Tuesday 13 December 2016

Revamp Your Summer Look For Autumn!


Summer has officially ended and we welcomed autumn wholeheartedly. While nature during the season of autumn is absolutely gorgeous and you might really enjoy the cooler weather, this is also the period when your skin might start to act out. What’s more, you probably don’t need to use full on autumn clothes just yet. This transition can be really cumbersome but with a few tricks, you can relax, and enjoy this colorful time of year to the fullest.

Minimize Exfoliation:

Exfoliating your skin is absolutely essential throughout the year, but during summer months you might have gotten used to exfoliating daily, or every second day, depending on your skin type and, of course, due to very warm weather. Bring your exfoliation regime into the fall, but since the weather is a bit colder, you probably don’t need to exfoliate as often as you did during summer. Twice a week works for most people. If you think that you need to exfoliate more than that, switch to a gentler scrub because you can still dry out your skin.

Maximize Hydration:

Again, hydrating your skin is a must all year round, regardless of what skin type you have. But, most people use gel creams and lighter consistency moisturizers during the summer, which simply won’t cut it in the autumn. Once the autumn is here forget about the gels. You need hydrating creams and generally products of richer texture. You might not like to use these during the day, but make sure to apply a generous amount of rich hydrating product to your face before you go to sleep. 


Keep Drinking Water:
This is truly a strange phenomenon, but most people really start neglecting their water intake once the summer’s over. Even though it’s colder and you might not engage in many physical activities under the sun, your skin and body still need water for looking and feeling good and healthy. Therefore, remember to keep drinking water in the same manner you did during the summer. Water is not a seasonal beauty trick, but essential health and beauty step all year, every year, forever.

Switch The Colors:
In all honesty, there’s no rule that explicitly tells you that you can’t use makeup colors that you used during the summer, but autumn opens up a lot of new possibilities for those who like to stay on trend. In that respect, warmer and sultry eye shadow colors as well as darker bold lips are all the rage in this period. What’s more, there is a high possibility that your summer foundation won’t work for you during autumn, so if your face doesn’t look the way you wanted, it might have to do with a foundation that is too mattifying.


Wardrobe Organization:
It’s clear that you’d want to get to the task of organizing your wardrobe for the new season as soon as possible, but if the weather is still far from cold enough for jumper dresses, sweaters, coats and similar, some of your summery clothing bits and pieces can still prove useful and practical. Basic tops can be used for layering and evening dresses for important occasions with jacket or cardigan on top. If you’re set on organizing your wardrobe as soon as possible, make sure to separate clothes that are versatile and keep them in your reach.

When seasonal transitions take place, it’s important that you have good knowledge of how your skin reacts and what it needs to stay healthy and radiant. Most people know what suits them for extreme and specific seasonal conditions, but period “in between” can be slightly problematic. So, don’t ditch your previous regimes and styles quickly, but simply change it up a little. 

Peter Minkoff


Hello Beautiful!

Peter Minkoff is a beauty & fashion editor for High Style Life magazine located in Brisbane, Australia. After graduating from Australian Institute of Creative Design, he worked as a stylist for few fashion events in Brisbane. Beside fashion & beauty, he loves reading, making DIY cosmetics and traveling around tropical destinations. He plans to create a business for beauty & style advising.

As winter still hasn't hit us here, these are the perfect tips to make sure you make the best of Autumn when it comes to fashion and beauty. Don't forget to follow his writings on the High Style Life Magazine.

If you want to guest post on my Blog, feel free to contact me at thegulezehrablog@gmail.com. I'd love to have you over.

Until next time, Good Luck & Ciao!

Tuesday 11 October 2016

A Mini Haul.

Hello Beautiful!

Here I am with a mini haul after a long long time! Two of these products have been on my Wish-list where as one of these is a repurchase. Let's just start with the post as this shall be short considering it is a mini haul ;)


1. Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation - 53.
          This is a repurchase. I finally finished my first bottle of foundation! Bourjois 123 Perfect is the first foundation I started using and I just had to repurchase because it really suits my skin and gives the perfect finish.

2. BOUJEON - Potter's Patronus Pendant.
          This has become my favorite accessory to wear lately! The necklace is of great quality and it looks beautiful on every outfit! I got it from BOURJEON, you can also find them on Instagram and Facebook. You can read the full review here. Also you can avail a 10% discount on the entire collection (on order worth Rs. 1500 or more) using gulezehra10 at the checkout ;)



3. Morihan - Premium Quality Matcha.
          Sooooo I came across Matcha on one of Kathleen Lights video and it sounded interesting, after researching, I actually did a presentation on it for my Business English class. Matcha has a lot of amazing benefits and i'll soon do a full post on it after I've at least consumed half of the packet, to see how I like it. For what I have read online, it's great for your health and so I ordered it right away from La Viva Glam on Facebook. They have them in stock!


4. BH Cosmetics - Eye Essential 7 Piece Brush Set.
          I had read great reviews on this particular set and also wanted to try brushes from BH Cosmetics, hence I finally got it! I have yet to start using them. Will share my thoughts with you soon x



That's all for this mini haul. Let me know if you want me to review anything out of this sooner and Oh you can read the full review on the Patronus Pendant as I mentioned before. What have you hauled lately? I'd love to know! 

Until next time, Good Luck and Ciao!


Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with the website link(s) and discount codes provided in this post and do not earn or get anything, in return, in anyway if you click on or use the links.

Monday 19 September 2016

Bourjeon Potter's Patronus Pendant | Detailed Review |

Hello Beautiful!

So I love necklaces and ear-rings/studs the most when it comes to jewelry. I prefer watches over bracelets and other wrist accessories. Also I am very particular about accessorizing, it's either ear-studs or necklace that I'll wear at a time, if I'm wearing necklace then no ear-studs/rings and if an ear accessory then no necklace! I know I know, but I'm weird like that! Any of you who does the same? I can't be the only one XD

A while back I came across this accessory brand called BOURJEON on Instagram and boy oh boy! Their collection is amazing and this one particular piece just caught my eye and I knew I had to get it. The Potterhead in me couldn't pass up on it! It was this beautiful Potter's Patronus Pendant and so I placed an order right away. Here's my experience with Bourjeon and the necklace.

Order Placing and Packaging: The order placing process was quite smooth and the product was delivered to me the very next day which was pretty impressive. It was delivered in a box which ensured safe transit. The necklace itself was enclosed in a plastic wrap which was secured in this black velvet pouch. I love the over all packaging and that Bourjeon ensures a safe transition.





Potter's Patronus Pendant: The necklace itself is love at first sight! It's beautiful. I love the color of the rhinestone - Mint Green is one of my favorite color to wear. The quality is superb. The rhinestones, Mint Green and the tiny ones on the ears sets firmly. Oh and another thing that impressed me is that they included two spare rhinestones secured in a clear plastic wrap. These are the gestures that show a company's dedication towards providing their customers with the best.




The extra rhinestones.

This will look amazing paired up with almost every outfit, specially solid colors and even button-up shirts, with the chain hidden beneath the collar - that will look so cool if the shirt is in a neutral color!

Overall, my experience with BOURJEON has been great and I can't wait to place my next order!

Good news: You can now avail a discount of 10% on orders Rs.1500 or above with the code gulezehra10



Until next time, Good Luck and Ciao!



Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with the website link(s) and discount codes provided in this post and do not earn or get anything, in return, in anyway if you click on or use the links.

Thursday 15 September 2016

Makeup Products I used this Eid! | Eid ul Azha 2016 |

Hello Beautiful!

I hope all of you had a great time this Eid! For all those who don't like or eat red-meat, like me, Good Luck explaining why you don't as you politely refuse to all those meaty dishes. XD
Moving on to the fun part of Eid, getting ready of course! I used pretty much the same products on all three days except for the lip colors. I created three different looks using the same palette and used one face palette for Blusher, Bronzer and Highlight.

So, here are the details on the products I used.


Face:

  • Primer: e.l.f Poreless Primer.
  • Foundation: Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation - 52.
  • Face Powder: Rimmel Stay Matte - Peach Glow.
  • Bronzer: Becca x Jaclyn Hill Face Palette - Amaretto
  • Blusher: Becca x Jaclyn Hill Face Palette - Pamplemousse.
  • Highlight:Day 1: Presecco Pop + Champagne PopDay 2: Champagne PopDay 3: Presecco Pop
  • Makeup Setting Spray: Skindinavia Finishing Spray - Oil Control
Snapchat: gulexehra

Eyes:
  • Primer: Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation.
  • Setting Powder: Rimmel Stay Matte.
  • LORAC - Pro 2 Eyeshadow Palette.
    Day 1: Buff, Lt. Brown, Mocha, Plum.
    Day 2: Buff, Beige, Nectar, Lt. Brown, Cool Brown.
    Day 3: Buff, Nectar Lt. Brown, Rose.
  • Eyeliner: Jesse' Girl Cosmetics Eyeliner Pen.
  • Mascara: Maybelline Lash Sensational.
  • Waterline: Rimmel Exaggerating Eye Definer - In The Nude (I forgot to picture it)
Snapchat: gulexehra

Lips:
  • Day 1: Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick - 016 Heart Breaker + Rimmel London Lasting Finish by Kate Moss - 106.
  • Day 2: Luscious Cosmetics Signature Lipstick in 08 + Rimmel London Lasting Finish by Kate Moss - 106.
  • Day 3: Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick - 016 Heart Breaker.

Snapchat: gulexehra

You can follow me on Snapchat for more on-the-spot snaps of the products I use, swatches, quick reviews and tutorials. I enjoyed using the same products for creating three different looks, goes to shows that you can really mix up whatever you have and use it in several different ways to create different looks. I'd love to know what you used for your makeup looks this Eid!

Until next time, Good Luck and Ciao!

Friday 9 September 2016

Why Liquid Lipsticks have serious Game? | Guest Post |


Hey!

Let me start by formally writing this down that there is no such thing as “too many lipsticks”. Be it a traditional black bullet of MAC lipstick or Kylie’s liquid lipsticks, we need them all! Remember those days when hunting for the perfect lipstick meant browsing the kiosks at Agha’s or D.Watson with a friend or sister? Well the scenario has completely changed, 

Enters Sephora and Super Drug products in Pakistan! *drum-roll please*
The lipstick market has diversified and spun around 180 degrees with hundreds of international brands like YSL, Stila , SMASHBOX ,Inglot, HUDA beauty, Jeffree Star at our disposal right away. A big fat THANKYOU to all the Cosmetic pages on Facebook and Instagram doing the noble deed of reducing the gap between makeup hoarders and a ton of new stuff everyday!

Last year many high end brands introduced us to a more “revolutionized” and “modern” version of lipstick, they called it a liquid lipstick. “Ease of a gloss and pigmentation of a lipstick!”, chanted every brand. All the YouTube beauty bloggers were thrilled while we had our reservations. Soon after, YouTube was overtaken by this product, I still remember each and every one of the beauty bloggers I followed on YouTube raving about it. What’s so special, after all?  I Wondered. I started noticing a huge number of price quotes being requested by masses on various social media makeup supplier pages. People have gone gaga over an over-priced celebrity makeup item again! Soon Drugstore brands like Revlon, Rimmel, Maybelline etc followed and resurfaced with affordable and better formulas that gave serious competition to their higher end competitors.

Weeks later I decided to test out the hype and got my hands on two shades of the Rimmel Provocalips 16 HR lip color and boy was I impressed! I LOVED IT! Intense color payoff in one swipe, stays put all day, totally comfortable on the lips, no feathering or turning into a melted mess in higher temperatures, survives eating and drinking and perfectly matte! BAM! I didn’t expected such genius formulas from the drugstore but boy I was wrong.


In the couple of months after I ordered a few more from the drugstore and higher end to test the theory and I had my fair share of hits and misses. Some drugstore formulas were totally comparable to their higher counterparts, some were opaque on single pigmentation but feathered after some time while others didn’t dry matte at all and kept staining coffee cups.
The very concept of a liquid lipstick had me impressed and perplexed at the same time. Impressing because it delivered long wear intense color payoff on every application and perplexed because there was no fixed definition of a liquid lipstick. Every brand came by their own names, lip lacquers, cream sheens, velvet mattes etc. Unfortunately every good product has a downside too. Here is what I gathered from my experience.

PROS

  • ·         5 GOLD stars on providing intense color on your lips. The color you see in the bottle is the color you get on your lips every time in one single swipe! Now how amazing is that!? They definitely are melted lipstick in a bottle. Jeffree Star liquid lipsticks tops the list.
  • ·         No need for reapplication or those frequent visits to the washroom to fix your lipstick. Most of the formulas out there ( the ones that specifically say all day wear, etc) donot budge for upto 8-9 hours straight. Stila All Day Liquid Lipstick and Rimmel Provocalips get you through the entire day.
  • ·         Since it is a melted lipstick in a bottle no need to toss them in the fridge during summers. Throw them in your handbag and you’re good to go. No spills and no melted mess.
  • ·         No need to wear a lip liner underneath. Try the trusted Stila All Day Liquid Lipstick.
  • ·         The design of the doe-foot applicator ensures easy application. The tapered brush helps you apply the liquid lipstick easily with precision especially in the cupid’s bow and the inner corners of the lips.
  • ·         Comes in Mini- versions or in value sets and gift packs during the holiday season. You can invest in either of these to try different shades and formulas at a lesser price tag. Log on to Sephora’s website to grab these goodie packs.
  • ·         The matte ones set under a minute and when it does it doesn’t budge. Only a makeup remover can take it off!
CONS
  • ·         Some brands have jumped onto the bandwagon without perfecting their formulas unfortunately. Look out for such “Big Claims”. Always read blogger reviews before investing your money.
  • ·         EXPENSIVE! Higher price tag doesn’t mean superior formula. Watch out! These babies can burn a hole in your pocket hence do your homework before buying one.
  • ·         Since most of the formulas out there claim to be absolutely matte hence they can settle into the fine lines and make them your lips look parched. Always exfoliate your lips and moisturize them before applying your liquid lipstick.
  • ·         The formulas can be unforgiving on your lips. Some products are dual ended, with liquid lipstick on one end and a clear balm on another. The balm can be applied on top of the lipstick whenever they feel dry.
  • ·         Some formulas like the Vivid mattes and Ultra HD’s do not dry matte at all. They will transfer throughout the day and re-application will be required.
  • ·         Some formulas stay put for upto 8 hours but can start to fade in the inner side of the lips and corners of the mouth. Some will start to bleed hence back them up with a lip liner underneath.
  • ·         Some are strongly scented. 

Wet Application

After it sets to a Matte Finish.

That was quite a post but let us know which products have worked for you and which ones have been disappointed. Love to hear back!

Fatiha.



Hello Beautiful!

Fatiha is 27 and obsessed with anything and everything beauty and fashion related. She has a Masters in Project Management and work as a freelancer but writing and beauty blogging is what makes her happy! Currently she is setting up her own blog but you can follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

This, for sure was an interesting read! I hope ya'll find it as interesting and informative as I did. I'd love to know what are your takes on Liquid Lipsticks also which ones are your favorite? 

If you want to guest post on my Blog, feel free to contact me at thegulezehrablog@gmail.com. I'd love to have you over.

Until next time, Good Luck & Ciao!


Sunday 28 August 2016

Rich Warm Brown EOTD Using Too Faced Chocolate Bar

Hello Beautiful!

So this look was inspired by the shade Amaretto in my Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette. I never really delved into the more "colorful" and dark shades in this palette as I mostly stick to the "nude" shades. One day I was just sitting and swatching the palette, for absolutely no reason, and this shade just caught my eye. It's a warm medium brown with reddish undertone and has a frosty finish. So here's the look I did followed by how I achieved it.




Products Used:

Eyes:


  • LA Girl Pro Concealer - Creamy Beige.
  • Too Faced - Eyeshadow Palette - Chocolate Bar.
  • NYX - Jombo Pencil - Milk.
  • Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara.
  • Jesse's Girl Eyeliner Pen.

Tools Used:


  • Morphe MB23
  • Color Studio Blending Brush
  • e.l.f Shader Brush
  • e.l.f Small Angled Brush
Steps:
  1. I like to prep my eyes with the concealer as it works as a base and hide the veins and any discoloration.
  2. To set the eye base I used White Chocolate all over the lid up to the brow-bone.
  3. I blended Salted Caramel with MB23 in my crease. I layered and blended until i was happy with the intensity. Salted Caramel is a beautiful transition shade.
  4. With Color Studio Brush I took Milk Chocolate on my crease and blended it. I kept this focused in the crease, make sure you don't take it past that.
  5. Then with a shader brush, I applied Amaretto on my entire eyelid. I also dampened the brush with Fix Plus and applied Amaretto again in a pat and slide motion. This helps in intensifying the shade and sheen.
  6. On a more precise shader brush I took Cherry Cordial and packed it in the outer corners and blended the edges with Color Studio Blending Brush.
  7. I highlighted the brow-bone area with White Chocolate and Champagne Truffle.
  8. With a clean fluffy blending brush I blended the whole look again so there are no harsh lines.
  9. I lined the lower lash line with Cherry Cordial with an angled brush and smoked it out with Salted Caramel and Milk Chocolate with a pencil brush.
  10. After applying the winged-liner with Jesse's Girl Eyeliner Pen, I lined the waterline with NYX Milk and coated my lashes with Maybelline mascara.
  11. I also concealed the under-eye area with L.A. Girl Concealer, blended it in with my ring finger and set it with a loose powder.



I really like how it turned out, loved how Amaretto paired up with Cherry Cordial. Hope you like it as much as I did and if you re-create it, don't forget to share it with me by using the hashtag #gulezehrasblog.

Until next time, Good Luck and Ciao!



Monday 15 August 2016

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream - Ibiza |Review & Swatches|


Hello Beautiful!

I have to say this right now, I love how these smell! But is there more to it? I have reviewed a shade Zurich in this line before, but does Ibiza hold the same impression for me? Read on to find out.

What NYX says:


My Thoughts:

Packaging: It comes in a plastic bottle with a black cap that has a matte finish. The color of the bottle represents the color of the actual product. It is quite sturdy and travel friendly and the cap screws shut nice and tight. It has a doe foot applicator which is soft on the lips. I don't find it scratchy. The name of the shade is mentioned at the bottom. 




Color: Described as a "deep rose pink", on my lips it truly is a deep and bright rose pink. I love to pair it up with otherwise minimal makeup.

Scent: As mentioned before, I love love how this smells. Like a sweet Vanilla icing -YUM!

Formula & Application: With all the Liquid Lipsticks pouring in from every cosmetic brand on this planet, the only reason I'm not really big on them is because how dry they feel on the lips! I absolutely hate that feeling but with these the experience is totally opposite.
The formula is creamy and mousse like and goes on quite smooth on my lips. I'd recommend exfoliating and moisturizing your lips prior to application anyway. Unlike Zurich, this one isn't patchy at all and the applicator applies it smooth and not streaky. 
It applies opaque on the first application but i like to go over it once again sometimes before it sets.
The product sets to a smooth matte on the lips without drying them. I like how light and moisturizing it is on the lips and doesn't transfer after it sets.



Lasting Power: The longest it wore on me was for 4 hours until it started fading from um where my lips touch. The good thing is that it doesn't crack or crumble. 

Overall I really like this formula and the color and for that it gets a 5 on 5!




I bought this from NYX website for $6. Unfortunately they don't ship to Pakistan but you can buy it from Zensky, Endulgence, Amor and several other Facebook pages selling authentic cosmetics. It is also available at Just4Girls and Reforma.pk

I'd love to know your experience with these and if you have any favorite shades from this range.

Until next time, Good luck and Ciao!

Wednesday 3 August 2016

5 Things To Buy at The Launch of e.l.f Cosmetics in Pakistan!

Hello Beautiful!

Yes yes, you read that right! Our favorite e.l.f is all set to launch in Pakistan at www.elfcosmetics.pk and they will be offering a 15% discount for their launch promotion on 5th & 6th of August. You can avail it by using Elf15 at checkout. Isn't it wonderful? Well then, what must you get to avail this wonderful offer? Let me help you with that ;)

Here are the 5 things you must buy at the launch promotion!


1. Contour Palette.














This is the only palette you will need to sculpt, bronze, highlight and brighten your face, The powders are soft, pigmented and blends seamlessly. The palette offers a warm bronzing shade, a neutral toned contour powder, a yellow toned powder to set and brighten the under-eye area and a subtle highlighting powder. This is one contour palette that you would love to travel with!

2. Under-Eye Setting Powder.




Want to achieve that bright, crease-less under-eye area without caking it up? Then set your under-eye concealer with this powder, which is so finely milled and gives the most smooth velvety finish and instantly brightens the area. If you've been wanting an inexpensive alternative to Laura Mercier - Secret Brightening Powder, then I highly recommend you get this!


If there is one highlighter you need to get from e.l.f, it's this! The pigmentation is incredible and the baked product is soft and not powdery or patchy at all, that gives the most beautiful glow without any visible chunks of glitter. It's also known to be a dupe of MAC Soft and Gentle. You can read my full review on this beautiful highlighter, along with swatches, here.


Do you love a good matte lipstick? Well then you have to check this one out! I am in love with the formula! Creamy, glides on smoothly and isn't patchy at all! The pigmentation is incredible and so is the staying power. Also I love how easy it is to apply because of it's marker like packaging. This particular color, Rich Red, is one of my favorite shade of Red! 

One of my absolute favorite primer!! Unlike other primers claiming to be poreless when in fact they do nothing, this one does! I use it on my mum and it really does fill and blur her otherwise large pores. I make sure I use it under my foundation when I really want my makeup to last for a long time because this one is pretty good at keeping my makeup intact. I've noticed that my foundation goes on and blends more smoothly with this underneath.

As much as I can go on and on about all the products that are definitely must-haves from e.l.f., these are the ones on the top of that list. So set your reminders for 5th and 6th August because now you know what you must do to avail the amazing 15% discount. Don't forget to enter the code Elf15 at the checkout and remember to share you hauls with me by using the hashtag #gulezehrasblog! 

Until next time, Good Luck & Ciao!