Morphe Brushes Haul!

Hello there! (:

I have a haul to share with y'all! ;)
I'm sure you all know about Morphe Brushes, the amazing cosmetics brand with incredibly pigmented eyeshadows, the Jaclyn Hill Favorites Palette, soft brushes with amazing quality and such useful palettes with incredibly reasonable price tag! I first came across this brand through -yup, you guessed it right! Kathleen Lights! Do I repeat for like a 100th time? Okay! My favorite YouTuber ever!!! :D 

For my first haul from Morphe Brushes, I decided to play safe and order a few of their individual eyeshadows and brushes to actually test them and see if I like them. That's what I usually do when I'm ordering from a brand for the very first time. 

Morphe Brushes:

-The website apparently has no About Us section. Although their products speak for themselves but a little About Us section would have been so helpful. So I'll just go ahead and try to summarize the website on my own-

Morphe brushes offers a great variety of cosmetics products. Individual eyeshadow pans, PRO Makeup Palettes, different lines and kinds of makeup brushes -individual and sets, empty Z platters and various accessories. All of these under very reasonable prices.

What I Hauled:

a) Individual Eye Shadows - Creme Brule (ES63)
b) Individual Eye Shadows - B.A.M (ES41)
c) Individual Eye Shadow - Caramelized (ES15)
d) Individual Eye Shadows - I Got The Blues (ES44)
e) Blending Brush - MB23 Round Blender
f) Blending Brush - M441 Pro Firm Blending Crease

I have been looking for a perfect warm brown transition shade and I'm so glad I picked the right colors! The colorful variety of eyeshadows and the brushes overwhelmed me and I seriously wanted to get more! But at the end I decided on two nude brown shades and 2 bright colors. The eyeshadows I got are all matte. Also out of all the amazing brushes I chose the blending ones because well come on, we can't have enough of blending brushes, now can we? ;) I'll be posting the complete reviews and swatches so keep your eyes on this blog for that!

I ordered them through Juvaria Amin from Purple Fashion Store. You can order directly from the website. The individual eyeshadows are available at the website for $2 a pop (YESSS!) and I got the brushes for $5.99 (reduced price) each. I was very happy with the pricing! They apparently ship to all countries that the US Postal Service and FedEx ships to.

Have you tried anything from this brand? Did you get a chance to get your hands on the amazing Jaclyn Hill Palettes by Morphe Brushes? Let me know in the comments down below! <3

Until next time, Good Luck and Ciao!

Disclaimer : I am not affiliated with the website links provided in this post and do not earn or get anything in return in any form, if you click on or use the links. 
____________________________________________________________
My Previous Hauls:

a) Masarrat Misbah Makeup Haul

b) Huge Elf Haul

c) Colourpop Haul

d) NYX Haul
_____________________________________________________________

Nail Of The Day - NOTD

Hello there (:

I remember I had a very bad habit of biting my nails as a kid and the only way I left it was when my Mum attracted me with all these beautiful colors of nail lacquers! Thought I'd share this with you :D

As bored as I am, down with a bad flu, I decided to use this recently bought nail lacquer from Color Studio Professional Pro Nail in Haute Couture and ended up decorating the accent nail with Pro Nail in Mojito and Eve.

After applying two coats of Pro Nails in Haute Couture, I made a few dots with a large dotting tool dipped in Pro Nails in Mojito. After it dried completely, which doesn't take much time, I made smaller dots with Pro Nail in Eve layering a few on top of the dots made with Mojito. I completed it by applying the Nail Care - Top Coat.

I like how smoothly this nail paint applies and the applicator gives maximum coverage so that you can complete the whole nail in a few swipes. It dries fast and two coats are enough to get the perfect opaque result. Color Studio Professional has a vast variety of beautiful shades!

I hope you like this very easy NOTD and share your favorite shades from The Color Studio in the comments (:

I got this from the Color Studio Kiosk at Dolmen Mall for Rs. 250. You can also get them online from http://www.colorstudio.pk/ They offer free shipping on orders over Rs. 1000.

Until next time, Good Luck and Ciao! (:

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

So Long Summer! - Makeup of The Day (MOTD)

Hello beautiful!

As Fall has officially started for me I decided to say farewell to summers with a Makeup Look! I wanted to do a bright makeup look with a colored eye-liner and a bright pink pout and this is what I came up with. It's really easy with the warm eye makeup and colored liner and a bright pink pout. I am in loveee with the results and I hope you'd love it too! Oh! If you decide to recreate this look, don't forget to share it with me by using the hash-tag #gulezehrasblog. I would LOVE to see your take on it (:

Products Used:

Face:

• L'oreal Paris Hydra-Total 5 Ultra Hydrating Gel-Cream.
• Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation in shade 53 Light Beige.
• Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in 15.
• Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Peach Glow.
• Sleek Contour Palette in Light.
• Masarrat Makeup Stay On Blusher in Shell Bronze.
• e.l.f Studio Baked Highlighter in Blush Gems.

Tools Used: 

• Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge.
• e.l.f Studio Small Tapered Brush.
• Real Techniques Blush Brush.
• Real Techniques Contour Brush.
• Real Techniques Powder Brush.
• e.l.f Studio Blush Brush.

Eyes:

• e.l.f Mineral Eye Shadow Primer.
• Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Peach Glow.
• Morphe Brushes Individual Eye Shadow in Creme Brule(ES63), Caramelized(ES15) and B.A.M(ES41).
• e.l.f Studio Baked Eyeshadow in Toasted
• Sweet Touch Sparkling Eyeliner in Pearl Blue
• Maybelline Rocket Volum'Express Mascara.
• NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk.

Tools Used:

• Morphe Brushes Blending Brush MB23.
• e.l.f. Blending Brush.
• e.l.f. Shader Brush.
• A pencil Brush
• An Angled Blending Brush
• Essence Angled Eye Liner Brush

Lips:

• Rimmel Lasting Finish Matte by Kate in 106
• NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Zurich. (Reviewed here.)

Steps:

Eyes:

1. After priming my eyes and setting them with Rimmel Stay Matte Powder just so the other shades can blend easily, I started with Morphe Caramelized in my crease and blended it well.
2. With an e.l.f shader brush I packed Toasted on my entire eye lid. With a little Caramelized on the blending brush I blended my crease so that both the lid color and crease color can blend in.
3. On an angled blending brush I packed Creme Brule on the outer corners of my eyes and blended it into the lid color. I also took it a little into the crease.
4. With a clean blending brush I blended my crease well again so that there are no harsh lines and it all looks well blended.
5. With the Sweet Touch eye-liner pencil I lined my upper lashes and created a soft wing.
6. On an angled liner brush I packed the B.A.M eye shadow onto the liner I applied with the pencil to make the green color more vibrant.
7. I finished the eye makeup with two coats of mascara and NYX Milk in my waterline.

Face:

1. After moisturizing my face with L'oreal Hydrating Gel, I applied the foundation with the Miracle Complexion Sponge. I love love this sponge! It blends the foundation like a dream!
2. For my under eye concealer I used Maybelline Fit Me concealer, drawing it in a V shape under my eyes to highlight and conceal. With the sponge I blended it well.
3. I set the concealer with Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder on e.l.f tapered brush.
4. Using the Contour shade from the Sleek Contour Palette, I contoured my face ever so lightly with Real Techniques Contour Brush.
5. For blush I used my Holy Grail Shell Bronze with Real Techniques blush brush and highlighted the high-points such as the tops of my cheeks, the bridge of my nose, cupid's bow and chin with e.l.f blush gems with e.l.f studio blush brush.
6. I set my entire face and blended everything with Rimmel Pressed Powder on Real Techniques Powder Brush.
7. At the end I applied Rimmel Lipstick and topped it with NYX Zurich.

I loved the final look and how it turned out. The green paired up beautifully with the bright pink lips. I would love to hear your feedback and don't forget to use the hash-tag #gulezehrasblog if you do re-create this look! I would love to see <3 

Also, from this MOTD onward I am going to do more Fall inspired looks so if you have any suggestions feel free to get in touch with me through my Facebook, Twitter or Instagram! <3

Until next time, Good Luck and Ciao!

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

• Coral Love Makeup of Day (MOTD)

___________________________________________________________________

Leibster Award !!

Hello beautiful!

Just so you know, this is going to be one long fun post and I cannot wait to get started :D

I was nominated for the very popular Leibster Award sometime ago by Sehrish of Makeup with Style and then recently I was nominated for it again by Fatima of Blog by FA, so I decided to do them together in one post! I want to thank them profusely for this nomination and the amazing questions! 

What is a Leibster Award?

A Leibster Award is awarded to the up and coming blogger with less than than 200 followers. The idea is to support each other in order to appreciate each other and to build a strong blogging community!

1- What is the story behind your blog name?

          There's no story behind my blog name, it's just my full name actually (: I didn't want to restrict my blog to one particular thing so I went by my name.

2- When and why did you start blogging?

          I started my personal blog (it's this one) in August of this year. I have always loved writing, sharing what I know and learn and connect with others and blogging let me do just that. I actually started blogging in 2010 about my college life and the memories but didn't continue it. I also have a blog with my best friend Hani. You can check it here.

3- Where you like to be in 5 years time?

          Somewhere I am happy, at peace and able to help others and make an impact. Collaborating with Victoria Beckham. Yes! I adore her and her style so much!! Having published my novels and songs. Having Violette (my clothing line) turn into a very renowned and successful fashion/clothing line! Also, a very successful blogger! Big dreams, big dreams!

4- If you could write a letter to yourself 10 years ago, what is one thing you would tell your younger self?

          "Your kindness will save you, your kindness will grow you. People leave, times change. Do not let anyone or anything dull your shine. Expect only and ONLY from your Lord, He's the only One who'll stay with you no matter what, belong to Him and Him ONLY. What's yours will be yours and what isn't wont ever be yours. Kindness, compassion and faith in Lord is the answer."

5- What do you find to be the most challenging part of blogging?

          As I have just started with this blog: Getting brands to remember my blog, to reach out to me.

6- If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would it be?

          Oh the countries and places I wanna visit! But right now I just want to visit UAE to be with my niece who I miss immensely!

7- What is your favorite food?

          I enjoy eating Chinese and Italian food, also Biryani (duh). 

8- What is one thing that you want to do before you die?

          To do or create something that will help others in my life and continue to do so after my death.

9- What is your favorite post that you have written?

          I put my heart and soul in each post, do complete research and test products before reviewing. My favorite post I've done has got to be 5 Things To Buy This Fall 2015, you can read the post here. I worked for 6 hours on this to make sure I'm mentioning the right designers and selecting the best offers and products for my wonderful readers. I watched the whole New York Fashion Week for Pre Fall & Fall 2015 before writing this and another post that's coming soon in the Fall Series (: 

10- What advice would you give to someone just starting a blog?

          Blog for the love of blogging. As long as you're passionate about blogging or anything in your life, you'll be able to face any and every challenge you come across. Keep yourself updated, read and observe more so that you can provide your readers, followers and fans with the best. Stay true to yourself and your readers. Let your personality shine through your writing <3

11-What it is one goal related to blogging that you would like to complete?

          To work with the beautiful Chiara Ferragni. She inspires me so much. Also (I'm gonna cheat on this one and mention two goals) to provide the best for my readers.

12- What three items are always in your purse?

          a) My Wallet.

          b) Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Peach Glow - To touch up throughout the day as I have combination skin and I sweat a lot.

          c) e.l.f Powder Brush - To use with the Stay Matte Pressed Powder.

13- Which makeup brand is your favorite other than MAC?

          Too Faced! I'm in love with their products!

14- What is the most important thing for you without which you can not live?

          Honesty and compassion. I'll be lost without it.

15- Your most favorite blog to read is?

          I use to love reading Sara Hassan's Blog. I hope she writes again. I love reading The Blonde Salad!

16- What is your biggest wish in life?

          To help others and make an impact.

17- Your favorite quote?

          "Let us permit the nature to have her way, she knows its business better than we do."

18- How you felt when you got nominated for your first Award?

          I always feel so good and humbled when my fellow bloggers reach me for Tags and Awards. Thank you so much for being such a great community!

I enjoyed answering all the questions so much! I hope you enjoy reading them. Also I'd love to know your answers too so do not forget to leave your answers in the comments section! I love doing posts like these!

Rules:

1. You have to introduce my blog first. Also make sure to provide a link back to my blog i.e www.gulezehrasblog.blogspot.com
2. Answer the questions provided at the end of this post.
3. Pass the tag to other bloggers
4. Provide them with questions and rules to The Leibster Award.

My Nominations:
(Please make sure you mention my blog and provide a link back to it. Let me know when you've done the post, I'd love to read your answers)

Unicorn Zombie Apocalypse

Kinza's Realm

Kakcho

Wardaclopedia

Enchanted Excurse

Idorottka

Drop The S

Beauty Talk With Saadia

My Questions:

1- When and why did you start you blog?
2- What do you find the most challenging in blogging?
3- What is your favorite post you've blogged about?
4- Where do you want to see yourself in the next 5 years?
5- If you were to choose only one Makeup Brand to use for the rest of your life, what would it be?
6- What are the three important goals of your life?
7- Who is your favorite fashion designer and why?
8- What three products/items are in your bag/purse right now?
9- Which country would you like to spend the rest of your life in and why?
10- Your advice for new bloggers.

Until next time, Good Luck and Ciao!

WishList - October

Hello Beautiful!

As decided, I'm here with my Wish-List for the month of October. As I explained in my 'September WishList' I'll be sharing maximum 5 things that I really really want and intend to cross off my actual HUGE Wish List (we all know our Wishlists keep growing). I was able to cross three products off the September WishList (YAY! Haul coming soon!), so I hope I get to cross off some in this one too!

Here's what I really want to get this month!

1. MAC 210 Precise Eye Liner Brush:

A friend recommended this brush for an easy and perfect application of winged eye liner (I love winged eye liners as you can see here). I started reading reviews and the more I read the more I want it. It looks like the perfect tool for creating the perfect winged eye liner!

2. Makeup Geek Foiled Eye Shadows:
I know I know it's old news but I still haven't tried them and I really really want to! The swatches online are killing me! Okay maybe not really killing but I need to get these beautiful, foiled, metallic,shiny, incredibly pigmented babies!!! <3_<3

3. L'oreal Telescopic Carbon Black Mascara:
This mascara gives some really good lashes! I have never worn fake lashes myself (except for one time when a Makeup Artist applied them to my eyes for a big event) so I am always on a hunt for a mascara that'll give me length and volume and this one is really good on the length part specially.

4. Too Faced Love Flush Blush - Your Love Is King:
Look at the blush, just look at it! Its beautiful right?! It is! I am in love with the pretty embossed picture and the packaging! This shade in particular is beautiful too and I'm sure would look great on my NC 25 skin tone. All the right reasons to get my hands on this beauty!

5. e.l.f Studio Baked Blush - Pinktastic:
This is of course not a blush but a gorgeous highlighter! I was introduced to this by Kathleen Lights (YouTuber) and of course I want it just for that reason alone haha. I like my highlighters to give more of a sheen than being glittery and this one does just that. Being a baked product it's very buttery and gives a strong sheen. I can't wait to add this to my Highlighter Collection!

I really hope I get to get at least some of these this month! What do you intend to purchase this month makeup and fashion wise? Don't forget to share your Wish-Lists with me, you know I love to hear from you muffins! xo

Until next time, Good Luck and Ciao!

September Favorites!

Hello there!

It has to be the most used cliche ever but, Time flies so fast! As we start with the month of Halloween and my official start to Fall, it's time to share what I have been loving in the month of September!

1. Freeman Facial Polishing Mask- Charcoal & Black Sugar:
          It is by far the most amazing exfoliating mask I've used! I apply it to my entire face and neck and leave it on for 2 minutes, for the charcoal in it to work and then gently scrub before rinsing it off. I scrub in circular motion until the sugar in it dissolves. It takes off all the impurities from my skin and leave it thoroughly cleaned, exfoliated, smooth and supple! It even get rids of the blackheads on my nose. I LOVE IT!!

2. Rimmel Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer - In The Nude:
          For a more natural look, I love using this in my waterline. I have always used NYX Milk for that wide awake look but after trying this, it's all I have been using the past month for my minimal eye-makeups.

3. e.l.f Studio Cream Eyeliner - Black:
          This glides on so smoothly and is so pigmented aaand is so effortless. I have been using it for almost all my eye-makeups. It sets down nicely and is quite black.You can see it in action here.

4. e.l.f Studio Eyeshadow Primer - Sheer:
           This the only primer I have been using and loving for the past couple of month! This is what I react out for most of my eye makeup looks, subtle or dramatic. It makes the eyeshadows last longer without creasing and also makes the color vibrant and stand out more, I do set it with a powder though for the shadows to blend easily. You can see how it makes the eye shadow look here.

5. Victoria Garden Secret Charm Body Wash - HoneySuckle and Jasmine:
          Oh how I have been adoring the fresh scent and how it moisturizes my body! It smells like fresh honeysuckle with a touch of jasmine. Although the scent is not long lasting at all or strong either but it makes me feel so fresh, light and moisturized. I guess the honeysuckle has a calming effect on me. I love the fragrance and I highly recommend if you like soft and fresh fragrances.

I can't wait to to try more in my collection and update you guys. Also, what were your favorites for the month of September? Anything you wanna recommend that I might like? I'd love to know! I love to hear from you all <3

I have a lot of posts under my belt for this month so keep an eye out for those ;) I'm sure you're gonna love them! Oh and if you want me to do any post for my Fall series, anything you'd like to know, I'd love to do it for you!

Until next time, Good Luck and Ciao!

BBQ Chicken with Tomato Sauce

Hello there (:

OK, so that's the name I came up with, nothing fancy, as simple as the recipe itself.

Chicken, I feel, is the easiest protein to work with. I find it so difficult to understand when actually the red meat gets tender.

So how did I come up with this? Well when my mom left me all alone in the kitchen informing me of the Chicken(that was all cleaned up, thankfully) and the tomatoes in the refrigerator and that's it, what was I suppose to make? A Chicken Karahi (a Pakistani dish) with so less tomatoes (there were 4 actually, still less for a karahi) and no spices (I have no idea what spices go into this dish, I use the packets/boxes of already prepared spices). I love to cook yes but don't cook so much, and when I do I tend to add or skip ingredients. There wasn't much time too, you know to come up with something fancy.

Anyway I started looking in the refrigerator and cabinets and grabbed anything that would feel right. Prepared a marinade for the chicken and cooked the tomato sauce. Then cooked the chicken along with the marinade in the tomato sauce and Viola, it was ready, I was so worried about how it tastes and if my family would like it or not. Well the feedback I got -how about I tell you that after the recipe? ;)

Oh yes, there's one thing though...umm..I couldn't take a picture of it, any of it :( 

While cooking I couldn't because I was so short on time and after when it was ready, well it all finished up so quickly. So yes, I'm so so so sorry for not being able to take a picture. (Note to self: Make sure to take pictures of whatever you try next!)

Recipe for BBQ Chicken with Tomato Sauce.

Ingredients:

Chicken: 1 Kg (breast and thigh pieces)

For the Marinade:

1.     Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoon

2.     Vinegar: 1 tablespoon

3.     Chili Sauce: 3 tablespoon

4.     BBQ Honey Sauce (American Garden): 2/4 cup

5.     BBQ Sauce (Union): 2/4 cup

6.     Water: 3/4 cup

7.     Salt: according to your taste

(I encourage you to increase/decrease the quantity according to your taste)

For the Tomato Sauce:

1.     Tomatoes: 4 large and ripe ones

2.     Onion: 1 large one

3.     Cooking Oil: 1/4 cup and 1 tablespoon

4.     Shan's Fry Gosht Masala(ready and mixed spices -easily available): 2 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon.

5.     Water: 1/4 cup

6.     Salt: to taste

Method:

For the Marinade:

• Mix all the ingredients mentioned and coat the chicken (cleaned up obviously) in it while we get the tomato sauce ready.

For the Tomato Sauce:

• Dice the Onion and saute it in pre-heated oil in a wok (or any utensil you prefer cooking in) till the Onion becomes soft and pinkish golden.
• Add the diced Tomatoes, with salt, in the sauteed onion and saute more until the tomatoes are soft and cooked through.
• Add the Fry Gosht Masala along with water halfway through cooking the tomatoes.
• Cook until you have a mushy sauce and, as I said before, Tomatoes are cooked.
• There! We have our Tomato Sauce ready! (Easy, yeah?)

• Add in the marinated Chicken along with the Marinade and a cup of water and cook until the chicken is properly cooked through and tender.
• If you feel that your sauce is thin in consistency (as mine was) then add in a tablespoon of Corn Flour mixed in a little water and cook in the sauce+Chicken until your sauce comes to the consistency you like.

There! It's all done! It took me like 30-40 minutes (from finding the ingredients and cooking) to get it ready and the chicken was really flavorful, juicy, soft and tender!

Oh the feedback? Everyone LOVED it! They said it wasdelicious and believe me I felt so relieved and elated!

I served it with boiled white rice.

I found my recipe really easy and delicious, I'm so glad I tried.

I encourage you to experiment with the ingredients and let me know (in the comment box) how it turned out. 

Until next time, Good Luck and Ciao! (: