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.

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.

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.

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.

Recipe : Chocolate Walnut Tart

The perfect combination of crumbly crust, smooth ganache and walnuts on top. This chocolate tart is fantastic at tea time or after dinner.

And this super easy dessert can be served on its own, with a scoop of your favorite ice cream or just top it with some fresh fruits.

Best of all, it doesn't require any baking!



Total time : 4 - 5 Hours

Yield : 8 to 10 servings

Ingredients:

Tart shell: 

•  Digestive biscuits - 250 gm (you can use 400 gm for thicker base)
• Unsalted butter - 50 gm
• Almonds - 10 - 20 pcs (optional)

Filling:

•  Heavy cream - 250 ml (I used puck)
•  Milk or Dark chocolate - 250 gm or 120 gm each
•  Nutella - 2 to 3 tablespoons
•  Sugar - 2 tablespoons (optional)
•  Walnuts - for garnishing
•  Ice cream - for serving

Preparation of the base:

1. Place the biscuits and almonds in a food processor and blender into fine crumbs.
2. Put the mixture into a nonstick frying pan, pour melted butter and cook for around 3 to 4 minutes.
3. After this time remove the mixture to the tart pan (preferably with a removable bottom) press with a spoon or spatula and let cool in the fridge while you make the filling.

Prepare the ganache:

1. In a saucepan, heat 250 ml of heavy cream until it starts to bubble.
2. Add chocolate, nutella and sugar, continuously stirring with a spatula to dissolve them.
3. Once dissolved completely, remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Final preparation:

1. Pour the filling on the cold tart base and spread evenly.
2. Put in the refrigerator for about 4 - 5 hours, preferably overnight.
3. Just before serving, remove the tart from the tin and garnish with walnuts, strawberries or any other toppings of your choice.
4. Dust lightly with icing sugar and serve with ice cream scoop or whipped cream.

Rock your dinner / tea time party with this yummiest and easiest tart.

If you would like to try out this recipe or you've tried do let me know how it turned out in the comments below.

Love,

Razeen Zunair.