Make-Up Envy- Vanessa Hudgens

I love Vanessa Hudgens make-up in this picture. It's so simple, but I adore the effect the silver pencil is giving.   It's the perfect pop of colour without going over board, and without putting too much effort. I went and got myself a black and sliver pencil just to re-create (this extremely) easy look.

I'm always nervous when I try something new, especially when it comes to make-up. I tried the silver and underneath the black on one eye before buying the silver pencil, and showed it to Aroosa who was with me at the mall. It's safe to say I was relieved when she liked the end result.

I forgot to apply the silver on the other eye, and later walked around the mall with mismatched eyes. *blush*

Is this something you already do (apply silver pencil, not walk around the mall with mismatched eyes), or is it something you're going to try out?

Sana

How To: Rachel Zoe's Wavy Hair

Blake Lively, Gabriella Wilde and Nicole Richie

Demi Lovato

I've always been a fan of Rachel Zoe's subtle, effortless wavy hair. I've tried to recreate her look a few times, but my hair just has more curl to it than a subtle wave like Rachel Zoe. I've been noticing a few other celebrities with this look as well these last few weeks. 

I was going through Popsugar (I love my celebrity gossip sites) and I was so excited to see a tutorial on Rachel Zoe hair. I've tried it a few times. Yes, my hair still turns out a little more on the curly side (like Blake Lively's in the picture above), but I think I'm finally getting the hang of it.

It's a very easy tutorial and anyone can do it to create an effortless, yet chic hair style. (My hair is already on the wacy/curly side, that's why I tend to struggle a little).

Sana

PS.  My camera stopped working  a week or two ago, that is why there has been a lack of posts. Hopefully I'll get it back soon, fixed, and good as new. 

Review: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil

I had read so many reviews and seen so many video's that raved  about the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on eye pencils, that after much deliberation I decided to give them a try. My best friend sent Urban Decay Zero from the states a while ago and I got to try it over the Eid holidays.

On special occasions or events (like Eid) I tend to use my Tarte's Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder. It has magical properties! When applied over make-up, that make-up becomes sweat proof and smudge proof. You can try to smudge it as much as you want you, it won't move from it's place. That is what I thought the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on eye pencils were supposed to be like. I thought it was Zero that had the power to stay in place, rather than my finishing powder helping it stay in place (I'd applied the finishing powder under my water line). I started raving about Zero. Now, I feel a little silly doing the opposite.

On normal days I used it with the my everyday face powder, and the results weren't the same. I was second guessing everything. 'Maybe something is wrong with the one I have', ' maybe it's melted', 'maybe it's expired' or 'maybe it just doesn't work for me' were some of the things that popped in to mind (I'm the Queen of paranoia).

That's when I did some more research. What I discovered was, I wasn't the only one the pencil wasn't working for (*phew* I was a little relieved).

The Good

It is probably the most softest pencil in the world. As the name suggests it really glides on effortlessly and doesn't tug on the sensitive skin. The pigmentation is lovely, it's a deep dark black. However, it'not the blackest black one can find.

On the eye lids it lasts for a few hours. I don't have oily lids, and any eye liner works fine for me and this one is no exception either. It has a good staying power on the eye lids. (three to four hours in my case).

What I love about these Urban Decay eye pencils, is that they are available in a variety of (mouth watering) shades. Even though these don't work great for me, but when I see their colour range and their new limited edition pencils, my heart wants them all.

The Bad

The only reason I wanted this was to line my water line. I thought since these are supposed to be smudge proof and aren't supposed to budge from their place, Zero would be ideal for me. Well, its not. It hardly stays on for more than twenty minutes (at the most) before giving me raccoon eyes.

 Although they have better staying power on the eye lids, I've read reviews where people with oily lids didn't have a great experience with the Urban Decay 24/7 pencils. One can always wear a primer underneath to make the pencils last longer on the eye lids.

These pencils are not supposed to budge after thirty seconds. I thought maybe my eyes are too watery, and tried them on my hand to see if they smudge/budge. THEY DO! I smudged after more than thirty seconds and they easily budged. ( I thought these were going to be like the NARS or Make-up Forever pencil which don't budge at all after thirty seconds or more).

Final Thoughts

Zero, has been a disappointment for me. It took me a while to get over it! (Yes, I am a drama queen) These are great if they work for you, but there are cheaper pencils who work just as well. (I've found one that works even better). 

The Urban Decay 24/7 eye pencils are for 18$, and I was hoping they'd be the miracle pencils they claim to be. They're not. I suggest you either save your money and buy something cheaper or go for Make-up Forever's Aqua eyes. 

If you like creamy soft pencils that glide on like a dream, this one is for you. 

Would love to know if you've tried the 24/7 Glide-on Eye pencils. Would love to know your thoughts.

Sana

Mini Haul- Bourjois+ MAC

I bought a few make-up items this past week. Even though it's not a big haul, I'm really, really happy with my purchases. Here's what I bought.I didn't buy all of this together though.

I bought the Bourjois Clubbing Waterproof eye pencils first. I've been trying them out for a week and I simply adore them. Picked black and silver pencils so I can recreate a make-up look Vanessa Hudgens had on a red carpet event recently.

(Review and make-up envy post coming soon) 

A few days later I decided to splurge on a MAC blush in Dame. I haven't had a chance to try it yet. I love the the pink shade though ( I'm all about the pinks). I just hope it was worth the splurge.

Sana

Review: Benefit 'They're Real' Mascara

I know I've been MIA these last few days, but I had a lot on my plate and couldn't find the time to write a new post. I've been requested to do a review on Benefits 'They're Real' mascara, and before my day actually starts I shall get on with it. 

First of all, how witty is their campaign for the mascara? Too cute!

The Good

Benefit had me captivated the moment I saw the adds. I'm a sucker for witty/gimmicky adds. (It is sheer will power that has stopped me from purchasing their 'Watts Up' highlighter. How can one resist a fairy in a light bulb?). With the hype that surrounds the 'They're Real' mascara, it should do what it claims to do, right?When I finally got it, I desperately wanted  it to be THAT good, and I wasn't disappointed. After two three coats it does lengthen my lashes more than any mascara I've tried before. 

Yesterday, I was in a rush and I wanted to take a before and after picture for this post. So on one eye I did three coats of the mascara and didn't use it on the other one. I tried to take a few pictures, but had to give up because I wasn't able take any good ones, and trust me I was in a hurry. Giving up I quickly layered a coat on the other eye and went to meet my friend for coffee. In the car I did a check up on my make-up, and I was shocked to see that my left eye lashes looked enormous and the right seemed baby size in comparison.  The difference was really obvious and I was a little embarrassed going with two different sized lashes. 

However, It made me realise how good really the mascara is. It's long lasting and even though it's not water proof, it doesn't budge. I have watery eyes and my mascara tends to smear. I don't have a problem with this mascara. This mascara doesn't clump either. Even if you put on multiple coats you won't find any clumping. It also gives a very natural finish. Even though the lashes look enormousness, it does't look like there is a lot of product on them. ( I don't know how to describe it any other words). 

The mascara has a circular end with spikes which is great for the corner of the eyes. It really gets in to those annoying corners that other mascara's just refuse to reach. Also, I love it because it doesn't get product on my eye lids when I'm applying it. (I'm not the best at applying mascara and I find that sometimes while applying I get product on my lower eye lids by mistake).

Before

The Bad

Oh, I really wish this mascara would thicken the lashes as well. My Bourjois mascara doesn't lengthen the lashes as much 'They're Real' does, but it really thickens them, making my lashes look super dramatic. I love the sweeping long lashes 'They're Real' creates but my only complaint is that it doesn't thicken them as much as I would like. 

Final Thoughts

I do love this mascara and try to use it sparingly  because I don't want to use it up too quickly. Honestly, I get why it's so hyped. It helps create sweepingly long lashes. 

Would I repurchase it? Yes, I would. The only reason I'd get second thoughts would be because of the price ( I can buy a high end blush in the same price). It is expensive for a mascara, but then again it is a really good good one.  Perfect for hot, humid Pakistani days. Ideal for the 'no make-up, make-up look' because it accentuates ones lashes without making them look too mascara-ey. If that even makes sense. 

Price: 22$

PS.I'm sorry I'm not very good with pictures.

Have you tried it? Is this something on your wish list?

Sana

Obsessed With ♥

I've always wanted this blog to be a little more than make-up. Don't get me wrong; I love make-up! Oh my God so much so, but there is so much more to life than that, right? There is so much to me as well and I would like this blog to reflect that a little. 

A few years ago I discovered a new genre (Philosophy&Spirituality) of writers/thinkers and books. Trust me, once I start with this topic I usually never stop, because it gets me really excited. So I will try to keep it as simple as possible. Paulo Coelho, is one of those writers that I love. 

His first book I ever read was 'By the river of Piedra I sat down and wept'. I didn't like it at all! When I read the Alchemist (it is SO inspirational), Paulo Coelho instantly catapulted in to my top ten list. Now I want to get my hands on Brida. I was in Espresso the other day and the blurb on the back really caught my attention. I can't wait to get my hands on it. Brida is number one on my reading list at the moment. 

So this month I'm trying to 'diet' (which basically means no junk food). This drink however is my weakness. For me Espresso's Frozen Cappuccino is happiness in a cup. My friend Sara and I are addicted to it. Whenever either of us is depressed we go to Espresso and drown our selves in it. Same goes for when we're happy. Haha! We just need an excuse. 

Have you tried it yet?

One of my favourites songs these last two weeks has been Jennifer Lopez's Pappi. I think I like the video even more than the song itself.

Favourite lol moment:

My cousin Nooria shared this video with me a few weeks ago. It is SO funny! The next time some one bugs you on the streets, you know what to do. 

Favourite quotes at the moment

 Carrie Bradhaw (Sex and the City)

'What you believe has more power than what you dream or wish or hope for. You become what you believe.'- Oprah

What are you loving/obsessed with at the moment? What defines you this week?

Sana