Living with Diabetes

Hello everyone!
For this post, I thought I would explain what it's like for an average diabetics life. I decided to write about this because so many people ask me: "What's it like to have diabetes?" Also, this month is the month I got diagnosed with diabetes almost four years ago!
    After being diagnosed, I had to make a HUGE lifestyle change, which was hard for a prepubescent tween. It's not like I ate a lot, but everyone kid younger than 12 enjoyed their fair share of sweets. My family would start using more protein for my lunch meals and adding limited carbs, which helped take control of my blood sugars.
    When I was using the Insulin pen, the question I was asked was: "So you like stab yourself? Ew!" Yes that statement is probably the most irritating because it's not like us diabetics do it for fun. In the beginning of my diagnosis, I was so self-conscious to give myself insulin with the pen in the restaurant because of all the looks I would get. It was probably one of the most degrading experiences because, again, others make it seem like we are different. Diabetics are like every other person in the world, except for the fact that our pancreas is useless.
    With the Omnipod, the wireless insulin pump, I was also self-conscious to get it because people would see it on me. I didn't like having an object on my body, I wanted to feel normal. However, ever since I have gotten the Omnipod, I've been so grateful for it. It honestly makes it so much easier for when going out to dinner and school. Also to this day, people can't even tell I have diabetes, every time I tell people, they are so shocked.
   Lastly, the diabetic diet, as I said initially, my family made my meals healthier in the beginning of my diagnosis. Having to change my diet, has helped me with becoming a healthier person. However, every now and then I will have some sugar. It's very taunting when people around you don't have to worry about the insulin intake and just get to eat their m&m's (just an example). When I do have sweets, I will know my limit. It's not like I'll eat 10,000 handfuls, because even after a few I'll feel ill.

I Hope this helped with any questions people had about diabetes!!

For those of you who didn't know, I filmed an amazing video, with my good friend, Dani, aka Blushforbeautyxx on Youtube! If you want to watch, click here. Dani and I vlogged as well, so click here to watch those.

Diagnosis Story

Follow me on Social Media!!

Instagram: @emmakbanks

Twitter: @diabeautystyle

Let's try something new...

This was such fun post to do. For this post, I decided to vlog with one of the coolest people, Dani, aka Blushforbeautyxx on Youtube! We filmed such a cute video on her channel and we both vlogged. Down below, you will see my blog! I hope you guys enjoy! If you guys want to see more blog posts like this, let me know because it was so much fun!

DISCLAIMER: I don't have a youtube, however this is the only way I could possibly get the FULL vlog to upload. ENJOY!

Dani's Vlog!!

Black Friday Haul: Part 1

By the title of this post, you can obviously see that I'm showing what I purchased during Black Friday. The reason why there is a part 1 is because I'm also shopping during Cyber-Monday. Now, I'm not trying to "brag" about the things I purchased today, I'm showing my purchases to you because I think you guys would get ideas for a Christmas wish list or a purchase for the future. Let's get started!

1.  I was at Sephora, mainly to get my sisters Christmas gift, however I came across Sephora's $10 Favorite product sets. Honestly, I had a panic attack because this was my first Sephora Black Friday experience. This set is called Draw the Line, it includes six eyeliners from Nars, Marc Jacobs, Urban Decay, Stila, Kat Von D, and Sephora. I obviously don't need six eyeliners, so my mom and I split it up by each of us getting three. I chose the Sephora, Urban Decay and Marc Jacobs eyeliner because I prefer pencil eyeliner rather than liquid eyeliner.

2. This next product I also purchased at Sephora, this Dry Shampoo Powder Spray by Oscar Blandi. Over the summer, one of my closest friends recommended for me to buy the mini-one because she loved it after trying it herself. You may wonder, why would I buy a Dry Shampoo from Sephora instead of getting one from the drug store? Well, this Dry Shampoo is translucent!! Meaning, you won't get those gray marks on your hair when your spray it. I repurchased the mini dry shampoo because I needed to restock and I couldn't find the larger version.

3. The last makeup product I purchased was another eyeliner because I actually needed just a regular black eyeliner from Urban Decay. I got the 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil in the shade zero; usually I'll purchase it in rock star, however they ran out of that shade, so zero was my second choice.

4. For those of you who don't know, I love the the TV show Friends. When I was in Urban Outfitters, I couldn't find any clothes that caught my eye, however when I was walking past their section with books and home stuff, this mug caught my eye. When I saw it, I knew I had to buy it if I was a true fan of Friends. Also, this was the closest chance I had for drinking a cup from Central Perk.

5. I saved my most favorite purchase for last. You guys will most definitely see this in my Christmas Haul because my mom specifically bought it for Christmas. I bought a Marc by Marc Jacobs wallet. This is wallet is so gorgeous, I will treasure it forever and ever. My favorite thing about this wallet is that it has such a classic look. I can't wait to start using this wallet!!

Hope you guys enjoyed!! See you next week!!

My Top 5 Drugstore Beauty Purchases!!

Over the past few years, I've experienced ups and downs with drugstore beauty products. Now I'm telling you my top 5 go-to makeup purchases. Here we go!!

1. Clump crusher mascara by Covergirl
This mascara is my holy grail. I use two other brands of mascara, ultimately there will be a few clumps, so this mascara does the trick to eliminate any form of clump present.

2. True Blend Foundation by Covergirl
I tend to try foundation after to foundation because I feel like I can never find they right one. Initially, when I tried the foundation, I absolutely hated it. However, I grew to like it over time when I would try to experiment with makeup looks. I do use a different foundation for school, one for a certain season, etc. However, this one I know I can rely on for any occasion.

3. Dream Matte Mousse by Maybelline 
As I said above, there is a certain foundation I use for school, this is that foundation. I discovered this foundation after Covergirl stopped selling their Creme Whipped Creme Foundation. I loved that foundation because it was blend able, had a great coverage and it worked with my skin. When I was looking for a similar foundation, this caught my eye. I do plan on repurchasing this in the future and have grown fond of it.

4. Baked Powder Blush by Milani 
One of my closest friends gave me this saying it was probably one of the best blushes she has ever used. After using it, I fell in love mainly due to the shade of it. I'm very pale and the color it brings to my face emphasizes my cheek bones. Even on the back of the blush it says "Shapes, contours and highlights". I use this blush in the Shade, Berry Amore.

5. Revlon Custom Eyes by Revlon
Around two-years-ago, I purchased this eyeshadow palette in the shade, "Sweet Innocence". When I was younger, obviously a natural look was needed and this palette gave me exactly that. Earlier in the summer, I didn't want to waste my expensive eyeshadow palettes on a look for going to the library, I repurchased this palette. I guarantee that you should buy this palette if you're new to the makeup world and if you need a palette for a very natural look.

All of the pictures are in the shades I have mentioned and the shades I use. These products can be purchased at any local drug store or the company's website.

Follow me on Social Media!!
Instagram: emmakbanks
Twitter: diabeautystyle
Email: Diabeautystyle@gmail.com

40 Question Beauty Tag

Hello Everyone! Today I thought I would do the 40 Beauty Question Tag to show you guys my perspective on make-upand skincare. I hope this tag helps you guys get to know me a little bit better. Enjoy!

Here are the questions:

SKINCARE

-How many times do you wash your face daily?

Twice a day; Once in the morning and once at night.

-What skin type do you have? (dry,oily,combo)

I have a combination of dry and oily skin.

-What is your current facial wash?

Clearasil Oil-free Daily gel Wash

-Do you exfoliate?

Of course!

-What brand do you use?

Clean and Clear blackhead eraser.

-What moisturizer do you use?

Skyn Iceland or Aveeno.

-Do you have freckles?

Yup, it's the Irish in me :)

-Do you use eye cream?

Rarely, I was a little sample of Bobbi Brown's eye repair cream.

-Do you or did you have acne prone skin?

Luckily, I don't!

-Did you ever have to use Pro-activ?

No because I've never really have had bad acne before, and let's hope not for a while!

MAKE-UP

-What foundation do you use?

Almaty wake up Foundation

-How about concealer?

I use three different ones for different areas of my face. I use Maybelliene Instant Age Rewind concealer, Neautrogena's Healthy Skin smoothing stick concealer and bare minerals correcting concealer,

-Do you know your undertone color?

I think so. I would say a pink

-What do you think of fake eyelashes?

I don't really believe in them, however if someone wants to use them, that's their choice.

-Did you know that you are suppose to change your mascara every 3 months?

I was completely unaware of that. Gives me more reasons to go to Ulta ;)

-What brand of mascara do you use?

I use so many different brands. Some examples are: Cover Girl, Maybelliene, Benefit, and Smashbox

-Sephora or MAC?

Sephora

-Do you have a MAC Pro-card?

No

-What makeup tools do you use in make up application?

I use a beauty blender for my foundation, on occasion a foundation brush, powder brush, blush brush, etc. The brands I go to are Ecotools for some cheap but great tools. I also use the sephora brand brushes.

-Do you use make-up base/primer for the eyes?

Yes. I use Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion (Eden), Clinque Touchbase (Canvas Light), or my Smashbox limitless 15 hour cream shadow (topaz).

-For the face?

Neautrogena's Healthy Skin Primer

-What is your favorite eyeshadow (color or shade)?

Chopper by Urban Decay

-Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner?

Pencil

-How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil?

Probably twice per eye

-What do you think of pigment eyeshadows?

It depends. I'm not a fan of extreme pigments, like hot pink, because makeup is supposed to look natural to me,

-Do you use mineral makeup?

Sometimes

-What is your favorite lipstick?

Maybelliene's nude lipstick, Warm Latte

-How about lipgloss?

Almay, Nudetrients

-What is your favorite blush to use?

Sunset Glow by Clinique

-Do you buy your makeup on ebay?

No

-Do you like drugstore makeup?

YES

-Do you go to CCO's? (cosmetic company outlets)

No

-Did you ever consider taking make-up classes?

Sometimes but then there's YouTube

-Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?

When I first started putting makeup on, but now I got the hang of it. However, I still mess up from time to time

-Name a makeup crime that you hate?

Wearing too much makeup!

-Do you like colorful shades of makeup (lipstick,eyeshadow) or neutral ones?

Neutral for me!

-Which celebrity always has great make up?

Lily Collins

-If you could leave the house using just ONE make up item,what would you use?

Foundation

-Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on?

I don't know, I would at least have to wear BB-cream

-Do you think you look good even without any makeup on?

Depends, hopefully

-In your opinion, what is the BEST makeup line?

Urban Decay

-What do you think of Makeup?

I love it!

UPDATE: Why I've been MIA, SAT, School!

Hi everyone!! I feel so bad that I've been MIA from the blog lately. Although I don't want to make excuses, I will tell you why. Right after FIT ended, I went to Turks and Caicos two days later. During the two days, I was packing and doing other important stuff that needed to be done. I also started an SAT tutor mid-July, so that has been taking most of my time.

     For those of you who don't know, I started my junior year in high school, which has been VERY stressful. It's not that the work is hard, it's the amount of work given. This year has been very well with tests and my time management with homework. It was also my birthday around a month ago, so I was either celebrating with family or friends.

   I've also started volunteering at the local hospital. I'm very interested in the medical field in general, and I want to pursue a career in Endocrinology. As you read that, you must have been like "Wait I know what that is!" Yeah, it's a diabetes doctor. I've decided to want to pursue that for the future because I'm interested in diabetes, want to find a cure for it, and I want to show fellow diabetics that they are not alone. 

    I'm so sorry that I haven't written in a while. Expect weekly posts, I have not chosen a date yet, however, I will find one by the end of the week. 

Follow me on social media!!

TWITTER: diabeautystyle

INSTAGRAM: emmakbanks

Business Inquiries and Contact me

EMAIL: diabeautystyle@gmail.com

What's in my Bag?

In my last post, I mentioned how I was taking Precollege programs at FIT. I thought I would show you what I need/put in my bag that I bring everyday with me to the city. To start off this exciting post, I will show you my bag. My bag is from Gucci and has multiple compartments for me to store my items.

Starting off with the bottom left compartment stores my tinted lip balm from Cover Girl, my headphones, and my house keys. 

In my bottom right compartment, I store my iPod touch, where I study my SAT vocab words on the train sometimes. I also have my iPhone 4s, which holds my life, a pack of gum, and a mini hair comb.

Lastly, in my big pocket, I have my Omnipod/diabetes supplies (obviously a necessity), I have my notebook for note taking, I have my wallet (it has money, train tickets, etc.), my phone charger, my pencil case ( holds all my supplies), and a snack! A snack is so import, especially for diabetics. In case your blood sugar gets low, you'll always have a plan B!

I hope this will be helpful in the future!