Weekly Vlog #5: Stellar & No7, MiMind2016

Discover Mozambique - The Road Less Travelled

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Today's guest post is by Amy Goldsmith, a Melbourne based travel writer, is sharing one of her favorite travel destinations ever; Mozambique. So if you're on the hunt for travel inspiration read on.

Mozambique never was an item on my travel bucket list, but fortunately, by chance I got to visit this amazing country and it has not disappointed me. On the contrary, it has become one of my favorite destinations so far and the last year one of the best in my life. Not only I have had an amazing time, but also, I still feel the incurable nostalgia for the country’s vast coastline, dune-fringed beaches, fascinating surf spots, delicious food and incredibly kind people. If you decide to visit, you will see that the wonderful Mozambique has plenty to offer. 

Dreamy Beaches & Secluded Islands 

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Mozambique has the most picturesque beaches and the most pristine dive sites in the world. With its 2470 km (1500 miles) of coastline, it can match some of the most famous world destinations. Both giants of Mozambican tourism: Bazaruto Archipelago and Quirimbas Archipelago are equally astonishing in terms of natural beauty and marine life. Sparkly white sand, swaying palms, turquoise and azure waters, corals, great climate, even better waves… The nature is practically untouched by urban development, except for a few resorts, so we could rightfully say that Mozambique is a true escapist paradise. 

Unique African Culture 

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Mozambique has rich history and culture. It is a unique country in African continent, because of different cultural influences. Namely, Mozambique is the home to a number of ethnic groups, speaking more than 40 different languages. Its culture developed by the influence of Swahili, Arab and Portugal. This is still especially visible in vibrant and diverse local cuisine and in interior design. Just look at Maputo, for instance. Its contrast between beautiful colonial Mediterranean architecture and harsh brutalist buildings is astounding. Most of the population practice naïve beliefs, and that is really interesting to see. 

National Parks & The Unforgettable Safari 

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Mozambique is not your regular African safari destination, but it sure does have plenty to see, especially when it comes to underwater world. Combine the exploration of marine life with vast game parks such as Gorongosa and you will have yourself a perfect African holiday. Gorongosa National Park is an amazing site to observe elephants, lions, buffaloes, rhinos and hippos. Though animal numbers are pale compared to the years before the civil war, it is still a notable wildlife sanctuary. At Gorongosa I took some amazing sunrise pictures. Those are moments I will never forget! 

African Music & Crafts 

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The northern regions of the country are famous for their fantastic artwork and crafts. Their work is mostly focused on traditional religious beliefs, struggle for independence from colonial rule and the civil war. Makondo sculptures are some of the finest I have ever seen. Mozambicans are also pretty talented for music, both traditional (marimba) and modern. The contemporary Mozambican music is somewhat alike to Calypso and Reggae. 

The Rising Star of Africa 

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Despite its war-torn past, Mozambique is slowly but steadily getting on its feet and starting to attract many visitors. Although in its relative infancy, the tourism sector is developing rapidly and there is a clear effort to improve even more. Because it is equally as beautiful, but less developed and popular than its Indian Ocean counterparts, Mauritius and Seychelles, Mozambique is a true hidden gem of Africa, just waiting to be discovered.

I am so glad I had the chance to visit Mozambique while it is still undeveloped, unspoiled and untamed. I just cannot imagine its staggering nature covered in luxurious resorts. It is clear, however, that this outcome is very probable, so pack your bags and visit Mozambique now, while the prices are not hiked and the nature is not corrupt. I leave you with the words of the famous author Henning Mankell: “Go to Mozambique! As long as you don't expect to find flawless infrastructure, just go. Because this is a country where people have not quite grown accustomed to tourists. You still feel a genuineness that no longer exists in countries where tourism has been industrially developed.”

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About the author 

Amy Goldsmith is a business assistant from Melbourne. Her job allows her to travel a lot, which also happens to be one of her greatest passions. Find out more about her travels on Twitter. 

Face Of The Day (FOTD): Smashbox, No7, Benefit, Essence, Mac, Makeup Revolution

Apologies for the major overload of selfies I can explain! I did this makeup look for a party, hopped into my car all ready to go and then my car decided not to cooperate. I'm extremely lazy when it comes to makeup, so getting done up and then having no where to go is very annoying. Naturally I decided to make hay while the sun was shining...or something like that...take a ridiculous number of selfies and get a blog post out of it. TaaDaa!! Here's a list of the products I used, with links to where you can get them; 

Benefit They're Real Mascara

No7 Stay Perfect Foundation Shade Cool Vanilla 

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light

Mac Pro Longwear Concealer Shade nc20

Makeup Revolution London Ultra Blush palette in Hot Spice

Smashbox Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder shade Fair/Light

Smashbox #SHAPEMATTERS palette

Essence Lip Liner No.12 Wish Me A Rose (Primark)

Essence XXXL shine lipgloss No.4 Rising Star (Primark)

So first up I started with No7 Early Defence Day Cream and Eye Cream. They're both designed for preventive treatment for early ageing so are perfect if you're looking for skincare in your 20s. They have SPF 15, are hydrating, light weight, easily absorbed, leaving no greasy residue that sits on your skin. No 7 skincare is always on 3 for 2 so it's perfect for stocking up on good quality, good priced skincare. Next up is primer, then I use No7 Stay Perfect Foundation in Cool Vanilla. It is a lightweight buildable medium coverage foundation with a natural satin finish. I get approximately 7 hours wear. It is medium consistency and thankfully the pump bottle doesn't clog. It retails for €20 but with those coupons that they constantly hand out you can get it for €16. Another plus is you can get the No7 match made service done in Boots in just a few minutes from one of their No7 advisers. I apply my foundation with a beauty blender from Primark, next up is concealer which I apply with the smaller end of the sponge. As I have oily combination skin I use powder afterwards. My contour, bronze, highlight, strobing, brows AND eyeshadow all come from the Smashbox #Shapematters palette I reviewed here.  It is literally the best palette to have in your collection I can't sing it's praises enough. For lips I coloured in my lips with an Essence lip liner and finished with Essence lipgloss. 

If you'd like a review of any of these products just let me know!

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Smashbox #SHAPEMATTERS palette: Review

Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire