Hi Guys,

This week I'm posting all about my hair struggle. I have very frizzy, coarse hair and have done since I was little. I won't embarrass myself with a childhood photo, but think cute baby with uncontrollable curls. I don't think my mum knew what to do with it. Either that, or whatever clips she did put in it popped open with the sheer force of the thickness. That resulted in every childhood photo of me featuring a head full of frizz.

Frizz has followed me everywhere since childhood. Even with masses of product put in it, to slick it down, there would always be the odd flyaway which I couldn't control. Needless to say I have used Frizz Ease Original Serum by John Freida since I was about 15. Sometimes I would just use it to tame the frizz and let my natural curls run free with a bit of control. However, as I got older and started styling my hair I used it to add a bit of shine and smoothness to my tresses.

Recently I was also sent the Forever Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner, so I thought I would put these to the test and see if they add anything to my routine. I shampooed, conditioned and wrapped a towel around my head. I made sure not to towel dry my hair as this can cause extra frizziness. I then applied the serum to my damp hair. The bottle advises one pump of the serum, however I know on my hair this won't touch the surface so I split my hair into three sections and apply one pump of serum to each section.

Now I wish I could say combining these products left my curls frizz free and gorgeous - they didn't. But then, to be fair the shampoo and conditioner isn't meant to be used for when you want to leave your hair curly. However, they did do what the name suggests, which is leave my hair beautiful and smooth once I had styled it.

Using straighteners, I start at the route and straighten the hair. When I get half way through the hair I twist the straighteners slightly to give a little shape to the ends of my hair. Having never used the shampoo and conditioner before I have to say it made styling my hair that little bit easier. I found I wasn't having to go over the same section over and over again and got that smoothness a lot quicker. What's also great about the shampoo and conditioner is that they also work like a treatment on the hair, so with continued use offer even more smoothness and frizz immunity, hence the name 'forever smooth'.

Overall I was pleasantly surprised by the results of adding the Forever Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner to my routine and think I might try the Dream Curls Shampoo and Conditioner for when I want to leave my hair natural. What is your hair type? Have you got any must have hair products you could suggest?

Hey Guys,

So as you can tell from the title, this post is a little bit different to what you are used to.  After posting my Valentine's look last week and with Valentine's itself edging nearer, I thought I would publish this post as a little alternative to what might be expected.

Diary: Home Bargains

Soap: English Soap Company.

For me, love comes in different forms. I have the loveliest, most kind, honourable, does-the-dishes, cooks and cleans, husband in the whole world and I am really appreciative of him. He deserves a medal. The love I have for him is something else. We met when we were 16, got married at 23 and had our first baby at 25. So cards and flowers etc. are a nice token but we save up and do a few special date nights a year and we are planning to go away, just the two of us, at some point as we haven't both left the girls before. Time alone is really rare, but precious.

Then there is love for your children which blows my mind and my heart all at the same time. I never knew it would be so powerful. It can be an ache sometimes. Loving something so much it actually hurts. I never understood that feeling until I had the babas. I don't know if it's the worry that hurts, but it's some powerful stuff.

My love for friends and family is special. The people you can rely on, the people you can go for ages without talking to, but are always there, you know, in your heart. They are in your thoughts somewhere along the way, even daily, but you might not speak to them every day. 

The last one can be difficult and it's loving yourself. It's such a tricky one isn't it? The self doubt within us can sometimes get the best of us. Like an internal voice constantly wondering and questioning. I remember this voice and constant worry of what others were thinking of me was quite prominent in my teenage years. Was I good enough? Now I've gotten a bit older I've learnt to love myself a little bit more. I've realised how important me time is and am very mindful when it comes to how I am feeling. Since having my kids I've learnt to not care about what others think largely due to the fact that I need to practise what I preach. I have learnt to show myself some love, be it a pamper day or a break with the girls. I think this is what everyone needs to do this Valentine's, regardless of whether they are in a relationship or not.

Hey Guys,

This week I have created a Valentine's make-up look for that special day. Whether you are all loved up or not, it's a fab make-up look that will suit anyone for any special occasion. I created it with a 'halo' effect because it is quite understated but makes an impact, which I think you want for a date. So let's get straight to it.

I started with my eyes as I was planning on using glitter so didn't want any fall out on my foundation! First I primed the eyes with Urban Decay Primer Potion. Then using Maybelline Colour Tattoo in 'Creamy Beige' I applied this over the lid and up to the brow bone. I have to say, I love the Colour Tattoo range and literally want it in every single colour. It provides such a good base for pigments and is very long lasting.







Now I had my base, using Anastasia Beverley Hills Modern Renaissance palette (yes, it's my favourite!) I applied the shades 'RealGar' mixed with 'Red Ocre' through the crease in a semi circular motion. I used a very fluffy brush to apply this as I wanted a soft blended out look on the crease. I also took this under the eye. Next, to create the Halo effect I used Kiko Cream Crush Eyeshadow in 'Pearly Apricot' and applied a semi circle kind of shape around the middle part of the lid. Make sure not to cover the whole lid as it will turn more into a 'cut crease' kind of look. I then applied Barry M Dazzle Dust in 'Athena' over the top. To the outer corner and inner corners I applied Lola Make-up by Perse eyeshadow in '032' which is a gorgeous, highly pigmented, dark purple. I used a tapered brush to apply this as I really wanted to focus in on the inner and outer corner to create the halo effect. I then used a 'Cyprus Umber' from ABH Modern Renaissance to add depth to the inner and outer corner. Finally, over the highlighted part on the tip of the eyelid, I patted on some pink glitter by Eye Kandy Cosmetics.

To complete the look, I added black eyeliner to the water line and liquid liner over the lid. However, instead of creating a flick, I instead stuck to the eye lid as I wanted to keep the circular shape of the halo. The lashes are Huda Beauty in 'Scarlett' and I have to say I am in love. Believe the hype guys. They are lovely and such good quality! I love the fluttery feel. I curled them before applying as the heaviness of them can drag them down slightly. I used my trusted Nouveau Lashes Ultra Bond glue and they did not move one bit.

For the base I used MAC Pro Longwear foundation in NC35 and I applied this with my beauty blender. It just gives this flawless airbrushed finish that no other tool can give in my opinion. However, expect a thick layer of product when using this. It's not for the faint hearted. I contoured using the L.A. Girl Pro concealer in 'medium beige'. The amazing highlight I used is actually a Topshop one, which was the last one in the store and I can't seem to find again, but anything with a pinky undertone would be perfect.  For blush I used Makeup Geek in 'Valentine' (obvs!) and the lipstick was Kiko smart lipstick in '917'.

I hope you like the look and try it out! Have a fantastic Valentine's Day! What are your plans?

Amina xx

Hey guys,

If you follow me on Instagram or Snapchat (@aminaali_mua) you will know I'm subscribed to My Little Box (£14.95 per month). It's a fab subscription box with a Parisian theme. The products you get range from beauty to jewellery, and even sometimes clothing. Before I chose a subscription box I took my time picking the right one and what I like about this was the variety of products you get.  Brands like Kerastase, Laura Mercier and Too Faced are partnered with the box and I remember the first box I got included a By Terry liner worth £24 on its own!

The box this month had a 'Fresh Start' theme, being the first of the year and actually wasn't a box at all, but more of a bag with an inspiring paragraph on the front. I was really excited to see what was inside.

The first thing that caught my eye was the snood. I am obsessed with scarves and wear them all the time. I kind of feel naked without one and it's something that also keeps me warm in these cold months, so I was delighted to see it. The colour and pattern were really pretty.

Within the bag was also a sweet hand cream and a revitalising body cream both by My Little Beauty, which is My Little Box's own brand. These smell lovely and are a great little addition to my collection of creams. However these were probably the items I was least excited about in the bag, as I currently have about three hand creams and more than enough body lotions. Saying that, they are very moisturising. 

Usually within the box you get a little magazine that features and talks about all the products, however My Little Box left a note to say they would no longer be including this, but instead will have more products. So in place of it this month were a set of five note cards put together by psychologists. At first I was like huh? But once I read them they actually really inspired me. They include, Find Your Purpose, Create Your 2017 vision board, Time For A New Job? - Four ways to tell, Unleash Your Inner Genius and Train Yourself To be Happy. All with helpful tips on how to achieve these.