Review: Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black Perfume Oil ♥

Hey everyone!

Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black Perfume Oil

Today I’m going to be reviewing the Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black Perfume Oil. The entire Elizabeth and James fragrance line is unisex and exclusively sold at Sephora where you can get this product along with the white version for $42 CAD.

Nirvana Black Perfume Oil

Out of both the variations I’ve always been a huge fan of the black version because it’s a bolder and more intense while still having powdery vanilla notes. Though I do love the scent of the Black Perfume Oil I have to say, like the fragrance, the staying power is really bad. Which is a huge bummer because I really do love the smell a lot! For some reason I even feel like the oil has worst staying power and is even less concentrated than the fragrance… which is weird because usually oil versions of fragrances are much stronger and longer lasting. Wearing them together does however drastically make the wear time longer. The oil holds the fragrance so it really does last all day when paired.

Other than wearing it on top of the fragrance version on my pulse points, I also love to take a couple drops and pat it in my hair. It adds a nice shine, smoothens and of course perfumes your hair!

Lastly I love to take a couple drops of this stuff and apply it before bed. I don’t know about you guys but I love to sleep with a fragrance. This oil isn’t overly aromatic like some perfumed oils can be which makes it perfect to sleep with.

…LOL I don’t know if that applied to anyone but me but I really do like to wear perfume to bed haha

xoxo

Naheeda ♥

Review: Ole Henriksen Pure Truth Melting Cleanser ♥

Hey everyone!

Ole Henriksen Pure Truth Cleanser

So today I’m going to be reviewing the Ole Henriksen Pure Truth Melting Cleanser. You can buy this cleanser in Sephora stores, Ole Henriksen’s website or Sephora online for $34 (CAD) for 4oz. I love Ole Henriksen products and wanted to love this cleanser REALLY BADLY but it just doesn’t live up to the rest of the line. It’s a 3-in-1 cleanser that starts off as a gel, melts on contact into an oil to dissolve waterproof makeup and turns into a milk cleanser when you add warm water. I’ve been slowly dipping my toes into the world of cleansing oils and even out of the few products I have tried I can clearly say that this product is just a huge gimmick.

It does remove makeup really well when you massage it on your face but the problem lies in taking it off. No seriously it doesn’t come off. When you add the warm water it only slightly milks up and when you try and rinse it just stays on your face. Kind of similar to what it would be like washing a thin layer of Vaseline off your face.  I literally needed to use another cleanser to wash off the Ole Henriksen Pure Truth Melting Cleanser.

Of course a huge pro of this product, basically the only pro of this product, is that it has that amazing Ole Henriksen smell. Mmmm orange skittles.

Overall, I really wouldn’t recommend getting this product. The only time I would say you should get this awful cleanser is if you have dehydrated skin and you’re looking for a good makeup remover. The virgin cherry oil in it did leave my face pretty soft. But like I said before you do have to use a cleanser afterwards.

xoxo

Naheeda ♥

Avocados 101 and DIY Avocado Hair and Face Masks ♥

Hey everyone!!

Today I’m going to be explaining the benefits of a super underrated beauty secret and give you some at home easy-to-do moisturizing masks.

As well as being extremely delicious, avocados are also amazing for your vanity… now that’s a win-win! They have high nutritional value and anyone and everyone who eats them regularly knows that they give your skin healthy natural glow.

One avocado contains over 20 vitamins and minerals, and you can literally get your daily supply of fiber, vitamin E and B vitamins in just one fruit. It also contains potassium and is a great source of fiber and folic acid, which is critical for any woman. 

Now I know what you are thinking, so I’m just going to say it…yes, avocados are high in fat. An avocado can have about 21 grams, which in turn means about 230 calories each, and of course this depends on the size. But if you think about it, no one really eats a whole avocado and considering that half a chocolate-chip muffin is 400+ calories, even if they did eat a whole one it would still be far less calories that most other snack.

The oil from avocados are used in many beauty products worldwide because of their ability to enhance the skin and the hair. Here are a few recipes that you can try at home:

Avocado and Oatmeal Face-Mask

This is a great face-mask for people with dry skin. I promise, regular use of this at-home remedy will do wonders for your face! Also don’t feel limed to just the face, apply it on your hands, arms, legs, anywhere really, as a natural moisturizer.

Review: Too Faced “Better Than False Lashes Nylon Lash Extension System” ♥

Hey everyone!

Lately there has been a lot of spotlight on the Too Faced “Better Than False Lashes Nylon Lash Extension System” mascara. You can get this product at any major department store that carries Too Faced products or Sephora for about $52 CAD. It comes with an “Activating Mascara Base and Top Coat (0.30 oz)” and “Flexistrech™ Nylon Lash Fibers (0.02 oz)”.

When I first came across this product I was super excited to get it because of how different it was compared to anything else on the market. But unfortunately after I tried it I can honestly say I have never ever been so disappointed in my life, especially in a Too Faced product.

What I liked about the Too Faced “Better Than False Lashes Nylon Lash Extension System” mascara:

• Works really well the first couple times
• Kind of achieves the false lash look

 What I didn’t like about the Too Faced “Better Than False Lashes Nylon Lash Extension System” mascara:

• After the first couple uses the mascara bottle gets contaminated with the fibres and causes it to apply horribly
• Really expensive
• After one coat it looks tremendously spidery
• A little uncomfortable
• Makes your eyes feel like there’s something on them
• Sometimes makes my top and bottom lashes stick together
• Kind of irritated my eyes
• Fibres fell into my eyes
• The fibres form little balls on the wand that you have to pick off
• Some of the white fibre is noticeable
• A friend actually told me that I had something white on my eyelash
• Hard to take off

Here's a closer look at the “Activating Mascara Base and Top Coat (0.30 oz)” and “Flexistrech™ Nylon Lash Fibers (0.02 oz)”:

Activating Mascara Base and Top Coat (0.30 oz)

Flexistrech™ Nylon Lash Fibers (0.02 oz)

Overall I’m just really shocked why people were raving about this mascara, I really can’t see it working for anyone and I definitely DO NOT recommend it.

Stay Fab!!

xoxo

naheeda ♥

How to Look PICTURE Perfect ♥

Hey everyone!!

It’s almost summer and you know what that means, PARTIES! Today I’m going to be giving you a few tips to achieve a beautiful face for in person and for all the PICTURES!

1. Always start off with a primer!
• They provide a smooth surface for any makeup, and help keep it in place. Primers are especially important for those long picture-filled nights.
2. Foundation
• Foundation, it makes ALL the difference… well, at least when it comes to taking a flawless picture. Make sure to get a great foundation that you are comfortable with. I would invest in a high-definition foundation. They were originally developed for actresses and news anchors on HD TV to hide literally everything. My all-time favourite HD foundation is Make Up For Ever’s “HD Invisible Cover Foundation”. The “HD Invisible Cover Foundation” is an oil-free medium-to-full-coverage liquid foundation that covers skin imperfections flawlessly while remaining invisible on-screen and in real life.
• Oh and one other thing, MAKE SURE WHAT EVER YOU DO DECIDE TO GET IS A PERFECT MATCH TO YOUR SKINTONE! Trust me even if you don’t see the difference, everyone else can, including the camera!  
3. Camouflage other imperfections
• If you are going to be taking some heavy duty pictures like engagement photos or your new profile picture LOL dab on some concealer under your eyes or any blemishes you may have.
• Sometimes when I’m not in the mood for foundation, I just add a little concealer to a few spots on my face and head out the door. It really makes a difference!
4. Sculpt your cheekbones!
• We've all heard it before, the camera adds 10 pounds! Flash photography particularly can make you look flat or round. A little bronzer under your cheekbones, on the temples of your forehead and on the sides of your chin along with some blush directly on the apple of your cheeks instantly add the dimension back into your face and enhance your facial structure.
5. Fill in your brows 
• Even if you don't fill in your brows on a daily basis, fill them in for your pictures. If you have light hair, this is really important for you. Some of my blond friends’ brows tend to disappear on them in photos with flash.
• Remember you don’t have to pluck them, by simply filling them in they’ll look tamed and groomed as much as the next girls. 
6. Wear mattes!
• Try to avoid products with shimmer (except for highlighter of course). The flash from cameras combined with the shimmer in your products will make you look oily and greasy.
7. Black mascara and black eyeliner
• The fabulous duo of black mascara and black eyeliner is basically the epitome of the word “drama”. Some people consider black makeup products as being too harsh, but I promise that when it comes to pictures, black looks good on everyone.
8. Lipgloss
• Lipgloss always adds that little kick to complete any look so never skip it. When it comes to pictures, skipping the lipgloss will cause your mouth to blend in with the rest of your face. Contrasting all your features will give you an amazing overall look. 
9. Try not to use products with SPF
• The higher the SPF, the more titanium dioxide is in the product, and the whiter you'll look in photos. You want your pictures to be fun memories, in other words, you don’t want to be known for looking most like a ghost that night.
10. Blotting papers
• Blotting papers are a life saver! Instead of piling on the powder and achieving nothing but the “cake-face look” try opting for some blotting sheets. They're inexpensive and really remove all the excessive oil on your face. It’s also kind of cool to look at the sheet after you use it :P

Just a simple few makeup tricks can be super helpful when it comes to looking great in every picture. Do you have any other suggestions? Comment bellow!

Stay fabulous!

xoxo

naheeda ♥

Review and Swatches: Shady Lady Palettes volume 1, 2 and 3 by theBALM ♥

Hey everyone!

Today I just have a quick review and some swatches of the Shady Lady volume 1, 2 and 3 palettes by theBALM. You can get these palettes at Sephora for about $57 CAD each or you can stop at your local Rexall Pharmacy and they’re only around $45 CAD each.

Overall these are great palettes to have. The packaging is super cute and sturdy. Each palette comes with a huge mirror that’s large enough for your entire face however compact and light enough to carry around. The lid is magnetic so it definitely won’t open if you put it in your purse or if you accidentally drop it. Each palette had a combination of shadow/liners and just normal shadows for a total of 9 different colours.

Although the jewel-toned colours in each palette may seem random the shades actually play well together. All the colours are shimmery and throughout using them I experienced very minimal fall out. As far as the quality goes there’s no skimping at all. The palettes don’t contain any parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes or phthalates and can be used wet or dry.

SWATCHES:

Volume One:

This palette comes with 19.4g of product.

Shady Lady Palette by theBALM
Volume 1

Shady Lady Palette by theBALM
Volume 1

SWATCHES: Shady Lady Palette
by theBALM Volume 1

Volume 2:

This palette comes with 17g of product.

Shady Lady Palette by theBALM
Volume 2

Shady Lady Palette by theBALM
Volume 2

SWATCHES: Shady Lady Palette
by theBALM Volume 2

Volume 3:

This palette comes with 14.4g of product.

Shady Lady Palette by theBALM
Volume 3

Shady Lady Palette by theBALM
Volume 3

SWATCHES: Shady Lady Palette
by theBALM Volume 3

If I had to choose one palette I would go with volume 1. In my opinion the shades complement each other more and you get the maximum amount of different looks with it in comparison to the other two. The cute cheetah packaging doesn’t hurt either. Overall the Shady Lady palettes by theBALM are great to have and I definitely recommend them.

stay fabulous!!

xoxo

naheeda ♥

Review and Swatches: Veil Mineral Primer with SPF 15 from Hourglass ♥

Hey Everyone!!

Primer primer primer! Something that can take a great foundation to an excellent foundation. Today I’m going to be reviewing the Veil Mineral Primer with SPF 15 from Hourglass. Before I continue I have to mention the one and only major deal-breaker: this stuff costs just under $60 (I purchased my  for $58.76 CAD at Sephora). So if you’re not looking to pay that much for JUST a primer this review is probably not for you.

Packaging:

• Super luxurious packaging as always from Hourglass products
• Glass bottle, with a pump
• Can tell by the packaging the product is good quality

Here’s what I like about the Veil Mineral Primer with SPF 15 from Hourglass:

• The consistency!
• Feels like you’re rubbing velvet into your face
• Super light-weight
• Soaks in completely in just one minute
• Can easily be applied to your face
• I just dot it onto my face and buff it in with my hands
• Leaves your face completely smooth for foundation
• It fills in lines and even decreases the look of pores!
• Face looks clearer and healthy
• Only need half a pump for your entire face so it will last you about 5-6 months
• Amazing sun protective qualities
• Has zinc-oxide
• Protect the skin from irritants and soothes minor skin irritations
• Has titanium-dioxide
• Reflects light away from the skin to prevents the absorption of ultraviolet rays
• Has SPF 15
• It's 100% free of parabens, sulphates, synthetic fragrances, dynthetic dyes and phthalates
• It’s also 100% oil, fragrance and gluten free

Here’s what I don’t like about the Veil Mineral Primer with SPF 15 from Hourglass:

• Need to shake it
• Tends to separate a TINY bit, I suggest lightly shaking it before you use it
• The price… $60 is just too much for a primer

 SWATCHES:

Just Applied

Blended a Little 

Blended Even More

Completely Blended

Overall I love this primer. If you have $60 waiting to be splurged I would defs recommend doing it on the Veil Mineral Primer with SPF 15 from Hourglass, you wont be disappointed! 

Stay Fabulous!!

xoxo

naheeda ♥

Nails Of The Day: "Collide" by Illamasqua ♥

Hey Everyone!

"Collide" by Illamasqua
(the colour is more neon in real life)

Two Coats of "Collide" by Illamasqua
and Sephora by OPI Top Coat
(the colour is more neon in real life)

Because of all the gloomy and dull weather we’ve been having lately in Toronto I decided to change it up today by wearing “Collide” by Illamasqua. “Collide” is a bright and beautiful neon pink colour that will definitely bring in the compliments. This was my very first Illamasqua nailpolish and I believe it was around $15 CAD at Sephora.

The formula of this polish is out of this world. The nailpolish just glides on and smoothens itself out. At first, I thought it was bit runny but I realized the runniness of the polish is what left it completely even when it dried. One layer of this stuff and you’ll have a 95% opaque coat. The second coat is just so the final look is fully perfect and salon-eqsque. In my experience only REALLY “high-end” brands like Chanel or YSL have an outstanding formula like this. For just $15ish compared to $30+ for a single bottle I would say it’s entirely worth it.

After trying this nailpolish I was totally sold on Illamasqua!! I definitely hope you try “Collide” or any other colours from this amazing brand.

                 

"Collide" by Illamasqua
(the colour is more neon in real life)

"Collide" by Illamasqua
(the colour is more neon in real life)

Stay Fabulous!!

xoxo

naheeda ♥