Pakistani Beauty Blog, Reviews & Swatches | Sara Hassan's Blog

Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips in Glitz Blitz

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Hassan) — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:46:00 +0000

Treat your eyes to Glitz Blitz!

Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips

Get Instant Salon Effects. No Dry Time. Sally Knows nails are the best accessory. Now, Sally makes it easy to get a salon effect anytime, any place. It wears like nail polish because it IS nail polish. No dry time, so you’re ready to go.

Application Tips:
Because Salon Effects is made from real nail polish, be sure to use all strips immediately upon opening otherwise they will dry out.

Benefits:

Lasts up to 10 days
Removes easily with nail polish remover
Fashion-forward styles

Includes: 16 Nail Polish Strips, Cuticle Stick, Mini File & Buffer

Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips

Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips - Glitz Blitz

My thoughts
I reviewed these nail strips almost two years ago. In case you missed, you can find it here. I remember being quite pleased with the quality and wear. I also did an update after 10 days which showed how well the strips withstood the wear and tear during that time period. But I also remember not being so happy with the glitter nail strips which despite being the most gorgeous ones, gave me a tough time with application. Same is the case with this one. Glitz Blitz looks a lot more beautiful in real but I guess there's something wrong with the way it's manufactured. I couldn't peel off the protective layer on these strips as easily as I could with other designs. I did manage to apply them after some effort just to show you how it looks.

Since the strips are made from real nail polish, I noticed that they dry out once the pack is open so these should be used as quickly as possible. Even if you keep them from getting exposed to air, they'd still lose their sticking ability eventually -- in about a week. Overall, I do like the concept of nail strips especially if you're in a hurry or you want your nail polish to look crisp. Granted it looks gorgeous, I'm not happy with the application. However, I do suggest checking out other designs from the range.

Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips retail for $9.99 to $10.99. You can also purchase these online from BeautyJoint.com, Walgreens.com or Ulta.com.

What do you think about it? Have you tried it yet?

PR sample(s) sent for review. This however has not affected my opinion at all. My loyalty is to my readers and being honest is my utmost responsibility. I have given my sincere opinion about the product(s) mentioned in the post. For more details, please go through my Disclosure Policy.

If you have any questions, you can have a look at FAQ or email me on info@sarahassansblog.com.

Sigma Spa Brush Cleaning Glove – Review

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Hassan) — Sat, 18 May 2013 15:40:00 +0000

Recently Sigma introduced an innovative tool for brush cleaning that got a lot of people talking if it's actually worthwhile. Keep on reading to know more about it.

Sigma Spa™ Brush Cleaning Glove
The Sigma Beauty Sigma Spa™ Brush Cleaning Glove was specially designed as a quick, easy and effective method to deep clean your makeup brush collection. The revolutionary device offers a variety of necessary textures and surfaces for removing all makeup from brushes while using only a small amount of cleaning solution. The dual-sided glove provides a complete cleaning process for both eye and face brushes. Patent pending.

Brush Cleaning How-To:
1. WASH - Add a small amount of cleaning solution and water to glove and swirl brush on ‘Wash’ texture to begin deep cleaning the brush(es).
2. RINSE - Place brush under running water and sweep brush back and forth on the ‘Rinse’ texture of the glove to remove makeup residue & soap.
3. REFINE - Swirl brush on the ‘Refine’ texture of the glove for an added deep cleaning
4. RINSE - Place brush under running water & sweep brush back and forth on the ‘Rinse’ texture for a final rinse.
5. SHAPE - Reshape brush bristles by placing brush head on the ‘Shape’ section of the glove while squeezing with your hand to remove excess water.

Sigma Spa Brush Cleaning Glove

Sigma Spa Brush Cleaning Glove - Face

Sigma Spa Brush Cleaning Glove - Eyes

Cleaning Sigma F80 with Sigma Spa Brush Cleaning Glove - Face (before & after)

My thoughts
When it comes to brushes, it’s always been a top priority of mine to ensure that I’m not using them dirty on my face; particularly the foundation brush, it just feels so icky! I’m very hygiene-conscious about my brushes which is the reason why cleaning them has been a weekly routine for me since forever. I know it's quite a daunting task especially if you’ve got an entire heap to be cleaned which may take anywhere from around half an hour to an hour but that could change with this glove, trust me. Like everyone, I do believe it slashes cleaning time for me to some extent. Also, it keeps my hands from getting dried out which is a plus.

Sigma Spa Brush Cleaning Glove is made of high-grade silicone which seems quite durable to me. There is an inner glove for added comfort which I take out because it makes the glove feel a bit bulky on the hand; I just use it to pat dry the glove when I’m finished.

As you can see, this glove has got separate textures for face and eye brushes. Talking about the face side, the knobs on the WASH portion are large and round that assist in creating lather better, that too in a jiffy! But I’m particularly impressed with the REFINE texture. Unlike my palm, the closely packed nubs on the REFINE bit of this glove grasp the bristles so much better; it also resists swirling which I think helps pull out the grime rather easily. Previously, I used to dip and whirl my thumb in to clean my kabuki brushes - the toughest of them all - but with REFINE, I just swirl the brush onto it in a circular motion with gentle pressure (don’t go harsh) and I can see the residue coming off a lot quicker. I go on the WASH and REFINE textures back and forth for thorough cleaning. You can expect the eye brushes to come out absolutely clean on one go but the denser brushes or the ones with a lot of foundation/concealer buildup will require at least two washes as you may find residual makeup staining the bristles in the center (as you can see in the photo above). To finish off, I rinse and use the SHAPE section to squeeze the water out which doesn’t work quite well as I still have to wring it all out with my hand.

Sigma Spa Brush Cleaning Glove doesn’t claim to wash brushes better than normal cleaning, instead it offers to minimize the time spent washing your brushes which I think is true. I’ve seen people comparing this glove to regular silicone oven mitt, which of course is a much cheaper alternative, though I wonder if that could outdo this glove when it comes to quickly deep cleaning kabuki brushes. The only reason that may keep you from giving it whirl is the price I suppose; it definitely is pretty expensive for a glove added up with the postage charges. I think a reasonable price tag would’ve encouraged people more to try it out.

To sum up, I don't think you absolutely need it if you own no more than a handful of brushes nonetheless it could work as a helping hand for someone who has got a huge brush collection and uses them on a regular basis. I do personally like this glove for it's effective, saves my time and I enjoy cleaning my brushes with it. I guess I'll just have to wait and see how it turns out in the long run.

Sigma Spa™ Brush Cleaning Glove is priced at $39.00 and can be purchased online through Sigma's website here. Sigma ships worldwide. You can get 10% off your purchase by using the code given on the sidebar.

What do you think about this glove? Have you tried it out yet?

PR sample(s) sent for review. This however has not affected my opinion at all. My loyalty is to my readers and being honest is my utmost responsibility. I have given my sincere opinion about the product(s) mentioned in the post. For more details, please go through my Disclosure Policy.

This post contains affiliate links. You can support Sara Hassan's Blog by clicking or purchasing through the links. If you have any questions, you can have a look at FAQ or email me on info@sarahassansblog.com.

Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer – Review & swatches

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Hassan) — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:46:00 +0000

Finally I get to review one of the most hyped product of the season; Apocalips!

Apocalips Lip Lacquer
The earth-shattering lip lacquer from Rimmel London combining the intense colour of lipstick with a lacquer like shine, Apocalips Lip Lacquer is an explosive make-up phenomenon that represents the end of colour as you know it. Packed with pure colour pigments, its lusciously creamy, conditioning formula promises a never-before combination of colour, shine and comfort that last and last. Available in 8 shades, from subtly sexy to spectacular.

Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer

Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer - Galaxy

Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer -Stellar

Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer -Swatches (L-R) Galaxy, Stellar

Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer - Galaxy swatch

Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer - Stellar swatch

My thoughts
To begin with, I’m absolutely in love with the color payoff. Given that they’re ultra pigmented, you don’t need to layer on the color at all; it’s a one-swipe thing! Apocalips is basically a liquid lipstick or you could say a lipstick/lip-gloss hybrid. Upon application, it has a glossy shine but that soon disappears after an hour leaving behind a satin finish.

I’ve got two shades. First up is Galaxy which is a warm mauve with silver shimmer that looks very subtle on the lips. I think it’s a great choice for fall/winter. Stellar, on the other hand, is a bright neon coral-pink color and is definitely not for the faint-hearted. I personally enjoy wearing it more as a stain; I just blot it to make it more daytime/work friendly. I love how it instantly brightens up my face and perks up my mood when I’ve got it on.

The consistency is thick and creamy enough so I haven’t had any issues with bleeding or feathering what so ever. It glides on effortlessly and thankfully doesn’t feel sticky but before it turns into a stain, it can feel a bit heavy on your lips. I don’t use a lip liner beneath it and it doesn’t budge past my lip line however, I’ve seen that it’s quite slippery on application so make sure you don’t put on too much product on the applicator because that could mess things up. You could use a lip liner to be on the safe side.

The formula is very moisturizing initially but dries to a semi matte finish which could be problem in the colder months I suppose. The longevity isn’t the most impressive either but I don’t complain because at least it lasts better than a lip gloss. It wears comfortably on my lips for good two hours and leaves behind an even stain that remains for a long time. Not to mention, these do transfer easily onto the glass or cups so my advice would be to avoid drinking while you have these on.

The one thing that could be a major turn-off is the smell. To me, it smells and tastes like a mixture of watermelon and cucumber which isn’t a bad combo. It’s not much of an issue for me but I’ve seen people who detest the scent so if you plan on purchasing, don’t forget to try out the testers. I am happy with the packaging. The doe-foot applicator it comes with is pretty unique. If you look closer you can see there is a slight depression in the center which holds enough product for application in one go.

Overall, I absolutely love these lip lacquers. Despite a few cons, I do think this product is worth the praise. I definitely want to try out other shades from the range.

You might like it if...

You expect great pigmentation
You expect a creamy & moisturizing formula
You're happy with the packaging
You expect a decent wear time
You expect it to feel non-sticky

You might not like it if...

The product transfer bothers you
You find the scent unappealing
You expect it to last a very long time

My rating

4/5

Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer is priced at PKR 975 and can be purchased from all superstores nationwide. You can also get these online from Just4girls.pk or BeautyArena.pk. Folks abroad can buy these for £5.99 from Superdrug.com or Boots.com.

So what do you think about them? Have you tried out Apocalips yet?

From Chinchi With Love by R. A. Creation'z – Review

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Hassan) — Sun, 12 May 2013 13:28:00 +0000

Who doesn't like bright and cheerful ethnic jewelry? I know I do!

About the brand
R. A. Creation'z is an artistic explosion in jewellery and gift items where every piece is a work of art! Our mission is to provide everyone with a style of accessorizing they can call their own.

From Chinchi With Love
A collection as vibrant as the place we call home "PAKISTAN". All encompassing and a melting pot of different identities, religions and ways of life. All these different colours of life make up my country and its colourful people. So here's a tribute too all us vibrant Pakistanis.

From Chinchi With Love by R. A. Creation'z

PKR 120

PKR 175

PKR 150

PKR 180

My thoughts
I am thoroughly amazed by this highly-colored collection which I think is a beautiful and accurate depiction of Pakistani culture. The fact that you can get an item with so many color choices is a treat! My favorites are the rings and the bangles (ones at the top). My only complaint is the size of the bangles -- it's huge for my tiny wrist. I really think there should be size options for slender wrists. The most annoying thing I had to live through was the tape coming off the hoop earrings; this needs to fix as well otherwise, everything is just fine. I love the price tags which is very affordable. Overall, if you are looking for some colorful ethnic jewelry, you must check these out.

For prices and details, visit R. A. Creation'z on Facebook.

What do you think about these?

Jordana Best Lash Extreme Volumizing Mascara – Review & swatches

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Hassan) — Fri, 10 May 2013 12:48:00 +0000

Alright ladies, this review is gonna be short and sweet. Been holding over this post for much too long now.

Best Lash Extreme Volumizing Mascara

Immediate Extreme Volume
Buildable Formula Without Clumping
Long-Lasting Power

Jordana Best Lash Extreme Volumizing Mascara

Jordana Best Lash Extreme Volumizing Mascara -- Before & after application (2 coats)

My thoughts
My lashes are naturally thin and sparse and I’ve got to say this one does a brilliant job for the price I paid. The packaging is very ordinary and comes with a standard straight wand. The formula is very black and the consistency is all right; not too thick or thin. I noticed that it sets within seconds when I apply. For me, it lengthens my lashes decently, nothing over-the-top however it thickens nicely in a single coat. What’s more, it holds the curl well through the day.

Does it smudge or flake during the day? Well, no it doesn't! It stays put all day long even in this harsh weather of Karachi. My advice would be to be careful during application. The wand attracts a lot of product on the tip so make sure to take off the excess and start by applying to the base of your lashes working all the way up while wiggling the wand at the same time. One coat should be enough for those who’ve got nice lashes already. For someone who’s got lashes like I do should apply two coats for best results. It could get clumpy on a second coat though.

You might like it if…

You are looking for a budget-friendly mascara
It lengthens and thickens lashes very well
It holds the curl through the day
It opens up your eyes since it’s very black
It doesn’t flake or smudge all day

You might not like it if…

It doesn’t give your lashes that extraordinary lengthening effect
It starts to clump on a second coat

My rating

4/5

Overall, it's really good and the price is just amazing. I got mine for $3.59 from BeautyJoint.com. You can enjoy 5% discount on your order at Beauty Joint by using the code SARAHASSAN (all upper case letters) on checkout. You can also look for this product at online Facebook stores mentioned in this post.

What do you think about it? Have you tried it?

Bourjois So Laque Glossy Nail Enamel

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Hassan) — Mon, 06 May 2013 13:24:00 +0000

Bourjois So Laque Glossy collection has nail colors for all occasions.

So Laque Glossy Nail Enamel
Bourjois new nail collection from the So Laque range enriched with vinyl for an ultra-glossy shine.Dress your nails in 8 hot shades for that high fashion look from head to toe. Its formula is ultra-resistant and enriched with vinyl and resins to make your nails shine, prevent then from chipping and keep them looking shiny, neat and full of glossy colour to last for up to 10 days!

Bourjois So Laque Glossy Nail Enamel - Peach and Love

Bourjois So Laque Glossy Nail Enamel - Taupe Modèle

My thoughts
Peach and Love is a gorgeous peachy pink creme. I think it's unique and very summery. The formula is slightly milky so a smooth application could be a wee bit tricky to achieve. The applicator is fine but like I always say, I would've appreciated a wide applicator here. Taupe Modèle is a classy mushroom taupe which would look great on just about anyone. It's my favorite of the two. The formula on this is better than the former and applies smoothly. I really like the glossy look they both have. Also, the shades have a quick dry time. About the 10 days no chip claim, to tell you the truth, I haven't tested that yet since I don't wear nail polish for that long though I think it will last for up to 5-7 days.

Overall, I am impressed. Borjois So Laque Glossy nail enamel hasn't hit the counters yet in Pakistan. It should arrive very soon. I am going to update the price however my prediction is that it might cost somewhere between PKR 690 to PKR 770.

What do you think about these?

May Haul!

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Hassan) — Sun, 05 May 2013 09:30:00 +0000

Hola ladies! I hope everyone's doing well. How's your weekend coming along? For me, it's been a real tough month. There's a lot on my plate these days yet I try to take time out of my schedule for all of you lovely people out there. I've made so many wonderful friends in my blogging journey so far and I'm totally overwhelmed by your love; thanks a million!

Anyway, I'm back with my haul of the month. Some of them are repurchases while others I'd be trying out for the first time for which I'm very excited.

May Haul

So here's what I got:

POND's Pure White Deep Cleansing Facial Foam (Agha's Supermarket) -- PKR 235
Gillette Satin Care Lavender Kiss Shave Gel (Agha's Supermarket) -- PKR 315
Marks & Spencer Rose Moisture Rich Foaming Bath Cream (Agha's Supermarket) -- PKR 595
Dalton House Sweet Rose Fine Handwash (Agha's Supermarket) -- PKR 160
Freeman Facial Clay Mask Mint & Lemon (Just4girls.pk) -- PKR 390
MUA Undress Me Too Eye Shadow Palette (Just4girls.pk) -- PKR 750
MUA Glitter Eyeliner Shade 2 (Just4girls.pk) -- PKR 200
Essence Stay With Me Longlasting Lipgloss in Candy Bar (Just4girls.pk) -- PKR 350
Maybelline SuperStay 24 Hour Foundation in Nude 021 (Just4girls.pk) -- PKR 1500

What have you bought recently?

Glam up with The Body Shop – Recreating Leona Lewis Signature look!

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Hassan) — Fri, 03 May 2013 14:34:00 +0000

The Body Shop Pakistan is holding a nationwide blogger contest where participants are required to recreate the Leona Lewis look using products from the brand. The winner shall receive a cash prize and TBS products; amazing isn't it?

I was over the moon to have received an invitation from The Body Shop Pakistan's business development manager; she's a sweet heart I tell you.

The Body Shop Leona Lewis Collection

Products used for the look

A look created with Leona Lewis collection

So we (my sister and I) went to The Forum outlet and were warmly received by the sales assistants -- gotta say they were very helpful as always. Being a regular TBS consumer myself, I knew precisely where to pick my products and how to begin. It was a wonderful experience creating a look inside the store. A lot of customers passing by thought something special (maybe a free demo) was happening lol. One of the ladies even asked the SA excitedly about what's going on. Anyway, after I was done, we took photos then and there. My sister was a big help in all of this. We had already decided to recreate the look putting slight creativity of our own so to make it look more personalized, if you know what I mean.

The Leona Lewis collection looks very tempting and the packaging is just adorable. The Shimmer Palette in Oh Deer! Blush that I used on the cheeks applies sheer but could be built up though it may not show up well on deeper complexions in my opinion. On the whole, it's one of those products you would want to wear on daily basis, the one you just can't over do. The lip gloss is pigmented and non-sticky. I put Deerlicious Fuchsia on my lips which is a gorgeous and extremely flattering summer shade. The other products used for the look have been mentioned below. I was pleasantly surprised by the Colour Crush eye shadows; they're super pigmented. Not to mention, the Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder is brilliant; I've got my eye on it. Overall, I had a great time.

For Face, I used:

The Body Shop Oil Free Balancing Foundation SPF 15
The Body Shop Pressed Face Powder
The Body Shop Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder
The Body Shop Leona Lewis Cruelty Free 'Oh Deer! Blush' Shimmer Palette

For Eyes, I used:

The Body Shop All In One Concealer
The Body Shop Colour Crush Eyeshadow in 'Berry Cheeky', 'Pink Crush' & 'Be My Clementine'
The Body Shop Carbon Eye Definer in 'Black'
The Body Shop Liquid Eyeliner in 'Black'
The Body Shop Brow & Liner Kit in 'Brown & Black'
The Body Shop Super Volume Mascara

For Lips, I used:

The Body Shop Leona Lewis Cruelty Free 'Deerlicious Fuchsia' Lip Gloss

I heard that about twenty bloggers have taken part in the competition. I wish them all the best. Wish me luck too! And, I hope you like the look I created.

For more details about the brand, visit The Body Shop Pakistan on Facebook.

What do you think about the Leona Lewis Collection?

Essence Circus Circus Highlighter Powder It’s Magic – Review & swatches

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Hassan) — Wed, 01 May 2013 11:44:00 +0000

I cannot imagine leaving out a highlighter in my daily makeup routine. I love how it adds a gorgeous glow to my skin instantaneously.

Circus Circus Highlighter Powder in 01 It’s Magic (limited edition)
Curtains up for a perfect complexion! The subtle highlighter powder not only brightens up your complexion, but your eyes too! Delicate shimmer particles set enchanting accents on your face, neck and décolleté for a splendid finale in the circus arena!

Essence Circus Circus Highlighter Powder It’s Magic

Essence Circus Circus Highlighter Powder It’s Magic - Swatch

My thoughts
I am pleasantly surprised by the product. This is hands down the best drugstore highlighter I have come upon to date. I was blown away by the texture and pigmentation of this product the first time I tried it. The texture is soft and applies like a dream. Also, it’s richly pigmented – little goes a long way! I love the embossed circus tent on it; I think it’s cute. It comes in a huge 9g pan which is plenty to last me a few years. The packaging is well-made and the lid locks properly which makes it good to travel with.

It’s Magic is a universally flattering, light champagne gold with minute light reflecting shimmer. I've been wearing it almost daily during day time and I don’t think it makes my face look outrageously sparkly. As I said, it's very pigmented so make sure you keep a light hand while applying. It wears for good five hours and gives just the right amount of glow to my face without turning me into a disco ball. I noticed that it slightly emphasizes pores and other imperfections which is the only snag that I could find but it doesn’t bother me a lot as it doesn’t appear frosty. It leaves my skin with a perfect golden sheen and gives me that sun-kissed radiance which I love! The one thing that could bother you is that there is a lot of fallout in the pan which makes it look dirty after each use. I don't consider it to be much of an issue though; I just sweep my finger across the rim of the pan and it's clean again.

All in all, I think this product is great value for the price. Unfortunately, it’s an L.E so if you’re planning on getting this, better hurry up!

You might like it if…

You want add a glow to your skin
You fancy champagne gold highlighters
You think it’s travel-friendly
You expect good pigmentation and wear time
You think it has a soft texture that applies smoothly
You love the price

You might not like it if…

It slightly enhances pores and other imperfections
Fallout in the pan bothers you

My rating

4.5/5

Essence Circus Circus Highlighter Powder It’s Magic is priced at PKR 460 and can be purchased online at Just4girls.pk. Join Essence Pakistan on Facebook to stay updated.

What do you think about it? Have you tried it yet?

Abbamart Beau-make Makeup Brushes – Review

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Hassan) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 15:18:00 +0000

Looking for budget-friendly makeup brushes?

Beau-make Makeup Brushes

Angled Toray Contour Brush

Angled Toray Contour Brush

Product Description

Wide, angled powder blush brush made with plush and thick Toray hair
Angled cut aids in natural shading and blending when contouring cheeks with bronzer and blush, or highlighting with shimmer
Soft and gentle, non-irritating even on sensitive skin
Thick natural wooden handle

My thoughts
The angled brush is quite multipurpose; could be used to apply blush, bronzer and highlighter. It's fairly dense, made of synthetic bristles that are firm and feel gentle upon contact with the skin. It also picks up the product really well. Even though its small compared to my regular brushes, I think it's ideal for precise contouring. The angled cut sits perfectly on the hollow of my cheeks and blends in my bronzer effortlessly. I'm glad that the handle on it is thick as it gives me a good grip which makes application easy. I've washed it once up until now and haven't noticed any shedding. For the price, the quality is unbelievably good. It's priced at PKR 750.

Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki Brush Short Handle

Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki Brush Short Handle

Product Description
Beau-Make's ultra soft synthetic flat top foundation brush was designed especially by customer request!

Dense, versatile kabuki style tuft blends and buffs both liquid and powder foundations to a flawless finish
Also try using with blush and finishing powder
High quality hairs feel oh-so-smooth and gentle on even sensitive skin,
Thick handle provides stability and control during application
All cruelty-free materials
Short length makes it an excellent travel brush

My thoughts
Another great brush and very travel-friendly! Compared to my Sigma F80, it's shorter in height plus a bit less dense. The handle is thick which gives good control during application. As I said, it's not quite as dense as F80 but it still blends in my liquid foundation flawlessly. The bristles are soft and never feel harsh on the skin. Just like the contouring brush, it hasn't shed a single bristle or splayed after washing. I've been using it to apply my liquid foundation and it works amazing. I wouldn't say it replaces F80 for me but it's my favorite from the bunch. Totally recommend this brush to anyone who's looking for a good budget-friendly kabuki. It costs PKR 1070.

Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush

Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush

Product Description

Maximum coverage concealer brush designed to naturally cover skin imperfections
Thick, softly curved tuft easily navigates around the contours of your features
Hide dark circles, blemishes and even scars
Ultra soft, dense hairs feel gentle on your skin
Provides clean, fresh-looking coverage

My thoughts
For speedy application and maximum coverage, this brush won't let you down. It's flat with a pointed tip which allows good access to difficult to reach areas. Just like the previous brushes, it feels very comfortable on the under-eye area. The bristles are long and flexible enough to follow the contour of the under-eye area. It blends in the product nicely without creating any streaks. I haven't used it to hide blemishes but it could work for that purpose as well. It's priced at PKR 430

Narrow Precision Concealer Brush

Narrow Precision Concealer Brush

Product Description

Ultra soft and gentle concealer brush made from high quality synthetic hair
Narrow, softly rounded tuft is designed for targeting smaller blemishes such as acne scars and freckles
May be used wet or with liquid concealers for even more concentrated coverage

My thoughts
Honestly, you don't actually need this brush if you already have the Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush which also serves to hide spots/blemishes. I wouldn't suggest using this brush for concealing dark circles since it's slender and way too small for that matter. Also, the tip feels rather harsh if you brush back and forth. You could however use it on tiny blemishes or around the lip margin with great precision. I personally use this brush to highlight the bridge of my nose, my cupid's bow and brow bone. It's priced at PKR 420.

Overall, these makeup brushes are well made and good quality. I definitely recommend checking these out. Beau-make Makeup Brushes can be purchased online from Lush Grooming Bargains (Abbamart's official retailer in Pakistan).

What do you think about it? Have you tried Beau-make Makeup Brushes yet?

Sigma Beauty Resort Palette L.E – Review, swatches & a look!

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Hassan) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:08:00 +0000

Oh I believe when Sigma says we could create wearable looks with this one; it’s such a special palette.

Resort Palette L.E
The Limited Edition Resort Palette contains a collection of high-quality and pigmented makeup products including eight eye shadows, one blush, one liquid highlighter and one dual-ended eye liner pencil. Rich, warm tones complement vibrant ocean-like hues in this unique palette ideal for creating your own oasis.

Included in Palette:

8 Eye Shadows: Muse, Fawn, Luna, Topaz, Papaya, Moonbeam, Neela, Midori
1 Blush: Heavenly
1 Liquid Highlighter: Luminesce
1 Dual-ended Eye Liner Pencil: Daydream & Earth Goddess

Sigma Beauty Resort Palette L.E

Sigma Beauty Resort Palette L.E - Swatches

Liquid Highlighter: Luminesce


Sigma Beauty Resort Palette L.E - Swatches (L-R) Heavenly & Luminesce

Sigma Beauty Resort Palette L.E - Swatches (L-R) Earth Goddess & Daydream

My thoughts
I love all the colors and I am truly impressed by the pigmentation and quality of these eye shadows. They have a silky soft texture and pack on effortlessly. They may not seem so pigmented on first swipe but you could easily build up the intensity with Sigma Eye Shadow Base in Persuade (which I've also used in my look) or any other base of your choice underneath. Just so you know, I haven't used any primer for the swatches you see above. I've noticed negligible fallout with these which is impressive. Moreover, the shadows blend well just like Sigma Individual Eye Shadows; overall, good stuff!

The packaging is nice. It’s rather firm and travel-friendly. The palette has a mirror inside too which is handy indeed. It also comes with a blush called ‘Heavenly’, a liquid highlighter ‘Luminesce’ and a dual-ended eye liner pencil. The blush is a gorgeous peachy shade, perfect for my fair medium skin tone. Like the eye shadows, it also has a buttery soft texture that blends with ease. Luminesce is a golden highlighter with fine scattered shimmer. The good thing is that it appears extremely natural and not too frosty. I noticed that it sets fairly quickly and lasts for about four hours after which my natural oil takes over. I think it's good for those with medium to deep skin tones; not for someone who is very pale. However, you may like it if you wish to bring out warmth in your skin for a sun-kissed look. The dual-ended eye liner pencil is really good in terms of formula and pigmentation. It's creamy and provides an opaque coverage on the first swipe however I wish it lasted better. It smears and smudges easily which isn't a good thing if you happen to have oily lids.

All things considered, it’s a remarkable launch and without a doubt my favorite palette by Sigma so far. You could create all sorts of wearable and sultry looks with this one; whether it is bold or natural, day or night you name it!

Sigma Beauty Resort Palette is priced at $42.00 and can be purchased online through Sigma's website here. Sigma ships worldwide.

I have created a look with the Resort palette which I hope you like. If you want to check out a neutral look with this, click here.

Products used

For Face, I used:

Color Studio Professional Pro Luminous foundation in 'Natural Skin'
Essence Circus Circus Highlighter Powder
Anastasia Illumin8 bronzer in 'Sun Kissed'
Sigma Beauty Resort Palette blush in 'Heavenly'

For Eyes, I used:

UDPP
Sigma Eyeshadow Base in 'Persuade'
Rimmel Match Perfection Concealer in 'Ivory'
Sigma Resort Palette (Muse, Luna, Moonbeam & Neela)
Catrice Gel Eyeliner in Black Jack with Jack Black
Oriflame Beauty Kajal Eyeliner
Wet n Wild Liquid Eyeliner in 'Black'
DMGM Crayon Kohl Penil in 'Black'
Sigma Brow Powder Duo in 'Dark'
Covergirl Lash Exact Mascara
Duo Lash Adhesive
Red Cherry Eyelashes in #82

For Lips, I used:

OCC Lip Tar in 'Grandma'

What do you think about the new Resort palette? Tried it?

PR sample(s) sent for review. This however has not affected my opinion at all. My loyalty is to my readers and being honest is my utmost responsibility. I have given my sincere opinion about the product(s) mentioned in the post. For more details, please go through my Disclosure Policy.

This post contains affiliate links. You can support Sara Hassan's Blog by clicking or purchasing through the links. If you have any questions, you can have a look at FAQ or email me on info@sarahassansblog.com.

My Red Lipstick Collection – Swatches

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Hassan) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:23:00 +0000

Red lips are classy no doubt. Being a high school teacher myself, I LOVE that strict sexy look that I get with a red pout, lol. ^_^

Red Lipsticks Swatch Comparison

Red Lipsticks Swatch Comparison (L-R) L'Oreal Color Riche Intense Perfect Red, Rimmel Lasing Finish Alarm, MUA Bring It, MUA Lipstick Shade 13, CSP Color Rush Bomb Shell, Rimmel Kate Lasting Finish 01

Even though I love all of these shades, my favorites are MUA Lip Boom 'Bring It' and Rimmel Lasting Finish 'Alarm'.

Hope this helps. In case you missed, you can also check out my nude lipstick collection and my pink lipstick collection.

Do you like to flaunt a red pout? What's your favorite red lipstick?

Avon Ideal Flawless Loose Powder – Review & swatches

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Hassan) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 14:53:00 +0000

This product has stayed too long in pending review status. I got this earlier in winter which I think wasn’t the right time to share my opinion about it. Keep reading to find out more!

Ideal Flawless Loose Powder
Super-silky, fine-textured powder conceals imperfections and provides a flawless matte finish. Blends well and won’t settle into lines. Sheer coverage.

Available in 10 shades

Avon Ideal Flawless Loose Powder

Avon Ideal Flawless Loose Powder in Light Medium -- swatch

My thoughts
I haven’t previously tried any of Avon foundations but after having tried this, I want to. Before I underline the good points, I should mention that I don’t use it alone; I use it as a finishing powder on top of my foundation. On its own, it fails to provide any coverage so it doesn’t conceal any imperfections as it says. In addition to that, it also boasts a super-silky texture which I believe is true. This is the main thing that has impressed me. I don’t have much experience with loose powders but this one seems extremely finely milled and cushiony soft to the touch.

I have it in shade ‘Light Medium’ which is a good match for my skin tone (NC 30 in MAC). It has yellow undertones to it so it doesn’t appear ashy or unnatural. I apply it with a large powder brush and I’ve never seen it cake up or settle into lines. It’s lightweight, blends in flawlessly and doesn’t add an extra layer on top of my foundation so it doesn't make the skin feel suffocated. Since it’s a mattifying powder, it’s suitable for combination to oily skins. It locks everything in place and helps extend the wear of my makeup. I wouldn’t say it keeps me shine-free all day but it does take care of my T-zone for good four hours. It comes in a huge jar with a screw top lid that closes securely so you can tuck it in your purse for touch-ups during the day but forget about the puff as it's useless.

Overall, I’m happy with this product. The one thing that could improve is the coverage. It comes in ten shades which is pretty good. You don't have to worry about not finding yourself a match since there are shades for deeper skin tones as well. Thank you Avon for that! If your skin is oily and you’re looking for a setting powder that would go well with your skin tone and maintain a natural look, Ideal Flawless Loose Powder is worth checking out.

You might like it if...

You have normal/combination/oily skin type
You expect a silky-soft finely milled texture
You expect it to mattify
You use it as a finishing powder
You're happy with the packaging & quantity

You might not like it if...

You expect it to conceal any imperfections
You have a dry skin type/it emphasizes dry spots

My rating

4/5

Avon Ideal Flawless Loose Powder can be purchased online at Wishlist for PKR 1500.

What do you think about it? Have you tried it yet?

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque – Review

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Hassan) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:22:00 +0000

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque needs no introduction. It’s one of the most raved products out there. After hearing so many good things about it, which only further sparked my curiosity, I thought it was time to try it myself.

Mint Julep Masque
Mint Julep Masque is the original natural home treatment to help dry up pimples, rinse away blackheads and shrink enlarged pores. Simply apply Mint Julep Masque to your clean face and neck. As it firms and hardens within minutes, it draws out impurities from your pores. After the masque is removed, your skin will feel clean, refreshed and smooth. Even for individuals who are fortunate to be free of skin problems, Mint Julep Masque is a refreshing facial treatment that helps relax tired muscles and ease tension lines on the face and neck.

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque

My thoughts
Before we go into the details, I just want to say that I’ve always enjoyed using clay masks. I feel that a clay mask really pulls out the impurities from the pores and leaves your skin looking fresh and clean. It also helps get rid of the excess oil on your face which can potentially block pores and cause breakouts. Previously I was using Freeman Facial Clay Mask Avocado & Oatmeal and St. Ives Mineral Clay Firming Mask and I liked them both but if I’ve to pick one out of them, it’s going to be Mint Julep. This mask has really blown me away!

As you can see, it’s a green paste that comes in a slender squeeze tube. The consistency is a bit thicker compared to others that I’ve tried. The thickness may come across as rather annoying if you don’t keep the tube upright and the clay settles to the bottom and it would take time to dispense the mask out. So make sure it’s kept standing where ever you put it. I apply an even layer on my damp face and let it dry. A thin layer is all you need to get the job done. Not to mention, there is a refreshing minty scent to it and along with that it gives a slight tingly sensation which is very soothing. In case you’re wondering, the cool feeling is short-term and doesn’t burn so I assume it wouldn’t irritate if you have a sensitive skin type.

I keep in on for at least half an hour after which it’s completely dried and feels stiff. The reason why I’d choose it over other clay masks is because I can actually view the oil being sucked out from the pore which is something I’ve never experienced from a clay mask before. I see tiny damp spots particularly in my T-zone which makes me believe that it really cleanses the pores like a magnet. After massaging gently, I wash it off it with warm water and pat dry. The results? I wouldn’t say it rinses away deep blackheads on my nose but the small ones are gone for good and it does shrink the pores around my nose visibly. I’ve also noticed that it dries up those nasty zits with continuous use. Since it has a drying effect, don't forget to moisturize afterwards.

Overall, I believe Mint Julep is a top-notch mask for combination/oily skin and it’s a definite repurchase for me. I know the price is a bit steep but I’m happy with the amount.

You might like it if...

You expect it to clear up superficial blackheads
You expect it to dry up tiny zits
You fancy minty scent/tingling sensation
You expect it to draw out dirt leaving your skin clean, fresh & smooth
You find the squeeze tube packaging hygienic

You might not like it if...

You think it's expensive
The tingling sensation bothers you
It dries out your skin (moisturize!)

My rating

4.5/5

You can purchase Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque for PKR 1199 from BeautyInBudget4u. You can also buy online from Drugstore.com, Ulta and SallyBeauty.com.

What do you think about this mask? Have you tried it yet?

Sigma Beauty Eye Shadow Base – Review & swatches

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Hassan) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 13:51:00 +0000

Sigma Beauty recently released its own eye shadow bases. Does it do what's it supposed to? Read more to find that out.

Sigma Beauty Eye Shadow Base
The Sigma Beauty Eye Shadow Bases are made with a blendable, smooth formula to achieve a long-wearing and pigmented effect. Each base is designed to reduce surface oil with its water-resistant, silky-smooth and light-weight formula. Each eye shadow base features an exclusive anti-drying protectant lid

Sigma Beauty Eye Shadow Base

Sigma Beauty Eye Shadow Base -- Swatches

My thoughts
I’ve got to say I like these a lot. To begin with, it comes in a fine glass jar with an exclusive anti-drying lid to keep the base from drying out. The eyeshadow bases are not only pigmented but also have an incredible texture. The formula is creamy and blends without a hitch. The good thing is, once it sets, it doesn’t budge. Since it’s an eyeshadow base, do not expect it to perform like an eye shadow primer. It’s only meant to make eye shadows appear more vibrant. It does not prevent creasing. Much to my surprise, it doesn’t crease as badly as I expected. As a matter of fact, I noticed minimal creasing after two to three hours of wear. I definitely think priming eyes before applying it is a must if you plan on wearing it the whole day.

Overall, I am very pleased with the texture and pigmentation. These could be used as cream eye shadows too if you'd like.

Sigma Beauty Eye Shadow Base is available individually for $13.00 and the kit costs $36.00 which contains three eyeshadow bases with a F70 brush. To purchase, visit Sigma Beauty's website here.

I have created a look using Sigma Beauty's eye shadow base in "Persuade" and the new Resort palette which I'll be posting about soon. Hope you like it.

For Face, I used:

Revlon ColorStay Foundation in 'Golden Beige'
Avon Ideal Flawless Loose Powder in 'Light Medium'
Sleek MakeUP Blush By 3 in 'Lace'- Guipure
Jelly Pong Pong Omnibronze
MAC MSF Semi Precious in 'Pearl' (as a highlighter)

For Eyes, I used:

MUA Professional Eye Primer
Sigma Eyeshadow Base in 'Persuade'
Rimmel Match Perfection Concealer in 'Ivory'
Sigma Resort Palette (Luna & Topaz)
Sigma Individual Eyeshadow in 'Escape' (as a highlighter)
MUFE Diamond Powder in 'White Gold'
Catrice Gel Eyeliner in Black Jack with Jack Black
Wet n Wild Liquid Eyeliner in 'Black'
DMGM Crayon Kohl Penil in 'Black'
Sigma Brow Powder Duo in 'Dark'
Duo Lash Adhesive
Red Cherry Eyelashes in #82

For Lips, I used:

CSP Color Rush Lipstick in 'Jet Setter'

What do you think about Sigma's Eye Shadow Bases? Have you tried it?

PR sample(s) sent for review. This however has not affected my opinion at all. My loyalty is to my readers and being honest is my utmost responsibility. I have given my sincere opinion about the product(s) mentioned in the post. For more details, please go through my Disclosure Policy.

This post contains affiliate links. You can support Sara Hassan's Blog by clicking or purchasing through the links. If you have any questions, you can have a look at FAQ or email me on info@sarahassansblog.com.

Sleek MakeUP Eyelashes Faux Cils – Review

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Hassan) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 15:28:00 +0000

Fancy long, thick sexy lashes?

Sleek MakeUP Eyelashes – Review
Sleek MakeUP’s new range of false lashes pays homage to feline beauty with eight different lashes in the collection. Each pair has a unique style with lashings of individuality! Formulated from natural fibres that lends a soft feel and finish.

Each pair comes with lash adhesive for easy, effective application.

Sleek MakeUP Eyelashes

Sleek MakeUP Eyelashes -- Bengal

Sleek MakeUP Eyelashes -- Rag Doll

Sleek MakeUP Eyelashes -- Persian

Sleek MakeUP Eyelashes -- Sphynx

Sleek MakeUP Eyelashes -- Burmilla

Sleek MakeUP Eyelashes -- Siamese

Sleek MakeUP Eyelashes -- Russian Blue

Sleek MakeUP Eyelashes -- Savannah

My thoughts
To start off, the eyelashes are made of real hair and feel very light when worn. I noticed that most of them have a thick lash band which makes bending and applying a bit of a struggle. I like the fact that all eyelashes come with a lash adhesive. The adhesive dries fast so I advise you to apply lashes real quick. Plus it takes about five minutes for the adhesive to dry clear completely.

While I am glad Sleek MakeUP came out with false lashes, I personally think most of them are a bit too long for my liking. If you’re someone who fancies super long, thick lashes, then these are definitely for you.

Rag Doll and Burmilla are my favorite of the bunch. Click to see how Russian Blue and Rag Doll look on me.

You might like it if…

You expect it look natural; made with real hair
It feels lightweight
You are looking for lashes with extra length and volume

You might not like it if…

Bending the band to apply on the lash line is a struggle
The lash adhesive dries fast on the lash band.
You think the lashes are a bit too long for your taste

My rating

3.5/5

Sleek MakeUP Eyelashes Faux Cils comes with a price tag of $5.41and can be purchased online from Sleek MakeUP's website here.

What do you think about it? Have you tried it yet?

Bath & Body Works Fine Fragrance Mist Sweet Pea – Review

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Hassan) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 14:50:00 +0000

Looking for a light summer scent?

Bath & Body Works Fine Fragrance Mist Sweet Pea
Our beautiful, sophisticated new bottle features a Fine Fragrance pump for a more delicate mist and improved coverage control. Lavishly spritz on your body to lightly scent your skin with our original, award-winning Sweet Pea, a fruity floral scent that evokes the intoxicating, floral-infused breezes of the Mediterranean.

Top Notes: Sweet Pea, Watery Pear, Logan Berry, Rhubarb
Mid Notes: Cyclamen, Freesia, Raspberry
Base Note: Musk
Aloe conditions and nourishes skin

Bath & Body Works Fine Fragrance Mist Sweet Pea

My thoughts
Sweet pea is fresh, delicate and sweet. Though it is described as a fruity floral scent, I believe it’s fruitier than floral. In my opinion, it makes a nice summer-time scent.

The head notes are very crisp and clean with sweat pea being quite dominant. The scent becomes fruity and sweet at the heart. The bottom notes smell creamy and musky giving the scent just a bit of heaviness. If I were to roughly explain the scent, I’d say it kind of reminds me of Herbal Essences shampoos. I am very sensitive to sweet scents so when I first put this on, I really thought it was sickening (gave me a headache) but the next time I used it, I started liking it. So if you’re someone who’s sensitive to sweet scents, you probably might not like it at first but it grows on you with time. The lasting power of this one is around good four hours.

To be honest, I am not a fan of Sweet Pea though I wouldn’t say I don’t like it at all. I think it's just a matter of personal preference. It’s an OK scent for me, perhaps because I fancy scents that are sensual and mysterious; this just doesn’t do it for me. But I still like wearing it to work because it’s not over-powering. Anyone who likes sweet scents with faint floral notes should give it a shot; it’s an award winner after all.

You might like it if…

You are looking for a sweet, wearable scent for daily use
You are fond of the fruity floral combination of the scent
The scent lasts for four hours; the bottle is easy to travel with

You might not like it if…

You want something strong and intoxicating
You expect the scent to last very long

My rating

3.5/5

Bath & Body Works Fine Fragrance Mist Sweet Pea is priced at PKR 2300 for 236ml and PKR 1090 for 88ml and can be purchased online from DnD Accessories.

What do you think about it? Have you tried it yet?

Sally Hansen Ultimate Shield Hand Cream – Review

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Hassan) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 17:03:00 +0000

Ultimate Shield Hand Cream claims to offer glove-like defense for severely dry hands. Does it live up to that? Read more to find out!

Ultimate Shield Hand Cream
This Hand Cream makes hands feel noticeably softer and smoother. It forms a defensive shield that lasts through hand washing. Contains Cationic Conditioning Technology with Natural Moisturization Factor to help prevent moisture loss. Non-greasy.

Benefits:

24 hour moisture
Glove like defense for severely dry hands
Instantly hands feel noticeably softer and smoother
Forms defensive shield that lasts through washing
Contains Cationic Conditioning Technology with Natural Moisturization Factor to help prevent moisture loss
Non-greasy

Application Tips: Apply daily. Re-apply as needed.

Sally Hansen Ultimate Shield Hand Cream

My thoughts
I get dry skin issues in the winter months but doing dishes particularly in this season takes its toll on my hands so a hand cream is a must-have for me to battle dry flaky skin. Now that summer is here, my hands don’t feel dry so I prefer lotions or light moisturizers just to keep them hydrated. This product promises to shield severely dry hands by providing a glove like defense so if you’re someone who has chapped hands all year round or who has to wash hands frequently all day, this product might just be life saver! Since I got to try in summer, I can’t judge how well it would perform in harsh winter but it does seem to retain moisture even after I wash my hands which tells that it really works.

The cream doesn’t have a thick consistency but isn’t fluid-y like a lotion either; it’s somewhat in between. When applied, you can instantly detect a refreshing citrusy scent that lingers for a while. Since it’s an intensive moisture treatment, it takes a couple of minutes to sink into the skin but it doesn’t absorb completely. I can see that it forms some sort of an invisible layer that gives a nice glow to my hands. I do think it can leave your hands feeling greasy and slippery if you apply too much of it so use just a pea-sized amount. As previously mentioned, it seems to hold up well to hand washing so it doesn’t need to be reapplied very often which is a good point. It keeps my hands soft, smooth and moisturized for a long time. I’m also pleased with the packaging; I like how neat and vibrant it looks. It comes in a flip-cap tube which makes it convenient to control the amount dispensed plus it’s hygienic as well.

All in all, this product seems to be a treat for dry winter-weary hands. Owing to the intense moisture it provides, I can safely say that it will comfort your scaly hands in no time. I’d definitely continue using it in winter.

You might like it if…

You have very dry chapped hands
You use it in winter
You expect a light-weight feel
You expect it to hold up well to hand washing
You're happy with the packaging

You might not like it if…

It feels heavy in summer/you use too much and it feels greasy
You aren't fond of citrus scent

My rating

4.5/5

Sally Hansen Ultimate Shield Hand Cream retails for around $5.49-7.99. You can purchase it online from Wallgreens, Target and Ulta.com.

What do you think about this hand cream? Have you tried it yet?

Drugstore Pressed Powders For Combination/Oily Skin

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Hassan) — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 16:04:00 +0000

Generally speaking, pressed or compact powders are considered to be good options for combination to oily skin types especially in summer as they help you carry a natural, lightweight matte look for most part of the day. But of course, oil-control is something relative which also depends on the climate around you. If you live somewhere where it’s practically hot and humid all year round, you might need to touch-up a couple of times during the day to keep it looking fresh all the way through. For me, a pressed powder is my first choice when I feel like wearing minimal makeup or on those lazy days I just dab some concealer, put on the powder and I’m good to go! If you feel that it gets cakey or powdery, don't worry because you can fix it quickly with e.l.f Studio Mist & Set spray which too is dirt cheap.

Hopefully, this post will help you if you don’t want to shell out a lot of cash on high-end compact powders and you’re at a loss on which ones to look into. If you’ve personally tried any pressed powder and found it to be suitable for combination/oily skin, feel free to share it with us in the comments down below.

Color Studio Professional Invincible All Day Water Proof & Heat Proof Powder

Shades: 4
Coverage: Sheer to Light

Maybelline Dream Matte Pressed Powder
Shades: 4
Coverage: Light to Medium

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder

Shades: 7
Coverage: Sheer to Medium

Luscious Cosmetics Flawless Finish Powder + Foundation
Shades: 6
Coverage: Light to Medium

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Pressed Powder

Shades: 4
Coverage: Sheer to Medium

Avon Ideal Flawless Pressed Powder
Shades: 10
Coverage: Sheer to Light

Diana Of London 2 Way Pan Cake Wet & Dry

Shades: 6
Coverage: Light to Medium

Cover Girl Simply Powder Foundation
Shades: 9
Coverage: Light to Medium

L.A. Colors Pressed Powder

Shades:7
Coverage: Light to Medium

Maybelline PureStay Powder Foundation SPF 15
Shades: 4
Coverage: Light to Medium

Which is your favorite compact powder?

Image courtesy: Google images & respective websites

Soap & Glory Flake Away Body Polish – Review

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Hassan) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 13:58:00 +0000

Body scrub has become an important part of my beauty routine. It’s one of those things I try to indulge myself in at least once a week. It’s very addictive, trust me.

Flake Away Body Polish
A superhero strength skin smoothing body polish with shea butter, sweet almond oil, peach seed powder, sea salt and sugar. Transforms your scaly legs from reptilian to radiant. Scented with our Original Pink™ fragrance.

Instructions for Use
Apply a handful of Flake Away on to damp skin and massage in circular motions until most of the grains are gone. Rinse well, pat dry and apply body glossing oil or moisture butter. (Careful! Avoid application over irritated skin or abrasions, as salt scrubs can sting.)

Soap & Glory Flake Away Body Polish

My thoughts
I think this product smells heavenly! Even though I’m not a fan of sweet scents, I’m in love with their signature scent. I would describe it as fresh, summery, a bit of floral, sweet and musky at the same time which I really like. However, it could be a little too strong for someone who prefers subtle scents. The best part is that it lingers on my skin for almost half the day which I’m not exaggerating. Just love it!

Now onto the actual product. It has a thick consistency that spreads over the skin nicely. If you take a closer look, you can see large exfoliating granules that seem to dissolve and vanish on the skin while you massage. These aren’t solid grains which may give you the feeling that it doesn’t scrub thoroughly but it actually does. I noticed that it’s much thicker than my previous scrub (which was grainy) so it has a wonderful grip on the skin which helps brush off the dead skin down the drain as you rinse off. With this product, you can probably handle more vigorous scrub down without it ever feeling harsh on the skin. It doesn’t leave behind any residue either.

My skin truly feels squeaky clean, smooth and hydrated every time I use it. Also, I can see that it makes my skin glow without making it greasy which is perfect for summer but I wouldn’t skip a body lotion in winter since it isn’t incredibly moisturizing. That being said, I really do believe it flakes away the dry rough skin very well. It comes in a large pink tub which will last you a long time. Did I mention that I love the description on the packaging? It's so amusing!

Overall, I think Flake Away certainly lives up to the hype. The reason why I might not repurchase it anytime soon is of course the price. I might get it when it’s on a sale. In the meantime, I’d keep trying other body scrubs in the hope that I'd find something like this for a cheaper price tag.

You might like it if…

You want a body scrub that doesn’t feel harsh
It exfoliates your dead/dry skin and leaves it soft, smooth and hydrated
You’re happy about the quantity
You find the scent appealing
The scent lingers for a long time

You might not like it if…

You expect it to be very moisturizing
You find the scent too strong for your liking
You think it’s expensive
You prefer solid grains in your scrub

My rating

4.5/5

Soap & Glory Flake Away Body Polish is priced at £7.00/300ml. I purchased mine for PKR 2500 from Wishlist. You can also purchase it online from Just4girls.pk.

What do you think about it? Have you tried it yet?

Senna Cosmetics Haute Nudes Palette in ‘Sultry’ – Review, swatches & a look!

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Hassan) — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 14:08:00 +0000

Senna added two gorgeous makeup palettes to its collection last year - Mystic and Sultry. I got to try Sultry which is a warm hued neutral palette. There are now so many neutral palettes available on the market but this one, I can honestly say, offers something unique.

Haute Nudes Multi Makeup Palette
Gorgeous powder colors in perfect harmony are set in a sleek mirrored compact. Six shimmer and velvet matte eye colors light-up, shade and smoke the eyes. One soft sheer matte blush and one luminous highlighter make skin look radiant. Three pro mini brushes let you create any look you like at any time. Each palette contains one Get the Look Booklet that illustrates how to achieve two looks with one palette.

Senna Cosmetics Haute Nudes Palette in ‘Sultry’

Senna Cosmetics Haute Nudes Palette in ‘Sultry’ (L-R): New Moon, Sand & Tiger Lily

Senna Cosmetics Haute Nudes Palette in ‘Sultry’ (L-R): Palamino, Tigress & Havana

Senna Cosmetics Haute Nudes Palette in ‘Sultry’ (L-R): Sunkissed & Passion

My thoughts
I have to say, all the colors in this palette work so well together! It has a great neutral color scheme that can be used to create looks for any occasion. Out of the six eyeshadows, five of them have a matte finish which is what makes it so special in my eyes. It's hard to find so many great mattes in one palette. A lot of people don’t usually gravitate towards matte shades for the reason that they’re chalky, lack pigmentation or get patchy but not these. The texture of these eyeshadows is phenomenal – soft, silky and really very smooth! They may not be so intensely pigmented on first swipe but they’re buildable with virtually no fallout and blend very easily.

Speaking of individual shades, the upper row begins with New Moon which is an ivory color suitable for highlight and the inner corner to make your eyes widen and pop. Right next is Sand; a soft beige which is a very wearable color. Then there is Tiger Lily which is a medium reddish brown. The bottom row has some sultry browns that I’m totally in love with. Palomino is a perfect brown crease color and it’s also my favorite. Tigress has a fine shimmer to jazz up your look a bit. Lastly, Havana is a deep brown; perfect to intensify your look. I have worn these everywhere from work to dinner and they stay put through and through with a good eye primer underneath.

The palette also has two cheek shades. Sunkissed, the highlighter, is a lovely peachy champagne with lots of shimmer. Even though it has the similar buttery soft texture, I’m not a fan of it since the shimmer seems to lack the grip which is why it spreads all over the face; the formula could’ve been better here. The blush, on the other hand, is a good one. Passion is well pigmented and has matte finish. It appears as a soft coral on me and it complements the eyeshadows really well. Though I don’t find it very universal as it may not appear on deeper skin tones. There are also three mini brushes for on-the-go application but I don't find them very useful especially the blush brush. About the packaging I’d say it’s nice, simple and travel-friendly; I like it.

Overall, I’m impressed with this palette. I find myself reaching to this palette way more often for it’s perfect for day time looks. Of course, you can amp things up for a night out too! I wouldn’t say this palette has shades you’ve never seen before but the quality for matte eyeshadows is truly commendable. I'd suggest giving it a go if your stash lacks good quality matte neutral eyeshadows; you won't be disappointed.

You might like it if...

You expect good pigmentation and soft texture
You're looking for matte eyeshadow palette
You expect easy blending
You find it travel-friendly

You might not like it if...

The highlighter/blush don't show up on deeper skin tones
You find it pricey

My rating

4.5/5

Senna Cosmetics Haute Nudes Palette is priced at $48. You can purchase it online from Senna Cosmetics website. Follow Senna on Facebook to stay updated.

Products used

For Face, I used:

Revlon ColorStay Foundation in 'Golden Beige'
Avon Ideal Flawless Loose Powder in 'Light Medium'
'Passion' Blush from Haute Nudes Palette
'Sunkissed' Highlighter from Haute Nudes Palette
Jelly Pong Pong Omnibronze

For Eyes, I used:

Rimmel Match Perfection Concealer in 'Ivory'
MUA Professional Eye Primer
Senna Haute Nudes Palette
Catrice Gel Eyeliner in Black Jack with Jack Black
Wet n Wild Liquid Eyeliner in 'Black'
Sigma Brow Powder Duo in 'Dark'
CoverGirl Lash Exact Mascara
Duo Lash Adhesive
Sleek MakeUP Faux Cils in 'Russian Blue'

For Lips, I used:

What do you think about this palette? Have you tried anything from Senna yet?

Sleek MakeUP Flick It Eyeliner – Review & swatches

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Hassan) — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 16:01:00 +0000

Being able to create bold and crisp cat-eyes is every girl’s dream. Read more to find out what I think about these.

Flick It Eyeliner
FLICK IT’s precision felt tip allows for a smooth and controlled application, from feline flicks to kitten ticks, the timeless liquid eyeliner is one of the most versatile weapons on the beauty scene, capable of creating countless different eye looks.

From bold and fine lines to geometric shapes FLICK IT will create a look to make your eyes pop!

Available in 3 shades:
Royal Blue (Limited Edition)
Purple Aura (Limited Edition)
Dazzling Black

Sleek MakeUP Flick It Eyeliner

Sleek MakeUP Flick It Eyeliner (L-R): Royal Blue, Purple Aura & Dazzling Black

My thoughts
If you’ve just started wearing makeup and don’t know how to apply your eyeliner precisely, you should definitely begin with a marker or pencil eyeliner first for it provides control and ease of application.

This product promises precision and control which I believe is true. The felt tip applicator makes eye lining a child’s play. Also, the nib is flexible enough to apply at any angle without skipping. My initial thoughts about it (which was around two month ago) were quite positive. At that time, the pigmentation was reasonably good – required at least three swipes to get fully opaque - it set quickly and didn’t budge the whole day. I didn’t notice any flaking or smudging however it did lose some intensity upon contact with water. Given that it’s a marker eyeliner, I knew it was prone to drying out but I wasn’t expecting it would dry out this quick. It’s been just two months since I’ve got these and they don’t offer consistent color pay off even if I do multiple layers. In case you’re wondering, I’ve kept the caps tightly closed and in fact, I’ve just used them two or three times so I don’t know why or what made them dry out so fast. Perhaps the formula is to be blamed; it has dried and now it just seems to rub off when I go over my lines.

All things considered, I’m disappointed. This is the actually the shortest shelf-life I've experienced from a marker eyeliner up till now. I find them all to be gorgeous shades for everyday wear but you can probably just get a month worth of use out of them. Sleek MakeUP really need to change the formula.

You might like it if...

You use it up within two months
You don't mind layering
You find the shades wearable
You expect a semi-matte finish

You might not like it if...

You expect a long shelf-life
They dry out fast
You expect it to be water-proof
You think the pigment doesn't get on smooth and skips after some time

My rating

2.5/5

Sleek MakeUP Flick It Eyeliner comes with a price tag of $7.49 and can be purchased online from Sleek MakeUP's website here.

So what do you think about it? Will you be picking them up?

CoverGirl Lash Exact Mascara – Review & swatches

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Hassan) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 15:37:00 +0000

On the hunt for an everyday mascara? Stop right there!

Lash Exact Mascara
Definition + Length. No clumps on the brush means No Clumps on the lashes, for a Defined and Long lash look!
Removes easily with soap and water
Hypoallergenic & suitable for contact lens wearers
Discard bottle cap. Replace with brush and close cap completely before first use.

CoverGirl Lash Exact Mascara

CoverGirl Lash Exact Mascara -- before & after application

My thoughts
In my opinion, it’s a wonderful everyday mascara. It does exactly what it says! It makes no volumizing claims so it’s definitely not for you if you’re expecting dramatic fuller lashes. Some days, I feel going au naturel to work or school. I only put this on along with a concealer and a lip tint. It makes my eyes look awake and I get many compliments on how fresh I look.

If I were to describe it in one word, I’d say ‘neat’. It gives my lashes the right definition without bunching them together which is what I like best about it. The end result I get is crisp, natural and fluttery lashes. It doesn’t add length on the first coat as I was expecting but I am not disappointed because it does lengthen on second coat which is fine by me.

The formula is nice. It’s neither dry nor too wet, doesn’t smudge and sets fairly quickly. Mine says ‘very black’ on it and it’s indeed a rich black. To me, the applicator it comes with is perfect. The bristles actually help separate and coat each lash individually. Also, it’s slender enough to reach lashes in the inner corner of my eyes. I normally apply two coats since I’ve got thin lashes. As previously mentioned, it gives minimum definition on the first coat so for maximum definition and length you should do at least two coats. I’ve been using it a whole lot these days and I haven’t noticed any flaking or smudging issues with it. It also holds the curl throughout the day.

Overall, I am a fan. I can’t emphasize enough how much I love the clump-free finish I get with this. Anybody looking for definition and some length is definitely going to love it. If you’re a volume lover, it’s not for you.

You might like it if…

You’re looking for definition and length
It makes your lashes look natural and feathery
You think the brush helps separate lashes
It doesn’t bunch lashes together
You expect flake/smudge-free application

You might not like it if…

You have thin stubby lashes and you expect volume
You expect dramatic lengthening

My rating

4/5

CoverGirl Lash Exact Mascara is priced at PKR 1200 and can be purchased online from Shopaholic.

What do you think about it? Tried it?

E.L.F. Studio Makeup Mist & Set Spray – Review

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Hassan) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 13:36:00 +0000

I’ve been using this product for a few weeks now and I think it’s a definite repurchase for me. Read more to find out why!

Studio Makeup Mist & Set Spray
Wish you could have a product for your makeup like Hairspray is for your hair? Well…keep your makeup staying in place all day with a radiance boosting invisible hold with our new Makeup Mist & Set. The invigorating mist moisturizes and soothes the skin with key ingredients Aloe, Green Tea, Cucumber and Vitamins A, C & E. The lightweight, comfortable and alcohol free formula improves makeup wearability and prevents color from running or fading.

E.L.F. Studio Makeup Mist & Set Spray

My thoughts
The main reason why I’m so inclined to repurchase it is not because it’s a great setting spray but because I just love how it helps blend my foundation better while providing a healthy glow. As summer is here already, I’m more into using matte foundations. The fact that a matte formula can give you a cakey look (which appears quite unflattering) I make sure I moisturize well and take my time while blending. With ELF Mist & Set, I can achieve a flawless finish a great deal quicker! I find this product very useful to get rid of the powdery look especially when it comes to pressed powder or a full coverage foundation. It leaves a perfect dewy finish without being greasy at all. It also depends on how much you spritz. On my combination skin, I do five to six squirts which are good enough. If you’ve an oily skin, three to four would do the job.

As you can see, the product has no color to it so it doesn’t form any cast or leave behind any residue on the face. It does however form an invisible film - it’s where the glow comes from, I suppose - that can feel tacky for a while before it dries completely. Even after that, you may still sense something on your face but it goes away after some time so it feels absolutely comfortable on the skin. I would’ve loved a refreshing cucumber scent but it doesn’t have any odor that I could detect; not complaining though. So does it really keep makeup stay put? As much as I’ve noticed, I do think it holds my makeup slightly better throughout my working day but it doesn’t boost the wear time considerably. I would say it’s great if you want something to keep your makeup looking fresh or if you wish for a nice dewy glow but you can’t expect it to lock everything in place until you wash it off; it just doesn’t do that.

Overall, I quite like this product. For the price, it performs nicely. The only thing that puts me off is the packaging as the nozzle doesn’t mist smoothly. At first, it was difficult to get it to spray evenly across my face but I got used to it eventually. The bottle is small so you can tuck it in your purse and forget about the cakey/made-up look that may come after the second touch-up. It’s also suitable for oilies who would like to turn a matte foundation slightly luminous but not greasy or shiny by the end of the day.

You might like it if...

You want something that takes away cakey/powdery finish
You expect a dewy finish
You expect it to feel comfortable on your skin
You're happy about the price

You might not like it if...

You prefer a matte look
You expect it to keep your makeup stay put all day
You find the nozzle hard to control

My rating

3.5/5

E.L.F. Studio Makeup Mist & Set Spray is priced at $3.99. I bought mine from BeautyJoint.com. You can enjoy 5% discount on your order at BeautyJoint by using the code SARAHASSAN (all upper case letters) on checkout. You can also look for this product at online Facebook stores mentioned in this post.

What do you think about it? Have you tried it yet?

Luscious Designer Nail Colors

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Hassan) — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 13:32:00 +0000

The designer nail colors by Luscious are all the rage this season. With different shades, textures and finishes, there’s something for everyone.

Luscious Designer Nail Colors
14 Special Edition Designer Nail Polishes for Spring 2013

Luscious Cosmetics presents a groundbreaking collaboration with 14 of Pakistan’s top fashion designers to create a collection of delectable nail colors for Spring 2013. Each designer has selected their very own shade that mirrors their collections for the season. If you love fashion, you will love each haute couture shade, from eye-catching brights and jeweled metallics, to chic neutrals to style your nails. The quick drying formula goes on glossy smooth and dries to a longwearing finish.

Luscious Designer Nail Colors

Luscious Designer Nail Colors -- Sania Maskatiya (3 coats)

Luscious Designer Nail Colors -- Sublime by Sara (3 coats)

Luscious Designer Nail Colors -- Umar Sayeed (3 coats)

Luscious Designer Nail Colors -- Zara Shahjahan (3 coats)

Luscious Designer Nail Colors -- Elan (3 coats)

Luscious Designer Nail Colors -- MUSE (3 coats)

Luscious Designer Nail Colors -- Nomi Ansari (2 coats)

Luscious Designer Nail Colors -- Karma (2 coats)

Luscious Designer Nail Colors -- The House of Kamiar Rokni (2 coats)

Luscious Designer Nail Colors -- Sana Safinaz (2 coats)

Luscious Designer Nail Colors -- HSY (3 coats)

Luscious Designer Nail Colors -- Nickie N Nina (3 coats)

Luscious Designer Nail Colors -- Fahad Hussayn (3 coats)

My thoughts
Luscious designer collection consists of 14 nail colors. I was supposed to get all 14 but was mistakenly provided two of the same shades. This means, I’ll be swatching 13 only; sorry guys! Anyway, I like all shades from this collection. They're perfect for spring/summer. Not all have the same consistency and finish so I am going to divide these into groups of four.

The pastels – Sania Maskatiya, Sublime by Sara and Umar Sayeed
Sania Maskatiya is described as sunny yellow, Sublime by Sara as creamy peppermint and Umar Sayeed as pale Persian pink. All three of them are crèmes. Although the shades look really pretty, I am not so pleased with the formula. It’s milky and doesn’t apply as smooth as I would like. I noticed that the second coat builds up over the first, kind of drags it ending up in an uneven application. To deal with that, I suggest letting the first coat dry completely before coating a second one. Also, they require at least three coats to become fully opaque.

The unconventional – Zara Shahjahan, Elan and MUSE
I am calling them unconventional because they’re different and not your ordinary pinks and reds. Zara Shahjahan is described as Pink carnation, Elan as Luxe lavender and MUSE as cool Riviera blue. Zara Shahjahan is a gorgeous pink coral, Elan is a soft taupe where as MUSE is a bright blue crème with a pinch of green. I did three coats but you could get away with only two. Unlike the pastels, the formula on these is much better in terms of application but the consistency is still somewhat milky.

The brights – Nomi Ansari, Karma, The House of Kamiar Rokni and Sana Safinaz
This category is hands down my favorite! I have no complaints about the formula and application. All of them apply evenly and get fully opaque in just two coats. The consistency is perfect – not thick or thin. Nomi Ansari is described as sizzling coral, Karma as flirty fuchsia, The House of Kamiar Rokni as retro orange and Sana Safinaz as showstopper red. All four of them are crème and I think these colors would suit just about anyone.

The shimmer – HSY, Nickie N Nina and Fahad Hussayn
I love shimmer finishes so these were the first ones to catch my attention. HSY is described as a shimmery ruby red, Nickie N Nina as jeweled amethyst and Fahad Hussayn as deep sapphire. The formula is fine – again not thick or thin – it coats evenly without a hitch. My only gripe is that they’re not as pigmented as I expected. You need three coats for maximum depth and intensity. The end result is good nonetheless.

I have always admired how shiny Luscious nail polishes appear -- never really felt the need for a top coat. However, I do not like the applicator. The issues with application could’ve been sorted out if the applicator was wide. All colors have a decent drying time. They remain fresh for up to three-four days without chipping. Nickie N Nina is my absolute favorite. I also love Karma, The House of Kamiar Rokni, MUSE and Elan.

Luscious Designer Nail Color (limited edition) is priced at PKR 295 and can be purchased online from their website. You can also purchase these from Just4girls.pk. Luscious cosmetics can be found at all leading superstores of Pakistan including Agha's, Naheed, and EBCO in Karachi.

Pakistani Beauty Blog, Reviews & Swatches | Sara Hassan's Blog

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