Product Review: Should you invest on Modern Renaissance Palette?

Should you buy Modern Renaissance Palette?

As a makeup enthusiast, I kid you not when I tell you this that this palette has been one of those makeup items which have been sold out the moment Sephora stocked them. Anastasia Beverly Hills is one of the most promising brands when it comes to quality makeup. But, the question is, “Was it worth the hype?”

So, on my trip to Dubai, I managed to get my hands on this palette in Dubai Mall at a price of 250aed approximately which is Pkr 7250. The price may come off as expensive to some, but hey, look at the bright side. The product lasts for ages!

Let’s talk about packaging, the palette has a pink velvety touch which looks exclusive with all the shadow breakdowns on the back. Safe to say, the palette is worth the hype considering the detailing and pigmentation. This is great for people who like to live by the saying, “go bold or go home” since it has all the colors with the oomph.

The palette contains fourteen neutral and berry shades plus a double-ended fluffy brush (which is perfect for blending and picks up the product like a dream) and a large mirror. The cardboard that surrounds the eyeshadow pans is coated to make it glossy, which is great because any eyeshadow that migrates out wipes away easily, unlike the cardboard inside the Lorac PRO palettes, which tends to grab onto any color that gets outside the lines.

It’s rare to find a palette that gets used by its own completely. From matte to glimmer shades, it has all your basic base, crease and outer v- depth shades. The colors are super compatible and hence a wide variety of combinations can be made from highlights to several crease/transition shades.

As we talk about the pros of the palette, let’s talk about cons too because let’s face it, nothing is entirely perfect. The packaging is distinct however the velvety surface is not easy to clean which might be a problem for people suffering with OCD (like me). Secondly, as per reviews on various Asian beauty blogs regarding the palette, strong colors of the palette like red ochre, love letter and venetian red are barely used since the greater chunk of makeup artists prefer their creams and browns!

Apart from these shortcomings, the palette is a great investment in my opinion. You barely even need an eye primer with this highly pigmented and super long lasting palette.

Take my word for it!

Happy wakeup and makeup. Cheers!

x

FAQ : How did I get married?

First, Sorry for being MIA.

When the red lady in Game of Thrones say, “For the night is young and full of terrors”, do NOT and I REPEAT DO NOT take her casual because that’s what happened with me.

I remember being 19 when my first proposal came and I freaked out saying “Mum, I’m ready to move to the servant quarter but not marry someone. I’m too young for this shizz”. Well the feeling was still mutual at this very age. So, for most of you who know me, I got married last year and OUT OF THE BLUE. I was never someone who was fond of keeping relationships because

a)       I don’t think they ever work

b)      I believe Allah has better in store for you.

My dad always used to say how it was his wish to get me and my sister married off before his retirement. We used to laugh back and say, “yeah right”. Little did we know, he was serious. ALWAYS. Lol. Anyhow, So I graduated from NUST in June, 2016.

Dear kids, Life is what happens to you after graduation. I know you’ve been told “Degree karlo, bus agay chill he hai”. NO. Snap out of it! It’s so hard after you graduate. So many expectations and plans, so little time.

So I was just chilling at home, eating lots everyday until after Ramzan, one of my marketing teachers asked us to intern in Jazz. Since the chilling was coming to boredom, I thought why not. And damn I didn’t know my entire future lies there. Lol, literally. So many friends, so many faces I knew. The 2.5 months flew past quick and it has been a wonderful experience from an everyday selfie to count days till I get done with this to being very emotional on the last day. So, my boss was a very cool person, indeed everybody on the floor and being the youngest ONLY intern, I was treated like a baby at times too. So, that chapter ended in September and I got my first ever job! Took some time off because my awesome parents decided to gift me and my sister tickets to Dubai for more CHILLING. (It took a lot of convincing obviously). So, after we came back from Dubai, a week later. *drumrolls* COMES A RISHTA! And someone from Jazz. Someone I knew from a distance but not so clearly. Just between us, and I hope he’s not reading, there was a huge element of curiosity in this very person. I mean he’s the king of narcissism and clearly thinks the world revolves around him. Never paid much heed or atleast pretended. Was pretty shocked to knowhow, what, when. But deep inside, I liked him because I’m a sucker for someone who dresses good, maintains well and stays fit. So, after his mum talked to mine, my mum called the family to meet. IT WAS VERY AWKWARD. This person apparently was a 10/10 for my dad so rishta done. What I didn’t know was, that the Nikkah was to take place that very month. And within 15 minutes, the shadi was planned for that very December (we had a new year wedding just btw). This was the time I FREAKED OUT. THE NIGHT OF TERROR Y’ALL.

We never really got the time to hangout and meet etc. since we weren't really allowed either. Even post nikkah I kid you not!

For the preps, I had a month to do EVERYTHING. People take years to plan a wedding but Alhumdulillah I had a remarkable wedding and both our parents worked to their maximum. I didn’t get any mani pedis, facials or even bridal treatments done since I was that busy. The wedding had crazy amount of dance practices and was one hell of a show. A big thank you to my friends and family.

Stay tuned for the post married life post since so many of you ask. 

xx

5 Summer Lawns that I Totes Loved!

Summer is all about them lawns .. lawn wars get fiercer with every passing summer. From fancy launch parties to destiny photo-shoots, there's nobody that I know who isn't caught in this vicious circle!

Here are the top 5 brands for me, this year so far-

1. Sana Safinaz:
It's my number because duh, look at their prints. Now I know, the replicas took no time to come out and there's a fear that Rukhsana aunty ki beti might be wearing the same suit as you, that too before you along with the sadness that Muzlin stocks out too soon but despite all, Sana Safinaz always manages to get the attention.

2. Rung Rasiya:
Oh my my! I'm someone whose a sucker for florals, embroidery and pastel colors and this brand does all that for you in the most prettiest way possible. Plus its super affordable too, considering all other brands this summer. So Value for Money! Total win-win situation!
Also, look out for their Eid Collection.

3. Elan:
ALWAYS A KILLER. However I felt this time, it was too bohemian for my taste and I just felt there was a lot of black while I'd prefer wearing cooler tones in the summer as compared to heavily ambroidered darker tones. But, I still managed to get something from their lawn this year. Waiting for a good event to wear it (yes I do that)

4. Sapphire:
I can;t even stress on how much I love Sapphire as a brand. Kudos to the team. From the pricing to the quality of detailing, everything is super nice. Plus the accessories always have something that goes with your outfit, no matter what color (so clever). I have to give it to Khadija shah, shes managing both the brands so well. I got tons of stuff from Sapphire this summer. From unstitched cloth to the 3 pieces and even stitched shirts with that beautiful organza touch.






5. Farah Talib Aziz:
Beautiful prints, subtle colors, alot of digital detailing and I personally loved the model + the photoshoot this time around.



In the end, I pray that you all get whatever lawn and specific article you wish for, this summer! :D

Have fun and take lots of pictures.
xoxo

My GO-TO Makeup Brushes!

Hello all you beautiful people,

I'm sorry for taking so long to write a post but in my defense, I've been so busy. We are shifting and the work hours have been pretty hectic after all that break. Huff!

Alot of you dm-d me to write about the applicators I use for my makeup, whether beauty blenders, wedges or the brushes. So I decided to do a post on it with all the links where you can buy that stuff from! (im the best, no? jk jk)

Anyway, (please refer to the picture when you read the rest of the blogpost),

Now I know alot of people use beauty blenders for applying the foundation as this gives you an airbrush look although I have my own mantra when it comes to that and it has worked wonders for me. I used to be the girl whose foundation would go cakey after a while.

A) Please buy yourself the foundation I talked about earlier on my blog. Has changed my life

B) I use a real techniques brush to buff in my foundation. After the buffing part, I do the circular motions around the cheeks. It helps the foundation blend in so smoothly and even so now, my foundation doesn't break out at places even after 8-9 long hours.

For my concealer, I use it under the eyes (in a triangular shape), under the contour line and on the bridge of my nose. I blend that in with a DAMP beauty blender that I got from Sephora in Dubai Mall. Its that professional black one which is super soft worth 100 dirhams/aed. Its worth the price and goes a long way. When I blend in the concealer, I do push it on the rest of my face too, for that airbrush and seamless finish.

For contour or bronzing, I use a real techniques brush which is slightly angled to achieve that maximum enhancement and these brushes only need a little product which goes a long way.

For blush and powder setting, I use BH cosmetics brushes. I got this as a pack for about 4000pkr. AND this is one of the smartest makeup purchases I have ever done. I wash them once in a month and they come out as new and fresh as ever.

Plus they feel like a poodle against your skin!

Lastly, for my highlighter, I got this fanbrush from a local drugstore. Its by Kryolan. Although if i have to go to a wedding, i apply the highlighter with my fingers since the fan brush only picks up a small amount of highlighter so its great for that day time look!

I hopt this post helped.

Get all your brushes from cosmeticplanetpk. This page is the best and so genuine. Happy makeup shopping! Much love to all of you!

let me know in the comments if this helped and if you have more suggestions or anything

Takecare! x

WEDDING DAY MAKEUP! x

A very warm hello in this extra WARM weather pfth!

Have you guys noticed how everyone you know is getting married?! Everyday, you open your snapchat to atleast 5 shadis happening and you're like wutt. "Pizza is still the only bae I have"

Well, that was me 5 months ago, minding my own business and eating a slice of my favorite pizza, watching Riverdale on Netflix when my mom came barging into the room with excitement telling me that I am geting Nikkahfied on the nineteeenth of that month.
At first, it seeme like she was kidding because I did know she's upto something since I just graduated recently BUT I didn't know it would be that sudden and this HUGE. This, by far is the most sudden happening in the happenings of my 22 year old life!

So,
The most important question amongst others, which pops up in your head is where you'd get ready from on your big day since my wedding was scheduled to take place only after a month, following my nikkah. The "New Year" wedding supposedly.

I chose Sadaf Farhan for my big day in F7. She was jam packed for the season, so I could only book Barat. She charged 35k and I was not given any bridal services. I literally got no services like every other dulhan before her shadi done, at all. Anyway, my sister got her party makeup done from a senior artist for which we were charged another 5k.

It was raining brides the day I went but Sadaf is a pro at what she does. She would listen to your needs and adjust accordingly. She's amazing with the blending and transitions. A good makeup artist is the one who adjusts her skills to your face structure and enhances your features in the best way possible. The place for sure was a chaos, although the people know their work really well. The cashier lady is a pain, she keeps bugging you for money like if you've opted for Zhoosh lashes or even a hair padding. (TURNOFF!) Apart from that, the hair and makeup is worth the experience. I got crazy compliments!

Although now that she is super famous through Instagram, she has doubled her rates probably and they only take brides (plus the party makeups that come with the bride) now.

Best of luck for all your wedding endeavors, all you pretty brides to be! <3
HAPPY BIG FAT WEDDING! <3

(Refer to the pictures. These are compressed, non edited files so you could see clearly for easier decision making!)

HOLY GRAIL FOUNDATION!

A very warm hello to all of you!

All you makeup junkies know, how foundation is the most important part of makeup and how the search for the perfect foundation never ends, like ever!?

So, I have a combination skin which means I'm not too oily or not too dry. I use to breakout a-lot because of changing foundations, but believe me when I say, BY ALL MEANS AND N ALL HONESTY, makeup forever HD has worked wonders for me!

Its as smooth as silk, feels so light on the skin and doesn't cake at all.

What we want from a good foundation is

-No cakiness

-Good staying power

-Smooth and light but amazing coverage

and this *drumroll* ladies and even gents lol, is a very good foundation. Although I've been told about using NARS for a long time now but I'm pretty satisfied with this already. I'm shade 118 in it and wait, PLEASE and I'LL URGE YOU ALL AGAIN TO NEVER walk into a store and get ivory no matter what color you are. This is why you end up looking like aunty white face in those weddings and the sunlight. The foundation has to match your neck always! 

APPLYING FOUNDATION- I use a nivea moisturzer before I go onto my foundation. I apply foundation with a real techniques brush. Then later use a slightly damp beauty blender for that airbrush look! Always use 'dabbing' motion. It presses the foundation against your skin, Don't drag it ever.

'll leave the swatch down below. The shades I swatched are 117 (i accidentally bought this and it turned out too bright but it might help you ) and 118 (the one I use)

HAIRCARE!

HI y'all.

So finally, *hairflips* I write about a hair-care post which was always THE most asked about thing, from me!

For starters, I don't use a ton of hair products so whatever I would be telling you guys about, is honestly all I do.

FIRST & FOREMOST, Oiling is the name of the game. I use whatever oil I get but I don't go a week without oiling and believe me when I tell you, if it wasn't for this, I would've had no hair left by now. I use Vatika Oils mostly, "Moroccon Argan Oil" to be exact. 

Tip- Oil every once a week and let it stay on for atleast 2 hours till you wash. Please don't do it overnight.

SECOND - I use Loreal Anti Hairfall (Pink & Black Bottled Shampoo). Now, I know a lot of people swear by a conditioner and no wonder, it makes your hair smooth for a day but the amount of breakage it leads to later on, especially for silky hair is unbearable. Whenever there's backcombing in your hair or tangles, ONLY then use the conditioner.

THIRD- Do not rub your hair dry after the wash. Gently pat. Rubbing creates friction which leads to breakage and when a long hair breaks, you feel like life has ended. Trust me!

If you can, always pat hair dry with a t shirt instead of a towel.

FOURTH- I'm not going to be one of those salon people who say, "oh you used heat. Aapkay tou baal bas dead beat hain". NO. We all know how all the heat devices are now a part of our lives with events popping up everyday. However, I never use a dryer for my hair. It leads to more damage than a good straightener does. No lies!

FIFTH - Please invest in a good straightener once and for all. It lasts a decade. Do not untangle your hair when they're wet. I wait for a good 2 hours till they're 90% dry and then I untangle. It does hurt but when your hair is wet, the hair are more vulnerable to breakage. I use a Keune Titan Straightener.

SIXTH - Remember how your elders said, "tie your hair because it makes them stronger". Its so hard to do but trust me, they were always right. Braids do make the hair stronger and less prone to hairfall.

SEVENTH - (I dont do this but if it helps) Go to GNC and take a supplement. There are plenty for stronger nails, hair and skin.

EIGHTH- Since I got married a while back, I got a hair color done. Without Bleach. I've never bleached my hair and never would. The base color is Mahogany Brown and the highlights I got were Loreal shade 7.3.5 from the professional card they have in salons.

I hope all these personal tips help you fight hairfall and take better care of your hair.

Thank you! Much love to all <3