Thursday 19 May 2016

Endometriosis: The Silent Killer | Lifestyle

My name is Raeesa. I am an endometriosis warrior, a survivor, a soldier. Everyday is a battle against my body, and until now, I have proudly stood tall, upholding the flag of victory. 

I am scarred - both bodily and emotionally. I am bruised - both inside and out. I am exhausted - both mentally and physically. 

I wasn't even 18 when I was diagnosed. My endometriosis was much more severe than my doctors thought. I'd been suffering for years, not knowing.

My organs are covered by growths. Like weeds in a garden, endometrial tissue grows. Constantly shedding and ripping, shedding and ripping, shedding and ripping...

Chronic fatigue is a part of my life. So are digestive problems. Bowel movements are painful. I often suffer from diarrhea or constipation. 

But the worst of it all is the pain. Oh, the pain! Days are spent bent over, nights are spent curled up. There's always something stabbing my organs, tugging at my inner skin, snagging at my cells. 

I bleed on the inside, I bleed on the outside. So much blood to loose. So little energy to fight. 

Medications work for most. Not for me though. I'm one of those rare ones, "the problem child", they say. Have you ever fought against your body and had to do it all by yourself? It's difficult, I'll tell you that.

I spend many days in doctors rooms and on operating tables. Growths cut off here, growths burnt out there. Stitches on my stomach, pain in my body. 

I used to be happy with my weight. Not anymore. Medications make me blow up. It's depressing sometimes.

I'm tired, so tired. I awake each day, battle until I cannot any longer, and then go to sleep. Same process, every day. 

My family and friends support me. But those who don't know my struggles, only judge me. They judge me by my mood swings, they judge me by my weight, they judge me by my tiredness. All I ask is for you to not judge me.

Endometriosis is a punisher. It allows me to smile, while my organs are being tortured. It allows me to walk and talk, while crying internally. It is a silent killer.

But I will stay strong. Because I am Raeesa. I am an endo-warrior. 

Help me spread awareness by sharing my story. Follow my page for more with my endometriosis series.
 

Wednesday 18 May 2016

Mac, Mac and More Mac | Beauty 

Mac is undoubtedly one of the most well known and loved cosmetic companies worldwide. From lipsticks to liners, from blushers to bronzers, from foundations to highlighters, Mac has it all. 
Like most (if not all) make up lovers,I can't enter a Mac store without wanting to walk out with everything. Over the years, my collection has grown, but there are a few products that will always be my favourite.
Mac Studio Fix Fluid Foundation in NC42: I'm not always a foundation person, but if there's one I can't resist, it has to be this one. Not only does it have a great coverage, it also applies matte and to top it all off, it has an SPF.
Mac Lipstick in Captive: Mauvy Pinky goodness is all I can say to describe Mac's Captive. Its satin finish ensures a smooth application and a look that'll leave you dazzling. Mac Lipstick in Retro: This is a lipstick I find myself often reaching for. It's warm brown hue compliments any skin tone and with a satin finish, it is absolutely gorgeous. Mac Lipstick in Viva Glam 3: Not only are Mac Viva Glam lipsticks great on the lips, all proceeds from sales go to the Mac AIDS Fund! This gorgeous colour applies smoothly and brings out the best in my skin complexion.
Mac Highlighter in Global Glow: This mineralise skin finish powder highlighter has got to be one of my all time favourites! With its metallic finish, Mac Global Glow ensures a gorgeous looking highlight.
Mac Bronzing Powder in Refined Golden: If you're a lover of glowing, tanned skin, this bronzer is for you. I absolutely love how it gives my face shape and definition, while giving me some much needed colour.
Mac Mineralise Blush in Love Things: I'm quite pale and that's why I love my blushes to be somewhat dark in colour. This blush is one of my all time favourites since it has an amazing colour with perfect pigmentation. It also adds a healthy glow to the skin. *I would recommend testing these products out in store before purchasing them. I am of a medium complexion and these colours may be a bit darker for someone a bit fairer. Xoxo Raeesa

Tuesday 10 May 2016

 
Garnier Top Three | Beauty
 
Garnier is a brand that has been around for as long as I can remember and I've always loved their products. Not only are they super affordable, but they also work amazingly and there's something for everyone. 
Like always, I have my favourites and today I'll be sharing with you my top three Garnier products.
 


This product was all over the Internet and I had to get in on the hype. I purchased myself a bottle and wow, the results are amazing! I absolutely love how the Garnier cleansing water removes all my makeup after a long day. It is extremely gentle and leaves skin feeling refreshed. With Micellar technology, this cleansing water removes dirt, oil, makeup. 
I use this product every night before bed. Simply apply on a cotton pad and gently wipe the face clean.

 
I cannot even begin to express how much I love the Garnier BB cream! It has been a favourite for ages and to this day, remains my one trusted go-to product. It is an all-in-one lightweight product which provides a good buildable coverage. Skin is smoothened and brightened, and imperfections are covered. 
I've only recently purchased the Hydra Adapt facial cream from Garnier, but already I am hooked. I apply this daily to my face to hydrate and moisturize. What's even better is that it is super affordable and easily available. This is definitely a product I would recommend to anyone wanting hydrated and smooth skin.


 
Overall, Garnier has never disappointed me and every product that I've tried, I've loved. I look forward to trying out more great products and doing more reviews!

Xoxo
Raeesa

P.S This post was not sponsored.