BEST OF MAKEUP 2012 (Part 3)




Assalamualaikum, Hello all! :D

We're finally down to the last part! This will feature all my favorite eye and brow products from last year.
I apologize for posting this so late, I had my exams. Furthermore, I wanted to include pictures of better quality in this post :)

Heres the links to the previous parts if you'd like to check them out :)
Part 1: http://vicinitymakeup.blogspot.com/2013/01/best-of-makeup-2012-part-1.html
Part 2: http://vicinitymakeup.blogspot.com/2013/01/best-of-makeup-2012-part-2_30.html


P.S, I talk a lot in this post, so please bear with me :P


Too Faced Shadow Insurance:
This is one of the best eye primers out there. It makes the eye shadow last SO much longer than it would if you were to use only some concealer as your base. I've worn bright eye makeup looks with this underneath it to even places where you can easily get sweaty like theme parks, the beach and such! And trust me, the eye makeup will never budge unless you deliberately take it off :)




Mikyaji's I-Kajal:
Even though I'm showing only one of these, its actually comes in a set of five, a purple, blue, black, white, and a teal, which my I got as a birthday gift from my bestie about two years ago, and I really love this white one! I use it on top of my eye primer as a base when I'm doing colorful looks to make the colors pop even more. It really does increase the longevity of colorful eye shadows even more. 
I initially wanted to get my hands on the NYX jumbo pencil in the color- Milk, but that particular shade is never available here in Jeddah :( if you know any place I can get it locally, please let me know as this Mikyaji one is going to get over and they don't sell these individually!




Maybelline's Define a Brow:
I don't usually wear makeup to school, but I often find it necessary to define my eyebrows, and I like to use this. I much prefer to use an eye-shadow instead but when it comes to school, I want something thats going to last a lot longer. Even after washing my face a couple times during the day, it doesn't come off. Sometimes I like to fill in my brows with this the night before because I'm mostly late for my bus and doing your eyebrows in a hurry can prove disastrous :P 





RIMMEL's eye-shadow do in no: 237 spice:
This duo I got as a gift when my sis purchased some other makeup stuff. Its currently been discontinued here though. I got two other trios as well but the pigmentation of those is horrible. Surprisingly, this one isn't so. Its really easy to create a dark brown smoky eye with this. Anyhow, I don't actually use it for that, I like to use it for my eyebrows- only the darker brown shade in general. Its the perfect cool-toned dark brown for my brows. What I really like about this is the fact that I've dropped, thrown, and abused this poor thing so many times (mostly by mistake :P) but then also it sticks around for me ;D also, its a really convenient size so I just easily throw it in my makeup bag if I'm going somewhere.Yes, it has shattered a bit but not as much as my Naked 2 palette did- even though I dropped it just once (you'll see what I mean as I proceed with this post). 




ESSENCE's lash and brow gel mascara:
I have never tried any other clear mascara- this is the only one I have, and the only one I use. I like to use this on days when I don't feel like wearing mascara, or I want to go for more of a natural look. Since its transparent, I like to wear it to school sometimes as well. Which clear mascara do you use? Leave it in the comments below as I'd love to hear :D




URBAN DECAY's Original Naked Palette:
Okay, prepare yourself to hear me rave.
I got the original naked palette somewhere in December of 2011, and I instantly fell in love. If you took me by a knife and threatened me to pick only one out of all my eye-shadow palettes, it will, without a doubt be this one. It has to be my all time favorite palette, and I'm pretty sure it'll continue to be so. I'll tell you what makes this palette so special. Firstly, the color selection- it has such complementing golds and other bronze-ey colors, it also has your highlighting shades, along with some really darker colors too. Just use the color "naked" in your crease, and any of the other colors on your lid, some eyeliner and mascara- and you are DONE! The end results looks like you put so much effort in it when you really didn't. Secondly, the texture of the eye-shadows- its buttery smooth, and fall outs aren't much of an issue at all. Thirdly, the packaging- its travel friendly! I've thrown this one in my bag, dropped it, and abused it unintentionally SO much but it never even shattered once. If you want to get a high end palette- I'd recommend you get this one. It'll definitely be a makeup investment, it'll last you for years altogether!




URBAN DECAY's Naked Palette 2:
I got this one during my summers last year. This and the original naked palette was what I've used mostly in terms of eye shadows ALL year long. I don't have anything different to say about this palette, than what I've said about the other palette. Only thing, of course the color selection is different. Just by looking at them, you can't really tell, but really- this is much different. This one has more of taupe-ey colors and most of these are cool toned, as compared to the original naked palette which has more of warmer tones. Only thing though, its packaging disappoints me as it looks super pretty and sturdy but honestly- its not shatterproof at all. And THATS really upsetting. You see the picture, I dropped it just once and it shattered. I'm just thankful that I didn't lose any of the colors entirely. Other than that, this palette is super awesome :D





CARGO's triple action mascara:
This mascara I purchased for only some 20 SR when CARGO was having a clearance sale at Sephora a couple months back. I kinda feel sad that they removed this brand from my nearby sephora as I really like this macara :( anyways. This gives me almost like a wispy lash look, and that I love about it. I have naturally curly lashes, and I love the way it makes my lashes look and it feels almost weightless! Although, I do have to mention that this isn't the most black mascara I've used. So if thats your priority, I don't think you'll like this one that much!




BOURJOIS' Volume Glamour Max-Definition mascara:
This is the BLACKEST drugstore mascara I've ever used. I love it. It volumizes and thickens the lashes very much. I do find it also lengthens for me, on the contrary, my sister said that it does nothing in terms of length for her. She also mentioned that it doesn't help hold the curl of the lashes since the formula is a little heavy, although that wasn't the case at all for me. So I guess it really is different for different people.
I used to love and use the MUFE smokey aqua lash mascara, its definitely a favorite of mine as well, but I ran out of it (I have to repurchase it), so I don't have the tube to show it to you guys, but that mascara is really separating, thickening and definitely lengthening! Its also very black and the formula isn't as heavy compared to the bourjois one! So definitely check that one out as well!



MAYBELLINE's eye studio gel eyeliner in Black
My favorite gel eyeliner ever. Very black, great formulation as it glides on super smoothly, stays on, and its affordable. Whats not to love about this liner! It looks very small in person but will last you a super long time! I've had it for almost two years now and I'm finally getting towards the end of it! Many people complain about gel eyeliners, paint pots and such that they tend to dry out very quickly. So here's a quick tip- pop it in the microwave oven for about 10-20 seconds, and VOILA! As good as new :D



If you don't know where to find these brands, below are the places where I purchase them from:
Too Faced and Cargo at Sephora in Al Andalus Mall 
Bourjois, Maybelline, Rimmel at Centrepoint in Al Andalus Mall
Mikyaji at Al Andalus Mall
Urban Decay from www.debanhams.com
Essence at a shop in Shallal Theme Park

Alright guys, thats end of it! I had a lot of fun doing these series, and I hope you all enjoy and benefit from them too! I definitely look forward to doing some series as such :D 
I'd like to end this post with a picture of this really cutesy lil birdie which was distracting me when I was taking pictures for this post yesterday by making SO many little chirping sounds! Oh don't you just LOVE little birdies?!


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Until then, take care fellas! 

BOURJOIS Volume Glamour Ultra Care Mascara Review




Hello everyone!

This post is a review of the Bourjois Volume Glamour Ultra Care Mascara. :)



Here is a product blurb from the Bourjois website:


ULTRA VOLUME FOR SENSITIVE EYES

Its ultra volumising formula coats lashes from root to tip and protects them against harsh external factors (pollution, rubbing, air conditioning).
Enriched with regenerating and nourishing cotton and sweet almond oils, it has been specially formulated for sensitive eyes.

Its brush that applies so softly thanks to its rounded shape and ultra-soft fibres, gently coats lashes to build volume without clumping.
Result: after only 3 weeks of use, lashes are visually stronger and more resistant, as if nourished from within*
*Clinical test on 22 women with sensitive eyes, of which 7 contact lens wearer

The Good-
-Intense black colour payoff compared to most drugstore mascaras.
-Gives a subtle liner effect on the lash line.
-No hard/stiff lashes, lashes remain soft even after two coats.
-Minimal clumping. One of the least clumping mascara I've ever used!
-Great for a natural look.
-Very comfortable to wear.
-Easy to remove.

The Not-so-Good-
-Not impressive in making lashes voluminous or increasing them length. The mascara pretty much darkens your natural lashes and gives them a bit more body with separation and that's all.

The verdict-- Love it or leave it?
At first I didn't love it... but now I do! It's a great mascara to achieve that natural look and more importantly, it will be very helpful for a daily basis if one wears mascara that often- because with this, you forget that you're wearing mascara at all because it's so light weight and non-irritating to the eyes! I literally forgot I even had eye makeup on with this mascara just because it's so comfortable to wear! Those who are new to makeup and/or mascaras may really enjoy this one if they've always hated the hard lash look and feel some mascaras give.
If you love drama with your lashes- this mascara may not be your top choice as it doesn't do much for a dramatic look.

About the formula- its a bit on the thicker side. I usually don't prefer thicker formulas but the way in which this specific mascara is made, it somehow seems to work out well.

Mascara wand- a standard bristle brush

Swatch
A word of caution-
Mascara reviews (in specific) are something I feel can be "hit and miss". Each individual has a different lash structure- some have naturally thick lashes, some thin, some naturally have a curl, some have dark lashes and some don't, some have long lashes naturally, and such. So when a person would purchase a mascara, they would do so depending upon their natural lash make up. Your needs may differ from mine and vice versa.
The point I'm trying to make is- while this specific mascara worked out for me, it may not for you. Or if I find it amazing, you may not because it doesn't fit your needs. Regardless, I have done a review in any case this is something you've been looking for :) I hope you find it helpful.

Bourjois Middle East Facebook page- http://www.facebook.com/BourjoisMiddleEast
Bourjois UK website- http://www.bourjois.co.uk/

What is your favourite mascara? 
Have you tried this mascara? What was your experience with it? Let us know :D 


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Until then, tc!

BEST OF MAKEUP 2012 (Part 2)





Assalamualaikum everyone!


This will be the second post under the title BEST OF MAKEUP 2012. I really hope you liked and enjoyed my last post! Do check it out if you haven't already (I talked about my fave face products like primers, foundation, concealers and all that good stuff :) ) Heres the link to it
http://vicinitymakeup.blogspot.com/2013/01/best-of-makeup-2012-part-1.html

Okay. SO! Firstly I'd like to apologize for posting this so late! I was busy with school, then I wasn't in town for a while and we have our final exams coming up really soon too.
P.S, please pray for me guys!

Anyhowww, this post will feature my favorite lip and cheek makeup products from last year.

Without further ado, lets jump right into it :D


BENEFIT's Watts Up
This is a cream to powder finish, beautiful champagne highlighter that gives a dewy look to the face. Its MY ULTIMATE FAVORITE HIGHLIGHTER EVER! I'd recommend this to those of you who love the dewy effect. I know this is more on the pricey side but, I've been very unsuccessful at finding a cream highlighter at the drugstore :( [If you have any recommendations, please leave them below :D] However, I'd say this is definitely worth your money because the amount of product it comes with is ginormous!



NYX's Rouge Cream Blush 
I have this in the shade "Glow" and I love it! Its a pretty natural pink blush. It makes your cheeks look very glowy and healthy. I love the formulation of this product. It stays on really well throughout the day. I'll definitely be trying more of these in different shades.



E.L.F's Blush 
I have this in the shade Pink Passion. Its a nice hot pink color that instantly brightens up your face once you put it on! I already have a post with swatches and stuff where I talk about this product (and lots of others too!) - so if you want to know more about this product, follow the link below-
http://vicinitymakeup.blogspot.com/2012/10/shop-and-tell-2-elf-cosmetics-in-jeddah.html




BENEFIT's Hoola Bronzer
Its a matte bronzer. I love this for precise contouring. I'd say this is awesome for people who are in the light to medium shade range and are looking for a good matte bronzer. I know, its again on the pricey side, but it comes with a lot of product and I definitely look at things like these as makeup investments as they last for years!
I've also heard great things about the BOURJOUIS bronzer. If you ever tried it, do let me know in the comments below as I'd love to check it out too!

And yes, I'm in love with this brand! :P



NARS Bronzer Trio Limited Edition Cheek Palette 
This trio literally has all my favorite go to cheek products, especially times when I'm in a hurry or times when I have to get ready at a friend's place, or school, or even the car :P  I just think its really convenient to have the blush, bronzer AND the highlighter all in one palette. I love it's packaging as I've probably dropped it a ga-zillion times and it hasn't shattered one bit! I'm a bronzer maniac and I love how they put the bronzer in the biggest slot :D its also very nice how NARS put their best selling blush and bronzer in this palette :)




MAKE UP FOR EVER's lipstick 
I have this in no. 32. This was a gift from my loveliest sis @GirlNextDoor.
Its a really nice and pigmented cool toned bright pink lipstick. Its a matte and isn't drying at all. I loved wearing this by lightly dabbing it on my lips for a natural pink color and sometimes I'd just apply it heavily for that night time party look.



MAC's Lipstick
I have this in the color "Impassioned". Its from their "Amplified" line of lipstick so its a crazily pigmented matte color. I saw MakeupWithJeniffer on YouTube use this in one of her tutorials and went crazy about it. Although, this looks a little different on my lips than it did on her's but I still love it. Once again, this isn't drying at all. I'd say its a bright fuchsia with slight coral undertones to it. I think this an awesome lip shade to wear to a party.


RIMMEL's Kate Moss Lipstick
I know what you're thinking...
 "What? Another lipstick?!"
Well, yes, another lipstick :P I actually went crazy once I entered lipstick-land last year!
Anyways, I have this in the shade 08. Its a really nice mauvy pink shade which looks superbly natural on the lips. Its creamy and richly pigmented. We gifted it to one of the participants of a giveaway we held last September (I think) and she told us that she loved it too! If you're looking for a lipstick in this shade range, give this a try as its really affordable. Trust me, you CANNOT go wrong with this!



NYX's Soft Matte Lip Cream
I have this in "San Paulo". Its a really pretty mid tone-ish dark pink color (It looks like a burnt pink in the picture but trust me its not! I was taking the pics right before sunset so it didn't come out so true to color). Its formulation is not that of a lipstick, neither of a gloss. Its the perfect blend! Its finish is exactly as the name of the product- a soft matte! It looks so beautiful on the lips, I cannot explain how much I love this product overall! I'd definitely recommend you all to try this :)



URBAN DECAY's Lip Junkie 
Lastly I'd like to show ya'll my favorite lip gloss of the year. I have this in the color "Naked". Its a sample size version that actually comes with their Naked 2 Palette (which I love! Stay tuned for the last post where I rave about the Naked palettes :P and other stuff too) Its a really tiny lip gloss that's almost the size of my pinky. Its has a plumping effect on the lips, and it smells and tastes like mint. It gives a sheer color to the lips. Looks very natural, and feels highly refreshing on the lips!




If you don't know where to find these brands, below are the places where I usually purchase them

BENEFIT products from Sephora at Andalus Mall, Red Sea Mall, or Mall of Arabia
NYX and RIMMEL products from Centrepoint at Andalus Mall
NARS products from Selfridges.com 
Urban Decay products from Debanhams.com 
MAC products from the MAC store at Red Sea Mall or Mall of Arabia
E.L.F products from a stall at Shallal Theme Park


That's all for part two :) I hope this post proves helpful to you. Stay tuned for the final part where I'll feature my fave eye and brow products from 2012.

Comment below to let us know your feedback on this post.
And also let us know what you're favorites are from the categories I talked about above :D We'd LOVE to know :)

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