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Friday, 23 August 2013

Marc Jacobs’s beauty

Anything I read or hear about my super celebrity crush aka Marc Jacobs leaves me in a dreamy state of mind. I love this man and all of his creations, I am obsessed. After acing clothing, accessories and perfumes, he’s going into makeup. So the style god decided to expand his international –soon to be empire- and try his luck in beauty. Beauty and Marc Jacobs are two words that had to be mentioned in one sentences and sold.  This is a scoop on the new beauty line.


MARC JACOBS @ Sephora

On August 9th 2013 Sephora was shining with a very special corner for the new Marc Jacobs beauty collection. The first collection has 122 pieces including all the essential makeup and colors. It’s named very conveniently LUST. The price range is between 28$ - 78$ and on the Sephora website apparently it’s selling out!  It’s currently available in all the Sephora stores in the US.  
MARC JACOBS @ Sephora
 


And on the same day, a whole dedicated store was opened for the beauty line in New York. The shop is designed to look like a fine jewelry box with glazing glass, chandeliers, minimal furniture and beauty counters made of elegant black granite. The store has some Marc Jacobs accessories as well. The LUST collection is available in all the Marc Jacobs stores as well.

MARC JACOBS beauty store


MARC JACOBS beauty store
MARC JACOBS beauty store

The campaign for the collection is modeled by 23 years old British model Edie Campbell.  The shoot focused on bold looks that can be practical and Edie’s super model features helped a lot. Pictures from the shoot are all over the makeup counters in the store which in my opinion gives an exclusive feeling to it all.

The names of the items on the collection are quite unique; supposedly they’re supposed to reflect its effect. There is Genius gel super-charged foundation, Lash lifter gel volume mascara, Magic Marc’er precision pen, Lip lock moisture balm, Shameless bold blush, Style Eye-con plush shadow, Hi-shine lacquer nail polish Perfection powder feather weight foundation, Remedy concealer pen, The face II sculpting foundation brush and Lust for lacquer lip vinyl.




 
The beauty collection isn’t available yet outside the US, however Robert Duffy CEO of Marc Jacobs Intl. said that he is expecting a beauty expansion. Maybe we can see other beauty stores soon all over the US and outside.

Sephora with MJ
For whoever is passing by the New York … here is the address
385 Bleecker Street, New York, USA

August Haul

I know I am guilty of not having enough Hauls. It’s not that I don’t shop it’s just that I am so used to buying stuff and using them right away, sometimes I don’t have my camera around or it’s not working. I thought of making a monthly haul of everything I got in the month, I also thought of not complying stuff I buy so it won’t be as crowded. I will try to get a haul up every time I got shopping, I will try. One thing to consider you can see the same products twice, once in a haul then a few bit later in a review. So let’s get started...

Here is a picture of everything I got first and foremost …

 

Zara Fragrances, what a discovery, what an invention and what a freaking bargain. I am always looking for the day to day fragrance that won’t cost me a small fortune and I think I found it. I got 3 of them. From right to left, the first is ZARA WOMAN ORIENTAL (Eau de toilet); it’s 100 ml @ 175 EGP. Top notes are freesia and rose, middle notes are sandalwood and cedar, while bas notes are Vanilla and Caramel. The second one, is a 10 ml ZARA WHITE (Eau de toilet) @ 25 EGP after sale, it was 50 EGP before sale, it’s a little roller that I got so I can perfume the little places like behind my ears and my wrists. It's almost identical to "Miracle" by Lancome. It's main notes are Amber, Jasmine, Magnolia and Freesia. The last one is ZARA for her (Eau de toilet); 100 ml @ 75 EGP after sales, it was 175 EGP before sale. It was last piece though. It's very similar to a perfume named "Sicily" by D&G, which they stopped producing. Top note is bergamont, middle notes are gardinia and frangipani, while base notes are musk and cedar. They are all made in Spain. 
 
 
I am trying a new wash and a new scrub. When I was in India –yes I went to India- this Himalaya brand was the thing in there. I got the wash when I was in there and it was pretty good. I got this face wash @ 35 EGP and this Face scrub @ 35 EGP. Both of them are made in India. 

 
So I was raving about blotting papers and I decided to give the body shop a try. I got this blotting paper little box, it has 65 papers with mineral powder @ 40 EGP. I got this concealer as well, I got it @ 75 EGP and my share is (03). It’s an actual pencil so you need to sharpen it, just heads they do offer you to go and sharpen it when you need, however I bought the sharpner just today and it's @ 35 EGP. All of them are made in the UK.

I discovered this new brand called cartice a while ago. I had to get my mom some makeup and I got her some eye shadows from there as a trial –sorry mom for experimenting on you- turned out nice so I decided to give the brand a chance. I got this nail polish @ 35 EGP only!! In the shade (060 Bloody Mary To Go). It has this fan brush that I adore in applying and the color only needs one layer of painting. I also got these brushes both @ 85 EGP, the fat one is a mini blush/powder brush for my makeup bag on the go and the skinny one is a double ended eyeliner brush. They come in this pretty little package of hard plastic that has a safety lock that can open and close, it's so nice. I like the brand and I think it has potential to be a favorite for me, it’s really cheap and of a good quality, you can shop cartice from Sephora toi in Mohandseen where I got it. The sales girl also told me that the brand is available in Saif beauty stores. They are all made in Germany.
 
I already have Victoria’s Secret body mists and shimmering lotions so I thought of giving the regular lotion a chance. I got mine @ 75 EGP and my flavor –or whatever it’s called- is mango temptation. I have been around and this is the cheapest I have found Victoria’s Secret products, in the salon I go to in Maadi, you can send me or leave a comment below if you need their address. It’s made in US. This is a lip butter for lips hydration it’s from Jumia, I got it with an expensive goodie my family was shopping for, it’s @ 17 EGP. The reason I got it like that, is that it’s ridiculous to buy it alone as any products less than 500 EGP comes with 30 EGP shipping fees. It’s made in Canada.



Every time I go shopping I have to get some kind of footwear. I got this glammed up simple black flats from payless @ 179 EGP. It’s suede and the ribbon is sequined. One tip about Payless, the stuff quality is really good compared to the pricing. The quality is equal or even better than ALDO and Charles and Keith with much less pricing. It’s made in China.

Friday, 2 August 2013

Current Makeup Obsessions

The article is not just about me, it's about whoever reads this. If you read it, you will know why I am in love with these now and why you can consider loving it too. I have already shared some of my wardrobe obsessions, that was in march I guess. I have the same thing with beauty products. My obsessions sometimes are season based and sometimes are just more essentials I add to my style. Share your personal beauty obsessions in comments or email them to me 

Berry lips
I remember in the 90's when I used to see women wearing dark lipstick and dark lip liner (total mistake if the lipstick is light, it looks like a mustache). In the 2000's we all moved to light lipsticks and lip-glosses, then the red came back then neon colors came up. The berry lips look is making some appearance this summer and I predict it will be a hit by next fall. Why I love it because it gives a dramatic look. The berry lips look is achieved through a berry lipstick and a slightly darker lip-liner. Wear it with neutral eyes. This look if done with a dress or skirt and heels, instant sophistication. If done with denim/leather jacket and pants, instant bad-ass look. 



Tinted Moisturizer
I have been raving about this for a while, and I am actually using it. tinted moisturizers is sort of a sheer version of foundation. It's best for the summer because it has SPF. I recommend wearing tinted moisturizers to the beach, BBQ or a day out for this natural look while protection from the sun as well. It has sheer coverage, so don't depend of blemishes coverage in here. Why love it? giving an effortless no make up look.

Winged eyeliner
Probably everybody you know and even you are doing it right now. The winged eyeliner has been around for a while with different styles. From think dramatic to pin-up and simple lines. Usually when there is something main stream I avoid it completely; however what I like about this, is that it has different style and can go with so many looks. Why I love it? It has so many diverse options, what I do mostly either neutral one colored eye-shadow with a medium thick line or earthy shimmery tones with a thinner liner. I am using cream eyeliner with a brush for a long lasting look. If you are beginner, use a pen one it's easier.

Blotting Paper
I was surprised so many people knew nothing about Blotting paper. It's basically very thin papers that are covered with Blotting powder. Oily skin? then you need this. You know when your makeup is on and you start noticing shine on your oily parts -My nose and some of my forehead in my case-. You won't be able to wash your face and putting any kind of wipes or tissues will ruin your makeup. Just press a blotting paper on the shine area and poof gone. Why I love it? when I look at the paper I see the dots of oil on the paper and my nose is matte again. 


Spray foundation
Dior started it with the "perfect" airbrush spray foundation, then MAC and the rest of the gang paid attention. Basically it's foundation in a spray bottle. Like any spray, you shake it well and spray it on your face -avoid getting it in your eyes- then you start blending it in with your foundation brush. One good thing about it, is that blending it with fingers gives good results as well. One bad thing about it, is that you're always scared it will get in your eyes. Why I love it? it sprays the perfect amount, and the studio airbrush finish is so damn beautiful. 

Clear brow gel
I have raved about this before and now it's officially an obsession. Girls who have defined dark brows like myself or girls who have lighter brows both need to have a pair of shaped brows. Brow gel does the job, the tinted one I must say is not my cup of tea as I have jet black brows, the clear one is like perfect for any color and doesn't look fake or overwhelming. Why I love it? your eyebrow hair will love look thicker, more defined and won't move from it's place.

Thursday, 25 July 2013

Style Evolution : Mona Zaki

Egyptian actress Mona Zaki has been Egypt's sweet heart for over a decade now. We all grew up looking up to her style choices, as she grew infront of our eyes. She started her journey when she was 16. The superstar who's now a 36 year old mother, who's married to an even bigger superstar Ahmed Helmy, came back this year with a new look in her Ramadan debut series Asia. I couldn't help it but think, of how much Mona's style has grown since we first laid eyes on her. Here's a look at her style evloution over the years.

In late 70's and 80's Mona grew up as just another kid, before knowing that she will be a big superstar. Her remarkable face features have always looked the same.




In 1997, Mona had her breakout to stardom by playing Mirvat Amin's daught in "Al Qatl Laziz". Her style started as a regular Egyptian next door girl. Popular 90's bangs and minimal clothing were chosen.






in 1998, Mona played both an AUCian and a poor girl. Her style was nothing at all sexy, very cute and maybe even childish. Remarkeable overalls and glasses in "Saidi fil Gam3a El amrekia" and these 90's clips in "Ed7ak elSora tetla3 7elwa" her makeup was kept to the minimal and she lost the bangs which was a good decision I say.
  



in 1999, She started looking less cute and innocent, in her movie "Omar 2000", where she met her then future husband. Mona with the same bare face started rebeling over the regular 1990's look and started seeing different precpectives, wearing anklets and more colors.




in the year 2000, the real fashionista was revealed. Mona zaki went from regular egyptian beauty to a trend setter. One year has seen so many changes in her style and a break through in her acting career. 3 movies with leading roles. Her role in "Fares Zahr el Khail" showed a more grown up woman side of Mona with long gypsy hair, sexy accessories and gypsy outfits. Whoever thought one can turn from innocent to sexy in one year. Her role in "El7ob el Awal" with a signature short bob, where she went all in, tattoos, nose piercings, short skirts and dresses. Mona wenta all vavavoom with her makeup, some somky eyes, some darks lips and even glitter. My favourite till now is "Leeh Khaltiny A7ebak" Mona went with really short hair, bold dresses, some of her looks were timeless and some of her looks remained 2000 Chic. at the age of 24 she had it, a great sense of style, a boming career and a best friend who secretly loved her.


2001 and 2002 were the years were Mona was the "it" girl. Everybody wanted to her and look like her, what she wore in a movie would be worn by girls all over egypt the month after. Her roles in "Mafia" and "Afrikano" showed a less Vavavom makeup and more mature outfits. Her hair went to the medium length and that early 2000's wet/gel curly.


2002, was the year where she tied the knot with her current hubby Ahmed Helmy. I wasn't a fan of her look even though I was 11 when I saw it. I didn't really understand her messy hair do, or the sarprina princess sleeves on the dress. The awkward greens in the flower boquet were wierd.

In 2003, Mona had gained some wieght and lost a lot of innonence. In an even more weird wedding look in her movie "Men Nazret Ain" she really took several steps back with the flower tiara and the overdone beading on the dress. Her Hijab Looks in "Sahar El Lyaly" were some what fresh to the Egyptian Cenima, in a time where Hijab was starting to get popular, Mona gave some trends like denim veils, covering up soiree dresses and spanish veil trend.

After Having her baby, in 2005 Mona came back a little bit less chubby and gaining back some of her style. In her movie "Abo Ali" she started the whole legging and blazer thing that was big in these days. Her hair color was no longer blunt black, she went for the reddish brown that all Egyptian girls went for later on. In "Ahlam Omrna" she got a space to show more fashionable choices with mismatching denim and leather jackets, also starting the whole weird turban thing that became like a hot thing later.




in 2006, Mona played some film roles and the most importangt role (fashion wise) was her take on Soad Hosny's biography in the series "Al Sendrela". She portraid the role well and she copied the style practicaly.


In 2007, finally Mona came back like the fashionista we know her to be. The blunt bangs that she started here in Egypt, I even got them when she did them. Her role in "Taymor w Shafee2a" was a winning stand for her fashion, all her outfits from business suits to soiree dresses, bangs or no bangs "shafee2a" was chic, feminene, some how modest and beautiful. And finally she got a proper nice wedding look in that movie.




in 2009, Mona's role in "e7ki ya Shahrazad" got international exposure. The red carpet look with the old hollywood hair do and simple makeup, she rocked Venice Festivel red carpet. The short in the back long in the front hair cut, that was some how already done by Rihanna a year before, was copied by lots of Egyptian girls. Her outfits were sexy, professional and bold. Short work dresses and skirt suits, bold red lips and always in heels. Mona finally welcomed women hood in grace and style.


It's 2013 !!!
Finally, Mona after dispearing for almost 4 years, she's back and better than ever. Long curly hair (check) sexy slim body (check) expensive make up (check) unique outfits (check) bold cabarett outfits (doublt check). I am not into the whole series thing, but ayayaya did mona come back with wigs and everything. Rumor has it she's been shopping at "Ghazal el Banat" Boutique. Mona has got her sexy back.



Thursday, 4 July 2013

ELF Mineral Primer, ELF Tinted Moisturizer and ELF studio cream eyeliner collective review

Hey Ladies, welcome back to my blog. I discovered ELF “Eye, Lips and Face” brand a while ago, I was amazed with the cheap prices and fairly good reviews on the internet from actual users. Rumor has it; ELF opened a booth in Egypt in Mall of Arabia. Being the lazy bum I am I thought of ordering it online through a Facebook page and getting it delivered to my house would be much easier. The experience wasn’t the best and wasn’t really the worst I have had, I am not giving a review on it because of that, let’s just say next time I will be flying to Mall of Arabia. Also excuse the fact that pictures are not mine, my camera is going crazy at the moment.
Let’s start with the primer. I got the transparent studio mineral primer, the packaging is good and it’s a pumping bottle with clear head cover. It has a typical primer feeling against your skin. It really holds the foundation and concealer making it look fresh for hours. I am really happy with the fact that it prevents minimize the pores under your makeup.  The primer is quality is very fair against the price. I had a concern that I faced this morning when I was putting on my makeup for work, which happens whenever a product in a pumping bottle starts to be done. The packaging looks huge and you feel like you have this entire amount, then you find it not really pumping. I opened it and guess what I found out that it’s only a tiny tube that holds that actual primer, so definitely not a repurchase.
The first thing that surprised me about this tinted moisturizer is how small it is. The packaging is seriously small, however divine. The instructions say to use a pearl size drop and that’s supposed to be enough for your face and neck. Frankly I use 2 pearls, maybe I have a big face or I like more of the product. Tinted moisturizer is known for a sheer effect more than coverage for dark areas or blemishes and that’s exactly what it does. It has a more natural finish and it gives a sun protection with SPF 15. I have got mine in the shade honey, and it’s really close to my complexion color. ELF tinted moisturizer is great for oily skin even when I use it without a primer it still great. I would recommend it for the summer, whoever it enjoying beach or pool and would like a sexy natural look with no sum harm can certainly make use of this product.
 The studio cream eyeliner comes in an elegant transparent tiny jar and a tiny eyeliner brush. The brush isn’t 100% useless; however it’s not the best brush to achieve a perfect line. Since the brush doesn’t shred I use it when I want to apply eye shadow in smaller areas like the tear dot or the corners of my eyelids, sometimes when I want to have a thick eyeliner line I use it. The eyeliner itself doesn’t come off, by the end of the day I look at my eyes and I am like damn I don’t want to remove it looking so fresh. I got mine in simple black, when it comes to eyeliner I am a classic kind of girl so no shimmery black eyeliner for me. The eyeliner isn’t liquid so it doesn’t print on the eyelids, however it does leave a blur dark shadow on the eye crease after a long time on. Maybe it’s best for colder weather.  I would say I wouldn’t stop using it with darker eye shadow colors; however I am still in search for the perfect eyeliner and the perfect eyeliner brush/ applicator.

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