Few of My Favourite Things of 2016

Another year gone! I can’t believe we are only one sleep away from 2017. Where has the time gone, I have zero clue. So many things happened and year 2016 was such a good year for me in terms of my blog progression. I achieved many goals I set for myself and my blog. And I am very pleased that my efforts actually payed off. My blog is still young but is in much better place. So I wanted to reflect a little bit on my past experiences and what was my favourite things about 2016.

Deep Clean Makeup Brushes using Olive Oil | Tip Of The Day

Cleaning makeup brushes is a chore which is not very exciting job to do. However, no one can deny the fact that how lush, clean and fluffy brushes feel on skin. I am not very lazy about washing and cleaning my brushes. I do that once a week but to remove all the makeup from dense brushes is also very not interesting thing to do on weekend and it is time consuming too.

I have a very easy tip for you to save some time. I am pretty sure that you must have heard about it before but I will tell you anyway J

Miniature At Their Best: Marc Jacobs Up All Night Lip Crème Set Review

This year the whole beauty market is flooded with amazing limited edition holiday gift sets. Although choices are unlimited, it’s pretty confusing and intimidating at the same time. However, one gift set stood out the most and that is Marc Jacobs Up All Night Lip Crème Set. It is limited edition.

Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Balm Review - A surprise in a tiny jar

Eye cream is one of my favourite skincare product. It is an extra step for many people but for me it makes a huge difference. I have been using eye cream on and off for quite some time. The reason not bieng consistent with it was that I have oily skin and applying any thick cream under eye bothers me if it is sticky or tacky. 

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Skin Finish Skin Perfecting Micro Powder Review

Charlotte Tilbury airbrush flawless skin finish skin perfecting micro powder is a cult favourite of everyone who tried it. I didn’t hear any bad review till date. I wanted to try it out myself but price was the only thing which was putting me off. Face setting powder is the only makeup product, about which I never felt excited before. I never liked the feel of it on my face. Too much talc in powders make my skin tight in very uncomfortable way, especially around my mouth and around nose contrary the fact that I have very oily skin.

Toppik Brow Building Fibres Set Review

“The Toppik brow building fibres set contains brow conditioning wax and eyebrow building fibres to instantly thicken eyebrows for more natural and fuller feel”

How to Choose Best Hair Straightener? Ft; Irresistible Me Diamond Flat Iron

Choosing right hair straightener is one heck of a job. I literally fried my brain with researching and learning about all the specifications. That is because good hair tools using advance technology, cost a fortune. And no one would ever want to see their hard earned money in a form of hair straightener, fuming and melting into a burned lump of plastic with a chunk of hair stuck in it, right in front of their eyes.

Highlight Everywhere: Zoeva 105 Luxe Highlight Brush Review

Zoeva 105 luxe highlight brush is a round, tapered end multi-purpose brush. This is my second brush from Zoeva and like my first purchase I am not disappointed at all. I got 105 brush about a month ago and I have been using it non-stop since then.

A Divided Opinion: L’Oréal True Match Foundation Review

L’Oréal has launched new True Match super-blendable foundation replacing the old True match foundation. A lot of big Youtubers and celebrities are faces of this foundation. L’Oréal foundations are some of the best on high street in my opinion. My personal favourite is Infallible foundation which is my every day and any day foundation. I used the old True Match foundation long time ago and all I remember is that I loved it a lot in combination with True Match face powder. I don’t have it right now so I can’t do a comparison of both the formulas. Thus I will be relying heavily on my memory only.

Let’s see how is the new True Match different than the old one?

Does It Worth It? Irresistible Me Diamond Flat Iron Review

I started using hair straightener very late in my life. Say, like a couple of years ago. The reason was that I had dead straight hair. I practically never felt the use of straightener. However, now my hair tells new story every day which makes me wonder how much exposure my hair is getting to the outside world?

Beauty Blog Photography for Beginners

I started blogging about three years ago with zero knowledge of photography. Like every newbie I started with my phone. I had a digital camera but was not confident enough to use it. However, once I got hold of it, it completely changed the game. I am still not professionally trained in this department. Just a beginner trying every possible thing to make my blog photos stand out. I am going to list few basic steps down below if you are new to blog photography and want to work on your photography skills. But before that let me make this very clear, that I don’t own any fancy equipment or to be very precise no photography equipment at all. I only have one eight years old Olympus SP-570UZ digital camera. Let’s get started.

Brand Discovery: Chambers London - Honest Ingredients Company

A couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to be contacted by lovely people on behalf of Chambers London and was asked to try their skin care products. When I looked into their website I found out that Chambers London products are made of natural and plant derived ingredients. If you are following me for a while you must be aware that I can easily fall for natural skincare products. So it was natural for me to accept the offer.

My Top 5 Moisturisers for Oily/Combination Skin

Moisturiser is as much important for oily skin as it is for dry skin. Usually oily skin folks think that 
applying moisturiser will stimulate the oil glands in skin to produce more oil. Which is totally false. Dehydration and constantly stripping skin oils with harsh chemicals and not adding any moisture back to the skin is triggering the increase oil production. Because it is a natural defence system of skin where skin tries to protect itself from environmental elements with oils as a protective barrier.

Dior J'adore Eau De Parfum Review

Dior J’adore is a luxury and class in a bottle. Ultra-feminine, amphora shaped bottle, with gold lid is very lady-like with an edge. J’adore is a perfect combination of old and modern scents. I have sentimental attachment to this perfume because of the notes. It brings back a lot of good memories every time I wear it. That could be the main reason I got this pure floral perfume. All the main notes in this perfume are very noticeable and you can easily pick every note. It is a simple accord of three very elegant top class flowers from the garden which have distinct fragrances.

Kat Von D Tattoo Eyeliner in Trooper Review

Consider this blog post as a continuation of my previous one which was about the Kat Von D London Calling makeup set. In that set along two beautiful lipsticks, I also got a tattoo eyeliner in trooper which is a jet black shade.

KVD London Calling Makeup Set: Everlasting Liquid Lipstick, Studded Kiss Lipsticks & Tattoo Eyeliner Review

KVD is launching in UK exclusive to Debenhams next week on 13^th of September. So before the official launch, over the bank holiday Debenhams introduced a limited edition makeup set called London calling. This box contained three KVD bestselling products, picked by Kat herself. KVD Tattoo eyeliner, everlasting liquid lipstick and studded kiss lipstick. All the products are deluxe size.

MUFE Empty Magnetic Palette Review (Possible dupe for Z Palette!!!)

Makeup forever magnetic palette is a good dupe for Z palette and it is a lot cheaper than that in price but much better in performance.  MUFE magnetic palette comes in four different sizes; small, medium, large and extra-large. I got it in size medium from Debenhams which retails for £6. The casing is made of tin, not from cardboard material like many others. The tin material is also not thin but very sturdy and heavy duty. Magnet strip is attached to foam and placed at the base of the palette. It can be easily removed it you want. And as the palette is made of tin, any magnetised pan can attach to it.

LIZ EARLE Smoothing Line Serum Review & Disappointment

Liz Earle smoothing line serum is a lightweight, oil free moisturiser. Liz Earle advertise it as an all over face moisturiser but I use it mainly under my eyes. And whatever is left, I apply it between my eyebrows and around my mouth.

Garnier Moisture Bomb Tissue Mask Review

In my most recent trip to Boots, I found a new tissue mask by Garnier from their new range Moisture Bomb. I love sheet masks for the convenience. They are travel friendly, mess free, easy to apply and can be used anywhere for instant glow and hydration. Sheet masks are perfect to use in the morning if skin feels a bit puffy or dehydrated. So trying out this was a must and it was also on offer for 99p.

Stella McCartney POP Review

Welcome Everyone and say hello to a new addition in my fragrance collection, Stella McCartney POP Eau De Perfum.

Pop is newly launched perfume by Stella McCartney and the targeted audience are young, energetic and living life in every moment, girls.

My Top 3 BB Cream, CC Cream & Tinted Moisturiser for Oily/Combination Skin All Year Round

Welcome to my another top favourites post. My today picks are top favourites in BB creams, CC creams and tinted moisturisers for all year round.

My Top 5 Makeup Removers & Facial Cleansers for Oily/Combination Skin

The key to get healthy and glowing skin is using a good and appropriate cleanser. When the surface of skin is free from all the makeup, pollutant, dirt and excess oil, then rest of skincare products work like a magic. Today, I will be sharing my top 5 makeup removers and facial cleansers altogether suitable for oily/combination & sensitive skin till date.

Have Mustela Moments With Your Little Angels

If skincare, France and natural ingredients come in one sentence, I say sign me in. You may know that I am particularly fond of French skincare brands. Thus, today on my blog I am featuring a skincare brand which caters the needs of babies’ skin and mom-to-be as well. 

The Best Sunscreen Ever!!!

I don’t know if I will ever see sun this summer in UK but it is always good to be prepared, right? And what could be the most important summer beauty essential to have at my vanity other than high SPF moisturiser/sunscreen.

Get The Glow Going With Becca Champagne Collection Face Palette

After playing with my Becca Champagne Collection Face palette for a couple of weeks, I am finally ready to document my experience. Jaclyn Hill collaborated with Becca to create a series of products following the famous Champagne pop highlighter. This particular palette is one of them and is limited edition item. It was sold out immediately on Sephora website. I pre-ordered the palette with Space.NK at the start of June. It was very first time for me to pre-ordered any item, so it was nerve wrecking.

Little Luxury: YSL Mon Paris

Last week was a bit down week for me in terms of health. I was feeling very poorly. Long hours of fasting were getting me. However, it was pleasantly bright week when it came to post deliveries. I got my most awaited post but before that I received an unexpected delivery.

My Tiny Makeup geek Eyeshadow Collection: Brown Neutrals

Makeup geek has changed the face of economical eye makeup big time. Everyone raves about the products quality, colour pigmentation and variety of shades. Like seriously, £4.95 for an eyeshadow pan is a bargain.

Show Some Love to Zoeva 234 Luxe Smoky Shader Brush

Zoeva brushes are creating some serious waves nowadays due to providing great quality brushes without breaking the bank. So many makeup artists are incorporating Zoeva brushes in their kits. I didn’t own any natural goat hair brushes before so for me it was great brand to start with.

My Party Face Essentials: Concealer

These days I am preparing myself for summer-time parties/Eid parties and collecting all the face essentials to keep them handy to avoid any chaos and keeping face and makeup fresh from the start till the end.

Goof Around in Style: Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil

Benefit recently launched a huge collection of brow products. This collection includes every possible eyebrow product one can imagine. Some are completely new to Benefit cosmetic line, while already existing Benefit’s famous brow products got a complete new makeover.  From this very extensive collection, I only managed to get this skimpy little guy, Benefit goof proof bow pencil, free with ELLE UK magazine.

My Party Face Essentials: Blotting Tissues

The day Ramadan starts, my mind secretly gears up for the preparation of Eid. And Eid means dressing up, getting creative with makeup, family get together, partying with friends and basically three days of total fun. And not to forget all the Iftar parties before the big event.

Better Late Then Never: Hourglass Dim Light Ambient Lighting Powder & Mood Exposure Ambient Lighting Blush Review

Well, I know what are you people thinking. Why on earth this lady needed to review such an over-reviewed product? who will read it anyway? You know what, I was also thinking the same. And as a matter of fact I have been avoiding to write a blogpost on ambient lighting powder and blush since the day they came into my possession seven months ago. Then what change my mind?

Elemis Biotec Skin Energising Day & Night Cream Review

Hello everyone!!!

I recently got the Elemis newly launched Biotec Skin Energising system. This system has a face cleanser and a day cream and a night cream. I have already reviewed the face cleanser in one of my previous posts. And today I will be reviewing in depth the day and night creams.

Correct Order to Use Skincare Products

Every now and then we see new skincare trends and products emerging here and there, making huge claims and promising us the skin which we were not born with. And to top it off, celebrity endorsements heats up the game.

Wakeup Call for Skin: Elemis BIOTEC Skin Energising Cleanser Review

Skin cleansers and face washes are my weakness when it comes to skincare products. This is the only product where I have been spending my money since the beginning. Because my skin is prone to blocked pores and occasional break out if I don't cleanse it properly. 

My Top 3 Everyday Lip Products Ft. MAC, NYX, MUFE

Sometimes it is very hard to find that perfect everyday lip colour and product which can pull the whole look together without any extra effort. Today I will be sharing my favourite top 3 lip products at the moment for everyday looks. They are MAC lipstick in shade Velvet Teddy, NYX soft matte lip cream in shade Cannes and MUFE rouge artist natural in shade N1.

7 Steps to Enhance Natural Beauty

Being a beauty blogger, I am always expected to be all made up with absolute blemish free skin achieved with tones of makeup products on my face. However, the reality is completely opposite to this. I hardly go out with full face of makeup products. I am a strong believer of bare minimum when it comes to makeup. Fresh and glowing complexion with skin imperfections peeking through is my go-to makeup look. The more temperature rises, the less products I use and higher the SPF goes. And to be honest, one cannot go wrong with simple and fresh look ever.

A True Experience: Urban Decay Gwen Stefani Blush Palette Review

Urban Decay launched a Gwen Stefani collection in the start of this year. I don’t remember the exact date but I believe it was February here is UK. And the eyeshadow palette was all the rage. Every YouTuber and blogger loved it and praised it. I, on the other hand was not tempted because the eyeshades in the palette were not something I would wear all the time. So for me it was a pass like most of the limited edition collections.

Reverse Hair Washing | Tip of The Day

In my today’s “Tip of the Day post” I will be telling you all about a twist in a traditional procedure of shampooing and conditioning hair and this twist is known as reverse hair washing which is very exciting.

Smokin' Lashes!!! Make Up For Ever Smoky Mascara Review

I found my new favourite high end mascara which is MUFE Smoky Lash mascara. It quickly replaced my all-time favourite Lancome Hypnose Drama. Don’t get me wrong I still like the Lancome hypnose, it is a cult classic but the smoky lash mascara gives me crazy volume which I always dig in mascaras.

A Perfect Duo: Avene Cleanance Mask & Skin Recovery Cream

French pharmacies provide the best skincare products at very reasonable prices. I haven’t tried very extensive array of products however those I personally used, never disappointed me. All the products performed exactly how they described them, which I reckon is very rare for skincare products to justify the big claims companies make. 

Shop Like a Pro At Beauty Counters

If you are someone who wants to treat yourself with high end beauty products or you are a makeup artist who wants to raise the bar of your game and needs to incorporate some luxury items in your makeup kit but never shopped at beauty counters before then this article is for you. It is also for those who like me don’t trust online shopping for makeup items.

Going to the beauty counters can be scary. The gorgeous makeup artists with flawless makeup, wearing white lab coats and all the display of items can be intimidating for a first time buyer. Even sometime an expert buyer gets completely clueless.

Believe me, I have been there. It feels like I have been judged for my lack of knowledge about the brand or the salesperson thinks I can’t afford makeup from that particular brand but wasting their time. And sometime to avoid the embarrassment I made terrible purchases.  

There are tons of articles about the beauty counters salespersons and their tricks to lure you to buy more. Also there are videos where customers have expressed their feelings about unprofessional behaviour of beauty counter workers.

I can’t write a job description for counter workers but after many failed attempts of purchasing and some successful perhaps, I believe as a customers I am ready to pen down my thoughts and give some guidelines to avoid any unfortunate situation. So, without further ado let’s jump straight to the tips.

Tip # 1:

If you are newbie to makeup then before going to any counter, I will suggest doing an online research about the brand, like what kind of products are they offering? What is their best seller? What are their new releases? etc, etc…

It will give you a general idea about the brand and will also provide a clear picture what you really want to buy. You can use that information as an ice breaker when you reach at the counter.

Tip # 2:

Always start with mid-range brands. I will support my statement by saying that majority of their products, if not exceptionally good, works fine in most cases. At the end of the day there is little chance of you to regret your purchase. All these mid-range brands have extensive lines of products for every choice and you will be able to find something of ongoing trends.

Tip # 3:

If you make your mind to go for exclusively makeup products shopping then STICK to the plan. Most representatives will try to push skincare items in your basket. Skincare items can be expensive and not necessarily if it worked for you in the store, it will work the same at home.  If you are not ready to change your skincare or are not in a mood of forking out the huge amount from your wallet then don’t get tempted and don’t fall in the trap.

Tip # 4:

Never buy foundation on your first visit. If you are not comfortable and want to grab an item and run, it shall never be a foundation. 90% purchasing of wrong foundation happens in confusion. Leave it for your 3^rd or 4^th visit or once you are confident enough to talk to the salesperson without being anxious or intimidated by them. Try to get a sample of foundation so you can be 100% sure before splurging.

Tip # 5:

Hefty price tag doesn't mean the product will perform miracles. Some high end companies are charging you more for packaging than actual product. Spend your hard earned money wisely.

I hope my tips help you in your next trip to beauty counter. This is not the ultimate guide though. Hence if you have anything to add, you are more than welcome to leave the tip in the comment section below.

Happy shopping!!!

More Lipsticks!!! Olivia Palermo Ciate London

Happy 2016 everyone!!!!

I hope this New Year brings peace to the restless world. Ameen!