Luminoso
What comes to your mind when you think of spring and summer beauty looks? When I think of spring and summer makeup, I tend to think of sunkissed skin and a natural glow with subtle hints of makeup to keep it fresh. Now, anyone who knows me, knows that I came out of the womb with my eyeliner intact and although my loyalty to a cat eye is unwavering, I still find myself drawn to a more natural look this season. As you can imagine with all the layers that I end up wearing the last thing I want to do is add more layers to my skin with heaps of foundation. So, finding the Nars skin tint has really helped me get some coverage without piling on the foundation. Also, for some brightness under my eyes, I use the NARS concealer in Custard to even out the skin tone. Some days if I am having a good skin day, I skip the NARS tint and only apply the concealer for the lightest bit of coverage. Then, I curl my eyelashes and put on some mascara. Add a little bit of brow wiz to give my brows some definition. Use the Charlotte Tilbury bronzer/highlighter which you can also add to your eyes to make them pop and then line my lips with a natural looking lip liner and add some gloss! Depending on your comfort level, you can definitely keep this list minimal. I personally would still have a more toned down cat eye but feel free to customize your look to fit your lifestyle. These were just some of the products that I have used and have seen make a difference and achieve that flawless base. Since my skin is dry, dewiness is always the look I aim for and these images of fresh makeup looks is giving me life! I have included the links to the products that I use down below. Let me know which products are your favorite and I can’t wait to see what looks you’re obsessing over this season!
Lots of Love,
Sahar
Nars Velvet Matte Skin Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 30
L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Butterfly Sculpt Mascara
Maybelline Lash Sensational Luscious Mascara
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz
Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow Face Sculpt & Highlight
Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Re-Shape & Re-Size Lip Liner
Skin is In
With summer coming up and the weather getting warmer, I really want to take the time to focus on clearing up my skin and making sure that it’s looking its best for all those summer selfies. I have recently come across these products that have been working amazingly well with my skin and I wanted to share it with you ladies! Keep in mind my skin is more on the dry side so these products are more so geared towards that demographic, but the brands that I mention, have such a wide range of amazing products that you will still be able to find something that is more suited for your skin type.
First off, I use La Roche-Posay Effaclar gel cleanser just to clean my face and then after patting my face dry, I spray my face with the La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water. This just keeps my face hydrated so when I put on my skincare, it can be easily absorbed and have my skin looking plump and hydrated.
Another skin care favorite of mine is the Radical Skincare Age-Defying exfoliating pads. The pads were recommended to me by a skin care specialist at Space NK. Since my skin is dry the exfoliating pads help get rid of all the dry skin, so that way my skin isn’t patchy. I have been using it for the past four weeks and I have really noticed a change in my skin texture.
One of my most favorite skincare brands is Clarins! As you can see I have so many products listed from them. My first Clarins purchase was the Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil and that is when the love affair with the brand began. It’s hydrating and makes your face feel so soft. I use a couple drops of it and basically slather it on all over my face and neck at night. I’m sure that’s making people with oily skin cringe, but I really love the feel of this on my skin. This is the one product that makes an instant difference on my skin and is a must have in my routine.
Another Clarins product that is very loved is this Multi-Active Nuit night cream. It gives me super soft skin and is super hydrating (can you sense a theme), plus when combined with the Blue Orchid Face Oil and the Beauty Flash Balm, it gives my skin this blurring effect and makes makeup look so natural and flawless.
Lastly, from Clarins, is the HydraQuench Cream mask. I recently got a sample of this when I was purchasing a backup of the night cream and I used it a couple of times already and loved the way my skin felt afterward.
Some of my other skin care faves are the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream, Amorepacific Moisture Bound Rejuvenating Eye Treatment Gel, and the Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Oil (need I say more). All of these products are part of my daily routine. The magic cream and the eye cream give you intense hydration and illuminate your skin for that healthy glow and the Luna sleeping oil is amazing for anti-aging because of the retinol and blue tansy.
These are just some of the skin must haves that I use and it has made the biggest impact on my skin! I have included links down below in case you wanted to purchase it. Let me know if you have used any of these products and if you have any skin favorites of your own or if you would like me to do further reviews on these products!
Lots of Love,
Sahar
La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water
Radical Skincare Age-Defying Exfoliating Pads
Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil
Clarins Multi-Active Night Cream, Dry Skin
Clarins HydraQuench Cream Mask
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Magic Cream Treat & Transform Moisturizer
AMOREPACIFIC MOISTURE BOUND Rejuvenating Eye Treatment Gel
SUNDAY RILEY Luna Sleeping Night Oil
Giddy for Gingham
Gingham is one of fashion’s hottest trends for the spring and summer! I know it’s hard to believe because when I think of gingham, a picnic table comes to mind, but with all the different styles that are coming out, it’s hard to not to fall in love with this classic style. Although it’s a classic style, this season they have added a little twist to it and made it modern with a touch of bohemian. Whether they have given it exaggerated sleeves and made it beach ready or they have made it in different colors with a multitude of ruffles which gives it a feminine touch, they have made it wearable and you can find something that fits your personal style. Also, with it being such a classic, you know that it will never really go out of style! The cherry on top is that you can actually find ways to wear it to all kinds of different occasions: school, work, casual hanging out or even to a fancy occasion with the black and white gingham ball gown by Carolina Herrera. So, I have included some of my favorite gingham images that I came across and I am going to add some links of pieces that I am eyeing this season. Comment below to let me know what are some of the pieces that you’re interested in!
Lots of Love,
Sahar
MLM Label Salo Gingham Wrap Shirt
Zara checked top with frilled sleeves
Banana Republic Avery-Fit Gingham Pants
Banana Republic Gingham Belted Shirt
Banana Republic Pointed-Toe Robin Ballet Flat
Banana Republic Gingham One-Button Blazer
Asos Jumpsuit in Gingham Print with Structured Bodice
Asos Miss Selfridge Gingham Blouse
SOLID AND STRIPED Gingham cotton and linen-blend maxi skirt
NOIR SACHIN & BABI Yanelva gingham organza maxi skirt
ALEXANDRE BIRMAN CANVAS GINGHAM CLARITA HEELS
CLARE V Supreme gingham leather clutch
ALTUZARRA Mesquite embroidered gingham cotton-blend trench coat
Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is almost here and for those of you who sometimes have trouble finding a present, here’s a quick guide on items that will inspire you and get you to find something special for the mothers or the mother figures in your life. I normally keep an eye out for things that I know my mom needs or wants and get them before the actual day because Mother’s Day is my mom’s favorite holiday so I want to make sure it’s special! These were some items that I thought would make amazing gifts!
First, loafers are amazing and such a classic piece. These two are in neutral colors and are wearable with different outfits. Plus, if you share the same shoe size with your mom, like I do, you can definitely share this piece which is always a win-win!
A candle, which seems like a rather “safe” gift, can be made special if you get it engraved or get her favorite scent.
Skin care is a definite fave of my mother’s and Estee Lauder is known for their amazing skin care.
Also, what follows closely behind skin care is makeup. My mom wears pretty minimal makeup, so I thought that the Golden Goddess collection by Charlotte Tilbury was a nice way to update her neutrals.
Perfume is the next one and my ultimate favorite thing to give! These two scents are beautiful and feminine and I am obsessed. The Chanel Coco Mademoiselle has been my mother’s favorite for the longest time, but I recently came across this Aerin Ikat Jasmine and I fell in love. I think she is going to be wearing this scent for a long time!
Lastly, getting your mother a wallet or a handbag can be a really useful gift. Pick one that is versatile and that she can use for all the different facets of her life.
So, I hope you found this guide useful. I have included all the links below and I can’t wait to see what are some gifts that your mother loves receiving!
Lots of Love,
Sahar
Michael Kors Daisy Python Embossed Moccasin
Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede Home Candle
Estee Lauder Lifting/Firming Collection Gift Set
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Fragrance
Charlotte Tilbury The Golden Goddess Set
Michael Kors Mercer Large Convertible Tote
Salvatore Ferragamo Vara Bow Wallet
Tory Burch Parker Envelope Saffiano Leather Continental Wallet
Johanna Ortiz
So, speaking of stripes, it’s just a natural progression to mention an up and coming designer that is bringing the Latin American flavor to fashion. It’s so strange to see so much of this designer’s pieces, but have so little knowledge on who she is, so today we are going to give this designer the spotlight and find out a little more about her. She’s a Colombian designer who studied design at The Art Institute before returning to Columbia and starting her label of couture clothing. The beautiful thing about her designs is that they’re so feminine but there’s this energy, whether in the prints and colors that she chooses or the way the fabrics flow and weave together. I came across her designs when I saw a couple of bloggers wearing some of her pieces and then it just happened that her pieces kept popping up on Pinterest and my love story began. The colors and patterns were so infectious that it’s hard not to fall in love with her pieces and I can’t wait to see more from this designer! I have included some of my favorites below and be sure to let me know which ones you guys are obsessed with!
Lots of Love,
Sahar
Summer Stripes
There’s something to be said about wearing stripes that bring such a crisp feel to any outfit. Stripes are one of those trends that come out every season with just a little bit of a twist to give it that modern feel and I for one love it. Whether it’s incorporating it into your outfit by just picking one piece or letting it be impactful and wearing it head to toe, you can bet that wearing stripes can give you a fashionable look. There are so many fun ways to wear stripes. You can dress it up for any occasion and if you’re not quite sure on how stripes are going to look, you can start off by wearing tonal stripes, which basically means that you wear the same color, but different fabrics. An example of that is a skirt that has both silk and satin stripes in the same color. With it being two different fabrics, it helps bring dimension to your look and still give the stripe illusion. Here are some of the looks that I found that will give you the inspiration that you need to bring some stripes into your life and please comment below to let me know what stripe looks you’re into this season!
Lots of Love,
Sahar
MET GALA Beauty
So besides all of the amazing fashion at the Met Gala, there were also many amazing beauty looks. From smokey eyes to bare faced beauties, there was a wide spectrum of looks to choose from. Beauty plays such a big role in fashion and in helping you elevate your style. Sometimes just by pairing a bold lip, you can bring so much glamour and fun to your look. Also, if you want some added glamour, a bold eye can really enhance your eyes and make them pop. Here were some of the looks that inspired me and comment below to let me know what looks you are interested in trying out!
Lots of Love,
Sahar
Met Gala 2017
So how many of you patiently await to see fashion’s hottest and most exclusive night, The Met Gala? The Met Gala, formally called the Costume Institute Gala and also known as the Met Ball, is an annual fundraising gala for the benefit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York City. They have a theme each year that goes along with the exhibit. This year’s theme was “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons” and the show opens on May 4. “Rei Kawakubo is one of the most important and influential designers of the past forty years,” said the Costume Institute’s curator in charge, Andrew Bolton. “By inviting us to rethink fashion as a site of constant creation, recreation, and hybridity, she has defined the aesthetics of our time.” The exhibit will feature about 120 pieces from all of her collections over the years and like every past exhibit, I am sure that this one will be just as amazing! So back to the fashion! Last night all the top celebrities, fashion icons and designers came out to celebrate and damn did they look good! Here are some of my favorites and make sure to comment below to let me know any of your faves!
Lots of Love,
Sahar
Bold is Beautiful
I am obsessed with eyebrows. That’s a pretty strange statement, I know, but I love a good brow!! It frames your face and creates a beautiful base for your eye makeup. Now for those of us who aren’t as blessed with beautiful bold brows, it’s all good because that’s where the magic of makeup comes in and with the help of some products, we can achieve that look. I personally use the Anastasia Beverly Hills Eyebrow Wiz in ebony because even though I have brows, they’re very light, so I use the eyebrow whiz to just fill it in and give it a more of a bolder look. First, I use the spooly side and just comb through my brows and then trace it with the eyebrow wiz to give them more of a symmetrical look and then I go back in and fill them starting from the middle of my eyebrow towards the end, with black eye shadow. I know that sounds kind of scary to be using shadow, but I use a very light hand and I feel that with the eyeshadow, it makes the color last longer. Then I use the Benefit Gimme Brow Volumizing Gel in the color Deep because it’s lightly tinted and it just combs through my brows to make sure everything is evenly distributed and brings the whole look together. Also, I want it to look as natural as humanly possible because brows that look too harsh are definitely not cute. So you have to find a balance of making sure that it’s not overbearing on your face and just enough. Also, everyone’s features are different so it all depends on what suits you, but I have noticed a big change in my brow game ever since I started using the brow wiz and if I could recommend any product that could be life changing in your brow routine it would be the brow wiz. I’ve noticed that even if I don’t have that much makeup on as soon as my brows are on point, it changes my whole face. Below are some images that I found inspiring and I left some links in case you wanted to purchase and have a little bit of brow magic of your own.
Lots of Love,
Sahar
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz
Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel