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💋 NZ beauty creator & digital marketer
🌸 Skincare • Makeup • the creative process
📩 [email protected]
📍Auckland
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How do you turn behaviors into habits?

𝘼𝙥𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙮, 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙙𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 30 𝙙𝙖𝙮𝙨. 👀

I’m currently doing a 10-week self-study programme with McKinsey, and one of the topics that caught my attention was the 𝑯𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒕 𝑳𝒐𝒐𝒑 — basically, how behaviours become habits and how those habits can help us become more adaptable when life gets a bit messy.

It got me thinking about my own routines.

For the past two months, I’ve been doing intermittent fasting and swapping my usual coffee for green tea from @drinkyahcha . At first, I had to consciously think about it. Now? I barely do. It’s just become part of my routine.

Research suggests it can take around one to two months of repeating a behaviour for it to become a habit. But time alone isn’t enough. You need to make space for it, practise it regularly and, most importantly, make it realistic enough to stick with. 

And I think the same applies to learning.

As kids, we’d happily spend hours figuring something out simply because we were curious. As adults, suddenly everything needs to fit around work, study, bills, social life… you know the drill. 😅
So instead of waiting until I “have time”, I’m learning to actually make time.

A few things I took away from the class:
→ 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥. What do you actually want to achieve?
→ 𝙈𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙧𝙤𝙤𝙢 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙞𝙩 Put regular practice into your schedule.
→ 𝙀𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙧𝙤𝙖𝙙𝙗𝙡𝙤𝙘𝙠𝙨. Life will get in the way, so plan around it.
→ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟, but not so much that you give up

And review your habits every now and then.

Think of it like servicing your car. Some habits still work perfectly, while others might need adjusting or replacing altogether.

I’m slowly realising that being adaptable and resilient isn’t necessarily something you’re born with. It’s something you keep practising.

And sometimes, it starts with something as small as changing what’s in your morning cup. 🍵 taken in Auckland, New Zealand by @el.nesia
1
a month ago
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Giving my beauty tray an honest edit ✨

Some of these have earned their spot, some haven’t.

Great Barrier island Lip balm: New Zealand Local, SPF-protected, never sticky. I’ve bought it twice, that’s the real review.

@benefitanz Browcara gel: I’ve lost count of the years I’ve repurchased this one. Colour and texture still hold up.

Maybelline Sky High Blue Mascara: nearly a year in and still in rotation. Brown eyes especially, this blue makes them pop.

@charlottetilbury Contour wand: not for a sharp, sculpted contour, but blended out properly it settles into an easy sun-kissed glow.

@naked_sundays Tinted glow: part tint, part blur, part SPF. Keeps my skin looking sun-kissed regardless of the weather.

@rhode Pocket Blush: first one I’ve bought in years. Sleepy Girl is a proper mauve for brown skin, sheer enough to build up however you like.

@narsissist Lip pigment: a gift that turned into a favourite. Warmer, yellow-toned red that flatters brown skin.

Maybelline Vynil Ink: my go-to for an easy ombré, pair with a bold red through the centre and blend.

@maybelline Blue eyeliner: teamed with the mascara, finishes the look.

@morphe2 White eyeliner: affordable and genuinely easy to work with. The crayon texture makes it simple to build up without a fight.

That’s my tray. What about yours?

nars powermatte lip pigment |  whimsical beauty flat lay | soft girl aesthetic makeup | beauty tray organisation | pastel makeup flat lay | whimsical vanity decor | makeup storage inspiration | brown skin makeup | beauty blogger | makeup review taken in Auckland, New Zealand by @el.nesia
2
3 months ago
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Same gel for a month. Not my proudest streak, but here we are. 😂

So today, I finally did something about it. Matcha in one hand, matcha-green nails by lunchtime.

A little different from my usual. If you know me, you know I almost always go for a touch of pink. This time, I wanted something softer. Something green.

I popped into @zaraandcobeauty in Takapuna, and Gracie brought the Pinterest idea in my head to life. She paid so much attention to the little details and made sure I got exactly what I had in mind. I couldn’t be happier with how they turned out.

The salon has such a calm, welcoming feel. It’s the kind of place where you sit down and completely lose track of time.
And I have to say, I’m loving this length. It’s so much easier for typing, filming, and getting the everyday jobs done.

Then it was lunch in the car, a couple more stops, and home before the light disappeared.

Nothing extraordinary happened today. Just one of those ordinary days that turned out to be really lovely. And I actually noticed it while it was happening, which doesn’t always happen.

📍Zara & Co Beauty, Takapuna — Gifted

Nail salon in Takapuna | Kiwi Nails Takapuna | Best Nail Salon in Takapuna

#NZBeauty #AussieBeauty #NZLifestyle #AULifestyle by @el.nesia
9
3 months ago
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Feeling your skin getting drier? Here we go, winter morning skincare routine tips, start to finish!

And yes, I’m being a little bit extra for a weekend, because there’s a new eye mask in the mix and I couldn’t wait to try 😍 It’s from my birthday beauty loop, does absolutely nothing for my under-eyes. Not gonna lie… but it smells gorgeous and the packaging’s just too cute to leave on the shelf. Am I right or am I wrong? 👀

The order matters way more than the number of steps, so here’s how I go:
* Put on my LED Mask for 10 minutes
* toner
* eye cream
* vitamin C
* moisturiser
* SPF

That’s it. Nothing fancy.

Follow @el.nesia 

And a quick note from me about vitamin C: I’m not a licensed professional, this is just what I’ve learned from reading + trial and error on my own skin. It can leave your skin a bit more sensitive to the sun. So ease in slowly, and NEVER skip the sunscreen after it. That last step’s really the whole point, promise.

Hope this helps someone sorting out their winter shelf! Save it for later, or send it to a friend who’s just getting into skincare. x

#meccabeautyjunkie #meccabeauty #perth #australia  #ausbeautybabes beautybloggers aucklandblogger newzealand nz

winter skincare routine | skincare routine tips | skincare routine for dry skin | use vitamin C serum in winter taken in Auckland, New Zealand by @el.nesia
4
3 months ago
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ASMR: My Pink Silicone Cable Pouch 💖

I tend to forget to tidy my cables and end up losing them in my bag or somewhere else, leading to a tangled mess.

Made from durable, flexible silicone, it’s perfect for keeping all my cables neat and tangle-free. Here’s how I use it:
1. Gather all your cables.
2. Wrap each cable neatly.
3. Place them inside the silicone pouch.
4. Zip it up, and you’re all set!
No more messy cables everywhere! Who’s with me on this pink organisation journey? 💕 

I purchased it from temu

#PinkLover #SiliconeCablePouch #OrganiseInStyle #UnboxingVideo PrettyInPink TechAccessories  pinkgirly pinkgirlythings pinkprincess pinkpilatesprincess pinkvibes asmrunboxing OrganisationHacks PinkObsessed taken in Auckland, New Zealand by @el.nesia
4
7 months ago
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How do you manage your time and stay disciplined?

Believe me, it’s HARD. 😅😭

At the beginning, without a clear system or priorities, my life was chaos.

I accidentally missed an exam, forgot forum discussions, and constantly felt exhausted and overwhelmed. 🥵

As a final-year Communication student majoring in Digital Marketing, here are a few things that genuinely help me stay on track:

✅ Write everything down
I make detailed checklists for everything I need to do. The more specific the list, the easier it is to see what’s actually urgent and what’s not. Most of the time, we think we have 100 urgent problems when really we only have 2–3 big priorities and a few smaller tasks.

✅ Put everything in your calendar
If it’s not in my calendar, there’s a good chance I’ll forget it. 😂

✅ Set two reminders
I usually set reminders 5–7 days before a deadline and another one closer to the due date. Knowing my own weaknesses helps me prepare instead of panic.

✅ Turn off social media notifications
Honestly, social media is my biggest distraction. I only open the apps when I need them and use Focus, Study, or Work Mode depending on what I’m doing.

✅  Use a timer
It helps me understand how long tasks actually take. Then next time I can plan my day more realistically.

✅ Do the hard things first
Most days, I tackle the hardest task in the morning while my brain is still fresh. Reading journals, writing assignments, or doing quizzes. Although sometimes I switch it up depending on deadlines and energy levels.

✅ Use flashcards
My memory isn’t the best. 😆 Creating flashcards based on specific topics helps me retain information so much better than simply rereading notes.

Every tool I use is free. I’ve relied on things like Google Calendar for years.
Will this system work for everyone? Probably not.
But having a clear structure helps me map out my day, stay organised, and most importantly, gives me a little more peace of mind. 🤍

#studytips #studentlife #busylife #studygramcommunity #studycommunity taken in Auckland, New Zealand by @el.nesia
13
4 months ago
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Finally tried @rhode 😉 
shade: sleepyhead 😴 for my brown skin 

If you have medium tan skin and love mauve… @rhode Pocket Blush - Sleepy Girl might be your next favourite blush. 💜

If you apply it lightly, you’ll get that soft pink flush like “I just saw my crush” kind of vibe.

Build it up, and it turns into a deeper mauve-purple glow. So pretty.🤩 

Since moving to New Zealand, I’ve realised makeup isn’t always necessary. I love how effortless the bare-face culture is. So now, I keep things minimal and blush is my non-negotiable.

As someone with medium brown/tanned skin, I’m picky. It needs to be pigmented, blendable, and actually show up on my skin.
I used to stick to just two blushes, but this one made me switch things up.

Why I like it:
✅ Balm-like texture melts into the skin like butter

✅ Sheer at first, but buildable (you control the intensity)

✅ Weightless, doesn’t feel heavy

✅ Easy to blend 

✅ Perfect for quick touch-ups (yes, even in the car 👀)

The packaging looks a bit bulky at first, but it’s actually quite handy and lowkey cute.

I personally love a more saturated blush look, so I build it up for that “naturally flushed” effect.

Minimal makeup, but still giving effort.
Soft, effortless, but still put together.

@rhode pocket blush swatches

#rhodepocketblush #brownskinmakeup #beautyblogger taken in Auckland, New Zealand by @el.nesia
1
6 months ago
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Frizzy hair in winter? Dry skin? YES ✅
Want to smell expensive without spending a fortune? Also YES ✅

Well, here’s my little winter hack. 🤫✨

Every winter, my skin and hair become much drier than usual. The colder weather means I need to put a bit more love into both.

My formula? Body oil + body lotion.

The problem is… a lot of body oils leave that sticky feeling behind, and I don’t have the patience for that. 😅

This one is different.

Powered by L22™ and native New Zealand botanicals like Kawakawa, Mānuka Oil, and Tōtara, it absorbs quickly into the skin and leaves a soft, dry-touch finish instead of feeling greasy.

And the good news? It’s not just for your skin. 💁🏻‍♀️

I’ve been using a few drops through my hair as well, especially on the ends, to help tame winter frizz and add a little extra softness.

The scent? Think subtle luxury. Soft, warm, and sophisticated. It’s giving “I have my life together” energy without trying too hard. ✨

What I love most is the simplicity. These days, I’m all about products that work harder so I don’t have to. Having one product for both skin and hair saves time, especially on busy mornings when I’m rushing out the door, commuting, or simply can’t be bothered with a long routine.

Sometimes the best self-care is the one you’ll actually do consistently. 🤍

#nzbeauty #nzmadebeauty #nzskincare #nzmakeup nzsmallbusiness nzmade taken in Auckland, New Zealand by @el.nesia
9
4 months ago
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I get asked how I film beauty content using just my phone, so here’s what actually makes the biggest difference.
The first thing I do? 

✅ Before I film anything, I make sure I understand the brand, the tone, and the product’s key selling point. A quick storyboard saves me a lot of time later.

✅ Clean everything. Not just the lens, but the product too. I always keep two microfibre cloths near me. One for the lens and one for the product. Fingerprints show up way more than you think, especially in close-up shots.

✅ Lighting does most of the heavy lifting. Good lighting adds depth, creates shadows, and makes products look far more premium on camera.

✅ One mistake I used to make was zooming in and out with my fingers while recording. Using the built-in zoom gives a much smoother result and looks far more professional.

✅ I also keep my setup as clean as possible. Every item in the frame competes for attention, so if it doesn’t add value, it goes.

✅ Don’t underestimate negative space. It isn’t empty space—it’s what guides the viewer’s eye to the product.

✅  For detailed product shots, I often use Cinematic Mode. It keeps the focus on the product while softening the background, which helps textures stand out.

✅ One last thing: switch on the grid in your camera settings. It’s a simple change, but it makes framing so much easier.

Which tip are you trying first?
Follow @el.nesia for more beauty, digital marketing, and content creation tips ✨

📱16 promax taken in Auckland, New Zealand by @el.nesia
4
4 months ago
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Nobody warned me that getting older means looking forward to a long weekend so you can deep clean the house… and then fully enjoy doing absolutely nothing afterwards. 🩷

Looking back, I don’t regret my mum teaching me all those basic life skills. Although, teenage me was definitely a bit grumpy about it.
“Why do I need to learn this?”
Well... now I know the answer. 😅

Growing up, long weekends were for going somewhere. Making plans. Proving you weren’t wasting a day off.

Now? I wake up, put on comfy clothes, and start tackling the chores.
If I’m being honest, cleaning is not on my top three favorite list 😮‍💨 but seeing everything nice and tidy giving me satisfaction.

There’s something so grounding about a slow clean. Not the “I have to” kind. The “this is mine, and this is enough” kind.

By the end of the day, nothing beats climbing into a bed with fresh linen. Everything smells  nice and clean, the house feels calm, and somehow I feel like a functioning adult again. 🤍

Maybe this is what slow living actually feels like.
Not aesthetic. Not perfect.
Just having enough time to enjoy the life you have.

#contentcreator #beautyblogger #ugcnz #beautyjournal taken in Auckland, New Zealand by @el.nesia
6
4 months ago
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Did you know there are more than 100 hot springs and hot pools across New Zealand? 🫨

This one is the most iconic experiences in the South Island has to be the @onsenhotpools in Queenstown, private hot tubs overlooking the stunning Shotover River.

POV: You’ve just arrived with @whatravel in a completely different time zone after a long-haul flight during Ngahuru 🍂 (autumn) or Hōtoke ❄️ (winter) in Queenstown, exhausted and slightly disoriented… and this is your reward.

It felt so good to be back here. The last time I visited was in 2021, and I wasn’t lucky enough to get views like this. 
Even though it was cloudy and raining heavily all day, we somehow still got such a beautiful atmosphere. Honestly, the perfect way to unwind after a long drive.

The pools are technically indoors, but the retractable roof gives you that dreamy open-air experience. Each tub fits up to 4 people comfortably, and your session includes 60 minutes with towels, shower facilities, and amenities provided.
Sadly, they no longer offer complimentary chips due to council policy only tap water now. But you can still order drinks or snacks before your session starts.
If you’re planning to visit, definitely book well in advance especially if you want a sunset or afternoon session. Otherwise, you’ll most likely end up with a late-night slot and a very dark sky instead. 😅✨

#nzmustdo #explorenz taken in Queenstown, New Zealand by @el.nesia
20
5 months ago
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Māori: Ngahuru (autumn) 🍂 | ˈɔːtəm |

Autumn in New Zealand (March–May) brings mild weather, golden leaves and crisp evenings. 🍂

One of my favourite seasons of the year. The time when maple leaves turn into the most vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold. The weather isn’t too cold yet, even though means winter is slowly getting closer. Still bright enough to enjoy long walks and sit outside for a while.

I love walking.

For me, it’s a way to pause the noise in my mind. Listening to birds chirping, the sound of the wind, and those quiet little moments. Walking has become my natural mood booster easing anxiety, slowing my thoughts, and helping me feel grounded again.

The other day, I found a new park to explore… and I saw a donkey. Yes, A DONKEY! 😭✨

You should’ve heard how excited I was. It felt so nice stepping outside my usual walking route, seeing something different, breathing fresh air, feeling the sun on my skin, and admiring all the beautiful autumn colours around me.
Meanwhile, cars were probably passing by wondering why this girl was taking a gazillions photos of leaves and trees like a tourist. 😂

I was just happy.

That day reminded me how small things can bring so much joy. We get so caught up in life that we forget to appreciate simple moments. The kind that quietly put a smile on our faces and make us feel present again. 🤍🍁 taken in Snells Beach by @el.nesia
8
5 months ago
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