A U R O R A | SKINCARE ROUTINE

Who would not want to have the "perfect" skin that everyone have been dreaming for?

- clear, smooth, natural glow and healthy skin -

I am not saying that my 6-step skin care routine will be suitable for everyone as everyone has different skin types which makes it unique BUT it works wonders for me. Since Raya is coming in a month's time, why not do a blogpost on how I take care of my skin, isn't it?

F I R S T  S T E P: Coconut Oil

Honestly speaking, this product is the REAL DEAL, I swear. Before this, I have been watching a lot of makeup gurus reviewing on the use of coconut oil especially the organic and unrefined/raw ones. Never thought I would actually tried it myself to see whether it works on my skin. So I have been using this for few months already now in replacement of ***oil in order to heal my acne scars especially on my forehead (YES, I am not flawless). The results are just amazing, it does heal my acne scars by lighten them up to my original skin tone. Since coconut oil contains anti-oxidant properties, it promotes anti-ageing and it gives me the natural healthy glow that I have always been wanting for year now. Not only that, it also protects skin as it blocks 75% of UV radiation. 

U S E

I always use this after I woke up from my sleep in the morning and before I go to bed every single day. I will tend to put for 10 to 15 minutes and wash it with warm water so it helps to open my pores which then leads to the next step. 

S E C O N D  S T E P: Exfoliation

Exfoliating our face is important especially when you aim to have clean face! I mean, no blackheads and acne of course. Exfoliating means to remove all the dead skin cells which keep pores from being clogged. By doing so, it helps the skin renewal process to speed up, allowing our face to be smoother and look healthier. In this case, I am using this "St. Ives' Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub" as it is a deep exfoliator, but it is very smooth on skin. I am not saying that it can remove all of my blackheads especially on my nose but it can help to reduce the appearance of them.

U S E
I tend to exfoliate my skin at least 3 to 4 times a week. To exfoliate, I will take a small amount and massage onto my face with a circular motion for 1-2 minutes. Afterwards, I will rinse it with cold water.

T H I R D  S T E P: Facial Cleanser

W H Y

For me personally, I am so in love with cleansers that can form foams or even bubbles so I can play with it while washing my face. My personal favourite cleanser is this "Neutrogena's Deep Clean Micellar Gel to Foam Cleanser". It is like 2-in-1 cleanser because it can also helps to remove your makeup which is great for a lazy person like myself (HAPPY GIRL). This is like a life-saver. It helps to clean thoroughly and it is really gentle onto my skin. I am not sure whether people who have dry skin is suitable for this type of cleanser so please research beforehand!

U S E

Pump a small amount onto your hand and mix with small amount of water in order to develop foam or bubbles. Then, I will massage my face with a circular motion, without applying any pressure to it. Gently, massage for 30 second and rinse it with warm water. Instead of wiping my face, I tend to pat my face with a face towel until it dries. 

F O U R T H  S T E P: Moisturiser

W H Y

Many people have overly emphasised on the importance of moisturisers until today, well, I am not denying because IT IS THAT IMPORTANT FOR YOUR SKIN, GIRLS! Don't you want to have healthy and young-looking face? Of course you want, isn't it! HOWEVER, don't forget to find moisturiser that is suitable for your skin type. As for me, I have dry patches especially areas around my nose and it is embarrassing. I tried to hide it with concealers or even foundation but instead of covering it, it shows the flakiness and I hate it so much BUT "Sukin's Facial Moisturiser" actually saves my skin. Not only it helps to get rid of my dry patches, my skin feels really soft and moisture throughout the day. Also, it consists of all natural ingredients which is even better for my skin!

U S E

I tend to use this product after cleansing my face every morning. Just pump once and it gives out all the moisture that you need to keep your face hydrated. Also, I tend to pat the product all over my face gently so it is evenly distributed. 

F I F T H  S T E P: Clay Mask

W H Y

I have been loving clay masks ever since I used "Innisfree Super Volcanic Clay Mask". However, I do not know why I have stopped using it. Well, I have a cheaper alternative of course which is this "Garnier 3in1 Wash + Scrub + Mask" which I think you get it easily but it is not that effective when it comes to removing blackheads fully. Honestly, I have a lot of visible blackheads especially on my nose. This product gives the same effect as Innisfree ones such that it minimises my pores which makes my blackheads less visible. The benefit of using a clay mask is to absorb natural sebum which results in having smooth skin and being able to remove all the dead skin cells more in depth. The good thing about this is, it is time effective as it only takes about 3 MINUTES for the mask to be dry so yay for us, lazy people! Another extra step I will usually do to remove all my blackheads is by using "Biore Charcoal/Normal Deep Cleaning Pore Strips".

U S E

I tend to use this product only if I want to do a heavy makeup which is like 1 to 2 times a week. I use it before exfoliating my skin. Apply evenly onto the skin and leave it for 3 minutes (it will be dry by then UNLESS you put a little too much). Afterwards, rinse it with warm water so it is easier to be removed. 

o r Mask Sheets

W H Y

Alternative can be MASK SHEETS. Who doesn't love mask sheets, isn't it? Since I always fly back and forth to Singapore and Australia, I tend to bring mask sheets and wear it during the long flight. It makes my skin feels hydrated and fresh. It only takes 15 to 20 minutes of wearing them and I can bet, you will not regret the benefits that it gives out to your skin. Your skin will thank you one day! Before I forget, do not rub the leftover serums on your face away. Instead, pat gently onto your skin and let it dry.

S I X T H  S T E P: Facial Spray

W H Y

Everyone has been raving about how good this product is! I admit, it is the BOMB. Like you really should get "Mario Badescu Skin Care's Rosewater Facial Spray". Of course, you would ask why isn't it? Well, here's the reason why. I love how it has aroma of roses which helps to make me feel more relaxed especially after a long day. Not only that, it also helps to soothe my skin which also make my skin feel refreshing and hydrated. There are a lot of benefits in this but these are just some of the benefits that I have listed above. Oh, and one more thing, for those who are makeup lovers, this product is OFFICIALLY the best setting spray that I have been using other than "Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray". It is like a cheap alternative if you are someone that is looking for a product that can make you pay less BUT give the same outcome as the expensive ones. 

U S E

Instead of using moisturiser at night before I go to bed, I tend to use this facial spray. Just spray all over my face and let it be until my skin absorbs it all by itself. Also, I will tend to use Vaseline in order to let my lips hydrated throughout the night.

F I N A L  W O R D S

What would skincare routine be without showing my own bare face right? So here's one!

I know beauty is like a pain in the ass but well, you just have to put a bit of effort in order to achieve that desirable skin that you have been dreaming of. At first, you will feel unmotivated to do these steps but if you keep on doing the same routine, you will get used to it! Hopefully, by sharing with my skin care routine with you girls out there, it can benefit some of you. Have a blissful Ramadhan!

Xoxo,

Nazurah Aurora

I Was | Bullied and Depressed

Behind these smiles, there were sadness and struggles

Time to get personal with y'all

To be honest,
I was being bullied. Physically, Socially, Verbally. Or even Cyberbullied.
All forms of bullying. I have been through all of that for THREE freaking YEARS [insane!]
Calling me names such as "plastic surgery" - "attention seeker" - "two-timer" - "slxt"
Saying that I am too dumb to even go to Science Stream or even University
Insulting me by using all of my past behaviours including bringing up my family into this
You name it.

How did I even survived back then...?
I wonder too.

I was too young, too scared that I kept everything to myself.
Leading me to living with fear
Cried every single night
Keep thinking negatively - feeling as it is useless for me to live anymore
Depressed.
Grades dropped.
Nearly giving up.
'Nothing that I can do about to stop this'
That was what I thought back then.

The worst part is
Rumours spread
I was a "bad influence" to every single one of you.
Even teachers find faults in me.
They made me quit the school.
This is not the only thing I had to struggle with
I had family issues during that time
It was just horrible.

A year passed.
Everything was so different even the country that I was living in
No one knew me - which makes me want to change myself
Trying my best to forget about the past
"Hard but you can overcome this, Nazurah"
Positivity kicks in which improves my attitude towards studying
Good grades climbing up
Yet
Some people just want to ruin that happiness
Where they say 'such an easy syllable that's why easy for you to get A'
But
I ignored it and kept moving forward
Because I did not see the point of me backing myself out for those axxholes

     - If I did, I would only ruin my own life because of them

                                    Which makes them happy -

Guess what?
I have proved them wrong.
I can proudly say that I am in Monash University Australia [Caulfield Campus]
Taking Bachelor of Public Health Science - fyi, I will be in my 2nd Year in 2 weeks' time YAY
Not only did I proved them wrong for not letting me take Science subject during my middle school
But also proving them that even thought I was bullied, I did not give up

Moral of the Story
Ignore what others say or think of you
Start thinking what you think of yourself
Do not talk back to them cause if you do, you are just the same as them
Instead
Keep quiet and prove them wrong through your actions
Well
Action speaks louder than words, you know?
Most importantly, do not give up on yourself just because of those hurtful words that they say
Think of it this way
'They are just jealous of you'
That's what my mama always says to me
Keep moving forward
Another thing that you can do is
To start making yourself busy so that you will not have time to think of what others say about you
As for me
I tend to do colouring whenever I feel down, stressed or even depressed
This actually helps me to calm myself down
Or
I will go for workout
Or
Chill by the beach and have the time for myself

L A S T L Y
If you are experiencing similar situation as mine,
Just remember
YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN THIS JOURNEY!
I am not an expert in this area BUT if you need someone,
I AM HERE FOR YOU.

Yours Truly,

Nazurah Aurora

XOXO

Makeup | She got Engaged!

Stunned -

Amazed -

Speechless.

Few days before the actual day

She asked me to do her makeup on her engagement day

I was like

' are you like for real? '

She said yes.

A night before

I came to her house

To test out the makeup look on her

Based on her makeup inspiration

Guess what

Turned out that she loved it.

The day has arrived

28 January 2017

I did makeup for her engagement day

Different from the makeup trial but luckily she loved it

Majority were stunned when they knew I makeup for her

Glad that they said it was nice

Some of her friends asked me to do their makeups for their big day

I was really surprised

Even though I am not a professional makeup artist

I would love to do again

P/S: She asked me to do for her makeup on her wedding day

X O X O

Nazurah Aurora