EXAM MENTALITY

After sitting an AS exam last week, and having done my GCSEs last year, I feel like I have definitely learnt a lot about my approach to exams. Some habits are much worse than others but I wanted to share a few wise words that I was once told, that have allowed me to view exams in a way that doesn't overwhelm me. If you are currently sitting your exams, good luck, and I hope that some of the things I say are reassuring to you. 

'You can only do your best'

Since sitting my 11 plus exam way back when, my parents always use to tell me that as long as I'd done my best, then that was enough for them. To this day, going into an exam, they never fail to remind me of this and as reassuring as it can be, sometimes, you don't feel like your best is enough. However, when you think about it the best you can do, is your absolute best. Whether you have revised or not, going into an exam there is a maximum you can do, or you can do the minimum, well, doing the most you possibly can do in that exam, on that day, with the preparation you have had, that is your best. If you gave that exam 100%, then you can't do anything else and no one expects you to. If you can come out of that exam and say that you gave it your best shot, then that is enough. It is really difficult to get caught up in feeling like you haven't done enough and sometimes, the people around you can encourage a disheartened feeling but if you have done your best then that is all you can do. 

When you're in that exam room, your result is inevitable

This is probably the one that I put into practice the most. Don't walk into that exam trying to learn things that you don't already know, don't try and test yourself, walk into that exam with the feeling that your result has already been decided. This isn't me saying, don't try because you're going to get an A*, not at all, what I am saying is, when you walk into that exam room, your grade has already been decided based off of the revision you have done.

If you do the best you possibly can in that exam, in those conditions, with the questions you have been given, you will leave that exam room and your result will already have been decided. Not that you'll know what that result is, but there will be nothing more you can do after you leave that exam room. 

Inevitability, I think, is something so complex that it can be difficult to get your head around, but in this context, it is pretty simple. Once you leave that exam, there is absolutely nothing you can do so don't dwell on it. It is definitely easier said than done, but you could have that exam marked the same day you sat it and you will get the same result you would get if it was marked three months later.

Set yourself no expectations

I probably struggle with this one the most, because it is only human to want something. We all have expectations when it comes to our own abilities because at the end of the day, we know our own selves the best and so you know what you want to achieve also, however, you can't expect anything from an exam. Walking out of an exam, it is really easy to think that you have got this certain grade, but I think that it is better to walk out having no expectation for yourself. 

Obviously, if you are required to get these particular grades for university or sixth form or whatever, this can be really difficult, but the worst thing you could probably do coming out of your exam is to predict what you have got and expect that grade. Mainly because if you don't reach your expectation, you will be left devastated since you have spent all this time expecting that grade. 

During GCSEs, I definitely made this mistake a few times, coming out of an exam setting myself this expectation and when I didn't reach it, it was the worst feeling. Coming out of my exams this week, I have definitely tried not to predict my grade. I obviously have my target grade, but I have made myself expect that grade in the slightest. I have really tried to practice this mentality of expecting nothing, because, then, you can't really be disappointed. 

Trust yourself 

If you are sitting an exam and you have worked hard for it, have faith in yourself. I find it really easy to fall into this habit of not feeling like I've done enough work or not having done enough revision, but in reality, I probably have done enough and I just need to believe it. Even if you are not 100% confident with everything, under exam conditions, you are most likely going to pull through. You never know what you might remember in an exam and under that adrenaline and stress, you will remember more than you think you do now. Trust your ability and have faith in the work and preparation you have done in the lead up to this exam. 

Everything happens for a reason

This is probably the last thing anyone wants to hear going into exams but it couldn't be more true. You will get the grades you get because they will be sending you along the right path. It might not feel like it now, but these exams are paving the way for the inevitable like I said before, you can leave that exam knowing that whatever the outcome, it will have happened for a reason. Obviously, on results day, it can be really heartbreaking not getting into the university you wanted because you didn't get the grades, or a scenario similar, but it will have happened for the right reasons. 

If you have got exams coming up, good luck. I hope this post offered you some reassurance!

Grace xx

CURRENTLY LOVING IN BEAUTY

At the moment, I haven't been getting the chance to test beauty products like I used to, mainly because I tend to stick to my holy grails now. However, recently, I have found myself reaching some different products to mix things up as well as finding some new cruelty free products that I really wanted to share. 

Too Faced Sweethearts Blush in Candy Glow

I have had this blusher in my collection for quite a while now but I feel like I never give it enough love. Blusher for me is always very hit or miss, I like something that is sheer and buildable and not too pink or orange, easy to please...I know. A lot of the blushers in my collection also tend to be matte, mainly because I tend to leave the shimmer for my highlighter, but now that the warmer weather is here, I have been reaching for some of my more shimmery products for a more glowy look. This blusher always seems to come out at this time of year because of the beautiful glow it gives. I love how the colour of this blusher is super neutral and it is natural looking on the skin, it is definitely very sheer but it gives off enough pigment to make you look flushed. My favourite thing about this product though is that sometimes, I don't even wear highlighter when I wear this because the glow it gives is so flattering on its own. This is definitely a glowy skin essential for me and I think that everyone needs a product like this in their makeup bag. 

Revolution Conceal and Define Concealer

This concealer definitely deserves the hype, it needs to be said. I know this has been out for quite a while now but I still think it's just as great as it was when it first came out. I am always looking out for a new drugstore concealer but this one has definitely been my favourite now for quite some time. I mainly love it just for how versatile it is. I find that it gives enough coverage for it to cover up discolouration but it also highlighters my under eyes and it makes a really nice eye base also. The formula of it is lovely, I find it super easy to blend, really long lasting and it just seems to look nice on the skin. Obviously, the shade range of this concealer is huge for the beauty industry and for a drugstore company, I think that they have smashed it. I think that this is going to be a product that I repurchase again and again because I don't think that you could go wrong with this formula. 

The Body Shop Strawberry Smoothing Face Mist

I always forget to set my makeup with a spray, anyone else? But more recently, I have actually been using these face mists as more of a hydrating refresh for my skin right before I moisturise it. I can't tell you whether it improves my skin in any way, but I like the way my skin feels afterwards, so that's enough for me. The Body Shop is one of my favourite brands ever, and their skincare is something I am always wanting to test more and more of. This face mist, I got quite a while back now, but I think that it is perfect for a quick refresh, especially in this warm weather. Sometimes I will set my makeup with this and it works nicely just to allow the powers to melt into the skin, but like I said before, I also just like to apply this on no-makeup days as a little refresh and some more hydration. I will say, one thing you might not like about this product is that it has a super strong scent. It is strawberry and it is very potent so if you're not about that really fruity scent then maybe this isn't for you because when you first spray it, it is very strong. 

Iconic London Illuminator Drops in Original

Like I was saying before, this is the time of year where I am just all about glowy skin and also wearing less makeup. My everyday makeup doesn't really tend to include many cream products, but recently, this liquid highlighter has been essential. There are so many ways you can use this, but my favourite way is to apply it straight after my primer, on the high points of my face and then I would just apply some concealer, set it with powder and that's it. It is amazing for those effortless makeup looks that are just super fresh looking, but even over your foundation as a base for your powder highlighter, it can really intensify everything. I think products like this are really easily neglected in makeup but I think that they are such an essential in anyone's collection. I have even been known to use this as eye shadow and it worked amazingly. 

Inecto Bamboo Shampoo and Conditioner

I have been on the hunt for a cruelty-free and affordable shampoo and conditioner for so long now and I feel like I have finally found one. Inecto is actually sold in Home Bargains and Savers, so it is super accessible and super affordable. I basically saw this and thought of giving it a go, and I was pleasantly surprised by how well it worked. Considering both the shampoo and conditioner probably cost me less than £5, I wasn't really expecting anything amazing but I really love how this duo makes my hair feel. I've linked the title with some information about this particular range, but they actually have quite a few depending on what you want, this bamboo one is targetted for dull, damaged and normal hair which is a pretty accurate description of mine. I am always looking for hair products that will strengthen my hair and make it look more hydrated and healthy. This duo definitely works really nicely with my hair, I find that it feels super soft after using it and I have also found that it looks a lot less dry-looking which was definitely something I wanted. I am just super excited about this brand and I think that it is definitely worth picking up because I think everyone could find something within this company. Their products are also vegan and they use a lot of natural ingredients which I think it what makes their products so effective. Highly recommend!

Formula 10.0.6 One Smooth Operator Face Scrub

I have been testing some Formula 10.0.6 products all throughout this year and this is definitely my most favourite. A face scrub is such an essential in my makeup routine because I don't think that there is anything like it. I feel like a cleanser doesn't do enough to remove all of my makeup and so a scrub is essential for me to ensure that my face is super clean. My old favourite face scrub was not cruelty-free and I have never found anything that comes close to it, apart from this. Before this, I was using the face scrub in the Superdrug Vitamin E range but it didn't come close to my old favourite, this, however, is a dream. It is definitely an intense scrub, so I only tend to use it once or twice a week, but it does such a good job at making sure your skin is clean and that any dead skin is removed. This product also smells incredible, it is super fruity and fresh so it is perfect for giving your skin a proper refresh. I definitely see myself repurchasing this again and again. It is also fairly affordable and obviously cruelty-free so I would definitely recommend it to anyone on the hunt for a new face scrub. 

Hopefully, you enjoyed seeing some of my current favourite beauty products right now, let me know what you've currently been loving!

Grace xx

SMALL THINGS TO BOOST YOUR MOOD

 I guess sometimes, it really is about the little things in life that can make the most difference, and especially after a bad day or when you're feeling low, the most simple of things can just help to make your day that bit more bearable. Obviously, everyone has different things that make them happy, but I thought that I would share some brief ideas that definitely help to improve my day and they may also be on your list too.

I also want to point out that a lot of these things help to distract me mainly. Therefore, whether I am anxious, angry or sad, as long as I stay distracted

Music will always be a huge release for me. Not because I am a great singer or musician, but just merely because I like to listen to music that makes me feel good. Particularly when it comes to boosting my mood, I love a good throwbacks playlist. There is no greater feeling than listening to a song that you haven't heard in a while but every time you listen to it, you just get hit with all of the positive vibes. In correlation with this, I would also say to play the music really flipping loud (only if your ears can withhold it). For some reason listening to my music that bit louder makes me feel distracted and energetic in a way. I won't lie, if I am having a bad day, more often then not I will be angry about something and my favourite way to relieve anger is by listening to my music really loud. It doesn't work for everyone, but listening to music that you associate with good memories, positive vibes and great people definitely help me on a bad day.

 The next one is to just message someone who's close to you, maybe they live far away and you don't get to see them often, or you might see them most days, but checking in and asking about someone's day can really help too. I always find that it helps put everything into perspective also. Maybe the person you've messaged is also having a bad day and it reminds you that you're not alone in this, but also if they're telling you all the good things that have been going on for them lately then it also reminds you that this low mood is not going to last forever. Either way, there is always something you can take from talking to just someone about anything and everything. 

Obviously, if you want to tell someone what's going on that maybe has you feeling down or anxious, then this could also make you feel better also. I will say though, not everyone is like this and that is okay. Personally, I never tend to reach out during my bad or anxious days and that's just for my own reasons, so instead, I will just message someone about something different, but it manages to make me feel better, even if they didn't know it. I just find that by generating a conversation with someone, I feel a lot less distant from people, I feel a lot less robotic and generally, it just tends to make me feel better. 

This one is pretty predictable but exercise honestly does wonders on a bad day. I would not consider myself as an angry person but when I am feeling particularly aggravated or irritable or just stressed, I find that pushing myself physically is the best and healthiest way to cope with that feeling. Usually, a run works best for me, mainly because it is the most accessible and it also offers me a big sense of achievement, however, on a more regular basis, I just try and walk as often as possible. Even if you're having a particularly bad day or you don't necessarily need to boost your mood, I still think that exercise is important as it can help decrease your chances of getting in a low state of mind. I know that I definitely need to renew my gym membership soon as exam season is coming up and the gym is my healthiest way of coping with the stress exams generate for me. 

 I guess that this isn't going to work for everyone but just having a bit of time just to be creative and generate something authentic always seems to put me in a better mood. Whether it be drawing or writing or dancing, coming up with something of your own and executing it, just for your own enjoyment, can have the best effects. Personally, my go-to creative outlet is sketching, sometimes I will design clothes or I will do a realistic portrait, whatever I am in the mood for really. Other times, I will just dance freestyle for the fun of it to a song that I am currently loving at that moment in time. I love doing things like this when I feel like I want to, if I find that I just want to draw, then that is what I'll do. It just really helps to take off some pressure, to get distracted and to let time fly also. 

The last one is probably a super popular one and it is one that I always recommend to people, but that is to escape into a fictional world. Whether it be in the form of a book, a film or a tv series, a fictional world really does provide a distraction from your life. Personally, I find a book to be the most effective because it requires the most concentration for me and therefore puts all of my focus onto something that is fictional but if you have a tv show you really love then, it will have a similar sort of effect. I guess this also goes without saying, but don't watch or read anything that you will have negative connotations with or that you'll find triggering. Watch something that you associate with good memories or watch something that you know will make you smile.

This was definitely a very different post for me but nevertheless, I hope you enjoyed. Do let me know what else you would like to see from me in the near future as I am sort of lacking in ideas. 

Grace xx