On My Beauty Desk: Essence "Little Eyebrow Monsters" & LA Girl HD Foundation

All products available at Dis-Chem and Clicks.

Hey beauties! I hope you've had a great start/slow ending to your week! I'm off from work  due to Ascension Day so it gives me a bit of time to catch up with all my admin that I had in my 'drafts' folder and reply to a million emails. (Laughs)

I received this cool package on my beauty desk from Essence Cosmetix for me to try on my brows. I have never really been one to fill my brows but when I headed to Riyadh and became friends with make-up diva's, they changed my entire perception about filling in one's brows. Having filled-in shaped brows using "Essence make brows WOW" (I use this daily) pallette, frames one's face beautifully. Also, my recent purchase from LA GIRL cosmetics is something that I thought I needed to write about because it's really the BOMB-Diggady!! I didn't want to do a separate post before life happens again so I thought I'll shove them both in one post! 

Essence little eyebrow monsters-eyebrow & highlighter set 

Product at a glance 

It has two eyebrow powders in brown shades including a highlighter. The texture of the powders are baked and comes with an integrated brush to ensure the brow hair captures the colour wonderfully. The product contains a lighter shade for blondes and light brown hairs and a expressive darker version for brunettes. It is available in 01 'little miss natural' and 02 'little miss bold'. This product retails for R63.50. 

My thoughts 

Affordable good quality make-up without breaking the bank! and small enough to pop in my make-up bag for travelling. Winner! 

Essence little eyebrow monsters-eyebrow lifter 

Product at a glance 

Crayon-like retractable brow lifter in the colour rose (as pictured above) and 'silky-shimmer'. Available in 01 'lift em up' in white and 02 'lift em up' in rosy. This product retails for R47.95 

My thoughts 

I've used this product once on full face make-up and taken some mandatory selfies with a few of my friends and I'm pleased to let you know that my brows popped in the pics! Also, can't go wrong with the 50 bucks!! 

                                Essence little eyebrow monsters- eyebrow stencils 

Product at a glance 

Three different stencils offer help with your brow make-up. They make it easier to accentuate the brows and give them a new cool shape. Retails for about R34,95. 

My thoughts 

I am so glad that essence made a product that will save you a trip to your local Pakistani barber shop to have your brows threaded. Now you can shape your brows in the comfort of your own home. I remember looking for a 'brow lady' in Riyadh with no luck!! This would have been a life-saver if I had it stashed in my make-up bag!!! 

LA Girl Pro-conceal HD foundation 

Product at a glance 

The 28ml sophisticated pump technology on this inexpensive foundation is perfect for medium to full coverage. Unlike other foundations made of glass, the packaging of this is made of plastic perspex which will save you a couple of bucks if you accident prone like myself!! Retails for about R170. 

 My thoughts 

Since using this foundation I have stopped using the MAC Studio fix foundation, not that I found anything particularly wrong with the MAC. Without a doubt, MAC provides one with full coverage and is long-lasting. I just feel that the consistency is quite thick and you may look cakey. Unlike the LA Girl HD foundation which has a more runny consistency but still gives a full coverage. This foundation is good enough to use for special occasions as it will last for the event and light enough to not make you look cakey. Warm beige is certainly my colour. 

What new beauty product(s) have you tried that you think I should give a go? I'd love to hear. 

Have an awesome weekend! 

Love,

LETS TALK: BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU POST!

Wow! It's been a while since I've written. Well, I've written but just haven't had the courage to click publish yet. I keep on re-reading, re-editing even deleting 'cause at times, I have doubts about whether you'd like my content. And then other times, like today, I'm in that what-the-hell-mood and I basically have word vomit and do whatever the hell I want to do with no filter. It's weird, I have those days. 

Photo by Capturing Concepts Photography

Anyway, so the other day I'm in Masjied for Jumuah (Friday) prayers and on my way out I'm greeted by one of my blog readers. At first, I try and recognize the face (yes, I stalk your profiles) but my cognitive recognition was a bit low. With my eyes squinting and mind wandering, she notices, laughs and she introduces herself and then came the 'oohs and aahs..'. 

She then asks me "When are you going back...?", confusingly I ask her "Where to?...". With a grin on her face she exclaims "Riyadh..". Haaha! Truthfully, the first thing that came to mind was "Wait, how does she know this?". Our exchanges was brief and off I went to have Jumuah lunch. 

Later, I didn't realize that for a good five seconds I felt imposed upon and almost invaded. But how can I feel this way if I post things on my Social Media for the world to see and for them to judge? How can I not expect someone to exclaim that they loved what I had for lunch last week at 2 'o clock?! Or wishing my mom a Happy Birthday. Don't get me wrong, in no way am I bashing my blog reader, I am actually so thankful for that encounter as she was a catalyst for this thought process to occur. 

I've come to realize, that Social Media is like a room with a bunch of people in the sense that everyone knows everybody and when I say KNOW, they really know your life. And when you post your life on SM, how can one not expect people to ask seemingly personal questions? or to make a judgement for that matter? (I've been pretty judged lately, especially through SM). The truth is, if you going to post something on SM, you absolutely need to be open to criticism and judgement. Unfortunately, people are entitled to their own opinions. No matter how bitter it may be or how bitter they may be. 

Lesson: Caution yourself on what you post on sites like Instagram AND Snap. 

That's it from me. Have an awesome weekend ahead guys! I know I am. 

Oh, and if you want to follow my life (Hahah) you can do so on Instagram & Facebook. 

Love, 

3 GORGEOUS WAYS TO WEAR DENIM- PART 2 | SATURDAY INSPIRATION

Images by Capturing Concepts Photography

Welcome to the second part of my Denim series! A huge thank you for all the love I received from you on my social media platforms w.r.t my previous look (view here!). It really warms my heart when I am supported, it motivates me to continue doing what I love. And makes me feel amazing that my voice is acknowledged. 

I haven't done 'Random' babbling for some time now and I thought HEY why not 'cause I've had crazy random epiphanies of late that I managed to place into five points. Here goes: 

Random... 

1. We often invest ourselves in people who don't value us or our time. Break free. 

2. Some people may have 1 or 2 outta "flaws" while others have a 1000 inner. Just because yours are inner doesn't give you the leverage to judge others. (Know your place?)

3. A weak man can't love a strong woman. He wouldn't know what do with her. 

4. Some 'older' folk use their age to impose power onto those seemingly 'younger'.Being in a position of 'power' as a young teacher, I've never made my students to feel 'less' than I. I didn't demand this highty tighty shitty respect, but earned it. It was through this that I became a warrior teacher. #Fearless 

5. What you allow is what will continue. 

About this look... 

For this particular denim look I wanted to create a chic and comfortable Saturday (out with the girls) kind of outfit. I've opted to show you how I would wear the classic knee length denim dress.I like that this dress buttons all the way down so it gives the freedom to wear it open as a longer length denim shirt over fitted jeggings and a tee. Also, it's flattering for almost all body types (win!!). 

To compliment my outfit 4flavour Accessories was kind enough to send over this really cool fedora inspired hat. I really love wearing hats in summer as it saves me so much time with hair styling and on top of that it gives such a chic look to a 'boring' outfit. If you a bit weary about wearing a hat try pairing it with boyfriend jeans, a statement tee, a stylish handbag and you ready for lunch with the girls. These laced heels are such an easy walk though. That's why I thought it a great idea to pair it with this Saturday outfit. You can view more of this shoe story over here! 

Denim Dress//HnM, Necklace//Iconic, Watch//Fossil, Tan Tote Bag//Old Navy, Hat// 4Flavour available at YDE, Shoes// Mr Price online 

Thank you for taking the time to read today. Be sure to follow and like me on Instagram & Facebook! 

3 GORGEOUS WAYS TO WEAR DENIM THIS SUMMER - PART 1

Images by: Capturing concepts photography

Welcome to part one of my denim series. I created this series based on the fact that I know for sure each and every one of us has at least one, two or three denim items in our closet. It may be in the form of a denim jeans (skinny, straight cut or bootlegged), a denim shirt (cropped, rustic in color or the traditional Levi strauss one) and of course the edgy denim dress that transcends through the seasons: In summer with sandals or pretty heels and Autumn with leggings and boots. 

For this look I decided to bring the 70's inspired bell-bottom jeans back in style! I remember when this made a come back a few years back, I'd often wear it to work dressed slightly down for a more formal look and so that I could be taken 'seriously' by my students (laughs). Needless to say the ones who had an eye for style thought that it was pretty dope.  For this look I decided to pair it with this beautiful chiffon blouse from Zara which I purchased in Riyadh when they had their end of season summer sale (score!!). If you're a shorty, these jeans give you the opportunity to wear pretty heels that will give the appearance of longer legs. The Diamante choker from 4flavour Accessories is a piece I selected from their summer range. I love chokers. So by adding this diamante one to my collection was a no brainer. It's perfect for a night out on the town with the girls or a seriously decked out event at a luxurious hotel. 

I hope you've enjoyed reading my post today and keep a look out for the next two parts of my denim series that'll inspire you to wear denim-gorgeously-this summer! Want to keep up with me? Follow me on Instagram and Like me on Facebook. 

Top//Zara, Jeans//Mr Price, Shoes//Aldo, Bag// YSL, Watch//Fossil, Rings & Choker//4Flavour Accessories available at YDE

Love, 

DATE NIGHT GLAM MAKE UP LOOK

Photo BY:Capturing Concepts Photography 

Diamante choker and earrings: 4Flavour Accessories

As much as I take pride in great skin care products (read it here), similarly, I take pride in caking my face with 'good' make-up. On average, I spend about 30-40 min to apply full face make-up and the rest of the time when I am not caking my canvas, I am bare faced giving my pores a chance to breathe. I am currently doing this "thing" that if I ain't posing for photo's for my blog, seeing someone relatively 'important' then NO I will not be caking face. And I have to admit, my skin is loving it. 

 I created this romantic look as part of my "Denim" series which is supposed to hit this week. The look was captured through the lens of Capturing Concepts photography so watch this space eh? Below I list some of the products I used to achieve this sultry Date night glam post V-day make-up look. 

As cheesy as this MAY sound. Valentines day is certainly everyday (Awwww!!). How pretty are the images down below though? I managed to re-arrange my lounge table to make a pretty back drop for this make-up post! Comment below and let me know what you think of it? 

To keep up to date with me and my blog follow us on Instagram and Like us on Facebook

The eyes 

Morphe Palette in 35N 

Essence "I love extreme Mascara" 

'Colors'by Foschini Eyeliner  

Red Cherry Lashes in #202 

MAC brushes for eye shadow application in #252 and #275 

The Face 

Benefit Pore Professional Primer 

Catrice Prime & Fine color corrector 

MAC concealer in NC 35

MAC Water weight liquid foundation in NC 30 

MAC studio fix powder foundation in NC 30 

Essence "Shape your face" contouring palette 

Garnier Pure Active Micellar cleansing water make-up remover 

The Cheeks

MAC blush in the color 'Sunbasque' 

Anastasia Beverley Hills highlighter 

MAC fan brush for highlighter application in 494 SE 

The lips 

MAC in the shade 'Ruby Woo'

MAC lip liner pencil in the shade 'Cherry' 

Kylie Jenner lip kit in the shade 'Mary Jo K'

Love, 

FIGHTING ACNE : SKIN CARE PRODUCTS THAT ACTUALLY HELPED

Photo BY : Stitched The Blog 

Hello Everyone! Happy belated Valentine's day, I hope you received all the love you know you deserve from those who are special to your heart and if you're not "involved", self-love is key. (Big hugs) 
Today I'm sharing my skin care products routine that I have implemented since writing 'My acne story' which you can read over HERE! 
Like every other person out there suffering from a little bit of this and that, I have tried almost every product on the commercial market with limited results. Some may work for a few months and then it would seem that my skin became sort of 'use to' the product and it just stops working ... and on to the next! The products that I will list below are those that actually made some kind of difference to the appearance of my acne. This post ain't sponsored so what I'll be sharing is completely truthful and genuine (just how I like it!). The products that I use are a combination of Dermafix ,The Body Shop, Epiduo and ZO by Skin health.  

The Dermafix Active Cleansing Gel 

Why it's good . . . 

This deep cleansing formula thoroughly removes excess oil and surface impurities and what makes it different to other cleansers is that it is a Alpha and Beta Hydroxy cleanser which is pretty good for Acne prone skin. 

The results  . . .

I use this cleanser in the morning and evening. I make sure it lathers up pretty well so that the formula really gets into the pores! Once towel dried, my skin feels supple and cleansed. And not tight and dried up (if you know what I mean..!)  

The Dermafix Vitamin B cream 

Why it's good . . . 

This product is recommended for normal to blemished and oily skin. A complex of natural Botanical extracts, vitamins and amino acids help to moisturize and balance the skin, while natural Vitamin B complex helps to regulate the oil gland to reduce the possibility of clogged pores, inflammation and break outs. 

The results  . . .

After the cleanser and TE-Pad I apply a pea size to my face focusing on my T-zone areas. The texture is not oily but rather velvety and smooth. The only thing with this product is that I wish it had some sort of sweet scent and not very medicine-ish. Maybe that's just the girl in me talking. (Laughs). 

The Dermafix Dermashield SPF 40 

Why it's good . . .

The Dermashield SPF 40 sunscreen provides UVA/ UVB protection . This product contains Z-Cote which protects skin from damaging UVA rays proven to be responsible for premature signs of ageing. 

The results  . . .

Without a doubt, I use this product daily. Even when I don't intend heading out in the sun, I feel its important that I have a layer of sun protection. In addition, applying sunscreen also assists with pigmentation and dark marks caused by pimples. 

The Dermafix Vitamin Therapy Masque 

Why it's good . . .

The Vitamin Therapy Masque is a light weight, Nutrient rich, intensive treatment masque, utilizing anti-oxidants to protect the skin and prevent premature aging. This masque visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles whilst increasing the skin elasticity and boosting collagen production for healthy cell regeneration. 


The results  . . .

I purchased this product based on the premise that I will be out of the country for a few months and wouldn't be able to go for my regular treatments. Since then I used it less than 10 times and have seen slow results. Perhaps it's because I wasn't consistent with the use of the product. The results that I have seen with this product is that it leaves my skin feeling even more supple and cleansed. Personally, I prefer a scrub that's more pore cleansing than 'surface' cleansing. 

The Body Shop- Drops of Youth-Youth Cream 

Why it's good . . .

This product is derived from the Edelweiss plant from the Italian Alps known for its protective, renewing and restructuring properties. Working together, they are infused in a smooth velvety cream to help enhance skin renewal and trigger visibly fresh, youthful looking skin at the surface. 

The results  . . .

This product was recommended to me by my good friend Zaneb after talking about ways that we can maintain youthful looking skin. As the product suggests , after applying, it leaves your skin with a velvety texture. I would apply this before applying my make-up or in the evening after cleansing and using the T-pads. Again, I haven't used the product consistently to see any magical results but according to Z, it works and is definitely  a product that worked for her. 

The Body Shop- Drops of Youth-Youth Eye Concentrate 

Why it's good . . .

The youth eye concentrate promises skin around the eyes to be instantly firmer. 

The results  . . .

When I purchased the Youth cream, I decided to add the youth eye concentrate to my basket as well! Especially because the quickest signs of aging appears around the eye area. It is recommended that if you 25 and above, you should invest in a good eye serum. The Youth Eye concentrate has visibly reduced the fine lines under my eye area and brightens my complexion. So for a 'start out Product'. It's pretty good. 

ZO Skin health TE-Pads acne pore treatment 

Why it's good . . .

Reduces sebum production, removes dead skin cells & deep-cleanses

congested pores using 2% salicylic acid. Botanical extracts calm & soothe for healthy skin.

The results  . . .

After suffering from a crazy stretch of hormonal acne. I was left with deep dark marks and pigmentation on areas of my chin and the side of my face. I was getting pretty fed up with my complexion that I decided I wanted to do a pretty invasive chemical peel. I then headed over to Legs Eleven and inquired about these treatments. I was advised to purchase the TE-Pad acne pore treatment. "Another product.." I thought. But let me just say that this product is BOMB. After 3 weeks of use on my chin area, the dark marks has visibly reduced and the break outs is controlled and very minimal. This product is a bit on the pricey side, but really worth the money! 

Epiduo 

Why it's good . . .

Epiduo Gel is the only antibiotic-free topical acne treatment with a fixed dose combination of 0.1% adapalene and 2.5% benzoyl peroxide. It helps clear up the breakouts you have now and helps prevent future pimples from forming. Adapalene is a type of retinoid, and the other medicine in Epiduo Gel. It unclogs blocked pores, helping to stop acne from forming under the skin's surface and decreasing the redness, swelling and inflammation associated with pimples.

The results  . . .

I bought this product a few months ago in Riyadh. I needed something urgently because my break outs were getting pretty out of hand. This I bought at your local pharmacy in Riyadh. Although in South Africa, one may need a prescription from your dermatologist. When I see a pimple forming, I apply a pea size to the affected areas. Over the next few days, the pimple will begin to dry out and reduce in size and color. I am happy with this product and is definitely a must-buy. 

And that's it! I hope you found this post helpful and informative and that it assists you in choosing the best product for your skin. 

Liked this post? Don't forget to share. Be a doll and follow my blog to receive updates on all my posts! 

Love,  

My Riyadh experience - Part 2

so I finally managed to get part one of my Riyadh experience up on the blog. If you happen to be new here, you may read it over here! I received such an over whelming response to that post that it makes me feel awesome to know that there are people out there who support my journey. It truly warms my heart.The second part of my experience I'm going to cover 4 categories: The benefits of teaching abroad, which qualifications are required for teaching abroad, some useful tips on applying and lastly what it's like to teach international students and how they differ from South African students.So listen up fellow and future international teachers! 

What are the benefits of teaching abroad? 

Some of the cool benefits of teaching abroad is the great remuneration package. This includes a tax free salary, fully furnished accommodation (this may vary), transport to and from work, medical insurance for yourself, your spouse and up to 3 dependents (this varies too!) and one round air fare ticket to your country of origin during the summer break which is about 2-4 months long! And not forgetting the amazing travelling experience that comes with teaching abroad. Impressed? Read on ... 

Who is eligible to apply? 

Most international teaching jobs are aimed at experienced teachers although this doesn't discredit those of you who are still starting out. In terms of age group, positions are usually open to all ages, although some companies may have an age restriction due to visa purposes. If you are currently working as a teacher that's great. It means that you more than likely have a B.ed (Bachelors of Education degree) or a B.A degree with a specialization in English or Linguistics. Being qualified in this will totally get you into the program. If you don't, do a TEFL or CELTA course. Most companies that I have researched look for these qualifications in addition to a degree. 

Apply apply apply!

  

I've had countless emails of people inquiring about how I got 'into' the program of teaching abroad, as they have applied to numerous schools and recruiting sites with little luck. Firstly, I urge you to critically analyse your resume and ask yourself how you can improve it. You are probably in competition with hundreds of other applicants. Secondly, if you have applied, do follow-ups to recruitment agencies AND ASK if they have received your resume. Remember, you have to be persistent. In the end you have more to gain than what you have to lose. In addition, make sure that you meet the criteria of the post BEFORE applying. Often times, I found myself just clicking "apply" and forgetting the next day what exactly I applied for. So keep track. Lastly, don't give up on applying.  As my mom would always tell me 'You never know where your luck lies.' 

The differences in teaching International kids & South African kids 

In my first few months of teaching I have summed up some of the obvious differences between teaching kids from an international background and those from South Africa. First off, children from an international background are more tolerant and accepting. I suppose this stems from the fact that everybody comes from different parts of the world. I remember having a student who needed a walking aid to assist her and I recall how the children in my class would assist her by packing her books in the shelves after a lesson and head to the cafeteria to buy something to nibble on. This showed me tolerance and a deep sense of care. In comparison to South Africans students who will emotionally break down someone by making fun of them before lending a hand. And of course, this does not go for everyone as I recall a semi-handicapped student at my South African school who was helped by many students at the school by holding his bag whilst he climbed the stair. So I suppose in some light the tolerance level varies between international and South African students. 

I've often been asked about the type of students I teach abroad. I look at prospecting teachers scratching my forehead and asking what they mean by type (Laughs). 'They are kids..' I'd exclaim. 'But are they respectful?...' Aha! That's what this type is. Without a doubt, kids and their parents who are from an international background realize the importance of Education and once this is realized the respect follows to those who deliver the Education. At least this goes to the older group who I have taught. In my opinion, I think that South African parents and kids are slowly starting to realize the value of Education in their lives especially in the light of #feesmustfall situation. It has made it even more difficult for kids to 'get out' of the vicious cycle of poverty. In addition, we can't rule out that kids from SA face different 'issues' compared to kids from an international background. Internationally, the worse case scenario one would get is the child who comes from a divorce parent situation. As opposed to SA kids the situation varies greatly as children are exposed to different social ills of society like drug and alcohol abuse, teenage pregnancy - the list goes on! Naturally, kids who are openly exposed to the social ills become "survivors" very early on. With this being said, I found that those who are less exposed like the ones in Saudi Arabia, are way more sheltered than South African kids. In other words, drug abuse, prostitution, rape and sexual abuse are all terms that are not openly discussed in the classroom or even at home. 

Useful recruiting links 

https://saudi.jobs77.com/ea/

https://www.teachaway.com/

http://www.goabroad.com/teach-abroad

http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/

http://www.seekteachers.com/

That's all from me! If you have any comments or questions leave them down below and don't forget to follow me on Instagram & Facebook. Thank for taking the time to read. 

Enjoy my photo gallery down below:

Strolls through the desert // Chilling with Zaneb // Getting ready for some bowling // Mandatory outfit selfie // Mandatory desert selfie before we hike // Fav lip color selfie // Best pancakes ever!! // Soul sistas // Farewell cake // Best Coffee bar //  Sistas chilling // Natures beauty //  The real MVP's // Sunset at a Compound