What's in my Travel Makeup Bag?

I was meant to blog about this while i was leaving but sadly was rushing to make it for an exam and then left for the airport. so i have un packed my make up bag from Dubai to give you guys a peak on what i have brought along! =) it was a hard call choosing what to bring along since i am only here for 5 days but i am quite pleased with my selection.. Hope this gives you guys ideas and helps you guys pack your travel make up bags.. =) 

whats in the bag???

1. Clinique dramatically different moisturizing gel


2. Clinique Super city block 40 spf


3. Bourjois healthy mix serum in 53 light beige 


4. Clinique eye brighting concealer in light


5. Mac studio finish concealer in nw25


6. Mac sheer tone shimmer blush in Trace Gold


7. The Face Shop color nuance for cheek in BR802 (Shine)


8. Essence bronzing compact powder in 02 love to be matt


9. Mac soothing beige tinted lip conditioner spf 15


10. Dior shimmer powder in 002 amber diamond 


11. Rimmel glam eyes day 2 night mascara


12. Urban decay naked palette


13. Bobby Brown long-wear gel eyeliner in granite ink


14. Chanel illusion d'ombre eye shadow in mirifique


15. Estee lauder lasting shimmer lipstick in wildly pink


16. Max factor liquid effect pencil in brown blaze


17. Rimmel lipliner in 030 natural 


18. Sephora jumbo liner in 05 beige


19. Loreal  contour khol in 131 jet black


20. Maybelline Hyper Sharp liner in black 


What Brushes???

mac 219


mac 266


mac 194


mac 217


mac 187


mac 129


mac 227


body shop lip/concealer

Brown/Gold Smokey Eye - Naked Palette Urban Decay

Step 1- Apply your favorite foundation & concealer. after you are done, powder your face to set it all in

Step 2 - Prime your eye lids using any eye shadow primer. i used urban decay's primer

Step 3 - Fill in your eye brows with what ever shade you are most comfortable using.i have used 'coquette' by Mac

Step 4 - With a flat eye shadow brush apply the color 'naked' all over your eye lid and under your water line. (naked is very nude almost skin type color with no shimmer.) 

Step 5 - Use the color 'vigin' on your brow bone and in the inner corner of your eyes

Step 4 & 5

Step 6 - Now apply 'buck' in your crease line and then 'half baked' all over your eye lid, focusing on the inner most corner. blend out the edges.

step 6

Step 7 - Pat on 'smog' on the outer corner of your eye and then blend out the edges to create a smokey effect.

Step 8 - To further intensify the smokiness pat on some 'dark horse' to the outer corner and blend it in with a blending brush 

Step 8

Step 9 - Apply your favorite black eyeliner and mascara. i am using a pencil eyeliner by loreal and Rimmel 'Day 2 Night' mascara in Black 

Step 9 

step 9 

                                                       

Step 10 - Apply your favorite lipstick, i would suggest a nude pink or nice light brown. i am wearing a lipstick by Rimmel called 'asia'. Next add a flush of color with some blush i again suggest  sticking to a shade of  pink or brown i am wearing 'well dressed' by Mac.  

The finished look 

Brushes used for this look 

Urban Decay - shadow brush 

Mac - 217 blending brush 

Mac - 216 powder brush ( for powder and blush)

Mac - 266 eye brow brush

  

Give your self a mani- pedi in 10 easy steps

I must admit that nothing can compete with getting your nails done professionally at the spa, but what about those days when something last minute pops up and you want your hands and toes to look their best, or when you are just to lazy to make the effort to go all the way to the spa or worse when its the end of the month and you are sadly broke =( 

being an absolute nail junkie i have managed to come up with a little self mani-pedi routine which i can turn to when in need and it works just as well as getting it done professionally

step 1 - remove nail polish 

step 2 - soak your hands and feet in hot water for about 20mins and add some bath foam and or bath salts to lavish it up a bit. ( soaking your hands and feet with soften the skin and make it easier to trim your nails and scrub off all the dead skin)

step 3 - scrub away with a body scrub and then lightly with a foot scrubber, (use the soft sider on hands and on top of feet)

step 4 - trim nails and remove cuticles

step 5 - file nails in to shape

step 6 -  massage hand/foot cream or lotion

step 7 - wipe your nails with nail polish remover to get rid of oils and to give your nails a fresh clean surface for nail polish

step 8 - base coat 

step 9 - nail color 

step 10 - top coat

I always enjoy pampering my self a little, play some music in the background, light some scented candles, relax and have fun plus this is a super fun activity if your are having a slumber party or spending the day with your girlfriends 

Flawless Face / foundation routine

Step 1 - always start on a clean cleansed face, remove all traces of make up and exfoliate 2-3 times a week

Step 2 - Start by applying a moisturizer with spf in it! in the day i use clinique city block spf 40 in the day       ( It acts like a moisturizer+ spf+ primer)

Step 3- Choose a foundation that matches your skin tone and skin type. formulations vary on skin types. the best way to ensure your foundation matches your skin color is by testing the color on your jawline. it should blend into your skin color, any lighter or darker is NOT acceptable!

Step 4 - dot the foundation on your face and either rub in fingers or use a foundation brush to blend it in. Focus on areas that need coverage the most, don't pile on foundation where you have good skin. DO NOT FORGET THE NECK AND EARS.. YOU SHOULD BE ONE COLOR =)

Step 5 - conceal your under eyes if needed, always test a concealer at the shop before buying it, you don't want to get stuck with something that doesn't suit you. further conceal edges of your nose if you have redness, and cover up any remaining blemishes. Pro Tip using a lip linear or eye liner brush on a spot gives a more airbrushed finish.

Step 6 - dust loose or compact powder over your t- zone if you have oily skin and if you are creating a matte finish. i always only use translucent powders to cover the shine and oiliness without adding coverage.

Lastly i would advise all you to spend most amount of time on your skin, by perfecting your foundation and concealer application. You will realize that if your face make up is done perfectly you wouldn't even need to much eye make up etc.

P.s if you plan on doing a heavy eye look with dark eye shades i recommend you first do your eyes and then apply your foundation and concealer after. Sometimes heavy/ dark eye looks create a mess on your face which is hard to wipe of and clean if you have already done your foundation and concealer.

Try out this routine and let me know how it works for you! =)

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Pretty Pretty Bling

Helloo Helloo

I really can't help but feel festive with all this christmas extravaganza going on around me!! i love the holidays and especially this time of the year, with all the trees and deco, the music, the lights the bling and the glam!
every year i get blown away by how 'big' xmas is here in Malaysia.. its only the 12th of novemeber and starbucks have started their specials.. the malls are all glittery and shinny with trees and ornaments and even though this country is still ' hot' weather wise (because it always is.. like all year round) it weirdly feels like winter and x-mass!!

by now i am sure all of you can tell exactly how excited i am ha ha ha.. so in my high rises blingy spirits i went and got my self some a couple of lovely jewelry pieces... i think they are so nice and festive and perfect for this holiday season!! hope these inspire you all to get 'pretty pretty bling-ed up' i think these pieces are perfect for a night out or to glam up any outfit!

The ear rings are from Topshop the 'Freedom' line 

And the neck lace is from Diva !! 

Beauty from Within

Hello Hello

As much as i love being all girly girly with tons of make up and lovely perfumes and all those other pretty smellies and knick knacks i have to admit that beauty comes in from with in.. and it Always matters how you are feeling...

you have to feel your best to look your best and if you truly are happy on the in side it shows all over that face and if you are not... no amount of make up can make you shine or look stunning...

so... get to know your self! find out what brings that smile on your face.. find out what exactly makes you happy and feel your best!! it could be a nice beautiful sky, great weather, someone at your local shop wishing you a great day.. and of course the greater things in life like a relationship, your family and friends. it could be a song which makes you hop around like a bunny or just looking around your self and being thankful for the little things..

take some time and look around for all the wonderful things you have! be thank full for the fact that you could always be worse off then you may think you are.. i KNOW!! Its sounds very obvious but trust me we all forget and just start living in a rut and start feeling not so great from time to time.. and it effects how we look and feel!

so wake up and smell the roses.. they truly are as beautiful as all of you are

love and be loved!!

 a very happy and grateful Serena who looks pretty good today (if you know what i mean) ;) !! xx

loving much 2 ( current favorites)

Hello Hello and Happy November

i can't believe how this year has nearly come to an end, time is just racing by and i have no idea where it is headed.

i quite liked the concept of a "loving much" post.. reminds me of the monthly fav type posts and thought id do a follow up, hence this one =) ... in addition i have been all over the place lately as i have been really busy with final year, project submissions etc.. its a drag trust me and i can't wait for it to be over and more importantly feel Normal again..

so in the mitts of my insanity i have been loving a few things lately



 Chanel PURETE` MAT - i recently had run out of my compact face powder and had been wanting to get the Chanel one so i finally gave in and got it and i can't tell you how much i love it, it is totally worth the price and a chic to carry around in your handbag doesn't bite anyone =P .. its a special treat every time i reach out for it.. i got it 20 Sable Mat and it goes really well with my skin tone, apply's beautifully and looks really natural..

 MAC 187 - i have had this brush for quite some time now but barely ever turned to it until recently i randomly decided to see how it would work with liquid foundation.. and i must admit i actually love using it as a foundation brush and am so pleased with the results.. i just prime my face first, dab on dots of foundation directly to my face with my fingers and then "push" the foundation in with the 187 and then using circler motion buff it in.. it actually makes foundation application quicker and blends it in seamlessly  with hardly much effort..

COLD PLAY! COLD PLAY ! COLD PLAY - enough said!!

 Sephoras Universal Atomizer - i have been wanting an atomizer for so long, and i have had my eye on the travelo for ages now, i just love the idea and the design and think its a must have for every girl out there... but sadly i have i still have not managed to get my hands on the trendy travelo's AS YET.. so i just got the sephora atomizer and it does the job just great and i love being able to carry a lil mini of my perfume in my bag and spritzing the day away...

 Sleep.. ha ha trust me so say that but seriously its about the only time i can put my mind and my thoughts to rest.. sleep has become ME time and i absolutely love it and wish i could just totally laze around and sleep for hours on end

 dark cloudy rainy skies - the weather these days in KL, Malaysia (for those of u wondering where i am) is absolutely stunning and so unpredictable!! one minute its all sunny and the next bolts of thunder and magical breezes blowing chills down your spine.. very romantic and the closest i can get to winter right now

JAFFA CAKES!! YUMM YUMM YUMM 

well thats about it for now.. i have gotten some stuff from Clinique and other random make up finds which i will be reviewing soon so keep posted!!
till then =)

Serena! xx

CoCo Chanel's Illusion D'Ombre

So my makeup draws have been accompanied by two new and very special guests from the fall 2011 Chanel MakeUp range. 


And they are the new Illusion D’Ombre whipped gel eye shadows. This is really art in a pot. The collection has 6 shades, all have the shimmery/ jewels effect, in capturing the tones and shines of chunky metallic jewels. This collection is divine and zoo beautiful, it really is a treat to the eyes and is absolutely breath taking.


This is the first one i have, its this really nice antique gold color, its great as an all over shade or for us applying on the brow bone or even rubbing some over your cheekbones as a highlight. Its one the most versatile colors in the range and something you really can play around with.

Illusion d’Ombre in Epatant

The second one i have is this lovely deep and rich shade of black which has silvery shimmers in it, it is so dramatic and chic, so chanel really. It is great of a really glam smokey eye and wait till you guys hear this.... you can use this as an eye liner =) =) so start of the gold, mix some of the black in the crease, which mixed together gives you a whole new shade and then line with the black. soo sultry! 

The best part is that these little magical pots come with these super cute little brushes, which have a dual application, so you can use the brush for eye shadow and the tilted side for eye liner. The eye liner application is so great with the brush that comes with it that i actually use this brush now with my other gel eyeliners. 

i really can't go on more about these shadows you all must run and check them out for your selves and the rest of the other range also is just to die for, beautiful lip colors, some great nail shades, the have a quad palette too. i my self can't wait to get some more stuff from this range and its made fall a lot more fun and glam! 

Whats your favorite product from this range ?

p.s let me know if you guys want color swaps and pics, il post them up =)

Beauty & Hair Tips

1.Sharpening eyeliner and lipliner pencils without breaking them

    

    Put your pencils in the freezer for about a minute before sharpening, this will stop them from breaking or snapping when sharpened. 

2.An eye shadow base that keeps its promise

   Use your regular foundation and dab as much as needed all over your eye lids, sweep across some lose or pressed face powder to set it and keep the oil out.

3.Setting foundation 

    Give a five minutes gap after putting on your moisturizer  and applying your foundation, doing this helps create a better canvas to build on.

4.Guarding freshly pedicured toes

    

   Remember to either visit the saloon in your flip-flops or carry a pair with you to come back in.

5.Inexpensive eye wrinkle prevention

    wipe a good layer of vaseline around your eyes before bed time. 

6.Naturally white teeth 

   

    Brush your teeth with bicarbonate of soda every few days, this helps remove tea, coffee and red wine stains. 

7.Taming static and fly away hair

   

    Spray your hairbrush with hairspray before brushing 

 8.Removing hair dye from skin 

    Hairspray or nail polish remover zaps it all away. Be careful off getting any in your eyes.


Hope you guys enjoyed this post and found something in for you. 
I would also love to hear about your tried and tested never failed tips...=) 

Body Tips

1.ByeBye cellulite 

    

    Brush your body with a dry body brush in  upward strokes, exfoliate in the shower and moisturize right after you get out.

2.Preventing stretch marks

    Message your self with extra virgin olive oil every few days.

3.Soft feet 

   Slather your feet with moisturizer and throw on a pair of socks every night when you sleep, you will wake up tooo the softest feet ever.

4.Shaving rash no more

   Saving legs or arms when you are cold will make you get goose bumps and will damage the skin when you shave on it, resulting in being itchy and broken later. Be warm when you shave and always moisturize after.

5.Soften those dry hands

   

   Rub on some almond oil all over your hands and nails before bed time and after contact with water containing detergent, it softens your hands and prevents nails from splitting and cracking.

6.Stop those knees and elbows from aging before you do

   Exfoliate knees and elbows with a mixture of salt and olive oil, moisturize after.

7.Thighs rubbing and chafing when wearing a skirt or dress in hot weather

   

  Rub on some good old baby power all over your thighs.

Loving Much

Hey Everyone,

I am just sitting around, sipping on latte and killing time till my next class so thought of giving a run down on the stuff i am loving right now like really loving =)

To start with.... Iced Latte's and cappuccino's are my weakness these days.. just can't get enough of them. Don't think il ever get over them.

A much loved tunes for this fall is "like a jagger" by Maroon 5 , i have always loved Maroon 5 and think they are just a killer band, i actually went to see them some months back, so listening to them takes me back to there and it feels good.

Something i am trying to come around is working out, not entirely there as yet, but what i have started doing is walking to the train station after classes and i am really enjoying it.. nice Me time, gives me time to think and contemplate..

Another much loved beverage these days is "black tea" without milk... just with a dash of sugar or honey.. super healthy and a great antioxidant....

Ok so on the fun stuff now...

Bourjois-Healty mix foundation - I have been dying to get my hands on this stuff since forever but unfortunately there isn't a Bourjois counter out here in KL.. so over the summer my fiancé and I went over to Singapore and I found it there and straight away bought two. And since then i have been absolutely loving this foundation, it has the creamiest texture, zoo lightweight and just the right amount off coverage, and the best part is that it smells amazing! really fruity and yum..

Its really long lasting, dewy finish and blends in really well, you could properly slobber this on with your eyes closed! Sooo if you get the chance and are looking for a great foundation at a decent price! try this one out.. its amazing!!

Available at most "Boots" outlets! and under the makeup section at department stores.

Next up is the Dior Shimmer powder highlighter - I just looove this stuff, this has to be my favorite highlighting product ever. It gives the most subtle glow ever and isn't full of sparkles and chunks of glitter. just a very pearly, shimmery dewy sheen finish.

I would really recommend this product because its really worth it and it works great as an eye shadow too =)

Thats all for now =) xx

One Word taggy

Questions with one-word answers

Where's your cell phone: Bedroom 
Your hair: Bun
Favorite food: Spicy 
Dream last night: None
Favorite drink: Coffee 
What room are you in: Living 
Hobby: Makeup 
Fear: Drowning 
Where were you last night: Home
Something that you aren't: Fake
Muffins: Yummy
Wish list item: Pet
Where did you grow up: Pakistan 
What are you wearing: pyjamas
Your pets: None
Friends: Away
Something you're not wearing: socks
Favorite store: hmmmmm
Favorite color: Blue
Last time you laughed: Today
Your best friend: Mummy
Best place you go to over and over: New york
Person who emails you regularly: Astrologers.com 

Favourite place to eat: too many  

ESTEE LAUDER- Double Wear shadowCreme

So lately i have really gotten in to eyeshadows, new looks, new textures, new application methods and have just been inspired by the versatility of the product.
i always like eyeshadows but limited them to parties and night occasions etc. but i have been experimenting lately and in the process got rather bored of powders alone.
powers are more or less the same, the only thing that differs really is the color pigment and shimmer, shine and sheer if you are using reasonably good products. ( The rest on powder requires a different post altogether)

So cream eye shadows are slightly hard to find especially a good range of them in terms of color and drug store/ high street brands hardly ever make them which is rather upsetting.

So on my hunt for a promising product with a high range of colors i came across ESTEE LAUDER's collection of these lovely pots of luminous color. And i cant even begin to tell you how many shades they have and how each color is so pretty and so unusual from the rest.

i had to control my self and just get 2 of them for trying out and i love them, i got one if the latest colors which is called "smokey plum" No25. i normally dont do for purples but i fell in love with the shade and thought it was so perfect for spring and purples and pastels are this years spring colors and it is just a gorgeous shade of this this deep, fruity, smoky, purple plumish color!
the texture is great, so easy to apply you can literally just rub it on your eye with a finger for a quick look as an alone color or then of course shade the outer corners of your eye with powder shadow and use some liner.

the second color i got is called "Golden Sands"No13, this is a light goldish color, very pretty and perfect for a highlighting your brow bone or using some on your upper check around the eye area(highlighting) and can be used alone on the eye as well! its one of those naturally light colors that are so useful and such a must have!!

i love these eye colors and i think they are so pretty and i just love how lovely creme eyeshadows look and feel...

MaX Factor- FALSE LASH EFFECT

I had heard so much about this mascara and just had to get my hands on it and try it for myself, unfortunately i could not find this particular one is KL and my Fiance Iffy was traveling so i got him to get it for me and he was nice enough to get me both the waterproof and the regular one of this edition.

it was so nice actually trying out a product which i have heard so much about and which actually delivers what it says. i must say this mascara is to die for and is definitely one of the best ones i have tried and has made up its way to my makeup baggy.

i in particular love this mascara because it is just so easy to apply and goes on so easy, its not to watery, not to thick and just with a few strokes you can build up your lashes to look absolutely stunning.

the brush is huge which startled me at first and i was so scared that the whole thing was going to jab my eye out but it didnt and i actually found the application easier in comparison to the wavy wands which you have to work on forever to get your desired effect,  and its really good for the lower lash line as well.. it actually doesnt smudge and lasts all day! yes! even the regular one!!

all you mascara lovers! get your hand on this ONE!! ITS A KEEPER!!

The importance of moisturizer and sun block (SPF)

 I cannot stress enough on how important Moisturizer and Sun block is. To the point it should be something your face is covered in, even if you are staying the day at home..... if light comes in SPF GOES ON.

One of the biggest misconceptions about sun block (SPF) is that it protects your skin from getting darker which I am sorry to say is that it most certainly does not. Sun block SPF protects your skin from harmful sun rays, sun can lead to pre aging and can lead to horrible pigmentation, meaning your skin will have a darker colored marks and will not have an even tone and you will age way before time and look a zillion years older, which does take forever to happen but when it does there is no turning back at all.

I my self hate the texture of sun block, its normally thick, does not feel nice and makes your face look and feel oily, so if that’s not your cup of tea…. You have options!

1)      Buy a moisturizer which has SPF in it (NOTHING LESS THEN 30)

2)      Invest in a Primer, they are a lot of primers in the market which act as a moisturizer and also have SPF in them, that takes two main steps away from what should be your daily skin care routine.

3)      Or just get a sun block

Facts

Your face, neck and hands are most prone to dryness and premature aging if not given enough hydrating moisturizer and not protected well enough from the sun… 

dry skin types age faster then oily and combination skin types.. the natural oil of your face keeps your skin hydrated so do not take drastic measures to block your pores to keep the oil out. 

Recommendations

Neutrogena Healthy Defense® Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 - Tinted & Untinted

Bobby Brown SPF 50 UV PROTECTIVE FACE BASE

Laura mercier tinted moisturizer/ primer with SPF

The Bobby Brown and Laura mercier ones will be on the expensive side but are just amazing, (Bobby Brown is abit oily though, so if you have dry skin would be ideal and for days you dont plan on being in the sun).

But a great affordable option is the neutrogena one, used and tested and very good! iv have been using neutrogena  for ages as daily wear and absolutly love it.