Back To School Makeup Routine Inspiration

I love the back to school season for so many reasons. In a way, it gives me a chance to start over and start fresh with my goals. It's sort of like a new  'new year' hahah! Oh, and you cannot forget the cute stationary. Even though I incline more on practicality of something rather than how cute it looks, there's no doubt you can find a good match of both these days- which makes schooling so much more fun!

I don't go to a regular school at the moment (I'm a distance learning student!). But if I would, this is how I'd wear my makeup to school everyday. It's pretty minimal, with a few multi-purpose items that are my personal favourites for when I'm on the go. 

I hope you can find some makeup inspiration for yourself from this routine, so- happy reading!

♥ FRESH MINIMAL MAKEUP FOR SCHOOL ♥

1. Moisturize 

I start by prepping my skin with a good moisturizer. Preferably with something that has SPF of some amount - considering Saudi's daily weather!

2. Conceal

Some of us don't need it, while some of us can't go without it. I'm definitely from the latter! Concealing is such an important step for me to look (and feel! ) fresh + presentable. I personally prefer using a light to medium coverage liquid concealer that also brightens while it covers. However, if you already have a favourite formula that you can't go wrong with, there's no reason to use something else! :D

3. Set

I then go on to set my concealer and moisturizer with a powder foundation. I have dry skin, so finding a powder foundation that didn't accentuate the dryness was a challenge since most powder foundations cater to normal/oily skins. Alhamdullilah, I did  end up finding one for me though! 

The one I use is the by Dior- Diorskin Forever Compact Flawless Perfection Fusion Wear Makeup SPF 25. This product deserves a review in and of itself (coming soon!) but for the time being, I will let you know that it's a must-have in my makeup collection. It gives the perfect amount of coverage for daily wear without having to use a foundation.

4. Brows

Eyebrows make a huge difference to the overall look and are especially more important when it comes to minimal makeup. I highly recommend trying a few different brow routines to see which works. You'll be amazed at the difference they make! I ignored my brows for the longest time but now, I can't go without doing something to them! I fill my brows with the Milani Brow Tint pen which is great for everyday- provides just the right amount of tint, frames my face, and I cannot go overboard with this when I'm on the run.

5. Curl lashes + Clear Mascara

I personally don't prefer wearing regular mascara daily because it can be quite a challenge to remove at the end of a tiring day. So I just curl my lashes and apply a clear mascara to give an awake look with lifted lashes.

6. White/Nude Waterliner

Next step, I line my waterline with a white or a nude pencil to make my eyes look fresh and awake. This doesn't work for everyone though as it depends on your skin tone. If you prefer black you can always wear that of course! Or just go plain if white and nude are both a bit harsh for the overall look you are going for. Alhamdullilah, it works for me so that's what I do!

7. Lip Balm

The last and final step I do is apply a nice moisturizing lip balm. You can also use a tinted lip balm for some colour if that's what you like ^_^

... and you're done!

If I have more time and want to take this up a notch, I like to apply Benefit's Benetint as blush and lip tint as an extra along with High Beam highlight for an extra fresh, put-together look. These two products are my favourite for on-the-go looks!

So, what do you think? How do you like to wear your daily makeup? I know some girls absolutely love their black kohl, and some can't go without their favourite lipstick/lip gloss. I'd love to know your routine!

Also, what are you most excited about for the new school year? Comment below and let me know! ^_^ 

Have a great day!

P.S. Do you know about the super international giveaway? Click here. Good luck!

♥ Soul food for the day ♥

“Bravery is believing in yourself finding your voice & fulfilling your mission in life.” 
― Haleh Banani

[CLOSED] SUPER Giveaway Time! #MuslimahCreativesGiveaway

Today is not a usual day for me to post, but that is because it includes quite a special announcement. :D

An awesome international giveaway!

Hosted by Maryam from Maryamisms, Camila from StyleModesta, Iqra from TheBlushingGiraffe, and... yours truly. 

MashaAllah all  these sisters have fantastic blogs and a creativity that is out-of-this-world! It is truly an honor to be a part of this with such wonderful sisters who are clearly fantastic at what they do!

Here is what the "must-enter!" giveaway includes. There will be TWO winners. The prizes will be split in half i.e one palette, one hijab, one jewelry piece, and either the handchain or the hairspray for each winner.

Beautiful pictures courtesy of the lovely Maryam: 

LIST OF PRIZES:

• LORAC PRO PALETTE 1
• LORAC PRO PALETTE 2
• Zebra print hijab
• Leopard print hijab
• John Freida FRIZZEASE spray (sample size)
• Cubic Zirconia earrings
• Sapphire pendant
• Ombre Swarovski handchain

LORAC PRO PALETTE 1

LORAC PRO PALETTE 2

Ombre Swarovski handchain by Ar-Rawdah Jewels

Ombre Swarovski handchain by ArRawdah Jewels

Cubic Zirconia earrings by The Luxe Collection

Sapphire pendant by The Luxe Collection

The complete prize in all it's glory!

HOW TO ENTER IN THREE SIMPLE STEPS:

1. Make sure to follow all of our social media accounts. Sincere gratitude to sister Camila for compiling the list below:

Instagram @Kikistylemod @Maryamisms_ @TheBlushingGiraffe @KausarAzam

Twitter @StyleModesta @Maryamisms @TheBlushingGiraffe @KausarAzam

Facebook StyleModesta TheBlushingGiraffe Love,Peace and Gratitude

Blogloving Stylemodesta Maryamisms The Blushing Giraffe Love, Peace and Gratitude

2. Repost the picture below on your Instagram/Twitter/Facebook profiles using the hashtag #MuslimahCreativesGiveaway.

3. Enter via Rafflecopter below for your entry to be successful:

href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1b8504ac0/"
rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

... and you're DONE!

Each package is worth 100USD, so feel free to enter as much/as often as you'd like! The giveaway ends in one months' time! Good luck! ^_^

Favourite Of The Moment: Rimmel Lipstick in 214 Firecracker

You know how sometimes, we think we want something having a clear idea about it but then end up loving something else altogether? Yes, that is pretty much the story with this lipstick.

I've always thought that my to-go lipstick will be a MLBB- "My Lips But Better" kind of shade. Up until now, I haven't found my ideal MLBB so I didn't have a go-to lipstick as a result. Until I tried Rimmel's lipstick in Firecracker that is. (I know I probably sound way too dramatic than I should, but hey! That is  how the story goes hahah :D )

I shared a 'Show & Tell' on Instagram with this lipstick a few months ago. It was part of my *cough*splurge*cough* lipstick haul (lol!).

Rimmel's Lasting Finish Lipstick in Firecracker (214) is quite a unique colour. I would say it's in the Coral category, yet it lacks a kind of neon effect in the way coral colours are usually portrayed. 

It has the slightest hint of an almost 'burnt orange' that makes it one of a kind. It's far more wearable in person and on the lips than you see in the swatch (see pictures below). I am absolutely loving this right now! I kid you not- this has actually become my go-to lip colour! Something that I totally  did not expect. I can also see this looking amazing on a variety of skin tones (I am an NC15 in case you are wondering!).

Not only is this a beautiful shade but it is also non-drying, does not travel outside the lip line unnecessarily (a problem I've come across with quite a few lipsticks!), it makes your lips look lush, does not wear off in an unsightly manner, and has some of the best longevity I've experience with a lip product!

This goes with pretty much any kind of makeup look! It especially looks beautiful with a minimal, warm toned makeup look-- clean base, lightly bronzed face, peach blush, a neutral highlighter, champagne shadow, dark mascara, and this lipstick = love! At the same time, it looks equally fabulous with a heavier eye look! 

This lipstick is all the rage  in my makeup routine at the moment. Really!

Which makeup product has sweeping you off your feet these days? Share the love! ^_^

♥ Soul food for the day ♥

“It's not what you say but how you say it which makes a world of difference. If people are responding negatively to you and you are not sure why just reflect on your tone of voice, body language and facial expressions. Have everything synchronize: your words & your actions in order to have a positive impact on your loves ones ♥” 
― Haleh Banani

High Beam Liquid Highlighter Review

I know friends- this post is long overdue. I sincerely apologize for the delay. Life happens, I'm sure you awesome folks understand and so, I will get right to the point!

O High Beam highlighter, how I love thee.

Swatches

I am absolutely loving this. The more I use it, the more I love it.

The packaging is designed like a nail polish. The one you see in the picture above is a sample size from a set I purchased by Benefit. It still is the same nail polish application concept but just smaller than the original.

As for the product itself, the application is easier than you'd expect from a liquid product. I like to apply this by drawing lines along the tops of my cheekbones, down the middle of my nose, and dot it under my eyebrow. Then, with a clean finger I blend until it's all nice and highlighted! It dries from a liquid to an ever-so-slight powder finish. You can definitely go without setting it with another powder highlighter.

The result of the highlighter by itself- softly glowy highlighted cheeks. Can definitely be worn with minimal makeup!

The fact that I can use this product, by itself, without needing a setting agent is what makes it such a favourite. It has taken a place in my to-go makeup routine for when I need to look just put together enough in a rush! Alhamdullilah :D

I'm positive you've already heard a lot about this from YouTube as well. However, it is also one of those products which makes you think- "Ok, so this works for her. But- will it work for me?".

I've made a quick review card for you to decide yourself! Is it worth it for your beauty (and wallet)? You decide! :)

I also mentioned in my previous post that there is very little difference between this and the NYX highlighter. The only difference is that NYX has a stronger highlight with larger glitter particles that makes it more suitable for nighttime wear whereas High Beam has a 'soft glow' effect to it with dispersed sparkles. NYX's highlighter also dries quicker and so it's trickier to blend compared to High Beam.

I personally enjoy using both according to the demand of the occasion. High Beam is my choice for the daytime/lighter looks whereas NYX is what I reach out for nighttime occasions/weddings!

What do you think? If you already own high beam- please share your thoughts. If not, would you consider purchasing it after this review? I love conversation :D

Until the next post, have an awesome day!

♥ Soul food for the day ♥

"And still, after all this time, the Sun has never said to the Earth, 

"You owe me."

Look what happens with love like that.

It lights up the sky."

- Hafez

Guest Post: How Anti-Oxidants Help Protect Your Skin Against Aging

Here is a guest post on behalf of skinfo.com
educating us about anti-oxidants and the
role they play in protecting the skin against aging.
We found it truly insightful and hope you do too!

-VicinityMakeup

________________________________________________________________________

The beauty world has been buzzing for many years about antioxidants, the powerful “cure-all” for  nature’s effects on skin. Although many products, creams, powders and even foods claim antioxidant benefits, many still don’t’ know what they are, how they work or what antioxidants can do for your skin.

Antioxidants are both nutrients (i.e. vitamins and minerals) and enzymes (proteins in your body that assist chemical reactions.) These elements help reduce the effects of oxidation, or the stress that occurs when free radicals (chemically active atoms) grab electrons from cells, protein and DNA. In other words, antioxidants protect healthy cells from damage. Oxidants are necessary for many biological processes like metabolism and breathing. Although it’s impossible to avoid some damage from free radicals (as some are a normal part of our bodies) antioxidants can help protect your skin from the free radicals found in environmental factors: pollution, sunlight, smoking and alcohol.

A healthy diet combined with antioxidant-rich skincare products can benefit your skin in a variety of ways. 

Here are a few of the top ways:

1) Increased Collagen Production – Collagen is the main protein that gives your skin elasticity (or, in other words, a tight, youthful skin tone.) Collagen is highly susceptible to free radical damage; collagen is easily broken down, causing wrinkles. Strengthen your skin and neutralize free radicals by applying an antioxidant night cream daily. This type of cream is often thicker than daily moisturizers, and can work with the restorative process of sleep to improve skin ton and allow collagen production to continue.

http://www.smashinglists.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Moisturize.jpg

2) Reduce Age Spots  -- Age spots, sometimes known as liver spots (or solar lentigines to doctors), are harmless discolorations of skin. They often appear and darken over time, and happen when sun exposure speeds up the skin pigment melanin, which becomes clumped together. To reduce the appearance of age spots, search for a daily sunscreen that includes vitamin C. The sunscreen can help stop future melanin overproduction, and the vitamin C is known to lighten age spots already existing on the skin.

3) Reduced Acne – Acne isn’t just a teenage problem; many adults suffer from this problem, too (in addition to other skin issues, like age spots or wrinkles.) Acne can be caused by different things, but if you have oily skin, this can be a culprit. Vitamin A is an amazing antioxidant to help with acne for several reasons. Vitamin A helps reduce the overall level of oil in the pores of the skin, and also move deep into pores to remove keratin plugs, which are also a known cause for acne. For adults suffering from acne, search for a daily wrinkle cream moisturizer that includes Vitamin A that can help you get clear, wrinkle-free skin tone.

4) Anti-Inflammation – Dry, cracked and inflamed skin not only looks painful, it feels painful. Individuals with dry skin can experience flare-ups due to weather or environmental factors, but antioxidants can help calm skin and restore moisture. Alpha lipoic acid, found in pine bark and green tea, have great anti-inflammatory properties and can increase circulation and promote cell regrowth. With this antioxidant, you’ll see a more even skin tone and less stress on your skin.  If you’re faced with inflamed skin, try a natural cleanser with green tea to soothe and restore.

About the author

Amanda is a social media manager for a health care organization by day and a blogger and freelance writer by night. She's also a mom to an amazing 2 year-old boy and wife to a great guy who indulges all her celebrity gossip. Amanda loves coffee, fashion, Twitter, makeup, nail polish, and cats (not always in that order.) Her work has been published on family.com and blogher.com. For more celebrity gossip, fashion, beauty and DIY, visit Amanda's blog, It's Blogworthy (http://itsblogworthy.com) or follow her on Twitter and Google+.

Va Va Voom- Store locations: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Assalamu alaykum!

This post is a directory entry for locations of Va Va Voom stores in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

About Va Va Voom:

VaVaVoom is an exciting concept that brings together the most exclusive and innovative international brands from the world of fragrance, colour and skincare - all within one store.
VaVaVoom is led by the belief that every womans beauty needs are unique. Whether it is to create a look just for the day or planning something new for that special occasion, customers can make a private appointment for a personalized make over with one of VaVaVoom’s artists from our top beauty brands.
At VaVaVoom, we provide personal attention to our customers, helping them to choose products that suit their unique beauty requirements. Our purpose is to help our customers look good and create an impression!

Store Locations in Jeddah:

Name                        City           Contact Number
Al Sulaimania Plaza     Jeddah     +966 2 2523846
AlAndalus Mall           Jeddah     +966 02 6303980
Heraa Intl Market       Jeddah     +966 02 6120247
Mall of Arabia            Jeddah     +966 2 6123586
Red Sea Mall             Jeddah     +966 2 2150319
Roshan Mall              Jeddah     +966 02 2368538

For rest of Saudi Arabia, follow the link:
http://www.alshaya.com/kingdom-of-saudi-arabia/vavavoom-stores-locations/?location=1

Like Va Va Voom on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/VavavoomBeauty

Resources used in the compilation of this post:
http://alshaya.com/brands/health-beauty/vavavoom/
http://www.alshaya.com/kingdom-of-saudi-arabia/vavavoom-stores-locations/?location=1
https://www.facebook.com/VavavoomBeauty

Stay in touch with us!
https://twitter.com/vicinitymakeup
http://www.facebook.com/vicinitymakeupjeddah

Barry M Cosmetics in Jeddah (+ looking for Sally Hansen?)

Assalamu alaykum everyone! 

Following up on our last post on Barry M cosmetics, we decided we will share with you that we did indeed spot it here! At Mall Of Arabia, Boots Pharmacy! The prices are quite low compared to those of other drugstore brands here, with lip liners costing as low as 18SAR and the ever famous pigments Barry M is famous for- Dazzle Dusts for 30SAR!! I didn't buy any items but just might in the future! Personally, even in the display I see the Dazzle Dusts taking the spotlight making it one of the most eye-catching products Barry M has to offer.

In other news...

... We spotted Sally Hansen here!! At the Faces store in Mall Of Arabia! There was a neatly arranged display which seemed to have most of the Sally Hansen Nail range, including the Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips (if my memory serves me right!). We didn't get a chance to take a picture for you all or find out the prices- so if any of you lovely readers know anything about it, do leave us a helpful comment below :D Thank you!!

That's all for this post!
What's on your wish list and what have you been loving lately? Share with us! ♥ We love to know!


Check us out on Facebook and Twitter or follow us here via Blogger so that you'll know when the next post is up!
https://twitter.com/vicinitymakeup
http://www.facebook.com/vicinitymakeupjeddah

Until then, tc!

Tip Of The Day (TOTD)

"النصيحة الجمالية لليوم..أفضل طريقة لوضع العطر حتى يدوم طويلاً هو وضعه على مناطق النبض في الجسم؛ كالمعصمين، داخل الكوعين، وخلف الأذنين. فهذا سيمنحك التمتع برائحة جذابة وخفيفة تدوم طويلاً.

The beauty tip of the day ..

The best way to put perfume for a long-lasting scent is to apply the fragrance on the pulse zones of the body; like the wrists, inside the elbows, and behind the ears. Which this will make you enjoy the long-lasting, light, and attractive smell."

Source: Yves Rocher Saudi Arabia

 ♥ What is your favourite perfume? Share with us in the comment section below! ♥

Guest Post: No Poo?!

Our very first guest post submission is by Sumaiyya Naseem

Thank you! -VicinityMakeup

________________________________________________________________________

Assalaamualaikum ladies!

Hope you all are doing wonderful!

It's literally been a couple of months since I took the time out and wrote a post. Apart from that making me an awful and failure blogger, it also makes me a busy person!

I feel super happy that this first post after months is a guest post on Vicinity Makeup- a beauty blog of two amazing girls who happen to be sisters and two of my favorite people on earth. :D (You didn't have to say that ya know :-* -vicinitymakeup)

I want to waste no time and get to the point. I haven't used shampoo or ANY other chemical on my hair for almost 3 weeks now! No, I don't have monkey hair or hair that looks like it needs serious work. In fact, I've never loved my hair as much before!

I've always had major hair issues. I am still not completely satisfied with my hair, but it's definitely MUCH better than it used to be.

So, if I haven't been using ANY shampoo, what have I been using - you'd ask?

Home made shampoothie! I've come across a dozen of recipes for home made shampoo, but the one that attracted me  like a zombie to human, was the cucumber and lemon shampoothie.

It's extremely simple to make.

Here's what you'll need:

Cucumbers - 2-3
Lemon- 1
Juicer

Now, depending on the condition of your hair - dry/oily/normal- you'll decide the amount of the cucumber and lemon.
The cucumber conditions the hair, so if you have dry hair, use more cucumber.
The lemon cleans the hair, and it's acidic, so use a couple of lemons for oily hair and a lemon OR half for dry hair. The amount is completely up to you!

My hair is sort of oily, but not extremely oily. So I use 3 cucumbers, and a lemon. I also have normal length hair, not more than 1.5 inches below my shoulders.

Here's what you'll do -

Cut up each cucumber after peeling it (it's ok if you don't peel it) into three parts. Peel off the outer covering of the lemon. You could use this later for seasoning chicken or something.
Now make a smoothie of the lemon and cucumber in your juicer, transfer the mix to a container that you can take to your bathroom. I use a plastic mug that I got specifically for this.

After you rinse your hair, turn your head down and start applying at the roots. The smoothie will be - smoothie-ish; like juice. Massage at the roots and soak your hair with the juice.

After a few minutes (3-5) rinse off your hair and avoid tangling it up if possible. I comb my hair before applying and it helps.

The only problem with this is that you'll have to dry up your hair and spend a few minutes brushing out all the white stuff that comes from the cucumber. It doesn't take me more than 15 minutes to get my hair dried up and brushed.

I do this 3-4 times a week, and twice a week I apply olive oil on my hair half an hour before taking my bath.

It's helped me a lot! I had dry hair, and it would be limp and flat by the end of the day. Now my hair feels lively and doesn't stick to my scalp.

I definitely recommend this little experiment to all of you! It suits ALL hair types!

I've decided to alter the home made shampoo I am using on a weekly basis. Once I have a second favorite, I'll share with you all!

Also, you've probably figured out by now - I'm going no poo! It means no shampoo AT ALL for as long as I go on. It's a HUGE step for me. But I feel that is whats gonna help my poor hair. And it is definitely giving me good results right now.

If you guys have any home made shampoo recipes - do share!!

I'll take pictures next time I make my shampoothie and update here :) Sorry about the lack of visuals.

One awesome thing about this particular shampoothie is the refreshing smell it leaves in the bathroom! Specially when you're shampooing your hair, you'll feel relaxed and wonderful! I do!

If you try this recipe, let us know what you think!
If you've tried something similar, please share that as well!

Tc!
Have a great weekend!!

_________________________________________________________________________________
About Sumaiyya Naseem

Hello there! Thank you for visiting my page! I love doing product reviews every once in a while, I am not a makeup professional or certified artist, I am just this average teen who loves all things Beauty and Makeup! If you like what you see, go ahead and follow my blog! There will be many more exciting and interesting posts and tips and tricks! Drop in your comments about constructive criticism and compliments if any! Thanks!

You can find Sumaiyya's beauty and fashion reviews at http://reviewsfrommyvanity.blogspot.com/

Shop and Tell #1 (... and Happy National Day!)

Hi there!

Inspired by my fellow blogger friend- Nada's Sanctuary, and Kandee Johnson at Youtube, here is the very first "Shop and Tell" post of this blog! :D 

Here are some of the things that I picked up on Friday while I was out with my sisters, shopping :) 

Click to enlarge

Anti-clockwise from right:

• OLAY Complete Illuminating Daily UV Cream
• BOURJOIS  Volume Glamour MAX Definition mascara.
• Perfume oils
• Makeup sponges
• MILANI Shadow Eyez Eyeshadow pencils in 02, 04 and 03.

In hopes that this post is a bit more useful for you, I will talk a little more about the products I bought, why I bought them, what I think about them so far, and all that good stuff! 

Click to enlarge

OLAY Complete Illuminating Daily UV Cream: I was picking up a moisturizer by Olay that my little sister uses, saw this on the display and ending up purchasing it. I was on the look-out for a nice, lighter consistency moisturizer. Also, the product blurb caught my attention. I'm very happy with the consistency of this cream so far and am super excited to start using it! It does have a slight shimmer though (the product says it's "illuminating", I was expecting it) but nothing obnoxious like some *2* of the Ponds creams I've tried. Those Ponds creams are good in their place (can be used as bases for foundation and such) but for everyday use and the look I was going for, they didn't work out well for me. 

BOURJOIS Volume Glamour MAX Definition mascara: I had to purchase a new mascara so I bought this one, on recommendation of cheezz12345 on Youtube. Her review sold me on purchasing it and I can't wait to try it!

Perfume oils: These little perfume oils are amazing! You get various scents, 12 mini "thumb" sized roll-ons for just SAR35! I bought this from Beauty Key shop at Andalus Mall (opposite to S-mart on the top floor), Jeddah.

The specific one you see in the picture at the beginning of this post is actually for my elder sister. I bought a pack for myself (the pink box with roses) some time back and loved them, so when I told my sister about it she wanted it too. My little sister bought it as well hahah :D 

Click to enlarge

Makeup Sponges: Pretty self explanatory. I needed to replace a sponge for my face powder that I use, hence I picked these up.

MILANI Shadow Eyez Eyeshadow pencils in 02, 04 and 03: I specifically bought these to feature them in a blog post for the Minimalist Beauty series! I was already convinced of the excellent performance of this product from reviews, and especially after DivaMakeupQueen's review of this on how these are amazing dupes for the expensive Urban Decay 25/7 Eyeshadow pencils, I just had to get them and share them with you. They really don't disappoint so far. The three colours I bought are 02- Brown Deluxe, 04- Green Safari and 03- Champagne Toast. I cannot wait to wear them on my eyes! The price on these is SAR35 each. 

Click to enlarge

I buy my MILANI products at the Beauty Key shop, Andalus Mall (opposite to S-mart on the top floor), Jeddah- as I mentioned earlier. Do you know where else in Jeddah they are available? For non-Jeddawi's, is MILANI available in your city? If yes, where? Please leave in it the comments so it can help others hopefully!

That's all for the Shop and Tell! Hope you are having a nice long weekend! ;) Happy National Day to all residing in KSA!

♥ Feedback ♥

• What were your recent purchases?/ What have you recently hauled? 
• Have you used any of the mentioned products? If yes, how do you like them?

Let us know! 

Tc!