Keep them brows on!

One of my biggest pet peeves in life (and this was developed about a year or 2 ago) is noticing how people groom their brows - and some just go a tad too far.

Pictures from Google Images

Eyebrows frame your eyes. They make the difference in how soft your features are or how defined. They make your expressions much more impactful when framed the right way. Finding the perfect brow is not as easy as it may appear, believe me.

I find it interesting, while strolling the malls, how some women like to make their brows a very prominent feature in contrast to their hair color and makeup. I have witnessed an elderly blonde lady sport black eyebrows - and I DID cringe. I marveled at the sight of another lady with completely drawn on brows where the color of the line was so flat that it looked fake.

Don't get me wrong. I'm sure these women have their reasons for framing their brows (or lack of) this way. My reactions were based on first impressions as a beauty enthusiast. I sincerely believe your brows are meant to look natural in accordance to the look you're trying pull off.

*They're not meant to look too dark nor too fake. Nor do I believe they were meant to look too thin.*

We weren't born looking like that.

This isn't a post to teach you how to shape, take care or groom your eye brows as I'm still in the process of learning. This is me, L, blogging my mind out about something that bothers me.

If you require a tutorial, there are thousands online (YouTube, blogs, etc.) to assist you.

Most women are well aware of the techniques they can use to prep and groom their brows to perfect presentation. But makeup can only aid you for so long. The perfect cure? Prevention in its early stages.

I implore the teenagers passing through self-conscious phase to seek an expert - perhaps at your local beauty saloon - to shape your brows first before trying it yourself. Don't rely too much on makeup to correct a mistake - it'll have to come off sooner or later.  Then you either love what you have or live with it.

But let me leave you with some friendly advice to keep in mind:

1. Your brows don't have to match your hair exactly nor does it need to be a completely different color.

2. Don't go pluck-crazy and erase your brows from existence. 

Don't neglect or abuse your eyebrows, girl / guy. Treat them right and they'll make you look right.
Alright?

-L

Review: Daiso Charcoal Mask

Some things don't require a high price to prove that they can function exceptionally well. The Daiso Charcoal Mask is one such exception - which is why whenever I need it the most, it's not in stock for weeks.

This impressive product comes in white and black (and a bit of grey) tube packaging with Japanese words labeling it. However, for the benefit of international customers, a cartoon face of a girl is pasted on the tube with the black colored product on her face.

The price of this product varies from country to country. Here in Dubai, it is 7 Dirhams (around $2) - quite the steal in comparison to other masks.  It can probably be found it various asian stores, but here it can only be found in Daiso.

It is a peel-off mask made to pull impurities from your pores. When first purchased, the cap is sealed off to avoid any contamination of the product - and so you know that the contents are still intact. The product flows out in a gooey, tacky, black shiny substance that is fairly easy to spread.

Before use, it is recommended to steam your face or wash in warm water to open/loosen your pores. This helps the product grab impurities better. After doing so, pat your skin dry and apply the product. Wait until it is completely dry before gently peeling it off. It is important that you peel slowly, especially when you first try it out. It can feel harsh, but rest assured, the end result is worth it.

Additionally, this mask sometimes has the annoying tendency to separate while drying. A few adjustments and another layer should eradicate this problem.

Tip 1: Apply 2 layers so that the mask is thick enough to take off all at once instead of bits and pieces.

Tip 2: DO NOT apply the product anywhere near your eyes (and eye bags), eyebrows and hairline. It can strip off facial hair. If you do make this mistake, do not tug the product. Soak it in water to loosen/dissolve it.

My thoughts? I love this mask. 

During the very first application, I made the mistake of applying a sheer layer. It broke in bits and pieces during the peeling so I doubt it pulled out a lot. I apply it on a wet face so it spreads better. It takes longer to dry, but I don't mind waiting. Edit: Do NOT apply this on a wet face. It tends to separate the product. And keep water from entering the tube during application.

The product applies in a thick, glossy texture and dries into a matte finish. Sometimes applying two layers of the product ensures that it can be peeled off in one piece. Due to it's nature, it helps strip off dead skin cells on the surface. The result - smooth, soft and brighter looking skin. PLUS it hasn't broken me out.

The fragrance can be a little off-putting. But if you can overlook it, then there's no other reason why not to try it out. Unless your skin is extremely sensitive, then you might what to be cautious about using it all over your face.

This charcoal mask is also a great alternative to nose pore strips. I find that it works just as well as most strips (although not as well as Biore). So it's a 2-in-1 deal: a face mask and a pore strip. And for the price, it's more than just a bargain.

Although we have several Daiso stores here, this product runs out pretty fast. So it would be wise to have a backup. This is a staple product in my regime and I use it twice a week. 

-L

Now what?

My first day off. Be honoured blog, I'm dedicating time from my first holiday to you.

You know what's great about the first holiday? The morning. The morning you can sleep right through. That's it. That's the only great thing about first day of holidays.

The rest of the day sucks. You want to do nothing, but you've gotten so used to doing something all the time that doing nothing is torture.

You catch up on all your missed tv shows, eat your favourite foods, but in a few hours, all that's done too.

What made my day worse was watching the last episode of Merlin, the one tv show that never failed to air, even on holidays.
To make myself feel better, I decided to watch The Perks of being a Wallflower. I'm still deciding what I think of it. It could be a huge waste of my time, or it could go into my list of weird favourite movies.

Now I'm done with my tv shows, watched a full movie, finished a big pack of MnMs and even taken a much needed long shower.

Now what?

It's one in the morning but I'm not sleepy. It took me but one day to forget the value of sleep. Just a month ago, getting into bed was a treat, sleeping early made my life complete.
And now the bed holds no poetic value, it's just a place I've been in almost all day.

First day of holidays is not my thing.

-M

Surviving the dentist?

Chilling horror stories race through your mind as you sit in anxious wait. The buzz of a drill permeates the air. Fast. Grinding. Your eyes fixate at the door. Frantic questions. Worst case scenarios. Excuses to leave.

Wide-eyed, you await your inevitable turn for the dentist's call.

---

Greetings and salutations dear reader.

This post is the first of many I hope to publish in the near future. It's really more of thinking out loud (if you can call blogging online that) and pondering a topic that's been baffling me for a few months now: the fear of going to the dentist's.

Now keep in mind this is my own opinion and experience. One does not simply talk out of their ass unless they wish to get spanked. So take it for what it's worth.

Many of us have heard of the horrors that occur on the dentist's chair. The bright light, the laying-down position, mouth opened, exposed to the tools and eyes of the dentist. The prodding. The pain. The sound of that terrifying drill that changes pitch as it grinds against a tooth.

Yes, we've all heard it. Friends, family, the media have all shared some aspect of it. Not always in a positive light.

So the main question here is.. WHY do we hesitate to step foot in a dentist's office?

I suppose some reasons would be anticipating the pain that normally comes with dental visits, the terrifying drill, the feeling of not knowing what the heck the dentist is doing to your teeth, the embarrassment that could come with having to wear braces if it comes to it - the list goes on.

Well, let me share with you my experience and a few tips on eliminating that fear.

First off, I'm that person who LOVES junk food and sweets. And you can imagine what chaos that did to my teeth. If not, try to imagine the worst possible. For years my parents tried to talk us into going to the dentist - not only to treat my horribly decaying teeth, but also to install braces to close my front gap. Well, procrastination was my friend at that time. The process of convincing all happened when I was about 12. I'm 22 now.

We've heard from family friends about the dental treatments. Of course, they shared how painful it would be and the process... none of it sounded appealing. After much thought and frustration, we finally went to the office. Personally, I had NO idea what to expect and how to act. The office was clean, the environment calm and friendly. It looked professional, yet friendly. The dentist himself was confident and amiable. (Pssst.. these are tips when deciding on a regular dentist.)

The first time sitting on the chair... was nerve-wracking. I opened my mouth and exposed my humiliation to a professional. Yes, he stated the obvious condition, but at least he didn't make me feel as bad. Which is good - it gave me hope. The monthly visits made it easier to diminish the nervousness that I first had. (Don't expect to like something on the first try. Some things need getting used to.)

Braces... they hurt a hell lot when they were first installed. That's to be expected. It's shifting your teeth to a better position. Remember when you had to remove your baby teeth and how much you cried? Expect that in a duller sensation for a few days. I recommend painkillers on the first day after installation.

There's no embarrassment in wearing braces. Weirdly enough, it was in fashion a few years back. Hm. But remember that it's a TEMPORARY requirement. A couple of years on it and keeping your regular appointment would help speed things up. People who poke fun at you for having them aren't worth your time. Really. Don't be scared to smile in front of the camera. Confidence, especially when wearing braces, is attractive.

For about 16 months, I went back and forth from the office. Each time got easier. Each appointment got closer to the brace removal. And during that time, I learnt how to keep calm. How? Try this:

1. Lean back into the chair and relax.
2. Close your eyes
3. Open your mouth
4. Trust your dentist.

I found these tips on a child-like painting on the office wall. I wasn't aware closing my eyes calms me down. It did. It blocked away the image of the dentist and his tools and the bright lights. If you still feel nervous or uncomfortable, listen to your favorite song while your dentist works on you. They won't object to that.

At the end of the day, you'll go home maybe feeling a little pain, a little sore but a big step closer to obtaining healthy teeth.

If you're still hesitant or scared, here's a word of advice:

Take care of your teeth first before the dentist does.

---

Till next time,

L

Welcome To Our World

Some may wonder,

'Why is this called LongDistanceRelief?'
'What's it about?'
'Weird name for a blog with random posts...'
'What are they on about?'

Although some might not. Some might not even be as curious as the others and let us be. They won't ask us why the name, or why the posts. They will just read and enjoy. And maybe, we like this lot better.

Nah, we like you other inquisitive lot too. We're one of you. So calm down, we'll tell you what it is.

This is simply a channel for a close group of creatively talented friends to share their passions, frustrations and grievances. None of these friends are looking to gain anything out of this except keeping in touch with each other.

'Isn't that what social networking sites are for.'

Do you HAVE to ask so many questions?

'Yes.'

Fine. There's only so much those sites can do. This blog is like a project we want to work on as often as we can. I assure you, the word 'project' brings more motivation to the table. And we desperately need another medium to let out our creative instincts.

'So what are the posts about?'

Anything and everything. None of us take the same course and we have differing passions and hobbies. We hope to bring variety to this blog. Expect the occasional random post or rant. They happen.

'Who are you?'

That's the mystery. But get to know us through our writing and you'll learn about us soon enough. =)

Call this blog a relief from the pressures of our lives and a way to connect through the distance between us. Yes, we're in different countries. Hence 'long distance'. Get it now? Sure? Good.

We hope you have a good read and enjoy your day.