How to store self-made cosmetics in style

So how do you store home made scrubs, oils and shampoos ? You need something made of a material that doesn't react with the contents. And, as Doe Deere says: "cuteness is non-negotiable".

Which material ?

Dark glass or ceramic is the best. Metal is a non-no, since it's likely to interact with ingredients of the cosmetic. Plastic is also not too good, because of PABAs and all that.
Glass and ceramics won't lech into your cosmetic, they are eco-friendly and they look great ! Clear glass does let the light through, so it might not be the best thing to store light-sensitive stuff for a long time though.

Where to get containers ?

Apart from re-using containers that you may already have, flea-markets or Goodwill stores (Social markets for those of you in Europe) are the best place for gorgeous containers. Look for old perfume bottles, condiment containers, ink bottles with cork stops...

How to decorate ?

Here are my favourite ideas from the web. Click on pics for tutorials or more pics.

 

 

 

 

 

So how do you store your self-made cosmetics ? Got any tips ? I'll be sharing photos of my own collection soon. 

Bengkung: Malaysian Postpartum Girdle

 About belly-binding, my experience with the Malaysian Bengkung wrap, and my belly-binding tips.

 

   I had to try out postpartum belly-wraps after Tunisian friends told me that their slim postbaby waists were due to their mothers binding them as tight as they could. These ladies couldn't imagine why the Germans didn't tie their abdomens after giving birth.
   Looking at my belly after my first baby, I decided to try out belly-binding the second time round. Contrary to my optimistic expectations, my abdomen hadn't show any talent for automatically shrinking (no thanks for the genes, mom). I had wanted hoped and willed my postpartum abs to look like Demi Moore's. Actually they looked like Demi Moore's when she was 3 month pregnant.

   I found out that most cultures have some form of postpartum belly binding. What I tried out after my second baby was a traditional Malaysian belly corset, called Bengkung.

Why belly-binding ?

It's a practice of tying a strip(s) of clothe around the abdomen during the postpartum recovery period.

• It helps to slim the ribcage, belly and hips.
• Pulls the separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) get back together.
• Prevents back pain: while wearing it, you are forced to sit and walk straight, a good antidote to the "nursing-slouch".
• You know that feeling of your guts falling out in the postpartum weeks ? I don't but a lot of women have described it to me. A Bengkung gives you a nice, supported feeling.
• I read somewhere that using a tight corset makes the bust grow bigger, since apparently the fat has nowhere else to go. Just after pregnancy you won't be wanting a bigger bust, but it will get smaller very soon, so you might be interested in this tip !
• Belly binding speeds up getting rid of waste blood. I experienced this myself, since I was having issues (no bleeding), until I started using the Bengkung.
• More info from Natural Health After Birth.

Does belly binding stop the abdominal muscles from working ?

   I don't see how tying a postpartum girdle would prevent any muscle from working. I mean, you still obviously use those muscles when you get up, walk, whatever. If these were somehow "prevented" from working, you wouldn't be able to do move at all. SO yes, all the muscles work, they are just prevented from bulging out.

What's a Bengkung ?

   It's a traditional Malaysian belly binding method. Actually they look like long mummy-wraps, but the Mia Bengkung is an "instant" version that is easy to put on, even without anyone else helping you.

Traditional Benkung: skip to 1:40

What makes a Bengkung different from western postpartum girdles like Belly Bandit ?

  It's the length: a Bengkung starts right under the breasts and goes over the hips. This way, it doesn't just work on the waist, but also helps the ribcage and the hips go back to their former dimensions. Also, it stays put when you move, and so it doesn't press on the abdomen.

 

Note the cute green towel Karen added !

REVIEW OF BENGKUNG MIA

I bought Bengkung Mia from here. and have been using it throughout my postpartum recovery period, day and night. Here is my experience:

Quality:

• Nice cotton, comfortable and breathable, yet sturdy.
• Beige outside, doesn't show much through clothes.
• Navy blue inside front: absorbs stains from oils & creams
• Strongly made. After a lot of using, the only sign of fraying was on the straps

Comfort of putting on & wear:

• The material is nonslip, that makes it easy to tighten and tie.
• The Bengkung goes till below your hips, so going to the toilet is a bit tricky.
• Since the hooks & band are nonslip, you can tie it tighter in some places and looser in others. It stays that way for quite a while.
• I hate tight things, but i was pleasantly surprised to find that the Bengkung was painless. The tightness was supportive and comfortable.
• I had issues with the lower edge: if I tied it tight it would cut into the skin. If it was loose it would bunch up. I solved this by putting a folded cloth as padding under the edge and tying it tight. I'm wondering whether this was caused by the fact that I have a really low raise, and that's why the Bengkung reached only till the widest part of my hips, and that made it bunch up (I imagine it would stay put if it went below my hips).
• I could tie it myself pretty well, though it is easier if someone else does it. And you get to hear their jokes about moulding you to suit their tastes.
• I wore it out of the house under clothes. In fact it was the only thing that saved my pride by flattening my postpartum melon into some kind of nonpregnant shape. The clothes worn over it can't be too tight, though.

Effects:

• The Bengkung helped with healing my abdominal muscles split (diastasis recti). My midwife was surprised how quickly they were closing, and asked me if I have been "using" anything.
• The flattening down of my belly was really quick during the first 2-3 postpartum weeks.
• The Bengkung did help me to stand and sit straighter, as if I'd swallowed a stick. It worked at preventing back & shoulder pain much better than the constant admonishing of the Mr to stop slouching.
• Karen has been very helpful answering a whole bunch of questions about the Bengkung, helping me to choose my size and telling me about traditional Malaysian confinement eating rules.
• I paid a bit over 10€ for the Bengkung + extra for shipping. I must say this is very affordable ! Plus, a malaysian friend of mine commented that that's a good price. Karen also offers discounts on combined orders.

Husbands's review in one sentence: 
"It's not every day that you get the chance to mold your wife."

 

Temperature and padding concerns:

Karen offers a padded and a non-padded version of the Bengkung corset. I choose the padded since it's supposed to be more comfortable, and I wore it at 25 degrees without feeling too hot (I do overheat fast !).

Bengkung vs tying a cloth/scarf:

   Before my Bengkung arrived, I used my Diddymos baby sling (long & non-stretchy & nonslip fabric) to tie myself up. It was doable, but I couldn't get it on as tight as the Bengkung, and you can't really cover the bust-to-hips area with it. It all gets bunched up in the end.

Eternal*Voyageur's tips for Mia Bengkung

• I actually preferred to wear mine back-to-front most of the time. I didn't like the feeling of my belly protruding between the band when it was in the front. I didn't tie it myself, of course.
• It works best when you put it on last thing at night. Since you won't be getting up any more, you can have it as tight as you want it and it won't bunch. Lie in the bed, and get your partner to lace you in. Warning: he might develop a corset fetish.
• Karen says to ties it moderately tight, while my Tunisian friends advised me to tighten it till I think I'll split in two. Either way, remember that it does loosen up while wearing, so tie it a bit tighter than you want it.
• If you live in a hot climate, you might need two Bengkungs, since you'll be washing them frequently.
• Wear your panties over the Bengkung. Yes, that looks ridiculous, but trust me, much easier in the toilet.
• The Bengkung should start immediately under the bra. Otherwise you get a roll of fat there.
• If unsure about the size, get the smaller one. Or send Karen your measurements, she'll help you make the right choice.
• Order in advance. Paypal takes time to process foreign transactions, and the post from Malaysia isn't lightning quick either. You need to start wearing the Benkung a few days after giving birth.
• Don't forget to choose your Bengkung type and size! 

Urut, creams and oils
I did order 3 bottles of Biotrim Herbal Lotion, but I can't review it's effectiveness as I alternated it with several other products.

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. I have paid for the item myself. I would use it myself again, and would recommend it to my friends.

Online bra calculators: your breasts are out of range

That's what this bra-size calculator tells you if you don't fit into the small selection of sizes produced by that company.

Try these measurements:
1 Below: 75
2 Bust: 112
3 Above: 97

And the calculator can't cope with that. Such busts don't exist.
Or do they ? Are such measurements only found on mutants ? Like two or three persons on the entire face of earth ?
No, actually a whole big bunch of nice normal girls have similar measurements.
That's actually 70(30)JJ. This is what it looks like. Companies such as Fantasie and Panache sell a whole bunch of gorgeous bras in this size. Update: Brastop has even more !


Curious, I put in my pre-pregnancy measurements into this calculator. I got 70(32)B. That's a step better than what I was wearing, but still a far cry from the correct 65D for those measurements (photos here).

I put in my current measurements (70/89cm). I got 70(32)C... I am wearing a 65(30)FF, and my bust has never looked or felt better !


Anyway, what did we expect from a site called "85B" ?
Although advertised as on of the most common sizes, in reality 85B is pretty rare. The most common size seems to be 30(65)FF ! This is what 30(65)FF looks like. And this is a real 85(38)B. By real I mean someone who actually should be wearing a 38B, not someone who is wrongly fitted with this size !


Moral of the story: most online bra calculators suck. If you want one that actually gives you the right size, try *this one*.

Photo via llohan

    

"Faker Ingredients": When Cosmetics Fake A Good First Impression

"Fakers" make you believe that a product is "working", by producing superficial & short-term effects. Some are harmless, some may have negative effects in the long run. Don't be cheated. Learn to spot them on product labels.

What are Faker Ingerdients ?

We want results, and we want them fast. If a cosmetic product doesn't work soon, preferably after the first couple of uses, we decide that "it doesn't work" and move on to the next thing. The cosmetic industry knows that we judge products already after first use (often a smear out of a test sample in the store). To give us a good first impression they put in special ingredients in their products that I call "fakers".

These "faker ingredients" are like special effects, they make you believe that the product is working, giving you "instant glow" and all that stuff you dream of. This special effect is short-lasting, and only touches the surface of the skin and hair. They contribute nothing towards the actual repair, moisturising or well-being of the skin. Many of them may even be harmful in the long run.

"Faker ingredients" have another function: they make you reach for the cosmetic more often, since their effect wears off extremely fast. Do you re-apply hand cream or chapstick several times a day ?

Here are a couple of faker ingredients:

* Fake moisturiser: Silicones

It gives that silky smooth feeling, convincing you that now your skin is deeply moisturised. In reality, silicone just coats the skin surface. If the silicone washes off soon, you will be reaching for that moisturiser again ! Other types of silicones don't wash off easily, and they pose another problem: they seal moisture off, and cause product build-up.
Found in: shampoos, conditioners, hair-styling products, creams, moisturisers, etc.
Learn more about which silicones are washed off with water and soap, and which stay put no matter what !

* Dangerous bubbles + harsh cleansing = SLS (Sodium Laureth Sulfate)

This harsh detergent thoroughly cleans off grease from oily hair and skin. Instant results : lots of froth and squeaky cleanness ! However SLS is so harsh that it aggravates the oil glands, making them produce more even oil... and so the next day you will be reaching for that shampoo again, because it's the only thing that really cleans your terribly oily hair or face !
Another reason that SLS is used in cleansing products is the pretty froth and bubbles: a lot of people think that if there is no froth, the product isn't working..
Oh, did I mention that SLS is perhaps the most harmful ingredient used in cosmetics ?
Found in: shampoos, bath products, soap, cleansers.
Learn more about SLS, why is it harmful and how to avoid it.

* Menthol: you can actually feel it working !

On a slimming cream I saw the statement: "Upon applying the product, you will experience a tingling sensation on the skin. This is an indication that the product is working." Ah yes, there it is among the ingredients: Menthol. Really gives the feeling that Something Is Happening. In reality, nothing much is happening. May not be good for skin with capillary problems, though. Ooops.
Found in: anything that is "cooling". Shampoos, bath products, cleansers, lip balm, sunscreen, toothpaste, creams & moisturisers, & more. 

* Glycerin: the moisturiser that dries

Glycerin is hygroscopic, it moisturises your skin by attracting water from wet air. And if the air is dry then it draws water from... the deeper layers of the skin. Ooops.
Found in: shampoos, cleansers, moisturisers, sunscreen, anti-aging, foundation, etc.
Learn more about glycerin, as well as it's health concerns.



    Quick-fixes don't last long, and real & lasting solutions take some time to work.
Remember to give cosmetic products some time, it does take some weeks to see the effects of a lot of treatments.
Also, read about skin detox: skin often reacts to better products by purging impurities... and that means "good" breakouts! (or, as good as they can get).

And as always : be smart, read the labels.

Have I missed any "fakers" ? Do let me know !

Magic Wand For Facial Hair Removal

 

   I have found a miracle gadget to remove unwanted fuzz from the face! This weird little tool should be in every ladies beauty toolbox. It's so easy to use, fuss-free and damn cheap. I loved that you can even use it without a mirror, like when you're watching TV.

Update: I have received several emails from readers telling me the epi stick is like the only thing that doesn't irritate their sensitive upper-lip area.


Note: This is NOT a sponsored post. I am genuinely in love with this product, and I have paid for it myself. The whole 2€.

What's an Epistick Hair Removal Wand ?

   It's a little spring for facial threading. It works on the same principle as threading, but way less painful and much easier. You just twist a little spring to pull out the hair from its roots. It covers the face quickly, but is too small to use on the body.

What's Facial Threading ?

   In many Asian countries girls use threading to epilate their face to get a smooth shiny look. The threads are twisted to grab small hair and pull it up. Face fuzz supposedly mattifies and dulls the face, especially if your hair is dark.
  Most of us probably don't need to epilate the whole face, but have hair on the upper lip of around the jaw that doesn't exactly make us prettier. Another problem spot can be lady-sideburns, which can be irritating when you are trying to blend your foundation in.

How does this springy-thingy work ?

You twist it to catch the hair, and pull it out from the roots. It works on all of the face except the eyebrows: upper lip, chin, neck, forehead, etc.

Take a look at the official demo from Epicare.
However, this lady has it covered it really well:

Eternal*Voyageur's Review of the Epistick

Ease of use: ****
Took me a bit of time to get the hang of it, but then I'm not very coordinated. I loved that it's pretty quick, and non-messy.
Pain: ***
I didn't find it as painful as some of the reviewers on the Makeup Alley, but then I have been tweezing for a while so I guess that my pain threshold isn't that high. As one reviewer put it,the pinching is irritating rather than painful. It gets less painful over time, as the skin gets used to it.
Skin safety: *****
Doesn't effect the skin: no harmful chemicals, minimal pulling, no irritation! Yay! Epistick can also be used  if you apply Retinoids.
Re-growth: ****
Pretty slow, since the hair is removed with the roots. That means that over time the hair growth will be weaker.
Areas covered: ****
Is way too slow to use on on the body, and dangerous around the eyebrows. Other than that, it deals with any hair on the face !
Effectiveness: *****
Grabs even the finest fuzz.
Price: *****
Cheap, if you buy from Ebay.


Comparison with other methods:

Depilatory creams: I'm not a fan of them since I don't fancy applying anything on my skin that can chemically dissolve hair. Besides, the Cosmetic Database reveals that most depilatory creams have medium to hight safety concerns. Painless, but messier, and the hair grows back very fast since it is removed only on the surface.
Waxing: pulls the skin, and is way more painful. And messy. Might cause skin discolorations, an wreaks havoc with spider veins. And works only with longer hair.
Tweezing: pulls the skin more and takes a longer time than the Wand. However, you will need your tweezers for the area between your eyebrows.
Shaving: (yes, there exist facial razors for ladies) is gentle on the skin, but I imagine the stubble would be unpleasant. Update: you can totally shave your face without getting stubble, apart from the lady 'stache. However, the hair grows back much faster that after the wand.

Eternal*Voyageur's Tips:

• If the hair you want to remove is longer (like one the cheeks), shave it with a razor first, and use the Wand on it the next day -- it'll be less painful.
• For the first time, try it after a shower, when the hair pores are more open.
• Store your Wand so that it doesn't get dirty (unless you really want to break out). Just wrap it in a tissue or something. Got any ideas for DIY storage of the Wand ?
• Keep it away from the eyebrow area till you get skilled in using it. Then maybe you can attempt the area between your brows.
• Don't wait too long between uses. When only some of the hair has grown back and it is still short, the process is much less painful !
• Do clean it with alcohol every once in a while.
• If it doesn't work, you are doing it wrong. Just roll it, don't move it around ! Read the instructions carefully  & watch the video.
• For sensitive skin: dust the area with powder. And after epilating, use Witchhazel on sensitive skin to calm it. Thanks to cakemix for tips.

Epicare vs Epictick vs Bellabe

These are practically the same thing from different brands, apart from the fact that Bellabe comes with a plastic storage tube. Bellabe is produced in the US, Epicare in Malaysia. Epistick in an even cheaper knock-off of Epicare. I bought mine on Ebay for 2€, brand new, inclusiveshipping. I'm cheap like that.

Where to buy this wonder-tool:

Search Ebay for Epistick, Epicare or Bellabe.
Official site of Bellabe (US), and Epicare (UK)

Don't just take my word, check out the raving reviews from Makeup Alley !

    

Does not removing facial hair make you a cavewoman ?

 

Is it necessary to tweeze and pluck the whole face ? Is it ok not to ?
It all depends: which hair and where, how visible it is, and... your facial features and personal style. In my opinion, hair in certain places should be removed under punishment of beheading, while other can be left well enough alone. Read on to find which is which.

Please get a magnifying mirror and good lighting

Better yet, get two mirrors, to get those hard-to-see angles of your face. Scrutinise your face carefully, including the sides and the jawline. It's amazing how often people don't realise they have an unsightly hair growing from some part of their face.
If you are pregnant or around menopause, spend a little more time on this. You might not have noticed the additional fuzziness due to hormonal changes.

Lady-moustache

I'd actually advise you to get rid of your moustaches. It rarely looks good on anyone.

Unless you are Frida Kahlo, that is.

Hair growing out of birthmarks:

Evil. Makes people shriek and scream, then drop dead. Eliminate upon sighting.
Same for anything long on the chin.

Eyebrows:

Most ladies benefit from tidying up the eyebrows, since that opens up the eyes and gives a more groomed look.
By tidying I mean removing anything that's outside of the actual brow outline. Maybe some small changes. But most people shouldn't try too hard to change their eyebrow shape. There is no such thing as a perfect eyebrow shape, no matter what the magazines say. Angelina Jolie's eyebrows would look terrible on the Olsen twins, and that's that.

Over plucked brows are even worse than wild bushy ones.

 

Not everyone needs thin, delicate arches. Especially those with a strong or a chubby jawline.

And uni-brows can totally rock.

 

Sideburns & neck fuzz:

That's the hair on the sides of the cheeks, under the ears and around the jaw-line. Check using two mirrors if yours is noticeable. Women with a lot of dark hair everywhere usually have visible hair in these areas. If you do, you don't need to stress about removing it. I say it's absolutely optional, unless it's really prominent.
The hair on the temples ('connecting' the eyebrows with the hairline) falls into the same category.

Nose hair

Do check in the mirror, since very few people pay attention to their own nostrils. If the hair that actually grows out of their nostrils, just trim it with nail-cutting scissors.

Ear hair

I think this is a male thing. Begone !
Unless you are Yoda.

Coming up: review of Epistick, a magical hair-removal wand !

What are our thoughts on epilating facial hair ? Do you epilate your face ?

    

Backpacking With A Toddler: Carriers, Food and Museums.

I've covered the reasons of taking your kid with you on travels, encouragement and packing tips. Today, I have written about leashes and strollers, eating strange food in foreign restaurants, tips surviving flights and drives, as well as what do do during the dreaded Waiting.

  Check out all this and more at my guest post at yes and yes: 
How To Backpack With A Toddler Part 2

How to backpack with a toddler. Yes, you heard that right.

 

Afraid that your travelling life will be over once you start reproducing ?
Feeling guilty about dragging your kids all over a third-world country ?
Wondering how many minutes a tantrum can last before you get kicked off the plane ?
Unable to decide how many Teddybears to take ?

To get the all the answers (and more), check out my guest post "How to Backpack With A Toddler Part I" at yes and yes.

yes and yes is authored by the vivacious Sarah Von, and is chock-full with adventures, infectuous and travelling goodness.

Also, check out the Secret Society of List Addicts of which Sarah is the founder and co-author.

Update: check out the part 2 !

Tips For Hosting A Clothes Swap Party

I hosted a Clothes Swap last month. My second one. It was a total success, and the girls were just as happy to have met nice people, as with the clothes they scored.


What's A Swap Party ?

Everyone has clothes that don't fit any more, that they are bored of, or were simply wrong buys or missed gifts. These clothes may look fantastic on someone else, someone who would love to have them ! A Clothes Swap is an event where a bunch of girls can exchange unwanted and unloved clothes, shoes and accessories. It's shopping for free, it's a home-made fashion show, it's green, it's fun !


It's more than just about clothes.

A Clothes Swap is a great occasion to get tips and feedback on your colour choices and figure type. It's a great excuse for a girly gathering, complete with cupcakes and gossip. If people bring their friends along, it can be a fun way to meet new people !

Here are my tips for a successful Clothes Swap:

• The size issue is usually not an issue. People bring stuff that doesn't fit them, that means bigger or smaller sizes than they are.
• Stress on the accessories: remind people to bring bags, wallets, belts, jewellery, shoes, scarves... That way they won't be scared of finding no clothes in their size.
• Invite in advance. People need time to look through their wardrobes, and to (emotionally) let go of a garment. I realised that inviting people two months earlier was a great idea. I didn't know the exact date yet, so I told them it will be sometime in the middle of September.
• Invite not just for swapping clothes, but for cakes, coffee and gossip. That way even the doubters (often plus sized and petites) will have a reason to come anyway, and discover that it's fun !
• Invite more than you expect to come. A part of the people you invited will fall sick, have to work, or get a visit from their in-laws and call it off at the last minute. So, invite a few more more than you plan to have.
• Encourage people to invite their friends. Seize this opportunity to make new friends: tell the invited friends to invite someone nice they know. Often, getting enough people together can be the most challenging part of a Clothes Swap.
• The ideal number of people ? Depends upon your venue and how much chaos you can manage. But I'd say that 5 would be the minimum number.
• Have some snacks, or better ask your guests to bring something if they can. And have some drinks. Everything works better if you have snacks and drinks.
• If you don't have the space to host a Clothes Swap at home, get creative in dreaming up an alternative venue. A coffee-shop courtyard (talk to the staff, and promise to order cakes and drinks from them); a park, a sports hall (when not in use)...
• A mirror is the most important thing you need, apart from a place to change.
• If you don't have a place to change, ask the ladies to wear tank-tops and shorts, or even a swimsuit. If they are shy, that is.
• If your guests don't know one another, you'll need something to break the ice and pass the time while waiting for everyone to arrive. This is where all the snacks and drinks come in, as well as some conversation starters. Mine were a Tesla coil, stick insects (can you spot what's in that terrarium ?), hula-hoops and funny childhood photos.
• A great tip if your guests don't know each other: I had a blackboard and a piece of chalk, and everyone wrote their name on it. We put it in a prominent place. This was really helpful, especially as we were quite an international group with foreign names.
• How does the actual exchanging work ? We kept it simple, and everyone took what they wanted. If two people would want the same item, we would have tossed coins, but it didn't happen since we were all different sizes and had different tastes. With a larger number of people a "money" system could work: for every item you bring, you get a "coin", that you can spend on other items.
• So, how do you do it ? This is entirely up to you. What we did was putting everything in the middle, and sat around in a circle. I picked up items, described them and read out the sizes. The owners put in comments like: "it says M there, but it's too small for me so it's actually an S." If someone was interested in the item, she had to say so, quick ! Often, someone grabbed the item and to convince another girl to try it on. Of course, you could simply arrange stuff according to category (skirts, trousers, dresses, etc) and let everyone browse by themselves. After you go through everything, the  trying-on begins.
• What to do with the stuff that nobody wanted ? The owner decides. They can take it home, or drops it to a charity.

   Have you every hosted a clothes swap ? Been to one ? Please share your tips !
If you haven't been to one yet, how about organising one ?