Showing posts with label Inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Inspiration. Show all posts

Updated Natural Skincare Routine

It's been a while since I did a skincare routine, and it definitely has changed a lot in the last few months - especially now that it's Autumn here in Sydney & my skin just looooves to crack. Ever since getting off of Roaccutane my skin has never really been the same. It was a "quick fix" drug that yes, did clear my skin up temporarily, but left it with other conditions I now have to take care of. Thanks to going Vegan, most of these problems have gone away.


Getting off the dairy was a HUGE improvement for my skin, and I can't recommend it enough! It was causing the cystic and hormonal acne that even Roaccutane couldn't cure. However since then, my skin has been left in the driest of conditions so it's been important that I actually don't use "soap" to wash my skin. Soap not only strips away built up dirt, makeup and excess sebum on the skin but it clears your skin of its natural oils that are meant to be there as a natural moisturiser. Considering I already have dry skin, this was not doing me any favours. 

I learnt, thanks to this amazing woman at one of the Lush stores, that since I have dry skin, I should be washing my face with oils! As strange as it sounds, washing your skins with plant oils, removes all the dirt, dead skin and makeup but not your own skins natural oils. The product I use to wash my face at the moment is Ultrabland, and damn, it's pretty amazing. It leaves my face super fresh but highly moisturised too because it's so gentle. I usually use my Sukin toner after, followed by bit of coconut or rosehip oil to further moisturise my skin. Even with people who have combination or oily skin can use this method as well to rebalance their skin, since excessively striping away your natural skin oils only causes it to produce more.

As a body wash I use Dr Bronner's Magic 18-in-1 Hemp Rose Soap, which has a similar effect as the Ultrabland, but just for my body. While it sounds like I use a lot of products, all these brands are actually so cheap, eco-friendly and organic.


I had to post these beautiful little organic pink lady apples I bought at the food markets this morning - having easy access to fruit (even in my room) just makes it another way to get those fantastic vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients into your body to help you skin glow! These apples were just $3.50 for a bunch. It really doesn't cost as much as people seem to think to look after your body properly. 




EAT BLACKSTRAP MOLASSES! It does everything from making your skin glow by maximising iron levels to promoting shinier, thicker and fasting growing hair. Molasses is extremely good for you despite what 'other people' say in that sugar is bad for you. It's basically concentrated sugar cane syrup that retains all the super nutrients such as high levels of iron, b6, calcium, magnesium, copper, manganese, selenium and potassium. You only 1 - 2 spoonfuls a day and it's also rich in antioxidants, which makes it a great in combating eczema, acne, psoriasis and other skin conditions too!

Spirulina, Barley Grass and Chlorella are also amazing because it is alkalising and will help heal your gut. Since most acne is a sign of poor gut health, this will be extremely beneficial too. This particular mix has a blend of the world's top 5 most nutrient-rich superfoods and contains vitamin b12, essential fatty acids, vitamin C, calcium, chlorophyll, folic acid, iron and plenty more. I've definitely seen a difference with my skin ever since starting this diet and skincare routine. Also, hydrate, hydrate and hydrate. The most simplest, cheapest and best way to get amazing skin. People seem to forget your body is made up of 70% water, so don't let yourself get thirsty!

 The only time I ever break out now is if I have a couple of cheeky ciders or drinks on the weekend, no more hormonal break outs finally! Whenever I see young girls going on The Pill, or saying they want to go on Roaccutane I absolutely cringe. It's not natural, and is only a temporary solution used to mask the real problem lying within. If you know someone who is suffering from acne or other skin conditions, feel free to send them this post & help them find their path to real health.

L A U R E N
x


Leave a Comment , , , , ,

WHAT I LEARNT AT DESIGN SCHOOL



Since I am now in my final year of my Bachelor of Design, I thought it would be wise to reflect and look back on what has been a crazy 5 and a half years (YES, damn it's been a while). A lot of you might not know that I did a year of Fine Arts when I first started University at College of Fine Arts (COFA) in Sydney. I was majoring in Painting and Drawing, but also touched on Photography, Ceramics, Metal Work and Print Screening and Textiles. Having only had a little bit of experience in these areas, they were definitely difficult, especially in an environment where it felt like the students around me were at level 100 before I even began. Being intimidated definitely held me back and I slowly learnt the intense level of expected quality of work in the first 6 months. However, I can easily say now, being in my final semester ever of University, that my personal confidence in my designs and the pride I have for the work I create has increased by 100 fold. 

People don't realise that being in design school is a time to EXPLORE, UNDERSTAND and SEARCH within yourself, with what you want to create and especially how (the methods, the techniques, the aesthetic, the specific materials and the audience you want). After a year, I transferred from Fine Arts and felt my true calling. I knew that in the Art world you would always have to be selfish, you have to have that type of drive that actually drives you crazy, and in a way, it is a rather lonely path. You are the director, the creator and the audience all wrapped in one. As I transferred to Design, I loved having a brief, a client that I could work with and communicate to, to essentially solve a visual problem. As much as it was hard to give up bit of that creative freedom in a way, it fulfilled the need of me wanting to HELP others. Graphic design is a wonderful practise, in which you still highly utilise your artistic abilities but look at a situation or concept with the idea that it has to be viable, attractive and engaging to your consumer.

 If you are finding yourself struggling to maintain your motivation during study


---
Studying a subject you love can AND will kill your creativity sometimes, because you're not 100% inspired or in the moment. For this very reason, I can't recommend highly enough that you always work on projects OUTSIDE of your university/ study. This is because the projects you get at Design/ Art/ Creative School will never 100% be the briefs you want to fulfil. This way you can start making a portfolio that your proud of. Not a single university project is in my actual graphic design portfolio.
---
Start a creative online outlet to get feedback that doesn't actually come from a teacher for once. Sure, they have their advantages, but what I found is that current Art & Design teachers seem to lack the ability to understand current trends and aesthetics. Getting peer review is a great way to get feedback without the pressure of creating something perfect. It's all about that practise! So start up a blog, a Behance or Loop account or even Instagram! Utilise the technology around you.
---
Consistency. People who are consistent in life will get the results they desire. If you go for a run everyday, you will soon become fitter than you were before. Start designing something small each and everyday, that may be something as small as a stamp or EP cover. Design a birthday card, a friend's Youtube banner, a band tshirt, whatever you want to do with your design abilities! Being consistent will GUARANTEE that your abilities progress and what you can design will then be boundless. For the first 2 years of university, I didn't do much with my time outside of class, except for extra life drawings classes. I relied entirely on the 6 hours a week that I attended and expected my skills to progress but, once I started putting in the extra work, I actually found it hard to stop. And thanks to that, I know have a portfolio I am proud of. Download my "Get Shit Done" To Do list >>> here <<< if you need that extra inspiration too!

---
Create yourself an inspiring place to work in! As comfy as it is to sit in bed with your laptop, it isn't perfect for posture and nether your creativity. Hop on Pinterest to get inspired and create a clean desk space and surround yourself with the right tools. Check out my inspo for a great desk here!


Goodluck to you! & yes, studying is 100% worth it because it gives you that time to really discover yourself.
If you have further questions, feel free to shoot me an email at laurenvingilis@gmail.com.

L U N A H
x
Leave a Comment , , , ,

Graphic Design February/March









So yes, it's been a damn while since I've posted on my blog, so to make up for it - here are my recent designs! To keep up to date with my latest graphic designs, typography and other random samples, follow me at lunahdesigns on Instagram! Since I'm back at uni in my final semester ever and interning simultaneously, I'm trying to keep my own fun projects going just so I don't go too crazy.

Have a rad week!
Lunah x





Leave a Comment , , , ,

The "Get Sh*t Done" list - FREE DL

You know when you have heaps of sh*t to do but you don't want to do it ? Yep, that's like me on a daily basis really, however I thought why not at least MOTIVATE yourself to write these things down so at least they're out of your head and onto paper to help clear your thoughts too? 

Also, as a way to thank so many of you for your encouraging comments on my growing body of work, I wanted to give something back.


Introducing the "Get Sh*t Done" list. I've made it eye catching and purrrrdddyy, so that you WANT to look at it and see what you gotta get going with next!




Download available HERE !
Leave a Comment , ,

10 Tips to being a better creative!

Thanks to We The Spies for her "50 weeks of blogging!" challenge, I hoped on the blogging train a tad late in week #3 for the topic of "10 Tips to...", to help other creatives utilise their talent!


1. Declutter! This includes organising a desk space that inspires your creativity, as well as allowing yourself to actually think and get your ideas out clearly. This also includes the desktop on your computer! We all know how messy that can get. 

 2. Resources! Allow yourself to be the best you can by not limiting the programs you have. Definitely get Creative Cloud from Adobe which allows you to custom download which programs you need every month. Definitely worth investing!

 3. Get in the zone! For me, this usually includes pumping an awesome set list and a coffee or three. 

 4. Organise your ideas! Apps such as Mindly and Timeful help to organise my brain, especially when I'm on the bus and have a great idea. Pinterest as well is a wonderful way to theme your ideas together too!

 5. Create in short spurts! As a said in my previous blog, create until you are tired, but stop after that - otherwise you'll be going around in circles.

 6. Teach yourself! You are the best teacher you have, and anything you learn by yourself, you're more liking to remember it too. Don't be afraid of Google! As long as you know what you want to create, but don't know how, Google will surely help.

 7. Show it off! Get feedback through online platforms such as the Loop, Behance and Instagram! Or even start a blog, Tumblr or even a mentor in the creative industry.

 8. Design for you! (And no one else) .... until you have a client, then of course listen to their needs and apply what you've learnt. Be selfish like an Artist, but listen like a Therapist.

 9. Find inspiration in other outlets! If I get stuck I turn to photography or drawing as a way to combat my creative rut. Even going for a run or swim at the beach, and make enough "you" time, so you don't go too crazy. It's all about the balance! 

 10. Enjoy! Don't forget to enjoy what you do, because in the end, this is your time and your portfolio. Make it the best you can, and only put pieces in it that you are proud of and that show off your skills. Never put anything you don't personally like (yes, we all have those half-assed projects lying around haha) 
Leave a Comment , , , , ,

NU TROPICANA





Nu Tropicana  is considered a "total" art style, embracing textiles, interior design, graphic art, fashion and a way of life. It's a life dedicated to the beauty of the ocean and surrounding tropical forests - It's everything you think of in the Summer time, and everything your wishing for when it's Winter.




Leave a Comment , , , ,

M E R M A I D ~ L U X E

So as much as I am a designer obsessed with the realm of graphics, creating imagery, textures, layouts and all that deliciousness; I am also a fiend of the fashion realm, especially when the worlds of fashion and art and design meet somewhere in the middle. Lately I've been obsessing with my love for sport labels with a hint of luxury, or rather, experimental textures, like iridescent and metallic fabrics. Introducing what I have dubbed, "Mermaid Luxe", for the everyday girl who hears the call of the sea even while working 9-5 in the concrete jungle of her everyday life.





Moving onto the look itself, metallics are the way to go ... there's definitely something mesmerising to them, shimmering like real precious alloys and looking like liquid metal in the light. 


Combine that with earthy textures like drift wood and sandstone, and you've got a homeware style to match as well. This take on the already popular "Sport Luxe" style trend, is given that je ne se quoi and adds that feminine, almost fantasy-like touch, to an everyday outfit. To me, Mermaid Luxe is about combining those unusual clothing silhouettes, those with an edgier, masculine feel, and combining it with gorgeous, simple yet feminine fabrics.


---

B E A U T Y


Along with this style goes hand in hand with it's own beauty regime and look. Think, fresh faced, natural skin care, those sea minerals that help to hydrate your skin. Make up wise, pairing shimmering, glowy, bronzy skin with an interesting metallic or glitter eye and keeping the brows natural. 


Makeup looks by Ania Milczarczyk
Products above by Nars, Bali Body, Becca, Mac Cosmetics & SALT

---

 H A I R

Think messy, salt-textured and "I-really-don't-give-a-damn". Seriously. The more unkempt, the better. I think it gives a great contrast to the fact that your outfit is on point, while you really couldn't give two  f**ks about the rest of your appearance. If anything, dreads would seriously look best. 






L O V E & P E A C E

CHECK MY PINTEREST BOARD FOR FURTHER MERMAID LUXE LOOKS

LUNAH X
Leave a Comment , , , ,

New Zealand; The land of beauty, adrenaline and wonder


So just over a week ago I got back from travelling to New Zealand, both the north and south island. It was one of those trips that while you were over there, you knew something was incredibly special about it but it was only until you leave and settle back home that you really realise that you physically and mentally felt more alive being there. As soon as I got in amongst the mountains of the south island I immediately noticed I gained this insane clarity that from being in the most incredibly fresh air and drinking the most purist water I have ever tasted (right from the stream or lake on a daily basis). I can honestly say, nature is the most powerful medicine and only until we realise and utilise this we will forever be looking for the answer. It's also part of the reason I eat a diet of fruit, vegetables, grains, rice, pasta etc, but that's a whoooole other blog in itself (which I would like to write about soon if anyone is interested).



I started my adventure in the south island of New Zealand, first passing by the magnificent glass lake of Lake Pukaki and making our way through the snow capped ranges to Lake Tekapo and finally staying in a lodge at Lake Ohau . Crystal blue lakes are something to be witnessed first hand; it's seriously like Mother Nature has cranked up the Saturation on her Photoshop program. Despite visiting these lakes on a partially cloudy day, they still seemed to illuminate from within and taste like heaven.




Travelling further south only brought more excitement and adventure. On the third day in Middle Earth  we bungy jumped at the Kawarau Bridge (a 43m drop, which is only a baby jump) on the way to Queenstown which was a phenomenal experience to say the least. All morning I was rattled with nerves and pumping some hard tunes to get me motivated for the jump. That definitely helped but until I got to the bridge and realised to myself that I had nothing to be worried about and just let myself feel excited instead. I'll never forget that moment I was given the all clear to jump and just let my mind clear and told myself you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I can easily say I would love to bungy every single day to remind me that I am alive and capable of anything I put my mind to. If you ever have the opportunity, nod your head up and down and shout yes!





















 

Over the 16 days I spent in New Zealand, I was able to cram pack a tonne of adventure, new experiences and explore what this beauty of a country had to offer. My definite favourites included snowboarding at Cadrona ski fields, canyon swinging upside down in Queenstown (which includes 60m of free fall eeep !), speed boating on little blue lakes dodging cliff faces, glacier hiking at Fox Glacier, winding down the day in hot tubs on the edge of Lake Ohau, exploring the hot thermal springs in Rotorua and then relaxing at the mud baths, zorbing down the green hills in Rotorua, visiting Hobbiton and drinking at the Green Dragon Inn, patting lion cubs at Paradise Valley, exploring the underground caves it Waitimo and literally dropping my jaw at the sight of thousands of glow warms illuminating the caves like a miniature galaxy, dunking my head in streams to drink fresh water from glaciers, getting loose at the -5 bar and zip trekking down the mountain sides with a magnificent view of Queenstown. New Zealand, you have my heart.

Learning to tie crampons to our shoes so we can walk on solid ice on Fox Glacier !

Rivers formed from melting glaciers ! The cleanest water I've ever tasted. I actually keep having dreams about it as well #weird

Below is the beautiful hot thermal sulphur springs of Hell's Gate in Rotorua. Literally had the most magical experience. We got there just before the sun set and were the last people through because your not allowed to wander around 100C + hot springs in the dark .... for obvious reasons of course. As we arrived and walked around for about 20 minutes, we came across one of the thermal park guides, who was taking photos of the thermal spring that had just spurted hot mud and was slowly cooling on the side. We found out this hasn't happened, or even been captured on film for almost 10 years, so we definately got pretty lucky. He told of stories about the park, people who have died there, how the traditional Mauri people used the land and even let us put the clay from the white mud spring directly on our faces. That last point for particularly special because tourists are generally not allowed to do so and he told us the healing properties of the white "magic" clay. He even told us a story how a woman came to the white clay spring every day with her husband after a car accident, and how her skin healed super quickly and that her scars dramatically faded from all the cuts she had from the glass window in the crash. We also treated ourself to an hour long mud bath followed by a sulphur bath, which was a pretty hilarious experience. The mud is super slippery and silky because it is super fine, so it felt like you were sitting on a silky cloud. 

The next fews days after the hot springs, I noticed that my skin was super smooth, not a single spot on my face and i kid you not, a definite glow from my skin because it was so clear. Nature definitely knows whats up. The white clay had so many minerals and cleansing benefits that I wish I had one in my backyard. It also made me think,  how ridiculous it is for people to purchase designer "skincare" products and get bare minimum results. The solution is around us! It's what we put on our skin and more importantly, what we put in our bodies too.




 Above are the rolling hills of the South Island. Have absolutely no idea where, but there was something so majestic about being up close with these beautiful snow capped mouton ranges. Middle Earth definitely has a place in my heart... Especially since most of the time while crusing through the terrain of New Zealand I kept picturing Aragon, Legolas and Gimli running around being hunted by an orc pack.





 

Of course the beautiful Shire Hobbiton set had to be visited - and yep, it was everything and more than I expected. My hearts hurts to not be there now. The rest of the trip was captivating and truly eye opening. I was definitely surprised with what we accomplished in 2 weeks as well... I guess thats' what 6am wake up calls can help you achieve!

All photography taken by Lauren Vingilis.


Leave a Comment , ,
Powered by Blogger.

Copyright LUNAH DESIGNS. Designed by BloggerTemplate