What shall I pack when travelling?! | Ayesha

In some ways, I would really love to have the time to chill out at home and not have much to do on the weekends. My reality is the opposite - I spend most weekends back and forth between London, Coventry and Wakefield. I'm grateful though, because it means I always have something to look forward to. I haven't been bored in about 2.5 years! 

One of my greatest pleasures of travelling so much is packing. Yes, I am a closet packer. I looovee packing! I hate unpacking, however. I would list packing as one of my favourite past times. My most favourite thing, which is what I am going to focus on today, is all about make-up and what I take with me on my travels. I own a tiny car, Toyota Aygo, which I have nick-named Bug because it looks like a fly. We always seem to be tight on space so I have to reduce how much I pack to fit it all in. 

So this baby is supposed to be a wash-bag. In the past, I used to carry all my skin care/body care items in this and use a separate bag to hold all my makeup. Now, I take everything in this including our toothbrushes and my husband's razor. It was a gift from my cousin for my birthday quite a few years ago now; I think it was from Boots as I seem to remember a Watermelon shower collection coming with it.

This is everything I stuff in, but there is still space for more!

I apologise for the lighting issues, it didn't look dark before uploading it! From left to right: 

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser. This was a free sample after I had bought some facial oil a couple of years ago. I hardly use cleansers but my skin needs an extra boost when I am away from home. You may think it's crazy but each city/town has different water, for example in London the water is hard and leaves my skin very dry, but in Yorkshire the water is softer, tastes better and doesn't dry out my skin so much! 

Body Shop Overnight Vitamin E serum-in-oil. I highly recommend this stuff. My skin has felt amazing, particularly in the morning. As the bottle suggests, you put this on before bed, give it some time to sink in (maybe 20 mins/half hour) and when you wake up in the morning, your skin has been given such a boost! I have to say I used quite a bit of this - I can be heavy handed with my application - so it used up in 2 months. I've had to repurchase it so I won't be as heavy handed as you really don't need a huge amount - just a couple of drops will do. I'll let you know how long it truly lasts. 

Lush Silky Underwear dusting powder. The name is quite suggestive and may give the wrong impression that you have to apply it... no. This is like a fancy talcum powder that you can apply anywhere. The differences between this and talcum powder are: 

- This smells way better (like jasmine, if you like the smell of jasmine)

- This does not leave white streaks or marks on clothes

- This gives added moisture as it contains cocoa butter.

I use it straight after I shower on my underarms and it has helped stop unpleasant odour you may experience after a long day. It doesn't stop sweating though, because that is natural; but it does help you to stay smelling fresh. I have also found it very useful as a dry shampoo. I had forgotten to pack some dry shampoo but because this contains cornstarch which is a natural oil absorber, it did the trick! A truly multi-use powder. 

Soap and Glory Sunshield Protector. I bought this after reading a review on Lily Pebbles' site that it is a good and slightly cheaper alternative to the Kiehl's one. I bought this as I have some scaly skin (sounds scary! but it's just a realllly dry patch on my right cheek that can go really red sometimes. It looks like I've applied too much blusher) and the vitamin C in this product really cleared it up. I did experience a reaction in my skin after using this for 3 or 4 days though, so I stopped for a couple of weeks. Then I decided to try it again and I haven't had a reaction, so I'm taking it to mean my skin is just weird as it's absolutely fine now, no problems! However, when this finishes I probably won't repurchase. The main purpose was because it contains Vit C and there is a concentrated Vit C serum in the Body Shop which is cheaper, so I will get that to target my scales in future.

Finally, Body Shop Vitamin E eye cream. Love this stuff, it's sorted out my undereye bags after a week! (Although, I can't say it's this on its own; I have been taking iron supplements recently and I feel it could be a combination of the two). 

 

Frizz-Ease has been my hair saviour. I apply it after I've washed and towel dried my hair, and again when it's totally dry. I very rarely blow-dry as I don't want to cause too much heat damage to my hair. This little bottle was actually a free sample from Hyde Park - they were just giving them away! Very handy. Available at Boots or Superdrug.

I feel that the hairspray and deodorant are pretty self-explanatory!

Onto face products, L-R.

Collection clear mascara, available at Boots or Superdrug. I use this as a brow setting gel, keeps them at bay all day! 

MAC brow pencil in Stud. This is a twist-up pencil which is so handy, no need to sharpen when it gets too low. This is the darkest brown in the collection, but my eyebrows are quite dark anyway so it looks natural on me. It has a nice formula, not too waxy but waxy enough and if you apply it in strokes, makes eyebrows look really defined. 

Maybelline Baby Skin face primer, available at Boots or Superdrug. I haven't actually tried this yet, even though it's been in my make-up bag for ages. I feel that the Urban Decay Naked BB cream (next to it - I got mine from Debenhams) lasts so long on my skin that I don't actually need a primer. For every day use I don't wear foundation; just BB cream or if I'm having a good skin day, concealor on my under eyes and around my nose. I'll use it one day and give you a proper review. 

Rimmel Wake Me Up concealer - love this stuff, makes me look awake funnily enough! It's got quite heavy coverage but is still light enough to look natural, not at all cakey. In fact it makes my skin look quite dewy. It's amazing during term time. 

Topshop Glow in Polished. This is a gorgeous highlighter, but unfortunately seems to be unavailable on their website; I bought mine in store not too long ago, perhaps in March? They have another one called Gleam which is a golden shade, but the one I have is pinker. I will do a review and swatches in a separate post but it is safe to say it is my most favourite highlighter, much better and easier to apply than HighBeam by Benefit!

NARS blusher as mentioned in my previous post. This isn't what I normally take with me on my travels, I normally take the No7 Pop and Glow stick (available at Boots) which is a dupe for a NARS multiple (although not really, just the concept is similar). This NARS blusher is what I had to take with me as I got it delivered to my parents' house and had to bring it with me to my in-laws, where I am currently staying for the week.

The brush is a really old one passed down from my mum - the name has rubbed off or maybe it wasn't even there but it applies blush really evenly!

Now lip products! This is turning into a long one... L-R as usual.

MAC lipstick in See Sheer. This is actually more red-brown toned in real life. It is quite sheer, as the name suggests, so when I apply it I can build up to a nice pink-toned red, but is not at all in your face. It's a nice everyday lipstick.

Revlon lip butter in Sorbet (from Boots/Superdrug). See one of my previous posts for a little review.

Soap and Glory lip bullet in Raplumzel. As the name suggests, it's a nice plummy-red lip colour. Its a cross between a glossy balm and a lippy but more on the balm side. It's very moisturising while adding a pop of colour. They had a variety of shades but I picked this one up as I knew I would wear it often.

Finally, my favourite (and only) Chanel lipstick in Bois de Iles. Its a deep berry red but is super wearable. I save it for weddings, evenings, or any time I want to feel dressed up. I have worn it to work a couple of times too. It's a lovely buildable colour and stains your lips so you are left with the colour even if it wears off during the day. 

I usually just take MAC see sheer with me on my travels but as I'm away for the whole week, wanted to take a variety to befit any occasion that may arise. As of yet, there's been nothing but cooking, planning, assessments and report writing (still not finished) so I feel the lippies may just sit in the wash bag for the rest of my trip. 

Finally, FINALLY eye products! L-R:

Mascara wand with a built in mirror, how handy! I think it's by Model Co? I'm not too sure, it came free with a magazine. It's okay, lengthens my lashes and adds a touch of volume but the formula is so fine you can really build it up. It's not my favourite but I don't want to waste it so that's why it's in my travel bag. Did you know, I haven't bought a mascara for at least a year because I keep collecting them in magazines or make-up collections! I've acquired a sample of Benefit They're Real (I don't like it much, in all honesty... shock horror!), Smashbox full exposure (again, does the trick but not amazing) and this one pictured. I just want to finish them so as not to waste, then I can buy the one I like. Lancome Hypnose :)

Stila waterproof pencil in Damsel. This came free with an eyeshadow palette called In the Light. The palette is gorgeous, full of neutral shades. I don't own an Urban Decay Naked palette and won't need to as the colours in here are all I need! Anyway, back to the eyeliner itself. It's a lovely brown shade which is great for every day wear, and has a twist-up mechanism so no need to sharpen. 

Urban Decay Primer Potion - eyeshadow primer. Without a doubt I have not tried anything as long-wearing as this. I can safely say that I have left my eye make-up on for about 8 hours with no creasing or smudging. After 10 hours you can see some creasing, but that's really good going in my opinion.

NYX jumbo pencil in a golden shade. I bought this from Next, believe it or not. They have a little corner devoted to it in the Tesco Arena park in Coventry if you want to check it out. 

Finally, a MAC eyeshadow palette. I bought this from Bicester shopping village in the discount makeup store, the palette itself was limited edition. However, the reason I take it with me is because the shades are nice and neutral, and it includes a brush which is actually quite good. I use the flat side to pack on the colour, then use the edges of the brush to add dimension or shape my crease. 

DONE! 

Showing ASOS some love | Ayesha

It's been a busy few weeks in the AK & FK household, but that hasn't stopped me from showing some love towards ASOS...although not so much my bank balance. I LOVE ASOS! It has to be my most favourite store ever. Some of these things I got out of necessity, as I'm still trying to update my wardrobe after having a huge clear out last summer after I lost a bunch of weight. Did you know that I don't own any blue jeans?! They are next on the list. 

These are some gorgeous boots to replace my current ones as they are way, way too uncomfortable for everyday use. These ones are by a brand called Pull and Bear which I had never heard of, but anyway the shoes were right up my street so naturally they ended up in my basket. I know it's spring/summer, yada yada... but the weather is still very unpredictable and I have found myself wrapped in a blanket with a hot cup in my hand only yesterday. ANYWAY, these shoes are so comfortable and lovely and I can't wait to wear them. 

Oh, NARS. For some reason they are not a brand I usually gravitate towards. I'm more of a Bobbi Brown or MAC person if I were to go for a high-end company, but I have heard one of my friends talk about a particular shade of blusher called 'Madly' a lot and thought I'd check it out. I LOVE this shade! I don't know why I haven't tried it sooner! I would describe it as a bronzer/blusher in a deep browny-coral kind of shade. I also own Dallas which is a bronzer/blusher mix, but it is definitely different. Dallas is more pinky/brown. 'Madly' just makes me look healthy! I'm not a fan of the chalkiness of it, however. I find it to be quite dusty and also the staying power isn't amazing unfortunately, that's just on my face though. I have heard lots of people raving about it and everybody is different. 

The last item I ordered was this skirt by Vila. It's knee length, was a bargain (£10 I think?!) and increased the versitility of my wardrobe by a mile. I can pair it with so many things, including some things I have rediscovered. It can also be dressed up or down, most of the time though I'll be wearing it to work. I love how my job is non-corporate so I can dress as smartly or as casually as I like (no blue jeans or shoulder-baring is the dress code) so this fits in nicely. 

So there you have it, I love shopping. My husband is only getting to know the beginning of it.                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Much Needed Hand Luggage Essentials | Zahra

Hello everyone

Sorry about the lack of posts last week but I had exams and yeah....

Anyway, last week I also found out that I'm going on holiday (I'm going to Qatar- WOO YEAH) and I obviously needed to pack- suitcase and hand luggage.

Moving on, here's what I think you should have in your hand luggage:

This is my bag- it's from H&M and I love it so much. You can fit so much in there without that feeling of it going to break and that's the last thing you want when you're abroad.

I told you it can fit a lot.

So you definitely want to sort your skin out, especially on a long flight otherwise it will probably hate you so it's time to raid all your drawers for those samples that you'd never use or you could do what I did today which is just go to a counter at Boots or something and ask for a couple there. (The cotton pads are just for the toner I'm taking with me.) Also remember to put all your liquids in a clear plastic bag.

Right, let's get onto makeup then. As much as I hate it I'm not going to wear a lot of makeup while I'm there (it would probably just melt off my face lol) and none on the plane but these are just for when I change my mind and I want to (which I highly doubt will happen)

You'll want to take some for of entertainment with you so I'm taking 'Can You Keep a Secret?' by Sophie Kinsella and my (brother's) iPod. I might take an iPad and the camera with me too for some 'memories'

I also recommend keeping all of your valuables and electricals with you because if your suitcase gets lost...well have fun

A mirror for applying and creams, makeup etc...

Even though I'm going to tie my hair up beforehand, i think it's just really handy to have one because (especially if you have thick hair) your bobble might snap.

I get really cold on planes so having a cardigan and a scarf is essential for me (scarf- New Look, cardigan- Redoute)

And lastly, if you're going somewhere warm then sunglasses are a must have so that you don't blind yourself in the sun.

H&M Bag: H&M

Thanks for reading everyone, I hope you all have a great bank holiday weekend and I will see you soon!

Also let's be companions! (Weird? Oops)

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Hot Pink! | Ayesha

Nothing screams spring to me more than hot pink. Ever since I swatched my sister's 'All about me' lipstick by Topshop, I've been after it. However... it's the sort of colour that I only feel comfortable staining on to my lips. Cue a trip to Boots and thankfully they still have a 3 for 2 offer. I was able to get my trusty Collection mascara that I use as a brow gel, and as soon as I saw 'Sorbet' in the Revlon lip butter aisle, I fell in love. It's so creamy, yet surprisingly wearable! That's the thing about lip butters, they are sheer when you apply them so you can leave it at that or build up the shade if you want a stronger colour. 

The other lippy I bought was Loreal's new lipstick called L'Extraordinaire by Color Riche. It has a see-through strip down the side so you can see how much product you have left, which is great. It's in between a lipstick and a gloss and highly, highly pigmented. I bought a similar shade to the lip butter as it gives it a bit more punch - this one is called Rose Symphony. I tried it the other day with a bare-ish face (only did my eyebrows, blusher and concealer) and it looked really fresh and springy. My new favourite! I'm going to Brighton with hubby in the summer, so I will most definitely be whipping this out on that occasion ...And other occasion ...And maybe even work! Just everywhere!

What are your favourite spring lip colours?

Spring/ Summer Must-Haves | Zahra

Hello everyone 

Seeing as it's (sort of) summer in the UK (i.e it's about 5 degrees warmer than before) I thought I may as well present to you my must-haves of the season...

Left to right: 

-Sunglasses- Primark

-Charles Worthington- UV hair protector (you don't want your hair to burn in the Sun)

-Dry Shampoo- Batiste- Oriental Spice (when you don't have time in the morning for a quick shower)

-L'Oreal #TXT texturising spray (hair pick me up- ha lol- when its flat and droopy)

-Brighton Rock lipstick- Topshop (why not- it's summer)

-The Rocket Volume Express mascara- Maybelline (waterproof and DOES NOT BUDGE+ great if you're on a budget)

-Hypnose mascara- Lancome (stays put for ages but not waterproof)

-Loose Translucent Powder- Collection (who wants their concealer/ foundation to melt of their face?)

-Shanghai Spice lipstick- MAC (ditto- perfect nude for pretty much all skin tones)

-Mist You Madly body spray- Soap and Glory (light and smells nice)

-Orgasm highlighter/ blush- NARS (2 in 1 and it gives you a really healthy glow)

-Sun-cream- Neutrogena- Ultra sheer dry touch SPF 45 (you just don't want to burn)

-Hairspray- Tony and Guy (tame that frizzball of your hair!)

-Infrared lipstick- Topshop (it's the most wonderful lipstick ever)

Shanghai Spice- MAC (£15)

Infrared- Topshop (£8)

Brighton Rock- Topshop (£8)

Orgasm- Nars Multiple Stick (£30)

The Rocket Volume Express- Maybelline- waterproof (£7.99)
Hypnose- Lancome (£22.50)


 

Thanks for reading everyone- hope you all have a great weekend (hopefully not full of rain and wind)

Enjoy.

Shopping, Shopping And More Shopping | Zahra

Hello everyone :)

So once again my sister and I decided to go on a shopping rampage, so here's what I bought.

First let me say that I did buy a white bag from Primark but I decided to return it as I had second thoughts (it was £9 if you're interested.)

So the adventure started off in Topshop and.... they still had 'that' deal ( you know the one where they make you spend £15 and you get a free lip cream? Yeah that one...) I decided to build on my lipstick collection and bought 'Brighton Rock' which is like (what I would describe as) a muted neon pink. Matte, creamy and pigmented- what more could you want? (The other part of the deal was spent by my sister- she bought a glow pot- IT'S SO PRETTY)

Now I personally think the Lip Creams are a bit out of my comfort zone as they're pretty much neon colours so I decided to get a pretty dark colour instead. 'Smart'- this is a really dark purply- red which I think is perfect for Autumn/ Winter. It has flecks of shimmer in it and is so pigmented in turns into a stain once it wears off.

Lastly we went into Boots and they had a 3 for 2 which made me procrastinate a bit as it took me so long to choose what I wanted to get. I decided on this lipstick- Rimmel Kate Moss 110 which is a vibrant cherry red (pretty good all year round colour)- they last and stain for ages and there's a really good colour range whether it be matte or not. (Retails for £5.49)

I've actually had my eyes on this for months and months but every Boots I went into, there wasn't a tester for me to swatch but HALLELUJAH I found one. This blush (£11.00) is super shimmery and gives you that healthy pink glow. I guess, because of the shades in it, you could use it as an eyeshadow palette soo..... there's a 2 in 1 right there.

I really wanted to buy Essie's 'Figi' (a pale whitish- pink) but I was told that there's a Rimmel colour that is EXACTLY the same and it is. Rimmel 203- Lose Your Lingerie (about £3.69 I think- I threw my receipt away). A really pale pink that looks great with a tan (I know I'm not very good at painting my nails.) 

My last one is a bit random but whilst I was in Primark, I realised that I didn't own a pair of sunglasses as they all keep breaking but as the sun has started to make an appearance here in the UK I thought I may as well get some as they were only £1.

Well thanks for reading, hope you're having a good bank holiday weekend and I will talk to you all soon, bye :)

First Impressions- Lancome Hypnose Masacara | Zahra

Hello everyone :)

 So yesterday Lancome celebrated their 10 year anniversary of their Hypnose mascara and Debenhams had a £10 exclusive offer for the mascara.
As I was at school I wasn't able to buy it myself but I managed to convince my mum to buy it for me (believe it or not, with a voucher she managed to get it for £7!!!!)

Without mascara

As you can see the mascara is super volumising and adds SO much length (my lashes were touching my eyebrows). Although it's quite pricey I definitely recommend investing in this (I'm not too sure if I like this or the Benefit 'They're Real' more- HELP.)  

                                                                        Debenhams
                                                                  Lancome Website 

I do like the packaging...

On my eyes....

Benefit cream eyeshadow- Bikini- Tini

Topshop eyeshadow stick- Mystical 

Lancome Hypnose Mascara- Albert Elbaz 

Well that's all folks!

Hope you enjoyed :)