June Favorites2015!

Assalamu wa Alaykum/ Hi,

Today's post is going to be on my June Favorites. I have been liking enough new products this past month that I felt the need to show my favorites.

1) Cover Girl Ready, Set, Gorgeous and L'oreal Infallible foundation mix

 I began mixing these two foundations because I was between the two shades. But, I really came to like the finish that they gave me when they were combined. The L'oreal foundation is matte and the Cover Girl foundation is more on the luminous side. So, when I combine them I get a satin finish. I used this combo in my Summer Foundation Routine video.

2) Makeup Forever Pro Sculpt Duo #2

I was suckered in by the hype that was surrounding this highlighter! It's such a pretty gold color but it isn't too intense. Many people say that it is a dupe for MAC's whisper of gilt and Estee Lauder's Heat wave. While I don't have either of those highlighter, I've seen comparison pictures and they look different swatched next to each other.

In the picture above, I've swatched the two colors in the duo next to each other. The highlight is on the left and the contour is on the right. 

3) Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Luminous Light

I've been eyeing the Ambient Lighting powders since they came out.  I finally bit the bullet and bought one during the Sephora VIB sale. I didn't know which one to buy even though I always swatch them in store. I did some research and this one was raved about the most.  A lot of people say that they use it for all over their face but I'm a little too hesitant for that. I use it to highlight the highest points on my face and I love the natural glow it gives.

4) Urban Decay Afterglow 8- Hour blush in Bang

I apologize about the flash on this one. The top of the compact has the logo on it and it's clear so you can see the blush through it. This is good if you plan on storing it laying down. However, that also means that it doesn't have a mirror.

This shade is a vivid orange. To some people, like my sister, it can be startling. But, the powder is creamy and blends out wonderfully and looks like a natural flush on the skin.

This the blush blended out on the back of my hand.

5) Makeup For Ever Artist Plexigloss in 404

This shade looks more pink than it actually is. It has a lot more red in it in person.

I have noticed that these lip glosses are more pigmented on my hand than they are on my lips. The darker shades are more pigmented out of the entire range. This lip gloss isn't exactly sticky but it does stick to your lips. It has more of a tacky feel to it.

So, That's it.

What have you been loving lately?

Until Next Time,

Aleema

September 2014 Favorites!

Assalamu wa Alaykum/ Hi,

September is gone and October is here! So, it's favorites time. I don't mind October it hasn't gotten too cold yet but I can feel it coming. Actually, the weather is quite bi-polar here.

Anyway, I'll be posting a corresponding YouTube video on my channel that should be up by Thursday if not sooner. It's pretty much done. I'll link it when I post it. I upload weekly on my channel. Now, on to the favorites.

This month I haven't really bought anything. I did for my birthday and I have a birthday haul up if you want to see what I bought. But, I got them at the end of the month and can't really call them favorites. So, this months favorites is going to be smaller than usual.

1) Glamglow Youthmud Tinglexfoliate Treatment

I really like this mask as you'd probably know if you've read my review on it. It's very effective. I love it minus the burning sensation of course. Actually I used it this morning and it didn't burn as bad. It was a tingle like is supposed to happen.

2) Foundation Samples: NARS Sheer Glow, Lancome Teint Idole Ultra, BECCA Ultimate Coverage Creme

I'm currently on the hunt for a fall/winter foundation. My Doublewear is too dark for me. I got the Sheer glow second. I apply with a beauty blender and a brush. I lean more towards the beauty blender because I adore it. It's medium to full coverage. It has a satin finish which I like. Sometimes being matte is not the best look although I prefer it to being dewy. I have the shade Macao

I got the Lancome Teint Idole Ultra first. I prefer to apply this foundation with a brush as opposed to a sponge/beauty blender. I find that I tend to get very shiny when I apply it with my beauty blender. This is also a medium to full coverage foundation. I have the shade 500.

I got the BECCA Ultimate Coverage Creme last. On a whim because I cannot be in Sephora and not get anything. I have the shade Tobacco and I feel like this on matches me the best. I normally go slightly darker with my foundation because no one likes that ashy look! But, I found that this foundation is right on with the color my skin currently is. So, this is most likely the foundation I'll end up buying.

3) Colourpop Cosmetics Eyeshadows

I showed this eyeshadow in my birthday haul. I've only used two of them in my Eid Makeup Tutorial. But, I can already tell that I love them! I've used the shades 'Meow' and 'Sequin.' I have swatches of all 6 colors that I purchased in my Birthday haul.

4)NARS Contour Blush

I've had this contour blush in my last favorites and I still love it. I have it in the shade Gienah.

5) Elf Complexion Brush

This the brush that I use with the contour blush. It's kind of tapered at the top is it's good for getting in the hollow of your cheeks.

6) Urban Decay NAKED FLUSHED Brush

I originally bought this brush to use with the NARS contour blush. However, I prefer it with normal blush. It picks up the color and blends it so nicely. Way better than how Ecotools blush brush was performing.

7) BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector in Rose Gold

I've had this highlighter for a while, but didn't use it because I felt that it was appropriate for fall and winter. This highlighter is buildable and that's what I love about it. It looks so natural and you can keep applying as much as you want until you reach the desired intensity. Also, it doesn't emphasize my pores. So, I'll be trying to get my hands on the new one, Champagne gold, as well as Topaz and Opal.

So, That's it.

What products have you been loving?

Until Next Time,

Aleema :)

August Favorites!

Assalamu Alaykum/ Hi,

August is gone and September is here! I'm excited because September is my birthday month and I'll be turning 21 on the 14th.  So, there are quite a few things that I have been liking in August and a number of them I have yet to mention here on my blog.

1. NARS Contour blush in Gienah

I am very grateful to NARS for making a contour color that actually shows up on my skin. The darker color seems to have a slight reddish undertone when it's applied to the skin. I use the lighter color to sent my concealer under my eyes.

2. Urban Decay FLUSHED Dual Ended Brush

I originally bought this brush to go with the NARS Contour blush. However, when I used them together I didn't like the results. I prefer to use this brush with blush. It applies more color than Ecotools blush brush I was using before.

3. ELF Complexion brush

This is the brush that I am currently using to apply the NARS Contour blush. Since it's tapered the top is flatter. So, it's very good at making a line for contouring.

4. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Dark Brown

I've recently started filling in my eyebrows, but I didn't have an eyeshadow color that was dark enough. So, I decided to just buy a product specifically for my eyebrows. The Brow Wiz is raved about by many YouTube gurus for good reason. It fills in your eyebrow but it still looks natural. Also, it comes with a spoolie conveniently placed on the end of it.

5. Benefit's Watt's Up Illuminator

I've had this product for months and have used it on and off. Apparently it's back on. It's very natural and doesn't look overly shimmery or glittery. You can use it over powder and it won't ruin your base.

6. Hourglass veil mineral primer and Smashbox Photo Matte primer

I've been trying  this combo ever since I saw Casey Holmes use it in one of her videos. I apply the Hourglass primer first all over my face but I focus it primarily on my T-zone. Then, I apply the Smashbox primer on the parts of my cheeks where I have huge pores.

So, That's it.

Until Next Time,

Aleema

Review: Urban Decay's Naked 3 palette

Assalamu wa Alaykum/ Hi,

I wasn't sure whether or not to do this blog post. I mean who hasn't heard about the Naked 3 palette by now? But, when I was looking up makeup looks for inspiration I didn't see many looks or swatches on women of a darker complexion. For anyone that does want my opinion of this palette I'll include that as well.

When I went to Sephora I didn't go for this palette. Despite the fact that I was obsessing over it before it even came out. I was going to buy Too Faced's Chocolate Bar Palette that has been in my face since it came out. I swatched it and my friends and I weren't that impressed. So, I decided to end my suffering and just get the Naked 3. I bought it during Sephora's 20 percent off sale. I still might buy the Chocolate Bar Palette. It's been on my mind a lot lately.

I was apprehensive about buying this product because I watched reviews and a lot of people weren't that happy with some of the shadows' quality. So, I thought maybe if I waited a while UD might reformulate them. But, I've been having dreams about this palette, that's how bad my obsession was!

This what the packaging looks like. It reflects the rose gold theme.The palette is in a hard tin packaging, the same as the Naked 2.The packaging design is very beautiful.

So, this palette like the previous Naked palettes comes with 12 eyeshadows. Out of which 3 are matte. The rest are either glittery, shimmery, or satin. I know some people would prefer more mattes. I don't particularly mind either way. I like shimmer.

The palette also comes with a dual ended brush. I'm not a fan of the brush. Not because it doesn't perform well, but because storing, cleaning, and drying it becomes a pain. I prefer to turn my brushes upside down to dry. My lighting washed out the writing on the brush.

Close ups:

There is good range of shadows with regard to color.They are very pigmented.
The only shade I would complain about is Dust. Everyone complains about this color because although it is very beautiful, it is very hard to work with. It has a lot of glitter and gives a lot of fallout.

Here are the swatches:

Close ups:

*I realized that I didn't swatch 'Limit' and added it in later.

My most used colors of this palette are: Buzz, Trick, Liar, Factory,Mugshot, Nooner, and Strange

My least used colors are: Dust, Limit Burnout, Darkside, and Blackheart. I don't use Blackheart all that much because its very dark and intense, and on a regular I'm just attending classes. I don't know why I don't use Darkside and Burnout more. I'm going to make an effort to. I don't use limit that much because it seems kind of light to me. I don't use Dust because it requires a lot of work. It's very beautiful once it's on though. I'm going to try applying it wet.

Here is a comparison photo between the Naked 1 and the Naked 3:

Naked 3 is on top and Naked 1 is on the bottom. The only similarity is the color 'Toasted' in the Naked 1 palette looks like it could go in the Naked 3 palette. 

Here is the look recently created with the Naked 3 palette:

As you can see the shadows are very subtle but still very beautiful. I normally would wear this over a base such as the Maybelline Color Tattoo in the color 'Inked Pink.' I used the color 'Sin' from the Naked 1 palette in my inner tearducts. I used 'Trick' on the inner third of my eyelid and 'Buzz' on the outer third. Lastly, I used 'Factory' in the crease.

Final thoughts: I love this palette! However the Naked 1 will always be my favorite. It's more versatile. For me anyway. If you're liking the colors and are thinking of picking it up go for it!

What are your thoughts on this Palette?

Until Next Time

Aleema :)

Favorite Makeup Look # 2

Assalamu wa Alaykum/ Hi,

This is another one of my favorite make up looks. It took more time than I would have preferred. I would probably wear this look if I was going out with friends.

All of the products that I used are in the picture above except for Maybelline color tattoo in the color 'Pomegranate Punk.'

1) I applied foundation using Maybelline's Superstay in the shade 'Caramel'
2) I used Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind Darspot treatment eraser as an under eye concealer
3) I used my third blush in my Inglots palette- The pink one
4) I used Maybelline's color tattoo in 'pomegranate punk' all over my lid as a base
5) I applied 'Toasted' from the Naked palette on my lid below my crease
6) I applied a reddish brown color from the Sephora palette in my crease and blended upward; keep applying until you get the intensity that you want
7) I made a winged liner using the black gel liner in the Sephora palette
8) I applied 'Sin' from the Naked palette in my inner tear duct and 'Virgin' on my browbone
9) I applied Maybelline Colorsensation lipgloss in the color 120 'Plum Luster'
10) I applied MAC's 'Rebel' in the center of my lips

Comments? Suggestions?

Until Next Time:)

Favorite Makeup Look # 1

Assalamu wa Alaykum/ Hi,

I was going to do my November Favorites when I realized they're pretty much the same as my October Favorites. So, I decided to do something different. Instead of a Favorites post for the month of November I'll do a series of posts about the makeup looks I've been wearing the most recently.

So makeup look # 1

Lately I've been into pinks and purples. I don't know why because I was never really that fond of pink. But, it seems to be my 'Dubai color.'

I mostly used Urban Decay's Glinda Palette for this look. 

1.I put Magic on my lid.

2.Tornado in the crease.

3. I lined my eyes with Urban Decay's 24/7 eyeliner in Pervision.

4. Then I quickly smudged it out with a smudge brush.

5. Next, I applied the side of Aura that flashes bluish-purple in the inner tear ducts and the brow bone.

6. I took what was left on the smudge brush and applied along my lower lash line.

7. I applied Benefit's They're Real Mascara.

 I also darkened the crease using a color similar to Tornado except it wasn't as iridescent.

On my lips I'm wearing Maybelline's Color Sensational Highgloss lipgloss in 100 Raspberry Reflections. I have also worn this look with my MAC lipstick in Rebel. The palette and the gloss were both in my October Favorites.

So, That's it.

Comments? Suggestions?

Aleema :)

October Favorites!

Assalamu wa Alaykum/ Hi,

I know this is a bit late, but I wanted to do it anyway. So here are my favorites for October.
I have a few categories to makeup for being late. They're Makeup, Fragrances, skin care, and food.
Though I have a few favorites from my September Favorites that I still love, I didn't include them in this post.

1) Urban Decay Glinda Palette: Yes, I was one of those people who ran out to get this palette because I was hyped over the movie. At first I had to look for things to use it for but now I reach for it almost everyday. That's one thing I found out about studying since the price of makeup is inflated here, because they have to pay for fees to ship it here, I explore the makeup I already have more. I've been especially loving the Purple and the pink colors. I use them to create a smoky eye. I did notice that this palette was on sale a few days ago for 14 dollars. I'm not even thinking about how much I paid for it.

2) YSL Volpte Shine Lipstick: I recently did a review on this product so, I'm not going to review it again. Bottom line is that I love it.

3) Revlon Lip Butter: I haven't really talked about the Revlon Lipbutters. I got on that bagwagon kind of late I'll admit. I bought two of them before I left NY. Rite Aide was doing a 40% off sale. This color is 075 Lollipop. It's a purplish-pink color with a little bit of sparkle. The other color I bought was 015 Tutti Frutti and that's an orange.

4) Maybelline Colorsensational High Shine Gloss: You'll notice that I've been really into the pink/ purple lip colors. I don't know why but I'm really loving them. I love the way this lip gloss makes my lips look. I feel like the color looks nice with my complexion. This is in the color '100 Raspberry Reflections.'

5) Revlon Kissable balm stain: I've had this one for quite a while and it looks well-loved. It's going to be done soon. This one is in the color '055 Adore.' I have seen the mattes and the lacquers that have come out and I plan to get my hands on them as soon as I return.

So, now on to the fragrances.

 

I brought have body sprays with me 4 from Bath and Body Works and 1 from Victoria's Secret. These were my favorites. I tried to use them equally but it's obvious that 'Beautiful Day' is my top favorite, then 'Pink Chiffon', and then 'Be Enchanted.'They're all very flowery scents.

Now, on to skin care. I only have one skin care favorite for October.

 

This is The Breakfast Scrub from Soap and Glory. I bought this at Boots in the mall. I was so excited to go into one because everyone on YouTube is like 'I went into Boots and I picked this up.' Lol Anyway, I bought for about 90 Dirhams. Almost 25 Dollars. A bit expensive in my opinion but I need a scrub. I really like it anyway. It's smells very sweet. It does what it's supposed to. It's one of those rougher scrubs so if you have sensitive skin you may not like that.

Last but certainly not least, Food!

I have been introduced to many new foods and I love it!

1) Lemon and Mint Drink: Love. No explanation needed. If you asked any of my friends here they will tell that I'm obsessed with this stuff, and it's definitely one thing that I'll miss about Dubai. It's become my staple drink.

2) Croissants with Zaataar: Anything that has zaataar has my stamp of approval. Especially, Shish Tawouk! Zaataar is a herb. I don't know much more about it though. 

3) Galazy Flutes: So good! I eat this for breakfast (I know, bad!) and any other time and it's amazing. We have things similar in the US but I like these better.

4) Break: These are more recent love. They were giving free tasters in Carrefour and the Galaxy Flutes weren't on sale anymore. :( But, these taste like Kit Kat's but maybe a little better.

So, That's it.

Until Next Time.

The Glinda Palette

Assalam wa Alaykum/ Hi,
So, I couldn't help myself and I splurged on the Glinda palette from Urban Decay.

 This palette costs $49. A bit on the expensive side but I did say that I splurged.

This palette is based off of Glinda's makeup look. At first I was leaning toward buying the Theodora palette because it is darker but I already have similar colors to the one in that palette.

The outside of the palette looks the same as the box. I love these colors. Tornado, Aura, Magic, Illusion, Oz, and South. It goes from left to right starting with the top row. It comes with a 24/7 pencil in the color Rockstar. I already have that pencil in the full size. It also comes with a super-saturated high-gloss lip color in the color Glinda. I forgot to take a picture of it but you can see it in the picture of the back of the box.

It also comes with a look card.

This card tells you how to get Glinda's look. I tried it out.

I'm (obviously) much darker than the Michelle Williams, who plays Glinda. So, the colors didn't show up as noticeably on me. The look isn't supposed to be ostentatious. It seems like it suppose to be more natural looking.

I didn't have the best lighting. I believe my roommate was sleeping when I took this picture and I didn't want to wake her. So, I want to do a compilation of looks I come up with using this palette.
So, that's it for the palette.
But, I just wanted to comment on a YouTube personality that I've stumbled upon. (pun!) Her username is IISuperwomanII. She's absolutely hilarious. Her 'Why I can't get married pt.2' video had my mother and me laughing so hard. I can relate to most of the topics that she touches on in her videos.


Anyway, check it out and let me know what you think.

 Until Next Time
Aleema :)

Broken Foundation Bottle

Assalam Wa Alaykum/ Hi,
So, a couple weeks ago my Urban Decay Naked Skin foundation bottle cap came off like this:

I don't know why it did this. Maybe I pulled it off too hard. It led to the inner bottle coming out like this:

This was inconvenient but the foundation was still usable. I hate that it spilled on the floor and on the bottle. But then I dropped it. Now it has a big crack at the top of the bottle.

 I refuse to throw it away because this foundation wasn't cheap and I really like it. So, I guess I'll have to transfer it into another bottle. But, I can't use it until I'm able to go to the store and buy a plastic bottle. Sigh. This is annoying. Well that's all.
Until Next Time
Aleema :)