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,  

TRENDS | THE OVER-SIZED COAT

Hi there! I hope you're having  a great week thus far, I am on a well-deserved school holiday. So yay me!

Do you feel that? Yes, that's Summer saying goodbye and Autumn knocking on our doors. It's time to replace your open toe sandals with laced-up brogues and your thin throw overs with something a little bit thicker for those days when you find yourself still out after four. 

Today's post is something that I feel is trending at the moment and that's THE OVER-SIZED COAT. A few weekends ago I attended the Bokehh Fashion Film Festival and couldn't help but notice that what was trending on the red carpet were coats worn by the biggest names in the fashion biz. The way it was worn wasn't your typical fitted, strapped on Robocop look but rather chic and elegantly just thrown on over the shoulders. Gone are the days when coats were your boring and mundane shades of grays, browns and blacks and HELLO to all the shades of the Rainbow. 

So easily do we allow the weather to control what we wear but one thing we should remember is never to let the weather affect your sense of style and mood as it is so easy to drown in a whirlwind of browns and grays. Remember a true fashionista always keeps it classy! 

After the break I've added some amazing style inspiration on how to wear coats for Autumn. 

PS. Myself and Nur will be leaving tomorrow for the West Coast for a well-deserved break so catch me on Instagram to keep up with me!

Thank you for reading today! 

Love 

Iptishaam 

A Prelude

Skirt, Top, Moustache Ring, Sunnies Mr Price // Bag YDE // Shoes DC // Lips Think Pink By Wet n Wild // Make a wish necklace by The Ramp online store 

Hi everyone! finally back at work and back to blogging! Oh, and a Happy New Year to you and your loved ones. 

The year 2014 has honestly been the toughest and often the most academically exhausting year as well as an emotional roller coaster. 2014 has seen me graduate and become a qualified high school teacher and pursue my honours in Educational Psychology. There were times when I used to give up internally and just end up crying because studying and working at the same time used to be really really difficult. When I look back, it is all worth it. 

On the flip side, 2014 couldn't have ended on a more beautiful note: I tied the knot with someone who makes me extraordinary happy by just being in the same room as me. (wink!) 

Now 2015 is here, and those are memories that I shall treasure but I have this huge urge to want to expand. So this look post is a prelude (hence the title) to that urge.  So from here on you can expect things to be a little more- for a lack of a better term- 'professional looking'. 

  In case you haven't noticed: this page looks slightly different doesn't it? 

YUP! that's me starting fresh. 

In the year 2015 I hope to grow as a unique individual, work harder at building a visually appealing blog as well a blog with great content. I hope to make time to look after myself (changed my hair a little) and my body and be accountable for the way it looks at the end of the day. I also aim to be the best that I can be to my husband as well as my family. On a business note, I recently sold beautiful kimonos on the side, this was just to spread my creative juices and they turned out to be a KILLER success (algamdulielah)! 
It is for this reason that I am looking in the direction of selling them again, perhaps in different styles, prints and textures so that it can appeal to everyone. 

This look was taken by the Amazing couple behind Capturing Concepts Photography. I love working with photographers especially Rasheeqoh and Abdul-Wahab. While Rasheeqoh was  taming my hair from the wind, Abdul was busy rolling on the grass depicting how I should lie to get 'the perfect pic'. Amazingly creative and super friendly, this is definitely a couple you would enjoy working with. You can Like them on Facebook and Follow them on Instagram .  

What would you like to see more of on the blog? 

Love, 

Iptishaam 

LOOK POST | The Midi-Skirt

Skirt, shoes MrP // Embellished top, Jet // bag, YDE// watch, Guess

When I popped into MrP the other day with absolutely no intention of buying anything, I knew that I was fooling myself. So seeing the RED sticker (you know what I'm talking about?) On one of my LUST haves being on SALE, I knew it was fate telling me to buy it (laughs). 

There's really something about midi skirts that makes me feel pretty. It's definitely the cut of the midi that gives a breath of elegance to any woman and those with any body shape.  I love that the length is just below the knee because there's something about showing your knees at formal events which are just wrong! (my opinion). 

This was perfect for the wedding I attended last week Saturday. The beautiful reception was held at Meerdam Plaas close to Kraaifontein. A little bit of a mission to find, we actually ended up at another wedding. (Laughs). 

On a personal note, it's two weeks until my big day. I am very excited to start this new journey with my soon to be husband and new family. 

Oh, in my previous post I said that this would be my last as a single woman, I guess THIS is my last... (or maybe I shouldn't speak too soon?)

Thank you for reading today! 

Love,  

Iptishaam

LOOK POST | MODESTLY CROPPED

Hi Guys & Girls! (I feel like I haven't said that in LONG time!) It's really good to start blogging again and as you might know I am FINALLY on a three week holiday which I will use for getting closer to my creator as such an auspicious month is upon us (Ramadaan Kareem!). And also to dress more modestly in respect for the month of Ramadaan. 

I suppose our biggest challenge as modest wearers is actually finding something that can be considered as 'modest'. Finding something appropriate can be a little bit of a challenge when trend forecasters are placing crop tops, short-shorts and see-through skirts in fashion! It can be quite depressing when you find that your favorite online stores have NOTHING that fits your 'modest' profile. What can we as modest wearers do??

Well, I decided that I would choose one item-which is a crop top- and convert it to somewhat modest-wear (according to me). In this look-post I have worn the traditional crop top over my check shirt and a distressed patch denim jeans. I have styled a turban (My Fav) and ended the look with these amazing cut out boots and tan handbag!

What item of clothing would you turn into 'modest' wear? And how?

Thank you for reading today! 

Love, 

Iptishaam 

Checked shirt, Hang Ten | Jeans, Cotton On |
Crop, shoes & sunnies,  Mr Price | Watch, Guess |
Necklace, Zuri | Scarf & bag, China Town | Belt, Factorie |
 Lipstick, Revlon Scarlet flame

 

Collaboration| TRENDS | Sports Luxe trend

Hi Guys and Girls! Welcome to the second part of mine and FHCT's (Fashion house Cape Town) AW'14 trend forecast. Previously (link) we had shown you how to wear the folkloric 

 trend. I hope you enjoyed that post! 

Today we look at the Sports Luxe trend! Think luxury items of clothing such as deep floral's, flared skirts, pointy heels, elegant silhouettes along with edgy baseball jackets, sporty caps and comfortable joggers all comprises of what the Sport Luxe trend is about.   

I love Firdows look because she does a fabulous job at incorporating the 'IN' color for winter (Burgandy) along with the skirt. It shows elegance along with a hint of  sporty.For my look i decided to strut my joggers, crop top and denim shirt. As you can see our looks are completely different but what is lovely about these looks is that it shows our individual personality. Take an item and make it your own. 

'Nuff of me blabbing about, enjoy the images taken in the CBD area. I love working with this gal YO!

 

photo credit: Muneeb 

Thanks for reading today<3

Iptishaam

LIKE her

& 

TWEET her

PS: Subscribe to my blog on the right for updates from my blog.