A day in the life of a Double Wear girl!

My first day as an Estee Lauder double wear girl!

So it's 7:44am and I've just mixed some colours from my pro kit. Maybe I shouldn't have done this when I'm rushing around getting ready for work. The colour I mixed is too light and makes me look slightly like draculas wife. The colour I tried before looked too dark and I went orange! This definitely needs more time and some natural light, not when it's still dark outside. So far it feels quite sticky, the coverage however is gorgeous and so is the finish.

8am I noticed there was a bit of foundation that I hadn't blended (don't try something new in a rush)! I went with my finger to blend it out as I was in the car... Big mistake foundation was slightly damp the texture of double wear is like glue so it literally smeared under my eye! Then I noticed a bit of mascara I tried to remove, wouldn't budge so I licked my finger another big mistake! It left a huge patch.

I highly rate this foundation for its ability to stick to your face and not budge!!! For me however I can't use it as a daily foundation as I make too many mistakes when I'm rushing around and use my foundation to rub it all in! I would definitely recommend this for Pro makeup artists to make sure the make up lasts! Also! No creasing!!!

10:30pm and my foundation looks as fresh as it did this morning!! It is literally like superglue! I love this for occasions but there is no room for mistakes! I prefer a more dewy look on a day to day basis and this is extremely matte for me. If I was to wear this for an occasion it would most definitely be paired with a good highlight!

Anndddd.... Good night :)

P.s extremely waterproof!

Apologies for THE MOST awful picture! I had to take it on snapchat in the canteen at work!

Z Palette

Now I know I'm extremely late to jump on the Z Palette band wagon but better late then never! I've just started getting back into my freelance makeup work and have decided to go pro so I'm undertaking a few courses to get where I want to be. I've only been working as self taught previously however I'm loving this new adventure.

Annndddd.. back on to topic the Z Palette, why I didn't purchase one before who knows! I LOVE it! I recently purchased the MAC palette too, although the MAC palette seems sturdier I like that the Z Palette is see through and comes with magnetic stickers.

Purchase here :)

Z Palette

Beautylish

Trying to get back into it!

So this past year has been absolutely hectic and a huge roller coaster for me. A lot has changed and blogging was the last thing on my mind. I do however want to get back into it therefore I thought I would start with a mini haul. 

It wasn't a massive shop just a few bits! I picked up the hairspray and mousse just because they were cheap and recently I've been curling my hair a lot or just plaiting it whilst wet and letting it dry naturally giving me soft waves. I thought if I used some mousse and hairspray it might help it last as my hair doesn't like to co operate! They were both 99p from Bodycare.

The hair clips I picked up from H&M at £1.99 a packet they came in 3 different colours but I went for the brown tortoise shell type ones. I like to stick my hair out of the way at times without tying it all up and getting a huge kink these are perfect small but quite sturdy. 

MAC Pro Longwear concealer in NC35. MAC's Pro Longwear concealer is the only concealer that I find works with my skin and covers my blemishes I previously went for a match in MAC and they gave me NC42. I still used it until it ran out however I found it was slightly too dark for my skin in the winter months and a bit too orange. I find with MAC products they tend to oxidize after a while giving them an orange tinge. NC35 is the lightest shade after NC42 regardless of it possibly going a bit orangey it is still the only concealer I can work with on my skin. 

Rimmel Glam eyes liquid liner in black. I have used this eyeliner since before I can remember possibly from when I was around 13/14. I have tried a couple of other eyeliners however this is my favorite and I am yet to be converted to any others. Rimmel had a 2 for £10 offer on in Boots so I thought I would try Kate Moss's gel liner in the shade Emerald which I will review separately.

I have missed out on the picture however my E45 emollient hand wash which I put straight in my bathroom. It is the only hand wash that helps my eczema on my hands and actually heals it. For a hand wash I find it pricey at £4.29 however I am willing to pay for it as I see massive results! I team this with the Aveeno daily moisturising lotion I only use this on my hands again for my eczema I find it makes the perfect team with the E45 wash however it does smell a bit. It is usually around £6 so I usually pick it up when it's on sale as it lasts ages. 

Last but not least my two pairs of shoes! I love the style of the grey point shoes and the colour of the blue suede shoes! I was in need of some dolly shoes to just throw on as I had been living in my boots I picked these up from Primark at £6 each!

Soap & Glory Body Butter.

Body Butters

I absolutely love Soap & Glory they are by far one of my favorite brands that I will forever keep returning too.  When I saw these 3 body butters in my stocking filler last Christmas I was ecstatic. I have only previously used the righteous butter.  

The body butters are so rich and smooth they glide on like a dream and leave your skin feeling like a baby's bottom! Not forgetting the smell of these beauty's that leave you smelling just as strong as when you first applied but all day long! 

I have not come across a body butter that can beat Soap & Glory's as of yet. My favorite by far has to be the Sugar Crush body butter the smell is just phenomenal and the sugar scrub is even better! It smells so good I could eat it!  

I know I have left it extremely late before reviewing however hopefully they will bring these out in time for Christmas again so you can pick them up for a loved one or just to treat your self. They are a great little handbag  size so  are very travel friendly as appose to the rather large container for home use. 

Maryam x

Cargo Cosmetics Lipstick review..

NAPA

 

The first time I saw this was on my friend who is manager at Cargo she has the same skin tone as me and it looked gorgeous on her so I had to have it! I have never seen such a beautiful shade before it is truly stunning! It has deep plum shades perfect for this season! It glides effortlessly it is creamy vibrant yet long lasting trust me this will not budge! Now I'm just looking for the perfect lip liner to go with it any recommendations? 

 

 

 

If you click on the picture below you should be directed to Cargo Cosmetics site! :)

 This is a picture of Napa taken in 3 very different lighting situations the outcome is very different yet all so beautiful.

Excuse the size of the pictures for some reason I cant shrink them!

Another apology!

I have been working like crazy lately and amongst that have a whole load of other things going on which has stopped me from posting! 

I would just like to wish everybody a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

Lets hope 2014 will be full of joy, excitement and happiness all round. Inshallah.

I'm leaving you with some looks I have created that you can use for the party season!

Maryam x

Glow all out review and an apology.

Soo sorry for the absence I have been soo busy and poorly.
I've not been able to keep up my mini series series of recipes for health benefits. I thought I'd leave you with a quick review of a product I have been in LOVE with lately!

Yes, it's another from Soap and Glory (love them). "Glow all out" what they say...

"Use it to lift up your cheekbones or dust lightly all over for a 'moonlit' look. Featuring LIGHTSCRAMBLE™ Luminospheres Pigment Pearls and extended wear silicone technology."

What I think...
This is my go to product, I love love love this highlighter I use it on a daily basis and it has never disappointed. It last all day on some days it has been the only thing left on my face however it is not one of those products that is hard to remove with makeup remover, wipes etc. The luminosity of this powder is gorgeous with a healthu glow and blue and pink pigments going through it. It is a real must have and a definite re purchase! The packaging is also so gorgeous and eco friendly!

I had a look on the S&G website and couldn't find it so I hope they are not discontinuing it however it is still in Boots at the moment so go and grab it!

Maryam x

P.s please excuse the layout,  the blogger app is not so fantastic and I am without a laptop! 

Benefit Hello Flawless VS MAC Studio Fix Fluid

Benefit Hello Flawless

Shade: Toasted Beige 

Well what can I say this is truly a keeper! I wanted a light foundation I could wear on a daily basis but with still enough coverage. I went into Debenhams and got matched up at Benefit. The way the girl did my make-up was amazing and my skin looked flawless. When I got home and tried it my self I wasn't so keen but then thought it might be the primer so tried it without, it was ok but still wasn't perfect and I wasn't going to be repurchasing... That is until this morning when I decided to use Body Shops vitamin C skin reviver as my primer wow the foundation applied effortlessly and looked so smooth with even coverage and tone. I am now sold on this it is my favourite it is light enough for me not to notice I am wearing foundation, super blend able and lasts all day! I love the texture of the formula and how hydrating it is. Also a huge plus the packaging it is a pump which means minimum waste and so easy when your in a rush. I will definitely be repurchasing.

Overall thoughts: LOVE LOVE LOVE!

MAC Studio Fix Fluid

Shade: NC42

I used to LOVE this foundation I wore it everyday and then I stopped wearing it for a while. I find it a bit heavy at times but I think it was down to the wrong brush. I felt like it oxidised and made me look orange, saying that my skin changes and I switch my make-up regularly to keep up. It also helps to have the right moisturiser etc. at the moment my skin care regime has got a LOT better from my none existing one before. I tried my studio fix fluid the other day just to see how it would turn out and I fell in love all over the colour was perfect and I had ex foliated and moisturised before hand. The foundation lasted all day through the heat, sweat and rubbing on clothes etc. I realised why I used to love this foundation so much. The only problem is the packaging the glass bottle makes it kind of hard to get all the foundation off I have to leave the bottle upside down and I hate wasting product.

Overall thoughts: Great foundation for all kinds of coverage will re purchase.

Benefit Hello Flawless hands down WINNER!

MAC Studio Fix Fluid on the left and Benefit Hello Flawless on the right. The MAC foundation has more orange tones which can make you look a bit too orange at times whereas the Benefit make up works perfect with my skin tone.

Excuse the scratches I've got a kitten :) 

Maryam x

Turmeric - Cooking for illness

Turmeric

Turmeric is a member of the ginger family it is a root of the Curcuma Longa which grows in hot climates like India the plant needs between 20-30 degrees and mass rainfall to grow. The plants are gathered for their rhizomes (root mass) annually. You can use these fresh or in a powder or paste form.

My family being from Africa/India I have grown up with turmeric in my food and knowing about the healing  benefits of turmeric. It is an anti inflammatory and can be made into a mikly drink for sore throats. I have also used it to make the most amazing face masks leaving your skin glowing and fresh. It can be made into a paste and even used on cuts and bruises. The most popular use for it is culinary Turmeric is extremely good for your body internally and externally it is natural and therefore contains no chemicals or preservatives. It is a great healer for cancer patients as it will fight any bacteria entering the body and heal any parts of the body that need healing. It has anti bacterial, anti tumor, anti oxident and anti viral properties. My family use it in their food on a daily basis, as beauty treatments and for medical purposes.

Maryam x

Benefit Stay Flawless 15 Hour Primer - Review

I'd never used a face primer before not even on my wedding day I was always satisfied with how my makeup stayed or just thought there was nothing I could do about it. My sister in law has never treated herself to nice makeup, always using drugstore brands and never finding a perfect match so finally I dragged her into Debenhams. We both got a foundation match from benefit and ended up with more than we wanted like usual when we shop together. One of the products we were introduced to was their new primer so we both bought it. My sister in law used hers everyday and has finished it and im still using it. One thing I really hate is buying products and half using them I can't stand leaving products unfinished I have to finish them even if I dont like them. When the benefit mua did our makeup was perfect however when we did it our selves it would smear. The primer is quite thick and heavy later we discovered if you dont let the primer dry for at least a few minutes it would smear and be horrible on the skin. Both products mix together and look like when glue has dried and you peel it off which totally puts me off. It really depends on how and when you apply it, for example fingers are better then using a brush. My primer stick also whichis a disappointment as it is quite expensive. I had read that if you do not keep the tiny cap on the inside this does happen which may have been why. It is a fairly decent primer if you have hours to spend on your face in the morning having to wait for products to dry in between and buffing your foundation in rather then applying in sweeps with a brush.

Result: It does last a very long time but not worth the money and I will not be re purchasing. 

Stewed apples - Cooking for illness

Not everybody is a fan of fresh fruit but stewing different kinds of fruit and serving with a small dollop of cream/ice cream/custard can be a nice treat. I usually take a look at what we have and work with that this time I used about a dozen apples and half a pair. 《 Is that how pair is spelt or is it pare?  :/

All you need is your ideal fruit, some honey, cinnamon and a small glass of water. I don't really measure ingredients for this.

Method:
Wash, peel, de core and roughly chop your apples place in a large pan on low heat with honey and cinnamon to taste. Add the water and let it simmer, stir occasionally to ensure all the fruit is cooked. I like to cook it with still a bit of bite however this is just preference. Once it is cooked turn off and let it cool slightly before serving.

From experience I have learnt that stewed fruits get extremely hot! So please take care :)

Cooking for someone who is ill.

When your looking after someone who has an illness it's always hard with new medication and things they may not be able to do for them selves anymore. One of the best ways of helping someone either keep there illness from getting worse or to cure them is to make changes to their diet. I'm going to share some helpful hints and tips I've picked up along the way but please remeber to check the dietary requirements of either your self or the person you are cooking for.

Every Monday I will upload a new recipe that can help or just hints and tips for preparation etc to help you when you just seem to busy to be able to cook.

Soap & Glory

I've known about Soap & Glory for years!! But I only really became a huge fan recently as the more of their products I tried the more I realised how much of an honest brand they are and how much their products work well for me. If your anything like me and struggle with products to work with your skin/body then I would highly recommend S&G they seem to be the ones I go to when nothing else works so instead of wasting my money I just go to them first. . .

Here are a few I've tried and love!

-Hand food

-Make yourself youthful

-Heel genius

-Super sit tight intense xs

-The righteous body butter

-Scent sationalism 3 pack

Hand food and Heel genius are THE BEST hand and foot creams I have ever found! Heel genius works wonders for my dry feet they feel amazing and I want to touch them all the time. I don't use Hand food at the moment as I suffer from eczema so use Aveeno's moisture cream with oats.

I used Sit tight this morning and WOW does it burn but I'm hoping to see some results soon! Along with some exercise and healthy eating. I don't know what else to say about the products because I just love them all they all do what they say on the tin which is a huge plus for me. Also The righteous body butter smells like candy floss to me!

Maryam

x

OOTD

Outfit of the day... Summer time!  ♡

Amidst this heat wave I thought I would pick up my pen again (so to say) and start blogging... I think the perfect way to start this off would definitely be to share with you the products that are getting me through these sweltering days.

I have chosen the products I have been using the most these past few weeks and guess I will be using if this weather carries on. I wouldn't really complain if I could get hold of a fan, if anybody knows somewhere that isn't sold out of fans, please let me know. 

Garnier Ambre Solaire Protection Lotion

For face and body spf 50! Because I need it. I'm Indian with a mix of some other things in me and my skin is quite fair so I don't tan like normal people I go a red'ish brow and then just get the most ridiculous tan which will last me all year. I need a high spf as I catch the sun super quick and burn so I picked up this little on the go tube and it's great not sticky or oily at all.

Garnier Anti Dark Dircles Roll-on

I bought this when I saw Dina-Tokio use it in one of her videos I bought the lighter one so I could go for the Kim Kardashian lighter under eyes look. I have fallen in love with this as its super quick and easy plus the caffeine really does make you look more awake.

Heel Genius - Soap and Glory

So I went to stay with my Mum the other day (Love her) and I was telling her about how dry my feet have gone (I know gross) anyway she recommended one of her Christmas presents to me! It is super moisturising I didn't think it would work as nothing does for me but this really does, apply it as many times as you need and there you go beautiful moisturised feet!

Scholl Dry Skin Exfoliator

Another great product for disgusting feet it is the roughest exfoliator I have ever come across but it leaves your skin so soft and smooth. 

Neautrogena Visibly Clear - Pink Grapefruit Scrub

This is so light and refreshing for the summer my skin is not horrendous and doesn't need anything particularly strong as it's quite combination so this daily scrub is perfect to cleanse and exfoliate and it leaves skin feeling baby soft.

Aveeno Cream

I recently have been suffering from eczema I think it's stress and this cream works wonders for it, it has oats in it which is really good for eczema so I've heard :) 

Garnier Ambre Solaire After Sun 

This is a 24 hour soothing gel and it does exactly what it says on the tube it is also super moisturising for those who suffer from dry skin caused by the sun, it is also recommended to keep it in the fridge for extra soothing.

Garnier Body Tonic Sugar Scrub

This yummy apple scented scrub is amazing and so smoothing! I use this in the shower a couple of times a week and it smells amazing and is the best scrub I have ever used. I never find a scrub that is actually "scrubby" they're all too girly for my liking I need a "man" scrub something that is really rough and actually works and this does exactly that.

Vaseline

Lips, eyelashes, eyebrows (for conditioning so they're nice and long that's the eyelashes) and any other super dry parts, I don't have to explain this surely.

Nivea Tinted Moisturiser

It's a new one but so far I'm getting along with it really well it's cheap blends easy and actually moisturises plus it suits all skin types. (so it says) 

Dove Men+Care

Ok, so this one isn't mine but I use it because it works so much better than mine and is so refreshing! It actually works really well and in this heat and with my job it's just what you need!

Let me know in the comments of any posts you would like me to do!

Bye!

:) 

My tutorial

So I've been doing Mehndi/Henna for a few years now and I wanted to start making videos to get my name out... not having purchased a decent camera yet and doing an amateur video with a washing machine and noisy clock in the back ground here is what I was left with. 

p.s and filming with one hand and doing the Mehndi with the other hand.

Let me know what you think :) 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93CStHqvZy0

And I haven't learnt how to speed it up... Sorry!