June Favourites

Its been quite a while since I updated you guys on my new fave products. So there are some things I've tried and tested over the past few weeks and the ones featured on this post have made it to my "must have" list for the month.
Let's start off with:
1. Revlon colorburst lip tints: I don't usually wear lipstick to work and now that I'm so used to staining my lips Merlot on date nights and weekends with the girls, I find that I look pale and tired without any color on, the rest of the week. I do not wish to wear garish colors to work and so I've always been on the lookout for long wear tinted lip balm, that moisturizes and tints at the same time. And after trying out many products, I finally have something to shout about! I love these chubby stick replicas that are, to me, even better than the original ones. They are absolutely amazing, give great colour and 6 hours moisture. They even taste and smell yummy, so bonus points for that! My top 3 shades are-
Balm stain in "Honey Douce" 001 which is a petal pink stain and my every day work wear.(Highly recommended).
Laquer Balm in "Ingenue", a high-shine brownish-nude, gloss like finish for when I wear heavier winged liner and want my lips looking neutral but still super shiny.
Balm stain in "Crush Beguin" 005, which I save for my work trips to the mall, and hence it has a merlot tint to it!
I highly recommend these tinted balms if you hate cracking and dry lipstick-ed lips on work days when you really don't have the time for touch ups!

2.Sally Hansen "Big Shiny" topcoat : As much as I love matte nail colors, I have to say that I love glossy nails a little more . There's something very classy and feminine about high shine PVC finish nails on a woman and especially when they reflect natural light. Which is why I love a good top coat. Something that helps my nail color last longer and leaves a lacquer like finish. Enter: Sally Hansen. It's no secret that I'm a big fan of Sally Hansen products, they always make an appearance on my product reviews. This topcoat was an impulse buy. I'm not going to lie, and I only picked it up because of the beautiful casing. But ladies, it really is super glossy and dries off in an instant, which is great for a klutz like me who cannot keep her hands steady after a manicure.

3.Rouge Edition Velvet matte lip gloss, Bourjois: This lip color has become the talk of my instagram account. I have a lot of girls asking me about the color I'm wearing and it was always this. I purchased this after a very good friend of mine recommended it to me. She purchased a pink shade and it looked amazing on her as she's quite fair. I loved the pink but it didn't suit my dusky complexion so I turned to my all time favorite - deep red. The color that everyone loves on me is "Grand Cru" 008. This lipstick is the bomb. It makes me feel like a sexy Jessica Rabbit in seconds of application and leaves a velvety-matte finish and OH  MY GOD, I LOVE IT. It is extremely hard to take off with just water and face wash though, but that doesn't bother me one bit. Nothing a good make up remover cant fix.
Note: You cannot wet your lips before application and even the upper part of your lips that tend to get moist due to saliva, has to be completely dry before you apply the product, else the color wont catch because of the consistency. Be patient with it and it will reward you greatly.

4. Victoria's Secret Sensual Blush: A great summer body mist is a must for me after I step out of the shower and now that it's summer, I love fragrances with a hint of floral scent,but not over powering. Which is why I love this pink lotus scented mist by VS.

5. Victoria's Secret Runway Ready Backstage glow: Saving the best for last, as always. This product is a god send girls, trust me. If you guys didn't know, I suffered from mild Lichen Planus when I was younger. It's a skin infection where there's a war going on between my antibodies and my skin cells, which in turn, left horrible marks all over my skin. Although it cleared up very well, I still have a few scars on my legs and wrists.  Bronzer is a must for me when I wear dresses and skirts and I've always been using Inglot's AMC bronzer which didn't completely satisfy me, as  the only color that they made, make my legs look 100 times darker than my actual skin tone. Plus, it was a tiny, palm-sized tube for 10 BD.
I chanced upon the backstage glow bronzer at an event at VS last month and although it didn't look too promising because it came in a generous container and was priced at only 11 BD, I decided to give it a try anyway. Girls, say hello to my bronzer for life! It not only makes my legs look super sexy and radiant, it smells great and gives off a summer tanned- bronze glow! In the previous outfit post of mine, I'm wearing the bronzer , so you can check it out there, or try it out yourself. Now I must warn you that this comes in only one color so it might not work for fair skinned women. But dusky women like me, try it out and let me know your thoughts because I really recommend it and think you will love it too. It's great to carry with you to the beach or simply for a sunny day out in a mini dress. It doesn't rub off that easily and although it may look red upon application, it turns bronze after it dries off and gives you sexy, sun- kissed legs in minutes! It easily washed off in the shower and is super easy "lotion-like" application and is perfect for summer and to even out the skin tone for your legs. (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED), but will smear off on white/light colour garments if rubbed against.

April Favourites!

 I love trying out new products every now and then and as soon as I fall in love with it hopelessly, I make sure I shout about it so that you guys can try it out yourself.

Now usually, I’m very skeptical about trying skincare products because my skin is extremely sensitive and I break out if something doesn't suit me. So after a lot of trial and Error and break outs, I've also fallen in love with a skin care range. So I switched from Dermalogica completely.

Let’s talk about my love affair with these guys…

·        Maybelline Dream Sun: I’m a huge fan of contouring and I look for matte bronzers during winters and the ones with a subtle shimmer for summer, to really make my skin glow. This is the ultimate everyday bronzer for me! It’s got 3 colors so I use the lightest shade under my eyes and on the top of my cheek bone and blend the medium and  darker shake right across my cheeks and on the corners of my nose. I love the soft shimmer and how my face glows in the sunlight!

·        Bare Minerals loose powder and Mineral Veil: I've switched from Benefit’s Oxygen Wow compact to this loose powder by Bare Minerals. I have combination skin and I hate it when My T zone gets oily! At first, I was reluctant to buy it but the store looked promising so I thought I’d buy it to test it out. The sales lady also suggested I try the mineral veil, which is a pink translucent powder that you simply dust on your face after your makeup application. In an impulse I purchased the jumbo power brush and guess what? These 3 guys have become my favorites! My skin stays matte for longer and I barely need touch ups! The mineral veil is my favorite among the lot and I really do vouch for it!

·        Gosh Lash Growth Serum: I’ll donate my entire shoe collection to the woman who doesn't want longer lashes. We all want beautiful, thick and fuller lashes and I decided to give this bad boy a chance. It was yet another impulse buy at Boots and although it promises fuller lashes in 2 weeks, I've got to be honest and say that it took longer than that. I've definitely seen some improvement and new hair growth in about a month. I apply this with the wand both on my upper and lower lash line before I go to bed and after being patient with it, It earned a spot on my favorites. Now this product comes with a mascara that helps in the growth too, so I’m definitely going to try that out as well!

·        Eucerin: This product was recommended to me by my dermatologist and although I started out with Eucerin’s dermopurifier range first, I've tried out almost all of the products they have and I absolutely love it. I especially love the ‘even brighter’ range that helps reduce pigmentation. I've been using the dermopurifier cleanser and the day and night crème from the EB range and I have to admit that my skin looks and feels so much healthier now!

·        Maybelline: I’m a sucker when it comes to kohl and eyeliner as you guys know and I love my white liner so much that I wanted a rich gold as well to add into my highlight kohl collection. The chromatics range from Maybelline is SO GOOD, you will want to buy them all. The color is extremely intense and upon application, it’s so smooth and rich, the color shows from a distance. I even got my friend in Qatar to buy it and she loved it. Even if all your other make up wears out after 8 hours, this will stay on until you wash it off! I highly recommend this.

So that’s all this month. I hope you guys try out some of these and give me your thoughts on them. I hope you love them as much as I do! Until the next update then!

xx.

Favourite Products update!

 Its been a while since I updated you guys about products I've been loving. Every month, without fail, I get introduced to new products- Either by my blogger friends, family , my BFF or just word of mouth. And with every product that I buy, I've either hated them , felt they were a waste of money (product now on my dressing table collecting dust) or I've loved them and they've become part of my routine and I'd actually go back and buy more.

So to start with, Lets say hello to my new lipstick. Now, you guys know I love my reds. I have about 6 shades of red, but that will never stop me from buying another one. This Chanel lipstick from the velvet collection was an unplanned buy. I had time to kill after work so I quickly popped into Sephora and tried on a few lipsticks. As I tried on the velvet range, and how great it felt on application and how sexy it looked after application, I knew it had to be mine. So obviously, I had to pick it up. Ladies, trust me. These are great and are long lasting even after you've downed a few cosmos!

 Ok now, these are two oils I'm LOVING at the moment. Both serve completely different purposes so lets start with Green Bar Inc's Hazelnut and lavender oil. Its baby oil and leaves my skin feeling super soft! I only have to apply a coin sized amount on both hands and although its slightly oily at first, after massaging the product in, it quickly vanishes and you'll just want to keep touching your hands. Bonus if you have someone else who wants to touch your hands ;)
I'm obsessed with long lashes and so I've been applying a mixture of castor oil and Vitamin E oil on my lashes with a mascara wand every night before I sleep. Its been a month now and I can safely say that this product has definitely helped. Its also a good thing to add in aloe vera gel to the mixture as it has thickening properties. Who doesn't want long lashes? So yeah, I highly recommend this and I highly recommend adding aloe vera gel while applying.

 I can't say enough good things about Benefit's "Hello Flawless" powder. The best thing about it is that it comes with a sponge and a brush so after your foundation you can either put the product on with the brush for a sheer finish or pat on with the sponge for extra coverage! This one is definitely a product that I don't think I'd ever change, Just like my MUFE foundation I raved about in my previous product update post.

 I received a sample of Giorgio Armani's Eyes to Kill mascara at a Saks blogger event and ever since,any other mascara I've used has just failed in front of this one.I actually went back and bought one. That's the power of a good product!
Now I'm not the one to spend 21 BD on a mascara but this one is definitely worth it! There's "Eyes to kill" and "Eyes to kill Excess" I love and recommend both if you want long, super dramatic eyes. I also love that it kinda smells like honey.

 Another hair oil apart from my fav TBS strawberry seed dry oil, is Kerastase's Elixir Ultime. I use two pumps on damp hair before blow drying  and it leaves my hair super shiny, soft and smelling absolutely DIVINE. I need to top up my buy on this.

 Who needs extractions when you can treat black heads at home? I don't have many blackheads but I use this because along with black heads and white heads, these babies pull out any impurities that's clogging your pores. I love how smooth my nose and forehead feel after I've pulled out the patch. I recommend the Nivea Refining clear up strips to any one who has a problem with black heads or whiteheads. You can even see all the impurities after you've pulled the patch out! It also pulls out hair so brownie points for that!

Have any favorite products? I'd love to try them! Go on and leave a comment. xxoo

Turkish Hammam at Pure Spa, Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel

Pure Spa- Waiting Area

We all know how great it feels to step into the shower after a long stressful day at work . The minute those first few drops of warm water run down your back, all you want to do is sit there and soak up the steam and relax. Know the feeling? Love it? Yeah so do I ! But wait, there’s something even better.

Yesterday, I got the chance to experience the Turkish Hammam, which, by the way, is the biggest in Bahrain, at Pure Spa in Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel, Bahrain City Center.

Upon arriving, I didn't know what to expect. I expected something similar to a Moroccan bath but I ended up being pampered for a good 45 minutes, and it was a whole lot better than a Moroccan bath.

The friendly staff greeted me and showed me into the changing room, well equipped with individual lockers containing a few bath and hygiene essentials, a spa robe and super comfy spa slippers.

Eager to check out the Hammam, I quickly changed and went in. The spa offers disposable underwear for the treatment, but you may bring your own bikini if you like. Note that it has to be a two piece and not a swimsuit. Also, If you’re wearing any makeup, you will want to take it off before the treatment.

I was welcomed into the treatment room by my therapist named Huda, who was extremely friendly and kind. She guided me into the Hammam’s wet lounge, consisting of 4 mini pools, each set to a certain temperature. I relaxed in a pool of beautiful warm water. It was right then I could feel all my stress melt away. Just like that. And this was only the beginning!

After 10 minutes, I was escorted into the Hammam. It was a huge room that accommodated a large, heated marble stone bed in the center, where the treatment is performed. The room is set at 45 degrees so it’s like being in a giant sauna while being scrubbed and massaged at the same time. After the first 20 minutes while I was being scrubbed squeaky clean with the traditional kese mitt, Huda then, with all her expertise, creates a blanket of foam to envelope me in and I’m not kidding when I say, the way the foam is created is something you guys have to see! (Don’t try it at home. You cant, even if you wanted to.) All your stress will completely disown you as you're being pampered on a hot stone bed.A very soothing foam massage and a quick hair wash later, I was taken back out into the wet lounge again, and this time I was asked to immerse myself in a mini pool, set to 12* C. I was hesitant at first but Huda made it so easy on me and asked me to be quick at it, so the cold water doesn't hit me that hard.

The feeling of spending 45 minutes in a steam room and then dipping into a chilled pool is really something else and completely makes you feel de-stressed, rejuvenated and fresh!

Back in the changing room, I dried my hair and took my time getting dressed whilst sipping on some hot ginger tea.

Now apart from the traditional Turkish hammam, you can choose from a variety of treatments* in the hammam, like the Royal hammam, where you're being soaked in a honey mask or an Arabic Coffee hammam, where coffee beans are ground and used on the body to enhance the ancient experience through time. You can also book yourself the Private hammam or the Luxurious treatment , both promising to awaken your senses and let your mind wander to the tranquility of the ancient Ottomans.

* All the hammam treatments range from BD 30 to BD 60.

My first time experiencing a traditional Turkish Hammam where all the products used are 100% authentic from Turkey, and it was simply wonderful. I highly recommend this to any one who’s looking to pamper themselves or a loved one. The hammam is open to both men and women but there are fixed timings for men only and women only.

My suggestion? Book in an appointment with your close friends or family and take a day off to relax and unwind at Pure Spa! What are you waiting for? Your weekend looks wide open folks.

The Hammam Wet lounge

The Hammam Wet Lounge

Inside the Hammam

Massage room at Pure Spa

For more information or to book your appointment, feel free to call Pure Spa on +973 1717 1122 or email spa.bahrain@kempinski.com

You can even follow Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel, Bahrain on their official Facebook page by simply clicking HERE.

Product Review: Sally Hansen Maximum growth.

 As most of you know, I am a little crazy when it comes to nail polishes and because of my obsessive compulsive need to change my nail paint every 4-5 days, I've always struggled with brittle nails. I hate it when a nail breaks and I have to cut all the rest to even out the length to make my hands look pretty again.
Its been about two weeks of me using the Sally Hansen Maximum growth nail coat and I did notice that upon application, it actually makes the nail feel a lot more stronger.I used it on its own for the first week on bare nails and can I just say that the shine is insane! Its extremely glossy and two coats make your nails look like vinyl. The week after, I used it as a base coat, applied my regular nail polish and another coat of the Sally Hansen MG,because I wanted the shine. And guess what? My nails didn't break at all, they grew longer and I actually had to cut them off !!

So if you guys are looking for a product that will also help you with weak nails, I highly recommend this product! My suggestion would be to wear the product on its own, on un-polished nails for the first week and see the difference. You can use it as a top coat as well, but if you'd rather use another one, apply the product as a base coat, let it dry, and get on with your nail art as usual.

Product Review :The Body Shop

 As you all know, I've loved The Body Shop ever since I can remember and they only seem to keep impressing me with all the new products, be it an exclusive new celebrity collaborated collection or a single product on its own. I've already proclaimed to the world via Instagram and my FB page about the Tea Tree Oil and the Strawberry seed dry oil and all the wonders they have worked for me.
I've recently just added a few more products on my favorite's list and here's why...

Brazil Nut Cream body scrub: (Highly Recommended + )*
I kid you not when I say that this product is seriously mouth watering. It smells SO GOOD, you will want to eat it.I also love it because it's a perfect pampering product every girl must own. It scrubs off and exfoliates all the dryness off of your body and leaves the skin feeling soft and clean. The best part is that it's not too harsh on skin, unlike other exfoliating scrubs, and the creamy formula makes it super easy to apply.If you ever happen to go to the mall anytime soon, stop by TBS and take a whiff of this baby.
* For use in the shower only. Perfect for dry elbows and knees even!
Confession time- I actually tasted a little bit because, well...it smells THAT good.

Japanese Cherry Blossom spray: (Perfect fragrance for summer)
I wear perfume only at special events or night out's because I tend to stick to softer body sprays during the day time. There's something very sensual about smelling like delicate floral notes in the morning as opposed to strong smelling perfumes. Don't get me wrong, I love my Chloe Intense and Extreme Aigner, but I think its best to save such scents for the evening. That is why this Japanese cherry blossom spray is perfect to use on an everyday basis. It smells amazing and it's a very convenient size too. Easy to carry in my handbag to work, so double points for that!

Vitamin C skin Boost: (Highly Recommended)*
I dare you to not like this product. I have been using this ever since the "Pulse" event at The Body Shop, where it was a part of the goody bag and I have been using it till date. The formula is very very different from anything I've ever used before and it smells like oranges. It's not a serum exactly, more like a skin boosting primer. On application, it feels like silk on your skin just for 3 seconds and it completely blends in, which is amazing! I use this product as a base before I apply my makeup and even on no makeup days, I use it as a moisturizer. TRY THIS OUT.
* For Oily Skin: Don't use too much of the product, just a tiny pump for the face.

Vitamin E Cool BB Cream (Must try)
Finding the right foundation shade to suit your skin tone is always such a task and after the invention of BB creams, the same hunt began for the right color.I even have a few friends who do not use BB creams just because they don't want to go around looking for the exact color. Here's where the Vitamin E BB cream is perfect . It comes in one shade that suits all! Its hard to believe, but it really does. My sister is fairer than I am and both of us are using it. Amazing right? It has light-medium coverage and blends in very easily. Leaves  my skin feeling fresh and gives it a natural glow.  #Win

So until I discover more amazing products, Do try these out and leave your comments below and feel free to share your favorites with me too !