Take a hat with you. – Beanies aren’t just for the summer. I take one with me everywhere now! Okay, not everywhere but I do take it on our hiking trips. It stops your hair flying in your fringe, if you have a fringe like me and always lose your clips. It also keeps you cosy in the evenings when it’s getting colder. But the best thing? It hides your greasy roots on the last couple of days!
7. Don’t forget lip balm. – Nothing is worse than dry lips in a photograph. Keep hydrated throughout the day, and ensure that you apply Blissworld lip balm regularly. Don’t forget that your lips need protecting from the sun, too. There are lots of different types of lip balms on the market, so I’d suggest buying one with SPF.

The post 7 Beauty Tips For Outdoor Girls That Love Adventure! appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.

I’m about to start my Results with Lucy 6 weeks beach body plan (more on that coming soon!), and since my roots are already lightening, that just leaves my face! Here’s a few steps I’m taking to clear my skin:

Skincere Eye Serum, Dead Sea Spa Magik Super Night Cream
and Sukin Facial Moisturiser Pump from Holland & Barret

Daily moisturising

This should be part of your morning and night routine regardless of what season it is, but it is super during the warmer months. The sun drys out even those with the oiliest skin – I should know! I’ve been using (all the above products) daily facial moisturiser, a night cream and eye serum to combat my dry skin and hang on to my youth for as long as possible.

Drinking more water

There are so many benefits to drinking more water, and having flawless looking skin is one of them. I’ve decided to get myself a aluminium water bottle from Chilly’s to carry around with me (it keeps water cold for 24 hours, perfect!) and to force myself to drink more water everyday.

Exfoliating often

There’s nothing better than having a long bath and exfoliating your body before moisturising and getting into fresh bedsheets – It’s also a great well to shed those dead skin cells to keep your skin glowing. I usually do this every couple of weeks; anymore might dry out your skin and cause damage.

Apply sun cream

Every year, this is where I fail! I read all the time that you should wear sun cream all year round but since I live in Cornwall, I can’t imagine it would make any difference. During the summer though, I really have no excuse, other than the fact that the sea washes it off (I know you can get waterproof stuff, it doesn’t last long though).

The post 4 Tips For Clearer Skin To Go Makeup Free This Summer appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.

Some of the most beautiful makeup looks are often the most simple. Remember that great, natural-looking makeup simply enhances. You don’t always need dramatic colours and shapes to make a major impact.

With the right tools and a few tips and tricks, you can draw attention to your eyes in a subtle but noticeable way. Make lots of eye contact and flutter those lashes. The eyes are the window to the soul!

Know Your Colouring

A lot of people worry about how to make their individual eye colour stand out. In general, this comes down to basic colour theory. Selecting the opposite shade on the colour wheel to your eye colour is what will make it stand out. Red and purple make green eyes pop, for example. For blue is is more orangey and golden tones. Brown eyes are particularly flattered by silver and other brown shades. But what many people fail to recognise is that this isn’t always the way to make your eyes look their most beautiful.

Many makeup artists agree that the key to a simple but beautiful look is to notice all your colouring together. Your skin tone, hair shade, and eye colour all work together. They should all be taken into account when choosing a look. If you have red hair but blue eyes, for example, an orange look around the eye may make the blue stand out but not look great overall.

We can even change our eye colour just for a day or event with hazel contacts other shades. Select neutral shades instead that work on any skin tone. A bone shade for the lid, a cool or warm toned brown for the crease, and a black to line the eye. With neutral shades you will always look chic and timeless.

Eye liner

This can be a step where many of us slip up! But be patient with yourself. Never rush the process and make sure you’ve got the right formula for you. If we love a winged liner look then a gel eyeliner with a brush might be best.

If we like to line our eyes simply to make our lashline look thicker, then a dark powder or eyeliner pen is easiest. The best formulas are the ones that are pure black (as opposed to greyish or charcoal black) and that set matte. An eyeliner that sets shiny can be distracting and is often more likely to wear off in the day.

False Lashes

False lashes are often associated with special occasions or even the stage, but some are very natural. There are some incredible double-layered, black and fluttery numbers. But if we want a subtle, daytime look why not try adding a few individual lashes at the outer corners of the eye?

There are also strip lashes that are thin and brownish rather than deep black. They can add length and thickness but are not overly noticeable. They add a little extra drama without looking over the top!

The post 3 Tips And Tricks To Make Your Eyes Stand Out appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.

It got me thinking about how important it is to should feel comfortable and confident in your own skin. I’ve listed 10 tips and tricks on how to enhance your look, and some I’ll be trying over the next couple of week. If you’ve got any other ideas you think I should add to the list, let me know!

Contouring

You’ve probably heard of contouring. All the celebs are doing it, and now regular girls are doing it too. This is because contouring can slim your face, or add width if you need it. You can virtually change your face shape with contouring. You don’t always have to do a dramatic contour, so don’t worry. By simply using your favourite bronzer and a small amount of highlighter, you can create cheekbones.

Overlining Your Lips

Overlining your lips needs to be done very carefully. I mean very carefully. If you can tell you’ve done it, you fail! Every so slightly overline with a lip liner then fill in. Your lips will look poutier, but not OTT. You don’t want to look like a clown.

Fake Freckles

Everybody is jumping on the fake freckle bandwagon these days, mainly because they’re so cute! All you need is a brown liner and the ability to blend. Make sure you make them as natural as possible.

False Lashes

False lashes come in a large array of styles, so you’ll always find something to suit you. If you have a big night planned, you should definitely try a pair. They’ll open up your eyes, and look incredible in photographs.

Fake Tan

Fake tan can help you change your pasty complexion to a sunkissed one in a matter of minutes. Always use a mitt to help you get an even coverage, and make sure you’re careful over areas like the feet and knees.

Different Liner Styles

There are a ton of different eyeliner styles you can go for, depending on your current eye shape and the look you’re going for. You can go really dramatic with Egyptian style eyes, or a really subtle flick.

Coloured Contacts

Coloured contacts can change your look in a matter of minutes, as they change the colour of your eyes. Just make sure the contacts you use are good quality. You shouldn’t play around when it comes to your eye health! A special effects course would definitely go into more detail on this kind of thing.

White Liner

White liner can really open up your eyes and give you that bambi look. Try swapping your black liner with it and seeing what you think!

Fill in Your Brows

Filling in your brows is key to framing your face. Make sure you use light strokes to get a very natural look.

Apply Shadow for Your Eye Shape

Look at your eye shape and assess it carefully before applying shadow. Some styles are suited to large eyes, while others are suited to smaller eyes.

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