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,

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

TIMELESS CLASSICS by DANIEL WELLINGTON

I've always thought of my style as trend-driven, although relaxed with a little bit of classiness attached to it. Truthfully, I often forget about the classics amidst the sea of trends we, at times drown in. So when the cool folk from Daniel Wellington got in touch with me to sport One of their classics, I was more than happy to get back to my roots!  

 About the brand 

Daniel Wellington, a British gentleman founded by Filip Tysander  

  was particularly fond of wearing timeless watches (excuse the pun).  His watches can be described as minimalist and refined with a classic design. The classic design though can be changed up by the use of interchangeable straps found on their website . The absolute classic, the NATO strap inspired by the British Navy in the 70's and the classic genuine leather strap watch is there to suit your mood and any occasion . Whether it is heading out to a fancy black tie event, playing a game of tennis or enjoying the day at the beach club. The hardest decision that you'll have to make is deciding which strap to wear (I know I am)! 

Kudos to the team for creating such a  user friendly the website . I really like things that are easy, especially when one is so busy! And I think you'll love it too. Although it may be tough deciding on exactly which watch to settle on. Do give them a Follow on their Instagram account, I love how visually appealing it is.

To make your shopping experience a lot more pleasant, we're offering a 15%  discount on any of their watches using the code STITCHEDDW at checkout! Cool hey? Happy Shopping! Once bought, do tag us so we can Repost your newly purchased classic on our social media. 

About this look 

When I received the Dapper Durham 35mm watch on my desk I knew it was the ultimate classic watch!It was only fitting that I would automatically peruse through my closet   searching for the perfect classic pieces to style it with.It didn't take me long,  keeping in  mind that my classics referred to tailored pants, classic buttoned shirts and a refined blazer which I only have but a few of. 

I like the different textures of this outfit. My pants, a kind of Georgette fabric paired with the classic collard shirt and the silk like texture of the blazer all lends itself well with what I considered to be the ultimate classics. You're probably thinking, Aha! Again those shoes. FYI these are not my Zoom ones as worn here! but I love how a pointy heel just elongates ones legs. I purchased these a while back! They may still have the tan ones online. 

Loving my pictures lately? You might have noticed that I am working quite a bit with Capturing Concepts Photography to bring you these really cool images (even if I have to say it myself). Go ahead and give them a follow on Facebook and Instagram .

 They are running such a cool special on their packages. So go ahead and take full advantage! 

Scarf/HnM, Cotton Shirt/Fashion Express,Pants/ Vintage, Shoes & Fringe Bangle/ Mr Price, Necklace/ La Belle, Rose Gold sling bag/ 4flavour YDE

 
 

 
 
 
 
 


PHOTO CREDIT

CAPTURING CONCEPTS PHOTOGRAPHY

Until next time! 

 XO
  Iptishaam 

MODESTE

Photo By Capturing Concepts Photography

Modesty for me may not be the same as what it is for everyone else. For some, it may be something more internal and emotional like lowering ones voice when speaking, humbling oneself in front of others. For others, a more external and physical picture comes to mind: wearing over sized clothing, avoiding unnecessary prowling eyes;  basically covering your butt. 

To me, I am naturally extroverted (being a teacher and all) so in some respects the idea of emotional modesty doesn't come easily for me 'cause I constantly have to raise my voice in class and sometimes I present that to the world as well. In fact, Nur has to constantly remind me that I am not at school and that I need to remove my teacher hat! (laughs). 

So while I'm trying my darnest to work on my inner modesty, surprisingly, it seems that my outta modesty comes a little more easily. Some may comment that often dressing modestly may be boring and often mundane. I am here to dispute by saying "ABSOLUTELY NOT"!. One thing I love about dressing modestly, is that it does not imply wearing a head scarf the way I did here. You can do hats or even style your scarf into a Turban style which is usually my go-to style of late!

Here are Some of my tips for shopping modest wear: 

Whenever I shop around for clothing like basic shirts and dresses (dresses I tend to make it Bohemian), I purchase it slightly over-sized, with the exception of jeans and shoes of course. If I feel that jeans are too tight for me and I need to make my outfit a little more modest-y, I'll opt for a pants like this one. But if you are a more jeans Kind of Girl, you can totally wear this Shirt with a light colored jeans or Indigo if that floats your boat! 

When I say purchase slightly over-sized, I don't mean granny or to make you look like you wearing fat Amy's clothing, but rather to the point where you are still looking reasonably presentable. If you struggling to trudge the line between Fat Amy and Granny, take a trusted friend along to help you with this. Usually a sales consultants' opinion will also help you cross that river!

About this look...

Much of this look has been inspired by one of my favorite modest Fashion Bloggers, Saufeeya, from feeeeya.com. 

 I wanted to show you ladies how you can take seemingly loose fitted pants and shirt without looking like you are drowning in your clothing! I find that cuffed pants is key to achieving this look. In addition, making sure that my shirt is mid-length (depending on your height) also gives a great variation. Also, because I know it's still a little bit chilly, pairing this coat from Maya Maya just gives me life! In fact, I've decided to pair this with my Eid outfit InshA-Allah! 

On a final note, don't be afraid to shop around; that is heading into thrift stores and rummaging through the sale section. Sometimes expensive designer wear can make you look tacky and takes a toll on your pocket. 

Cuffed Pants/ Woolworths, Mid-Length white shirt / Mr Price, Grey Strappy Pointed heels / Zoom , Bag & Watch / Guess , Fringe Scarf in LOLA/ the Scarf company.

About my photographer...

Capturing Concepts will be having a Crazy Winter special!

Book a family, couples, pre-wedding/engagement, kids or an individual shoot and get a 20% discount. One Hour location based shoot in and around Cape Town (25km-30km) radius or even a studio set up at your home. You can have unlimited amount of looks and outfits with an unlimited amount of people. Limited to one Hour and a MAX of 30 edited High Def images supplied on a DVD disc for ONLY R280. 

Contact Abdul/ Rasheeqoh on 082 9920 703/4. 

SPECIAL RUNNING FROM JUNE-AUGUST 

Happy Shopping and be a doll and let me know what you thought of this outfit on my SM platforms or below!  

Love, 

Iptishaam   

MY ACNE STORY

Recently I was looking at myself in the mirror and I just felt a surge of frustration when I sat and analyzed my skin. Needless to say, the overall picture didn't look very pretty: Talk about large pores, break outs on the my chin,  an oily T-zone area and a uneven skin tone! 'Damn,' I thought. What the heck is going on with my skin? I know I always had these issues but lately it felt just all too much and completely over-whelmed me and pretty much knocked my self-esteem !

This wasn't new to me though. I've seen this a thousand times before. Mostly in my teenage years. There were many times that I didn't even want to head out the door, call it normal teenage insecurities but it really got me down. I remember the feeling after my and Nur's road trip. That familiar feeling of despair and total embarrassment similar to what I felt when I was a teenager suffering from mild acne. 

Later, I sort of became obsessed with skin. So much so, that whenever I would meet someone new. Their skin would be the first thing I'd analyze: Particulaly at how flawless it looked. So much so that I'll find a way to adroitly make SKIN CARE a topic. I think I did this to maybe stop their eyes from wandering over my large pores and also to make them aware that   " yeah I have bad skin" so let me just put it out there in case you wondering if I know Kinda feeling . But mostly, I'd want to know what their secret was to amazing skin. I mean, what were they doing that I wasn't??
 
To clear the air:I don't have ACNE acne but I do have a TON of imperfections that seems better when it's covered with expensive pore clogging make-up. I guess it became so bad that I just couldn't leave home without piling on the make up. And on every other occasion I noticed it was getting more and more thicker and even THIS I did not like! Critics would say that I am being too hard on myself (maybe I am) but I am a really observant person and I know when to admit when I am wrong or when something calls for some reflection time.

 I'd always joke to Nur and Friends -' time to put my face on.' But I became a little worried when make up became my face. I mean sure, I've heard it before, that 'make-up should enhance your beauty and not become it.' Being a blogger and at times in the spot light I feel as if it was so important for me to have perfect skin the way others do. And to fit the blogger norm of 'perfect skin'. I later did some more reflections and noted that bloggers are actually real people who were going through normal things.

 I turned to rant about my story on the ONE platform where stories are widely watched by a large audience - Snap Chat! I love Snap, not only because your story gets deleted after a few hours but also you get to see the people behind their blogging persona's. And that's what I did. I needed people to see what I was really going through with regards to my skin. And although some would admit that social media is never a good place to divulge ones feelings, I felt that it was the perfect forum. So much so, that the love, support and advice I got from you who follow me on Snap have reached out and given me awesome advice and most importantly hope that I am not alone in this! Thank you!

As for blogging and my look posts, It's all make-up guys and really good editing and photography.Zeenat and Miskaa edit my pictures and I always ensure- before posting that my skin looks dewy and flawless- when beneath its actually suffering.  I love make up but when it begins to take hold of me and my ultimate beauty or the ability to look beautiful naturally then I have to take another step.And that's what I hope to do from now on wards. In the hopes that I can inspire those young girls who are often left feeling frustrated after looking in the mirror. You're not alone. 

Until next time! 

XO

Iptishaam   

THROWN TOGETHER

Hi! 

Today's post won't be long but will involve a bit of randomness and more of this outfit. 

Random . . .

 After talking to my class about how they shouldn't be afraid to compliment one another one of my learners said something so profound. She mentioned that she doesn't understand why girls hate on other girls and that she believes that girls should support one another. Of course, I nodded in agreement. 

Later, I realized how really cool it was that a 14 year old girl thought this and the next day I called her one side and expressed how proud I was that she held this stance about women in general. I just think it's so awesome and hope that someday all women can uplift one another  instead of pushing one another down (especially since social media makes it so easy) Just a Random thought! 

About this look . . . 

This look was literally 'thrown together' as captured through the lens of the gorgeous and oh so talented Zeenat from Pursuing Pictorialism  I'm not one for trends but I like taking current trends and making them my own. I suppose that is what makes Stitched The Blog right? 

Although the blanket cape (with fringes, and all!) trend has always been my fav along with  the bohemian. I feel when the two are gelled together, its hard to make a mistake! The blanket cape from Cotton On which I purchased two years ago is still one of my essentials which I turn to for those Autumn days and of course is perfect to wear over jeggings as I've worn it here. The black straw hat- sent to me by the cool folk from 4Flavour -

 literally completes my look and is like the 'Stamp of approval' to confirm that this look, is in fact, Coachella-Bohemian. Which makes me super happy! And of course, not forgetting this gigantic over-sized scarf, I swear, it can wrap around my neck about five times (laughs). Last and certainly not least The lace up heels is the perfect ending to this Autumn inspired outfit. Don't you think? 

Let me know your thoughts by commenting below or on any of my SM platforms. They make my day! 

XO

Iptishaam 

ALL 4FLAVOUR STOCK AVAILABLE AT YDE STORES. 

FOLLOW ON 4FLAVOUR ON FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM

A dazzling Diesel night

LIFE has a tendency to get so hectic and plans often fall through the mat if you not completely focused. Much how I was about a week ago. I was invited to the ultra cool #DieselWatefront event, and of course I was pretty excited until I realized that my long-awaited holiday and the event was scheduled in the same week! 

In anyway, I had to think fast and I couldn't let this go by without it being covered. I was so relieved when Megan Jonkers, one of Stitched The Blogs readers, agreed to be the correspondent for the event. 

Thank you sweety! 

Below is Megans impression of what she thought about the store opening. 

PS: Another FAB comp coming soon. 

xo 

Iptishaam 

"Hello Stitched the blog readers 

 I attended the Diesel Store launch on behalf of Iptishaam for the blog.

When I saw her post on facebook about looking for an event correspondent, i immediately emailed her without thinking twice. I was so happy when she emailed back saying that I could attend the launch of the Diesel store at the V&A Waterfront on Wednesday, 23 March 2016.I love attending events and always have FOMO when I see event photo’s all over social media.

 The red carpet was rolled out in front of the store and I was greeted by welcome drinks. It was a relaxed welcome because I got there early and didn’t have to squeeze in between crowds trying to move around (which became the case later on). 

‘Stunning’ was the word that popped into my head once I entered the store, it’s not a big space but the flow of the store was well planned and it was displayed beautifully. The clothes and accessories were simply breath-taking. I was drawn to the leather jackets and jeans in the store. There was a huge variety of stunning jeans; I seriously wish that the jeans display was my personal jeans closet. I also loved the peak caps, jackets and back packs they had in store. Everything is super expensive though and prices from my favourite items ranged from R2599.00- R10 999.00. If you want to add an item from the Diesel store you better save up. Of course, it’s also fun to pop in for some fashion inspiration." 

All images credited to Melissa Bolton.