Tuesday 22 September 2015

Review: Max Factor FaceFinity All Day Flawless 3 in 1 Foundation

Hello beauties,

We all struggle to find that one holy grail face product that matches all our requirements, would suit our skin type and fix all those imperfections. Especially for people like me, who have combination skin. It gets really hard to find something that can actually sit on your skin for good time.

Today I'm talking about a new foundation I grabbed this weekend. It's Max Factor Face Finity All-Day Flawless 3 in 1 Foundation
As the name suggests its more of a heavy duty foundation with primer, concealer and foundation itself.


 Max Factor claims:

Face Finity All Day Flawless 3 in 1 foundation holds like a primer, corrects like a concealer with the long-lasting finish of a liquid foundation with SPF 20.

  • Lasts all day, giving a flawless finish
  • Primer gives a smooth base for hold
  • Concealer corrects for a flawless look


This comes in a classic sleek glass bottle with lockable pump dispenser. I prefer liquid products with pump dispenser, they're easy to use and hygienic as well. And for me, if a foundation doesn't have a pump, it's a deal-breaker! Unless it's one hell of a product(lol).




The texture of the foundation is thick, really thick! Since it works as a primer, concealer and foundation, it's easy to apply and blend. Even after this super thick consistency, it's surprisingly light on the skin and doesn't feel sticky or heavy at all! Only small amount is needed to cover entire face with good coverage. It has build-able normal to full coverage, doesn't sink into pores or settle in fine lines. The texture is so easy to blend, it doesn't feel dry or patchy. Lightweight formula of this foundation doesn’t cake or fade and last through the day.


Personally, I don't like to hide all the imperfections completely, specially for everyday makeup; I prefer minimal makeup over high coverage. 2 pumps of this foundation are pretty much enough for medium coverage without being chalky. I like how it gives nice matte finish to my skin with pretty glow.
However you can apply more or less product for your desired coverage.


Because of the thickness, it covers pigmentation and minor skin issues like dark circles or redness pretty well. But it cannot take care of acne or scars, you'll have to opt for a concealer to hide them or apply more product to fade them a little more.


The staying power is good, it's Oil-free and doesn't melt or smudge for good time. Without any setting powder it stays for good 5 to 6 hours without budging or fading, with a setting powder you can extend the staying time much more.


Now the question remains, is it really a 3 in 1? Does it live up to the hype? Well, its a big YES! This foundation is a perfect three in one, not less than any high end, premium foundation, but you can get this in your local drugstore.


So if you're looking for good affordable foundation you can definitely try FaceFinity All Day Flawless 3 in 1. This also comes in a huge variety of colors so it’s easy to find a shade that’s right for you.

And if you've already tried it, do let me know if it was a hit or miss for you.



I hope you find this post helpful.

Love,

Razeen Zunair.

Tuesday 15 September 2015

Just got a Liebster Award!

It's such a pleasure when you are appreciated for your hard work. And specially when it comes from fellow bloggers!
I received my nomination from Sehrish Umair. Thanks for this nomination Sehrish. 

Most bloggers, at some point, have heard of or received the Liebster Award, unless you're a newbie.
Until last week I had not heard of this award, after some indagation it turned out that The Liebster Award is an online award that gets passed to new bloggers by fellow bloggers who've been on the scene for a while. It's a great way to give new bloggers recognition and encouragement.

The rules are pretty much simple. After you receive the nomination, the following rules apply:

  1. Thank the blogger who nominated you with a link back to his/her blog
  2. Answer the 10 questions asked by the nominator
  3. Nominate 5 – 10 bloggers with under 500 followers
  4. Create 10 questions for the nominees
  5. Display the Liebster Award logo on your page
  6. List these 6 rules on your post (feel free to copy and paste)

My Answers:

1. What three items are always in your purse?

My bag has tons of stuff in it. Apart from the basics my other mandatory items include my go-to makeup kit, chewing gum and hand moisturizer.

2. How you started your Blog?

I'm obsessed with makeup and beauty products! I'm following many bloggers and makeup guru's and watching/reading their blogs and channels inspired me to start a blog of my own.

3. What is the most memorable moment of your life?

There are Many! The recent most has to be My Wedding Day.

4. What is your favorite food?

I'm not into any individual dish or cuisine, I love every spicy thing!

5. Which makeup brand is your favorite other than MAC?

Rimmel London!

6. What is the most important thing for you without which you can not live?

There's no such thing, But my Family!

7. Your most favorite blog to read is?

There are so many. It's gonna take me days if I start listing them :D

8. What is your biggest wish in life?

Perform Hajj (Islamic Pilgrimage) with my Family. In sha Allah.

9. Your favorite quote?

"Family, where life begins and love never ends"
"I can and I will!"
"Comparison is the thief of joy"

10. How you felt when you got nominated for your first Award?

It made me Happy.



Here are all the beautiful ladies I nominate for The Liebster Award.


And my question for you are:


  1. If you could have 3 wishes, what would they be?
  2. Why did you start blogging?
  3. What does blogging mean to you?
  4. 3 things you cannot live without?
  5. What are some of your favorite blogs to read and why?
  6. Your most favorite beauty product?
  7. What is the most expensive makeup product you own?
  8. If you could give new bloggers one tip, what would it be?
  9. What is your favorite sweet?
  10. What is your biggest fear? 
Enjoy!

Sunday 13 September 2015

6 DIY Face Masks for Glowing Skin

Hello Beauties, don't you wish to have healthy glowing skin without digging a hole in your pocket? Well now is the time to say good-bye to expensive makeup products.

Home made skin care remedies are best to keep your skin younger and glowing.

Whereas getting a professional treatment every other week is not only expensive but also not good for skin, as it exposes our skin to harmful chemicals which eventually damages our skin.
And honestly, managing things at work or at home, and at times both, leaves us very little time to take care of ourself and we can't spend hours at the spa.

So here is something to save your time and money. Just head to your kitchen and pamper yourself with these simple homemade facial masks.

Gram-flour and Turmeric Face Mask

Gram-flour is known to be a popular skin whitening ingredient and at the same time it soaks up the excess oils from the skin, while turmeric helps with inflammatory skin problems like acne and eczema. Turmeric also helps reduce pigmentation and evens out skin tone.

All you need is:

2 tbsp gram-flour
1 tsp turmeric
1 tbsp milk
1 tsp honey
1 tsp lemon juice
And water to make a paste. (Not too thick not too runny)

Mix all the ingredients well and apply a thin layer on your skin and let dry for 30 mins or until dried out. Wash off with warm water, scrubbing gently to remove.


Egg Face Mask

Egg white is great for toning and tightening skin and shrinks large pores.
Additionally, it contains an ingredient known as Iysozyme, an enzyme that kills acne-causing bacteria.

What you need :

1 Egg white
Tissue papers
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp honey

Whisk egg white and lemon juice and apply little bit on your face with a brush or cotton pad.
Cut tissue paper in 2 to 3 inch wide strips and stick on wet skin. Apply one more layer of the mixture with a brush or cotton pad and let dry. Once dried completely, peel off and rinse your face with warm water.



Milk Face Mask

Do you know raw milk is a natural facial cleanser? Yes, you read it right. It ejects all the dirt and dead cells from your skin and doesn't clog your pores.

What you need:

2 tbsp milk
1 tsp honey
1 slice of cucumber or aloe vera gel. Or both if you want.

Mix them properly in a fine paste and apply on clean face and neck. Leave for 20 to 30 minutes and wash away.



Avocado Face Mask

Here's another way to give yourself a fancy spa facial at home. Avocado contains high amount of vitamin E and natural oils which nourishes and hydrates skin. It is extremely moisturizing without clogging pores.

All you need is:

1/2 soft avocado
1 tsp honey
1 tsp full fat yogurt

Mash avocado with fork in a small bowl. Add in honey and yogurt and mix until smooth.
Apply a thick layer on skin with dry hands or brush. let sit for 20 to 30 minutes and wash away with water.



Banana Face Mask

Bananas are one of the most popular fruits that are available all year round.


What you need:

1/2 banana
1 tsp honey
1 tsp orange or lemon juice

Mash banana into fine paste and add lemon / orange juice along with honey. Mix well and apply on skin. leave for 20 minutes and wash with warm water.
*Don't forget to tie back your hair as it gets very sticky.



Papaya and Honey Face Mask

Papayas contain a very powerful enzyme called papain which not only heels irritated skin but removes dead skin cells too. It is also rich in vitamins and has great anti-aging properties.


What you need:

1/4 papaya
1 tsp honey
Few drops of lemon

Peel, de-seed and cut the payapa. Blend with honey and lemon juice into fine paste and apply to face for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.




What do you use to make sure your skin stays clear and healthy?

I hope you find this post helpful.

Love,

Razeen Zunair.

Tuesday 8 September 2015

How I Remove My Makeup

Proper makeup removal is such an essential step towards having great and clear skin. We all feel lazy after long day/night out, no matter how lazy or tired we may be, removing makeup is absolute Must! Especially at night. Never sleep with your makeup on!
Leaving makeup on can lead to clogged pores, acne, redness and many other things you would not like to happen to your skin. It is very very important to remove your makeup off properly. In short, proper cleansing ensures your skin looks young and healthy.


I have used face wipes and other oil based eye makeup removers, but they never really work removing the make up 100%
And I always ended up washing my face with a regular face wash to get off my makeup.

Today I'm talking about my current makeup remover, plus some other natural alternatives that are equally good to remove make up.

Byphasse Micellaire Water


I love a bargain! Especially when it's a dupe for highly raved about products. Well, this Byphasse Micellaire Water is a pretty good dupe for Bioderma Micellaire Solution, at a fraction of the price!
Bioderma retails at AED 95 for 500 ml, Byphasse is AED 39 for 500 ml!

Byphasse Micellaire Water is for dry sensitive and irritated skin. Micellaire waters are suitable for almost all skin types as they're very gentle on the skin.



The first time I tried it out, I had full makeup on with eyeliner, kohl and loads of mascara, I was amazed how effortlessly it removed all my makeup. It felt just like water, not oily at all.

I put a tiny bit onto a cotton pad and put it on my eyes to let my makeup melt, after 20-30 seconds I just wipe it off lightly and most of the makeup is gone in first wipe. And then gently wipe whatever is left. It works same for face make up also.
But you'll need to rinse your face afterwards, as it's little soapy and can leave your skin tacky if not rinsed with water.
I personally don't feel comfortable unless I wash my face clean after removing my makeup.


So, I did a little experiment with this micellaire water and it works great. The products on my hand include : 3 eye shadows, mascara and black kohl, they are the most stubborn to remove.




And this is just one swipe !

Alternatives


1- Olive Oil works like charm. It is also a great moisturizer, so your skin will feel really soft and supple after you've washed the oil off.

2- Aloe Vera works great to remove makeup and soothe your skin. Its very gentle on the skin, especially eye area. If your eyes are feeling irritated or puffy, the aloe will calm down any inflammation. 

3- Baby Oil/Lotion is great alternative to remove makeup as a creamy or oily cleanser. you can wash your face with a regular face wash afterwards.

4- Coconut Oil is for everything. It nourishes your skin and is a natural way to make your skin soft, radiant and protecting against cracking.










How do you remove your makeup? Do let me know in the comments below!

Love,

Razeen Zunair.

Sunday 6 September 2015

Art Deco Haul - Pure Mineral Foundation and Pressed Powder

When I was shopping for my wedding makeup, I was introduced to ArtDeco, a German brand. Which after a while I came to know is a best seller in Europe and Germany.
It has a wide range of cosmetics, there's pure mineral range, HD foundations, eye shadows, liners and mascaras, blush and so much more...

I bought foundation and a pressed powder from ArtDeco's pure minerals range along with a mascara.

Pure Minerals Fluid Foundation:

We all want that foundation which doesn't harm our skin, gives flawless finish yet looks natural. And the foundation I'm talking about is definitely one of those.
Depending on the amount you use, it gives medium to high coverage and evens out skin imperfections and double tones.
It's mineral formula is very light on skin which gives very creamy and velvety finish, hiding all the fine lines and pores.
Giving a matte finish, staying power of this foundation is good and doesn't move or oil skin for good 5 - 6 hours.








Pure Minerals Face Powder:

This pressed powder is extremely soft on the skin, it goes so smooth and doesn't cake my skin.
It's so light weight and hides all the imperfections and you can barely feel anything on you skin. The finish is very sheer with great oil control.
If you have really oily or sensitive skin, do give this powder a try. You won't regret buying it.




All in One Mascara:

This mascara promises perfect eyelash styling, provide maximum volume, length and curl. One coat goes on pretty well, but if you want more volume and length, go with two or until you get your desired result. Make sure to allow dry time between coats to avoid clumps. If the first coat is still not dried it's gonna clump your lashes and ruin your eye makeup. Believe me, I had that terrible moment many times :/




Overall I recommend the foundation and compact for all skin types. do give it a try.

Available at :

Pakistan - Raja Sahib

Dubai:

VaVaVoom - Mirdif City Centre,
Paris Gallery - Deira City Centre, Dubai Festival City, Dubai Mall, Marina Mall.
Debenhams - Ibn Batuta Mall

Sharjah:

Paris Gallery - Mega Mall
Debenhams - Sahara City Centre

Al Ain & Abu Dhabi:

Kiosk - Yas Mall & Al-Ain Mall.


If you tried any of these products do let me know they turned out.

Love,

Razeen Zunair.

Thursday 3 September 2015

Review: Rimmel stay matte setting powder

No matter what skin type you have, if you live in a hot and humid weather you definitely gonna have oily patches on your skin, which will end up ruining your flawless makeup. The best way to avoid oily skin is to set it with a pressed powder.

Pressed powders are a great pick over loose translucent powders as they don't get messy like loose powders.

Today I'm talking about Rimmel stay matte pressed powder.

I've been using Maybelline Clear Smooth - All in one powder for a long time and as it was about to finish I rushed to try something new. I read much about Rimmel stay matte powder and I was eyeing to buy this for a long time, and finally last week saw 20% off on lifestyle and not missing this chance, I grabbed it along with some other goodies (lol).

I bought the shade silky beige which perfectly matched my skin. The color is very light beige but when blended and set it looks transparent. It has very soft satin finish and doesn't make my skin look cakey, blends so well.

Rimmel claims that this product keeps you shine free for 5+ hours, which didn't work for me as I live in UAE. (if you're a UAE resident, you know my pain).
And if you have very oily skin or live in very hot and humid weather, you gonna need touch ups after 3 to 4 hours.

Apart from that I had great experience with this powder, and I'm definitely gonna repurchase it.

The only thing bothers me is the packing! Its not travel friendly at all. Doesn't come with a mirror or any applicator. You'll need to keep a brush or puff if you plan to carry it in your bag plus you'll have to be very careful as the lid is very light plastic and can break.

Leave a comment below if you tried or would like to try out this product do let me know how it turned out on your skin.

Love,

Razeen Zunair.

Tuesday 1 September 2015

Review: MUA Lipstick - Shade 1

Hello lovelies! Today's post is about my favorite product, Lipstick!

I have something for lipsticks (lol). I just love lipsticks, every color and texture! Nude or Bold, Matte or Glossy, I just loveeee them! I don't remember if I ever left my home without wearing a lipstick.

And today I'm reviewing one of my favorite red lipstick, Which is MUA lipstick - Shade 1.




First of all, the packaging is very simple but cheap looking, but that's totally acceptable for this small price.
It has a twist-able, transparent section at the bottom which represents the shade of the lipstick. That's actually extra product which can be used with a lip brush to detail your lip line.


Now the quality of this lipstick is the main question for such a tiny price tag. If not better, this lipstick is at least drug store quality. I love the products which are pocket friendly and at the same are good quality.

Shade 1 is a deep, blood-red with satin-glossy finish. It is super pigmented, and literally needs only one swipe to get the desired color. It glides so smoothly on your lips leaving them so soft and creamy.


It gives a good stay for 3 to 4 hours but not gonna survive meals. You can't expect a £1 lipstick to last for 12 hours.


I'd definitely recommend you to try out this product. Super affordable and good quality. These lipsticks are worth a try.

Have you tried this lipstick? Do let me know in the comments below.