July Favorites

A big hello to all the lovely ladies - (and perhaps a gentleman) - and thank you for bearing with me through the delayed posts. I still commend myself for being able to post FAVORITES each month since January 2015 <3 There are MANY blog posts pending in different stages of photography, swatching, using, and writing! Some are in the "hoarding" phase as well - since I LOVE the comparison posts :) Highlighters, concealers, foundations, blushes... and so much more :-) Hopefully, will be able to launch them soon. I have been dedicating most of my time to not just finish up the blogs, but also a little DIY or home decor project here and there :) Wish me luck!

So, without further ado, here are my favorites for the month of July:

Urban Decay Afterglow 8HR Blush in BITTERSWEET - When the desi in me sees an outrageously purple "high-end" blush, it rejects the bare thought of owning it. Why? Because that's too out there. Too bold. Too... impractical. Guess what? I went against my comfort zone and my instincts with this one. Why? The offer by Chic Bazaar was too cool to let go of! A day before Eid, I laid my hands on this one and it was exclusively THE ONLY BLUSH I carried off to Lahore & Islamabad. The blendability, lasting power, and the shade itself were a treat! This cool-toned purple would ordinarily go against my warm-toned skin, but it applies nicely to give off a subtle cool-toned pink look that is very flattering. I grabbed another one from the newly launched collection and shall share my experiences with that in a separate post :)

Lolane Keratin Repair Mask - I am a flat-iron addict and even after getting Extenso done, I am just unable to accept the CURLY reality of my hair. Now that they have grown almost 4 inches from the scalp, I am resorting to better hair care before getting some treatment done. The blow-drying and flat-iron-straightening causes the natural helical structure to get damaged. Split ends and rough texture are other unwelcomed guests. Lolane Keratin Mask has been my favorite past year since this is the least amount of effort that makes my hair soft and smooth. This time, I am trying the mask specifically for hair damaged by straightening. The results are amazing! They have upgraded the packaging and the product is runny, so take care as you might spill it from the jar - they should have a bottle packaging instead! It is available at Vicky's Khadda Market last time I checked, so for less than 700 bucks, this one can be applied after your regular shampoo for those luscious revived locks. Of course, you need the regular oiling and TLC for the hair to regain their olden beauty/texture... but this is a step in the right direction.

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick in 36 CORAIL LEGENDE - This YSL of mine never got the much-deserved lovin' from me since it is a tad too coral for my liking. The thing with corals on my face is - if they're too light, I need a full face of makeup, which I am not too fond of doing ever so often. This coral in particular stayed in the back of my stash for so long that the packaging got scratches and discoloration perhaps due to my neglect and usual moisture ;'( It was a bad sight and I vowed to use it very often. Now, I am so hooked onto this that it might as well be my signature color. How? I just figured that this flatters me the most with a combination of a rosy-pink lip liner. I make sure to only apply a light swipe of this on my lips as too much of an opaque pale coral might not flatter me. Also, always cover/camouflage the discoloration around your lips - you will not need a full face of makeup that way and the lipstick will photograph nicely :-) This YSL does dent your budget, but I am on the lookout for a closer/cheaper dupe even if it is in MAC :-) Till now, the focus is on finishing it up <3

Colourpop Lippie Pencil in BRINK - This is the awesome rosy-nude lip pencil that I am absolutely loving this month. It is creamy, yet doesn't melt and lasts pretty well :) It does not only make my YSL work well, but other lipsticks and liquid lip products in MLBB shades are also a treat when paired with this beauty. For only $5, it is the best bang for your buck :) I have tried Rimmel and Maybelline lip pencils, but they were nothing exceptional. I have yet to try NYX, so till then, this remains my Holy Grail lip pencil <3

Makeup Forever High Definition HD Foundation in N118 - It was one of the longstanding items in my wishlist that I tentatively crossed off. Being NC20-30, I was supposed to get the N120 shade. However, AlFatah had only N118 in stock closer to my skin color and I took a blind gamble on this. Initial swatching had me guessing whether or not I should keep it. It went into my blog sale, but once/twice I used it and realized... OMG ... IT IS A KEEPER! My AHA! moment with MUFE HD was when I applied it as a test in the day and its texture became that of a second skin. It was translucent, yet flattering. As the day went by, it kept my face remarkably 'HD' by blurring the imperfections. The consistency is thinner than regular liquid foundations I have, but not too watery either. It gives me enough control to apply it on the go with my fingers. It will not cover your blemishes completely, but for a medium-sheer coverage, this is a must-must-must have! I shall be using this shade and get a tone darker than this the next time <3

That's all, folks! Stay updated with my Facebook & Instagram for exciting giveaways and updated blog sales <3 You guys are the greatest motivation in keeping me on my track :) Lots and lots of posts are coming your way, Insha'Allah!

Cheers,

Bia