Everyday's Makeup Mess!

I am a minimilist in everything I do - even when it comes to makeup. My everyday makeup consists of basically winger liner and dark lips.

The products that I have been loving lately and have been using everyday are:

Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Face Sunscreen

I never used to use sunscreen but my Mum bought this and I stole it from her room and have been using it ever since. It applies creamy then dries matt - no greasy sunscreen face anymore! This stuff is amazing!

I use this before applying anything else and it actually works well as a primer as the formula is so thick. 

Lush's Lip Scrub in Mint Julep $10

I've heard so much about the Bubblegum lip scrub from Lush and thought I'd give it a whirl but when I smelt this one I decided to grab it and eat it. It's amazing and smells just like Extra'a Mint Chocolate bubblegum.

I use this to exfoliate my lips before applying a dark lip. It works within seconds and makes your lips all smooth and primed!

Inglot Liquid Eyeliner in Black $22

Love this eyeliner! I bought this on a whim and it is one of the best eyeliners! Super pigmented, glides on and dries matt.

I do a wing liner start after applying the sunscreen. I don't use foundation or anything like that on a daily base. It's straight to the eyeliner for me.

Essence's Plump No Clump Mascara in Black $5

Five dollars for one of the best mascara's I've used in a while. It's lengthens like crazy and curls the lashes really well. However, there is little volume. 

I apple mascara to my upper and lower lashes after doing a winged liner. I don't line my water liner or tightline that much either on a daily basis. 

Inglot Under Eye Concealer $22  

Light and blend-able this concealer ticks a lot of the "perfect concealer" boxes. I do enjoy this product quite a lot. But when this does run out - which seems soon, I will be trying to get my hands on the Urban Decay one that seems the rage nowadays.

I dap this under my eyes and blend away with my fingers, ain't nobody got time for a brush!

Milani's Baked Blush in Luminoso

I've talked about this blush before and the love still stands strong! It's an amazing blush and I still have not hit pan even though I use it so often!

Using the blush brush from Real Techniques, I dab the blush.

MAC's Lipstick in Diva $36

This lipstick is bae. It is the reason I wake up in the morning (lame?) and it was worth every single cent. Though it's a matt and dark shade, it glides on effortlessly and has good longevity. The shade is amazing and ugh - it's love.

I don't use I liner (maybe I should?) and just use the lipstick from the bullet. This lipstick makes the look (if you would call it that) seem richer and much more fancier...it's perfection. 

So that's what I've been doing lately - what about you? 

January Mini Beauty Haul

January always comes with resolutions and I made a couple, one of them being not to but any more make up until April and I lived up to that - kinda - I had ordered these things in December but they arrived in January.

O.P.I  Sweet Things Avojuice Skin Flavour Pack

The pack of six mini handcreams. And when I say mini, I mean tiny. My go-to handcream has been the rose one from The Body Shop but I thought I'd give this a try. From "coconut melon" to "peppermint shimmer", this pack gives an array of choices. 

essence tinted moisturiser - "light skin"

I have never used foundation, BB cream or any of that kind of coverage of my face. But for a while now, I've been wanting to try a tinted moisturiser that would give my skin a slight glow. Being a fan of essence, I decided to give this a try and so far so good. It's not full coverage, hardly had any coverage at all, but gives a slight glow and evens the skin out. 

essence Quattro Eyeshadows - 05 To Die For

This eyeshadow palette (would we call it a palette?) is my go-to for eyeshadow. The colours has super pigmented and the the selection of shades is perfect for either an everyday and smokey eye. The palette consists of a highlighter (upper left), a champagne-y shade (upper right), a shimmer, slightly sheer brown (lower left) and a matt brown(lower  right). I would recommend this for anyone whose just starting out, doesn't want to spend the big bucks, or who just wants to add a bit of sparkle to their life. 

MUA Power Pouts - Crazy in Love

Being a kid inside, I've always wanted to get my hands on either Revlon's Just Kissable Lipbalms or Bourjoius's Color Boosts but their so dang pricey where I live so I decided to give this a go. I tried it once and I have to say, it's very nice. It has a slight pepperminty scent to it but unfortunately, the tip of the balm is wiggling, hopefully it won't fall off.  

Luscious Cream Eye Liner Pencil - Black Onyx

First off, "onyx"?! Pokemon anyone? Ha ha. Right now in my small but very loved makeup collection I don't have a black eyeliner (shocker, ain't it?). I thought I'd try this one out and use it, very lightly, on my lower lash line - I'm not one for the dark black waterline look.

So that's all for now - beauty wise, anyway. I'll be back with a non-beauty haul, with books and more pretty soon. Until then, what have you bought so far? 

Beauty | The post in which I haul things.

                         

Over the past month I bought some things that I thought I'd share and do a small review of some of the products I have used. 
        All the beauty items (make up & nail polishes) were ordered for Just4Girls, an online beauty shop here in Pakistan. The service was alright considering it was  Ramadan and a couple of days before Eid when I had placed my order. So let's get cracking!

1. Vineyard Peach Body Butter from The Body Shop - Rs. 1700

What The Body Shop says: Hydration for dry skin. 
So I finally bought the Vineyard Peach Body Butter for TBS and it smells delicious and is moisturizing. When I first applied it, it had a thick consistency but after a few more applications it really does do the job quite well. 

2. adidas Hydrating Shower Gel in relax flower bouquet soothing - Rs. 250

What adidas says: adidas Hydrating Shower Gel line helps to maintain your skin's natural balance and awaken you're senses. 
You can tell I adore things that smell ah-mazing and one whiff of this would get any flower scent loving person on it's bandwagon. I haven't used it as yet but finger's crossed on the results.

3. Suave Professionals Color Protection Shampoo & Conditioner - Rs. 295 each
Living in Pakistan, specifically in Karachi, a problem from the million of problems that arise is that it is so hard to find a shampoo and conditioner duo and if one does find it, they seem to disappear next time you go to buy the same thing. However the Suave hair care line is readily available. I had used this duo the first time I highlighted my hair and the results were fantastic - but being new to the hair color situation I went on to use Herbal Essence which wasn't a good idea. So when I came across this again I decided to try it out once more since I need a color boost and this duo does a great job. Highly recommend it! 

4. NX Nail Laquar in Atlantis and London Baby - Rs 100/ 150 each; Color Studio Top Coat and Base Coat - Rs. 250 each; Catrice Cosmetics in Sold Out Forever - Rs. 750 *Products were ordered from Just4Girls website (I paid for them.)

The NX polishes have a watery consistently and London Baby (which is the sheer pale pink) is very opaque and needs at least 4 to 5 coats to see a visible color however Atlantis is the perfect shade of blue but again, is opaque and needs a couple of coats for visibility.
     The Color Studio Top Coat and Base Coat are worth the money. I use to use Essence's Gel Look Top Coat but it started to get sticky after a couple of months of use. 
     I have yet to use the Catrice Cosmetic's nail polish but it is said to be a dupe for Chanel's Jade, so hopefully I get the perfect shade.

5.  Essence Urban Messages Lipstick in Let's Paint The Town - Rs 350; MUA lipstick in Shade 1 - Rs 200; Maybelline Baby Lips in Quenched - Rs 350

   

Let's begin with Essence. Wow. That's all I can say. I wouldn't call this a lipstick but more of a pop of color on the natural side. It gives that perfect "I just ate a popsicle" tint to your lips and is the most moisturizing lipstick I have ever used.  
    I have yet to try the MUA lipstick & shall review it. But I have tried the infmaous Maybelline Baby Lips and I'm not too impressed. Honestly it's just like any other lipbalm and frankly there isn't much that makes it different. It's a shame because I was hoping for something amazing. I still love my Vaseline. 








6. Essence Gel Eyeliner in Mindnight In Paris - Rs. 500; MUA Cover & Conceal Concealer in Natural - Rs. 200; Essence Kajal Pencil in Teddy - Rs. 150 (or Rs. 180...not entirely sure) *All products were ordered from Just4Girls (I paid for them.)

Love the gel eyeliner to bits! I have never used gel eyeliner but that's changed since I've been using this little pot of black gold (get it? Hahahaha) It's super creamy and glides on like a dream - and now a must have for me! As for the other two products, I haven't used them as yet either but shall review them in the near future hopefully!

7. Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella Rs. 1095 930 off the Liberty Books website.

Should I rave on about my Sophie Kinsella love again? I think not. But I do adore her and so far this book is as I expected funny but in a witty sense. Perfect.

So that's all for now but if you want me to review any item that I haven't, do let me know...! 

Makeup that I do love. I really and truly do.

Personally I don't apply makeup when I'm at home but when I go out I do apply some make up mainly up in the eye region. So here are a few of my makeup items that I use a lot (you can tell by the packing) and highly recommend if you want a easy way out of looking awake and alive.

 

Trust me when I say that I don't use this everyday. But when I do it's the light champagne-y colour that gives my eyelids a good amount of shimmer without looking like a someone off Jersey Shore. I use my middle finger and apply this colour up to my brow bone. Now I don't look like a hungover panda. Plus this thing stays on all day so it's great for running after children throughout the day.



I had never used gel eyeliner before this because I don't have the most steady hand so I always opted for liquid eyeliner but this specific gel eyeliner has changed my mind on what is better to use. It's super creamy and use to apply. I mean a five year old could put this on their eye lids and BAM be the next Toddler's in Tiaras superstar. 



Okay so I cheated on my Maybelline Big Lash Mascara but when I got this tiny sample of Benefit's Bad Gal Lash I instantly fell in love. This makes my lashes look longer and doesn't clump and it's huge brush get's every single lash. Three coats of this and I'm a happy camper. 

Now on a side note, I recently (as in a week ago) bought this bag from Charles and Kieth after months of Stage Two (if you don't know what I'm talking about, read this and then you will!) and I cannot keep my hands off it. I mean look at it! It's so BEAUTIFUL <3 It's the perfect size, perfect colour and has a long strap which is perfect for me! I believe I have fallen in love.

Skincare Routine (as of right now)

 I love watching and reading the different types of skincare routine people have and I have to admit that I don’t exactly follow my routine religiously but I try my hardest. Personally, I don’t have oily skin or acne prone skin but I do have sensitive to normal skin so I tend to use products that are affiliated with dermatologists, just to be on the safe side – plus my Mum doesn’t agree with the “cocktail skincare products” concoction.

Top left corner – Neutrogena Deep Clean Makeup Remover; top right corner – Clearasil Daily Gel Wash; bottom left corner – Clearasil Daily Clear Vitamins & Extracts Wash and Mask; bottom right corner – Essence My Skin Moisturizing Crème Gel.  

Step One : Take off all the makeup and face gunk. For me, this is the most annoying step. I hate the stinging eyes and the cotton buds which seem to pull apart when moist.

But however much you detest something, that pretty much means it’s good for you. Taking off you’re makeup is necessary and Neutrogena’s Deep Clean Makeup Remover does just that. It’s perfect for those days (or nights) when you don’t want to waste any more energy on removing makeup. Just pour this baby into a cotton ball or pad and wipe your face clean. This product can even take off waterproof eyeliner or mascara, but it stings a lot, so be sure that you don’t rub your eyes if it slips inside your eyeball, just wait it off.

Awesomesauce Tip (: Put the cotton ball or pad on your eye and keep it there for a couple of seconds then slide it off. It’ll take off all your makeup in a jiffy.

Step Two: Now you don’t have to use a face wash if you don’t want to but I like to use it just in case there’s something left. Face wash in whichever texture, be it gel or normal face wash, cleans out your pores and all the icky dirt that lands on our face throughout the day. If you live in a humid area or are prone to acne, face washes are a must!

     Clearasil Daily Clear’s Daily Gel Wash does just the job. Can I just say how amazing the bottle is? I love pumps just because they don’t create a mess and don’t waste the product.

Awesomesauce Tip (: When buying a face wash makes sure it’s pH balanced – that just means that there’s water added which is great for our skin.

Step Three: This is optional and should not be done daily. Face masks give your skin a little extra TLC, though they should not be applied daily because    your skin can break out.

     Clearasil Daily Clear’s Vitamins & Extracts Wash and Mask doesn’t just moisturize your skin but leaves it smelling like a fruity cocktail. Yum. It has avocado and pomegranate in it which obviously makes it smell so good but also has a hint of mint which you can feel when applied. Leave it on for 3 minutes then rinse it off for amazingly smooth skin.

Step Four: Moisturize. The importance of this step cannot be stressed enough. After cleaning your face you have to seal all of your skin’s goodness and moisturizing does that.

    Essence My Skin’s Moisturizing Crème Gel is super light and perfect for the heat. Greasy, oily looking skin is not attractive so again, if you live in a humid area opt for something lighter.

You’re skin needs a lot of TLC so test products before buying them. Use the back of your hand and wait a while. If your skin becomes red or feels itchy don’t buy that product. Fancy and pretty packaging may be eye candy but remember that not all products are for your skin so be cautious when buying and testing new products. Spending money on your skin is an investment in a way, so don’t worry if you’re spending a lot – your skin matters.

Getting that baby butt soft skin does take effort and time but it’s all worth it when you have skin that you’re confident in. If you have acne prone skin then keeping your face clean is necessary.  

So that's it. My skincare routine with a few tips and tricks. Hope you enjoyed reading this! 

Till next time,

Kulsoom x 

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