~ Pomp and Panache ~

We all want to look our best and are constantly searching for ways to slow done the aging process.  I am one who believes that prevention is better than cure, for this I am constantly adding things to my skincare routine as and when needed.  I was on the market for a new eye cream and came across Caudalie.  I found a gift set in which I would get the full sized eye cream and a sample size of the face cream.  These products are quite costly and I thought I could hit two birds with one stone if I could get my hands on this set.  Luckily, it was not sold out at the Skinstore and I ordered it quite a  few months ago. Caudalie Premier Cru Face and Eye Cream I have been using Caudalie Premier Cru Face and Eye creams; and let me have you know that these are absolutely luxurious products which smell great.  The scent reminds me of fresh grapes being picked off the vine.  They scream quality and I really fell in love with the eye cream.  I am one who is always is concerned with the

If you know me, then you would know that I love trying out new palettes that are available on the market from mostly all brands.  Recently, I came across the Smashbox #Shapematters Palette and was quite impressed with the assortment of products amalgamated in one.  I have never tried Smashbox and thought it was a good opportunity to experience how the brand performs. Smashbox #Shapematters Palette Smashbox #Shapematters Palette from the inside First of, the palette has a wax which is covered by a lid to set the eyebrows and two brow colors.  They are taupe and soft brown. Top to bottom: Wax, Taupe, and Soft Brown Then we have one contour color which I believe is a great shade, but it might be a bit light for darker skin tones.  Next there is a bronzer, which is a tan color, not orangey by any means; one highlight shade which is a pearlescent gold, and lastly a glow shade which would be absolutely beautiful for strobing. Contour and Bronzer

Hey there my beauties!!  Now that we have entered winter, a cooler climate even in Jeddah, I began to notice some dry patches around my face particularly my chin.  I had tried to treat this condition with almost all the products that I had in my beauty arsenal, but nothing was helping.  Alas, I then decided to make a trip to my local Debenhams and came across Chanel Skincare. I had previously tried the line last in 2011.  I was not fully satisfied with the performance of the complete skincare regime I had purchased then, so over the years had gone on to try other products.  I thought it has been a while now and I might just indulge once again. As I scanned all the products that were on display, two of them just screamed out at me.  I had a some idea of what they were with my research I had done.  First, I tried the  HYDRA BEAUTY MICRO SÉRUM  on the top of my hand.  Just wow, I thought to myself!! This product instantly made my hand feel smooth and hydrated.  Right then I knew

Lustrous locks seem like they are a thing of the past with all the heat styling and coloring we all do nowadays.  It's difficult to find a shampoo that will hydrate and help the hair recover from all the damage.  I came across the OGX Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo on a grocery run to Danube in Jeddah, Khaldiya Branch.     OGX Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo   I find this a truly nourishing shampoo which leaves your hair so soft to the touch!  I for one, don't have curly or frizzy hair so that isn't my real concern.  I at times get fly-aways if I air dry my hair and I noticed that with this shampoo, I didn't get them without the use of a conditioner, might I add!   OGX Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo states the following:   " Sulfate-free formula gently cleanses and hydrates for silky smooth hair. Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo by OGX is enriched with organic coconut milk and coconut oils to moisturize while ultra-whipped egg white proteins

It's summer and we are all wearing those bright lip colors and the last thing we want is dry flakes and lines being pronounced by matte lipsticks.  I was on the hunt for the Clarins Instant Light Lip Balm Perfector and FINAAALLLYY got my hands on it!! It was never available whenever I went to the beauty stales and I was so excited to try it.  Clarins Instant Light Lip Balm Perfector It was definitely worth the wait!! I chose the color 01 Rose, it's a sweet light pink which gives a hint of color to the lips.  I find it so moisturizing and leaves a velvety finish to the lips.  I really find the smell familiar, but I just can't put my finger on it.  It's a lovely smell I must say, nothing I would say is displeasing.  I bought it at Sephora in Jeddah at costs 98 SR/$23.  I would surely be going out to buy some others colors and stock up on these!! I truly love them!!

On  a recent to trip to the new Sephora branch which opened I believe some time this year (I've lost track of time) at Tahlia Street in Jeddah, I made some beauty purchases as you do.  I was presently surprised to see that this branch reminded me more of the US Sephora design.  Whilst checking out, my eye caught the travel size minis and I just had to buy them! Today our topic of discussion will be the GLAMGLOW THIRSTYMUD™ Hydrating Treatment . GLAMGLOW THIRSTYMUD™ Hydrating Treatment   GLAMGLOW THIRSTYMUD™ Hydrating Treatment   This mask works wonders for dry or dehydrated skin.  Air-con can actually have a bad effect on skin and those living in the Middle East like me would second my claim.  However, back on to the mask .. it has a lovely scent to it's like a blend of a coconuts and pineapples, which reminds of a pina colada!! Truly heavenly I must say! I smear the mask over my cleansed face and leave it on for it be absorbed by my skin.  I don't rinse

Recently, I have been drawn to shades that are currently similar to the Kylie Jenner famous lip.  I don't per say wear the exact same combination as she does, but I like the current look that I have sporting.  The topic of today as you can see from the title is MAC Blankety lipstick. MAC Blankety (Amplified) MAC Blankety Swatch (indoor lighting) Blankety is a soft pink beige, amplified crème lipstick as described by MAC.  This means that it gives a relatively opaque coverage to the lips in one application.  It's so smooth and creamy, and not to forget hydrating!! I think it is safe to say that these are one of my most loved lipsticks that MAC has to offer.  Wearing such lipsticks is like having a lip treatment and simultaneously takes care of the fashion element.    I wear this lipstick with Soar Lipliner from MAC and they both look marvelous together.  I'm really enjoying wearing this nude shade currently, apart from the days when I am in bold lip col

As you all must know by now, I love a good mask to help clear out the gunk that gets trapped in the good old pores which may be due to pollution, make up, or just build up of dead skin.  I personally don't wear heavy, full coverage foundation; but that doesn't mean that I don't suffer from the occasional clogged pores.  A product that I have been using on a weekly basis to maintain the state of decongested pores is Bliss Steep Clean Pore Purifying Mask .     Bliss Steep Clean Pore Purifying Mask     This mask is not like any other purifying mask I have used before.  The can consists of a dual channel dispenser of gels that you have to pump out at the same time, which at is rather difficult to do.  One gel is yellow and the other is turquoise.  Once you have amalgamated both gels, it becomes a slightly frothy aqua color.  Apply the gel on your face for about 15 minutes.  Then as you would do with any other mask, rinse off and pat dry, and continue with your sk

Hi friends, so sorry that I have been MIA this last week.  I have been down and out with bronchitis and still am recovering from it.  I would give anything to get rid of that pesky chesty cough and fever that I have been battling.  I am taking antibiotics and cough syrups and can't wait to be well again.  Anyway, just a heads up that I will be back to posting as usual. Watch this space for a new post! ..

It was last October when I discovered Shiseido's Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate .  It caught my attention as it claimed that like the human body even skin overtime loses it's defense mechanisms to environmental factors and stress - something that is part of all our lives.   During my research, I learnt that it was also designed for those of us whose immune systems were compromised due to any medical conditions ranging from those that required antibiotics or more complex conditions such as chemotherapy.  The serum helps the skin to restore itself and helps to reduce the signs of aging such as loss of firmness and wrinkles to name a few.  Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate Shiseido states the following: Shiseido’s exclusive Ultimune Complex* is formulated with a unique blend of Bulgarian Rose Water, Aqua In Pool and Yeast to protect, strengthen, and maintain healthy looking skin. Formulated with a unique botanical power blend with Gingko Biloba Leaf Extract, S

These days everyone raves about using dry shampoo in between hair washes.  I am the type who would rather wash my hair and have it clean and fresh - hence, I hadn't ever tried one in my life!! On a trip to London, I decided to pick up a 50 ml travel size of Philip Kingsley One More Day Dry Shampoo.  Since Philip Kingsley is a hair maestro and a reputable brand, I thought that hopefully this won't damage my hair as opposed to other dry shampoos that are available in the drugstore i.e. Boots.   Philip Kingsley One More Day Dry Shampoo   Being I am a dark brunette, I hoped that this wouldn't cast a white powdery layer on my hair and side parting.  And most of all, I didn't want my scalp to feel itchy and dirty.  As it is you already have oil build up and the least you want is to make your hair feel more greasy and gritty!    Sadly, my expectations were a bit far fetched!  Once I sprayed it from a distance of 15cm, I found it quite hard to get rid of the whi

Being a beauty freak and blogger, if I may say so myself, I am always open to products and supplements that can help me feel my very best.  I like many people take Vitamins and other supplements on a daily basis to provide me with enough nutrition that I may be missing in my diet.  I knew for a fact that my diet has been lacking Omega 3 supplements or foods that contain this vital polyunsaturated fatty acid.   Therefore, I was on the lookout for Omega 3 supplements that would be easy on my stomach and not give me acid reflux.  I had came to know that Perricone MDs Omega 3 Dietary Supplement is very useful for general health concerns and are great for the body in the long run. These are derived from wild sockeye salmon and DMAE.  They can do wonders for the skin, mind, and body.      Perricone MD Omega 3 Dietary Supplement   Omega 3 Dietary Supplements       As stated my Perricone MD:   "Omega 3 Dietary Supplement by Perricone MD helps elevate mood,

I was treated to a number of presents from my friends and family mid April since it was my birthday.   Celebrating a birthday is always a joyous occasion; spending time with my loved ones whom I don't see all that often.  From the numerous gifts I received, today I will be discussing a lovely fragrance which my darling older sister gifted me - Marc Jacobs' new Eau De Toilette, Daisy Dreams!!   For me this was a new fragrance; I hadn't heard about it nor had I seen it in Jeddah.  My sister had been visiting from London, United Kingdom and this was one of the popular fragrances out there. Daisy Dreams by Marc Jacobs (Gift set)   First of all, how gorgeous is the box?!  It's so pretty makes me think of snowflakes and the winter chill.    Daisy Dreams Eau De Toilette, Shower Gel, and Body Cream   Daisy Dreams Eau De Toilette   The bottle is so pretty and would add to the beauty of any vanity .. I simply adore this!  Marc Jacobs has one of the

Living in sunny Jeddah, Saudi Arabia requires a new set of shades every now and then.  I found myself having my latest crush on two quite different pairs of Dior sunnies!  If you know me, you will definitely know that I have a thing for Rose Gold!! I absolutely adore it and have many things ranging from rose gold shoes to watches.  So it would be no surprise that these sunnies are reflected rose gold!!    I have realized that this season it's all about mirror or reflecting lens sunnies.  Rose gold has been so popular for about four years and it's just adds to the glamour to Dior sunglasses.  The first sunglasses are the Dior Reflected 3210R.    Dior Reflected 3210R These sunglasses are very different from any sunglasses that I own.  The distinct aviator shape in it's own makes them a statement piece in my opinion.  However, the lens width is 52mm which are smaller than the ones in my collection.  The navy blue arms and the rose gold reflected lenses have stole

As you all must know by now I am a sucker for quality skincare products hence I am a beauty blogger!!  I love treating myself to masks every few days and today's mention will be Perricone MDs Chloro Plasma .  I came across this mask on a recommendation of a friend and she said claimed that it had amazing results and I for one love a mask that immediately delivers.  I knew that I just had to have it.   Perricone MD Chloro Plasma   Perricone MD Chloro Plasma (inside)   Chloro Plasma is a gel to clay mask which has small beads (microcapsules)  of chlorophyll  that burst as you massage the gel onto your face.  The mask begins to change color from a light minty-white color to a shade of green.  I have noticed that the shade of green can vary on how quickly you massaged the gel onto your face.  As it begins to warm up on your skin, you can feel a slight tingle and you will know that you can no longer massage the gel when it sort of feels dry.  I like to apply the ge

Lately, my skin wasn't looking it's best and I was frantically on the hunt for a cleanser that would help stop the hormonal acne I was facing.  I had been using a cleanser which I will write about in the coming posts, but the current one on today's agenda has stolen the show!!  I am talking about none other than Tata Harpers Refreshing Cleanser. Tata Harper Refreshing Cleanser (new bottle) Refreshing Cleanser I ordered this cleanser in early March and have been using it ever since.  It is a peachy colored, light enzymatic cleanser in a glass bottle, that should be used on dry skin.  The aroma is absolutely divine and smells like fresh flowers to me!  I massage the cleanser for a good 1 - 2 minutes on my dry skin and allow myself to relax and pamper myself after a long tiring day.  At first, I was using this cleanser for both morning and evening cleansing routines, but in April, I was in different climatic surroundings and noticed that my pores were g

It's nearly Summer and we all are after those bright, bold lip colors!! The latest one that took my fancy is MACs Girl About Town - a vibrant blue fuchsia, creamy color.  The lipstick is an amplified which gives off an opaque color in just one swipe and isn't drying at all.  It's a lovely hydrating formula that does not make dry lips more obvious.     MAC Girl About Town   MAC Girl About Town on lips   I think this lipstick is a beautiful color for anytime round the year!! I would easily wear it on a night out on the town or during daytime.  I would rock this color during the day, by dabbing it on my lips and patting it in.  This would give a lovely lip stain effect and as the lipstick would wear off, it would leave a subtle pink hue to the lips! It be a full-on in your face bold color.  I was feeling particularly brave on a given day, I would undoubtedly be one to go out like that!! You only live once, so why not?!     If you're looking for a

Eye make-up that involves dark saturated colors is usually a pain to remove at the end of a long day.  Seeing people tugging and harshly rubbing their eyelids is a pet peeve of mine!!  I just can't stand when women do that!!  As we tend to grow older, the eyelids become more susceptible to sagging and loss of collagen.    For this reason, I always look for something that is easy and one which will quickly wipe away the eyeshadow and waterproof mascara without me having to tug on my eyelids.  On a visit to Danube, grocery store, for the regular weekly shop, I came across NIVEA Double Effect Eye Make-Up Remover, which comes in a 125 ml bottle and have been using it ever since.      NIVEA Double Effect Eye Make-Up Remover   This particular remover is an oil based formula.  You have to shake the bottle and then apply onto a cotton pad.  The solution becomes a cloudy, lavender color when it's ready to apply onto the cotton pad.  I tend to leave the cotton pad on e

Lately, the temperature has risen in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia as we near the hot summer month of June.  These days I have been rocking a coral-pink lipstick in the sizzling weather of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. I am not tanned at all; I am still somewhat a pale color, but still find the Urban Decay (UD) Revolutionary Lipstick in Streak flattering on my NC25 skintone.   Urban Decay Revolutionary Lipstick - Streak   Application of UD Streak The UD Revolutionary Lipstick is a bit waxy in texture at first, but with increased application the texture changes.  I have found the lipstick to apply smoothly now and with a few wipes across the lips you can achieve an opaque corally-pink color - one which I am totally digging!!   It doesn't withstand eating and drinking sessions and does fade away, in effect you will definitely need to reapply the lipstick for a fresh vibrant coat.  Without indulging in such activities, I would say the lipstick lasts about 2 hours on me and when

Matching shoes call for a matching bag in my book.  Since I recently ordered Tieks ballet flats in Ballerina Pink, I was on the lookout for a Spring/Summer bag in baby pink.  I came across some bags which were made of saffiano leather, but I didn't really find them flattering.  I am not an avid fan of saffiano leather by the way, although it's more durable.   Lorin Drawstring - Ballet Pink For some reason, I have always been attracted to buttery soft leather bags, not those with a  crude look or those with structure.  To satisfy my craving and requirement of the above; on a surfing session on the World Wide Web , I came across the Vince Camuto Lorin Drawstring bag in the color Ballet Pink!!  It's a perfect match to accessorize my outfits with the Ballerina Pink Tieks. I think it's a match made in heaven.  The hue is almost the same and I couldn't be more pleased with my selection.  The quality of the bag is phenomenal.  It's well made and looks mo

 It feels as if in the blink of an eye, we have already reached the end of April!!  Living in Saudi, a warm sunny climate, calls for a new pair of sunglasses to welcome our full-on sizzling Summer months ahead of us.    Tom Ford Anoushka Recently, I have been sporting cat eye sunnies and have fallen head over heals in love with  Tom Ford Anoushka's . I bought them in the grey and peach with a grey gradient.  They look absolutely amazing and are a statement piece and a head turner!  The Anoushka's simply can add a little umph factor to any outfit!! Such accessories can add glam and class to your everyday style effortlessly.  These light, acetate sunglasses have a 57mm lens width, 16mm bridge width, and 140mm temple length.  The measurements of the Anoushka's do give an oversized look, but not over the top.  I can say that these are one of my favorite pairs and I can see myself wearing them for many years ahead.  If you're in the market for a new pair o