5 Things You Should Know Before Getting Eyelash Extensions

Eyelash extensions have become a popular beauty trend, offering a convenient way to achieve long, luscious lashes. However, before you dive into the world of eyelash extensions, there are a few important things to consider. In this blog post, I'll share five key points you should know before getting eyelash extensions, ensuring a safe and satisfying experience.

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Patch Test Prior to the Appointment:

Before your eyelash extension appointment, it's crucial to undergo a patch test at least 24 hours in advance. This test helps identify any potential allergic reactions to the adhesive used. By scheduling a patch test, you can ensure your safety and avoid unnecessary discomfort.

Choose a Skilled Lash Technician:

Not all lash technicians are created equal. It's essential to select a lash technician with good recommendations and a proven track record of providing quality service. Take the time to research and read reviews to find a skilled professional who will enhance your lashes while maintaining their health.

Research Different Styles:

Eyelash extensions offer a variety of styles to suit individual preferences. From natural-looking lashes to dramatic London Volume or American Volume styles, take the time to research and understand the options available. Consider your personal style and desired effect to choose the lash style that best complements your look.

Keep Your Eyes Closed During the Procedure:

During your eyelash extension appointment, it's crucial to keep your eyes closed. Opening your eyes - even just to blink - can cause chemicals from the adhesive to enter your eyes, leading to irritation and redness that can last for several days. Ensure a comfortable and successful application by following the technician's instructions and keeping your eyes closed throughout the procedure.

Maintenance and Care:

Eyelash extensions require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best. It's important to brush your lashes daily using a clean spoolie brush to prevent tangling and maintain their shape. Additionally, it's advised to avoid oil-based makeup and skincare products around the eye area, as they can weaken the adhesive bond and cause premature lash shedding.

Eyelash extensions: What next?

Eyelash extensions can enhance your natural beauty, but it's essential to approach the process with knowledge and caution. By following these five important points, you can ensure a safe and satisfying eyelash extension experience. Remember to prioritise your eye health, choose a skilled technician, and properly care for your lashes to enjoy beautiful, long-lasting results.

Whether you're looking for a subtle enhancement or a bold lash transformation, keep these key factors in mind before your eyelash extension appointment.

Staying Safe While Traveling In All Aspects

If you are going to be traveling soon, or you are someone who loves to travel regularly, you need to ensure that you are staying safe while you do so. Your safety is more important than anything else here, and that’s why you have got to take extra care when you are somewhere other than your home. In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the things that you need to do in order to stay safe in all aspects of your life when you are on a travel adventure. Keep reading down below if you would like to find out more.

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Travel Insurance

First, we’re going to mention that you should be getting travel insurance before you travel anywhere. There are now some countries in the world that demand you have travel insurance before you enter their country simply so that you are covered if something goes wrong. Travel insurance is handy for a number of reasons such as getting your money back if your holiday is canceled, but also for paying for medical bills if you get sick or injured. It’s likely that the healthcare system in another country is nothing like the one that you are used to, and you never know how much it is going to cost to get the treatment that you need.

A lot of people say that they don’t need travel insurance because they aren’t going to get hurt, they aren’t going to get sick and they aren’t going to need medical attention. You do not know that, and there is no way that it’s worth the risk. It’s cheap and it’s necessary, so make sure that you get it.

Tap Water

While some people think that this is a ridiculous trend that became popular on social media, it’s actually not a good idea to drink the tap water from a foreign country unless you know that your body can handle it. The reason that we say this is because tap water is different in different countries. Some countries add a lot of things to their tap water to clean it, to make it taste better, and if you are used to this and then you drink water that isn’t like this, your stomach is not going to be in for a good time.

It’s best while you are away if you can just keep to bottled water as much as you can, as it's safer. At the very least, you know that nobody has tampered with water that comes with a lid on it that hasn’t been cracked yet. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

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Device Security

If you are someone who works while traveling, device safety is certainly something that you need to think about. If you are going to be accessing sensitive information about your business or from your business, you’ve got to make sure that you are taking the right precautions. You need a VPN on your devices, you need to ensure that you have got encryptions and firewalls and all sorts, especially if you are sharing a network. 

You also need to be vigilant and know how to know if your phone is being tracked so that you can do something about it. It’s unlikely that this is going to happen, but it’s always better to be on the safe side and know what to look out for.

General Awareness

The last thing that we’re going to say is that you should have a strong general awareness of your surroundings, especially if you are on your own. You want to stay safe, and you want to ensure that nobody is able to harm you. Just ensure that you are keeping an eye on your surroundings, and if your gut is telling you that something is off, ensure that you listen to it as it is probably right.

I hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that you need to do in order to stay safe in all aspects when you are traveling. It’s essential that you are taking the time to keep yourself safe, especially when you are out in a new place, exploring and making new memories. If you manage to do this, then you are going to have the best time ever which is the most important thing! I wish you the very best of luck, and hope that you manage to achieve your goal of staying safe in all aspects of your life while you are traveling.

Modernising Your Home in 4 Basic (and Effective) Ways

The road to your dream home seldom runs smoothly. It's far-fetched to find our perfect home that is purpose-built for us. There's always going to be little changes that we would like to make, but of course these days, these changes can be quite expensive. This is why if you want to modernise your home in simple, effective, and ultimately cheaper ways, you can do some of the following...

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Swap Out Those Old Curtains

Old and tired curtains instantly make a room look old and tired. Swapping them out for bespoke shutters can instantly modernise the space but there's also benefits to having shutters or blinds instead of curtains. They don't trap dust like curtains do, which is invaluable if you have a house that's potentially full of allergens. On the topic of allergens, we could also get rid of any carpet and swap it with modern flooring. While this is a costly option, there are things you can do to do it for cheap. For example, if you have been lusting after click-together flooring, you should always wait until the off-peak season to buy when there are sales, and of course, those wonderful bank holidays when the vast majority of flooring suppliers will hold some sort of sale.

Update Your Furniture

Lots of people want to upgrade their property by getting brand new furniture, but if this is not an option, you can give your furniture a makeover with some new fabric or paint or just some different accessories. For example, if you've got wooden chairs, painting them a different colour or covering your sofa with a new slipcover and adding some cushions and throws to the beds around the house will instantly upgrade those styles and textures, resulting in a more eclectic look.

Change the Lighting

If you are on the hunt for ways to create a different feel, lighting is something that so many home improvement articles talk about, and for good reason! When you make a change to the environment, either by investing in a dimmer switch to brighten or dull the look, you will instantly change how the place feels. You might not think that there's a place for less light, but if you want to create more intimacy in a cosy environment like your kitchen or a more cheerful environment for friends and family, a dimmer switch is the best investment anyone can make. You can also swap out any old lamps with LED bulbs, and as these are more energy-efficient and last longer, it's a nice money-saving investment that can do a lot for the overall feel of the space.

Declutter

It's something that we hear so much about, but decluttering is not just a great tool for your space, but it's also a great tool for your mindset. When you have less clutter and more space, it will instantly make your home feel more inviting, more spacious, and more modern.

Modernising your home doesn't have to be complex, and it doesn't have to cost the Earth. Hopefully, some of these methods can point you in the right direction and inspire you to make upgrades all across your property.

Travel Choices That Make Your Life A Lot Easier

Are you interested in traveling more throughout the year? If so, then there could be a few things that are putting you off. For instance, you might struggle with travel anxiety. Or, you could be worried about the cost. If you want to travel frequently, it’s always going to cut into your budget. The good news is that there are steps that you can take to avoid issues here. These are the options that we recommend. 

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Find A Way To Relax

First, you need to make sure that you are exploring steps to relax more when traveling. If you get stressed when traveling, then you’re far from alone here. A lot of people struggle with issues like this. Some people get anxious while they are flying while other people get anxious about the concept of traveling in general. If you are interested in relaxing while traveling, you might want to explore herbal medicines such as CBD oil. This is available from companies such as CBDistillery and receives fantastic reviews from customers. 

Cut Costs 

Next, you should think about ways to cut the cost of your travel adventures. One of the ways that you can do this is by searching a few different websites when you are planning your trip. For instance, you might want to think about looking at options like Last Minute Flights as well as Expedia. It’s also worth considering whether or not it’s more cost effective to book everything together or plan things separately. 

Meet New People 

You could also be interested in traveling but have no one to travel with. If that’s the case, then you might want to explore ways that you can meet new people while you are on your trips. The good news is that there are apps for that. Once you have downloaded these on your phone, you’ll easily be able to find out whether there’s anyone near you who is on a similar travel adventure to your own. You just need to make sure that you are staying safe when you are meeting people who you don’t know. 

Give Yourself Time 

Finally, you should think about giving yourself more time when you are traveling. This is another way that you can reduce stress when you are traveling. It means that you won’t need to worry about missing your flights or the next stop on your trip. This is why you should make sure that there are spaces before any flights that you are booking. Do be aware that delays are quite common. If you are worried about delays, then it’s worth making sure that your travel insurance will provide coverage for this type of issue as well. 

We hope this helps you understand some of the key steps that you can take to ensure that traveling is far easier. This is useful regardless of whether you are traveling across the world or just a few hundred miles. It can take the stress out of traveling and ensure that you find it far more enjoyable.

Rosemary oil for your hair: Does it work?

Is rosemary oil just another TikTok beauty trend? Or does it actually provide the results that everyone's raving about?

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Analysis of Google search data has revealed that online searches for ‘rosemary oil’ have skyrocketed 135% over the past year in the UK due to the huge surge of interest generated through TikTok.

A new finding by beauty and wellness marketplace Fresha analysed Google search data for searches related to the hair hack, which revealed a 135% increase over the past year and a 695% increase over the past five years just in the United Kingdom.

Searches for ‘rosemary oil’ have also gained interest across the globe, with an increase in worldwide searches of 331% over the past five years.

The interest in rosemary oil gained popularity on social media app TikTok after beauty and wellness influencers shared their experiences using the product while showcasing the results after around six weeks.

The interest in rosemary oil alongside the hashtag #hairtok has racked up an astonishing number of views. The hashtag #rosemaryoil has totalled 1.3 billion views, alongside #rosemaryoilforhairgrowth reaching 212.3 million views, proving the curiosity of TikTok users in the oil.

What does rosemary oil do to your hair?

The oil stimulates and promotes hair growth, battles against dandruff, and prevents premature greying; it is also proven to add shine and a healthy glow to the hair after a more extended period of regular use.

The beauty influencers on TikTok recommend using rosemary oil as part of your hair care routine, not to expect results after the first few uses and sticking with it as you could see incredible differences in your hair's health even after six weeks.

Searches for ‘rosemary oil for hair’ have seen a 168% increase over the past year in the United Kingdom alone, as well as an increase of 73% in the United States and 52% worldwide over the past twelve months.

The interest in tutorials has also skyrocketed on Google, with searches for ‘how to use rosemary oil in hair’ increasing 547% over the past year in the United Kingdom.

How often should you use rosemary oil in your hair?

It is recommended if you have thinner, lighter and easily damaged hair, you should use the oil once a week as a treatment. If dandruff is what you want to battle, then use a few drops of rosemary oil alongside gentler oils such as coconut, caster or jojoba oil; it can be used up to four times a week for shorter periods of time.

Mixing rosemary oil with lighter oils such as these will help dilute the rosemary oil's strength and work to soothe and nurture the hair while using the natural oils.

Interest in haircare has been on the rise, particularly since the hashtag #hairtok gained popularity on the app. The hashtag is commonly used by those sharing tips and tricks on styling, maintaining and looking after all hair types, allowing users to search and explore the millions of videos posted; #hairtok has surpassed 65.3 billion views.

How many people want to improve their haircare routine?

If you want to up your haircare routine and give your locks the best chance of looking gorgeous for longer, the first thing to do is figure out your hair type and your hair needs.

Experts suggest getting regular haircuts every eight to twelve weeks, but the next time you visit your salon, ask for some advice on what they think your hair really needs. If your hair is dull and lifeless, it is important to understand what products to use and how to use them; the same as if your hair is thin and weak, an expert should help you gain the answers to all your questions.

Searches for ‘healthy hair mask’ have increased by 575% over the past month in the United Kingdom alone, proving the desperate urge to seek the healthiest products and treatment for improving routines.

Not only are nourishing hair masks gaining interest online, but searches for how to achieve heatless curls to avoid heat damage have also risen tremendously worldwide, with searches for ‘heatless curls’ increasing by 274% worldwide.

William Zeqiri, founder and CEO of beauty and wellness marketplace Fresha, commented on the findings:

“The power of social media, especially TikTok, allows influencers worldwide to share their experiences and knowledge with those who might want to know more about a particular beauty topic but don’t know quite where to start.

"These findings are a definite eye-opener to see just how much exposure TikTok can offer to such a simple and accessible substance like rosemary oil and proves just how many people are interested in natural remedies of haircare which are fun and easily manageable, even if you are a regular salon visitor.”

How to Keep Your Garden Looking Great All Summer Long

The sun is out longer, and the temperatures are slowly rising, and you know what that means... Since summer is just around the corner, you can count on those dry days, mini-droughts, and heatwaves being upon us. But with that said, one thing is for sure; the lawn is going to need some attention. Whether it’s your back garden, front garden, or lawn in its entirety, there is going to be a need for attention and care for it.  

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Overall, if the exterior of your home looks terrible, it’s just going to be a bad impression on you.  Plus, having a well-kept-up-looking exterior is going to help you fall in love with your home as if it’s already your dream home. So, here is what you need to know when it comes to keeping your lawn looking gorgeous all summer long. 

Water Your Lawn Regularly 

Having a lush, green lawn is an important part of making your yard the perfect place for summer fun and outdoor activities. Keeping your lawn green and healthy requires a few simple steps, such as watering, fertilising, mowing, preventing insect damage, and more. Aim to water your lawn about 2.5 cm per week, which can be done by rainfall or irrigation.

It’s best to water in the morning when evaporation rates are lower, and the soil can absorb the moisture more easily. Generally speaking, this is going to be the biggest thing you can do. Make sure your grass is watered, as well as your trees and all of the flowers that you have in your garden. 

Avoid Animal Urine in Your Garden

While animal waste can be a great fertiliser, urine does the opposite. If you have pets such as a cat or dog, you’re going to want to try to either make a designated spot for them to use the bathroom or try walking them (or get a litter box) for them instead. Generally speaking, you just need to make sure that you entirely avoid animal urine at all costs, as this can kill your grass as well as your plants. 

Focus on the Surroundings

Generally speaking, it’s not only the garden you need to focus on, but you’re also going to need to focus on other things surrounding the garden too, such as the exterior of your house, the fence, the walkway, and even the gutter cleaning. All of this is going to add up, and it’s all going to make major difference in your garden as well. So make sure to keep a close eye on all of these!

Avoid Overwatering

Just as too little water is bad, too much of a good thing can be just as bad. It’s important not to overwater your lawn so that it stays healthy throughout the summer. Overwatering your lawn can lead to stressed roots, weeds, and insect invasions. Not only that, but overwatering unnecessarily increases your water bill, and it's not great for the environment.

To avoid overwatering, look for signs that you are watering too much, such as:

• Soggy lawn
• Too muddy
• Mushrooms growing

Overall, too much water is going to make it hard for grass to stay alive, and most plants will struggle too. So there needs to be a balance when it comes to all of this.

Try a wildflower meadow instead

Tired of maintaining a lawn? Try lawn alternatives, such as a wildflower meadow, instead. This will take an initial amount of work, as it will involves digging up your grass, but it will be worth it in the end, as a wildflower meadow is so much more beneficial for wildlife, and it doesn't need to be mowed. Better for the bees - better for you!

Effective Ways to Make Money While Travelling

A life of constant travel can seem like a pipe dream to many, yet it's entirely possible for savvy globetrotters to fund their wanderlust. The advent of digital technology has made it easier to earn an income from virtually anywhere in the world. Here, I'll explore some of the most effective ways to make money while travelling.

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Consultancy

One of the most lucrative ways to fund your travels is by offering your professional expertise as a consultant. A consultant is a professional who provides expert advice in a specific field such as business, education, marketing, technology, and more. If you've accumulated considerable knowledge and experience in a particular industry, then consultancy can be your golden ticket.

Thanks to technology, you can hold meetings, create and deliver strategic documents, and maintain client relationships from anywhere. You can set up your own website and invest in payment processing for your consulting firm, and you’re just about ready to go. Bear in mind, however, that successful consultancy requires a high degree of organisation and excellent time management skills. You may be lounging by a pool in Bali, but your clients will still expect top-notch, timely service.

Freelance work

The gig economy has revolutionised the world of work, and travel enthusiasts are amongst those reaping the benefits. Websites such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer provide platforms where you can offer services ranging from graphic design, content writing, and programming to translation services. The beauty of freelancing is its flexibility; you choose your projects and work on your own schedule.

Travel blogging or vlogging

If you have a passion for storytelling, consider travel blogging or vlogging. By sharing your travel experiences and tips online, you can make money through advertising, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing. Success won't come overnight - building a substantial following takes time, effort, and consistent, engaging content. However, once established, it can be a rewarding way to fund your adventures.

Teaching English

Fluent in English? You've got a marketable skill. Teaching English as a second language is an in-demand job worldwide. With the right certifications (like TEFL or TESOL), you can find employment in numerous countries. Alternatively, online platforms allow you to teach English remotely, offering even more flexibility.

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Remote work

Remote work is on the rise, with many companies embracing the idea of employees working from wherever they please. If your current role's responsibilities can be performed remotely, consider proposing a remote work arrangement to your employer.

Stock photography

If you have a knack for capturing striking images, selling stock photography might be an excellent option. Websites like Shutterstock and Getty Images enable anyone who is good with a camera to upload their images for sale. You'll be exploring scenic spots and capturing beautiful moments anyway - why not get paid for it?

Online tutoring

If you possess knowledge in a particular subject area, online tutoring could be a viable income source. You can offer your services to students worldwide via video chat. Websites like Tutor.com and Chegg Tutors make it easy to connect with students in need of tutoring.

Renting your home

If you own property, consider renting it out while you're travelling. Services like Airbnb allow you to list your property for short-term rentals. This can provide a significant income, especially if your home is in a sought-after location.

Online coaching

If you've got experience and skills in areas like fitness, nutrition, life coaching, or business, offering online coaching services can be a profitable venture. Online platforms like Zoom or Skype make it easy to conduct one-on-one sessions or group workshops from anywhere in the world.

E-commerce business

Starting an e-commerce store is another way to make money while travelling. You could sell handmade crafts, digital products, or drop-ship products from suppliers. E-commerce platforms like Shopify, Etsy, or WooCommerce make it easy to set up your online shop.

Virtual assistant

Working as a virtual assistant involves providing administrative support to businesses or entrepreneurs from a remote location. Tasks could include managing emails, scheduling appointments, social media management, and more. Websites like Zirtual and Belay provide platforms for finding such roles.

Travelling the world doesn't necessarily mean taking a career break. By leveraging your skills and the power of the internet, you can maintain a steady income stream wherever your journey takes you. Don’t forget, it's crucial to stay organised, maintain a strong work ethic, and ensure you have a reliable internet connection. By blending work and travel, you can experience the adventure of a lifetime and make a living at the same time. Safe travels and happy earning!