The Holiday Post

Since the holiday season is finally here, I thought I'd make a post dedicated to products that came out exclusively this season. I can't review them yet since I didn't get my hands on them but I did order a couple of things on the list & the photos speak for themselves!

1. Laura Mercier: Face Illuminator (Limited Edition)

"A beautiful face illuminator with a soft rose gold shimmer perfect for highlighting". This product had me at "rose gold". I love highlighting/contouring and this looks like it's going to be a good one! It reminds me of a pressed powder version of their loose illuminator in candlelight, which is one of my top favorites.

It's sold out everywhere so the only way you can get your hands on it is through eBay. Make sure you choose a top rated seller.

2. Nars: Danmari "All About Cheeks" Palette (Limited Edition)

I was looking for a high quality blush palette, and now I can stop looking. Nars came out with this limited edition palette that comes with a contour and highlight color, and 4 of their top selling blushes. This palette has all the basic shades you need, from pink to peach and plum, it's almost a reason not to buy another blush for a long time

From the top row, left to right: Hungry Heart, Orgasm and Desire

Bottom row, left to right: Casino, Super Orgasm, and Sin

3. Urban Decay: Naked Palette II

The original Naked palette is my favorite and probably the only eyeshadows I've been using since I got it, so I was really excited to hear that they came out with a sequel! At first sight, it looks too similar to the first one, but once you compare, you'll see that this palette has more matte shades plus there's only one color that was repeated from the first palette, so that justifies owning both :) & just an FYI, you can never own too many neutral shades

4. Tom Ford's Whole Makeup Line!

I've never heard so many good reviews about makeup products that way I have about Tom Ford's! The stand out products seem to be the foundations, blushes, contour palette and brushes. My favorite brand of lipsticks is his so I'm sure the rest of his makeup line won't disappoint. It's been available in the UK and online for quite a while, and from what I hear it's just recently been available in the US. I haven't ordered anything yet and I can't believe how patient I'm being! But I heard the whole line will be available in Dubai by the end of December/beginning of January, so I'm going to wait for it

Kim Kardashian's Wedding Makeup

People magazine posted a breakdown of the makeup Mario used on Kim on her wedding day:

Moisturizer: La Mer (my favorite!)

Foundation: Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Hydrating Makeup

Concealer: By Terry Touche Veloutee

Loose Powder: Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre Natural Finish

Eyeshadows: Lancome's 5 Pan Palette in Golden Frenzy

Mascara: Lancome Hypnose Doll Lashes in So Black

Bronzer: Guerlain Teracotta

Lipliner: Yves Saint Laurent Dessin des Levres in Nude Beige

Lipstick: Lancome's L'absolu Nu Lipstick in Coral Sand

Lipgloss: Lancome La Laque Fever in Ravishing Coral

Tatcha Blotting Papers

Source

Also, one of the Pixiwoo sisters on youtube recreated the look (not using the same products)

make sure you check out more of their videos if you're interested in cosmetics, they're my favorite makeup artists on youtube!

Haute Muse Magazine Now Available in Dubai

I was so happy to hear that Haute Muse, the new Qatari-based fashion magazine is now available in the U.A.E! The magazine's first issue featured Olivia Palermo as the cover girl and the second and latest issue features Bonnie Wright. You can pick up the 2nd issue in any of the locations listed below:

Books Plus Khalidia Mall

Books Plus Al Jemi Mall

Books Plus Lamcy

TITAN B/S INTER CON.

Books Plus Arabian Plaza

Dar Al Hekma Retail

Books Plus Mirdiff

Books Plus Festival City

Books Plus Arabian Ranches

Dar Al Fokha B/S

Park n Shop Jumeirah

Le Marche (Geant)

Titan B/S Jal Tower

Books Plus Greens Center

Books Plus Springs

Park n Shop TECOM

Geant Ibn Battuta Mall

Geant Easy Tecom

Geant Easy Deira

Geant Easy Sharjah

Geant Easy Bur Dubai

Books Plus Ibn Battuta Mall

Books Plus Green Community

Park n Shop JLT

Titan B/S Al Habtoor Hotel

AUH Relay Shops (AUD Duty Free 1-2-3-4)

Kinokuniya Dubai Mall

All Prints

Abela S/M

Haute Muse

I can't wait to pick up a copy!

Ramadan Post: Al Majlis - Madinat Jumeirah

First of all, happy Ramadan to you all!

I hope you're all doing well physically, mentally, spiritually, etc etc etc.

I'm so excited to share this with you - my wedding planner Hiba Al Bakree designed and executed this year's ramadan majlis at Madinat Jumeirah and i was blown away! it's cool, classy, sophisticated but relaxed and comfortable...it's not like any other majlis you see; there are places that give you a bit of privacy, at the same time still be a part of the Ramadan Majlis - it's the perfect place to hang out with your friends or significant other...I'm definitely inviting my friends for futoor there soon.

i highly recommend you pay it a visit at least once this year - you won't regret it

photos taken from facebook

and some more photos from my blackberry

RIP Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse was found dead this afternoon.

i was obsessed with her when Rehab came out back in 2007. i even dressed up as her one halloween :( i guess we all saw it coming, especially after her train reck performance in Dubai this year but i really thought she'd recover at one point

Beauty Tips: Megan Fox

Megan Fox shares her top 5 beauty tips with Marie Claire UK

1. Raw Energy

"I eat five times a day and don't diet, but i do eat healthily - mostly raw and vegan food, with no dairy. It's not always possible with travel and filming, but I try. I also take supplements like silica and fish oil religiously."

2. Fresh Faced & Fabulous

"I try to keep my makeup fresh, clean and pretty on the red carpet. My signature look is red lipstick worn with plain eyes, so I apply a light foundation, then on my cheeks I use blush or sometimes the same lipstick that I'm wearing. Georgio Armani Rouge d'Armani Lipstick in 400, contrasts well with my pale complextion and dark hair."

3. Give Your Skin A Holiday

"Even when I'm working I don't like wearing too much makeup, but when I'm on my own I go bare-faced as I like to give my skin a rest."

4. Be A Bed Head

For a date night I go for beachy, natural bed hair. Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray gives my hair that wavy, thick texture"

5. Beauty Obsessions

"I have to wash my face every 12 hours and then moisturize. I only take showers as I don't like sitting in bath water. After my shower I moisturize with Grapeseed Oil from Whole Foods. It's a great moisturizer and lighter than olive oil.

source

What do you think? I agree with most of what she says and also love using my lipstick as cream blush when i don't have one that matches.

Leave a comment with your favorite beauty tips!

Noon by Noor Launch

i have a love/hate relationship with kim kardashian's style

kim was seen at the Noon by Noor launch party in Hollywood this week

Noon by Noor is a new label by Bahraini designers Shaikha Noor & Shaikha Haya Al Khalifa

Diet & Nutrition: Trying to be Fahad!

we're all excited about Ramadan being just around the corner, but i'm sure i'm not the only one worried about overeating! that's why i thought this would be the perfect time to share this guy's blog with you as we get ready to enter the holy month in August.

He's a certified fitness expert & nutrition specialist

his blog is filled with information on nutrition, fitness motivation, health tips, healthy recipes and much much more. When it comes to websites based on health, Trying to be Fahad is definitely my favorite. Bookmark his blog & follow him on Twitter, you won't regret it!

Website - http://www.tryingtobefahad.com/

Twitter - @TheDietNinja

Makeup: Illamasqua's Skin Base Foundation

Illamasqua came out with a new foundation inspired by BB creams (beauty balms), which are popular in Asia. It has the same benefits excluding the whitening effect of the skin. They also removed the SPF which is perfect if you get your picture taken a lot.

The Ultimate 'Skin Realism' Foundation

Inspired by the cult Asian market Beauty Balm creams, Skin Base Foundation is a brand new, refined formula unlike anything on the UK market. Easily blendable, it effortlessly creates a perfect complexion, and like the entire Illamasqua foundation range, is undetectable in a professional HD environment. Suitable for all skin types, it smoothes, softens and conditions your skin whilst providing natural, buildable coverage.

I have no idea when and if it will be available in Dubai, but i love that their website has shade comparisons with other popular foundations such as Bobbi Brown, Nars, YSL, etc. so if you use any of the other brands, you can easily find your shade in Illamasqua, so ordering online won't be as risky.

* i'll definitely post a review of any new products i try

Handbag: Yves Saint Laurent

i'm can't wait to get my hands on the YSL Chyc Cabas.

i saw a photo of leighton meester carrying it a while back, and just now on my friend Noura's bbm display picture in a gorgeous shade of green!

i love everything about this bag, the shape, the colors, the textured leather,

and i especially love that they used the Y logo instead of YSL. because that's my initial ;$

shown above are my favorite colors: black, chocolate and blue

so far, it also comes in green like i mentioned, magenta and leopard print

as seen on charlize theron, leighton meester, kylie minogue, salma hayek & sienna miller

New TV Show: Million Dollar Decorators

If you're into interior design, celebrity homes or need ideas for redecorating your house

i highly recommend you watch this show! my sister told me how helpful it would be for me since i'm in the process of decorating and furnishing my house, and i'm obsessed so far!

"This series explores the world & personal lives of five LA-based designers. These tastemakers often exchange advice & horror stories, but are also forced to compete for the same top-tier clients & their endless budgets. Every decision & minute spent is crucial as the decorators rush to finish their projects on time & deliver the absolute perfection their clients expect"

Celebrity Wedding Post: Kate Moss

Dress by John Galliano

i love it when wedding dresses are off-white, champagne or even blush colored instead of bright white. and again, i love the veil!

Ask Me Questions

you can now ask me questions on formspring

entertain me :)

Makeup: Benefit's New Mascara

This is definitely on my to-buy-list and the next mascara i'm trying out! I love the ad, the packaging and read some positive reviews so i can't wait to try it.

Apparently this mascara took 4 years to develop!

It hasn't been released in Dubai yet, but you can order it online

on Sephora, Amazon or Benefit's websites

my all-time favorite mascaras are

YSL faux cils & singulier, and Armani's Eyes to Kill

Music: How To Love by Lil Wayne

Celebrity Wedding Post: America Ferrera

I decided to create a wedding section on my blog; incase you didn't know, my wedding is in september so i thought i'd share wedding related pictures for inspiration - hair, makeup, celebrity photos, etc :)

America Ferrera (Ugly Betty actress) got married recently & i loved the bottom part of her dress! i say the bottom part because i don't think the top really suits her, but who cares, the ruffles are cute. my favorite part was the veil ♥

in other wedding news, i'm back from beirut and am SO happy with the dress, it's definitely different, in a good way. i'm going back in august for my final fitting.

Last day in Beirut

we did a lot of shopping so i decided to share two of my favorite purchases that i made here in Beirut

these suede YSL palais peep-toe heels in emerald green <3

they're my first YSL heels and i can't believe how comfortable they are to walk in! i had to get the same in black leather. their collections here are so much nicer than the colors they display in dubai

and this two-tone celine pouch. i don't even know what i'll use it for yet, but that's the best thing about it. the size is perfect. and i love the color combination!

i'm so sorry about the horrible quality photos...we brought a camera with us, but forgot the connector so i can't upload anything yet :(

Bread Pudding

if you ever visit Beirut, you MUST try Balthazar's Bread Pudding

thanks for the recommendation Hessa!

I love Google

Tribute to Abdelhalim, love it!

Day 2 in Beirut & My Birthday

thank you all so much for the birthday wishes (on the phone, bbm, twitter, facebook, etc, etc)

this one in particular made my day - from my favorite author

so unexpected!

we spent the day meeting designers for my wedding dress. tomorrow i have to make the final decision between two, but not tonight since its my birthday and i'm allowed to not use my brain for 24 hours :)

elie saab just came out with a new scent, which i didn't think i'd like because i read it was floral

but it has something else mixed in that actually complemented the floral scents so i had to have it...i sprayed my wrist a couple of minutes ago and now that i smell it again, it does smell a lot better than when you first spray it

i had the worst cramps later that day, so i went back to the hotel room and slept for a couple of hours. i seriously think a nap can fix almost anything :)

i woke up to a small box of macaroons from my sister & brother. they got me my favorite flavors - vanilla & pistachio; i love rose too but there's had alcohol in it

good times :)

now watching: the disney channel because i miss my brothers (excuses excuses...)

landed in Beirut

so we just landed in Lebanon a couple of hours ago and i think i'm going to love it here

the view of downtown beirut from our hotel room balcony

we're staying at le gray, beirut

now playing: what a wonderful world/over the rainbow - israwl kamakawiwo'ole

first post

so i decided to bring back my "blog"

why not right? :)

i'll try to be more consistent this time since i have a lot more to share

in the mean time, check out some of my favorite blogs:

OhNoTheyDidnt

TheSartorialist

Jak & Jil

All The Pretty Birds

INMYHEELS

HotnessMonster

District-H

Noura Al Serkal (brand new!)