My Makeup Cravings for 2013

I wave 2012 goodbye with this last post, as I share my little wishlist with you guys. I'm going to try and get stuff from all these brands throughout 2013 insh Allah.

Bourjois Paris Effect 3D Max Lip Gloss 65 Cassis Pétillant-Review, Photos, Swatch

Result: The Bourjois Effect 3D Max Lip Gloss is perhaps suppose to be a better version of the Effect 3D lip gloss as it is packed with special micro agents to produce maximized shine. Let's get into details.

Owl Earrings

This may sound crazy, but one day I thought of getting a pair of these for myself and they arrived in the mail the very next day. How did that happen? Read on to find out.

Retro Fashion-The Glorious 1970's 80's

Post requested by Sehrish Dogar for Retro Theme Party.

Grand Haul 2012-Levis, Mango, CrossRoads and more...

This is perhaps my last haul for 2012. On my first visit to Hyper Star, Karachi, I ended up with lots of shopping bags and a huge smile, as the experience was wonderful. I went across lots of stores and grabbed:

EOTD-Fall Daytime Smokey Eye

Smokey eyes are an ever green makeup trend. I did a look for fall  that I'd like to share. Hope you guys like it...Enjoy!

Bourjois Mineral Matte Mousse Foundation 83 Sable Fondu-Review, Photos, Swatches

Result: The product is packaged in a cute plastic jar, with a black lid that twists open pretty smoothly.  It comes along with what they call "the perfecting brush". I wasn't sure if it would buff the foundation well enough to produce desired results, but when I used it, I must say the brush does a good job and evenly spreads the product across the face, picking up limited amount of the foundation. But I'll still have to get used to using it, as it's very small. I wouldn't try using it to blend liquid or powder foundation as it is specially designed to work with mousse.

Best of 2012-Beauty

2012 is coming to end and it's been hell of a year for me. I went through a career switch, my sister got married, I got back to my blog and what not. So much has changed and still continues to. Oh well, that's life! Today, I'll share my favorite beauty buys of 2012 with you guys. These are like the best of best from my makeup space.

EOTD-Marine Blue

While I've been crazily experimenting with eye makeup, this time I gave some blues a try with a dash of champagne. Enjoy!

5 Most Common Makeup Mistakes

Makeup is an art one may take years to learn and then master. As newbies, we all make several mistakes and only practice is what will help get a hold of it. I've listed the 5 most common ones I could think of.

Catrice Cosmetics Ever Last Eye Liner 040 Forest Green- Review, Photos, Swatch

Result: The Catrice Ever Last Eye Liner pencil looks very much like the Urban Decay and Sleek pencils. I spotted this one on Emporium Cosmetics website. As for the packaging, it looks very professional and I like how they've used a green and dull gold combo.

As for the pencil itself, the application is kind of a disappointment. When I used it on my waterline, it left next to no color but when I swatched it on my hand, I could see color. It is soft but not buttery or smooth enough to show expected results. When I used on on my lower lash line it showed off. So, basically, this is no kajal/kohl material. One can strictly use it to line the eyes. The good point is, that it is water and smudge proof and does not bleed off at all. It takes a bit of rubbing to get it off.  Smells like nothing, completely fragrance free and lasts for a few hours.

I love the color as this kind of green suits all types of skin tones. Wear it with a bronzed look and it'll really brighten up the eyes. The pencil is almost 5 inches in length and since it doesn't rub off much, you're not going to run out of it very soon.

Rating: 3.5/5

Price: Rs 200

Available at: You'll find it online at Emporium Cosmetics. I don't think this pencil is available locally.

Official Website: Catrice Europe

Conclusion: I would've liked it more, if it were soft enough to use as an eye shadow base. But I guess, it's Ok as far as it does the job it is meant to do. Recommended? Yes.

Catrice Cosmetics Ever Last Eye Liner 040 Forest Green

Catrice Cosmetics Ever Last Eye Liner 040 Forest Green

Catrice Cosmetics Ever Last Eye Liner 040 Forest Green

Makeup Haul-Bourjois and Catrice

I went back to Emporium Cosmetics website and bought a bunch of the above goodies as their sale was coming to an end. I got:

Forest Green Smokey Eye Look

I love green on my eyes. I kinda think it makes them look bigger. Last night, I dug into my makeup and played along with whatever green I could find and came up with this look.

My Lip Gloss Collection

I love Lip Glosses. If I spot a shade that seems nice, I instantly grab it. I love nudes as they compliment my skin really well. Here my little list...

Bourjois Paris Effect 3D Lip Gloss-Review, Photos, Swatches

Result: Whenever I'm out to test a new brand, the first product I usually grab is the lip gloss. Same case here. For Bourjois I tried out the Effect 3D Shine Lip gloss. First of all, the packaging is pretty impressive. The product rests in an acrylic tube with a matte gold top, which twists open and close pretty easily.

Wardrobe Update...J. Collection

Went to Junaid Jamshed's at Dolmen Mall and was surprised to see lots of new tops and dresses. You can't imagine how relieved I was, as I feared they'd only have winter stuff and nothing very casual. So, I ended up buying four of their master pieces.

Makeup Haul-Calvin Klein, Bourjois, Catrice...

Got all this from Emporium Cosmetics. This site is fairly new and is currently offering 30% off all its products, before November 15, 2012.

Glamorous Face Speed Dry Nail Enamel No 15-Review, Photos, Swatches and a Surprise!

Result: I've been using a lot of stuff from Glamorous Face Cosmetics lately. Top reason being the local super mart comes up with something from the company every now and then. This time the nail enamels caught my attention.

Makeup Storage Ideas

I've been very clumsy when it comes to makeup storage. There were times when I just couldn't find what I wanted, when I needed it. And to get rid of this mess, I collected a few pieces from my room and began to use them for makeup storage. And to be honest, I'm quite relieved after that. Read on to find out more...

Glamorous Face Sensuous Rouge Lipsticks 26,24,15,20-Review, Photos, Swatches

Glamorous Face Sensous Rouge Lipsticks (left to right) 26,24,15,20

Result: I have used some other products from the company and am of the opinion that, some of their stuff is actually good. These are a part of my "experiment" that I talked about in one of my earlier posts. I must say, Glamorous Face cosmetics are a good worth for the price. It reminds of the NYX lipstick packaging. Let's talk about the lip colors individually.

Random Play

Experimenting is in my blood. And so I continue to do so with makeup. Randomly created 2 looks while playing with my palettes.

Fashion Haul-JJ, Change, Adore and more...

Another trip to Karachi and this time it was all about shopping. I have lots to share so read on...

Botanics Stay on Lipstick 421 and 419-Review,Photos,Swatches

Result: Ok, so my experiment is about testing out different shades of lipsticks to see the ones that suit me the best. I didn't jump into the "high end" band wagon because, I don't want to make a huge investment over something that is not for me at all. So, Botanics Stay on Lipsticks are great help at the moment. The first one is 421 and the second is 419.

Benefit Cosmetics-Powderazzi Review, Photos, Swatches

The popular Powderazzi by Benefit Cosmetics is, 3 of their best selling powders in one little box. Lucky I got a chance to try it out.

Regal Shoes Haul-Shoes and Gold Sequin Bag

Was in Karachi last week and after wandering around a bit ended up at Regal Shoes for some shoe shopping. Here's what I got.

Hair Chalks- Review, Photos, Results

They so seemed like a good and cheap alternative to streaking or highlights so I gave them a try. But are they worth the time and bucks? Well, my opinion is otherwise. Read on.

Happy Birthday to Me

I had a blast on my Birthday this year. My students and colleagues threw me a birthday bash I'll remember for life.

Freeman bare foot softening foot lotion and shea butter heel and callus balm-Review, Photos

Result: When it comes to foot care. Bare Foot by Freeman is no new name. This time I gave the Heel and Callus Balm a try and decided to do a joint review. So let's roll!

Freeman Facial Exfoliating Scrub, Pink Grapefruit, Review, Photo

Result: I've always been skeptical about facial scrubs. I mean, what do they exactly do? I've used a few in the past, but never noticed changes in my skin what soever. Then I tried out Freeman's Pink Grapefruit Scrub from their Feeling Beautiful Range and actually got an answer.

My Summer Dresses From J. Collection

I love Junaid Jamshed ready-mades and I don't say this because it is one of my favorite brands in the country, but throughout time, this brand has grown so much and only improved. Their prints have gotten better and the collection larger. These are 2 of my summer outfits.

Etude Color Eye Shadow BL524: Review, Photos, Swatches

I've always been a fan of single Eye Shadows from The Etude House. This one's my latest pick.

Soft Peachy Eye Makeup Look for Eid

I'm wearing Orange this Eid, so I did this simple peachy eye makeup that I'll be wearing on the day. It's not dark at all but neutral enough to compliment a tangy dress. Let's begin with the tutorial.

Glamorous Face Nail Shades G 32 & G 52: Review, Photos, Swatches

Result: My first purchase from Glamorous Face Cosmetics is G52, which is a stunning emerald green shade, with silver glitter specs. It's just been recently, that I have developed an interest for such colors, otherwise I never went beyond baby pink or other pastel shades.

Mini Haul-Beauty and Skin Care

 

Paid a visit to a local super store and bought some goodies I'd like to share.

Illamasqua Under Eye Concealer UC 200-Review, Photos, Swatches

Illamasqua Under Eye Concealer UC 200-

Result: Received my very first Illamasqua in the mail yesterday and boy was I happy-until, I opened it to find half of the product melted it's way to the top. That did halt my excitement for some time, but did not stop me from testing the product. So, let's begin with the review.  

Types of EyeLiners and the perfect type for different skin tones.

Hey guys, today's post is all about, as the title reads "Eyeliners". I'm going to talk about formulations and what go best with different skin types and tones. The ones that I know of are pencils, liquids, cake liners, felt tip liners and the popularity gaining gel eye liners. So lets roll.

Quality makeup for Pkr 500/- or less.

Are you a makeup buff but under a limited budget? Well, not to worry as in this entire page I will list makeup stuff from recognized brands that is under an affordable price range of Pkr 500/- and not more. This section will be updated time to time, so don't forget to check back. Scroll to the bottom of the page for online availability links. Let's get started!

Kryolan TV Paint Stick FS 38-Review, Photos, Swatches

Kryolan TV Paint Stick FS 38

Result: Kryolan TV Paint Stick is the only foundation stick I have tried after the Maybelline Express Finish Foundation Stick (which was discontinued a long time ago). I bought the Kryolan TV Paint Stick out of curiosity. Yeh, that's true. While at Naheed's about a week ago, I came across the company counter and bought it, because I am about to run out of my Luscious HD Mineral Foundation (read review) and I really wanted to switch for a change. So let's roll.

Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel EyeLiner Blackest Black-Review, Photos, Swatches

Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel EyeLiner Blackest Black

Result: The first time I've ever bought a gel eye liner. I've always been hesitant towards these and use pencil and liquids but when my cousin asked me to use this, it pushed me to get one for myself. I have to say the Maybelline lasting drama gel liner is the blackest of all black eye liners ever. Why I'm so sure about this, is because I have tried tons of liners and most of them have been black. This one is just great. The best thing about it is the power to hold onto the eyes. It is insanely water proof and I had to rub my eye area with my facial wash two times to lighten it. Then I used a soft towel to get off the rest.

Benefit Cosmetics Haul-Georgia, Coralista and Bad Gal Lash Mascara

 

January 18, 2014: I was shocked to know that my benefit stuff was fake. The details are in this post. Please beware of fake cosmetics being sold in Islamabad. I suffered a great loss but those who are responsible, hopefully will rot in hell as they've surely tricked thousands of other people. I won\t delete this post as you can see the fake ones quite clearly. I purchased these from National Warehouse Cosmetics Store Facebook Page. They were located in Islamabad and also launched a boutique named Black Arazi some time later. Please be aware of these frauds. They have removed their Facebook pages but I'm not sure if the stores are still operating. 

This is my first ever purchase from Benefit Cosmetics. I have been reading so much about their fake it kits, concealing products and all. I recently placed my first order to give their stuff a try. I got Georgia, which is a sheer peachy powder, Coralista blush and Bad Gal Lash mascara. 

They came in packaged in a pretty transparent cosmetic case, which I carry around when traveling. 

Rivaj UK Fashion Fit Nail Color 111 & 113-Review, Photos, Swatches

Result: Two more from the Fashion Fit collection. I don't understand the compromise Rivaj has made with quality when it comes to this range. The colors seem pretty opaque from the outside but on application they were very sheer, not what I expected.The 111, is a warm pink and 113 is a warm beige.

Rivaj UK Fashion Fit Nail Color 137-Review, Photos, Swatches

Rivaj UK Fashion Fit Nail Color 137

Result: I spotted this collection on a display at a local cosmetic store. I instantly fell in love with this shade as it seemed like the perfect dull gold, which will compliment my skin tone. I'll be comparing it with the Rivaj UK Color Fusion Nail Enamel (Click here for review).

Summer Trends

Fashionable Summer Outfits, Accessories and lots more...

Summers are on the rocks and boy am I melting! 

In Asia we have some of the worse summer days anybody can come across. People end up in hospitals due to dehydration and other heat related issues. And lack of electricity and other resources makes it worse. But lets not forget that summers keep us out of our beds and active at work.

So this is basically a mini summer shopping guide. Enjoy!

Tutorial-Ombre Style Nails

I love experimenting with nail polish. I've done it a lot of times, messed up and ultimately came up with what I wanted. So today's post is about a tutorial on Ombre style nail art. It's very simple to do and if you want to know how, then read on.