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,

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, 

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 

HATS, SCARVES & BLOGGING

Photo By Capturing Concepts Photography

I've received such a positive response from everyone on my previous look (here!). Judging from so many emails I've received, I found that dressing modestly is in fact s struggle for those wanting to go that route. So I'm glad when I received an email from one of my readers saying that she found the tips given quite helpful. (You welcome!)

Life of a blogger is never easy when you constantly have to think of something fresh and relevant so that your content can appeal to audiences alike. My source of inspiration are often than not, things happening in society, international Fashion Bloggers and also my personal 'struggles'. Being on a three week holiday from work, allows me to cram! I am cramming all my content into these 3 weeks in the hopes of having content for the next few months! 

I often get asked about blogging and mostly where I get the time to do it in the midst of being a 21st century teacher. Here is some idea of the behind-the-scenes drama that unfolds. We have all been given 24 hours in a day to reach our full potential. Make the most of your 24 hours.

1. Firstly, you have to schedule an appointment with the photographer (use someone who captures your style perfectly and who you are comfortable with).  

2. Select a great outfit.

3. Choose a location to suit the outfit and then obviously write a blog post about it. 

4. Select your pictures carefully by making sure you're happy with what you're going to put out there then write and EDIT your post. 

5. Having your audience know about it by publishing it on all SM networks by using a teaser shot! 

It's a little easier after that and you can decide to post Throw backs using some of the pictures you have never used to write life related posts or even to run a competition! You'll have PLENTY of unused images after a shoot! 

Go ahead and start planning your next outfit in the hopes that everything is still relevant. Through its madness (at times). It's all worth it 'cause it helps me inspire those who need a little push. And I'd like to think that this is why I blog. 

About this look... 

In case you haven't noticed: this is the same outfit, although a little more casual and laid back, as worn here. You know that I love showing you ladies various ways to pull off the seemingly classic look. You'll see that by changing a few details of your outfit, you can create a completely different lookie! 

My love for brogues is eternal. I love them in heels, flats and tasseled! I adore the relax ending it gives to an outfit. Speaking about Tassels, these Tasseled earrings are said to look like parts of a curtain (according to Nur) but I pretty much like the playful nature it gives to the outfit. The scarf and hat combo is just something I thought I'll give a shot and screams high fashion! 

Hat, shoes & shirt/Mr Price, Pants/ Woolworths, Necklace & ring /4flavour YDE, Scarf/ HnM, Watch & Bag/Guess 

Keep a look out for my Eid look coming soon! Yay! 

More on this outfit after the jump! 

ALL IMAGES CAPTURED BY CAPTURING CONCEPTS PHOTOGRAPHY.

XO
Iptishaam