Best of 2014-Makeup and Skincare

2014 has been an year full of new experiences for me. Even when it comes to makeup, I got to try lots of new brands and products, some of which have become staples and others that are off my shopping list for the next time. Today, I'll be sharing with you the best of my makeup and skincare I used throughout 2014.

Peshawar Attack

Mini Review-Barry M Kohl Pencil 1

Barry M Kohl Pencil 1

This is my first take on a Barry M product. I randomly picked this up at Boots after hesitating first. The kohl pencil has an ultra soft tip and smoothly glides on the eyes.  To get that beautiful black color, you need to layer it a bit. The bad part is that despite being a kohl pencil, it doesn't stay on the waterline. Just wear it and it's nearly gone within half an hour but stays on the upper lash line for a few hours. It transfers on your finger if touched. Plus, looking at its size, for Aed 18, it is expensive.

My Sigma Collection

Sigma brushes have become a household name. They're everywhere, on beauty blogs, you tube, shopping websites, Face book pages etc and the craving just seems to grow. Best known for their high quality and expert application, Sigma is one of the most sought after brands when it comes to makeup brushes. Over the years the brand has only worked on quality improvement and introducing new brushes to their already very successful line and all that hard work does pay off as the brushes just fly off the shelves. I'm a big Sigma fan like many other ladies out there and today I'll be sharing with you my little collection, which I intend to grow very soon IA.

Fashion Haul-Jewelry and Shoes

Centerpoint has an ongoing sale around the UAE offering from 25 to 60% off on all it's brands namely Baby Shop, Splash, Lifestyle and Shoe Mart. I was present at the Emirates Mall on Friday and bought these beautiful goodies.

EOTD: Blue Ivy + Tutorial

I created this very simple yet glam look for an evening out using blue products. If you wana know how I did it then read on.

Arcancil Matic Mascara 055 Bleu-Review, Photos, Swatches

Company/Brand Claim: Historical product of the brand, this lengthening mascara separates lashes one by one for a very natural result. 

Result: It's been a long time since I bought a mascara. If it wasn't for my current craving for blue makeup I wouldn't have gone for this initially. The Matic mascara is a mater piece from Arcancil and I'm glad I bought it. It is packaged in a slim, black, light weight tube with details printed in silver chrome. The applicator is small and that's a major plus for me as it reaches the corners of the eyes with ease. The applicator is narrow with swirled bristles that get to roots of the lashes. 

Boots No 7 Stay Perfect Amazing Eyes Pencil Deepest Blue-Review, Photos, Swatches

Company/Brand Claim: No 7 Stay Perfect Amazing Eyes Pencil is a long wearing and silky smooth pencil for amazing color and definition.  

Result: It looks like a professionally designed pencil with a smudger at the end and exact color cap. Feels slightly dry and rough when applying and has a metallic finish. The color is a glamorous electric blue, which I fell for instantly. I wear it like a regular eye pencil on the upper and lower lash line.

DMGM Studio Perfection Secret Wonder Foundation 260 Praline-Review, Photos, Swatches

DMGM Studio Perfection Secret Wonder Foundation 260 Praline

Company/Brand Claim: Soft & supple texture instantly fills in fine lines and helps cover skin perfections. Evens out skin tone and imparts flawless finish. Long wearing, non-pore clogging, high coverage. Soft focus effect to imitate your skin's natural texture and color.

Arcancil Lip Liner Tattoo 400 Carmin-Review, Photos, Swatches

Company/Brand Claim: This Tattoo Waterproof Lip Liner is a revolution for the lips! Thanks to its semi-permanent formula , its felt tip outlines the lips up to 24 hours, without running or fading, while easily applied. It does not dry out the lips contour thanks to its formula enriched with Vitamin E and camomile. Its tip is reversible for a twice as long last.

For Skin Type: All

Packaging: Matte greyish black pen with a colored bottom for shade reference.

Event: Brands Bay Sale and Haul

Brands Bay.com is an online shopping service, soon to be launched in the UAE. The company has an ongoing sale held at World Trade Center, Dubai, hall 7. The sale started off from November 25 and will end on November 29, 2014. So if you haven't yet been there, you still have a few days to go. The sale offers a discount of 25 to 75% on shoes, perfumes, apparel, jewelry, watches, handbags and much more from re-known brands. Here are some of the photos from yesterday.

My Handbags Collection

There's nothing girly that I don't love. Specially bags! Today, I'm going to share with you my (little) collection. It could have been bigger but I gave a lot of my bags away last year so these are what I have at the moment. But it'll keep growing hopefully ;).

Mini Review-Catrice Gel Eye Liner 020 It's Mambo Nr. 2

Catrice Gel Eye Liner 020 It's Mambo Nr. 2

Catrice gel eye liner Mr. Mambo is a cream formulated rather deep glossy purple eye liner. Since the little glass jar is topped with a brown lid and the name doesn't let you make a guess, I only bought it
because I though it was brown. The consistency is not gel like to be honest. It is slightly creamy. I wasn't happy with the application as it applied sheer with a brush and I couldn't even layer it. It works much better as an eye shadow base for a smokey eye or some other bold look but it definitely does not fit into my idea of a gel liner.

Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick by Kate Moss # 08 and 10-Review, Photos, Swatches

Company/Brand Claim: The 1st lipstick collection created by Kate Moss. High intensity color for up to 8 hours. Formula infused with black diamonds, reflects light like never before. Captures all the flair, edge and timelessness of Kate's unique look.

For Skin Type: All

Packaging: There are two types. A matte black tube and a matte red tube. Both have Kate's signature printed on the cap. 

Event: Paris Gallery Friends, Family and Staff Sale, Dubai

About a few weeks ago I went to the Paris Gallery friends, family and staff sale, which is held a few times during the year but is an unannounced event. So if someone tells you about it, you're lucky and should definitely visit once. The event was held at Le Meridian Hotel, near Dubai International Airport and lasted for 3 days.

Essential beauty tools that will make life easier.

We're on the lookout for the best makeup products and brushes but there are some more useful tools that will be of quite some help if you have them around. So here's my little list of the essential beauty tools, which in my humble opinion, should be a part of every girl's stash. 

Product Comparison-MUA Blush Perfection Cream Blusher Bitter Sweet and E.L.F HD Blush Headliner

Packaging: E.L.F Headliner is packaged in a plastic bottle with a pump for product release. It comes in a box printed with details and it also protects the bottle from getting scratched. The pump isn't very convenient as it doesn't push in with ease and requires effort. It doesn't release a lot of product at once though. MUA Bitter Sweet (read review) comes in a plastic case with a transparent lid attached, which snaps open and close. You can pick the product with a brush or your finger.

The Body Shop Seaweed Pore-Cleansing Facial Exfoliator-Review, Photos, Swatch

Company/Brand Claim: A soap-free facial scrub that effectively deep cleanses blocked pores and exfoliates to remove dead skin cells, excess oil, impurities and daily grime.  

For Skin Type: Oily/Combination

Packaging: White plastic tube with a flip up cap.

Product Coverage: -

Formulation: Scrub

November Haul

So here's my mini haul for November. Enjoy!

* Bio Oil aed 45 (it's been raved about so much and I so wanted it)
* Rimmel London Kate Moss Lipstick in number 08 aed 42
* Barry M Kohl Pencil in Black aed 18
* Boots No 7 Stay Perfect Amazing Eyes Pencil in Deepest Blue aed 45 (It's that beautiful electric blue color that I've been after for some time now. Hope its a good product. *Fingers crossed* )

MUA Intense Kisses Lip Gloss Quick Smooch and Pucker Up-Review, Photos, Swatches

Company/Brand Claim: A high intensity lip gloss for any occasion. 


For Skin Type: All

Packaging: Transparent plastic tube with glitzy black tops.

Product Coverage: Sheer to full

Formulation: Varies

LOTD: Deep Fall Lips + Tutorial

It's finally fall and my makeup looks are going from neutral to deep. I created on this look last night using 3 products and it came out pretty good so I thought I'd share it with you beauties. Enjoy!

Event: 37th MidEast Watch & Jewelry Show, Sharjah-Highlights, Photos

I got a chance to visit the 37th MidEast Watch & Jewelry Show held at Sharjah Expo Center from Oct 14th to 18th, 2014. The event comprised of designer jewelry and watch brands from five countries Italy, Hong Kong, Thailand, India and Singapore all displaying exquisite pieces from their respective cultures and design industry.

Make Up For Ever Duo Mat Powder Foundation Shade 202 Translucent Beige-Review, Photos, Swatches

Company/Brand Claim: Provides a shine free finish that covers blemishes and other imperfections and perfectly evens out the skin tone. 

Guest Beauty and Fashion Bloggers wanted on Kiran's Beauty Book

Hey beauties! I am on a lookout for guest blog posts from fellow beauty and fashion bloggers (new or established). No matter what part of the world you are from you're welcome.

Ways to keep your hair healthy.

We all go through hair problems every now and then. All of them can't be taken care of at once but to maintain and/or retain the health of your hair it is important to take some steps. Today I'll share with you some general tips and tricks which have worked for me as well.

MUA Powder Blusher Lolly-Review, Photos, Swatches

Company/Brand Claim: -

For Skin Type: All

Packaging: Slim plastic case with joint lid.

Product Coverage: Sheer to medium

Formulation: Matte

Sleek Eye Dust in 680 Dirty- Review, Photos, Swatch and Look

Company/Brand Claim: Perfect for a wash of bold color on the eyes that can be layered as desired for a stronger, more intense effect, perfect for any occasion.

For Skin Type: All

Packaging: Plastic jar with an easy twist lid and inside sifter.

Product Coverage: Full

Formulation: Shimmer Pigment

EOTD: Deep Chocolate Smokey Eyes

For this look I used:

Ladies Love: Everything Pink

The "Pink" Revolution.

Just about a few years ago "Pink" was just an ordinary color. It was plain, sweet and girly. But today, pink is a lot more than just a color. It's a style icon and has gained popularity opposite the ever so classy "Black".

Milani Shadow Eyez 12 Hour Wear Eye Shadow 01 Winter White-Review, Photos, Swatches

Company/Brand Claim: 12 hour wear eye shadow

For Skin Type: All

Packaging: Thick chubby pencil with transparent plastic cap

Product Coverage: Sheer

Formulation: Cream

Eid and OOTD

This Eid I wore a White printed Al Mirah outfit my mother gifted my on my first visit to Pakistan after marriage. By now I'm sure know of my obsession with the brand. I'm even thinking of doing a separate post for my collection. Perhaps anytime soon.

So this dress is a straight salwar suit with a printed lawn dupatta. The shirt has silver work on the front which seems heavy and feels like nothing upon wearing the kameez. I've always loved JJ and Al Mirah for their quality. I paired it with Kolapuri Chappal for a more traditional look. Hope you guys like my outfit. Do share you comment. Enjoy!

dupatta print

Jewelry Haul from Nishat- Arm Candy

It's the holy month of Ramadan and I'm sure the ladies out there are also planning on their Eid outfits and looks. So I thought to share with you guys my jewelry haul from Nishat Linen. I bought these pieces from their branch in Dolmen City Mall Karachi. All of these were priced at Rs. 500/- and under. The quality is great and there was loads to choose from. Checkout Nishat for some beautiful Eid jewelry. Enjoy!

Perfect "Pout" War

What creates the perfect pout? This question is debatable and there seems to be no definite answer to it. The cosmetic industry is swarming with lip products, with new ones launched every now and then, promising softer, supple, pouty, kissable etc lips that will leave, if not everyone, then at least your friends and rivals wowing!

Guest Post By Sarah Nazim: You Got A Gift

Sarah Nazim, shares with us the launch of one of its kind eGift Card shopping service, You Got a Gift. Plus there's a special discount exclusively for KBB readers. Promo code below. Do share with family and Friends. Enjoy!

Color Studio Professional Soft Kohl Kajal in Blue Steel-Review, Photos, Swatches

Company/Brand Claim: -

For Skin Type: -

Packaging: Sleek black pencil with irremovable silver text.

Product Coverage: Sheer

Formulation: Matte

Texture and Feel: It is soft but applies very dry

Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula Strong Roots Spray-Review, Photos

Company/Brand Claim: Moisturizes hair and scalp. Freshens hair. Soothes tightness and itch.

For Hair Type: All

Packaging: Handy plastic bottle with spray pump.

Product Coverage: -

Formulation: Slightly oily 

Texture and Feel: Non sticky and watery.

Color: Transparent   
       
Fragrance: Smells just like coconut oil with a slight hint of mint. Not everyone might like it. 

Application: Just spray onto the scalp and massage with hands.

Result: It is the first time in many years that I've willingly used coconut oil for my hair. Although well aware of its benefits, I still stopped using it because of the weird sticky feeling. After I used the Palmer's strong roots spray for the first time, the first thing I noticed is the fragrance and a mild cool feeling on my scalp, just like it happens with products that contain menthol does. I divided my hair into strands and sprayed a few times and massaged. Although the label says it can be used after the shower for styling, but I prefer it as an alternate to coconut oil. I leave it on for 3-4 hours and wash the hair. It doesn't irritate the skin, doesn't drip and does not stain the pillow (really happy about that). It is meant to "nourish hair" and not make them long or thick and that's what it does. The pumped bottle is very convenient and ready to carry for travel. My husband gave it a try and he said it made his hair nice and soft. This product has a become a staple for my hair care. 

Ingredients:

Besides coconut oil, it also contains vitamin E for softness and eucalyptus oil for overall hair strength and itch control. So those with dandruff can definitely use it.

Staying Power: 2-3 hours 

Times Tested: 3-4 times
 
Cons: None

Anything Else: -

Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula Strong Roots Spray comes in a 150 ml spray bottle. It is also available in olive oil and coco butter formulations. 

Rating: 4.5/5

Take it:

You're looking for alternate to coconut oil
You prefer non sticky texture
You suffer from an itchy scalp
You have dry hair

Leave it:

You prefer pure coconut oil
You find the fragrance disturbing

Price: Rs. 550/-  
Available at: 
Pakistan: Naheeds, Chase-up and other leading super stores. Online at Just4Girls and Beauty Arena.
UAE: Safeer Mall.
Website: Palmer's USA

Conclusion: I kind of liked the idea of oil in a spray bottle so out of curiosity I placed an order and was really happy to see that it is not pure coconut oil but a mix of several ingredients that nurture the hair.  Recommended? Yes!

Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula Strong Roots Spray

Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula Strong Roots Spray

Fashion Haul and experience with Rea$onablez

While I was in Pakistan, I came across a new Facebook page named Rea$onablez where I spotted these beautiful Kolapuri sandals. Although I'm not a fan of the style, these somehow seemed very different and trendy and I placed an order. I also ordered a beaded turquoise bracelet with charms, as it seemed equally tempting.

I received the parcel after two days of order placement through tcs. I was happy to see my stuff was safe and sound and I quickly tried on the sandals first. They're fit for casual wear and have velcro lock at the back for a better grip. I've never seen such Kolapuri's before, so this new look was impressive. Here's how they look. 

I got the Kolapuri's for Rs. 1200/- and the turquoise bracelet for Rs. 1700/-. If you'd like to have a look then checkout Rea$onablez. Overall I had a nice experience shopping with these guys. Hope you liked the haul.  Enjoy!