Collaboration: Max Factor x Gwyneth Paltrow

This is such an amazing collaboration in the cosmetics industry! Two of my favorites, make-up brand Max Factor and Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow have teamed up to create 7 glamorous looks.

Angelina Jolie and Gwyneth Paltrow are my favorite Hollywood actresses and when I head about Max Factor's collaboration, I was excited to see how this would turn out. The 7 looks were brought to life by Max Factor's Global Creative Design Director, Pat McGrath and Max Factor's make-up artists including our very own Regional Creative Director Joelle Mardinian. The looks created are versatile in nature and hence, adaptable to every woman across the globe. Don't you just love that?

Here are two of the gorgeous looks. The first is entitled the 'Business Woman' look. It translates into a flawless complexion with perfect hair and a power pout.

The second is 'The Writer; Look. This is a minimalistic look that one can carry off everyday and still look sharp. Who said a glamorous look was all about heavy make-up?

I love the Business Woman look. That red pout and hair exudes confidence and a no-nonsense attitude. I would definitely rock the Writer look every now and then. I love how the eyes are natural but defined.

Interested in replicating either of the looks? Here's a how to.

What's your favorite look? Sound off in the comments section below.

Max Factor is available across stores in the UAE.

Fun Nail Art With Bourjois's South Beach Souvenir's Collection

As you may already know, I love nail polishes and nail art. Scroll through my Instagram or Pinterest account or even Facebook and you'll go, "This nail obsession is a bit too much". Hey- while I appreciate solid nail colors, of late I have developed a liking towards unique designs on nails. You can check my very first DIY polka dots nail art or my Batman nails. The first manicure is not perfect because I didn't have access to a dotting tool (I used a toothpick!).

While we are on the topic of dotting tools and nail designs, let me take this opportunity to tell you why I'm so excited about Bourjois's latest collection.



Inspired by Miami, the South Beach Souvenirs Collection feature vibrant colors when it comes to polishes and lip glosses. And not only that, they have their own caviar version known as Toppings and a dotting tool! I don't have to use the end of a needle or a hair pin to create polka dots on my nails!

Remember the caviar nails craze? Bourjois has them in three different shades.I think the blue and purple versions are going to look so gorgeous on a lighter base (pastels or even mint)!

And here are a few ideas with the dotting tool! Don't you LOVE the color of the base? It's an amazing deep red. (Click on the pics to view a bigger version)

Can't wait to try the leopard print version out. Apart from a nail art obsession, I also am obsessed with the leopard print- just ask my friends or mom!

How To: Bright Colors

Bright colors can be a bit scary to people who always play it safe with lighter colors. Take me for example. A few years ago, the color that dominated my wardrobe was black (and white). But I've embraced the world of color (think Skittles, the chewy candy!) and numerous magazines and similar have helped. I can proudly say my wardrobe now looks like a box of crayons.

Image credits: Kaboodle

Adding splashes of color works, you just have to be confident enough to pull it off and know what to pair it with. So if you are starting off with vibrant colors, use one item of clothing and keep the rest subtle. If you are a neon fan but don't know how to wear neons, read the post here.Or if you are a leopard print fan, read how to style it here.

So, going back to styling bright colored outfits. Let's take my favorite color (after black): red.

Would I ever wear a vibrant red pair of denims? No; I love red when it comes to tops/T-shirts. I do have cobalt blue in my wardrobe (that was purchased after much deliberation because I tend to wear bright colored tops only). But I've noticed, just like neons all you need to do is to pair red or other bright colors with something subtle- see the women in the pics below? You don't want color vomit unless you can carry it off.

Image credits: Harper's Bazaar and random sites

Or as an alternative, you could go with a smaller accessory. Doesn't it instantly add a pop of color to your look?

Image credits:  Random site

How To: Leopard Print

When the leopard print first hit the catwalk, I told my friend I would never wear it. A few years later, it became my favorite print. I've got leopard print tops, shoes, handbags, belts, accessories etc. A little obsessed? I even bought leopard print nail strips!

But what I don't have is a leopard print coat or jacket. I feel it's too much of a print when it comes to such items of clothing. I mean, a coat/ jacket/ skirt with a full blown leopard print is waaaay too much. But there are people who have pulled it off and it looks great! The idea is to keep the print as the center of attraction. So this means, no gaudy colors or additional prints in your final look.
Also, look at how you can wear neons.

Image credits: Harper's Bazaar

If you are a beginner when it comes to this print or don't like too much of it, start off with a scarf or shoes. Something minimal should help you get over the fear of this print.

Image credits:Random sites

And here's a little fun DIY project. If you don't want to get your nails minxed to a leopard print or don't have the time to get nail strips- do this simple nail design in the luxury of your home. You'll need a yellow nail polish, a darker one- perhaps a brown or pastel orange like shown below and a black nailpolish or an eyeliner that can serve the same purpose. Don't forget to seal the design (once dried) with a clear top coat to lock it all in.

Image credit: Stickers and Donut

How To: Neons

If you, like me have apprehensions about wearing neons there's a way to get around it. Since neons can seem a bit awkward to wear, you need to team it up with a few basics so you don't end up looking like a rainbow.

So how do you start adding a bit of neon to your wardrobe?

In my opinion, the key is to pair neons with subtle/pastel colors. This way it doesn't look overwhelming and you won't be wearing a lot of 'loud' colors. Plus, you don't keep thinking, "Oh my God. Do I look weird with all this color on me?". Use neon on one item of clothing and keep the rest basis/pastels.

Image credits: Harpers Bazaar and random sites

Or if you feel clothes aren't your style when it comes to neons you still can't pull it off. Try something small for starters. Like a neon colored belt or clutch or shoes.

Image credits: Random sites

Or even try neon colored jewelry. They make amazing statement jewelry.

Image credits: Random sites