~ Pomp and Panache ~

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-whip...

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 ...

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 wit...

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 nav...

 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...

It has been quite a long while since my love affair with the Louis Vuitton Artsy MM began.  I think it was back in 2009 when the bag was first launched and it was love at first sight!!  It had been on my mind, but due to the unforeseen happenings in my life,  with time I forgot about it.   About a month ago, my love surfaced once again for the bag as I saw a friend's friend with the it.  I was again having sleepless nights thinking about the bag.  Any bag lover can surely relate to my dilemma.    I thought long and hard over it and if I should finally give in and splurge on this naughty purchase. I contacted the Louis Vuitton Customer Service and inquired about the bag.  It retails for 7,550 SR (Saudi Riyals), but wasn't available at the store currently.    At this point, it was something that I really had to have and began browsing the net in hopes of getting it shipped from abroad.  This didn't end w...

Dry, sensitive skin tends to get irritated easily and may at times become flaky due to many factors.  It can be due to stress, cosmetic lotions and potions such as AHAs or BHAs, and/or climatic changes.  Since I suffer from the above, it is essential for me to keep my skin as hydrated as I possibly can living in an air-conditioned environment 24/7 (as is the norm across the Middle East).  The warm, salty water doesn't help either which adds to the dryness. To quench my thirsty dry skin, I had begun conjuring up my own homemade hydrating honey mask.  Honey being a natural wonder has many benefits for the skin. Here are just a few: A  humectant which draws in moisture to the skin Packed with antioxidants which help to delay the aging process Clarifies pores Treats or prevents acne On a spending spree at Nordstrom  online, I came across  Fresh - Crème Ancienne Ultimate Nourishing Honey Mask ....

As with age, you tend to feel that your skin is not as taut and firm as it once was.  There are many products on the market that can provide a temporary feeling of firm skin.  However, I was on the look out for something that would gradually help strengthen the collagen production and if not rid me of my laughter lines, at least blur them out.     I came across the Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask .  As stated on the Fresh website, "Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask with advanced antioxidants is a hydrating treatment that immediately reveals softer, firmer, healthier-looking skin. The innovative formula’s velvety whipped texture has an immediate cooling effect to refresh the skin and the senses."   I completely agree that the mask has a luxurious whipped cream sort of texture, which feels so light and airy.  Once applied to the skin, it gives a cooling sensation and slightly begins to warm up.  By n...