N A Z U | The feeling of being a 2nd Runner-up

I am proud to say that I got A 2ND RUNNER UP place for a Korean Speech Contest as a Monash University representative ㅎㅎ Never thought I would actually able to say that proudly tho.

Of course, I can't deny that I was aiming for the prize ($$$) but then again, I was also trying to see the level of my current Korean speaking skills is. Honestly, I would wanna get 1st place like, who wouldn't right? - but when I saw the other participants' videos, I was like nah, it's fine..I'm not that great (started to have low self-esteem all of the sudden)

How it all started -

Saw a post in Korean Studies announcement on this contest and of course, there was a lil spark in me to actually do it. Since this is my last semester in uni, I thought it would be fun to join and do something that is just out of my comfort zone for ONCE. So, I did.

How the contest works -

1st: choose one out of the 3 topics that was given

(the chosen topic: 온라인으로 한국어와 한국 문화를 배우기 - learning Korean and its culture online)

2nd: record a video of yourself speaking Korean for 4~5 mins straight (no notes, no video edits and no headphones)

(when I first heard it, I nearly cried cause I had to memorise my script haha)

3rd: post on the discussion forum on Korean Studies so everyone can watch it

(first time in an actual Korean class and first time attempting so yay...great! ㅠㅠ )

4th: wait for the results till 9th October (한글날 - Hangul Day)

My reaction when I heard the news -

9th October 2021 - the result day is finally here! 떨림 떨림~

I was on a video call with my boyfriend as he was driving to work. When I opened my Monash email, I saw this:

"오빠~! 오빠~! 한국어 말하기 대회를 결과 나왔다! 나 2등이래!!"
"헐! 대박이다! 축하해 우리 애기~!"

I was so shocked that I was like "what has just happened?" inside.....I swear I got lucky to get it honestly. I think my hard work paid off yeah? Don't you think so? Oh well, I was so glad that I took part in the competition. If there's another chance for me to join again, I will! 

Just speechless like I can't believe that it actually happened in my life ㅠㅠ

I'll update you soon again. For now, stay safe~

XOXO, Nazurah Aurora [나즈]

N A Z U | Last Semester

 YUP, it's finally my last semester in uni.

"Did you take masters?" "I thought you're done with uni? No?"

Bet most of you would actually have that thinking yeah since most that are in the same batch as me, are either married and have kids OR have a full-time job (so-called settle down). Due to financial issues, I took break from continuing in doing uni even I have only one semester to complete. Well, there's always a reason behind everything. 

Mid of this year, after saving up money from working multiple part time jobs, I am happy to say that I am finally back in uni. I am quite lucky to say that I only have to do 1 elective unit for this last semester which means, I can focus more in getting those HDs (high distinction in Monash). Sadly, due to Covid-19, I have to do my last semester online. Not an issue for me tho. Since the unit doesn't have to be related to my major, I thought of doing a unit that I have been eyeing for awhile now which is taking a Korean language unit. 

Don't think I have ever told you this but I have been studying Korean on my own for maybe 2~3 years now but J U S T imagine, if I were to take an actual Korean class, it would be so sick, you reckon? Back to the story, since it's a Semester 2 unit, I had to take an entry test to see my Korean level is and to be enrolled into the unit. If you follow me in my SNS (Twitter, FB or even Instagram), you would know how I got into it. I took a written test as well as a 8AM Korean interview with the Unit Coordinator. To be honest, he was asking me whether I would want to enrol into "Advanced" class but due to lack of grammar knowledge, I told him to put me into intermediate class which I did!!! 

It has been 8 weeks since I have started the class and I am so in love with it. Just had my first ever mid-term test in full on Korean few weeks back AND MY RESULTS ARE OUT FINALLY. Proud to say that my efforts paid off!!! YOUR GIRL HERE GOT HD ㅎㅎ Some might say, it's just mid-term...well, it's a big achievement for me since I don't really have anyone to help me check my Korean skills properly tho. Another good news is, I got picked, among 20 Monash students, to do Korean language exchange program with Seoul Women University for 6 weeks!!!!!! L U C K Y .

Another exciting news is, there's a Korean Speech Contest in my uni and I will be participating. I feel like if I don't do it, it will be such a waste tho... SO YES, I WILL BE PARTICIPATING IT. Usually, I am not the type that always go forward or take up any opportunity that comes BUT I really think that it will be great to expose myself to everyone with my skills even though it's not that great yet.

Would update you soon on another issue that I kept a secret from everyone. For now, stay safe, wash your hands frequently and make sure to wear your mask properly.

Nazurah Aurora [나즈] XOXO 

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

Adventure: Street Arts @ Hozier Lane

Have you ever gone to a place which makes you feel as if you belong there? Well, I did.

Honestly, it was totally impromptu plan with a friend of mine, Sulynn. We used to be in the same class back in those day when we were in SIS. After a year of not meeting each other, we have decided to meet up in Melbourne itself which was just now. Since I wanted to take a picture of us in a beautiful scenery, she decided to bring me to Hozier Lane.

Short Background

Melbourne is known as one of the world’s great street art capitals due to its unique expressions of art at outdoor locations throughout the city such as Hozier Lane.

Location: Hozier Lane, opposite Federation Square

Review

I think there are art streets that are similar in Singapore such as alleys near Haji Lane. However, I do not have the time to actually go there so I thought why not go to that kind of alleys in Melbourne? Well, my wish came true.

For me, I really like how artistic people actually express their feelings out by doing this. I wish I have that talent so that I can voice out but nah. Well, I will give a rating of 10 out of 10 for this unexpected trip. If you are coming to Melbourne for vacation, do not forget to visit its street arts because I bet you will enjoy taking a lot of pictures like me. Here are pictures of the lane that is full of graphic arts.

 

Outfit

Necklace: Lovisa | Top: New Look | Jacket: Granddad's 

 Jeans: Factorie | Shoes: Adidas Original

Well, that day was my first time trying out a different style of hijab which is called 'turban' style or most Malaysians call it the 'Yuna' style. Before trying this style, I have watched a lot of turban hijab tutorials on YouTube. However, I failed to make it like them so I tried to do my own style. Fortunately, it actually looked good and it stayed put on top of my head. I am happy with the result of it. Now, I am currently improving on how I style my turban. If you are curious of how I do, you can always tweet me so I can do a tutorial on it soon InshaAllah. I will sign off with my favourite shot for that day.

Xoxo, Nazurah Aurora