Wednesday, December 31, 2014

All about Bath Oils and my favorite 3

Hello Angels
Couple of years back, i was really confused with the concept of Bath Oils. Meaning what they were meant for? Imagine pouring a tiny amount into a Tub full of water. What exact benefit does it bring plus these oils are mostly very expensive. So for those who have my same curiosity here is the answer - 

Oils when mixed with water penetrate into skin faster. They can effectively combat fatigue, anxiety, dryness, stiffness, joint pains etc. Most common ingredients seen are Lavender, Rose, Sesame seeds, wood/tree based oils, olive oil, jojoba oil etc

Below are my Top 3 picks..

Neals Yard Remedies was kind enough to sent me their Rose Spa Collection (my love for Bath seems to be well known!). I haven't really ventured out into many of their products so this seemed to be a good opportunity. Now what excited me the most was their Rose & Pomegranate Bath Oil. 

This one from Neal's Yard contains Rose, Pomegranate, Patchouli and few other essential oils. The fragrance immediately transports you into a 'Spa feeling'. It had a very soothing effect and actually helped me relax. My skin felt smooth and taken care of. 

Available at Neals Yard Remedies boutique Dubai Mall, Meadows Town Center, Al Wahda Mall.
100ml AED160/USD25

Origins Calm to your Senses - 
Another favorite of mine. Leading aromas being Lavender and Vanilla combined with Soybean, jojoba, grapefruit and other essential oils. Fragrance wise Origins is lighter than former but gives the same soothing feel and leaves behind a smooth skin.

Available online at Glambox.me and feelunique
150ml AED160/USD25


Blanc by The White Company
A recent buy. This baby was not really under my radar. But the recent sale at The White Company made me do it plus its F.A.N.T.A.S.T.I.C scent! Now fragrance wise this is my favorite of all. It contains apricot and sweet almond oil. The scent is uber refreshing (white geranium and juniper berry) and yet strong enough to linger all day.

Blanc is more of a luxury product versus the above 2 with better ingredients. But on days when i need a 'pick me up' or need a 'lil luxury pampering, this one is my go-to!

Available at all The White Company stores. 200ml AED208/USD50

Bath Oils are mostly organic and natural plus you get your money's worth. A relaxing bath is all we can ask for after a hectic day's work. So i would highly recommend buying one and giving yourself a treat on occasions. Trust me it is addictive! Lol....

I would also love to try various Bath forms and Salts too. Let me know where to start?

Love




Sunday, December 28, 2014

Beauty/Non Beauty Updates

Hello Angels
Here are some new beauty/non beauty finds I've been loving lately...

'BOBS' by Sketchers (Memory Form Canvas) - Last weekend my girlfriend introduced me to memory form shoes - the base of these shoes are build from memory form, making them extra extra comfortable to walk in plus good for your feet. The moment i tried it on, i knew this baby was a keeper. 

They come in plain colors and patterns. I obviously went for a navy blue with red hearts. If you are somebody who walks a lot (and drives a lot) like me AND give comfort first priority, these make a good investment. Actually i don't think they are too expensive for the fab quality offered. 

Available at any Sketchers counter or warehouse in Sh. Zayed Road - AED175/USD43


Passport and Card Holder from Paperchase -

I rarely come out empty handed from this shop and they always make me miss my childhood. Anyways, i got myself these cute cute black and white triangular patterned Passport and card holder. I love the idea of placing one's passport in attractive covers especially when you travel a lot & they provide good protection. 

This is my second card holder from Paperchase. The current one am using is pretty new in condition too but i wanted to keep things matching!!

Passport cover - AED49/USD10
Card Holder - AED49/USD10


Hello Kitty Nails - 

Moving on to beauty. I happen to spot these uber cute Hello Kitty nails at Boots 2 weeks back (Yes, i refuse to grow up!). The quality of the nails are good though the glue did give me some trouble.


Hope you liked some of my picks. Do let me know what interests you the most?

Love




Monday, December 22, 2014

Day Out with The ASOS Skirt

Hello Angels
I love TuTu skirts. But somehow all the ones i like are waayyyyyyyy too expensive (no surprise there!).
I stumbled upon this Navy blue beauty while innocently browsing ASOS site. It looked too pretty to pass on.

I paired it with a top from Bershka and a cardigan from Zara. Keeping it semi casual and fit for weekend brunch with friends. 


How do you like this skirt? Fan of tutu's?

Love

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Where to Eat? Breakfast/Dessert Edit

Hello Angels
Food and Desserts...In a city like Dubai there is always something new to try. Almost every other week you have a new restaurant opening. Le Paradise De Fruit is situated at The Beach, JBR. My impression was that they dealt only in juices and desserts but i stand corrected. They do full fledged meals too. 

I paid a visit early morning for breakfast. The place was packed! With families and groups of ladies. Staff was friendly and very attentive. I went for Plain Omelette with Grilled chicken, baby potatoes, mushrooms and spinach. My husband opted for their 'Compose your plate' concept. Wherein you can decide your main, side and sauce from a list of items. He went for Omelette, chicken Kebab, Grilled Halloumi, farmhouse fries and salad.

As you can tell we were stuffed. Of course this did not stop me from trying out their much raved about Desserts and Juices. Now ladies, you must must  try their Desserts. OMG! I was very confused and finally choose P'tit Pistachio (Pistachio icecream, Pistachio cream, pistachio crunch, chocolate fondant, chocolate sauce and whipped cream!!!)

Price - Average to High
Location - The Beach, JBR


GODIVA
Very well known chocolate makers. And now they have Cafe's opened at City Walk and The Beach. I tried out their classic dark chocolate, vanilla and milk chocolate ice cream. No disappointment there. I was a happy bunny. But what sealed the deal was the Milk Chocolate Sin Cake. You got to try it. Its heavenly...

Menu was impressive. They had quite a wide range of offering and snacks too. 

Price - Average to high
Location - Citywalk and The Beach, JBR


Which is your favorite breakfast/Dessert joint?

Love


Thursday, December 18, 2014

YSL Fusion Ink Foundation | Review

Hello Angels
On my plate - YSL Fusion Ink!
Am someone who loves blending foundation for that skin like finish. I literally spend a decent amount of time working them all in. And the first thing i realized with this product is that you need almost 'no time' to blend i.e. it gets absorbed/vaporize immediately. This came down more as a struggle than ease to me initially. I felt less in control. Apologies for starting with a drawback but am being honest. 

The texture of the foundation is Actually feather light. The finish is matte offering medium to full coverage. Am not sure about the 24hr lasting power they claim but they definitely remained put for 10hr plus for me. The bottle is very unique and gives you the feeling of holding a bigger version of YSL lipgloss. The range of shades is wide and houses one for all.


All in all i like this foundation but not to the core. Perhaps because of the full matte finish (i like dewy) and the quick drying formula whilst application. That being said, this foundation will work really well for oily skin. 

But do give it a try at the counters and let me know.

Love.


Monday, December 15, 2014

Favorite 5 Lipsticks (at the moment....)

Hello Angels
Am usually the kind to obsess over one particular color of lippy at a time and then move on to another! But recently my makeup pouch carried 5-6 lipsticks, which i frequently reached for. Extremely glad that i was subconsciously opting for variety of shades (plus they ranged from dark to nude!! Bravo me...)

I really cannot pick a favorite among these 5 lipsticks. So no specific order followed. 

Nars Deadly Catch (Hardwired collection) - A deep red with more of a maroon tone to it. The texture is not silky smooth but the same allows the shade to last more on my lips and not budge. It is quite BOLD for me but am extremely enjoying and being showered with compliments. Approved. (Detailed Review)

Nars Anita (Audacious Collection) - Nars again. Audacious lipsticks are one of my favorite launches this year. Texture is uber smooth and pigmentation is fab even the nude shades! This color can be defined as nude/muted dark pink. My Go-To when stepping out casually. (Detailed Review)

(L - R) Nars Deadly Catch, Nars Lip Pencil, YSL Rouge Volupte, Nars Anita and Clinique 01.

YSL Rouge Volupte in No.9 - I've used this lippy to the core (as you can tell....). YSL Rouge Volupte's are must haves. The fact i fell in love with them year back and still continue to obsess over it is a evidence in itself. From texture to pigmentation to color selection to luxurious packaging, this baby ticks all boxes. 

Nars Satin Lip Pencil in YU - Fuchsia Fuchsia...every body loves a good fuchsia. And this one is my favorite. Nars Lip pencils are great investments, trust me you will not regret buying them (coming from a girl who owns over 6 of them and counting...). I feel instantly glam in them. (Detailed Review)

Clinique Chubby Stick in 01 Curviest Caramel - Hydrating and pigmented. A throw on color when you can't be bothered to wear much makeup or when your lip need some extra moisture. (Detailed Review)



Since we are talking about lipsticks, 2 of my favorite lip tools are Zoeva portable lip contour brush (No.330) and Sephora sharpener. Reasonably priced, brilliant quality and will last you ages.  

If you wish to read detailed reviews on above mentioned lipsticks. Click on links given.

Love


Thursday, December 11, 2014

Stationery Shopping

Hello Angels
Holidays are here! Woop Woop....This is officially my last week at work and then am off! Nothing like it...
A major To Do on my list this month is to send out Gifts and 'Thank You' notes to friends and family. Here are a few bits i picked for my stationery...


I so so miss being a kid the moment i walk into Paperchase or such similar stores. Things have gotten so much more fancier than it used to be during my time (OK! am not 30! FYI). So i dropped by Paperchase and a new favorite 'Typo'. Got this extremely adorable 'Keys Please' ceramic plate (was not on my list), a dozen 'Thank You' cards with envelope, Polka dot gift tags and another random but adorable purchase - Starbucks X'mas ornament.

I like to keep my cards and gift wrappers very simple and basic. IKEA does some fab gift wrapping items.


All set for the holidays?

Love


Thursday, December 4, 2014

Clarins True Radiance Foundation | Review

Hello Angels

May i say Clarins is definitely deepening its wallet share. I am absolutely loving almost all the products i have tried from them this year. Starting from their Instant Concealer to Winter collection and now this amazing foundation. 

Standout feature of this product simply got to be its texture! Imagine how your favorite moisturizer feels on skin. Well, this babe provides a similar touch + does an above average job as a foundation.

Uber light and smooth on skin. Medium coverage that can be build to full. The texture is liquid-y but that doesn't bother me much. The final look is dewy and not everyone's preferred cup of 'dewiness'. But the same can be resolved with the help of a matte setting powder. So no worries on that front.

The foundation focuses on reducing dullness and keeping skin hydrated. Formulated with pigments meant to reflect light and increase radiance. 


The foundation is on a neck to neck battle with my favorite Dior Star foundation. Now that says it all. Definitely a must try ladies. 

What are your favorite picks from Clarins?

Love




Friday, November 28, 2014

NARS Virtual Domination Palette | Review

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Tuesday, November 25, 2014

So it is REAL! | Glam Glow Masks

Hello Angels
When some bloggers say 'i totally get the rave now', trust me they mean it! 

I was pretty happy with my Thermal Detox mask by Sanctuary and Parsley Seed by Aesop. So when the beauty world went all Ga -Ga about Glam Glow, i was really not motivated to test them out. 

Here's the twist - Recently i dropped by Sephora to get my mum a lipstick and as i stood patiently near the counter for my turn, my eyes had to wonder on near by shelves (sephora 'soo tactfully' placed near the cash counters) filled with miniature products. Among st those were small versions of all Glam Glow masks.

This must be a sign!

Full size is quite expensive so it only seemed fair enough to try these first before investing. I went for their Thristymud Hydrating mask.The texture is yellowish and gloppy. Very similar to REN products. Apply a generous quantity and leave it for 15-20min. 

Your left with a visibly cleansed and softer skin. When i say cleansed, i mean your skin looks brighter and healthier X 2. Since it gives a instant glow it makes a good on the go mask. 


Skin feels so good that i would usually avoid make up on the day of application (would hate to overlay them with chemicals). Definitely going back for a full size and it certainly is a good investment.

This small tube costs AED69/USD15 (15g)

Have you used Glam Glow before??

Love


Saturday, November 22, 2014

A Night at the Opera | Guerlain

Hello Angles
Current Status - Typing away from a coffee shop whilst my husband gets himself a Back Massage!

Back to Subject. Guerlain brings out their Festive, A Night at the Opera Collection and last week i got onto testing them. My pick from the collection being the Eye and Blush Palette and Meteorites. 

Petrouchka Palette -
Needless to say it is a gorgeous gorgeous looking palette. One of those which can easily become a staple in your handbag. The palette houses 5 eye shadows and 4 blush shades!   

Guerlain played very safe with their choice of shades. Basic colors, keeping in mind these are also the most loved shades by ladies. Eye shadows are decently pigmented. I love the brown and champagne shade. Followed by 4 lovely shades of blushes. Coral, baby pink and 2 darker tone color more for contouring cheeks. I can see myself using every color here quite religiously :) Again the textures is uber soft and pigmented. The 2 shades that occupies smaller areas are more shimmer based.

I love convenient products, this palette can be a life saver for touch ups and travels. 
Approx AED380/USD90.

You can see my Instagram Video of the product here



Perles d'Etoiles Illuminating  Pearls
I have absolutely no idea how to pronounce its name! But i can very well give you a good brief up on the product. Now let me be honest, Guerlain Meteorites are pure luxury. These shimmer pearls are meant to give a subtle illumination. You can use it all over your face as a setting powder or focus more on areas you like to highlight.

I swirl my blush brush into the container, tapping of excess and powder cheeks and corners of my forehead. I mostly tend to replace my usual setting powder with this babe during special occasions. A lovely addition to a makeup addict's collection but not really a necessity.

Approx AED300/USD60

You can see my Instagram Video of the product here



With Christmas/New Year around the corner the Palette and Meteorites make a lovely gift to yourself or dear ones.

Nars Virtual Domination Palette review coming up soon and Boy!! that stuff as already got me excited. 
So stay tuned for it. 

Love


Monday, November 17, 2014

Must Have Beauty Items...

Hello Angels
Sharing some of my Must- Have recommendations. Jumping right into it then...

Urban Decay All Night MakeUp Setting Spray
This product restored my faith in setting sprays! Most setting sprays fail to keep up to their claim. I received a small sample of this product a month ago, totally got me converted and now am a walking talking advert for it. Of course got myself a full size bottle. 

The Product itself comes in 3 version - 'All Nighter' (for long lasting makeup), 'De-Slick' (oil control) and 'Chill' (hydration & cooling). All Nighter is my choice. It sets your makeup literally for 12 hour plus. Foundation and even blush stays intact. AED125/USD30

Zoeva Brushes
I was in need of shadow brushes and so decided into venture to brands other than Sigma and Real Techniques. Zoeva came across to have a cult following. I ordered for a blush and eye shadow brush. The latter is simply Ah-Mazing!!  Soft...Soft...Soft... + holds the shadow well and helps blends smoothly. 
The blush brush is good too.

The product was delivered to me in a week's time + the pricing is very reasonable!! Visit Zoeva's official website for placing orders. 


Nars Blush in Oasis - 
I know I know, am listing a blush in my must have. But look at that color. Completely fallen in love with it. The texture is sooo smooth and leaves a natural looking hint of color. AED165/USD30

Mise En Dior by Dior/ALDO
Every magazine and every Red Carpet coverage spotted this beautiful creation of Dior a month ago. An absolutely stunning design which i honestly don't think any girl would dislike. This one of course is a copy from ALDO for just AED30/USD8 versus the original that costs over $500.

Absolute BARGAIN and hence a Must Have!!!

Hope you liked this post and found a few items to add to your shopping list!!

Love

Friday, November 14, 2014

Fun with Bags!

Hello Angels
Its the weeeeeekend!! *Happy Dance*
When it comes to outfits, white, black and shades of grey is what i go for. To brighten up things, colorful accessories and bags are my saviors. Here are 2 of my favorite/most used clutch bags for the month.

The 'Clock' bag is from ALDO. Instantly fell in love with it. Goes really well with a jean and a white shirt. Casual yet chic.

'Whammm' clutch is from Mango. A total bargain. Love how bright and funky it is. The size is perfect and can easily fit in your mobile, makeup essentials and wallet.


Are you into funky bags?? How do you like these?

Love


Monday, November 10, 2014

L'OCCITANE SPA

Hello Angels
Visiting a Spa once or twice a month has become quite a routine. With a job that takes 9+ hours from my day, pampering my body is key. So getting to know L'Occitane opened a Spa in Dubai definitely made my day.

Quality wise nothing less was expected from the brand and they definitely kept up to my expectation. The Spa itself is a extension to their store located at The Beach Mall. A small space with 2 treatment rooms. The tiny space did not bother me in fact i love cozy spaces. The interior was fab. The ambiance lifts your spirits and brings a 'feel-good' vibe. 

I opted for their Back & Shoulder relaxation massage. The treatment begins with a soothing foot cleanse. Followed by the massage. Lavender, rose water and shea was used on me. Pressure points were spot on. I never doze off during massages but this time around i think i did (that's a good sign!)


The Therapist who assisted me (Tina) knew her stuff and was extremely sweet. I would definitely recommend this Spa. The prices are moderate and not over the roof (Bonus!). Tel - 044301556

They were also kind enough to give me a goody bag with few mini tubes of their Original Hand and Foot cream and few other samples. These are given on the back of 'concern areas' you highlight while filling up the forms. So fill them in honestly!!

How often do you Spa??

Friday, November 7, 2014

Nars Again!! | Audacious Lipsticks

Hello Angels
Consumed by NARS products lately.. Hope you guys don't mind the over dose!
So jumping right into it - Nars Audacious Lipsticks. 

These babies were everywhere and created quite a rave. But given the price and the fact that i wasn't really in need of another lipstick, i resisted the urge! (Well done me!!). Now as my luck would have it, i was kindly invited to a Nars Master Makeup class last week. All attendees went back home with 3 Audacious lipsticks in our goody bag!!! 

My heart skipped a bit or two. The bullet is Sexy! Heavy, black metallic body with magnetic closure. The texture is smooth and creamy. Super pigmented, even nude shades. One swipe is all it takes. 

Among the 3 i love love 'Anita' the most, a muted rose color. Annabelle is a gorgeous bright red. Claudia is too bright for my skin tone but the color is beautiful. Nars just gained 1000 brownie points for launching these absolute stunners.

Tip - For a lasting effect set using powder and then go for a second coat. 


The collection houses 40 shades from nudes to brights. I love how they named each lipstick. You are sure to find either yours or a friends name in the collection. With Christmas around the corner, they would make a lovely gift to a dear one.  


I totally get you if you treat yourself with these babies (just saying!!!). Yay or Nay???!!
Available at Sephora approx AED165/USD38

Love

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