2013 Favorites - Makeup

 A year has been passed so quickly, I remember doing my 2012 favorites and how I was taking photographs and Now! What better way to start a new year with a 2013 favorites. 2013 was full of great things, I did try to use the makeup i already have and tried to control my makeup lemmings (Boy! That was hard ) but if i compare my this year favorites with 2012s, I think i had some staple which i kept coming back to over & over again.  

Lets get started with my 2013 Favorites - Makeup .

2013 Favorites – Lips 

By Far the most difficult category , It took me hours to pick the winners for 2013,I kept adding few lipsticks and then taking some out ,This was a year of lipsticks for me. I hardly used any lipgloss . I loved my bright lipsticks , Like maybelline vivids, Catrice , and what not but after some hard work , i present you my lipstick loves for 2013

• Mac Moxie (By request collection)
• Revlon just bitten kissable balm in honey
• Ysl rouge volupte #9 Caress pink
• Color Studio Professional New Pure Matt Lipsticks Asia
• DMGM Photo Fix Lip Color in Italian Rose
• Lakme Enrich Satin Lipstick #129
• Rimmel London - Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipstick # 10
• Carmex lip balm

2013 Favorites - Eyes

Eye Shadows : I have two favorites this year , once which i am sure will be in almost every beauty bloggers yearly favorites post & other is a single eye shadow which i simply swipe on the lid, apply kajal on lower lashline and finish with a mascara. 

• Urban Decay Naked Palette 
• Rouge bunny rouge eyeshadow in veiled lyrebird 

Eye Primer & Concealer 

• Smash box Photo finish lid primer 
• Bobbi Brown creamy concealer in warm beige

Mascara :

• Volume Clubbing Mascara by Bourjois Paris

Eyeliner & Kajal :

• L'Oreal Extra-Intense Liquid Pencil Eyeliner in Carbon Black
• Maybelline New York Colossal Kajal
• Essence Gel Eyeliner Midnight In Paris 01

Eyelash curler : 

• Shu Uemura eyelash curler

2013 Favorites – Face 

I cant stop myself from buying more foundations, In fact i am waiting for an order , which included yet another foundation.This year i enjoyed using one particular foundation and to be honest i didn't have such high hopes but essence stay all day surprised me and this is why it is in my 2013 favorites. 

Foundation & BB creams :

• LOreal Youth Code BBCream Illuminator SPF 15
• Essence Stay All DayFoundation
• Laura mercier silk creme foundation 

Primers :

• Smashbox Photofinish primer
• Illamasqua gleam cream in flex 

Concealer & Powder :

• IT cosmetics bye bye under eye concealer(which is too thick to use underye but works wonder if you have to cover any marks ,spots etc)
• Color Studio Professional Invincible All Day Water Proof & Heat Proof powder

2013 Favorites – Cheeks 

I loved so many blush this year , Essence miami roller girl, artdeco LE blush , Milanis but when it came to pick for favorites post  ,This was no brainier for me, I have used Nars blush in madly  more than any other blush this year and to my surprise i didn't include any pink/berry blush this year . 

Blush :

• NARS powder blush Madly 
• NARS powder blush Torrid 
• MUA powder blush#5

Highlight 

• MAC Superb Extra Dimension Skin finish
• NARS highlighter in Albatross 

Contour :

• Sleek Makeup Face Form Palette in Medium 

Here we are , finally ! i haven't been commenting lately due to internet issues. Do share your 2013 Favorites in the comments below , i will make sure to check your posts and comment . Btw looking at this post makes me realize that i am behind reviewing , i have so much makeup and i blog about them like 10%. Next years resolution inculdes more reviews :)

Looking Back at 2013

Today’s post is all about the random moments of my life posted here over the course of the year.  I post on Instagram a lot than I shared here , so if you want to take a look at what you missed, Check out here

January:  I started the year with my 2012 favorites post, To be honest 2012 was such a bad memory, and I am glad 2013 turned out to be different and way better.

February: It was such a special month for me, we took a PBBC step further and arranged first ever Pakistani beauty bloggers swap around the world. I went to India with my friends,  I have always wanted to travel to because I am captivated by their culture. And ehm ! Who wouldn't like to shop there? Going abroad with friends is like a dream come true. We were group of Foodies so we tried to visit best of the best restaurants. I made some amazing makeup purchases from Chandigarh.

March: I was getting out of India trip side effects, and I totally forgot to post what I got in my Pbbc secret swap, but you can check out what I send to Ayesha and Nayab

Gifts from sister

April: It was  a slow month blogging wise since, my sister and nephew were visiting us from U,K, and I was already planning to go back to India second time.I didnt post about gifts she bought me but posting a photo here.

May: May was a special month, It’s my birthday month, and I was going to India second time. I took the plunge and posted my birthday FOTD (I was scared to get negative criticism)

June: I got back to blogging –Finally and For me highlight of June was ESSIE being launched in Pakistan.

July: Rabiyah and I, planned another beauty blogger Eid swap after the success of first one and to our surprise turnout was double, There is no denying that bright lips were  the rage this summer, and I am guilty of owning so many bright lipsticks.

August: August was a busy month, I posted my first ever eye makeup tutorial , We had an amazing experience with second PBBC swap and I showed you what my swap partner Rabiyah send me . I was lucky enough to get Eid gifts and bought few goodies myself, a haul post it was.

September: I was travelling yet again but this time was going to Lahore. I showed you what was in my makeup and when I came back I posted about what I bought from my trip.

October: A slow month it was blogging wise, I Just reviewed new reformulated Rimmel  Moisture Renew lipsticks  .

November: Finally some reviews, I did well this month. I talked about Sleek Makeup Face form, Reviewed a beautiful Maybelline vivid lipstick in Fuchsia flash , Shared a quick homemade brownies recipe .

December: I did a little change; I started posting my full face photos in most of reviews. Highlight of this month is I think my dewy face makeup tutorial. And of course the excitement of new kajal pencil LOrealParis Kajal Magique

To be honest 2012 was such a bad memory, and I am glad 2013 turned out to be different and way better. I am glad I got back to blogging because I wasn’t so active since 2011 and it was great to repurchase my own domain. I got to know some amazing Pakistani bloggers through PBBC. For 2014, I want to travel more, Maybe U.K this time and learn makeup from Illamasqua, I would love to revisit India again. I am in love with Chandigarh. I am planning to blog more, coming up with new ideas for PBBC , keep my blog and Facebook page more interesting , I Plan to buy less makeup and use more of what I already have, Eat healthy and try to lose extra weight I gained in last couple of years.

In Coming Year,Enjoy every single moment,The good, bad, beautiful, ugly,inspiring, the not-so-glamorous moments.And Thank GOD through it all.To accomplish great things,We must not only act,But also dream,Not only plan but also believe,Best wishes for New Year 2014

New Launch-LOreal Paris Kajal Magique

Nothing makes me more excited than knowing about a new kajal pencil launch (The more the merrier ).It was launched in India couple of days ago .Brand ambassador Aishwarya Rai Bachchan launched L'Oreal Paris's new eye liner, Kajal Magique in Mumbai . The packaging is really adorable and looks chic in my opinion . It's is priced around 225-245(INR) in India so If launched in Pakistan it will cost around PKR 500-600rs approx .A big kajal-aholic I am , it won't be long , when I will be trying to get my hands on it .

Let's hope Loreal Pakistan launches it .. SOON

About the LOrealParis Kajal Magique -Get over ordinary kajals, L'Oreal Paris Kajal Magique - the queen of kajals has arrived. Step into the spotlight and let your eyes do the talking.Features:Supreme BlackA new generation formula! Powered with mineral pigments for deep intense colour.Extraordinary Care:Kajal Magique is formulated with care ingredients and gives a soothing feeling. Enriched with Vitamin E, Cocoa Butter, Olive Oil Esters and Vitamin C Derivative.Claims :Ophthalmologically Tested, Suitable for Contact Lens Wearers, Soothes Eyes, Mineral Pigments for Deep Intense Color, Smudge-proof for upto 12 hrs Non Transfe

Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation - Review ,FOTD,Swatches

Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation

Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation Review

Rimmel stay matte is most probably one of Rimmel London best selling range, Including their stay matte pressed powder compact, which is a staple in many makeup bags. I have tried it , Loved it. My sister bought me the original stay matte foundation when it was launched in U.K around 2010 I think.I wasn't very fond of its runny texture and almost no coverage formula. But this foundation, my friends !! has a different story.Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation reviw- here we go!!

Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation -A Feather light, oil free formula with an airy mousse texture that won’t feel heavy or greasy, Delivers all day shine control and blends flawlessly for a natural looking matte finish. It minimizes the appearance of pores. The "weight" is over – finally, shine has met its matte.

Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation -swatch

Let’s talk about the packaging first, It comes in a compact little tube, which is travel friendly and unlike some, the foundation stays inside the tube, doesn’t ooze out when you open it. Rimmel's Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation comes in 5 shades. Light Ivory, Ivory, Soft Beige, Sand, and natural beige. There are two additional shade available in the U.S light porcelain and true or natural ivory.

I have the shade “sand” For the reference I am M.A.C nc35 and this shade is just a tad darker. The texture is hybrid between a mousse and a liquid foundation. It comes out quite thick and creamy. I usually squeeze out a little foundation on back of my hand and apply using clean fingers, after applying primer to the face (Benefit pore-fessional) and blend it. I prefer using fingers since warmth from your skin , help melt the foundation and makes it easier to blend, but flat top brushes like sigma F80 or Elf flat top brush works well too. This foundation blends like a dream, thanks to its mousse-y texture.The key for perfect finish is blending.If you dont bend it carefully it may looks cakey ,If you have dry skin , it may accentuate the dry patches ,and fine lines on your face.It looks very natural and i must say it photographs really beautifully . It feels really light on the skin and i would say coverage is medium-full. So if you are looking for light coverage , it may not be right for you.

I have worn it in hot summer months as well as chilly winter days.I can easily say that foundation is totally matte, you don't need to dust powder once it sets , unless you have super oily skin. It lasts upto 5-6 hours on me , and during the day it have tendency to show some shine , but a quick dab of powder can fix it. Since it gives a perfect matte face , I finish off my makeup with some highlighter or bronzer depending upon the look .

Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation 

Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation Review

Summary : If you have oily skin and want medium-full coverage, I highly recommend Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation. It gives full matte finish , mean while looking really natural and light weight formula blends easily and feel velvety soft.It photographs beautifully.  You can me wearing Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation Here & Here

Price: PKR1295/-  £5.99 

Availability: Boots.com , I have seen at Alfatah store,Lahore . 

update - Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation is available online at beautyarena.pk . 

Selection: Rimmel's Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation comes in 5 shades. Light Ivory, Ivory, Soft Beige, Sand, and natural beige. There are two additional shade available in the U.S light porcelain and true natural ivory.

*PR sample 

You Are What You Wear !

“Give a girl the right shoes & she can conquer the world.” Was the magnificent Miss. Monroe bluffing? I don’t think so. 
A girl may have everything she desires but the minute she slips on the crown of glory, she fancies on running the world just by the power she feels beneath! And of course, this cannot be done in mere flip-flops or those nasty manly clogs. But it can most certainly be done in those alluring, sensational heels they always wished for! Watching fashion runways always makes you do bad stuff. Especially girls! Actually, only girls..(Unmarked boy territory alert)

Picture yourself in flats, to a fancy evening party. You’ll feel comfortable & at ease, but let’s be honest. You will not feel the spark of magnificence & control.Now picture yourself wearing those 6-inced platform pumps which you stacked away in the back of your closet thinking you look like a horse wearing them. You instantly feel the authority, as though an igniting flash of glamour has been thrown onto you.

Unleashes the flirt & naughtiness in you, doesn’t it? I’m sure it does!

The invention of high heels is a legendary achievement of man, don’t you think? Well, I certainly do.It wasn't long ago when platform pumps were the biggest fashion break-through in Pakistan. Be it Pakistani or western wear in question. All dresses desired these eye-candies, so much so that Pakistani Designer dresses on runways, exhibitions & photo shoots were all showcasing them. It was definitely love at first sight for me. Oh so glorious!And yet, here we are progressing towards the end of the year and we still haven’t gotten over this love affair. Not quite!

Well, good news for you all! Online shopping from Pakistan has come into handy for the right person, someone like you! Daraz, is now offering major discounts on some of its foot wears, with quality assurance in rational colors & prices. Make yourself feel at home & take away whatever you like at the lowest prices. Online shopping from Pakistan has its own perks & moments. And you be the judge of that.You must have a pair of this, Goddess like plat form heels. It’s a must girls!

I know exactly what you’re up to though. Oh yes! You shopaholics are waiting on those newest Pakistani Designer dresses affiliating & complimenting winters. And I know what will pop up that brilliant expensive dress! But we won’t pick your pockets, oh no!

Get these deadly temptations on outrageous concessional prices & feel like a queen!

Maybelline Fit Me! Shine Free Foundation-Natural Beige

Maybelline Fit Me! Shine Free Foundation

Maybelline's answer to light-as-a-feather foundation that stays put.Their gel stick formula has been released in Pakistan few weeks ago.

Maybelline New York FIT Me! Shine-Free Stick Foundation -Maybelline's first gel stick foundation with an anti-shine core,Fresh gel foundation blends to a flawless matte finish,Lightweight powders in the anti-shine core instantly dissolve excess oil.Get flawless, shine-free skin instantly and on-the-go with makeup tailor made for your skin. Fit me shine free stick foundation's anti-shine core has ultra-lightweight powders built in to instantly dissolve oil.  The gel-stick formula goes on creamy, blends easily, and transforms to a matte powder finish. 

Available in 12 oil-free shades. You can get it online at just4girls.pk , beautyarena.pk , as well as maybelline authorized retailers nationwide.

Price :Rs. 1,500.00

I am testing this foundation stick these days so expect a detailed review real soon :)

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Dewy & Glowy Flawless Makeup (Foundation,Blush,Contour,Highlighting)-How to ?

Dewy & Glowy Flawless Makeup-Tutorial

Winter is officially here and so is wedding season. A dewy finish is a huge make up trend this season , not only for the brides but also sisters of the brides/groom or even cousins. I have been following some really talented Pakistani makeup artists on Facebook and i have seen one thing common in most of their brides is Dewy , Glowy makeup.The dewy makeup not only makes your skin look radiant , youthful and glowing and it also photographs beautifully .Every one in desi weddings wants the best photos taken and right make up enhances your best features , making photos look spectacular.
With this post I wanted to show you how you can get glowy dewy face . 

Products i used for-Dewy & Glowy makeup

products for -Dewy ,glowy Makeup

How to get dewy flawless makeup -

• PreMakeup/Primer :

For the ultimate dewy ,glowing face . I personally feel you you need either one of the productsMAC's Strobe Cream or Illamasqua gleam cream in flex for luminosity and an all day glow.Both of them are really just a premakeup highlighting tool,

You can use it on its own or mix with foundation for an immediate skin brightening effect that will illuminate the night.I used Illamasqua gleam cream in flex , You can also use MAC's Strobe Cream instead . The Illamasqua gleam cream & Mac strobe cream does the same thing . I mixed it with the foundation and dabbed little on the spots where i was going to highlighter after foundation. But if have oily skin type, then apply only where you want to highlight like cheekbones, nose bridge etc. You can also use regular primer before you apply these,since face primers are meant to serve as a layer between skin and foundation to create a more even surface. But not everyone needs them. The best candidate for them would be someone who with oily skin type.The Benefit POREfessional quickly minimizes the appearance of pores. Apply this silky, lightweight balm to achieve translucent pore coverage and smoother-than-smooth skin. For pocket friendly alternative check out L'Oreal Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base

• Foundation

You want to pick a foundation with a satin finish formula, unless you have dry skin, then choose a sheer formula.  Right now I’m using the Laura Mercier silk creme Foundation as it gives luminous coverage and offers advance light reflection properties which cuse fine lines & wrinkles to optically vanish. Another great one is the Makeup Forever HD foundation which gives a glowing finish to the skin, For pocket friendly alternative  Bourjois healthymix foundation which makes your skin looking toned, radiant and healthy skin with a flawless matte finish.If you have dry skin, the best alternatives are the NARS Sheer Glow is a glowing, satin-finish foundation with sheer and buildable coverage.  Since you would be taking alot of photos, skip a foundation with spf. 

• Powder

I didn't dust any powder since its winters and you can easily get away . But If you have combination skin, apply powder sparingly.But i will suggest to skip powder altogether if you have dry skin.The trick to using powder is use as little as possible and apply only to the oily parts of your skin- usually the t-zone.

• Blush :

There are two options , Cream or powder. If you have oily skin , Your best bet is to go for powder blushes , powder blushes are great at soaking up oil and leaving a matte finish.Choose a blush with slight shimmer or sheen like Nars deep throat , Mac springsheen, Nars blush in oragasm ,Illasmaqua powder blush in Sophie .But  if you have dry skin,because using powder blush can make your skin look dry or powdery

 I am wearing Lakme pure rouge blush in Peach affair in the above photo. My picks for cream blush brands are most definitely Illamasqua for higher end and for affordable price nyx has some amazing range of shades.

• Highlighter & Contour : 

For the perfect finishing touches to this dewy look, Adding a cheek highlighter is a must. Use the highlighter above the blush,on your cheekbone. It helps adding a soft glow to the cheeks and give your face a more radiant. I have used Mac extra dimension skinfinish in superb which is  a gorgeous warm peachy champagne color with hint of bronze but some of my picks are Benefit Watt'sup,MAC Stereo Rose Mineralize Skinfinish 

 for affordable alternative check out Makeup Academy Undress your Skin Highlighting Powder . Now for the contouring , to be honest it all depends upon your face shape and your needs. I just picked up a little of Mac studio fix powder plus foundation in NC45 ,which almost two tones darker than me and placed it below apples of my cheeks . If you are new to contouring or even a makeup enthusiast like me ,  Sleek Makeup Face Contour Kit is a must have product. 

That is all, Please let me know if it was helpful .I am not a pro makeup artist , i just tried to recreate something which was something new to me. Do you like dewy makeup or prefer to stick to basics ?

Food Panda - Order Food with Food panda

Girls- you all have heart of the principle of the weekly cosmetics-“starter kit”-subscription, delivered right to your home. There are services for men and women, containing the basic necessities needed for personal hygiene and cosmetics. Every week a new collection is delivered right to your door. But hold on tight- there is something new, but instead with food. Interested? Then keep on reading: Every one of us have had those days, when you have to work late, cannot be bother to cook anymore or simply had a bad day and do not feel like going out anymore? Usually makeup is the one thing that convinces us to get out of bed and back into our high heels for the night. But you do not have to do that anymore, with foodpanda, an online food delivery website, also accessible through their new app (in iOS and android), that operates by delivering food from a wide range of restaurants to either home and/ or offices, you can stay at home and enjoy a lovely meal delivered right to your doorsteps. 

Currently foodpanda serves 4 cities in Pakistan: Islamabad, Lahore, Rawalpindi and Karachi. Foodpanda has put its focus on further expanding across new major cities and countries in the last months. In the beginning of 2012 the first foodpanda smartphone app was launched and since then, ordering food online via foodpanda has never been easier.

How does it work?

Download the app foodpanda.pk, enter your postal code, choose a cuisine or restaurant, decide to pay online or cash and select from an unlimited number of dishes. The app even suggests you which restaurant is the nearest to you, and all that by just one click. After you just have to wait for your order to be delivered.

Best Berry Lipsticks And Swatches – My Top 7

My lipstick taste is evolving every year, When i started this blog , i was so much in love with nude/neutral lips, then came pinkish brown MLBB shades, Last year and earlt 2013 it was all about hot pinks and now i am digging deeper lips trend.  Berry lipsticks are a rage these days. This Autumn/Winter 2013 vampy reds, moody berries and rich, heady wine colours are a big makeup trend,. 

Berry lipstick shades are very versatile and often suit a large array of skin tones.These berry lipstick shades may have red undertones or may be reddish and some even have purple undertones too.So if you wear lipstick, wear it dark .I do have quite some lipstick collection and i only picked these shades because i feel these will flatter any skintone , and i will keep updating this post with some more  berry-licious shades.

So here are some berry shades which you should try.

Mac Cremesheen Partyline : is described as Red-tone plum.Once applied , it transform into a beautiful berry shade which complements my skin tone.  {Review Here}
Palladio Wine Berry : Palladio lipsticks are not very talked about , but If you  have access to Palladio beauty products, you MUST check them out. They smell delicious like cocoa butter or vanilla . They are super creamy and super pigmented. For rs 500-550 you cant go wrong. [Some other palladio lipstick shades.]
Senna Creme Ruby : is a  deep wine (cream), which applies smoothly and somehow similar to Mac Party line :
Sephora Mat 04: is a 04 is matte dark plum lipstick. 
Ulta Beauty creme Bite of berry 246 is a lightest berry shade aming all , its berry with almost purple undertone . Its is universally flattering shade.
Medora Matte cherry bomb 262 :What can i say about Medora, they keep coming with some totally amazing shades. This one is matte and looks jewel tones cherry with hint of red/maroon.
Glamorous face lipstick #40 : is a deepest berry shade i own, almost oxblood knda shade, it looks like death in a tube but trust me , once applied, it looks so gorgeous.It costs rs 100 and quality is not as great as other i have shown but the packaging and shades are beautiful and doesn't too heavy on the pocket. 

Top Line L-R -Ulta Beauty creme Bit of berry 246,Senne Creme Ruby, Mac Partyline,Medora #262
Bottom Line L-R - Palladio Wine Berry, Sephora Mat 04 and Glamorous #40

I will update the post with other swatches and will keep updating if i found some other amazing shades. Ofcourse thers are like 1000 more beautuful berry shades but right now these 7 are mostly used berry/plum shades .


Are you following the deep/dark lipstick trends? What is your favorite shade?

Check out my  7 perfectly on-trend fuchsia lipsticks , these seven bright lipsticks will make your lips pop. 

Top 3 Fast-Drying Topcoats & Mini Review

I love wearing nail polishes but i hate the time it takes to dry completely .Since i am very impatient ,and  90% of times i end up having at least one or two fingers nail paint smudged or ruined. Today Im going to feature three of my favorite fast drying top coats that I've used within with the past year or so.

Orly - Sec 'N Dry Multi-Layer Quick-Dry Topcoat :You have to wait until your nails are nearly dry before putting this on unlike seche vite. Orly sec n dry top coast dries fast enough. not as fast as seche vite but it doesn't shrink .Its my second bottle and it lasts a long time .It use it more often than seche .I usually apply it on my nails and this top coat starts working , i would say within 5-10 min it completely dries my nail polish. It also leaves nails shiny and smooth. Not as shiny as seche vite though. 

Seche Vite - Dry Fast Top  Coat : Seche is the most popular and i have a love /hate relationship with it. It gives an incredibly shine.I personally hate the smell. its strong for me.For me it works better with cream finish nail polishes.It needs to be applied to freshly polished nails, when they are still slightly wet. As you can see , i am half way through with it , and Seche Vite was great until its get half way done and then you cant use it it anymore since it becomes gloopy,thickens and makes it impossible to use. Seche vite causes nail polish shrinkage and on me , it makes nail polish peel off within 3 days.I use it when i am in hurry and want my nail polish to dry super quickly.If i ignore the wastage of the product, then it does dries in no time flat and long lasting and gives super shiny nails.


Golden Rose Quick Dry : Its is so affordable . easily available in Pakistan and gets the job done. I have been using this top coast since two years and this is my 4 or maybe 5th purchase. I gives amazing shine to the nails and dry time is same as Orly sec N dry if not better. I don't know why its not very talked about but personally it is one of my top 3 fast drying top coats. I got it from Alfatah for rs175/-