All Glammed Up With Glamazle.com

One of the things I absolutely love about online beauty stores is the fact that they manage to acquire certain cosmetics and skincare/haircare brands that aren't available in the UAE yet. I spend a chunk of my monthly savings on online shopping (be it clothes or cosmetics or accessories) and it's because they have something unique to offer. And I doubt I will shy away from the trend of purchasing online- it's quick and you can return products you aren't happy with.

Performance aside, I also tend to buy beauty products because of the packaging. One look at Giorgio Armani's sleek casing or Tom Ford's luxe lipsticks is enough to make me buy them, but never use them (weird, I know). How about Diptyque? Among other things, I love the brand for it's minimalist designs.  

I think I speak on everyone's behalf when I say buying beauty products online can get a bit tricky. Consider foundation, for example- this is where you have to swatch the product on your skin in order to ensure you buy the right shade. Lipsticks can get challenging as well. There's one brand I am itching to try and discovered it about 2 years ago. The ever so popular Colour Pop Cosmetics. Because this brand isn't available in the UAE, I watched countless videos on YouTube and read blog posts in order to narrow down which matte lipsticks (about 90% of my lip colors are matte) and eye shadows would best suit me. After months of deliberation, I finally decided to place my order during a sale weekend (the brand has these every now and then). I placed my order and every 24 hours, logged onto the delivery site to check on the status. For 15 days straight, my package was still marked as being at the "facility of origin". I finally lost patience and cancelled my order. I never got to try the brand and their wonderful lip colors. 

That was until I discovered local online beauty store, Glamazle.com stocked the brand! I was ecstatic and had stars in my eyes. During their second birthday celebration, they displayed quite a few brands that I had no idea were stocked locally. I was pleasantly surprised (and impressed).

Beauty Launch: Rimmel Scandaleyes Reloaded Mascara

Rimmel is one of those drugstore English brands that keeps churning out one good product after the other. My love affair with Rimmel first began years ago when I was gifted the Exaggerate eyeliner and the Kate Moss approved Long Lasting lipstick.

I used those two products religiously considering they were the first few makeup products in my arsenal. That beauty kit has now changed and expanded but my love for Rimmel stays constant. I particularly love their eye shadows, eyeliners and lipsticks (although I'm a matte fan, I can do with a little shine and gloss every now and then). And of course, no eye look is complete without a mascara.

To celebrate the launch of their latest Scandaleyes Reloaded mascara, they tapped into the girl who brought back strong eyebrows, Cara Delevingne. I love this girl's unique look and so thankful that she was brave enough to walk around with power eyebrows. She makes a fitting choice as Rimmel's brand ambassador!

Bourjois' Latest: The Volume Reveal Mascara

Of late, I've grown to love Parisenne brand, Bourjois. Their makeup is a delight to use and it never fails to impress. The very first product I used was the pot blush and I was quite impressed by the color pay off and longevity. The blush, being pigmented stayed on and did not budge for 4 hours straight. Later, I was introduced to the jumbo lip crayons and then the liquid matte lipsticks. Thus began my love for Bourjois.

What I love the most about them is that there's a notable product release every season. This season they introduced a new mascara, Volume Reveal. And I'm pleasantly surprised by the results.

The Glam Kit: Laura Mercier Spring/Summer '15 Collection

Do you get all excited when a new season arrives and along with it brings the latest in beauty? There's one word to describe Laura Mercier's Spring/Summer '15 collection: gorgeous.

There's nothing like an extraordinary highlighter or lipsticks that deposit brilliant color in one swipe. In essence, the collection is perfect for spring/summer and there are 2 products in particular that have grabbed my attention.

July Beauty Bliss

A new month, a new bunch of beauty goodies to tell you all about. Some of these have become a must have and you'll know why once you read on.

I love cinnamon. Take one whiff of it and it uplifts your senses (it does mine!). It's a spice that does wonders for the face and body and it reminds me of my new discovery: Davines Hammam Ritual Massage Cream.

It's a ridiculously amazing body moisturizer that has a lingering fragrance of Ylang-ylang and chili pepper. The consistency of the cream is just about right- you don't end up with a greasy finish.

Keeps my skin hydrated for hours; I use this immediately after a shower/bath. The skin absorbs the cream in an instant. Did you know that the essential oil from the Ylang-ylang flowers are used in aromatherapy products?

Since we are talking about showers, I wanted to reiterate how much I love Davines Replenishing Hair and Body Wash.

I use this mainly as a shampoo and it truly pampers my hair leaving it soft and frizz-free. I keep getting the "You've done something different to your hair" comment when I really haven't. Read more about why I love it so much.

My other discovery is Dermalogica's Special Cleansing Gel. This is a spa-material cleanser. It is a soap-free cleansing gel that contains mint and lavender.

I wished this cleanser had a mint fragrance but it is fragrance-free. A clear gel that foams to clean away impurities, it left my skin clean and soft to touch.

Lavender has all the calming properties in the world, so the inclusion of this ingredient in the cleanser is a bonus! You need just a small amount of the gel to cleanse the face; this bottle will last you for well over a month.

A moisturizer is a must and if it is light-weight, even better. Dr. Dennis Gross Hydra-Pure Oil Free Moisturizer is great to use in the morning and night.

The consistency is that of a serum & cream and is absorbed quickly by the skin. Packed with anti-aging ingredients, vitamins and anti-oxidants, this moisturizer not only keeps the skin supple, but also acts as an anti-acne cream preventing future breakouts and treating current ones.

 The moisturizer claims that it gets rid of all the 'plugs' created on our skin i.e blocked pores through the use of tap water. The 'plugs' is what gives rise to skin problems such as acne, blackheads etc. Sounds revolutionary to me. So many benefits in one cream!

What's summer without a pop of color? I love Bourjois' Color Boost Lipsticks. It's the latest in the lip crayon craze and it keeps lips protected from the harsh rays of the sun. Vibrant color and well hydrated lips? Read all about it.

And hey, let's not forget the pop of color on the cheeks. Benefit Cosmetics is one of my favorite make-up brands and when they launched their multi-tasking product called Fine One One, I made a bee-line for it. Gorgeous colors that work on the cheeks and lips- read why this is a must have.

Are you using a product that has become your favorite? Something you can't do without? Tell me all about it!

Review: Benefit Cosmetics Fine One One

You must know by now that Benefit Cosmetics is one of my favorite cosmetics brand. Any mention about Benefit and I'll join the conversation (that and gaming and watches- yes, I'm obsessed with watches).

I love Benefit's packaging and their products. The Benetint was the first product I ever purchased and it is my favorite to date. I appreciate the story behind each product and how they better your skin in an instant- if you want a flawless yet dewy complexion, try their amazing foundation Hello Flawless; if you want to sculpt your cheeks and make them pop with color, try the Bella Bamba Blush. And if you want instant sky high lashes (I'm not exaggerating), try They're Real. Although I have my favorite mascara (Giorgio Armani's Eyes To Kill Excess), They're Real are for those special occasions when you want everyone to stare at your eyes- they truly transform your lashes. I even had 2 of my friends become They're Real lovers after I kept blabbing about it.

Towards the end of December last year, I spotted the Fine One One and was blown away by what it was (who doesn't love fun beauty products?). I was told I had to wait another 3 months until it hit the Dubai shores. I'm impatient but managed to wait and wait (enter sarcastic remark about first world problems). And then out of the blue, one fine day the lovely people at Benefit Cosmetics Dubai sent me a pretty package. What was in it, you ask?

It felt like it was my birthday. I wanted to rip open the package but decided to behave like a lady.

The Fine One One comes in Benefit's trademark packaging- pretty and glossy in a box you wouldn't want to throw away. The packaging reflects the product's casing inside- rose gold.

Fine One One is a multi-functional product. It is a brightening lip and cheek trio designed to make you look pretty in a flash.

The three pigments play different roles- the pink champagne acts as a highlighter, the sheer watermelon is to give you a flush of color while the coral sculpts your cheeks.

It's fairly easy to apply- hold it against your cheek so the highlighter faces the top and swipe it upwards in one go. You'll see three different strokes of color once done.

Fine One One is cream based so once you apply it, blending is the way to go. You'll notice a beautiful watermelon-y coral-y finish. Say hello to Spring/Summer-ready cheeks. You can even apply multiple strokes to achieve the desired intensity. I reckon this would look fab when you wear those summer dresses with floral prints.

Swatch (no blending)- see the three colors? 

The blended version

Its staying power is perfect- it lasts for more than 6 hours without caking, smudging or fading (I have normal-to-dry skin). No touch-ups required either. Upon application however, I realized  the watermelon color is more prominent than the coral. For the lips, you obviously don't apply all 3. I haven't tried it yet and I doubt I will- this looks pretty enough for the cheeks.

It's a trusty makeup partner and will not let you down. Once again, I'm impressed by this offering. Try something new today and tell me what you think!

Fine One One is available in stores across the UAE.

*The product was sent by the brand/ its reps for a review. All reviews are based on my personal experience & outcome thereby presenting an honest opinion to the readers.

Review: Bourjois Healthy Mix Blush

I love blush- be it liquid, powder or cream based. Ever since I figured out how to apply blush properly, I went and brought a handful of them. A little color on the cheeks makes a huge difference. And when I received the Bourjois' Healthy Mix Blush, I went hurray!

It's looks coral in the pot but when you apply it on the cheeks, it's a blend of soft pink and coral. It's perfect for the summer season. You don't want your cheeks to scream out blush.

The picture unfortunately, didn't capture the color correctly (took this shot in bright daylight- looked fine on camera but once transferred, it appeared otherwise). On the left you can see the swatch and next to it is the blended version.

In terms of staying power, it is long lasting. Some blushes have a habit of fading away after a few hours of application but the Healthy Mix blush stays put and does give that lovely glow to the face. The color isn't too intense or too sheer. It may not show up on darker skin tones with one swirl.

And since it's palm sized, it fits into your handbag for those lazy mornings when you can't really be bothered to do anything with your face except for a pop of color on the cheeks.

Do you have a blush you swear by?

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.

Want: Benefit Cosmetics' Fine One One

This went waaaay on top of my wishlist. I love Benefit- so, when I discovered their latest called Fine One One, the beauty alarm went off! It's a multi-purpose sheer lip and cheek trio (similar to my favorite cheek stain)- 3 colors in one and comes in a case that looks like those vintage cigarette lighters (no, I don't smoke).

 

The beauty of it is you apply all colors in one go. Sounds a bit "What the?!" but wait until you hear why. The pink champagne acts as a highlighter, right below that shade is a sheer watermelon followed by coral. When the last 2 colors are blended together, it give a natural flush of color on your cheeks. And of course, you can select which color you want on your lips.

Sounds like a fun product! Can't wait until it arrives in the UAE market. 

Review: Mikyajy Jetsetter Makeup Palette

I said it before and I'll say it again- Mikyajy is the most colorful makeup brand I've come across. It's quite apt for the region's women who love vibrant colors. So when Mikyajy sent their latest called  Jetsetter, I was amused. This wasn't your standard makeup set.

This set was probably designed keeping in mind girls on the move. Jetsetter features 5 detachable makeup palettes. Yes, you don't need to carry the entire set with you. Just separate your favorite one, put it in the case provided and into your handbag. You can touch up whenever, wherever.

Each of the 5 palettes consists of 6 eye shadows, 4 glossy lip colors, 1 matte blush, a mini eye shadow brush and a lipstick brush.

 What I liked about Jetsetter is that each eye shadow set has corresponding lip and blush colors. Look at this palette set for instance.

This is your smokey eye palette- the white for highlighting your inner corner of the eyes and brow bone, the silver for the middle of the lid and the black for outer corners and blending. There's also a variant of blue shadows for a blue smokey eye. When you have this kind of eye makeup, the rest of the face should be understated- so this palette offers that. The lip colors are nude to light pink (although they look darker in this  palette, once you apply them they are actually sheer). The blush as well is a baby pink. So there, you have it! Your own makeup guide in each palette and you didn't even have to ask anyone.

Here's my favorite palette. I love purples, lilacs and violets. Combine this with the above to give you a violet to black smokey eye (I'm sure by now you can tell that smokey eye is one of my favorite looks). 

Jetsetter consists of bright colors which can be used all year round. And the fact that you can take your favorite palette with you is a bonus.

So what's your favorite color palette?

Benetint: Gorgeous Blush In A Bottle

When I discovered Benetint at Galeries Lafayette Dubai (Benefit does not stock at Galeries anymore. You can buy it from Sephora), I had to buy it.

Benefit Cosmetics' lip and cheek stain product Benetint is, in my opinion an exceptionally great alternative to powder blush. At first, hearing the word 'stain' as part of the product name made me think twice, thrice...five to six times if I really needed this product. After all, I don't want my cheeks stained...it sounds so weird.  But then I purchased Benetint and I haven't looked back.

True to the last word, this product is a sheer tint that will give you the right amount of color on your cheeks. You apply a few dots of color directly with the help of the in-built brush applicator onto your cheeks and then blend. If you want a deeper color, then use multiple strokes to achieve the desired color.

I personally love this product. The color stays put for hours, so you don't have to worry about reapplying. There's no streaking or caking or fading. It sets in pretty quickly so you have to be quick not to leave the tint on your cheek for long without blending. I apply this after putting on moisturizer and or foundation. I seal the color in with just one light swipe of powder blush. Although the product can be used on the lips, I'd rather not because it dries out your lips. You have to pair it with either a clear lip balm or a clear lip gloss.

I totally recommend this! Are you planning to buy it? Do you have one? Try it out and let me know what you think!

Rating: 4/5
Benetint is available in 3 different shades-a rose color, pink and coral (known as Cha Cha tint)