DIY Decorated Jars

Decorating jars is an excellent way to recycle and decorate and is also a very effective way of storing items. I've created these three jars and I absolutely love them. The two smaller ones I'm using as decorations and the larger one usually holds smaller makeup brushes and eyeliner.

Because I love these jars so much, I decided to share the method with you so that you can create these awesome, functional, decorations at home!

 

You Will Need

A Jar (You can purchase these but that defeats the purpose of recycling)

Glue (Regular Paper glue works just fine)

Newspaper or magazine paper (Just the word parts of newspaper)

 

 

 

Step 1) Collect a jar. Remove labels and wash thoroughly (you don't want it smelling like marmalade now do you?)

 

Step 2) Rip the newspaper up and remove all pictures or coloured sections (you can leave them in but it's more effective without them).

 

Step 3) Glue the Newspaper to the jar in random patterns, make sure the words aren't all facing the same way. Also, for this version, ensure that the top and bottom have flat edges, you may need to cut some edges so they are straight but you can generally use the edge of a page.

 

 

Step 4) Draw (or trace if you can't draw) a little picture on another piece of newspaper to stick onto the jar. I chose penguins sliding down a slope because it's simple and easy to draw. Then  stick this onto the jar (making sure that the edges don't go over you're straight ones)

 

 

Step 5) Trace the lid onto another piece of Newspaper and cut out, ensure that the cut out is no bigger then the lid. You can choose not to draw on this part (you can also choose to not have a lid) but I decided to draw some branches onto it. Allow this to dry (you don't want it to run). If you chose to skip this step then keep scrolling and you'll find the next one.

 

 

Step 6) Once dried, glue your newspaper circle onto the lid of the jar. You can also glue a picture (or Print out) onto the inside of the lid if you choose to, I didn't.

 

 

Step 7) Leave the jar to dry for about an hour then you have your finished product to do whatever you want with.

 

 

 

 

Possible Uses

 

Storing Brushes or makeup

Party Invitations

Gifts (Fill with fudge or chocolate and wrap)

Decorations

Storing Jam (who knew you could use a jam jar to store jam)

Pencil Holder

Growing Herbs or Small Flowers

Storing Foods (e.g Nuts, Seeds, Tea Bags)

As A Candle Holder

Table Centrepiece (larger jars)

Vase

 

As you can see this home made piece has many different functions and it is extremely cheap to make. I also did a different variation of this to serve drinks in for a hospitality unit at school. It was really effective and just looked generally pretty.

 

Hope you enjoyed this post, if you chose to make this I would love to know how you go.

Happy Crafting

Emma Jay xox

 

 

 

 

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Beauty Haul

So I recently went shopping and had a bit of a splurge on beauty products. I guess, it's technically not a haul because I didn't really get loads of stuff but anyways here it is.

 

Model Co Natural Tan Self-Tan Lotion

 

I was never really a fan of fake tan even though I'm super pale and nothing seems to make me more tanned. I've always just walked around looking like Voldemort, until now. I saw this Model Co self tanning lotion in my local supermarket and thought why not give it a go, so I did. It is amazing. Simply apply like a normal moisturiser (avoid contact with clothes until full absorbed) and go about your day. Next time you look in a mirror you'll have a beautiful lasting fake tan that doesn't look like carrot juice (unless you put to much on). This stuff smells really, really good and has a lasting scent which is an added bonus. It also comes in a dark shade and a non natural lotion (me being me, I got the natural one). It was also super cheap (another added bonus). I got this in a sample and tried it and it's been on for a week and hasn't really faded at all, so I bought some.

 

 

Australis Bronzing Powder in 45 Sunkissed

Next up is this Australis bronzer. My sister recommended this to me and I am so glad she did. I did think that it was going to be too dark but it really isn't. When applying this, I started of really soft which just added a sort of healthy glow to my face, but it can be built up quite easily and is great for contouring as well. This bronzer is quite pigmented and is also quite metallic but the shine isn't noticeable once it's applied to your face. I couldn't find a matte bronzer but this one is really good quality so I'm happy with it.

 

NP Set Essential Brow Set

Okay this has to be my favourite product of all time right now. This brow set is perfect! I was a bit sceptical when I bought this because I thought the lighter shade would be too light for my eyebrows (let's face it, my eyebrows are almost black) but when I tried it, it was absolutely perfect. The products there (in order from left to right) are Basic Brow, Glam Brow and Shaping Wax. I personally probably have the rattiest eyebrows on the planet. When I wake up they are pointing in every which direction but this eyebrow pallet, five minutes and an eyebrow comb and they are all sorted. I would definitely recommend this product to just about everyone. The colours work for both dark and light eyebrows and when used in tandem with the shaping wax, you can achieve perfect eyebrows in a matter of minutes.

 

BYS Synthetics Large Powder Brush

 

 

Yep, a Cheapo brush. I didn't really know what to expect when I bought this but I have no regrets. For the mere price of 13 Aussie Dollars I now have a super soft brush that blends well and doesn't let product to cling to the bristles. Usually I hate synthetic brushes but they are actually great. When you're working with non oil based makeup then none of the makeup sticks to the bristles. as you can see with this brush. I've used it to blend bronzer and blush and also to apply setting powder, non of which have mixed. If you're not willing to spend a pretty penny on brushes then I recommend this for you.

 

 

Exhibit Foundation Brush





 

 

I actually have no idea whether this is synthetic or not but my guess would be synthetic. This is another cheap(er) brush that I bought and I personally like it a lot. It's super soft and makes application easy. It's also easy to clean and maintain. This brush (quite obviously) hasn't been used yet but if it's anything like my previous brush (which it is, they're the same) it will be great.

 

 

 

BYS Synthetics Angled Tip Blush Brush

 

Yep, another cheapo brush. eh, what can I say? They aren't as bad as people make them out to be. This brush makes blush applying easy and also works well for contouring and bronzer. As it is synthetic, makeup struggles to stick to it (probably because it can't be absorbed, but then again, powder isn't wet). I don't really have much to say on this brush because I kind of said it all on the Powder brush. 

 

Fake Face Professional number 39 Eye shadow Smudging Brush

 



 Well, for a change this brush is natural bristled. I have to say that it looks really pretty with it's little wooden handle. I pretty much got it because my other eye shadow smudger broke (typical). This brush is insanely soft and is really gentle on the delicate eye area. I haven't really had a chance to use this brush properly but I am really looking forward to it.



 

 

 

Malava Contour and Crease brush

 

Okay, I love this brush. It's insanely good and blending in the crease and is the perfect shape for application to both the crease and areas for contour. The bristles on this brush are actually a mix of both synthetic and natural but this time around they are really dense. This enables the brush to hold it's shape and makes it perfect for crease application.

 

 

So that was my little beauty splurge. I don't know what products are available where as I don't live everywhere. I hope this provided some cheaper alternatives for you all (remember you don't need expensive brushes to look pretty, it's how you use them that does the job).

Enjoy

Emma Jay xox

 

 









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Top 10 songs...

So because music is growing in popularity these days,  I figured I should probably share my top 10 all time favourites with you. Be warned some of these are "old" songs but in my opinion, music never gets old ;).

10) Sitting in at number 10 we have Fair Fight by The Fray.
Okay do if you haven't heard this song, definitely check it out. I pretty much listen to it when I'm stressed because it's just really calming and quiet.

9) Suit and Tie By Justin Timberlake Featuring Jay Z
I. Love. This. Song! I actually have no idea why but I literally know this song word for word and whenever I hear it, I cant refrain from singing it. No idea why but that's just how it is....

8) Hey L.A by Ryan Beatty
I know a lot of people haven't heard of Ryan Beatty but seriously, look him up on YouTube or something (that's where I found him)! He's so amazingly talented, even my mum likes his songs and she's pretty picky so that's really saying something. If you're those kind of toned down pop songs then Ryan Beatty is for you! (Also if you find any piano sheet music for any of his songs, let me know where you found it because I've been searching for it for ages!)

7) The entire Wicked Soundtrack
I know, I know, this technically isn't one song but there's too many songs on there to fit them all in my top 10 so I just chucked them all under the one banner. If you haven't heard of Wicked  then seriously, Look. It. UP!  It is, quite frankly, the best musical I've ever heard! I love it so if that's what your into (and even if it's not) look it up, you'll love it!

6) She Looks So Perfect 5SOS
Gotta have an Aussie band in here. Seriously, these guys are talented! This song is perfect for jamming out to in the car and just chilling in general

5) Rap God by Eminem
This song is insane. How he can rap that fast I have no idea. Learning the lyrics to this song is a challenge I'm willing to accept and have tried and failed at doing (multiple times). I'm not going to go crazy over this one because I know some people don't like rap but if your interested, it's a really good song.

4) Redemption by The Strange Familiar
This song isn't as heard as other song's that I listen to. It's really soothing and has quite a good message behind it. I first heard this song on the Vampire Diaries and then again on Pretty Little Liars and instantly fell in love with it.

3) Sing by Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran has got to be my favourite artist of all time. His music is so unique and the stories he tells through it are so touchingly beautiful. If you need some chill-out music then I definitely recommend Ed Sheeran for you.

2) Stay With Me by Sam Smith
Sam Smith emerged into my musical world this year and his voice, oh my gosh, it's perfect. I'll be honest though, I didn't really know who he was until I heard Ed Sheeran sing Stay With Me. I absolutely loved his version so, being the inquisitive human that I am, I Googled it. Sam Smith's name instantly came up so I listened to the song and was just Wowed. So be inquisitive guys, you never know what you'll find.

1) Bang Bang by Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj.
Yep that's right, I love this song. I always try (key word, try) to sing this song when it comes on the radio but due to my lyrical failure and the fact that I can't sing that high, I can't really sing it. These three girls are perfect in and I like pretty much all of their music (except for a few dodgy songs and music video's released by Nicki *cough* anaconda *cough*)

Here it is, my top 10. Let me know if you agree (or disagree) with my list. I hope this gives you some different music to listen to.
Enjoy
Emma Jay xox

Top 5 Pimple Killers

Pimples, yeah I know the feeling. Those painfully gross, bright red, puss filled lumps protruding from your face. Well they aren't exactly pleasant are they? I have discovered some sneaky little tricks to destroy them and keep them at bay. So, I decided to share my top 5  with you.
Here it is!

1) Ice.

Yep you read right. Ice works wonders on pimples (especially blind pimples). Simply wrap an ice-cube up in a cloth and apply it to the pimple for a couple of minutes and (once your skin has defrosted) you will see and instant difference in the redness, inflammation and pain the pimple is causing. This is by far the cheapest most inexpensive way to reduce the noticeability of pimples.

2) Tea-Tree Oil

I know what your thinking, oil makes pimples worse, well, Tea Tree oil is absolutely amazing. I use this on spots on my face (less often then I should) but it works wonders. Tea Tree oil is a really strong antiseptic which is why it works so well on pimples. You simply apply it to a cotton tip and dab onto your blemishes before bed (you can use it during the day but because it's an oil it will make your face look oily, no matter how much makeup you apply). When I use this there is a noticeable difference by the time a wake up. This product works best if you catch the pimple in its early stages and apply daily. Lavender oil also works on pimples but generally will only reduce redness rather then eradicating the pimple. Fun fact, lavender oil gets rid of mosquito bites, my grandma told me that if you rub lavender leaves on your mosquito bites they go away so I tried it and it worked!. I personally use the Thursday Plantation tea tree oil (and other essential oils) because I know the product well (I have really sensitive skin that reacts easily so I prefer to stick with familiar products so that I don't get skin imbalances or allergic reactions.) and it is Australian grown and made so I'm supporting Aussie workers (always a good feeling).

3) Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Scrub

I swear by this stuff, as I said before I have really reactive skin so any change in products can cause an oil imbalance or an allergic reaction. I have used this stuff for about a year now and it is actually amazing! It keeps pimples away and keeps pores clear (so I don't get any of those pesky, hard to budge blackheads). I use this scrub morning and night and it makes my skin feel super soft and really brightens it (especially in the mornings when I look like a zombie). Also this face scrub smells really, really good. I can't quite describe the smell, it's kind of apricot-y and the smell stays on your skin for a good few hours. I'm always complimented on my "exotic fruity scent" at school so I guess that is an added plus.

4) Milk and Honey Mask

Okay so this one sounds a bit gross but it works. It's a combination of milk powder, honey and water. Just mix 2 teaspoons of milk powder with 1 teaspoon of honey and add warm water until it becomes a paste. Apply to face and leave for 5-10 minutes. Then just wash off and enjoy you new super soft skin. This is best used before your shower and I also recommend using your regular face scrub/cleanser because (though it is a fantastic idea) this mask can leave you with a milky scent...not attractive. You can also add rose oil or oatmeal to this mask as these are also fantastic skin softeners or rose water for a better scent and brighter skin. I've also heard that egg whites are really good for your skin but I hate eggs so I've never tried it.

5) Salt Scrub

As wacky as this skin treatment sounds it is actually one of the most effective ones I've tried (hence why it's on this list). To do this you can either purchase a salt scrub or add a little bit of water to a lot of salt. This will make a kind of grainy paste which you use like your regular face scrub. Another way do a salt scrub is but rubbing sea salt granules into your face where your spots are but you do not  wash off the salt. This enables the salt to absorb the oil and exfoliate the pores while you do what ever else you want to do in life. This version of the salt scrub is best done before you go to bed as it is more effective when you aren't being exposed to the sun (idk why, it just does).

So these are my Top 5 pimple killing, skin care methods. I hope that some of these help you to improve your skin.
Any questions or queries? Leave me a comment and let me know!
Love <3
Emma Jay xox

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