Lifestyle/Beauty: Brand of the Month - Jouer

BRAND OF THE MONTH

 JOUER

https://www.jouercosmetics.com/

L-R: Lip Enhancer in Clear, Lip Toppers in Rose Gold, Skinny Dip and Frostbite, Rose Gold Highlighter 

I heard about Jouer a few years ago online but never looked into any of their products. It wasn't until I started watching a few American beauty bloggers/makeup artists that I started to learn about the products they offer. Amrezy, was one of the first makeup artists/influencers who wore Jouer's best selling product the 'Lip Topper'. I was drawn in and wanted to try it out. So I think I remember purchasing the Skinny Dip Lip Topper along with the Lip Enhancer which is a lip balm treatment.

Since using those products I decided to invest in some of the Rose Gold Collection. I bought as shown below the highlighter and lip topper. At first I wasn't keen on the formula of the highlighter as it looked too chunky but I have literally been hooked after playing around and finding a way of applying it so it looks super natural on my skin. I have been using it since the Summer and still use it everyday, the pan is still going strong and I will definitely repurchase after I have used it up.

The Lip Toppers are AMAZING! I don't know what else to say other than they look so beautiful on top of any lipstick. They plump your lips and add extra dimension.

Lastly, I'll chat about the Lip Enhancer in Clear. I actually added this as an 'add-on' to get free shipping LOL! But I am so glad I did as I have since repurchased this three times. It is an amazingly light formula which sinks into the lips and moisturises them thoroughly. It claims to plump and the results are true. I notice smoothing of my lips and a natural fullness to them too. I hope the foreer continue to make this product as it is BOMB! 

Overall, I really like Jouer. They also stock foundations, eyeshadows, blushes amongst many other products. I am really keen on trying out their blushes and eyeshadows and seeing how they live up to their other products.

What do you think of Jouer?

Which are your favourite products?

Love Sara X

Beauty: As Seen On...Beauty Bloggers/Influencers

I am sure you are all aware of the rising number of beauty influencers/bloggers on social media these days. So I thought about which of them have influenced me to purchase products to based on their reviews. I have chosen products that I use quite often in my makeup application and given a brief overview which I hope you find useful.


Beauty Products as seen on....

1. RMCA Powder (as seen on Kathleen Lights). I remember this was in one of her 'Favourites' videos and as I had finished my Laura Mercier, I wanted to try a cheaper alternative. I really like how finely milled this powder is and how it blends nicely into the skin. I use this under my eyes and to set my makeup whenever I remember!

2. Carli Bybel Palette (as seen on Carli Bybel). I enjoy watching beauty bloggers who are passionate about what they do and Carli is one of them. She came out with her own palette in collaboration with BH Cosmetics and I have to say it does not fail at all. She has picked a great combination of colours perfect for day and evening too. I am currently wearing the browns and bronzes, as I created a smokey look.  Also, the highlighters in the palette are BEAUTIFUL! She has recently released a 'Deluxe' palette with more eyeshadows I believe and a few new colours.

3. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Give Me Sun ( as seen on Holly Boon). I really think Holly Boon is a very talented makeup artist who loves to experiment with a range of products and who also loves tanning and highlighting! She had been using 'Give Me Sun' in a load of videos and I remember thinking how it gave her natural warmth to her skin. I use to use Laura Mercier's Baked Radiance Bronzers which I still love but wanted a touch more colour. So I eventually purchase this and haven't looked back. I use it to warm my skin up more and today I used it a touch more in replace of my usual blush and love the finished look.

4. MAC Satin Lipstick in Myth (as seen on Chrisspy). I LOVE a nude lip and my go-to has been Maybelline's Nude Delight for some time. But when I started to watch Chrisspy I wondered if I could pull it off too. It is amazing especially when combined with MAC's Oak Lipliner and Jouer's Skinny Dip Lip Topper or Cargo's Sahara Lipgloss. I'm actually almost due for a repurchase but have to agree with Chrisppy that it goes with any look!

5. MAC Amplified Lipstick in Blankety ( as seen on Anna Saccone). I loved this colour on Anna and have to admit at first I wasn't sure if it would suit me. But I caved in and bought it at Duty Free last year. I have worn this with lots of simple and natural make up looks and really love the colour, which is a muted dusky pink.

6. Jouer Lip Topper in Skinny Dip (as seen on Amrezy).  It is a lip gloss that is designed to be worn on top of lips for a shimmering effect. I love this lip topper and have used it lots on a variety of lip products. It adds more dimension to a lip colour and it isn't full on glitter. I find it quite subtle. I also have it in the shades: Frostbite and Rose Gold.

Which beauty influencers/bloggers have influenced you to purchase any products?

Do you rate them?

Love, Sara X

Beauty: Misan Hair Salon Review

Winter is almost upon us and that usually means a change of hair colour for me. Now I have forever dyed my hair using 'box dyes' as its straightforward and easy. I've only ever had my hair professionally dyes once and that was here in Muscat and I ended up dyeing it again after 4 weeks. So I was eyeing up a violet/plum box dye when I was decided to look at the Muscat Beauty and Spa Forum on Facebook for some salon recommendations.

The Background: So I went for two hair consultations, one at Vibes and the other at Gorgeous Hair and whilst both stylists were helpful I didn't get a good enough feeling. Then I came across Misan and decided to message the salon. She was very prompt and got back to me with a useful, kind and friendly response. I took the plunge and decided to book an appointment which was initially for a colour. Later on, I decided it would be better if I opted for a cut too as it just made more sense!

The Review: Maria, who is a hairdresser/stylist from Sweden was warm and welcoming. Her salon is housed on the ground floor of a villa and is very clean, modern and welcoming. She was lovely and we clicked straight away and were chatting about everything and anything! Maria offered me Swedish coffee, a glass of water and a date. On the side table were a selection of magazines that I had a nosey at. I like how she opted for simple set up in her salon as the focus should be on the client not so much the decor.

Initially she assessed my hair and asked my what I wanted to change. She was very nice with how she advised me about how she will carry it out and also explained the process of dyeing my hair. Now, not many hairdressers do that these days!

After she got to work on bleaching sections of my hair, then I waited for a while. Next she washed it out and applied the colour. Again, I had to wait a while for the dye to lock into my hair. Then she washed it out and began to cut my hair. I felt very relaxed and was confident she would dye and cut my hair as best she could.

The Rating: 10/10! Even though the whole appointment took 4 hours which was super long after a day's work,  it was actually quite relaxing. I was pleased with the cut. She layered it and made it feel lighter and also cut in a side fringe. The colour looked refreshing but I saw it  properly the next day when the sun was out. It was what I asked for and my hair felt amazing afterwards.

L: Before, R: After

My hair was dyed a deep plum with burgundy highlights
and cut with long layers and a side fringe.

I would definitely recommend Maria to colour and cut your hair. She also does a wash and blow dry too if you're feeling lazy to style your hair!

You can find Maria on instagram, facebook and on her website. Please see the contact details below:

Instagram: misanhairsalonmuscat
Website: www.misanhair.com
Facebook: Misan Hairsalon Muscat


Love Sara x

Beauty: Long Lasting Makeup for Teachers in the Middle East

As mentioned previously, I'm a teacher. A teacher who LOVES make up I might add. So I thought it may be useful to blog about the make up products I use on a daily basis when I am at work. I literally do not have any time to reapply my make up throughout the day, let alone any breaks! Since I have lived in Oman, I have switched up some of my make up products to make sure whilst my skin is comfortable, it also lasts throughout the day.

So what do I use?

I will list the products below in order of how I apply them and what they are used for.

#1. Skindinavia Primer Spray - After I have applied my skincare, I will lightly spritz my skin with this to prepare my skin for my make up application.

#2. MAC Prep + Prime Highlighter in Peach Lustre - I use this to colour correct underneath my eyes and any other dark areas of hyperpigmentation on my skin.

#3. MAC ProLongwear Concealer in NC35 - I lightly dab concealer on top of the colour correct areas.

#4. Garnier BB Cream OR Bobbi Brown BB Cream in Medium - I then apply a small peas sized amount all over my face and neck. Then I go back with the MAC concealer to make sure my base is flawless.

#5. MAC Master Concealer in 8.5 - I use a Morphe  brush and mark my cheek contour.

#6. Benefit Watts Up Cream Highlighter - I swipe this on my cheek bones and bridge of my nose and blend into my skin.

#7. Max Factor Soft Touch Cream Blush in Soft Copper - I LOVE cream blush for a more natural and glowy appearance. I use the small e.l.f. stippling brush and tap this onto my cheeks and blend in with my contour.

#8. Jouer Rose Gold Powder Highlighter - I use the Zoeva #134 brush to apply this on top of t he cream highlight. It's such a natural highlight, I love it!

#9. IsaDora Liquid Eyeliner in Black/Brown - I apply this to the top of my eyes.

#10. Eyeliner pencil  - I haven't listed a brand as I use loads and it depends on what colour I am feeling that day! But I apply this on my lower lash line.

#11. L'O'real Feline Mascara - this is a dupe for the Benefit Rollerlash mascara. It lifts and curls your lashes so well. I apply a few coats to the top and bottom of my lashes.

#12. NYX Mahogany Lipliner  - Again it depends on what colour I am feeling that day but more recently I have been wearing this combination.

#13. Rimmel Only Matte Lipstick in 700 ( Trendsetter) - I am not a fan of this alone and this works well with Mahogany and Mauve Squad to give a muted nude-mauve lip colour that goes with pretty much every look.

#14. Smashbox Mauve Squad Liquid Lipstick - I layer this over the lipstick and it is GORGEOUS!

#15. Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray - I spritz this over my makeup a few times to ensure it is set and lasts all day. I can vouch that it does last all day. However if I wear MAC Kohl, that eyeliner does tend to smudge. So I usually opt for Sephora, L.A Girl or Urban Decay eyeliners.

Sometimes I may apply RCMA powder to define my contour more but if I am honest it is quite rare on a school day! I do pack a mini Skindinavia Finishing spray with me but I never use it...I don't need to, but also I don't have time. I also pack my lipsticks but again very, very rarely top it up unless I am heading out after school.

I have to say that the Skindinavia sprays are a life saver here in Oman, they work so well! I am constantly repurchasing them as they make a huge difference to the longevity of my makeup. Also, I don't use foundation or anything that is thick on my face as my skin does not agree with it and also it is not good for this climate. I prefer to apply a face of natural looking makeup.

I hope you found this useful. Which products do you use to keep you makeup long lasting on your face?

Love Sara x

Education: Update on teaching in the Middle East

As you may know, I am a primary school teacher who is currently teaching in Oman. I have taught previously in Kuwait and have now taught abroad for 3 and half years. I can't believe the time has flown but it has been a very interesting, enjoyable and challenging experience.

Today, I wanted to write about how I felt as a British teacher working in the Middle East, specifically Oman.

I have taught at my current school for 2 and half years and I must say in my first year I throughly enjoyed it. My class reminded me so much of my NQT class and it was really and truly lovely. The next year was good but it came with challenges.

In the Middle East, depending on the school and the package it offers, attracts a different range of people. Top schools like BSM and TAISM, must have an excellent package but also strict guidelines with who they employ. I think there is an issue with recruiting good quality teachers. From my experience, lots of teachers who may have been great in their home country have fallen into bad habits.

Another reason is more recently, UK universities have been delivering a distance learning course called the iPGCE which is basically an international PGCE. However, I have come to know that it is actually only accepted in the Middle East and in some schools not all. The point of why I am bringing this up, is that many people are enrolling on this course with good intention but schools are not providing sufficient support. Personally, if as a school you cannot offer the right level of support you should not employ teachers with this qualification. This is because teaching must be of a high quality to have maximum impact on teaching and learning and the progression of the child.

Due to my own personal experience in my school, I am not a fan of this course. In comparison to a reputable career, you wouldn't have a potential doctor taking an online course and being allowed to just perform a surgery on a patient. It is all about the experience, process and reflection on your practice which I feel some educators lack in the Middle East.

However, in terms of the positive aspects I have really been able to focus on developing my CPD as a teacher and member of SLT. I have been lucky to attend the Senior Leadership Course delivered by Karen Ardley and where I got to meet many people who attended the Middle Leaders Course a few years back. I also took the initiative to complete online courses related to the the growth mindset, science, child protection, harmony programme to keep up to date with the changes in education but also to further and better my teaching practice.

I have also been lucky to secure two positions as ClassDojo Ambassador and GoNoodle Ambassador in Oman which is amazing. I have played a key part in rolling out ClassDojo in my school and promoting the use of GoNoodle to encourage movement and mindfulness in class.

I am enjoying my experience teaching as I've had amazing classes of children and tremendous support from the parents. However it comes with its many challenges too, which have helped me to define myself as a person and as a teacher. I'm proud of the effort I put in to ensure I deliver well planned, stimulating and exciting learning experiences for my children.

I have posted a selection of photos from my classroom and of the children's learning too.

Love, Sara x

Travel Diaries #10 Salalah, Oman

Upon my arrival back to Oman, I had booked a weekend stay in Salalah for Eid Al Adha. I was so glad to have booked this mini-cation as I had been wanting to go to Salalah for ages, especially during Khareef season.

I stayed in Fanar Hotel and Residences which was amazing. When I arrived to check-in, I was given a ice cold drink of mango juice and then 5 minutes later I was all checked in and the porter was taking my suitcase to my room. I explored my room as you do and then I took a shower and had something to eat.

The next day I had booked a tour and to my surprise it was a female guide. I was really surprised and also happy to learn that she was the only Omani tour guide in Oman! Now that's extremely credible. She took me to Wadi Darbat, Mughsayl Beach and the Blowholes and also fit in a trip to view some beautiful Frankincense trees and a special location to view a secret beach. She was very knowledgable, kind and hospitable as most Omani's are. We spent the whole day laughing, joking and talking about everything and anything.

Salalah is best seen during Khareef season which is basically monsoon season in the South of Oman. It is so amazing how the scenery differs from Muscat. It's so luscious, green and full of nature. i loved seeing natural greenery and the beautiful wadis too. It was nice to walk in such cool temperatures as well. I saw literally hundreds of camels, a giant camel spider and other creepy crawly insects too.

On the second and my last day, I went horse riding in the morning. It was really nice learning how this South African family are caring for unwanted and poorly treated animals. Horse riding was hilarious. It took me ages to hoist myself over the horse and then to get down... that was a mission too. As it was my first time, I felt extremely nervous as if the horse was going to tip me right off but it was very nice and the people were so friendly and reassuring. I would definetly recomend them, if you're into horse riding or just want to support them with the hard work they do.

Below are a selection of photographs from my trip.

Mughsayl Beach

Wadi Darbat

'Secret' Beach

A massive herd of camels!

I hope you enjoyed reading and plan your trip to Salalah!

Love, Sara x

Travel: Home for the Summer

After I had completed Summer Camp which was fun but totally dragged on, I headed back to the U.K. I spent about a week or so in London and then headed back to Solihull where I spent the rest of the holidays. I then headed back to London a few days before my flight to pack all the things I had ordered plus teaching resources for Year 1.

Whilst I was back home, I spent time with my family, helped my mum with displays in her school, met up with friends, walked a lot, shopped essentials for Oman, visited Umberslade Farm - childhood memories, relaxed and looked after my mum who had a minor foot operation.

I have put together a collection of photos that show variety of fun I had this summer!

Love Sara x

Beauty: My NYX Lip Collection

A short and sweet post here, showcasing my NYX lip collection. As you can see, I am into nudes and neutral colours. I adore the soft lip mattes and have used them for a while now.  They aren't long lasting but they don't claim to be either. What I love about them is the pigmentation and formula which glides onto your lips so beatuifully. More recently I came across their 'Intense Butter Gloss' which is an amazingly pigmented product. I am love with 'Tres Leches', a perfect pinky-brown everyday lip colour.  I do love to wear 'Summer Fruits' now and again for a pop of colour or to brighten up an outfit!

L - R Soft Mattes - Cairo, London, Buenos Aires, Sydney, Sao Paulo, Rome
Butter Gloss: Peaches and Cream, Eclair, Meringue
Intense Butter Gloss: Tres Leches, Sorbet, Summer Fruits

Swatches in same order as listed above.

What's your favourite NYX lip colour?

Love, Sara

Education: Harmony Programme for Teachers at the Princes' School of Traditional Arts.

Before I headed back to the U.K for my summer holidays, I was searching for an online CPD course that would be relevant to my educational practice. I am not sure how but I stumbled across the PSTA website and was drawn in to this programme they were offering.

The course was titled 'The Harmony Programme' and it was directed at educators who had an interest in nature, geometry and art. I was intrigued as it seemed quite interesting, so I delved further and read the course content and thought it would be a great addition to my professional development. I didn't hesitate to book my place and it was even better as I was eligible for the teacher bursary too. The course was over 4 days, across 2 weekends.

So, the course was designed as a result of the Prince of Wales's book titled 'Harmony' was written to embrace nature but also inspire UK schools to plan, deliver and create inspirational art. I never knew about the book and have had a glance through. It addresses some interesting information, views and ideas not just for educators but for everyone.

The was delivered by Lisa DeLong, Will and Leila. They were friendly, thorough with their delivery and extremely knowledgable about the topics covered. In total, there were about 7 of us of which only 2 including me were teachers. The others came from engineering, dance and administrative backgrounds. It was really great that different minds came together as we got on really well and learned from another too.

The first weekend, I looked at Autumn and Winter. We all got given books with all the literature, ideas and content to deliver sessions to children and young people. I found them quite useful to jot my notes next to the activity we were carrying out. It was handy that inside the book, they had noted the areas of the British curriculum and how they related to each season.

The second weekend, the group explored Spring and Summer where we focused on plants and flowers. Our learning and activities were centered around the construction of flowers and how they are related to the fibonacci theory. We made kites, looked at 3D shapes, nets as well as sound and vibrations too.

During the course we carried out a variety of activities which included mixing colours, investigating binders, constructing geometric patterns, making snowflakes, looking at natural dyes and marbling amongst others.

Dyeing fabrics with tumeric and red cabbage.

Dyeing cotton with indigo

Marbling on to paper

3D shapes made from cocktail sticks and chick peas.

Kite making

Overall, I found the course to be informative, fulfilling in terms of the content and ideas. I wish that they had perhaps scheduled a visit to Kew Gardens and maybe followed up with an activity or planning session. But saying that, I did enjoy the course, especially as I got to be all artistic again!

If you're interested in taking an traditional arts course at the PSTA, visit the website: https://www.psta.org.uk/.

I hope you enjoyed reading this blog post.

Love, Sara xx

Beauty: LVL Birthday Treat for my sister

In Oman, I discovered the LVL ( Lash, Volume, Lift) treatment and tried it out. As I fell in love with the long lasting results, I regularly went to get it topped up every 2 months. So since my sister loves to curl her lashes, I thought I would book her in a for a treatment back in the UK.

When I was researching places, I was looking at the reviews to find about about the service, care and most importantly the results. In London, there were quite a few salons which offered LVL but I have to say their prices were extortionate ranging from £65 upwards. So I began to look in our hometown Solihull, I stumbled across Kaur Beauty and found out they offered the beauty treatment for £50 and it seemed as though the beautician had built up a very reputable clientele. It's quite funny because as soon as I read her 'About' section I showed my sister her photo and was like 'Didn't we go to school with her and her sister?' We did indeed and when we went along for the patch test* we all recognised each other and had a good old chat! It was lovely reminiscing about our childhood.

*Patch tests are required to ensure the client is not allergic to the ingredients.

I think my sister then booked her appointment for a week or so later and I accompanied her as I have always had it done on myself but never seen the procedure and wanted to document it for my blog.

Makinder, the beautician explained the whole process to my sister and was very reassuring throughout the whole process. She actually pointed out that she had switched from LVL to LVV which is practically the same but different  companies which offer different results. 

I have noted the process as follows:

1. First she cleaned the eye ares to make sure their were no oils or residue which would affect the process.

2. Then she applied gel patches underneath the eyes to lock the bottom lashes and prevent them from curling up.

3. After she applied 'medium' lash shields and glued the lashes to them. The  shields determine which type of lift you would like.

4. Next, she applied the first solution which breaks the bonds of lashes and this was kept on for 14 minutes.

5. Then she applied the second solution which locks the lift of lashes for 6 minutes.

6. Finally she applied the third solution which was a blue black tint for 5 minutes to enhance the lash lift.

Before

Bonding solution

Tinting solution

After

After this, she cleared up the eye area and removed the shields and patches. She combed through the lashes and showed them to my sister. My sister really noticed the difference straight away and since then has found it so much more easier to apply her make up and leave her lashes naturally. 

Overall, the service and treatment was excellent from start to finish and we would recommend Makinder to anyone who is after a LVL treatment.

Makinder is located in Cutie-Cals Salon on Knightsbridge Road in Solihull and the LNV treatment is £50. Depending on your lash cycle, the lift usually lasts for between 6-8 weeks. You can also find Makinder in Instagram by the name of @kaurbeauty.

The Review: Jubilee Hair Salon, Central London

One of the first things I always do when I'm back in England is have a hair cut at my favorite hair salon. I've been going here since I moved to London to study and have continued to go ever since. The salon is called Jubilee and was originally situated on Denmark Street near Holborn/Tottenham Court Road tube stations. It's an oriental salon meaning its staff are from South Korea, Japan and China and they tend to cater more towards Oriental clientele. They have since moved to Holborn which is still pretty much around the corner.

I'll admit they're expensive but totally worth it considering I get my hair cut there twice a year. They know my hair and how I like it cut to how I style it and that's really important as a client. The one thing I can't stand is when a hair stylist does what they want to and talks you out of what you want your hair to be like. Jubilee definitely does not do this which gives them extra points from me.

So my hair stylist is called Mika, who is so lovely! I've been going to her now for 5 years and even though I get the same hair cut and with some slight changes she really knows me well! I should also note I've had Yumiko, Tiger and Yoshi all of which were AMAZING! (Yumiko and Tiger no longer work there).

For £60 (this depends on the length of your hair), your hair is washed complete with a hair massage and it's cut and styled to how you want it. I visited 3 weeks ago and had my split ends chopped off and layers cut back into my hair along with my side fringe. As I was going out for dinner that day I asked Mika to curl it for me which she did so beautifully.

I have to add that the service is impeccable as I always get asked if I'd like a drink and magazines whilst I'm getting my hair cut. Mika and I have great conversations about everything and anything and I always look forward to when I see her after a long break.

So if you're on the hunt for a new hair stylist who is decent and cuts hair exceptionally well then visit Jubilee Hair Salon. They have actually launched an online booking system which I tend to use now as it's more convenient for me.

The Verdict:  Overall Jubilee deserve a 10/10 from me as they are probably the best hair stylists in London.

Thank you so much for reading.

Sara

Lifestyle: Tale as Old as Time 'Beauty and the Beast' Afternoon Tea at The Town House, Kensington

As I turned 30, last month my sister decided to treat me to a Beauty and the Beast themed afternoon tea at The Town House in Kensington, London. Upon arrival, we were welcomed and shown to where we could sit down and relax before being called to our table. The staff were very friendly and helpful which was lovely. After a while, our coats were taken and we were shown to our table which was a corner table setting.

Another waiter came to ask us which tea we would like to drink and then took our order of afternoon tea for two. I have to say our tea came and shortly after our starters came. A different waiter/possible chef came to explain what we were going to tuck into and was really very lovely and polite.

Following our starters, our afternoon tea tray was brought over and the same waiter described the selection of foods on each tier. After many photographs taken by my sister, we finally tucked into the sandwiches, pastries and scones. We both throughly enjoyed the food and devoured all the tiers!

They really thought out the table decorations and also how to incorporate 'Beauty and the Beast' into the afternoon tea. For example with: Belle's dress as a biscuit, Chip and Cogsworth as a dessert and Lumiere and Mrs Potts as table decorations.

Overall, I was extremely pleased with the service, seating arrangements and most of all the selection of savoury and sweet foods. I would most definetly recommend it to anyone who enjoys going for afternoon tea.