Haul Post Continued..

As I have mentioned my first rounds in Sephora were not last because..all the makeup!
I was in San Fran for 12 days which gave me plenty of time to keep "just passing by" and slowly but surely find more things I need (I use the term need loosely here).

Lets do one more roundup of new products and we will be head first into reviews next week.

Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector- its an oil-free moisturizer and supposed to visibly brighten under eye area. Even bigger claim its apprently clinically proven to visibly lighten dark circles by 30 percent in 12 weeks so I'm all kinds of curious.

Armani High Precision Retouch concealer- OH MY GOD! THIS! I think this is my ultimate favorite thing I picked up! My sister has been praising the Armani concealer for years declaring this the only thing to hide the dark under eyes and not crease on her. Its pricey and I never took the plunge but I really really should have just not bought a few red lipsticks and invested in this instead. Genetically dark under eyes run in my family so all kinds of concealers are very important part of my daily makeup. I will never be without this from now on. Has this description been dramatic enough you think? I shall try to calm myself now..

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Bauhau5- to get over my disappointment about the formula of the new Sephora Cream Lip Stain shades I picked up this. This is my first Kat Von D lipstick and I love it. I wish they had more shades in stock when I was in San Fran. Bauhau5 is a pretty deep raspberry thou so all good.

Bite Beauty Luminous Creme Lipstick Duo in Fig/Date- good old isle of doom in Sephora always gets you with something right? I am definitely not complaining because I have wanted to try something Bite for ages but just couldn't choose a shade from the stand. This nifty little double sided lipstick has two great shades and I have been wearing it daily. I especially love Date a muted brownish pink (think Mac Soar direction).

Best of Clarins Set- it was the Beauty Flash Balm that made me pick up this little box of goodies. I have always wanted to try it and the Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser I have had and liked before. These two in delux sample size made the set worth its price for me. I am curious to try the other things in it also. There is the Tonic Body Treatment Oil, Body Lift Cellulite Control and UV Plus HP SPF 40 Day Screen.

Oh and you know what else is awesome? That I made VIB in Sephora which made me feel equal part proud of myself and horrified as well. Horrified feeling vanish very fast when I learned I get to choose not one but two gifts for my VIB points so I got a sample of Dior Maximizer Base Mascara which I would have never ever picked up myself but surprisingly really enjoy using. There was a few options for the bigger gift but as I love the Boscia Luminizing Black Mask (wrote about it here) this choice was a no-brainer. I have only ever tried the mask but cant wait to also test the Detoxifying Black Cleanser, Pore Purifying Black Strips and Revitalizing Black Hydration Gel samples.

This concludes the product low down. Again let me know if any one of them is more interesting to you and I will take a note to tell you my thoughts asap.

Perfect Summer Dress OOTD

Last time I owned or wore a yellow clothing item was when my sisters got me Tweety bird tshirt and I was probably around 8years old. Its not my colour- I dont gravitate towards it and dont notice it in stores. Well ain't I a rebel in my new yellow Warehouse dress right?

I have actually had it for a few months but havent gotten around posting. I was doing my general "oh I will just take a look at the New In folder" on ASOS and for some reason instantly loved this dress.

It was the pleats and the crop top cut that got my attention. A little different shape to my normal fit and flare ones. I wasn't sure about the colour right away (why does yellow scare me so much?) but now I'm so happy to have a sunshine type of a summer dress. Its also fully lined and good length. 

 It has proved to be so versatile. Ways I have worn it:

• with a white or navy blazer to work because the high neckline doesnt show boobage and its not that short
• with metallic strappy heels for a night out
• with grey converse and a denim shirt for weekend casual

Have you bought any new summer dresses? Are you on the hunt for anything specific?

I just need a new pair of metallic sandals and I should be all set but IF something beautiful catches my eye on ASOS I cant promise its not gonna be purchased.

San Francisco OOTD #3

I am back in Dubai but I still have one casual tourist about town outfit before we go back to my normal heels/skirt combo.

Actually I think there might be more outfits featuring jeans from now on because I scored two pairs of Paige skinnys for an excellent price and I cant seem to stop wearing them.

 As we are on the subject on jeans already let me introduce my new favorites Paige Verdugo Ankle Jeans. I love the dark denim shade and they are so soft and comfortable you could easily imagine you are wearing leggings (which in my world dont constitute as pants but are indeed very comfortable).

If you remember I mentioned before the trip that packing is very confusing for me as I wasn't sure what the weather is. I must say I did kind of fail to pack the correct things and ended up wearing same outfits over and over but at least I got to wear some of the new things right away. Like this new Fitted Boyfriend Oxford Shirt from GAP that was great for layering. What wasn't great was my 3 dresses and 3 skirts I dragged along and got to wear less then three times because I suppose I forgot what actual spring is like not the Dubai version. The blazer we have discussed before in this post - its Topshop Premium Blazer that is sold out now but you can always find nice blazers on ASOS (I love this linen one and this skinny lapel one).

Me and my brother had an awesome day wondering around the city. We walked through the financial district towards the water. We had Blue Bottle coffee at the Ferry Building and took some pictures of near the Bay Bridge. We took the BART to Mission which ended up being my absolute favorite neighborhood. Check out Mission Cheese if you are there- amazing cheese flights and beer selection.

Seriously San Fran is even cooler than I expected. So worth a visit if you are ever considering.

I only have a second part of my haul left and then this vacation is all covered.
Let me know if you have any summer vacations planned? Where are you off to next?

US Sephora Haul Part 1

 

Where else does a makeup obsessed person go on the second day in San Francisco than Sephora? 

Yes we do have Sephora in Dubai as well but not nearly as many brands and also it is a bit cheaper here (or so I like to tell myself). Imagine my delight and horror when the I found out there is not one but two Sephora stores in walking distance from our apartment here. 

I went on my own the first time cause I had to do all the market research and I ended up spending something like 3h in the store. Time flies when you are having fun aka sampling lipsticks and trying on foundations. I of course did the first part of my haul the same day so this is to show you what I picked up. I will do a part 2 to show you the bits I got second time around.

For a second managed to convince myself that I am only going in there to buy a Laura Mercier foundation and nothing else. Are you laughing? Yeah I know that I should just embrace the makeup hoarder in me but I figures I dont need anything. Are you laughing again?

Without further ado I bought:

Laura Mercier Silk Creme Oil Free Photo Edition Foundation- I initially planned to buy the luminous version of this but weirdly there was no shade that really matched. The shade names are all the same but I found a perfect match in the oil free matte range. The same shade that had been far to orange on me in luminous version was great in matte and really my combination skin goes way crazy in summer months in Dubai anyway so matte is not a bad idea. Will report back with a full review asap. 

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Face Moisturizer- I needed a new daily moisturizer and I wanted to try a brand I cant get in Dubai hence this ended up in my basket. Its very light-weight so I figured I would be good under makeup in the mornings. I mainly chose this to use it with combination with the next product.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Liquid Recovery- I'm not even sure what that is. Typical hoarder purchase. I had been in the store for a few hours already and loosing focus on things I actually had researched online. Its like a serum but the formula is more like water and frankly I was just curios so I picked it up. Will review soon when I have used it for a few weeks. The product description promises "Formula contains a blend of skin-saving ingredients—including red algae, honey proteins, and oat extract—in a highly concentrated water-based formula. It deeply hydrates while visibly reducing dry patches, redness, signs of stress, and environmental damage, leaving the complexion looking smoother, less blotchy, and more youthful." Lets see how it works out.

Urban Decay De-Slick Makeup Setting Spray- I have wrote about this on the blog before. I find it really helps to keep my face on in the Dubai summer months. I liked the small handbag size version.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz- last time I was in US in August I resisted temptation and didnt pick it up and soon after regretted it bitterly. So so happy to have it now and easily the favorite brow product I have used.

Sephora Cream Lip Stain in 09 Watermelon Slice- OMG I squealed when I saw that Sephora has a whole new range of shades in my favorite ever matte cream stain formula. The 01 and 03 are by far my most used lip colors so I planned to pick up every new shade they had to offer. I figured I buy one see how it is and return for the others so I chose this super vivid almost neon coral shade. I am so sad to report but I dont think the formula is half as good as the old ones. It goes on patchy and second coat make my lips look cracked and super dry. I didnt buy any other shades because I was heart broken. Devastated really!

Stella McCartney Stella Eau de Toilette in travel size- such a great fresh, bold and bright perfume that I will probably have to buy full size sooner rather then later.

Essie Romper Room- this was actually from Nordstrom not Sephora but I figured I will add it in anyway. I have heard Laura obsess about this shade for so long that I started feeling I need it as well. Its sold out in Dubai so I kept my eyes open here. Turns out they have it in loads of places in San Fran and I picked up one for me, one for her and one for Simone as well because you know you can never have too many pastel pink Essie polishes.

Have you tried any of the above products? Any of them you would love to read a review on more than other?

Ok I must board my 16h flight back to Dubai now but I will have at least two more San Fran posts coming up soon. Talk to you soon x

Shopping For My Sister

I love new makeup. 

I love it so much that I get equal enjoyment even if the make up I shop is not for me. While here in San Fran my sister asked me to look through her make up essentials and help her shop some new products. I took to the task with great excitement and thought I will share our Sephora haul with you also. This is pretty much a run through of my absolute favorite products that I think could be in everyones makeup bag.

My nephew is only 6 months old so my sister doesn't exactly have too much time to spend on getting ready, also she doesn't really like foundations. So I suggested she picked up Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer for a super easy base that takes no time to put on and blend but still gives a even glowy complexion.

For new bronzer and blush I figured NARS was a no brainer- Laguna bronzer and Deep Throat blush are my total favorites and they really suit everyone. I finally picked up Anastasia Brow Wiz myself few days ago and immediately suggested she gets it also. It is really worth all the hype and so many shades so you can choose the perfect one for you. She had enough eyeshadows but mentioned creasing and that not much shadow is left by afternoon. Well you know whats the solution to that right!? Time to discover the beautiful world of eyeshadow primers. I will never understand why I only learned about this product a year ago but I wount stop preaching about it now. Best. Thing. Ever. So we picked up the Urban Decay Primer Potion for her. As nothing beats Kat Von D eyeliners in by book Ink Liner also made its way to her new and improved stash. This is the same formulation as Tattoo liner but with a felt tip.

Last but not least because lipsticks are life and all that.. I laid down all my lipsticks I have with me here (about 10 different ones cause you know..only the essentials haha) so she could try them out and choose which ones suit her. The two winners were Sephora Cream Lip Stain in 01 Always Red and Bobbi Brown Art Stick in Dusty Pink the most beautiful muted rose shade.

It was so much fun helping her shop new items and hearing how much she is loving the new things. It really was almost as good as buying for myself. But not 100% as good which is why I did some hauling for myself as well. This shall be a separate post of course.

I'm curious what would be your suggestions to someone for light foundation, blush and bronzer. Imagine this is someone who only wants one of each product in their makeup bag and is not into the concept of makeup stashing. Very hard to imagine I know but try :)

San Francisco #2

A road trip of the most glorious kind happened yesterday. 

San Francisco is awesome for many reasons. One of them being that just little over an hour and you are in the wine country and I have always wanted to visit the wine country. We planned to hit up a few tastings but also visit some of the cool small towns. First stop for lunch was the city of Sonoma. We did a little stroll in the charming city center which looks like straight out of a western movie and ended up at The Girl and The Fig restaurant. I had my first generous portion of beautiful red wine and and a brie burger that was to die for.

 Wardrobe wise I improvised my favorite Topshop work dress into a skirt and paired it with the Hangry tshirt and my Michael Kors leather jacket. I do think this would look pretty cute with this similar pastel tulle skirt also and I find this and this leather jacket on Asos rather awesome if you wish to recreate.

After eating we drove to a few wineries-one of my favorites being Gloria Ferrer with beautiful terrace over looking the fields of grapes and its chilled glasses of the Sonoma Bru.  

I must say when I retire I want to do nothing else but stare into the horizon and taste wine all day long. It was glorious! And its totally acceptable pastime for an afternoon if you are visiting the wine country so I didn't even feel bad.

 

We had time for one more stop before heading back to San Fran so we opted for Yountville in Napa County. This being known as the "culinary capital of Napa Valley" was the perfect place for late afternoon strolls and checking out chocolateries and bakeries. As much as I would love to eat all the things forever and ever, there is a limit unfortunately so I choose to utilize the last stomach space for some Bouchon coffee and giant salted caramel macaroon. OMG! Both were amazing! I wish I could have tried more things but I was in a rather deep food coma by the end of this day so had to stop.

I highly recommend stopping by Yountville if you are in Napa we loved the town.

Oh yes one last thing has to get a shout out is my new Miu Miu Noir sunglasses because (enter thousands of heart emojis)..

Today I went a little place we all know and love and spent 3,5h looking around on my own. Can you guess where? Yes I did spend that long in Sephora. Time flies when you are having fun. I shall revert back with a little haul post ASAP.

San Francisco OOTD #1

I arrived in San Fran yesterday and I couldn't be more excited to explore this awesome city. My brother has lived here for 3 years now and I finally made it to visit him. I have never heard anyone who has been here not like it which makes me even more keen on 10 days of adventures ahead.

I thought I will try to document most of my travel outfits for the blog. I found packing for this trip really difficult for multiple reasons:

Reason 1: When I asked my brother whats the weather in May he said if one day is +14c and then it might be +27c the next. This left me totally confused if I need to concentrate on jackets and pants or can I bring some nice summer dresses.

Reason 2: My current wardrobe in Dubai consist 85% of dresses and skirts -most of them in light materials and not suitable to wear with tights. I also own only one thicker leather jacket and a few light blazers and that is it. I'm not even exaggerating. I have very few jumpers and sweaters, I have left most of these in Estonia.

Reason 3: I wear heels a lot in Dubai as walking is pretty minimal. San Fran however is known for the hills and I knew I need to leave my heels home and try to figure out some outfits with flats.

With all this in mind here is my first comfy exploring the city outfit for a sunny but windy day.

 

I picked up the light wool grey baggy trousers from Topshop outlet last month. They are really unusual pick for me but as they fit well I figured it would be a fun piece to create outfits with. I have since found out that they look great with heels and crisp white top for work and I equally like them with my dainty converse for a casual days like this.

The cashmere jumper is borrowed from my sister and is by a British brand Luella. I would love to link something similar for you but couldn't find anything online. Bag is my Sophie Hulme Zip Top Bowling Bag that I still adore. I normally dont wear it as a cross-body but for a long day of walking its a good option. This baby is sold out everywhere online but keep an eye out if you are searching for a perfect black bag. Im sure it will be back in stock at some point given its popularity.

Thats it for todays post. A short nap ( and a trip to Sephora) is now in order and then I must go for dinner and eat all the food. See you later lovelies.

Snooze Button vs Makeup

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Using Spring as an Excuse

Since my trip to Estonia I have spring in my mind. This excuse in mind I did a small inventory in my makeup and picked up a few new pieces.

First was really a necessity as I forgot to bring a lip balm and the fresh but windy weather in Estonia made my lips terribly dry. I cant say I was exactly upset cause aint that a great excuse to go shopping. I ended up choosing the classic Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Nourishing Lip Balm but the formulation that has SPF 20 in it as well. As you can imagine this is pretty basic but good hydrating and protective balm. I think it will go into my travel pouch as its packaging is more hygienic than my current Nuxe Rêve de Miel balm. 

The Clarins Blush Prodige in Sweet Rose if from the brands 2015 Spring collection and has been in my drawer for some time but really there is no reason for it to stay there. Its very subtle yes but also gorgeously illuminating blush. This shows up natural and silky smooth and for the moment I'm super into natural looks so it comes so handy. The pallette has a matte warm rose shade with a pink undertone and in the corners are little blocks of slightly warmer and shimmery shade. So you can swirl your brush over everything and get a glow going on or just use the matte on its own.

Onto the perfume which is kind of new but I have started really wearing it only recently- Guerlain  Aqua Allegoria Limon Verde. Shall I attempt a short perfume description for the next post? I find them so hard to write but I think I'm up for another challenge so let me know if its something you want to read?

And then I passed the Mac counter yesterday and as per usual the willpower was nowhere to be found. I told myself I will only take a look because you know.. I am going to San Fransisco this month and that means hard earned pennies should be saved rather than spent. So I will only look at the lipsticks maybe, surely I'm not gonna want anything right? First lipstick I picked up was Peach Blossom a shade I was on the hunt for last year but seemed to be sold out constantly. Long story short its my new fav "this spring I'm so natural looking" lipstick shade. Its a hard one to describe as its nothing special yet I can not get enough of it. Maybe you go check it out next time you are passing Mac counter?

Have you bought anything that makes you happy for spring lately?