Elie Saab: Spring 2013 Couture Collection

How does this man keep on launching one great collection after the other? My friends will tell you how obsessed I am with Elie Saab's designs. He is one of my favorite designers. Every single collection of his, to date has not failed to impress me. I am left speechless every time I view anything his designs. Yes, I tend to walk in slow motion while passing by the Elie Saab boutique in Dubai Mall. Yes, I tried on an Elie Saab gown and didn't want to get out of it.

If I had two designers that I could pick to fill my wardrobe with, it would undoubtedly be Giorgio Armani and Elie Saab (can I also get Valentino?). Having said that, Elie Saab's Spring 2013 Couture collection is fit for royalty as has his previous collections.

I can describe this collection in one word: stellar. Saab presents his signature crystal beading, embroidery, lace, chiffon and luxurious flowing gowns in a palette of pastels, reds and blacks. He makes the designs look incredibly effortless and ethereal...each piece exudes a potent magic of it's own. Something that really stood out of Elie Saab's material make up was the inclusion of the baroque print. I've never been favorable towards this print ever since it hit the runway last year (remember D&G?) but Saab has incorporated minor slices of the print making it...well, a little bearable. But given a chance, I wouldn't go for any piece that features this print because it's just too overwhelming and bold for me.

Here are my favorites from the exceptionally beautiful Spring 2013 Couture collection. I WANT THEM ALL.

As much as I love Elie Saab, the show stopper (below) in my opinion was a major disappointment. This is something I'd expect Lady Gaga to wear. At least, last year's show stopper was gorgeous. 

So there you have it. Which one's your favorite?

Best Nude Pink Lipstick

I went a little crazy this month buying a ton of beauty and skincare stuff...don't judge me, hmph! I'll post all about my purchases soon.

Having said that, I'm so happy I found this. To begin with, I don't even know if there's something called a 'nude pink' lipstick. The reason why I chose those terms is because this lipstick color matches (to some extent) the color of my lips. It's subtle too- not in your face.

It's by a US brand called Julie Hewett and the name of the lipstick is Anette. The Julie Hewett line is available at Make Up Etc. I happened to come across this little boutique by chance when I was at the Palm Strip Mall in Jumeirah. Located in a corner is this make up store that sells a variety of makeup brands direct from the US including Sacha Juan hair products (dubbed as the miracle hair product brand).

I love the color of the lipstick. It's not too bright or too light- it's just right! It's also not too glossy or shimmery- I hate gloss . It's semi-matte which is totally amazing (I love matte lipsticks) and has excellent staying power.

A few years ago, I used to have a lipstick from Lord and Berry (a popular UK brand). It was my favorite matte lipstick- it was amazing, amazing, amazing. The Dubai branch selling it in the mall happened to close shop and I was left with zero supply of the lipstick. I went on to search for a similar color from other brands but in vain. I even told my friends in London to buy it for me if they ever spotted it. So, anyway I'm glad I happened to see Make Up Etc before stepping in a chocolate truffles store (which is right next to it haha).

Quick Beauty: Filing Nails

We all love doing our nails, right? Here's one thing you must keep in mind while filing your nails.

In order to shape our nails, we/ the nail technician often go back and forth with the nail file. Stop doing that.

Filing in this direction weakens the nails, causes it to split and in some occasions, even peel off. The solution to this is to file nails in one direction only- either left or right from the outer edge. I asked my nail technician to implement this whenever I go for a manicure.

Fashion Trend: Galaxy Print

This print, hands down is one beautiful print. I remember seeing the galaxy print on nails last year and was quite shocked that this nail art could be achieved at home- who knew something that looked so intricate was this easy to do?

Image credit: Symone Oei

Having said that, the galaxy print then rolled out on skirts and handbags. This year I saw a pair of galaxy leggings on fellow blogger, Luanne. Aren't they amazing?

I've always stayed away from prints when it comes to leggings, denims and similar. Prints on shirts is fine but I don't find prints on other clothing appealing. However, I think the milky way inspired trend might just change my mind.

  

Image credit: The Secret Avenue

Image credit: Scissors and Thread

Beauty Launches In 2013: What To Expect

There are some exciting launches taking place in 2013, some as early as January. Here's my compilation of what to expect in the new year. Note that these are not based on press releases but information I have come across hence launches and other details are susceptible to change.

Clinique will introduce us to an addition to the family of Moisture Surge products. The latest is their Moisture Surge Overnight Mask. Yea, this one is totally one I will try although I'm loyal to my favorite Clarins Hydra Quench Cream Mask.

Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask

I love macaroons (just give me a box of these and I will be a happy bunny). Estee Lauder will launch a set of 5 limited edition pastel colored nail polishes inspired by macaroons. I really love Estee Lauder polishes (my first one was Midnight Blue- a deep plum color) and have a favorite from the new line already (the blue one).

Estee Lauder Collection

One of my favorite beauty brands, Benefit Cosmetics will launch 3 limited edition eye shadow palette entitled World Famous Neutral Kits. Each kit contains 2 cream eye shadows and 4 powder eye shadows. The kits have palettes of browns, purples/lilacs and champagne/pinks. Benefit also has a new launch that takes place in March 2013 (in the UAE) and it's called Fine One One.

Benefit Cosmetics World Famous Neutrals

Essie, everyone's favorite nail polish brand is jumping on the nail wraps/nail stickers bandwagon. Yep, we'll be able to show off our talons in Essie approved designs ranging from metallics to studs and lace. Here's a selection of a few designs from the line.

Essie Nail Wraps

 OPI collaborates with Mariah Carey to launch 8 nail polishes called Liquid Sand. True to it's name, Liquid Sand polishes have a matte and textured finish...basically, something you feel when you put a clear polish on your nail and dip it in glitter (I know because I did this on one nail and promptly removed it because the feel was like sandpaper). Want to see how the nails look when you apply Liquid Sand?

OPI Mariah Carey

Another favorite of mine, Giorgio Armani will present their Pop Makeup Collection to the world in early Jan 2013. From eyes to face- the new collection focuses on a pop of color along with nudes.

Giorgio Armani Pop Makeup Collection

And that's a wrap! I'm looking to Estee Lauder's nail polishes, Giorgio Armani's Pop Makeup Collection and Benefit Cosmetics' Fine One One.

I haven't come across new hair-care product launches. If you have, let me know in the comments section.