Shine A Little Brighter...

..or get products that do it for you.

Say hello to the more outstanding new additions to my ever growing beauty stash!

First up is Mac Electric Cool Eyeshadow in Coil (Link). These range of eyeshadows have the weirdest texture. Its kind of spongy cream to powder formula which is not usually something I go for. However the shade Coil is just dreamy. Its a medium to dark coppery bronze with some serious metallic sheen that catches the light. Easiest to apply with fingers but does work with a synthetic brush also. I seem to get on better if patting it on rather than rubbing or blending too much. I was impressed that it easily lasted 7 or 8 hours on me and thanks to the creamy formula there is no sparkly fall out.

 The weird but wonderful texture totally got me hooked and I ignored the blogger rule nr.1 photographs before swatching. Hence the dent my grubby fingers left the moment I had this in my hands.

Building it up to an intense dark copper works perfect for a night out but I also wear it day time with a more light and blended look. One of those super easy options that just need lashings of mascara and thats it.

Now the second item we must discuss is possibly moved into my most treasured makeup items list.
You know the ones you would save in the fire etc.  

Kevyn Aucoin Celestial Powder in Candlelight (Link) is just too good for words. I mean I was all praising The Balm highlighter just a few posts back and I still think Mary-Lou Manizer is a good product but it has got NOTHING on Candlelight! This is magic. It is soo finely milled and buttery and swatching might not even get you that excited but once its on your cheek bones it is beyond gorgeous! If you only ever get one highlighter please let it be this one! It just illuminates any area you brush it over in a subtle but reflective way and suddenly you have cheekbones and your eyes look awake and your nose looks all slender and .. I could go on and on. I might go as far to say I am obsessed with Celestial Powder.

Have you tried either of these two shiny pots of goodness? Or maybe you have bought something else that really stands out? I would love to know..

Urban Jungle by Essie

It was only a matter of time til I bought a new polish. You know that, I know that so lets get on with it.

You might have read my previous nail posts where I was declaring my love for dark polish and red polish only ( Obsessed & Malaga Wine). Its always like that when winter arrives and I try to get into it even with the beach weather outside. I also wear jumpers and boots in +24c just to get into it. Dubai makes you a bit weird like that.

As soon as I got back from my Christmas vacation I was done with the dark and on a hunt for a perfect white nailpolish instead. I have a stark bright white but what I didn't have was a milky off white that would be less bright and easier to wear. Honestly I didn't really have a clear idea what I was looking for but once I stumbled upon Essie Urban Jungle it was clearly it.

I don't know how I have never seen or read about this shade. It was in 2014 Summer Collection but I think it just got over shadowed by the bright pink Haute In The Heat from same collection. Well now I have it and its been on my nails few weeks in a row.

I would describe it as off white with beige and grey undertones. Its very understated but pretty and so easy to apply. Which is weird as a few reviews I read called it three coater and very watery but that is not the case with my bottle. There is no Fiji type of hassle- first coat is slightly streaky but second coat makes it all good again. In some light it can be almost blush toned or a very light taupe and I like that much more than a bright clear white. Also I must say it stayed chip free for 4-5 days which is longer wear time than I often get out of Essie.

Do you have Urban Jungle or its not your type of shade? If not whats your favorite off white polish?

Blackberry & Bay Cologne

I kept postponing this review for weeks. At the same time I couldn't wait to tell you because it is my current favorite.

You see I am terrible at describing perfumes. Its very intimidating.
I would like to sound all professional but I lack the lingo and the nose to separate different notes.
Things I would say:

.. it's like sooo good

...it makes me happy to smell like this

... its like fruity but not like fruit

Nonsense basically.
However I have fallen hard for this particular perfume and will give my best attempt to explain why.

Im not big on floral scents. I like fresh and fruity but I dont like sweet and floral. Generally I also shy away from the more masculine perfumes. I like to smell them in the store but they feel foreign on me. Blackberry & Bay is definitely the most unisex type of a perfume I own.

So let me try to explain my thoughts. I can tell you this much- the opening sniff is a full blast of delicious blackberry with a strong grapefruit scent. FRESH! My unprofessional nose gets the grapefruit above all else at this point. Its crisp and not overly sweet. Does it sound bad if I say it smells like newly washed sheets that dried in the sunshine?

Give it a minute to dry down and you get all the more masculine notes. It all woodsy autumn forest in the nicest of ways(I assume this is bay). Maybe the idea of smelling like wet leaves is not appealing to you but I promise it works. Surprisingly the earthiness of it is what drew me in, I would have never guessed I find it so delicious.

That is all I can muster for my first perfume review. I dont know how else to describe a scent. Perfume is such a personal thing but I hope you can go and smell it in the store.

I'm very keen to play around with it a bit and try layering with other Jo Malone perfumes.
Has anyone done that with Blackberry & Bay? Would love recommendations on what to mix it with.
Whats your favorite Jo Malone cologne?

Three Things I Bought That You Should Too

I have been buying make up. Shocking I know.

Good thing is there is plenty to tell you about with all the new goodies. All of the things I bought were very very necessary of course but there is three that really stand out. These three are now used daily and I thought you should probably buy them also.

My most favorite purchase of past few months has to be the Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Ultra Black mascara(Link). I believe the chain of command went a little like this- Zara told Laura she has to buy this. Laura tried it and next time we were in the mall together she walked me over to the Bourjois and then walked me to the cashier because according to her it was something amazing. I haven't bought a drug store mascara for ages cause generally I get disappointed but both ladies in this case are well trusted in makeup related subjects so I was excited to give this a try. Well I LOVE IT. It promises to lengthen and thicken and delivered on both fronts. It doesn't clump after two coats and never smudges. Its really good! I dont plan to try out any mascaras for a while cause this is perfect.

Secondly lets talk NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer(Link). This was the first thing I picked up once NARS arrived in Dubai few months back. It is as great as I hoped it would be. Its a beautiful luminous finish and super easy to blend. It works magic on my dark circles. It does need a proper powdering to avoid creasing specially when I use it in under eye area but other than that I can not fault it. Must have product that is a staple in my daily routine.

To my knowledge we didn't have The Balm in Dubai so I just looked at swatches and kept dreaming about this highlighter. Until I saw a new stand in Debenhams full of all pretty products. Mary-Lou Manizer highlighter (Link) was bought in record time and I have to say I do over use it because..soooo pretty! No glitter, no color just a beautiful sheeny glow that reflects the light in all the right places. Seriously must buy if you haven't already!

So fourth is a bonus round because brushes tend to be too boring to count on their own. They are important and blablabla but I dont exactly get excited buying them. However there hasn't been a brush I didn't like from Sephora Pro range and the new addition is just as good. This time I picked up the Sephora Pro Precision Crease Brush #17. Well you dont necessarily need it but if you feel your crease brushes are a bit too fluffy to get the shade in the exact place you want this. It has a rounded end and long bristles and it really does give the precision that a bigger brush doesnt.

Have you bought anything new lately that has gone straight into the favorites list? I would love to hear so I can add them into my shopping list.

Life Lately #12

Its been a very long time since last Life Lately or at least it feels like it because of the whirlwind work manic months I have had. Dubai events season tries to always fit everything into a few weeks and that means an explosion of crazy times for everyone. Now however it has calmed down a bit and Im on my last week before Christmas holidays.

Shall we look back on few highlights from Nov-Dec?

- I know the first picture is not exactly quality but its me nonchalantly chatting to Prince Harry so I hope you understand why it had to be included. Let me tell you a little more- I was working at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and managing a yacht at Yas Marina. We were told about 15min before hand that Prince wants to do yacht hopping with his entourage and will be coming onto ours. I really thought its a load of bs but nope..I had barely set everything up and cleared an area when he arrived. All charming and tall and well..very handsome. This btw was news to me. Being Estonian I'm not very well informed regarding British Royal Family and didn't expect him to be that handsome. I immediately texted Laura to which she confirmed that it is indeed a well known fact he is a good looking guy. So yeah..that was pretty awesome!

- Another very awesome thing that happened during the F1 weekend was Pharrell concert. I have dreamed of seeing this genius live for a very very long time and he certainly did not disappoint. I danced and sang along and even though he actually lost his voice half way through the concert I came away with very high emotion.

- This was way back in November but worth a mention because I loveeed attending the Oribe event. First of all I knew I liked the brand before because who can live with out Dry Texturizing Spary anyway but after meeting the beautiful ladies from Oribe and getting a quick hairstyling session I'm a full on convert. It is pricey yes but boy oh boy the stuff is good. I will do a blog post soon of the new things.Some I bought and some were kindly gifted to us at the event by Emerging Beauty Brands ladies. 

- Continuing on the subject of fun events I had the pleasure of attending Esquire Man At His Best awards. I cant help but love black tie events because dressing up is so much fun! I hadn't been to one in a very long time and forgotten how great it feels to fancy it up once in a while. In addition I got to spend time with some faaabulous ladies and have some amazing Chivas cocktails so fab times all around.

- Now next is a working event but dressing up party was no less fun. I planned my time well enough that I even had hair and makeup done (usually at work events I have to do what I call a 10min turn around which involves changing in a toilet and slapping on red lippy fast). Chivas Legends Dinner is an annual event I have been involved with for three years now and this years legends was Sir Patrick Stewart. SUCH an inspiring and fascinating guy. I'm so honored I had the chance to listen to him.

- Lastly my favorite purchase of the month. This ASOS Floral Printed Midi Prom dress that I can not get enough of. I might go as far as to call this my favorite ASOS purchase of the year! The fabric is great, the fit is beautiful and I feel like straight out of Mad Men in it. It is out of stock at the moment but surely will be back soon. 

So that's it for now. 

I'm off to Sweden and Estonia next week for a 12day holiday which will involve a lot of food, family time, mulled wine and belly laughs. 

My only issue is what does one wear? I haven't been back in winter time for 2 years and I also own approximately 2 sweaters and zero pairs of winter boots. I guess I will have to go shopping again (said in a fake annoyed voice cause who am I kidding..Yey for shopping forever!)

Lipstick Talk = My Happy Place

Oh gosh I have missed you guys!

It has been a mental month of non stop work.
I havent had an ounce of inspiration or energy left to blog but I have missed doing it so much.

Im not all done yet. I actually have our biggest event of the year tomorrow so I should definitely be finalizing the seating plans and managing the last bits but my mind needed a break and telling you about my latest new lipstick is my happy place.

NARS Audacious lipsticks (Link)- you have surely heard about them already? To be honest I have mixed feelings. I know everyone and their mother seems to love them but I think they are just fine. I like the packaging (very fancy magnetic closure) and there sure are some beautiful shades available but the formula is a bit high maintenance. People seem to like the velvety texture but on me it bleeds if used without primer and lip pencil and I feel it might be a little too creamy. Also there is no way I would slap that on from the bullet- it requires a brush and steady hand. Lets put it that way- it ain't no Tom Ford.

Saying all that I still like it. Its a good lipstick and if you are like me- into the bright orangy reds check out Lana.

Its a color I have in many many variations but I obviously needed more.

You know what I am talking about- bright, eye catching, warm undertones, red but still pulls a lot of orange. I like that a lot!

I'm tempted to pick up the dark oxblood shade called Charlotte next as I have seen Laura rocking it and every time I feel like asking "Whats on your lips?". It would be very much out of my comfort zone but I also think it would be very much awesome to wear it for Christmas parties. Trouble is I need a liner to match as I don't have anything dark in my collection.

Have you picked up any of the new Nars? Whats your favorite Audacious? 

Comfort Zone FOTD

I thought I will show you my current comfortable makeup rut and the products I have been using on most days.

Its nothing innovative I'm afraid we are still safely in the land of taupe browns and other similar eyeshadows with a dash of lipgloss (that gets changed for a bright lip every now and then). But it takes me minimal effort and time in the mornings and I'm all about that extra snooze.

Now I dont want to lie because there are days where I feel that nothing else but a cat flick will do so I spend that extra 10min of trying to perfect my eyeliner but most morning I choose having a longer morning cuddle with the dog and cats. To be honest anything that requires a steady hand in the morning is a bit of a challenge as this is the time Yallas loves to jump up and down on my lap.

The winning combo for those "lets-just-smack-stuff-on" mornings is Mac Sable eyeshadow (Link) packed onto the lid and blended lighter into the crease. On top of that goes By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Misty Rock (Link). I still have a lot of love for this shimmery plummy cream stick. I think this alone is a bit weak for me but paired with Sable you couldn't get a better match. It also blends like a dream and stays put for the whole day. This is shimmer in its best form no glittery bits in sight.

On the rest of my face you can find:
Face: NARS Sheer Glow foundation
          Clinique Airbrush Concealer
          Laura Mercier mineral powder

Bronzer: Smashbox Bronze Lights bronzer in Suntan Matte
Blush: NARS Orgasm
Mascara: Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes
Eyeshadow: Mac Sable, By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Misty Rock and a bit of Silk Teddy (from Too Faced Natural Eyes palette) in the inner corner 
Lips: NYX Butter Gloss in Apple Strudel

Whats your current favorite every day eyeshadow? 
Something that makes you feel put together but is super easy to use as well.. 

Life Lately #11

The latest bits from my life are here..

- I have a confession to make. I have never ever dressed up for Halloween before. 2 years in a row I have had to work the next day early morning so we skipped it and previous years we just never lived anywhere where it was a big thing. So this year I was dead set I want to attempt a sugarskull makeup. I bought the face paint, I bought the fake flowers to make a crown- only to have the house party we were supposed to go to be canceled on the same day. By this point there was no stopping me so I painted my face anywa.. and Morgans as well by the way. It was close call we were gonna be the odd couple who stays at home with full face of paint until friends invited us to a dinner party. We totally went full costume and makeup ignoring that this wasn't really a Halloween dinner party. Was fun! Wish I had more opportunities to do that.

- Zulu has been on a roll with looking awesome daily so I have approx 100 pictures of just her every week. Here she is posing with Morgans Halloween hat. If you like cats may I suggest you follow Zulu on instagram ( @zuluthebatcat)

- my work schedule is pretty cray-cray at the moment, there is a few events every week. This can be exhausting but it also allows me to see some awesome venues in Dubai I wouldnt necessarily happen to other wise. Above you see a picture of Glenlivet whiskey dinner we organized in a stunning and a bit surreal private dining room in One&Only hotel. I think that is one of my favorite venues to hold dinner events in. Total magic with large golden seats and huge dining table.

- I have done very well on my shopping ban minus last few days. Firstly I have wanted the Mary-Lou Manizer for ages but as far as I knew they don't sell theBalm in Dubai. Well I spotted a whole new theBalm counter in Debenhams MOE and before I knew what was going on I had purchased the much talked about highlighter. It was a force stronger than me, I'm sorry! (im not sorry really. Its the best highlighter I have ever ever had) If anything I'm proud of myself that I walked away with only one thing. I just need to get a grip now as I get a bit heavy handed with this as its sooo pretty.

- The long awaited beautiful, breezy, pleasant and warm summer night of Dubai have finally arrived. Me and husband celebrated it with a sheesha in Fairmont The Palm. The views from there are rather stunning arent they? It also serves one of the best sheeshas in town if you ask me.

- Last but not the least I got to start this workweek with a day off. As the weekend was a working kind my Sunday was spent laying in a sun lounger in a beach club. Juice ( that got swapped for wine during lunch) in hand and a good book to keep me companied. It was one of those perfect days that leave you rested and happy for a while.

Btw I am half way done with my book so any suggestions what should I pick up next are very welcomed?

Nailpolish..again?!

Well yes..
I tried do put together another Polishes post but it ain't happening.

Because there is an abnormality in my behavior. I get fixated on one nailpolish and dont wear anything else for weeks and weeks. Previously I would get bored so fast and want to change it up constantly. This new thing started with Obsessed that was reapplied to my nails for three weeks straight. Now I moved on to this beauty of a shade.

Feast your eyes on O.P.I.- Malaga Wine (Link).

Is it not just the perfect autumn shade? No actually perfect whatever the weather shade. I'd say its a  blood red and looks sultry dark in artificial light but outdoors some deep cherry tone are visible.  I have had 4 people ask what nailpolish I'm wearing- its one of those classy eye catchers.

The formula of this is smooth and easy to work with. I like O.P.I. brush as well because its not hard to maneuver and achieves a relatively professional looking manicure in a relatively painless way. O.P.I is definitely one of my very favorite polish brands. I really feel the chipping is minimal and its non streaky. 

Whats your favorite O.P.I shade?
I would love to expand the ever growing collection. I dont need to but I would love to.

October Favorites

You know what makes me a bit sad?
That I cant seem to get on a roll with regular three posts a week like I used to. Its bumming be out because I love to blog and to read your comments and to read others blogs and you know..all of it.

However November is going to be by far the most intense and crazy-busy work month I have ever had and preparing for it plus secretly worrying about not being able to pull it off (fear of failure is my biggest area of improvement) has left me with little less enthusiasm for the blog. So thank you so much if you are still around this neck of the woods. And thank you for commenting and sometimes sending a lovely email- it makes me smile a lot!

The sob story aside I do have October favorites to talk about.

Lets do the oldies but goodies first and leave the few newer bits to the end.

Clinique Chubby Stick Intense in Grandest Grape (Link) always makes an appearance around this time of the year. Its my favorite easy to wear plum shade and you can do a sheer coat or layer it on for a dark but still not vampy autumn lip.  

I do feel that all I ever write about it lip products but thats what I use and enjoy the most so I cant really help it. The most used bright lip has definitely been Sephora Matte Lip Cream Stain in 03 Strawberry Kissed (Link). In reality this is such a summer shade but as I live in perpetual summer it doesnt really matter. Formula is magic- matte, doesn't flake, stays on for hours and hours probably days if I didnt remove it in the evening. This formula is something I trust 100% and never ever have to do a quick check after eating or drinking as I know my lipstick is still perfect and in place.

The oldest of this bunch is the Mac Sable eyeshadow (Link). Possibly my most favorite Mac eyeshow ever and currently being used most days of the week. Its a no brainer everyday plummy bronzy shadow that works amazing on green eyes. I'm sure everyone knows and has this already but if you dont..please explain why?

The new bits include Sephora Pro Smoky Liner brush #24 (Link). Laura told me I need it and well when has she ever been wrong about makeup? Such a fantastic brush for outlining the eye, smudging liner and especially for adding highlighter to the inner corners. 

If you live in UK I think the best place to find the next item is here- Natura Siberica Hand Mask. If you live in Estonia then it should be easy to find. I got it as a bday gift from my friends and I have used it every night ever since. It is the best night hand treatment I have had in ages. Made out of organic ingredients it smells like berries and you wake up with soft smooth nails and cuticles. Im bad at remembering to lotion my hands but slathering this on every evening before sleep has become a bit of a ritual I deeply enjoy now. Do check it out if you can find it!

Lastly 2 pairs of my favorite earrings this month and of course both New Vintage by Kriss and also both made out of mountain crystals. Somehow colorful jewelry has really not got my attention so I have kept things super simple with either of these dainty pieces. 

Let me know what your favorites have been? Please leave a link in comments if you have done a post so I can check it out.