Cutting My Own Fringe/Bangs

Have you seen that P'Trique video "Sh*t Fashion Girls Say"? He was contemplating getting bangs and in the last scene, he's lamenting: "I hate my bangs!!!"

I was exactly the same. I wanted to bangs to cover my huge forehead but don't have much volume around my hairline. After two chickening out twice from cutting my fringe, I bit the bullet and just did it.

There was no trick to it except cut the hair dry and cut it longer than desired. Just in case because it's hard to tell how far hair springs back when it's shorter. I sectioned the hair and snipped across my forehead. There was no going back.

At first I regretted it. My hair did'nt sit in place because it's fine and had a parting. Also it was a little wavy so I had to hairspray it down. My fringe finally accepted it's new style after two weeks.

This is the new me!

I've had it for a week now and got lots of compliments. A few people did'nt recognise me at first. So the bangs is here to stay! 

Cheap Eyebrow Tinting And Threading

One of the wonders of East London is that there are plenty of inexpensive beauticians. A girlfriend gets dirt cheap eyebrow tinting, threading and manicures in Upton Park. So she took me there to try it out. The main street was full of little shops, offering no-frills beauty services. Just stroll up, wait in a queue (if there is one), have the service and pay cash. They usually don't take bookings.

We went to a place for threading and it was upstairs from the main drag. In a tiny room with six treatment chairs, bright florescent lighting and mirrors to make the place feel bigger. Six ladies had fanny packs to keep their tools and what looked like slightly tangled dental floss hanging out of their mouths. They were threading non stop. Every 5-15 mins, it was a new customer. There seemed no shortage of them.

I tried the tinting and threading. I hardly have eyebrows so the latter part was quick and painless. I was asked to hold my eyelid and brow area taut a few times. 

As for the tinting, they use henna to colour the hair and skin. I was asked which colour I wanted and I had no idea so they gave me dark brown. She painted it on and I waited. It looked like mud and stung a little towards the end. 15 mins later, it was wiped off and I looked in the mirror and gasped. 

At the the price of £7, there was no use complaining but I thought I looked ridiculous. My brows looked like they were drawn on and filled them in too thick. But I was assured that it will be lighter after I've washed my face and it will disappear completely within 10 days. 

What it looked like immediately after. My brows looked harsher in real life.

What it looked like after I washed my face. Much more natural looking!

Some places in Upton Park was offering threading at £2 and tinting for £3-a steal but I'm happy to stick to the one I went to. They had a constant supply of customers so they must be doing thing right. Anyway it was a fun excursion because I got to see a different side of London.

BYS Colour Changing Nail Polish - Blue

This is my first BYS nail polish from Australia. It's part of their Mood range. 

At first I thought it was ridiculously sheer considering the above is four coats. I was disappointed thinking there's no way to get the colour in the bottle. It dries with a matte finish very quickly. Little did I realise this pretty but deceiving pale blue transforms into the stunning cornflower colour below.  

I love both blues and the silver glitter. It needs a glossy top coat but this nail polish is my favourite for the novelty. Its like an instant new manicure whenever I go outdoors or wash my hands in cold water. The reaction time is quick, sure to impress people when you show them. (Atleast I think so...!)

Check out the graduation of colours. Outside in minute and indoors the next.

Asian Goodies, Furla Bag, Rotary Watch, Lanvin Flats and Lego Men

Yes, there is lego men in this post! It's a while since I came back to London from Sydney. Photos have backed up on stuff I've bought so here they are. As you can see, I've been collecting...

A Furla handbag that's old but not old enough to be called vintage. The first thing that drew me to this bag is the lush thick leather. So smooshy and pebbled. It was £18. I slathered on lots of leather conditioner to bring it back to life. The design is understated and I think that's great for showing off the leather.

Rotary vintage watch from the Hampstead markets. On Sundays a lady sells stunning vintage jewellery there. This is from the 50-60s and I can only imagine the life that its lived with it's previous owners. Its a wind up with a small circular face and thin band. All the features I love in a vintage watch and only £25.  

Lanvin quilted bow ballet flats. Another Lanvin to add to my collection and I got this from Designs in Hampstead. The owner of this shop said jokingly that "women would rip your eyes out to get these shoes." Yep she actually said that but I can see her point because they are lush and only £65. (RRP is £199.)

Asian skincare from Pure Beauty (made in Korea): skin brightening masks, cleansing oil and Cleansing Water. I'm a long way off from finishing stuff at home but I got a 20 SGD voucher to use in Changi airport so I spent it in Watsons. Also bought a Gatsby face wash and packs of wet wipes with the voucher. All free stuff thanks to Singapore Airlines.

And lastly, hundreds of lego men at the charity shop. Wonder who donated these?