2- De.Like.Ful

So here's my second De.Like.Ful from my De.Like.Ful series..

Oats - I use organic oats to cleanse my face in the morning and it makes my skin feel so hydrated and smooth (Review) 

TheFaceShop White Tree Snow Exfoliating Cleanser - I like using a gentle exfoliating cleanser at night.. And this does just that.. It gently exfoliates and what I love about it the most is the fact that it actually removes most of my makeup.. (Review)

Dermalogica Antioxidant Hydramist - This has been a skin savior for me during this heat.. It's so refreshing and hydrating at the same time.. I love misting this before my moisturizer and after my makeup.. Keeps me lookin fresh!

Sonicare Toothbrush - I hate things that vibrate.. I just don't like the feeling of it, let alone having something that shakes my jaw.. So for the longest time, I rejected the idea of an electronic toothbrush.. But a while ago I thought I'd do some more research on them and see whether they're worth it.. And after a lot of reading and watching videos, I decided to go ahead and get an electronic toothbrush.. From the first try, although the vibration annoyed me a little bit, I was amazed at how clean it left my mouth! You get used to the vibration.. I don't think it's that bad anymore.. I've been using this for almost 3 months now and I don't think I can ever go back to the traditional toothbrush!

Chanel Mat Lumiere Foundation - I've had this for a while now but because of the huge foundation collection I have and the crazy ups and downs my skin goes through, I haven't been reaching out for this much.. This summer however, I've been really enjoying this heaps.. Love the satin finish it gives.. It provides medium coverage and has a really good staying power.. I love applying this with my MAC 187 as I feel it really helps give it that extra flawless finish..

Estee Lauder Double Wear Light Foundation - This is another foundation I've had for a while.. I really enjoy the flawless finish this provides me.. The shade is great for my skin tone.. And it stays put through humidity and heat which makes it amazing for our UAE summer weather! Only issue with this is that it photographs horribly.. Makes you look like a ghost in photos..

Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer - I trust Estee Lauder's Double Wear Line in terms of delivering a long-lasting product.. And this does wear well and surprisingly enough, it's not cakey.. I use this under my eyes and on my acne scars and it ain't bad.. It is medium coverage which is why it's not AMAZING for me.. Still on the hunt for that GREAT full coverage concealer.. But this has been my friend ever since I bought it 1 mont and half a go..

Giorgio Armani Master Corrector #2 - I had this a long time ago and used it up.. Then a few months ago decided to re-purchase it as nothing has been workin it's magic on my recent dark circles without creasing.. It's very light-weight but covers my dark circles nicely.. I still apply my Estee Lauder concealer on top of it just to ensure its longevity..

MAC 187 Duo-Fibre Brush - As mentioned above, I've been really loving this brush with my Chanel Mat Lumiere Foundation.. I pump a little bit on the back of my hands and pick it up with the brush then work in sections.. Stippling then blending.. Really love this brush and it's so versatile!

Beauty Blender - Now I know many has sung songs about this egg-shaped sponge.. I won't go into too much detail on it as I recently wrote a post on it (Review). But I've been loving this with the heavier foundations like Estee Lauder Double Wear/Double Wear Light & Vichy Dermablend.. Gives a beautiful seamless finish.. Doesn't let foundation cling to any dryness or sink into my pores.. A really great tool to have! 

Makeup Forever HD Powder - Now this I have a love/hate relationship with.. Actually it's more of a love/scare relationship.. It mattifies my face nicely without making it look too flat and it blurs my pores well.. However, the fact that it shows in flash photography scares me.. But I do use it when I don't want to add more coverage to my face and it helps keep my makeup on all day (Review)

Sigma F80 Brush - This is the only Sigma brush I have and I'm amazed at how soft it is.. It's a great brush for foundation and powder.. Lately, I've been loving it with powder instead of my powder puff.. And it brings out the great qualities in a powder (longevity & coverage when needed)

Bobbi Brown Taupe Eye Shadow - I wear this almost everyday when I'm rocking a natural look (which is most of the time).. I just apply a little bit on the crease and along my lower lash line and I'm good to go.. It gives my eyes a flattering depth and definition.. Looks boring in the pan but for me, it works wonders on my eyes (Review)

Makeup Forever Aqua Cream #13 - Great cream eye shadow for those who are looking for something that does NOT budge.. Also, it makes any eye shadow really pop! You do need to work quickly with this though as it sets in seconds (Review)

MAC Mulch Eye Shadow - This is my favourite MAC eye shadow.. I've had it for years and I really love it.. Such a flattering bronzy reddish brown.. Very easy shade to wear on it's on or as a crease colour.. Been loving this in combination with the MUFE Aqua cream #13..

Estee Lauder Double Wear Eye liner in 02 Coffee - I love brown eye liners for an everyday soft look.. And this is a great brown.. It's very creamy and glides on very smoothly.. I won't say that it stays on ALL day long in the weather I'm in, but it's been one of the best eye liners I've tried in a long time as it does not smudge or melt off like other eye liners..

Dr. Haushka Lip Care Stick - I throw this in my bag for when I need a simple plain lip balm.. It's great at hydrating my lips.. Only issue I have with it is that it's too glossy for my taste.. But does my dry lips some good for sure..

Clarins Lip Perfector in 02 Rose Shimmer - When I think of this product I think of the amazing smell it comes with.. Other than that, it's very hydrating and for a lip balm, it has a good staying power (Review)

Korres Lip Butter Stick SPF 15 in Rose - This is an almost matte lip balm.. Gives a beautifully berry bitten lips.. Not as hydrating as I would like, but not bad either.. I mainly use it for the lovely shade it gives (Review)

Yankee Candles - I've been on the hunt for candles that smell great without that waxy kinda smell.. And as lovely as Bath & Body Works candles are, they kinda smell waxy which makes me sick.. So I was so glad when I decided to give Yankee Candles a go because they make my room smell great without the candley scent.. Will have to get me the larger jars for sure..

Carolina Herrara 212 VIP, Givency eau demoiselle, Juicy Coutour Viva La Juicy - I'm such a perfume person.. I'm always wearing perfume.. When I go out.. When I come home.. When I go to bed.. I just love smelling good for me.. And these perfumes are all re-purchases.. I love them for different occasions.. I can't describe scents well but I will try.. 212 is the kinda scent I'd wear in the afternoons and evenings.. It's not too strong but not too soft either.. Not sweet nor fruity or flowery.. Eau Demoiselle is such a grown up feminine scent.. I wear this on nights out and gatherings.. Viva La Juicy is my signature scent.. I wear this with everything and anytime.. It's has a powdery scent if you know what I mean.. I just have to always have this in my collection..

The Help - When I get a chance to read, I've been picking up this book thanks to Beauty Scribbler, who is an amazing beauty blogger by the way =) Love the way it's written and how it's been told from the help's perspective.. Can't wait to finish it and knowing what happens.. So much injustice and discrimination back in the day..

And finally, it's Ramadan in the Islamic world and for those of you who don't know what Ramadan is.. It's a Holy month in the Islamic calendar where we fast (no food, no water) from Sunrise to Sunset.. The whole concept is about compassion and doing good.. Because in this month, you are encouraged to help the needy more than you normally do, be connected with Allah (God), and just commit good deeds.. And what I love most about this month are: 

Family Gatherings

The Spirituality in the atmosphere

The Night Life

And of course the FOOOOOD!

Peace

xoxo

Skincare Products: Oats & The Face Shop White Tree Snow

We all know that the key to achieving good skin, is by cleansing well.. I have gone through so many cleansers.. Some I enjoyed and some not so much..

Lately, I have been using two cleansers that have been making my skin feeling so clean, smooth and hydrated..

No your eyes are not deceiving you... It's oats.. Fresh organic oats...

When I Use It

- Mornings only

How I Use It:

- I take a small amount into the palm of my hands

- Apply a little bit of water to it

- Pat it with my fingers until I get a paste

- Rub my hand together and massage on my skin

What It Does:

- Gently exfoliates

- Nourishes & soothes your skin

What It Doesn't Do:

- Take off makeup.. Which is why I use it in the mornings only

Who Will Like This:

- Anyone who prefers natural DIY remedies

- Anyone who is looking for a cleanser that gently exfoliates and soothes

Who Won't Like This:

- Anyone who prefers a less messy cleanser as this is pretty messy

My Final Thoughts: I love how this makes my skin feels.. It's super gentle and it feeds my skin at the same time.. I've learnt this method from Bubzbeauty's video here.. Check it out as she demonstrates how its done and talks more about the goodness of oats as a cleaner..

The other cleanser I'm really enjoying is..

THEFACESHOP White Tree Snow Exfoliating Foam Cleanser

When I Use It

- Evenings

How I Use It:

- I take a small amount into my fingertips and massage it on to my skin gently

What It Does:

- Gently exfoliates (contains tiny beads)

- Removes makeup

- Brightens your skin

- Leaves skin feeling hydrated

What It Doesn't Do:

- Dry out your face

Who Will Like This:

- Anyone who enjoys a foaming cleanser 

- Anyone who is looking for a cleanser that removes makeup without stripping the skin of it's natural moisture

- Anyone who enjoys a gentle exfoliator for everyday use

Who Won't Like This:

- Anyone who does not like a foaming cleasner 

- Anyone who prefers to deeply exfoliate once a week only

My Final Thoughts: I was really surprised by this cleanser.. I bought it without really planning too and I'm glad I gave it a go.. It's very smooth and lathers up nicely.. It leaves my skin feeling very clean and the fact that it removes most of my makeup is a plus for me!

So both of these cleansers are working so well for my dry/combination, acne-prone skin at the moment..

Oh and another thing, these are also so great for those who are on a budget!

What's your favourite DIY skincare remedy?

And what cleanser are you enjoying at the moment?

Skincare Products: Face Masks - Part 1 -

My all time favourite skincare products are Face Masks.. I enjoy applying them and I enjoying seeing the results after I wash them off..

Because I have tried so many face masks, I will divide the Face Masks Review into two parts..

So starting with Korres Face Masks...

Korres Pomegranate Cleansing Mask 

This mask is made for oily & combination skin and it is suppose to cleanse your skin and help minimize your pores. It's creamy and it doesn't really harden on your face. After washing it off, I didn't really feel that "cleansed".. It was just ok.. It didn't make much of a difference to my skin.. I use it when I'm not sure which mask to put on..

Would I repurchase? Definitely Not.

Korres Wild Rose Instant Brightening & Illuminating Vitamin C Mask

This mask is creamier than the Pomegranate mask.. It actually feels like a moisturizer more than a mask.. But I felt better results with this one than the Pomergranate one.. It left my skin looking brighter and fresher.. I got it to help brighten my acne scars, but I don't think it's strong enough for those stubborn marks..

Would I repurchase? No coz I think there's something better out there to help brighten my skin overall including my acne scars.

Korres Yoghurt Velvety Moisturising Mask

This is such an interesting mask and it is made for my kinda skin type. Oily Dehydrated Skin. People tend to think Oily skin don't need hydration but they doooo! I have combination skin and this works so well for me. On days when I feel that my skin is more on the drier side, I slap this baby all over my face.. And when I take it off, I'm left with skin that is less thirsty. Like the Wild Rose Mask, this also is very creamy in texture..

Would I repurchase? Yes I would coz I need a hydrating mask in my collection.

TheFaceShop Pore Minimizer Controlling Pack

Like Korres, TheFaceShop also works with natural products which is what attracted me to the brand in the first place. This is meant to help with the pores and congested skin. I've used it for a while and didn't see results at all in terms of smaller pore size.

It's a clay mask and it dries on your face.. My skin does feel cleaner after I wash it off but nothin special at all..

Would I repurchase? Nope. I actually gave this away to my sister who needed a mask.

TheFaceShop Fresh Fruit Aloe Mask Sheet

I read so many reviews on Mask Sheets but never really understood how they can actually work better than the normal type masks.. So I bought this to see for myself.

Firstly, the sheet did NOT fit my face at all! It was waay too big.. It was uncomfortable.. Secondly, I looked hella scary! =P Thirdly, this Aloe Mask Sheet is meant to soothe and hydrate the skin but it just didn't feel nice at all on my skin.. I didn't feel that the substance on the sheet actually sunk into my skin.. And after takin the sheet off, my skin was just bleh.. Nothing and I mean nothing felt or looked different about my skin.. But to be fair, I tried another sheet mask from the same brand hoping to get some result.. But still nothing..

Would I repurchase? Never. It turned me off all Mask Sheets.



That's all for Part 1

Part 2 coming very soon which will include my all time favourite mask 

So Stay Tuned ;)

Review: Primers

When the idea of primers came out, I thought they were just the cosmetic industry’s way of making more money.. So for the longest time, I did not use a primer.. And even today, I don’t use a primer every single time I wear foundation..

Ok so let us begin...

Korres Vitamn E Face Primer – This is a silicone free primer which is the second thing that attracted me to the product after it being from Korres of course.. The texture is not too light but not too thick either.. It's very moisturizing.. And that is one of the reasons why I use this primer the most, now that my skin is very dehydrated.. It gives a nice dewy (not oily) finish.. Your face looks healthy..

Does it help the makeup last longer? I think so.. It also did help my full coverage foundations (e.g. Estee Lauder Double Wear) slide on better and not cake on my face.. I did find that during the day however, my foundation did crease a little bit around my mouth on the laugh lines.. But that could just be the foundation..

Would I repurchase? For sure.. I’ve heard too many stories about silicon based primers that broke so many people out badly and my skin does not need any more breakouts.. This didn’t break me out and it gives that extra needed moisture to my combination dehydrated skin.

THEFACESHOP FleBeaute Collagenic Make-up Base – 02 Shimmering White – Now I know the name “Shimmering White” might make a lot of people run the other way.. But this is a lovely moisturizing face primer that gives a beautiful glow to your skin.. Swatched on your hands this looks too shimmery but on your face you can barely notice the shimmers.. I would say that this is similar to MAC’s Strobe Cream.. So if the MAC one breaks you out, definitely check this one out.. The good thing about THEFACESHOP products in general is that they use many natural ingredients that feed your skin all that good stuff.

I mix this with Korres Face Primer sometimes when I’m using foundations that have become slightly darker on my skin.

Does it help the makeup last longer? I don’t think it makes my foundation last longer but it does help give my face that beautiful glow.

Would I repurchase? I don’t think I will repurchase straight away.. But I probably will come back to it in the future..

Benefit That Gal Brightening Face Primer – This is pink in colour.. It does brighten your face giving it a hint of pink which is not my thing.. But that’s all it does.. Some people just use this as a highlighter.. 

Does it help the makeup last longer? Not at all.

Would I repurchase? Nope

i.d. bareVitamins Skin rev-er upper – This is the bareminerals primer that comes in their starter kit in case you didn’t know.. I haven’t used this a lot to be honest coz the smell of it just put me off.. It’s very light and liquidy in texture and it did go nicely with my bareminerals foundation which is the only foundation I tried it with..

Does it help the makeup last longer? It helped my bareminerals foundation go on smoother.

Would I repurchase? Never

Benefit POREfessional – Now this is not exactly a primer.. It is marketed as a balm to minimize the appearance of pores. And it does just that.. I like this product.. EnKoreMakeup shows a demonstration of how to use this product which totally sold me.. So I’ll let him do all the talking =P  

Does it help the makeup last longer? It helps blur out my pores but doesn’t last all day. You have to reapply during the day.

Would I repurchase? Yes. If I haven’t found anything better.

And that is it on primers.

Verdict - My Favourite Primer is:

Korres Vitamn E Face Primer

What are some of your favourite primers?