Hi everyone,
I decided to take the next step and buy my own domain. Hooray!! 🙂
I am now at http://www.themakeupbook.com
I would love it if you could check it out and subscribe, as I no longer will be posting on this blog.
My social media has changed too:
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Come join me to chat about all things beauty. I would love to hear from you. 🙂
This limited edition palette features six metallic powder highlighters for ‘intense luminosity’.
I bought this a while back but I really wanted to have a good play around with it before sharing my views. My initial thoughts were this palette is nothing like the earlier Glow Kits. It’s IN-YOUR-FACE sparkle and if you’re not that kind of girl, I’ll be completely honest, this palette isn’t for you.
In comparison to her earlier Glow Kits, the colours in this palette aren’t as smooth. Expect to see a lot more shimmer and glitter.
You don’t have to stick to your cheekbones. You can use the highlighters on your eyes, face and body. You can also dampen your brush either with water or setting spray and apply. This will intensify the colour making that highlighter stand out even more.
Apart from one colour (Forever Lit), this palette is more warm toned so might not be great for lighter skin tones.
I enjoy using the shade ‘Forever Lit’ in the corner of my eyes to give that wide-eyed effect. I’m half asleep in the mornings, so this makes me look a little more fresh and awake!
It’s a gorgeous palette with lovely shades but the only downside is that it doesn’t have a mirror. When you pay so much for a palette, you expect it to have a mirror.
It’s definitely one to buy if you want more from your highlighter. I would highly recommend it.
This clear mascara has two ends – one for your brows and one for your lashes.
I'll be honest, I only used the lash mascara once and I wasn't overly impressed. It didn't really do much. I was more interested in the brow mascara.
When I first pulled out the wand, it had too much product on the brush. I made the mistake of applying it on my brows. Too much product all at once isn't a good idea.
It also gets quite clumpy leaving the odd blob of gel on my brows. Not a good look!
If you use brow powder/pencil on your brows, this gel tends to pick up any product on your brows changing the gel colour from clear to brown.
My brows are all over the place. They never stay put so I need something that will hold them in place. The ABH Brow Gel was perfect but I am always on the lookout for an alternative.
This just doesn't have that holding power unless you really overdo it when applying.
However, it doesn't flake or leave your brows looking white, which is a plus. If your brows aren't as stubborn as mine, this could work for you. It lasted for around 4-5 hours for me and then my brows started doing their own thing.
It's cheap and cheerful so I can see why it's popular. Unfortunately, I won't be buying it again.
*ELF products are now being sold in Superdrug.
I've tried so many creams to help with my dry skin so when I saw this for half price, I thought, why not?
I tried it for a couple of days and although my skin felt softer, my dry patches were still there. I didn't have much hope but I know some products take longer to kick in – so I persevered.
I do like the formula – it feels so light on the skin, like a silky serum but I felt it wasn't enough; my skin still felt tight.
One morning, I applied my usual moisturiser (Nivea) – completely forgetting I was supposed to be using Cetaphil. I then applied Cetaphil on top and this is where the magic started.
The combination of the two is the perfect formula for my skin. I continued to use the two and surprisingly my dry skin has gone, my skin feels soft and those annoying, tiny bumps on my skin have started to disappear.
The second ingredient in this product is glycerin. I've read many articles regarding people using glycerin as a moisturiser due to its ability to attract and retain moisture in the skin.
I can't stress how good it is – I've actually stopped wearing foundation because my skin looks so much better.
I am going to run out and buy a few more before I travel back. If it passes the Doha Heat Test, then it's a keeper. Obviously, intense heat and the excessive use of AC's is going to cause the skin to lose moisture causing dry skin. Sigh.
However, I have high hopes for this product and my skin. Please don't let me down Cetaphil. 🙏
☝️ UK ladies, I bought this in Superdrugs for £6.65 (on sale).
☝️This product sells in most pharmacies in Qatar.
GOSH – Eyebrow Pencil (Grey Brown)
I’ve never really tried anything from this brand purely based on the fact I’ve not read enough reviews about their products.
However, I decided to try their eyebrow pencil seeing as my ABH one is all used up!
I’ll start with a positive comment – and that’s the colour. A lot of eyebrow pencils tend to be a reddish brown. I hate that because the colour is so unnatural. This shade is perfect for me. No red tones whatsoever.
There are only three colours to choose from, soft black, brown and grey brown which is the one I have.
It also comes with a spoolie at the end similar to the ABH eyebrow pencil.
So let’s talk about the negative aspect and that’s how soft the pencil is. An eyebrow pencil needs to be firm and pigmented. This pencil is pigmented so there are no issues getting the colour on your brows but because it’s so soft, I just couldn’t work with it. It felt more like an eye pencil and to be perfectly honest, I’ve resorted to using it on top of my eye lids.
I like to do thin strokes following the direction of my hair – but it’s impossible to do as the pencil doesn’t stay sharp for very long as it’s so soft.
If you read the reviews, they’re positive – people have had a good experience but unfortunately this product didn’t work for me. I won’t be buying it again.
Remember this? It’s the Evian Facial Spray.
I know I was mocking it a little 😬 but in Ramadan it has proved to be quite useful. Even if you’re not fasting – this is a great product. You can take it to the gym, while having a run or just pop it into your bag and spritz whenever you need to.
Ok let’s keep it real – this is not a setting spray guys. As much as it likes to think it is, it’s not. It’s not going to moisturise your skin. It is a bottle that sprays a mist of water.
Saying that, it’s perfect for when you’ve just come from outside feeling like your skin is melting. Doha temperatures are soaring right now. 🔥🌞
It cools my face down instantly. Yes, I know, a splash of water can do the same thing. 🙈💦
BUT if you’re wearing makeup or you’re out and about, you can spray this onto your face without your makeup getting ruined.
Would I buy it again? Yes – I might do but next Ramadan. 🙂
If you’ve been following my page, you know that I am on a quest to find a good moisturiser for dry skin. I want something that will last throughout the day, not just a couple of hours. So here is a quick review of the four that I’ve tried.
Boots Botanic’s Organic Hydrating Cream
Let’s start with the first cream I used, which benefitted my skin the most.
It’s not a ‘creamy’ cream as such – it’s more of a thick consistency, which soon changes as you begin to rub it into your hands. It melts and becomes easier to manage. Even though it’s thick, it’s not greasy in the slightest. It absorbs into the skin after a few minutes.
I liked the floral scent but I know many reviewers said they found the smell off-putting.
I’ll be honest – my skin greatly improved whilst using this cream. I found my skin felt softer, more hydrated and generally less red.
I would recommend this to anyone with normal to dry skin. I have a few dry patches on my face that are drier than normal and this wasn’t rich enough to keep those patches hydrated for long, which was disappointing because I enjoyed using this cream.
Saying that – I would definitely buy this again as I feel it’s the only cream that has helped my skin get back to some sort of ‘normal’. Plus it’s 81% organic which makes me feel good about using it.
Seba Med Moisturising Face Cream
Okay – I need to talk about the scent first. It’s strong and it smells like aftershave – think ‘Old Spice’! The smell, for me, was enough to stop me from using it but I continued in the hope that it would help me.
This isn’t an expensive cream. It’s affordable and has good reviews, which led me to buy it.
The texture is creamy – exactly what you would expect from a moisturiser for dry skin. It sinks into the skin nicely not leaving a greasy film on the face.
Does it hydrate? No. Maybe for the first hour but I would be lying if I said it kept my skin moisturised for longer.
This was such a quick buy – I was walking past and it caught my eye. I quickly read some reviews online and bought it. I remembered a friend using their products due to them being gentle on the skin so I thought I would give it a go due to my own skin’s sensitivity issues!
Unfortunately, it’s not one I would recommend or buy again.
Nuxe 24 Hour Soothing and Moisturing Cream
Before I go on, I need to point out that everyone’s skin reacts differently to different products. My skin may have a reaction but someone else with the same skin type, as me, may not.
My skin reacted horribly to this cream. Regrettably, I continued to apply it thinking it was down to me fasting and the intense heat here in Doha!
It left bright red patches on my face and those patches were dry beyond belief. I tried to cover the redness with foundation which was fine but my skin was noticeably flakier with foundation on. It was a bit of a nightmare, more so because I felt I was at a real turning point with my skin. This just threw me back to square one again.
The smell was very similar to the Seba Med cream. (That aftershave smell) The consistency was thick but easy to apply.
I was given this as a sample to try – I’m not sure I would have bought it prior to receiving the sample, as there aren’t many reviews for it.
It didn’t work for me and it’s not one I would recommend.
Nivea Creme
Last but by no means least, it’s the cream that most people have worn at one point or another. I’m not sure about you but we’ve grown up using this cream. My Mum loved it and I can see why.
It’s a thick cream and takes a while to be massaged into the skin. I find a few drops of facial oil added to the cream help with application.
Okay – if you have oily skin, you can avert your eyes, as this is a big pot of grease. That actually makes it sound disgusting but please continue reading, as this grease pot is actually quite good.
I was panicking about my red skin and was wondering whether to rush out and buy the Botanics cream again when I saw this. I grabbed it as a temporary measure until I could find something better. Plus I needed something rich to nourish my parched skin.
I haven’t used it for years but I’m so glad it’s made a reappearance in my life. It works best as a night cream. I massage it in – which leaves my face quite shiny but by morning time, my skin feels soft and hydrated.
During the day – it’s more of a pain so I’ve been blotting my face with a tissue before leaving the house. It kills the shine so I don’t look like an oily mess.
There is a slight scent to it but nothing overpowering.
Honestly – this has, literally, saved my skin. My redness has died down and the dry patches feel more moisturised.
Like I said, this is a temporary measure but I may keep the cream for night time use only.
Definitely one I recommend for anyone with dry to very dry skin.
Let me know what moisturiser you’re using especially if you have dry skin.
The secret is to hold the brush nearer to the end. This allows you to apply light pressure which creates the whole diffused, blended look.
You will naturally apply more pressure if you hold your brush like a pencil which can result in blotchy patches that are difficult to blend.
🔑 They key to blending is a light hand and the key to a light hand is where you position your hand on your brush.
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I have naturally thin/sparse brows and funnily enough, I am quite indecisive! 🙈
What’s your brow and more importantly, did they get it right? 🤔
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Untamed Brows
Like your burly brows, you like to run wild. You are not a person who colors inside the lines and you most definitely cannot be bothered to tweeze your brows. And with full, bold brows being all the rage right now, why should you? You prefer to live life on your own terms and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Curved Brows
In addition to having a creative mind, you are quite the savvy businesswoman! And as if that wasn’t enough, studies have shown that your brows signify trustworthiness, so it’s likely that you’re that friend everyone counts on when things get a little rough.
Naturally Thick Brows
Confidence is not an issue for you, especially since you were born with the trendiest brows ever! Just like your brows, you’re quite the bold, assertive one.
Straight Brows
You fall more on the logical and intellectual side of things, and aren’t one for impulsive, irrational decisions. You have your daily routines — from makeup to meals — down to a science.
Arched Brows
You’re a total dreamer and the sensitive one in your group. That being said, you like to keep details of your life private and have a stubborn streak about you.
Thin Brows
Oh, you indecisive one! Your sparse brows tell us you have a rough time making decisions and like to enlist the opinions of others before taking a side on anything.
(Taken from http://www.makeup.com)
Living in a hot climate, it’s even more essential to protect our skin from the sun. However, even if you don’t live in a hot climate, it doesn’t mean the following won’t apply to you.
I can’t stress the importance of sunscreen enough. It needs to be a fundamental part of our skincare routine. We need to get into the habit of wearing it.
Sunburn, premature aging and skin cancer are just some of the harmful effects.
WHAT IS SPF? (Sun Protection Factor)
In a nutshell, it’s protection for your skin against the sun’s harmful rays. That’s UVA and UVB rays.
The UVB rays are the ones where we see the damage straightaway – the redness/burns. The UVA rays are the ones that slowly work away at our skin and we don’t see the effects until it’s too late.
BROAD SPECTRUM sunscreen protects against both these rays. Ensure you see this on the label before you buy.
WHAT CAN WE DO?
Before you pop on anything, pop on some sunscreen. You need to be looking at an SPF of at least 20. Personally, I use SPF30 every day and SPF50 if I plan on being out in the sun for a long period of time.
However, the difference between SPF30 and SPF50 is only a couple of percent, in terms of protection.
‘I HARDLY GO OUT’
Unless you’re in a room with no windows all day, you still need to apply sunscreen, as UVA goes through glass.
‘MY MAKEUP HAS SPF SO I DON’T NEED TO USE SUNSCREEN SEPARATELY’
Unfortunately, that’s not true. Dermatologists recommend to use a teaspoon of sunscreen and that’s just for the face, neck and ears! That’s a lot of product. Even if your foundation does have SPF, it’s unlikely you would use a teaspoon every day.
I know that sounds like a lot but you don’t get the protection without applying that amount. A lot of the sunburn we experience is down to the fact we haven’t applied our sunscreen properly.
I pop half the amount on first and make sure it’s all soaked in and then apply the second half.
I am currently using the Nivea Protect and Moisture sunscreen but there are loads out there. A lot of the highend brands also sell SPF creams to be worn under makeup.
I know most people are not aware about the amount we should be applying so I really hope this post has been helpful.
Remember – Stay Protected. Wear Sunscreen.
SHARE with all your sun loving friends.
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