My Thoughts Corner

I’m an organizing freak and I loooove a good declutter … Every now and then I go around the house downsizing all categories and my makeup drawers ain’t any exception.  Though, in this process, there are some bits I find myself torn if I should keep or not; afraid that one day I might need them but in reality, if there is no added value then there is no point keeping it… To give an end to my misery, I usually give my maybe pile a last try and settle on which ones are worth holding on to and those to be tossed/given away. 

E.L.F Beautifully Bare Foundation Serum | I have listed this one back in 2016 in my “Disappointing Products”, yet I kept it to give it a proper go as a “tinted primer” and I haven’t. I certainly couldn’t wear it on its own as I love a good coverage, but this time, I went on with my concealer on top of my flaws and to my surprise this little bottle wowed me; it’s insanely lightweight and it makes my skin look so radiant and even. With an SPF 25, this foundation would make a great choice for summer days and the no makeup looks. For the time being, this bottle is going nowhere and will definitely retain it. 

Makeup Revolution Fortune Favours The Brave Palette | Regular readers would know by now that I’m a huge fan of Makeup Revolution as it stands and when I spotted this palette I had to have it. It is certainly a different palette than the MR’s typical ones in terms of design, shadow size pan and versatility. Though I do like the great finish/color diversity, the pigmentation of some shades didn’t do a whole lot for me making them quite hard to work with. I have been trying this one on and off but, despite all the hype it was around it, I couldn’t make myself love it as much as the Iconic Pro 1, Pro 2 or the recently reviewed Neutrals Vs New-trals palette. Therefore, I’m passing this along to someone who could make a better use out of it.

Catrice High Glow Mineral Highlighting Powder | It is the only baked highlighter I own. I was very excited to have it but not so much after I tried it. It is a silvery champagne shade that’s supposed to provide a glamorous glow, but that was too obvious on my skin tone. The texture as well is quiet dry for my liking and has a lot of kick off leaving a chaos of stubborn glitter on my face. Unfortunately, this is a pass. 

Too Faced Rock N Roll Palette | I first got this palette for the packaging. I loved the color theme of the eyeshadows but never thought that’s what I would go for one day. And I did. And I loved it! To make the whole story short it’s a “glam meets pretty”. However, two things not to forget with this palette; wet your brush for an intense metallic/foiled effect and DO YOUR EYES FIRST. The shadows easily last for a good 8-9 hours. This is another one that’s for now going nowhere. It is a KEEP. 

Maybelline Colossal Go Extreme! Leather Black Volume Mascara | It is usually difficult for me to fall in love with a mascara and once I do I stick to it. Maybelline makes some of my favorite ones and when I got my hand on the Colossal Go Extreme I assumed it’s at the same level of quality. But No. I normally look for volume and length, as I’m blessed with none, and this one claims to offer extra volume and that’s not at all what I got… I’m also not a big of the wand shape as I like it to get to the tiniest of my lashes which is not the case here. I couldn’t see any added value. Currently, I have few other mascaras that I love way more than this one. 

At last, I’m keeping 2 products out of 5. It surely makes me feel good despite that’s not a huge number looking at my entire makeup collection. This is it for today. Stay tuned as there is more to come!

…. Then it should be the Makeup Revolution Beyond Radiance Palette.

Technically it’s a highlighter palette but I use it to set my makeup for that gorgeous glow “from within”. And I admit it’s doing an excellent job. The packaging is a standard makeup revolution shiny black casing and contains three generously sized highlighters/setting powders with a large mirror.

To be frank I was never a setting powder lover. Yet with the Beyond Radiance Palette, the skeptical idea of the powder accentuating my fine lines and pores was no longer there. These powders rather blur the minor imperfection creating an illuminating complexion.

The formula is absolutely stunning; the powders are finely milled, buttery with an almost unnoticeable glitter particles that work beautifully on the skin. And that only made me reach for this gem every single day since I got it.

If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you’ll know for sure by now my love for Makeup Revolution. And with the Beyond Radiance Palette, they simply took their game up!

The contouring is far from over. I have never though been into the super done contouring, well except in the first beginning. But, since I heard about this craze, I always made the link to cream products especially for a defined look. Today’s review is about a cream product; the Maybelline Master Contour V Shape Duo Stick, that’s made to make the contouring fool proof.

Maybelline is known to offer a quality to blow you mind away, and this new product is no different. The Master ContourV Shape Duo Stick is a 2-in-1 product; contour & highlighter, that’s available in only two shades, and I’ve got the medium one. It is presented in a retractable chubby stick which makes it super handy for travelling or just throw in your bag.

The formula is extremely creamy and applies effortlessly. For a fact, it’s as simple as “swipe, switch, swipe, blend and you’re ready to go!”. The shades are intensely pigmented with a matte finish. Once all blended seamlessly, you are left with a very natural but sculpted look and the best of all; it lasts all day. I would though recommend setting it with a powder because of consistency.

Overall I think that the MaybellineMaster Contour V Shape Duo Stick is such a handy stick that’s literally the easiest product for contouring. I was certainly able to get the naturally lifted and sculpted cheeks with this little one instead of the stripes that are better suited for Social Media photos. However, it can be difficult to use each side separately once the product starts to grind down.

Hope you enjoyed this review as much as I enjoy using my contour stick every single day!!

Thank you for reading.

Oh boy I’m so excited about this post and I have no clue how to start it …. As you must’ve guessed it from the title I’m naming today my favorite cheek products which are my all time favorites and what I own the most and that makes it very difficult for me to narrow down the list. My choices have changed quite a bit; I’m more into a matte bronzed definition mixed with a soft blush topped with a subtle highlighter. Does that make sense to you? Probably not… Keep on reading to figure out what goes inside my mind!!

I will cite the products in accordance of my order of application. Hence, let’s first enroll my bronzer list.

On daily basis, I don’t contour, I only use the same product to define and bronze. I’ll start with an iconic product that everybody loves; the Benefit Hoola Bronzer. It’s a classic that lasts all day and looks so natural on the skin offering a silky matte finish. It’s with no doubt my go-to bronzer.

Another universal one that I’m obsessed with is the Urban Decay Beached Bronzer. Having a creamy texture, it provides a gorgeous warmth to the skin with a fresh effect. I love it!

Many were attracted by the smell of this product; that’s like chocolate. Not my case. It is another matte bronzer but deeper in color. Yes! you guessed it; it’s the Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer. It has a great  pigmentation and applies like dream taking the contour/bronze to a totally new level.

I love Me a GOOD Blush. In fact, 2 things I can never leave the house without; bronzer and blush. I don’t reach of the too many I own and that’s why I’ll certainly have to declutter this category. For now, let’s see the blushes I’ve been reaching for the most in 2016.

I have no idea how this first one got into my stash; The Rimmel London Lasting Finish Soft Colour Blush in 120 Pink Rose. That’s a long name. It’s with no doubt not the type of blush I used to go for nevertheless I’m very glad to have it. It’s a great day to day powders that’s soft in texture and provides the most natural and fresh pop to the cheeks.

Another everyday choice of mine is the Wet n WildColor Icon Blush in Rose Champagne, which creates the perfect flush. It’s a beautiful dusty rose color with a slight hint of shimmer. The texture is super velvely and the pigmentation is great without being powdery.  

Whenever we travel, I have to pick a Chanel Blush from the airport. Don’t know why. The Chanel Joues Contraste in 15 Orchid Rose is the last blush in the everyday section. It is a lovely pink with very light blue undertones that gives a beautiful glow finish.

For quite some time, I thought there is a huge hype around the Nars Orgasm Blush until I swatched it while in Paris at Sephora and couldn’t resist picking up the super-size. It’s a medium warm pink with golden shimmers that provides radiance and luminosity.

If I have to choose only one peach blush for the rest of my life, it would certainly  be the Chanel Joues Contraste Blush in Malice. It’s very close to the Nars Orgasm but not. The shimmer in Malice is barely there but the color is a light still vibrant peachy pink.

My newest addiction is highlighters. Once more I will say that I don’t own many of these. I’m still sticking to the same old highlighter picks I posted last August with a new addition of the Makeup Revolution Shimmer Brick Radiant. I’m really obsessed with this highlighter! It is insanely pigmented and has a buttery texture that makes the application so easy. I love a good swirl of all the shades for a subtle golden glow.

Two months back the Makeup Revolution Golden Sugar Blush Palette was a part of my Summer Highlighter Picks post and it is one of the favorite highlighter palettes among bloggers community. Today I’m not coming with a full review on this one but I’m sharing my thoughts on the all new Golden Sugar 2 Rose Gold Blush Palette. Let’s check it out!

Naturally some shades will stand out for some skin tones better than others but of course what might not work as blush, bronzer or highlighter could certainly be used as an eyeshadow and for that the bottom two shades (7,8) from the right will serve me that purpose.

My favorite shades are the top right matte (4) which is a great bronzer for warming up most skin tones but maybe not the dark ones, the pink shades (1) with mauve undertones and (6) a shimmer pink that are perfect blushes that add a lovely flush and lastly the highlighters (2,3,5) that vary from peach, golden champagne and a rose gold which I find stunning and believe me that’s quite weird coming from someone who’s not into highlighters at all.

Honestly there is no way to fault Makeup Revolution on this palette, or most of their products. It a gorgeous palette that’s great for travelling with a remarkable pigmentation that provides a dewy finish and a good longevity too!! As for which one of the blush palettes I prefer, I believe the original one is suited for all year round while the Golden Sugar 2 Rose Gold is more appropriate for summer time.

Have tried this palette? What are your thoughts on it? 

I’m finally back after not showing up for a whole month. September was a busy one but mainly exciting especially that I’ve been in Paris and enjoyed the wonderful city, weather, family and friends and that the comeback very hard but…. C’est la vie!

Whilst in Paris, I obviously did some shopping however I didn’t go crazy as I focused on things I can’t get (or get easily) here in Dubai despite the fact that I was quite restrained as the price of the French pharmacy are extremely cheap across abroad.

I’ve decided to divide this post into two parts to give me more time to chat about all products. I’ve got to say that I haven’t tried any of these except for 2 or 3 items, however I’ll take you through each product and specify what made it interesting to me.

The first beauty shop that was on my way was KIKO which is known for their good quality products at an affordable price. I start off with the In The Shade Eyeshadow And Kajal (€5) in 01 and 05 and are from the limited edition collection for 2016. These are double ended pencils with an intense color payoff and extreme hold. I always loved the idea of eye shadow pencils especially when travelling or when I am short on time in the mornings. The colors are beautiful and perfect for everyday wear with a soft and creamy texture.

Next up is another limited edition product; the Strobe & Sculpt Cream Contour Palette (€14.90) in 02 medium to dark. I’m not into cream contouring as much as powder which made my collection in that category narrow and that’s what made me go for this one. This is one of those I haven’t tried yet however when swatched; the colors are subtle and the texture is creamy.

My last purchase from Kiko is their pencil lip gloss (€3.90) in 10, which is a nude dark rose shade; nothing surprising here. It is very comfortable and easy to apply. In fact, I wish I picked other shades but unfortunately there weren’t many left in the store I was in.

The last product for this first round of the haul is the Maybelline Instant Anti-Age L’Effaceur Fond De Teint which I believe is the Instant Age Rewind Eraser Treatment Makeup. I couldn’t resist picking up this foundation, hoping that it will be as good as the age rewind concealer which happens to be one of my holy grail concealers. Keeping my fingers crossed!!

So that sums up my first round of Paris Beauty Haul. I’ll be posting my second part in tomorrow’s post so stay tuned for that.

Cheeks? That’s what floats my boat… I’m all about blushes and bronzers and I can never have enough. A while back I got my hands on the Catrice Blush Artist Palette in shade CorAll I Need and being me I couldn’t resist having the other two, namely BronzEclat & Rock’n’Rose … To know what I think? Keep on reading!!

The Blush Artist Palettes were launched for spring/summer 2016 having a versatile range of colours ranging in a harmonious way from warm, coral to natural shades to accentuate the natural traits. Each palette holds three shades; a matte blush, a shimmer one and a highlighter that could be utilized either solo or combined.

The palettes are housed in a typical Catrice packaging; basic clear plastic case. And to be honest, it is a very practical, as first it is travel friendly and second, it allows you to identify the product without having to open it to check the shades.

The blushes apply beautifully and blend easily while the pigmentation is not extreme but just the right amount to prevent falling into the clown cheeks! The highlighter in this is nothing but subtle.

“010 BronzEclat” symbolizes the warm tones in this collection which could be my least used palette mainly because of the red brown shade, as I’ve got nothing like it in my stash, but I don’t want to judge it too soon as I figured that the combination of the two blushes could result into something lovely. The second pan is a glow-y peach color with gold shimmers and the highlighter is a pink champagne shade that’s very flattering to the cheekbones.

If you know me well, you’ll guess that the “020 CorAll I Need” palette is my favorite. I mainly love the matte pink shade with coral undertones; it adds a lovely hint of colour that appeals to freshness. The other blush is a bright pink with golden glitter while the highlighter is a shy peach that’s ideal for a natural enlightening.    

My second favorite palette is the “030 Rock’n’Rose” though I think it is best suited for lighter skin tones as it’s the most rose cool toned palette. The first shade represents a pretty pink coral with fine shimmers that’s not even noticeable. The second one is a more vibrant pink with a matte finish and lastly the highlighter, is a pink shimmer that gives a great look once applied.

The Catrice Blush Artist Shading Palettes are perfect for a healthy natural look and the lasting power is quite reasonable. I had them during a short trip and it was a joy to play with. The Catrice Blush Artist Shading Palettes are truly another drugstore hidden gem. I’m a fan!

Hi Everyone,

After naming my blush, lip and bronzer picks I’m back today to point out my summer highlighters. I must admit that I’m not the glowing pal here, however I love a subtle shimmer on my cheek bones and brow bone.  

My highlighters section is not huge but I have what I believe is enough to satisfy my cravings. My most used has to be the Mac Mineralize SkinFinish in Soft & Gentle. It is absolutely the ultimate signification of highlighter to me and as the name describes it; it is soft and gentle, perfect to accentuate that natural healthy glow. I have done earlier a whole review on it and you can check it here if you are interested.

My second highlighter of choice is the Benefit Watt’s Up, which is similar to the Mac Soft & Gentle in color but it is in cream formula. The shade is a peachy champagne that gives to right amount of glow to my skin… I’m really in love with this stick, in formula, color and everything in between as I’ve mentioned earlier in my review post here.

The third highlighter I’ve been enjoying this summer is the Makeup Revolution Ultra Blush Palette in Golden Sugar that I discovered not long ago. Technically it’s a blush palette as the name states; it is very versatile and includes a collection of bronzers, highlighters and blushes.  Nevertheless, except for the bronzing shade (Number 8) and the one matte blush (Number 3), I’ve been using the other 6 shades (Number 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7) for highlighting.  The formula of these is incredibly creamy and soft making them blend like a dream. The staying power is also amazing as all the shades are extremely pigmented and you only need a light hand with these. This palette is stunning and should be in everyone’s makeup bag, and it’s perfect for travelling as you have a bit of everything with a bonus of a large sized mirror.

As always, thank you for reading and stopping by!

Hello Everyone,

Six months back I picked the Makeup Revolution Iconic Blush Bronze & Brighten Palette in shade “Flush” to use it when I travel but somehow I totally forgot about it until I got the other three shades; Golden Hot, Rave and Smoulder, as free items in my recent haul and I thought that it’s the best time for reviewing these little gems .. So let’s jump into it!

The four palettes come in the usual simple and slim glossy black packaging of Makeup Revolution with a good sized mirror, which makes them really compact and perfect for travelling or simply carrying in your makeup bag.

All the three powders are well pigmented; it provide just the right amount of product for a subtle glow and which could easily be build up for more color pay off. The staying power for a fact is not bad even in summer days; the blush, bronzer and highlighter stay around 5 to 6 hours.

Texture wise, I will be talking about each powder separately and I will start with the blush that has a creamy to powder texture with a matte finish which make its blending effortless and beautiful. The bronzer has a similar texture of the blush without being too matte and does amazing job in warming up the skin and giving a healthy glow. It could also be used to contour if layered without being muddy. Finally the highlighter! This one is simply stunning. It is not overly glittered to make you feel like a disco ball but it adds just the perfect natural and gorgeous sheen to the face.

“Flush” contains a peachy-pinky blush, light neutral bronzer with orange undertones and a honey toned highlighter.

“Rave” contains a classy coral blush, light golden bronzer and a champagne highlighter.

“Smoulder” has a bright pink blush, mid toned bronzer and a pearly white highlighter.

“Golden Hot” being the warmest of all 4 palettes comes with a lovely bronzy color with gold shimmers as a bronzer, a neutral pink color as blush and the highlighter is a beautiful rose gold shade.

Beyond any doubt, I like these palettes; they are a must have in your makeup bag for an everyday use. I love the idea of having a handy multi-purpose product, as I could easily use the bronzer and the highlighter as eyeshadows and I would save with that a lot of time and space when I am on the move. The quality is lovely and the colours set are so versatile that there’s a shade for everyone. Give it a try and you won’t regret it!!!