All about Bath Oils and my favorite 3

Hello Angels

Couple of years back, i was really confused with the concept of Bath Oils. Meaning what they were meant for? Imagine pouring a tiny amount into a Tub full of water. What exact benefit does it bring plus these oils are mostly very expensive. So for those who have my same curiosity here is the answer - 

Oils when mixed with water penetrate into skin faster. They can effectively combat fatigue, anxiety, dryness, stiffness, joint pains etc. Most common ingredients seen are Lavender, Rose, Sesame seeds, wood/tree based oils, olive oil, jojoba oil etc

Below are my Top 3 picks..

Neals Yard Remedies was kind enough to sent me their Rose Spa Collection (my love for Bath seems to be well known!). I haven't really ventured out into many of their products so this seemed to be a good opportunity. Now what excited me the most was their Rose & Pomegranate Bath Oil. 

This one from Neal's Yard contains Rose, Pomegranate, Patchouli and few other essential oils. The fragrance immediately transports you into a 'Spa feeling'. It had a very soothing effect and actually helped me relax. My skin felt smooth and taken care of. 

Available at Neals Yard Remedies boutique Dubai Mall, Meadows Town Center, Al Wahda Mall.
100ml AED160/USD25

Origins Calm to your Senses - 
Another favorite of mine. Leading aromas being Lavender and Vanilla combined with Soybean, jojoba, grapefruit and other essential oils. Fragrance wise Origins is lighter than former but gives the same soothing feel and leaves behind a smooth skin.

Available online at Glambox.me and feelunique
150ml AED160/USD25

Blanc by The White Company

A recent buy. This baby was not really under my radar. But the recent sale at The White Company made me do it plus its F.A.N.T.A.S.T.I.C scent! Now fragrance wise this is my favorite of all. It contains apricot and sweet almond oil. The scent is uber refreshing (white geranium and juniper berry) and yet strong enough to linger all day.

Blanc is more of a luxury product versus the above 2 with better ingredients. But on days when i need a 'pick me up' or need a 'lil luxury pampering, this one is my go-to!

Available at all The White Company stores. 200ml AED208/USD50

Bath Oils are mostly organic and natural plus you get your money's worth. A relaxing bath is all we can ask for after a hectic day's work. So i would highly recommend buying one and giving yourself a treat on occasions. Trust me it is addictive! Lol....

I would also love to try various Bath forms and Salts too. Let me know where to start?

Love

Beauty/Non Beauty Updates

Hello Angels

Here are some new beauty/non beauty finds I've been loving lately...

'BOBS' by Sketchers (Memory Form Canvas) - Last weekend my girlfriend introduced me to memory form shoes - the base of these shoes are build from memory form, making them extra extra comfortable to walk in plus good for your feet. The moment i tried it on, i knew this baby was a keeper. 

They come in plain colors and patterns. I obviously went for a navy blue with red hearts. If you are somebody who walks a lot (and drives a lot) like me AND give comfort first priority, these make a good investment. Actually i don't think they are too expensive for the fab quality offered. 

Available at any Sketchers counter or warehouse in Sh. Zayed Road - AED175/USD43

Passport and Card Holder from Paperchase -

I rarely come out empty handed from this shop and they always make me miss my childhood. Anyways, i got myself these cute cute black and white triangular patterned Passport and card holder. I love the idea of placing one's passport in attractive covers especially when you travel a lot & they provide good protection. 

This is my second card holder from Paperchase. The current one am using is pretty new in condition too but i wanted to keep things matching!!

Passport cover - AED49/USD10

Card Holder - AED49/USD10

Hello Kitty Nails - 

Moving on to beauty. I happen to spot these uber cute Hello Kitty nails at Boots 2 weeks back (Yes, i refuse to grow up!). The quality of the nails are good though the glue did give me some trouble.

Hope you liked some of my picks. Do let me know what interests you the most?

Love

Day Out with The ASOS Skirt

Hello Angels

I love TuTu skirts. But somehow all the ones i like are waayyyyyyyy too expensive (no surprise there!).
I stumbled upon this Navy blue beauty while innocently browsing ASOS site. It looked too pretty to pass on.

I paired it with a top from Bershka and a cardigan from Zara. Keeping it semi casual and fit for weekend brunch with friends. 

How do you like this skirt? Fan of tutu's?

Love

Where to Eat? Breakfast/Dessert Edit

Hello Angels

Food and Desserts...In a city like Dubai there is always something new to try. Almost every other week you have a new restaurant opening. Le Paradise De Fruit is situated at The Beach, JBR. My impression was that they dealt only in juices and desserts but i stand corrected. They do full fledged meals too. 

I paid a visit early morning for breakfast. The place was packed! With families and groups of ladies. Staff was friendly and very attentive. I went for Plain Omelette with Grilled chicken, baby potatoes, mushrooms and spinach. My husband opted for their 'Compose your plate' concept. Wherein you can decide your main, side and sauce from a list of items. He went for Omelette, chicken Kebab, Grilled Halloumi, farmhouse fries and salad.

As you can tell we were stuffed. Of course this did not stop me from trying out their much raved about Desserts and Juices. Now ladies, you must must  try their Desserts. OMG! I was very confused and finally choose P'tit Pistachio (Pistachio icecream, Pistachio cream, pistachio crunch, chocolate fondant, chocolate sauce and whipped cream!!!)

Price - Average to High
Location - The Beach, JBR

GODIVA

Very well known chocolate makers. And now they have Cafe's opened at City Walk and The Beach. I tried out their classic dark chocolate, vanilla and milk chocolate ice cream. No disappointment there. I was a happy bunny. But what sealed the deal was the Milk Chocolate Sin Cake. You got to try it. Its heavenly...

Menu was impressive. They had quite a wide range of offering and snacks too. 

Price - Average to high

Location - Citywalk and The Beach, JBR

Which is your favorite breakfast/Dessert joint?

Love

YSL Fusion Ink Foundation | Review

Hello Angels

On my plate - YSL Fusion Ink!

Am someone who loves blending foundation for that skin like finish. I literally spend a decent amount of time working them all in. And the first thing i realized with this product is that you need almost 'no time' to blend i.e. it gets absorbed/vaporize immediately. This came down more as a struggle than ease to me initially. I felt less in control. Apologies for starting with a drawback but am being honest. 

The texture of the foundation is Actually feather light. The finish is matte offering medium to full coverage. Am not sure about the 24hr lasting power they claim but they definitely remained put for 10hr plus for me. The bottle is very unique and gives you the feeling of holding a bigger version of YSL lipgloss. The range of shades is wide and houses one for all.

All in all i like this foundation but not to the core. Perhaps because of the full matte finish (i like dewy) and the quick drying formula whilst application. That being said, this foundation will work really well for oily skin. 

But do give it a try at the counters and let me know.

Love.

Favorite 5 Lipsticks (at the moment....)

Hello Angels

Am usually the kind to obsess over one particular color of lippy at a time and then move on to another! But recently my makeup pouch carried 5-6 lipsticks, which i frequently reached for. Extremely glad that i was subconsciously opting for variety of shades (plus they ranged from dark to nude!! Bravo me...)

I really cannot pick a favorite among these 5 lipsticks. So no specific order followed. 

Nars Deadly Catch (Hardwired collection) - A deep red with more of a maroon tone to it. The texture is not silky smooth but the same allows the shade to last more on my lips and not budge. It is quite BOLD for me but am extremely enjoying and being showered with compliments. Approved. (Detailed Review)

Nars Anita (Audacious Collection) - Nars again. Audacious lipsticks are one of my favorite launches this year. Texture is uber smooth and pigmentation is fab even the nude shades! This color can be defined as nude/muted dark pink. My Go-To when stepping out casually. (Detailed Review)

(L - R) Nars Deadly Catch, Nars Lip Pencil, YSL Rouge Volupte, Nars Anita and Clinique 01.

YSL Rouge Volupte in No.9 - I've used this lippy to the core (as you can tell....). YSL Rouge Volupte's are must haves. The fact i fell in love with them year back and still continue to obsess over it is a evidence in itself. From texture to pigmentation to color selection to luxurious packaging, this baby ticks all boxes. 

Nars Satin Lip Pencil in YU - Fuchsia Fuchsia...every body loves a good fuchsia. And this one is my favorite. Nars Lip pencils are great investments, trust me you will not regret buying them (coming from a girl who owns over 6 of them and counting...). I feel instantly glam in them. (Detailed Review)

Clinique Chubby Stick in 01 Curviest Caramel - Hydrating and pigmented. A throw on color when you can't be bothered to wear much makeup or when your lip need some extra moisture. (Detailed Review)

Since we are talking about lipsticks, 2 of my favorite lip tools are Zoeva portable lip contour brush (No.330) and Sephora sharpener. Reasonably priced, brilliant quality and will last you ages.  

If you wish to read detailed reviews on above mentioned lipsticks. Click on links given.

Love

Stationery Shopping

Hello Angels

Holidays are here! Woop Woop....This is officially my last week at work and then am off! Nothing like it...

A major To Do on my list this month is to send out Gifts and 'Thank You' notes to friends and family. Here are a few bits i picked for my stationery...

I so so miss being a kid the moment i walk into Paperchase or such similar stores. Things have gotten so much more fancier than it used to be during my time (OK! am not 30! FYI). So i dropped by Paperchase and a new favorite 'Typo'. Got this extremely adorable 'Keys Please' ceramic plate (was not on my list), a dozen 'Thank You' cards with envelope, Polka dot gift tags and another random but adorable purchase - Starbucks X'mas ornament.

I like to keep my cards and gift wrappers very simple and basic. IKEA does some fab gift wrapping items.

All set for the holidays?

Love

Clarins True Radiance Foundation | Review

Hello Angels

May i say Clarins is definitely deepening its wallet share. I am absolutely loving almost all the products i have tried from them this year. Starting from their Instant Concealer to Winter collection and now this amazing foundation. 

Standout feature of this product simply got to be its texture! Imagine how your favorite moisturizer feels on skin. Well, this babe provides a similar touch + does an above average job as a foundation.

Uber light and smooth on skin. Medium coverage that can be build to full. The texture is liquid-y but that doesn't bother me much. The final look is dewy and not everyone's preferred cup of 'dewiness'. But the same can be resolved with the help of a matte setting powder. So no worries on that front.

The foundation focuses on reducing dullness and keeping skin hydrated. Formulated with pigments meant to reflect light and increase radiance. 

The foundation is on a neck to neck battle with my favorite Dior Star foundation. Now that says it all. Definitely a must try ladies. 

What are your favorite picks from Clarins?

Love