Thursday, November 16, 2017

Soften Up | The only body lotion you require this winters - Body Shop Almond Milk & Honey Body Lotion



First of all a BIG shoutout to the sweetest girls and team of The Body Shop Jeddah for sending the cutest PR package. Still have it intact <3

The Body Shop Almond Milk & Honey is a range for dry sensitive skin. If the internet had smell-o-vision technology, now is the time I would tell you to hit that "ON" button. I have been trying out a bunch of products from this range but the Soothing & Restoring Body Lotion is what I loved the most.

It claims to moisturize your body for 48 hours. It is a light weight moisturizer, and when they said light weight they really meant it!

I loved the idea how they came out with the whole range for dry sensitive skin (My prayers have been answered!) But I see everyone enjoying it. It has a hypo allergic fragrance and the products are enriched with almond oil from Spain, Community Trade Honey from Ethiopia and Community Trade Shea Butter from Ghana.



The body lotion claims to instantly absorb and relieves the feeling of tightness and itchiness. It comforts, protects and restores moisture for dry sensitive skin.

I am a Certified Pro Hair Stylist and recently I started my practice again. With all the hair dyes, bleaching, and coloring my hands felt super dry and the skin was all flaky and torn. I needed something that would help heel the skin as well as it will improve the situation of my hands.

I remembered this body lotion and how it says its a restoring one. I instantly took it out, started using it and never stopped. It absorbs QUICKLY, like that instantly and doesn't feel as if you have anything on. I have been never so addicted to a body lotion as much as I am to this one. I love how it doesn't separate from your hands even if you wash them.

It leaves my skin feeling soft and moisturized. It has this thick cream like texture but MAN!!! it melts into your skin. Even after continuous use of hair dyes my hands still feel really moisturized. It did an amazing job in restoring the moisture and balancing it.

It has become a very important part of my body care routine. I apply it daily during the night time and for the whole day my arms and legs are love! However it doesnt really do it for 48 hours as I have to apply it daily but I dont mind that.

Overall, I am in love with the body lotion, the fragrance and texture is love. It stands true to the claim of instant absorbing and light weight. There is no colourant, mineral oils or petrolatum in it. I love the squeezy tube and its easy to use. I cant carry it in the bag but trust me I dont need to.



What is your favorite body lotion or cream?
row-of-hearts

Thursday, November 9, 2017

Drugstore Gem | Gosh Color corrector palette




I am not a big fan of too many steps. But if something little does wonders, I am up for it!

I received the GOSH color corrector palette in the PR and before this I have not tried any such clown colors on my face.
Color correction has been big for a while now, it’s a makeup artist trick for concealing discoloration using color as opposed to opaque concealer.

The theory goes that you choose the opposing color on the color wheel to block the discoloration. Every color has an opposite color- blue is opposite to orange, green is opposite to red, yellow is opposite to purple.

You might think “What?! More makeup? I’m already using SPF, primer, concealer, foundation, powder. Give over!” But actually, by color correcting, you can use less makeup because it conceals more effectively than skin colored camouflage, it can look more natural.

Ever since I have started to work my dark circles and eye bags and getting darker and deeper. Also due to some unknown reasons I have some acne spots and at times big-red zits on my forehead.

So I took out the palette and finally painted my face like clown.

This small kit contains 5 color corrector shades which are very blendable. They are perfect to cover any dark circles spot, conceal, eliminate dullness, brighten up the complexion and reducing redness. These color correcting colors are great to use under your foundation to eliminate any discoloration for a flawless yet natural finish.

I love how they blend into skin and works fine with almost every foundation I have used. They sit nicely under the foundation and dries quickly (So you have to blend them fast). And once they are set your foundation glides on easily without moving your color corrector.

They are pigmented and little goes a long way. I like how they have a thicker and harder consistency as compare to a concealer yet they blend beautifully. They are creamy but they dont budge or crease neither do they cake up.



These colors are versatile and works for light to deeper tones.



  • Orange – To counter act blue tones and concealing dark spots or dark circles.  
  • Yellow – Perfect for covering up purple or blue bruises, veins, and under-eye circles.
  • Green – Neutralizes any redness on the skin. (If the skin has widespread redness as windburn, sunburn or rosacea) 
  • Purple – Suitable for eliminating any unwanted yellow undertones on the skin 
  • Peach/Salmon – Ideal for brightening the eye area and cover signs of fatigue. Also works well to give sallow olive toned skin a much-needed radiance

    • I apply a very small amount with a synthetic brush and blend it with a beauty blender. Make sure that you have moisturized and primed your skin before color correcting.

    Overall, I am already a fan of GOSH products. As they are amazing and very easy on pocket. If you are new to color correction, this palette is great as it has 5 colors that would be great for several issues. Plus its a Parabeen free, perfume free and cruelty free brand. I love the packaging, its cute, its black and very light and also very compact.


    How many of you use color correctors?
    row-of-hearts

    Saturday, September 30, 2017

    The only thing you require to look 10years younger in a month! No.7 Restore & Renew Face & Neck Multi Action Serum




    An Anti-aging serum that alone promises to take 10 years off your face? Yes Please!

    No7 Serums are all the rage ever since they first came out in 2007, particularly if you are on budget!
    With a family of serums, each with a specific concern and life stage in mind, its latest formula is set to target not only your face but also your neck-a tricky area which we all neglect!

    The new No7 Restore and Renew Face & Neck Multi Action Serum is formulated to cover greater benefits and surface area then its predecessor. It does not only even out the wrinkles on your face but also helps with the crepey skin of neck, helping it look more firmer.

    Nothing long lasting will give you instant results. It does take a little time to show results but I bet you will fall in love once you see them.

    The new formula contains a protein boosting ingredient and amino acid which improves the strength of skin on the neck, helping it look less saggy. Unlike our face the neck doesn't have a bone structure to help it with its shape. The serum was designed to tackle the three key signs of ageing of face- wrinkles, loss of firmness and uneven skin ton, as well as tackling the two additional signs on neck; loss of firmness micro-texture or crepiness on the neck.

    My take on the product:

    I am always more excited about the skincare products than makeup. Because I believe that for a better makeup you require a flawless skin. I am always on a look out for skincare products that not only suits my skin but also are light on pocket.

    When I received the serum, I instantly started using it. I use it once daily in my morning routine and after a use of one week I felt my skin looked very radiant. I was a little concerned as using anti-ageing product breaks me out and that did not happen so I continued.

    After using the serum for about 3 weeks my skin looked much more even in the tone, very plumped, fresh and well rested.

    Now its been a month and I love how the fine lines has almost disappeared and the skin looks so much fresh and radiant.

    The formula is very thin and it absorbs into skin very quickly. I have been wearing a light weight moisturizer on top and they seem to work well together.

    TBH I have never been this impressed with a serum. I will highly recommend it to the people who wanna add a good serum to their skin care routine. Its light weight, doesnt goop up or clogs your pores, it is very EFFECTIVE!

    No.7 Serums are available at Boots Pharmacy across GCC.
    Dont forget to show some love to Boots Middleeast Facebook & Intsgaram.


    What are your thoughts on it?
    row-of-hearts

    Thursday, August 3, 2017

    Drugstore Gems | The Body Shop Vitamin E Mousture Cream- All Skin Types




    Sometimes you need a simple moisturizer without high claims. And eversince I ran out of my Soap & Glory  Daily Moisture Marvel I was in search of a good hydrating moisturizer.

    With all this dehydration and humidity my skin becomes a sensitive mess. It burns like anything and if I dont hydrate it properly, it looks red and starts to peel. So I got this in my The Body Shop Eid Treats Calendar and I started using it instantly as it was on my list.



    On first try it reminded me of Johnson baby lotion but more hydrating. It smells almost the same and looks the same too. The consistency is not very thick nor runny but it absorbs into your skin very quickly without leaving any traces. It doesn't feel oily whatsoever.

    I have used it for a good month and I have seen my skin doing so much better. It does look very hydrated and supple. Even in this humidity It was not sensitive this time as I have been using it religiously in combination with The Body Shop Vitamin E Serum in oil and Vitamin E toner at night time and only moisturizer in the morning.





    Overall:
    A very great moisturizer which is pocket friendly and works for all skin types. I love the consistency and how it leaves your skin feeling softer and plumped. I recommend using it with the toner and Serum as I love those products and together they have shown amazing results.
    I love how it doesn't claim big and does what exactly it says, putting back the moisture in your skin gently.

    Price: 89SAR @ The Body Shop


    Have you tried anything from this line?
    row-of-hearts

    Thursday, July 27, 2017

    Made In Sephora | Face cleansers - Mix & Play Sincare range



    Still remember how excited I was for the Sephora Summer 2017 Launch event I have been waiting for it from so long and seeing so many new brands and products made my heart sing happy songs.
    Because ofcourse its Sephora, it will be fun -and it was!

    But the most exciting thing was the launch of Sephora's skin care range as you all know I am about that skincare life and Made In Sephora products are bomb. Because Skincare before anything.

    I was one of the first few lucky ones to get some of these products to play with. And tbh these were the first products I tried as I am a huge fan of Sephora's sheet masks and I swear by them!

    With the skincare the biggest question is, "Will it suit my skin type?"
    Well Sephora made it easy for all of us by having different textures, consistencies and ingredients in different ranges of 4 products that we require for basic skincare; face cleansers, facial wipes, micellar water and lip balms. 

    Each main ingredient has a unique benefit whether you have sensitive, dry, combination or oily skin, they got us all covered! each variant is represented by one color just like their Sheet masks, which means 1 Color = 1 Ingredient = 1 Benefit. Each product comes in different texture, consistency or type to best suit your skin. You can mix and match the products to make your own set of skincare that best works for you- that's where the name of the skincare comes in "Mix & Play"

     And cherry on top- the line is super affordable!!!

    Today, after trying the range for a good month I decided to finally share my thoughts about the face cleansers they have.

    First things first, They have two formulas in the face cleansers to give you different results; Cream Cleanser and Exfoliating Cleanser. And I am going to talk about both formulas in this post.



    Pomegranate Cleansing Cream:

    So the pomegranate line is for anti-fatigue and energizing. It is enriched with pomegranate extracts to reduce the sign of fatigue and refresh the skin to make it look energetic and radiant. The cream is very smooth not runny, which melts into lotion when combined with water. It removes all sort of impurities and makeup which leaving your skin feel softer and not dried.

    The formula is great for the people who have sensitive to dry skin as its gonna clean your skin without being harsh on it. it doesn't strip down the moisture infact the cream formula makes is more better.

    I love using it for removing my makeup or while cleansing my face. It works great with my Olay Regenerist face brush. I love how it makes it look fresh and more awake.




    Charcoal Exfoliating Cleansing Cream:

    Charcoal is an amazing ingredient for detoxifying and deep cleaning your skin which according to me is best for people with oily or aged skin but boy-oh-boy was I wrong? With exfoliation word I had it in mind that its gonna be a little harsh on my sensitive dry skin as exfoliation strips down the moisture.

    Charcoal is a purifying ingredient that draws impurities and pollutants like a magnet. This cleanser exfoliates your skin to detoxify and remove the dead skin which cleansing purifies it. It helps in refining the skin texture and making it more breathable.

    I still had to try it to see what it actually does, and it was love at first use. I love the formula and consistency of this cleanser better than the other one, you ask why? Because its thicker than it but the exfoliating beads in it are like tiny bubbles which provides gentle exfoliation without being dry.

    The beads feel like tiny caviar bubbles which melts into your skin and they are not even a close to being harsh. I love how this one smells so clean and leaves my skin feeling amazingly soft yet radiant and ofcourse cleansed.

     Overall: 
    I have had an amazing experience with the cleansers are I love exfoliating one better than the normal cream cleanser. You just need a small amount to apply to your wet face and massage it for 2-3 minutes, than rinse.

    I love how these comes in a squeezy-tube, very easy to use. You get about 50ml of product which is again very good amount for the quality you are paying for. I was on a search for good cleansers from so long and these became staple in my skincare regime very quickly. I am very impressed with the products, packaging and efficency and I will be talking about other ones as well very soon so keep watching the space.

    Price: 36SAR
    Available at Sephora stores across the globe.


    Which one are you picking?
    row-of-hearts

    Thursday, June 15, 2017

    Hair Care | Wella Koleston EID






    Get ready for an Eid celebration that shimmers bright with color! 

    Now, with Wella Koleston #RevealyourColor #Revealyourlight



    As Ramadan begins with a month-long theme of generosity, austerity and goodwill, its culmination lies in the joyous and special occasion that is Eid.
    When Wella Koleston, the leader in color innovation and expertise, becomes a part of your Eid beauty preparations, you reveal your color, reveal your light.
    So get ready for your time to shine!

    Wella Koleston’s intense color result transforms you not just on the outside
    but also within, as a true reflection of your inner confidence and passion.
    With Koleston, you can be sure of a vivid and water-resistant color, thanks to its advanced color cream, which penetrates the core of each hair strand with intense color pigments. The result is a long-lasting, water-resistant color that stays vibrant and even-toned, with no brassy effects. What’s more, Wella Koleston moisturizes as it colors, leading to luminous, ultra shiny hair that is radiant, polished and bright with color.


    Why is Wella Koleston the perfect choice? 1) You can always be sure of its authentic, rich color, designed by Wella experts. 2) It provides 100% grey coverage, and 3) You can choose from a wide range of intense shades.

    Wella’s Koleston Kit offers three conditioners. The first of these is designed for use immediately after coloring your hair. Apply the second conditioner after 15 days in order to reactivate your color. Finally, the 30-day conditioner takes your color further, nourishing your hair and maintaining its brilliance and shine throughout your entire color cycle.






    The Koleston Kit has a simple applicator bottle that requires just two steps.
    All you have to do is squeeze the color cream into the developer bottle and shake! Enjoy its easy application and just follow the instructions for the time recommendations. Great for women on-the-go, this is an easy, fuss-free routine.

    Wella Koleston’s Semi-Kit is for those who already know which shade they like, and have time to spend on a brush-and-bowl beauty technique. The Semi-kit provides the same intense color, shine and perfect coverage, but at your own pace. You can manage your own color, mixing and amounts, deciding whether you want a full head of color and coverage, or just to touch up your roots. Just pour out what you need, keeping aside the rest to re-use for your next touch-up.


    Whichever kit you choose to look your best for Eid celebrations this year, Wella Koleston helps you create a beautiful impression for the occasion. For hair that’s vibrant and luminous, nourished and gleaming, Wella Koleston helps you #RevealyourColor, #Revealyourlight this Eid. 

    Thursday, June 8, 2017

    Makeup Edit | Tarte Magic Wand Brush Set - Make Believe In Yourself Collection



    Hey Hey Beauties!


    *I have been loving this phrase alot and I love it, so ignore*

    So this is my third post of the Makeup Edit series in 3 months, am I doing good?

    Answer: NO!

    Well who cares about their NO-More-Makeup-Splurge policy when Tarte comes out with golden-unicorn-horn wand brush set with colorful bristles, no one right?

    OK! So I saw these babies at Tarte Instagram and instantly I was in love, I knew I had to have these.

    After checking with my favorite online store and few others I came to know that Tarte doesnt deliver to Saudi and most of the time they refund after a month. I left all the hope to get these beauties and told my BFF that it will be ok if I dont get these.

    As she was the first one I told that I need these and she has to buy these with me to justify my purchase, she knew how badly I wanted these. So she ordered it for me and for herself.




    The brushes were around 180SAR and limited to one per order, she placed two separate orders using two different cards. And during this the Tarte did a major laucnh inviting all the Middle Eastern influencers to Maldives so we got a free shipping code from Ascia.

    Our order arrived like in 32 days. We had to do alot of follow up as on Tarte website it was delivered through DHL and  when we tried contacting we got to know its with the local Saudi post. But anyhow after alot of following up we got our orders and we were asked to come and pick from Saudi post offices which is ok as far as we get the parcels and they are not returned.

    Now the brush set includes 5 brushes including 3 face brush and 2 eye brushes. The bristles are beautiful and soft. The brush set felt like a fairy tale and makeup combined.

    • Magenta Contour Brush
    • Pink Powder Brush
    • Green Eyeshadow Blending Brush
    • Blue Shading Brush
    • Purple Liquid Foundation Brush
    I couldn't stop staring at them for days and still they are very fascinating and mesmerizing to me. I am really excited to have them but I am not sure if I am ever gonna use these becaue they are just gorgeous. 

    They came out as Limited edition but I have noticed that they are still available at Tart's website so you can still get them. I also did a complete How-To-Order from Tarte Cosmetics to Saudi Arabia on my Snapchat:anambaig.ksabh, so add me there to keep up with all the things.



    What do you guys think about these?
    row-of-hearts

    Thursday, June 1, 2017

    Makeup Tools | The Body Shop 100% Vegan Brushes




    The only neglected thing in my makeup and beauty routine are good tools. I have a few basic ones and I always stick to them. I don't have a big collection of brushes or makeup application tools because I am too lazy to wash hence multi task.

    For years I have loved Beauty Blender and my Real Technique brushes. But with the time and improved skills I always felt short with brushes and was planning on adding some more.

    So early 2017, I received TBS brushes as a PR sample on their new launch.

    *What an amazing event it was*

    Now, TBS being a cruelty free, vegan all natural brand they improved their brushes and introduced a completely new line. The collection consist 9 brushes and a cleaning tool.




    In eye department they have offered 4 brushes, blending brush, crease brush, smudging brush and a liner brush. Perhaps, a flat shader brush would have been a good addition but above 4 are enough for achieving a basic eye look.

    For complexion there is a basic selection too, a fan brush, a pointed highlighter brush, a buffing brush, a blusher brush and a contouring brush.

    All these brushes have 100% synthetic bristles with the wooden handles which are ethically sourced. When introduced, I loved how soft and luxurious they felt. Despite of having a wooden handle the brushes are very light and looks beautiful. Another thing which amazed me was due to them being synthetic they will never develop germs *win.win*





    The Contouring Brush:
    Among all others this one is very different. Its a dense, stiff angled brush which is perfect to apply your cream contour on targeted areas for a chiseled look. It blends the cream products better than powder ones.

    The Buffing Brush:
    Its a semi dense foundation brush that should be used to buff in your foundation in circular motions. Its not my favorite way of applying foundation as I love my beauty blender and already have a buffing brush so instead I enjoy it for apply my cream/liquid blushes and it does a decent job on it.

    The blusher brush:
    I love me a good angled brushes for blusher, bronzer and setting my under eye. These type of brushes make a good multi taking tool. This ones works great with powders as its soft, picks up the right amount of product.




    The pointed Highlight Brush:
    I don't know why TBS felt the need of having a Highlight brush when they already had a fan brush. But then I realized not everyone likes ethereal glow and their are people who want their highlight to be blinding. This one packs on the highlighter really well as its dense. the shape is perfect to apply the highlight on the high points of your face but this brush also makes a great tool for setting your under eye area as it sits well in the contour of eyes.

    The Fan brush:
    This brush is the real star here, perfect for highlighting. A very thing and wide brush which picks the right amount of gorgeousness and blends it on your face like a dream. Its great for subtle application and building it up.




    The Crease brush:
    A densely packed rounded brush designed to apply eyeshadow to the crease with. Now you have to be a little careful as its for crease, it picks up quiet some product which results in very deposited eyeshadow. You have to keep your hand light on this one and build as you go.

    The Eyeliner brush:
    These brushes are my favorite kind of brushes for applying the cream eyeliner. Its soft and perfect for cream/fluid application. It makes it easy to line your eye and wing it out.

    The Smudger brush:
    This has to be my favorite brush. its wide, short and dense for precise application and smudging the lower lash line or your eyeliner for a smokey effect. A staple in my collection now.

    The Blending brush:
    Everybody needs a good blending brush for the basic to boom eye look. Because for any look, blending is the key. I love how soft is this brush which makes it very easy to blend the eyeshadow. Its not too fluffy or big, so you can works great on smaller eyes too.





    Now among all these Blending, Smudger and Contour brush has to be my favorites. These all retails between 65 to 80SAR and are sold separately.

    I must say I am quite impressed about these brushes. There is no shedding (Big plus!), the bristles are luxuriously soft yet picks the right amount of product. This collection is amazing for those who are starting the makeup or require a few basic brushes for their kit. I am hoping for a bigger assortment of brushes in future like a concealer brush, flat shader brush, a big powder brush or may be some duo fiber and a small angled one for my brows or pointed one for inner corners.
    But that doesn't effect my love for these, though I am more convinced about a few than others.




    What do you think about these?
    row-of-hearts

    Thursday, May 18, 2017

    Beauty News | Sephora.sa Now Live For Saudi Beauty Addicts






      



    Sephora Expands Online Shopping Experience To Saudi Arabia
    NOW LIVE


    Sephora Middle East brings great news for all beauty addicts across KSA! Now shop your favourite beauty essentials from the comfort of your home, at www.sephora.sa.

    In addition to over 50 physical stores across the region and with the successful launch of www.sephora.ae, the new e-commerce KSA website is the latest step taken to elevate the overall shopping experience of Sephora’s loyal customers in Saudi Arabia. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the online store gives you unlimited access to thousands of beauty products. Offering the same prices and products available in stores in KSA, Sephora.sa is now your ultimate shopping destination for all things beauty!

    Known for housing some of the most exclusive collections from world-renowned beauty brands, Sephora is now just a click away from.

    To celebrate the launch Sephora is giving away a ‘MUST-HAVES’ Beauty Box that includes a selection of 10 must-have beauty products ranging from makeup and skincare to fragrances in deluxe samples sizes, with any online purchase over SAR 600.


    Payment mechanism: Purchases can be made using credit cards, or through cash on delivery at an additional cost of SAR 20. Avail free delivery for all orders above SAR 350.
    Here's a sneak peek at all the amazing beauty privileges you'll soon enjoy!






    Are you girls ordering anything? Share your comments below.
    row-of-hearts

    Sunday, May 7, 2017

    Makeup Edit | Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette and Moon Child Glow Kit


    Hey Lovelies!

    So with today's post I am starting a new series of posts on my blog. Yayyyyyyy!!!

    In these series I am going to write about my recent picks and why I picked them. The posts can be Monthly or whenever I pick a few new products. (Lets see how this goes)

    Now with all the makeup in the world I have and the makeup hoarder I have become, I am trying to work on my makeup shopping habit. I have decided not to buy anything unless I am out of it or I already don't have anything similar to it. But there will always be a few products that will steal our heart and we will end up buying them, right?

    So while trying to control my temptation for buying new makeup I had to justify a purchase which brings me to my new makeup picks.

    I have alot of eyeshadow palettes ranging from warm to cool, matte to shimmer etc. So when Anastasia Beverly Hills came out with their Modern Renaissance palette I had to stop and think why I want this palette. I decided not to buy it instantly as it wasn't a limited edition palette, it was here to stay.

    Meanwhile, the Huda Beauty also came out with a gorgeous palette which was limited edition and had so many colors and metallic shadows. After a long debate and research, spending so many hours watching youtube and reading reviews and seeing makeup looks I decided to pick the ABH pallete over the other one.

    A few reasons why I chose it:
    • Because it had some warm tones and shades like reds and hot pinks which I already didn't own.
    • Because most of the colors were matte with a few shimmer here and there.
    • It was a great palette for daily use as well as for days when you want to be extra.
    • The reviews over Huda's palette were mixed.
    • I didn't require more metallic or shimmers or other shades as browns or blacks. 
    • The swatches were beautiful.
    Check out my Instagram for all the looks I have created with it so far.

    So I finally decided to pick it and I have already used it once and I must say I am really happy about the decision I made rather than picking them both.

    But with Moonchild its the other case. I was really impressed with the Unicorn colored highlighters and was mesmerized with the different shades of them.

    I was almost sold out onto it by seeing all those monochromatic highlighter looks on Instagram and my BFF hammered the last nail in the coffin by saying we need that in our life Anam!!

    This purchase was more of an impulsive buy. After buying it, I was wondering how and where will we use such colors as they are not really practical. I have used it once as a highlighter (Pink Heart) but second time I used it as a brow bone and tear duct highlight which I enjoyed more.
    I am gonna play with it a little bit more and ofcourse review it here (keep watching the space) 

    I tried to stay true with my makeup purchases and I am a kinda satisfied that atleast I didn't end up buying both palettes and other glow kits just for the sake of having them. 




    Do let me know your new picks in the comments below.
    row-of-hearts
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