~ Pomp and Panache ~

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 t...

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...

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...