YouTube - Yay or Nay?

Hi guys! So, I have been debating on whether to start a YouTube channel for a while now. Since I love beauty and fashion I thought getting into YouTube would make my blog come alive a little more!

So, as a first video iv actually edited and am now in the process of uploading a vlog of my trip to St. Lawrence Market in downtown Toronto. I have a corresponding blog post if you would like to check that out further back in my blog that goes into more depth about the trip. It was such a fun day out filled with lots of food! 

I thought a vlog would be a good way to transition comfortably into doing actual beauty and lifestyle videos as i'm a little camera shy!

I am hoping to film an airplane essentials video tomorrow before I go on my flight on this Sunday to correspond with my blog post. I may just film a March beauty favorites and edit that while on the plane for you guys too. I thought videos to go with my blog posts would be a great idea for those of you who don't like to read a big long speech about a particular product and would prefer to actually see me talk about it! 

Anyway, I would appreciate some feedback and any comment would be helpful!

Here is the link to my YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm1P-t2lDgVU-GaNPNMCcxw 

Happy Thursday!

Amina x

Current Beauty Favorites - March

Hey Ladies and welcome back to my blog! Its coming to the end of March and I cant believe it! Where are the months going at all?! Anyway, today I am going to be sharing my March beauty favorites.

Iv been loving a few things this month so I thought I would share them with you all.

My first favorite has got to be the Essence Get Big Lashes mascara. Its just fantastic for the price. It is under €4 and can be bought at nearly any pharmacy in Ireland. For my Canadian readers, this can be purchased at Shoppers Drugmart for under $4.

As you can see, the wand is nice and thick so it gets right over the lashes perfectly, creating a lot of volume and gets a good bit of product onto the lashes. This mascara creates more volume than length but thats my personal preference. So if your looking for a volumizing mascara than this is definitely the way to go if your on a budget.

My next favorite is a bronzer. Forever 21 recently came out with a cosmetics collection so i took a wander in there to check it out. I needed a new bronzer so decided to pick this one up. 

As you can see its a really rich brown color so its perfect for contouring and just all over bronzing. In the pan it looks like there is shimmer in it but once its on the skin you cannot see the shimmer whatsoever. Its very creamy and extremely easy to blend out. I was really pleasantly surprised by this product and ill definitely repurchase this again once i run out. It retails for only $4.80 and is a steal for the high quality of this product!

My next favorite is a lipstick from MAC. I needed a new nude lipstick and i just find that MAC has the best selection for women with a darker skintone.

I picked up the lipstick in the shade Hug Me (on the right). This is my absolute perfect nude color. Im not a fan of a lighter nude as i feel that it washes me out a bit because i have a darker olive complexion so i tend to go for darker, brown nudes. Its a lustre finish but there is no shimmer at all, it looks like more of a creemsheen when its on the lips. Its extremely creamy and easy to a apply and a perfect everyday lipstick. Pop a lighter nude gloss over top on a night out and your good to go! 

My next favorite is MAC Studio Fix Fluid. I absolutely love this foundation, its my all time favorite! I am quiet yellow toned in my skin so MAC really caters to that. Its the only foundation that has matched me perfectly. I have combo/oily skin so it really keeps that at bay also. 

I went to MAC to pick up a lighter shade as im usually an NC40 in the summer and came out with NC35 which is my perfect match in the winter/spring. Its very full coverage so perfect for a night out! But, for everyday, i mix a little bit in with some MAC strobe cream for a lighter coverage.

The next thing i have been really liking is this Essence XXL Shine lipgloss in nude candy. It looks so good over top the MAC lipstick! 

I have also been constantly lining my lips with this lip pencil from Essence in Hot Chocolate. It is a dark brown nude color and looks so good along side MAC's Hug Me. The formula is so creamy and just glides onto the lips! 

This next favorite has been a rediscovery of mine. Its a blush by Benefit called Coralista. I completely forgot i had this (hence the battered packaging!), but i absolutely love this! Its a pink-coral color that has a lot of shimmer in it. It is so nice for spring and summer as the shimmer in it really lifts your cheekbones. Its more of a sheen than a glitter so there is no need for a highlighter!

My final favorite for this month is a brush that i have been obsessed with. Its the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush. I was given this by a friend and have only recently started using it daily. Where has this been all my life? Its has taken place over all other foundation brushes as my favorite. This just blends your foundation out so flawlessly and is small enough to get into all the crevices in your face. I also use this to blend out my concealer. It gives you such a flawless, airbrushed finish and can be used with the lightest to the heaviest coverage foundation!

Anyway guys, thanks so much for reading! Have a safe week!

Happy Wednesday x

My Airplane Essentials - Skincare

Hi Guys! As i'm going on a long haul flight from Toronto to Ireland I thought i would share what I consider my essentials while flying.

The first thing i do before i go to the airport, especially on an overnight flight is take every ounce of my make up OFF! I NEVER EVER wear make up on a long haul flight. Reason being is that flying is awful for your skin. Being up in the air that long just sucks all the moisture out of your skin. Trust me, I have learned from experience. I never used to do these steps before i flew and my skin suffered for days afterwards! 

The first thing is use to take my make up off is the Simple Kind To Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes. I just use this to take off my make up initially, just to get the first layer of make up and daily grime off my face. You can purchase these at Boots or Shoppers Drugmart and are quiet cheap.

The next thing i use to cleanse deep down and get all the hidden make up out of my skin is the Bioré Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser. This stuff is brilliant! It has helped clear up my skin so much. I lather it with some warm water in my hands and scrub my face with it once or twice, depending on how much make up i wear that day. It takes absolutely all my make up off my face and leaves my face feeling so clean.

The next thing I use is my night cream. I will never use a day cream on a flight because its not moisturizing enough for flying. I use the Nivea Rich Regenerating Night Cream for dry/sensitive skin. I don't have dry skin but it is very sensitive because its acne prone. I prefer to use a heavier cream at night and let it sink into my skin. This is a very rich cream and will feel greasy at the start but once you wake up in the morning your skin feels heavenly! I do go a bit overboard with this and will apply a few layers before I check in my bags. I don't mind feeling a little greasy when I use this before my flight because I know its doing wonders for my skin and its not going to feel dry and disgusting when I get off the plane!

After all this is done I'll put on my favorite leggings and jumper by VS PINK and pop on a pair of Uggs so i'm all comfy and cosy! There's nothing better than feeling your most comfortable on a flight ladies!

Happy Monday x

UPDATE: Life!

Hi Guys, sorry iv been so MIA lately! Have had a lot going on in my life and am currently moving from Canada back to Ireland. I moved to Canada one year ago and am now moving home and am super excited. Iv been back and forth between the two countries for the past week and am so glad to finally be settling into one place. Jet setting between to countries literally means iv been living out of my suitcase for the past year! I'm so happy I can finally start to build a life and be settled.

I'm currently on my gap year and Im going back to college this September to study interior architecture (fingers crossed I get in!!) I got such a passion for home design and would love to pursue a career in it.

I'm leaving for home on Sunday the 31st of March and cant wait! Once i'm settled ill be blogging daily again!

Current Beauty Favorites - February

Hey Ladies, and welcome back to my blog! Today i going to be sharing my current beauty favorites with you all. 

The first thing iv been loving is a perfume by Victoria Beckham. This is a rediscovery of mine. I used to wear it loads back when i was in secondary school and absolutely loved it. I don't now if it is actually still sold but i'm sure it is. If i can find it I will link it at the end!

The next thing I have been obsessing over is my Naked 3 Palette. This is by far my favorite out of the three palettes as its just perfect for everyday wear and going out. It has a great range of colors with the perfect combination of shimmer and matte. For day time I like to take the colors Dust and Burnout on the lid and blend it out with either Limit and Nooner in the crease. 

It can be bought here - http://www.urbandecay.com/urban-decay/eye-makeup/naked3/409.html

My favorite lipstick of the moment is Warm Me Up by Maybelline. It is quiet a dark, pink-nude color. Its more on the mauve side of pink but is just gorgeous. These are my favorite high street lipsticks as the formula is so creamy and hydrating. They also smell gorgeous, slightly vanilla scented that is similar to MAC lipsticks. They are not super long-wearing due to the very creamy consistency but I don't mind as I love the color. I feel these lipsticks are a great option for if you don't want to spend a ton of money on a lip product.

Now, I have been on the hunt for a good concealer as I have such bad dark circles under my eyes. I have searched high and low and I think I have finally found my holy grail concealer. This special little guy is the MAC Pro Longwear Concealer. This is by far the best concealer i have ever used. It covers my dark circles completely! I have never found a concealer as good as this. I was starting to wonder where this had been all my life!! It does not crease whatsoever and can also be used on the face to cover up little blemishes. Im in the shade NW25. I am usually NC's in MAC face products but I wanted to get a concealer with a pink/salmon tone to correct the darkness under my eyes! I cannot recommend it highly enough!

It can be bought here - http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/mac-pro-longwear-concealer/3129351?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=519&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_1_A

The blush I have been using constantly is MAC's Desert Rose. It is the most beautiful, natural rose color. Its perfect for everyday and thats exactly what I have been using it for! Its a matte blush which is new for me since I do like a blush with a bit of shimmer. Although its matte, it doesn't make you look flat. Its a great universal color with will look great on almost any skin tone.

It is a permanent product from MAC and can be purchased from any MAC store or online.

The Eyeliner that I have been using non stop this month is the Essence Liquid Ink Liner. This is waterproof and as you can see from the photo, in one swipe, you get pure pigmentation.

This is a steal at around 3 euro from any Boots or pharmacy that stocks Essence.

Last but certainly not least is my Maybelline Dream Matte Powder! Being the little grease ball I am I needed a good oil absorbing powder to get rid of that oily shine. I purchased this about a month or two ago and have been using it non stop! I do not leave the house without this anymore. 

It is just so finely milled so it will not look cakey whatsoever. That is what I have found with a lot of other powders I have used. This can be purchased at most pharmacy's that stock Maybelline an costs around 10 euro.

So that concludes my current favorites.

Happy Tuesday! x

Get The Look - Millie Mackintosh's Glowing Skin

Hi Guys! If you guys didn't know, I am absolutely obsessed with Made In Chelsea. I have always been a fan of Millie Mackintosh. Her style and make up is always just completely on point.

Her skin always looks so beautiful, bronzed and glowing. 

Today I am going to be showing you a few tips and tricks to achieve that flawless, glowing complexion.

1. Base - I would always recommend starting out with an illuminating primer or make up base. A fantastic base to achieve this look is the Guerlain L'or Radiance Concentrate Make Up Base. This is a little on the pricey side at C$78 from Sephora. Guerlain is always pricey but never compromises on quality. This is the base that Millie uses also.

You can buy it here (USA & Canada) - http://www.sephora.com/l-or-radiance-concentrate-with-pure-gold-make-up-base-P197413

Also here (Europe) - http://www.feelunique.com/p/Guerlain-LOr-Radiance-Concentrate-Make-Up-Base-30ml

2. Foundation - Millie doesn't look like as if she uses a high coverage and she also likes an illuminating foundation. If your looking to go all out then Nars Sheer Glow is definitely the way to go. This foundation is a cult favorite and rightly so. It may be pricey but it is fantastic. I have combo/oily skin and it doesn't make me look greasy whatsoever and i maintain that dewy glow throughout the day. Its extremely hydrating so fantastic if you have normal to dry skin.

You can buy it here (Europe) - http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/nars-sheer-glow-foundation/3052559?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=8000163&fashionColor=&resultback=168&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-1_1_B

Or here (USA & Canada) - http://www.sephora.com/product/productDetail.jsp?keyword=NARS%20Sheer%20Glow%20Foundation%20P247355&skuId=1202282&country_switch=ca&productId=P247355&_requestid=32690

A great drugstore alternative is the Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation and is available at most drugstores for about C$12

3. Concealer - Concealer is a vital step to banish those dark circles and hide those little blemishes. Millie looks like she uses a concealer a couple of shades lighter than her skin tone under her eyes to brighten and hide dark circles and a skin tone concealer on her face to conceal any blemishes she may have.

A fantastic concealer for under the eyes is the MAC Prolong-wear concealer. I have quiet bad hereditary dark circles under my eyes and this just zaps them away!

This is great for spot concealing too, just use it in a darker color.

  

You can buy it here (International) - http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/mac-pro-longwear-concealer/3129351?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=0&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-1_1_A

4. Bronzer - This step is essential to add color and dimension back into the face. Millie has said in numerous interviews that she loves her bronzer. She doesn't seem to wear bush often if at all. Her skin always has a beautiful sunkissed glow.

Millie has said she actually uses the Guerlain Terracotta Light Sheer Bronzing Powder.

Sweep it along the cheekbones and the high points of the face with a big bronzer brush brush for that just-out-of-the-sun glow. 

This bronzer can be bought here (International) - http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/guerlain-terracotta-light-sheer-bronzing-powder/3298594?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=2375500&fashionColor=&resultback=364&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-1_1_B

This concludes my steps to glowing skin! Hope you enjoyed!

Happy Monday x

Spring/Summer 2014 - Hair Trends

Hi Guys! As Spring/Summer 2014 is looming among us (although the weather doesn't feel like it!) I thought i would share some of the hair trends that have been popping up on the celebs and catwalks recently.

1.  Cut - I feel like hair has been getting shorter and shorter recently and more celebs have been going for the chop. Pixie crops have not been in as much this season its more shoulder length styles that have been stealing the spotlight. People have been opting for face framing styles, that are very universal. As you can see in the above picture, blunt long bob cuts are in and also cuts that are just below shoulder length with long bangs that frame the face. 

 2. Color - The balayage trend does not seem to be going anywhere this season. It can be seen on celebs to high fashion models. Its a very easy concept with very low maintenance which is very appealing to a lot of people. It can be done on nearly every hair color and look amazing on textured or wavy hair as it gives the highlights a lot of dimension and body. It gives the hair a very beachy and sunkissed feel and look

3. Runway Trends - Plaits have been very on trend this season along with a lot of back combing and volume. I'm a big fan of this trend as it adds a little bit of something different to high fashion modelling. It makes things feel a little more casual.