Sigma Brushes

For someone who loves to paint, makeup brushes are sometimes more fun than the actual makeup. I love a good brush that feels soft to the face and doesn't scratch. I have been searching for the perfect brush kit for a while and even though i've read great reviews about the MAC brushes I really don't feel the need to spend so much money on them.

I read about Sigma brushes a year ago and since then I have been wanting to get them, but I could never justify me getting them since I only wear makeup for special occasions. Finally, I think I can justify me getting them since some special occasions will be coming up in my life shortly. =)

These brushes are way more affordable than the MAC brushes yet the brush styles are  the same. From all the reviews I have read the feel and the performance is just as nice if not better than the MAC brushes. I will do a more detailed review once I buy them, but I wanted to share the kit that i'm thinking about getting. I'm not a pink person, but these just look cute and would be easy to sort out from my other random brushes. What do you think:
Sigma Brush Kit

Also, if you know of any other brush kits that are good please, feel free to comment or send me a message. Thanks and don't forget to follow my blog!! xoxo

Review: NYX Lipstick

Before I start this review, I think it's important for you to know that I don't wear lipsticks. Nope. I am not a lipstick lover. In fact, I hate anything on my lips other than a light balm. Anything that might make my hair stick to my lips or leave my lips dry or might taste funny will definitely not stay in my makeup bag for long. But lo and behold because I have found a lipstick that made me change my mind.

NYX Lipstick 644 - Spell Bound

I came across NYX cosmetics randomly one day while I was shopping at ULTA. I don't even remember why I started going through their lipsticks, but i'm glad I did because it is by far the best lipstick i've tried. I say best because not only is the quality amazingly smooth, nondrying, long lasting, but it is also super cheap!! Of course you can get the same quality for $30 something, but why would you want to spend that kind of money when you can get NYX lipsticks for only $3.99!!!! Seriously, $3.99 for a fabulous lipstick is AMAZING. Trust me. The packaging is simple yet I love how they show you the color at the bottom so you don't always have to open the lipstick to know what color it is!! The lipstick itself comes off smooth on your lips and has a great staying power with no after taste in your mouth. It doesn't smell like anything which is a plus for me because I hate weird tasting lipsticks. The color payoff is awesome. I would definitely recommend you go out and try one of their wide range of colors.

Hope this review helped!! Thanks and don't forget to follow my blog!!! xoxo

Mothers Day Lovin' from BH Cosmetics

I have been eyeing these eyeshadow palettes for a while and as soon as I saw that they were having a Mothers Day special discount of 30%, I placed my order. I am talking about none other than the very popular BH Cosmetics eyeshadow palettes. I won't do a review yet because I have not had the chance to use their products, but i've heard great reviews. Once I get my products, i'll be sure to share my thoughts and feelings with you all. Meanwhile, check out their website: http://www.bhcosmetics.com/

While we are on the topic of eyeshadows. Here is a look that is easy to do and could be worn for a party or a wedding:

Good luck and don't forget to follow my blog!! xoxo

DIY Masks

During my recent travel I learned how women in other countries are not always able to spend money on skin care products. However, they still take care of their skin with homemade masks and potions. How exciting!!! So, after some research I would like to introduce you to some powerful skincare that is most likely already stored in your vault aka your kitchen!!! This is a great way to not only save money, but also be green since you won’t be wasting your food or wasting through packaging.

Egg yolk -- Egg yolks are high in vitamin A, a common ingredient in acne-fighting products. Spread on face and neck and leave on skin for 30 minutes. Wash with cool water.

Egg white -- Beat egg white until frothy and spread on face. Wait until it dries and rinse off with warm water. You will instantly feel a lifting effect because of the protein in egg whites.

Grapes – Full of very powerful antioxidants, called polyphenols, which helps against aging. Cut one grape in half and rub lightly all over face.

Banana -- Bananas are one of the most nourishing fruits available because they contain magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, iodine, folic acid, and vitamins A, B, and E. Mash one banana and spread onto face. Wash off after 15 to 30 minutes with water.

Plain yogurt -- Yogurt contains alpha-hydroxy acids, including lactic acid, which is commonly used to help reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles. It's also rich in B-complex vitamins, including B-5, or panthothenic acid, which is commonly used to promote skin healing. Apply on face and wash off after 15 to 20 minutes.

Milk -- Like yogurt, milk contains lactic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid. Swab on face with cotton ball, leave on until your skin feels tight. Rinse off with warm water. Your skin will feel baby-soft afterwards.

Honey -- A humectant, honey, attracts and retains moisture, so it's great for anyone who has dry skin. Use a cloth damp with warm water and pat skin to open pores. Smear honey onto skin and leave on for 15 to 30 minutes. Wash off with warm water, then pat skin with a cloth dampened in cold water to close pores. Instant facial!

Olive oil -- Olive oil is a source of squalene, a natural moisturizer used in a lot of skincare. Natural antioxidants found in olive oil include A and E vitamins, as well as some polyphenols. Dab on lips at bedtime if chapped or leave on face overnight.  

Avocado -- The fruit is rich in vitamins, A, C, E, iron, potassium, niacin, and pantothenic acid. Mash avocado, then leave on skin for 10 minutes. Wash off with warm water.

Baking soda – This can be used as an exfoliant for face by adding to your regular facial cleanser or body wash. It also helps neutralize skin's pH.

Hope that helps!! Feel free to share any diy skincare secrets with me and don't forget to follow my blog!! xoxo

Jewels of the sun

My apologies for not updating this past month!! I was out of the country with very little internet access, but now that I’m back and over my jetlag… I will try my best to update my blog!

For starters, here are some awesome Indo/Pak jewelry designs that I would like to share since I bought lots of jewelry during my trip. Hope you enjoy how gawgeous these designs are:

As we all know, gold is horribly expensive … especially when you are working with 22-24k gold. Lordhavemercy! I was in shock when I realized how expensive. You can probably put a kid through college!! However, I was like a kid in a candy store. Could hardly keep my hands off and who knew I liked jewelry so much!?!? I wonder what kind of designs other girls like since what I liked was very different than what my mother or auntys liked. Hmmmmm


Don't forget to follow my blog!! xoxo

Happy Valentine's Day

Whether you are celebrating this Valentine's Day with your husband, boyfriend, or with friends, you must celebrate it with lots of laughter, love and a super cute outfit!!! Here is a Shelli Segal Venise laces sheath dress from Bloomingdales that would be perfect for this occasion. Depending on the setting, you could pair this with a colorful cardigan, dark tights, a delicate necklace, and a pair of heels. Keep it clean and simple since anything too complicated would end up making you look uncomfortable and stiff. As long as you are comfortable and happy in what you are wearing it will look great on you. Very light makeup and a hint of your favorite perfume at the nape of your neck and wrists would make you smell and look heavenly. Don't forget to moisturize for touchable skin and have a smile on your face. =) Enjoy!!

Laundry by Shelli Segal Venise Lace Sheath Dress
at Bloomingdales

Happy Valentine's Day and don't forget to follow my blog!! <3

Favorite Trends for Spring 2011

All over the runways, there were many new trends for upcoming spring 2011 fashion. From sheer to lace and some silks. There were lots of corals in clothing, makeup, and jewelry, but there was also a lot of nudes and whites that ruled the runways. Here are few of my favorite Spring 2011 trends that are wearable for the everyday woman:

1- Lace: Oh so romantical!!!! Lace was all over the runways and I couldn’t be happier. Lace has always been one of my favorite things to wear. It’s extremely feminine without being too revealing.

Nanette Lepore Boudoir Lace Top

BCBG Satin Georgette Dress

2- Bell Bottoms/Flared Pants: No offense to the SKINNY jeans, but it’s time we welcome back a bit more friendly Bell Bottoms/Flared leg pants. 

7 for All Mankind Spring 2011

3- Nudes and Whites: Although spring represents colors it's always nice to wear nudes and whites in the spring and summer to keep cool and look super chic!! 

Elie Tahari 2011 spring

Elie Tahari 2011 spring

Valentino Maxi Dress

 4 – Maxi Dresses: Finally something you can run around freely in. This trend can be dressed up or down depending on the setting you will be in for the day. Pair it with a tee and a belt for a casual look or a cardigan/suit jacket for a more work appropriate look.

Valentino Maxi Dress

5- Gold Belts: I'm a sucker for belts, but gold belts took over the runways for this Spring. And i'm lovin it!!

Gucci Spring 2011

No matter what the trends are if you feel good in what you are wearing with confidence and a smile, it will look great on you!!

Don't forget to follow my blog!! =)

Deals of the day!!

Catch 'em before they are gone at UrbanOutfitters.com!!

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?isProduct=true&color=001&navAction=jump&parentid=W_APP_DRESSES&id=19461508

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?isProduct=true&color=013&navAction=jump&parentid=W_APP_DRESSES&id=19459015

For only $19.99, these two dresses will be gone before you know it.

Good Luck and Happy Friday!!

2011 Spring & Summer Fashion Shows

Sharing some inspiration for upcoming trends. Enjoy!!

Gucci Spring Summer 2011: 

Marc Jacobs Spring Summer 2011:

Versace Spring Summer 2011: 

Chanel - Spring Summer 2011: 

 Part 1

 Part 2

Dolce & Gabbana - Spring Summer 2011:

Don't forget to follow my blog!! =)

Review: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polishes

You might not know this about me, but I love nail polish. Lately, I have tried several different drugstore brands and consequently fell in love with the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color. At first, I bought the reds in Racey Rouge 270 and the Rapid Red 09, but after realizing what a gem these nail polishes were I had to go back and get some more. There is nothing I don't like about these nail polishes. The formula is dead on with fast drying power, the color pay off with even just one coat and the awesome flat brush. This was the first time I was using a flat brush for a nail color and I was amazed at the geniuses of whoever came up with the idea of having a flat brush rather than the flimsy round brushes that 90% of the nail polishes come with. Flat brush gives you more control while applying the color which leads to a perfect manicure. My manicure lasts up to five days without any chips and I usually don't even use a base or a top coat!! I will have to think twice before spending $8-$10 on OPI or the other name brand nail colors since Sally Hansen Insta-Dri only costs only $4 depending on where you buy it from. So, if you are in the market for a nail color I would recommend checking to see if Sally Hansen Insta-Dri has the color you are looking for because I highly doubt that you will be disappointed.

From left to right: Co-Bolt Blue 320 - this is a perfect royal blue with a hint of blue sheen, Racey Rouge 270 - Bright red with a hint of pink, Pronto Purple 360 - Perfect deep purple for the winter , Mauve it 05 - this is a mix of pink/nude/mauve that looks adorable with my skin tone, Rapid Red 09 - blood red for V-day ;-), Mint Sprint 440 - such a fun color that brightens your mood and your outfit!!!

Hope that helped. Don't forget to follow my blog!! =)