Beauty Buys

It's been quite a while since I've had a beauty splurge, but with some neccessities running low in my stash, I just had to make a trip to Selfridges to stock up!
Nars Sheer Glow (shade Santa Fe): 
I'm sure I've mentioned this foundation before - but Nars Sheer Glow foundation has never failed me. I use this foundation on a daily basis. When used with a beauty blending sponge (I love the Real Techniques Miracle Sponge), you can sheer this foundation out in one thin layer for a natural day time coverage. But you can also use a slightly heavier application, by layering the foundation for a more full coverage, yet natural, appearance. Although my skin tends to get slightly greasier on the t-zone area, I have had no issues with this product in terms of excessive oiliness - I tend to carry my Mac MSF with me everywhere anyway.
I've said this before, but my skin is extremely sensitive, and prone to cyctic acne breakouts. Though I haven't had any problems with this product reacting on my skin *touches wood*
Benefit Roller Lash Mascara: 

 "It’s a roller for lashes! The eye-opening Hook ‘n’ Roll™ brush grabs, separates, lifts and curls…while the instant curve-setting formula holds for 12 hours." - Benefit Cosmetics

That's enough to get anyone trialing a new mascara right? I'm giving this one a go as my hunt for THE perfect mascara still continues - here's hoping it's everything it promises to be! (Review  upon request).

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara:

This product is meant to be a dupe of the Benefit Roller Lash - obviously I had to pick up both and make the comparison myself... Right?

Mac Blush (shade Harmony):

This product is a repurchase - that's commitment right there! I first got my hands on this gem in Canada, but I somehow managed to misplace it upon my travels (grrrr). This blusher is one of the best 'contour' shades on my skin tone. I tend to place it over the top of my bronzer, but only in the hollows of my cheeks and alongside my nose to create that shaddowy illusion. 

*Tip* If you already have Benefit's Hula bronzer then there's not much point in investing in Harmony as the two are very similar in shade and results!

Bobbi Brown Metalic Lipstick (shade Berry): 

I picked this lip colour up on a slight whim and a random outburst of convincing myself that for some reason, I needed it. My logic? 'You can layer this with your matte muted pink-brown shades to add sheen'. I'm a sworn matte lip fanatic, and I only own a handful of lipsticks in my collection - most of which I barely reach for. But with the English weather not seeming to make its mind up, it's left my lips in a bad condition. Therefore, my matte lipsticks do not set as well as they should and I've had to layer them with something more moisturizing. This product reminds me of the Clinique Chubby Sticks in the sense that it has slight colour with more of a lip balm effect. Once worn alone, this product gives off a subdued rosy-pink or berry shade with a metallic sheen but once layered on top of a matte nude it brings dimension and fullness to the lips. 

Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade (shade Chocolate):

I'm sure if you read or follow a few beauty blogs or Instagram pages, you've been exposed to the rave around this product. I first set my hands on the Anastasia Dipbrow's late last year, but the colour I purchased was too dark and gave my eyebrows a very unattural appearance. A further problem I had with the product was it's lasting power in the pot - the product became rock solid and extremely dry to use after a month or so! I repurchased this product in hopes of achieving a slightly natural colour pay off and also hoping the product will last longer. 

What have been some of your recent finds? 

Saina 

xo

Travel Entry 1: Amsterdam

 

We've all heard the rave over Amsterdam and with it being one of the most cost efficient destinations from London, myself and a couple of friends booked a 5 day break to the Netherlands. With the weather being in our favour we made the most of the city's offerings, from spending hours in Vondel Park indulging in Dutch bakery favourites, to walking the narrow cobble stoned roads to find Leidesplein's fashion boutique offerings.

After arriving to Schipol airport we got the train to Amsterdam Centraal station, which took us approximately 25 minutes and cost no more than a few euros. From Centraal station, you're pretty much at the heart of things (think London Euston) - trams 1, 2 and 5 become your best friends. Any of which, will take you to Amsterdam's main 'strip' of tram stations if you like. If you're going for a short break, staying around these areas between Dam station - Rijks Museum to Leidseplein - Museum Plein.

Dam Square

 On the sunny August days we spent in Amsterdam, this old concrete square looked beautiful. The square was filled with street entertainment (singers and dancers), we also walked into a 'free hugs' crowd on the last day. Dam square is surrounded by lively cafes, bars and restaurants. There are also some more commercial museums here such as The Royal Palace and Madame Tussaud. Along with the many horse and carriages around the area, and the Old Clock chiming so beautifully, you can really take a historical step back and images what this town square once used to be. 

We made a point to visit a few of the local attractions including some historical places and museums. First on our list was the Anne Frank House, where Anne Frank and her family were hidden in the house annex for two years in fear of the Nazi's during WW2. Located on 263 Prinsengracht, the building holds the original diary of Anne's, letter's exchanged between the family and friends and personal messages written from Anne's father Otto Frank. 

Anne Frank House second right of the street

 Amsterdam is better known for its Red Light District - a lively but dark neon-lit neighborhood within the streets around the canals, notoriously known for its promiscuous nature. In addition to the red fringed windows, the Red Light District features an extensive list of bars and cafes (this is where you'd get those brownies!), many museums and live shows. In real Amsterdam spirit we decided to visit the Red Light Secrets Museum of Prostitution - this brought the history of the 14th century winding cobble stoned, narrow roads of the area to life.

Red Light Secrets Museum of Prostitution

Baba's Cafe, Red Light District

Being the crazy cat lady that I am, I also made a point to visit the Katten Kabinet - essentially an old home devoted to art dedicated to cats, but also home to a few residential cats. The museum is across three floors and is filled with posters, paintings, sketches and cat ornaments. 

Cat shrine, duh

Along with the colourful streets and uplifting spirit of the people of Amsterdam, this is more of a city break. You're sure to make some friends - be it with bartenders, shop keepers or a polite stranger in the park (it's not as dodgy as it sounds, trust me!). Let me know what you're thoughts are if you've made a trip to the Dam, and I hope you enjoyed one of many travel posts to come. 

Saina 

xo

Where have I been?

After graduating from university last year, I decided to make it my personal mission to travel to a few destinations as a pat-on-the-shoulder from me to me (for achieving a 'First' - eek!), but also as a way in which to enrich my experiences. A random burst of travels is nothing that I am a stranger to - after completing my A-levels in 2011, I conquered parts of the USA including 3 months in Los Angeles, and a further month driving from LA - San Diego - San Francisco - Las Vegas.

In true Sagitarian spirit, I thrive in adventures and travels. I get bored easily, and I'm always thinking about my next move in order to bring new and exciting challenges to my routine. My addiction? Very simple. The likes of holiday booking websites - now for most, this may sound like the usual sun, sand and sea obsession. For me? Not so much. The idea of sitting by a pool, or on a sunny beach brings me nothing but torment. I'd much rather hike my way through unknown mountains and peaks, or drive aimlessly to discover that one wrong turn that changes your life. Me and traveling are a story book love affair. Having conquered as much of the UK as I possibly could as a child, I've now taken it upon myself to explore further.

I am going to share with you parts of my travels as I know I love reading travel blogs, but also in hopes of giving you some recommendations and ideas - look out for my travel posts and let me know if you have any you want me to check out!

Saina
xo