My Birthday Beauty Haul ♡

Last Thursday I celebrated my birthday by treating myself to some makeup. My sister recommended that I should pop to SpaceNK as I wanted to repurchase some products from Laura Mercier that were not in stock in Kuwait.

So off I went to my local Solihull on a lovely sunny afternoon. After doing a large toiletries haul too ( not so exciting so didn't think it would be worthy of a post  as they were pretty much essentials), I went for a mooch in SpaceNK, I was greeted by a lovely beauty advisor who was nice and friendly and not at all pushy. So I asked if my tinted moisturiser was in stock and unfortunately it wasn't. I also asked for the LM Baked highlight but they were out of stock of that too. I was feeling as though I wouldn't be able to a hold of my prized LM products. Although they did have the oil free primer which was good!

After we got talking about how I shouldn't have been recommended previously an oil free primer with an oil free moisturiser as my skin is actually normal with a little shine on my T Zone. I have to admit I was little sceptical as I didn't want to be talked into buying an alternative to what I normally buy when it was doing the job just fine. So she offered me a makeover which I agreed to plus it was nice to pampered a little :)

I won't go into every detail but she was lovely and talked me through everything she put on. She tried the LM Oil Free Primer with the normal LM Tinted Moisturiser in Sand. Then to conceal she used LM Secret Concealer in 3.5. I asked her to try out the new LM Face Illuminator in Indiscretion as I fell in love with the swatch on my hand. She applied that together with NARS blush in Luster and I have to say I really liked the look. However I had to do the test of checking my makeup in the natural light. Afterwards I was sold!

The original LM tinted moisturiser felt much more lighter than the oil free and also oxidised less. It was an exact match to my skin tone which was fine too. I maybe would have gone a little darker but I wasn't too fussed. I have been using it now for over a week and I think I do prefer it. I may opt for the oil free version in the Winter to add more warmth but I will see.

I ended up purchasing the LM original Tinted Moisturiser in Sand, LM Oil Free Primer, LM Secret Concealer in 3.5 and the LM Face Illuminator in Indiscretion. A very heavy LM haul :)

She was kind enough to give me a sample of Caudalie Oil which smelt divine and can be used for hair, skin and body which I will try out soon. Even though for the next year I won't be based in the UK, I signed up for the Ndulge loyalty card where you gain 1 point for every £1 you spend. Then for every 100 points they reward you with £5 incentive to use in store. I was lucky enough to get the £5 incentive straight away :) which I am saving for another purchase before I leave.

I was really pleased with the customer service and will definetly visit SpaceNK again very soon.

On that note I did (haha!) on the Saturday as my mum wanted to take me out and treat me. I initially went to John Lewis as they had Clearance and last time I bought a beautiful top from Mango. However this I wasn't satisfied as they had quite a bit of junk!

My mum was like how about some makeup so I agreed. I had just cleared out my makeup and didn't want to buy anything unnecessary but then I remembered that I wondered if they had received the LM Baked Radiance Highlight. Luckily they did so I got that and then my mum (bless her) was like get something else too.

I initially had my eye on the LM Caviar Eyeshadow stick in Amethyst but it was out of stock. Then another beauty advisor recommended By Terry Ombre Black star shadow stick in Misty Rock which was a very similar match just with more sparkle. So I also picked that up too. This time I gave my points to my sister :p as she would have more use here.

I've been treated to a lot of makeup recently so I am thinking that is all for now :p unless anything else catches my eye ;)

Although I do need to get some essentials for when I move to Oman as I don't think I'll be able to find them there. They include Collection Liquid Liner, Barry M Lipgloss in Coral and Bold Eyeliner in Black.

That's all for now. For some reason I can't add the photo from my phone. So I will do it later.

Love & Blessings,
Sara xx

A Belated Ramadan Kareem and an update :)

So I am finally back in the UK, well I've been back now just over 2 weeks and it feels great! I spent a few days in London as I wanted to sort out some things out as well as have a much needed haircut! A few days after arriving home home ( back in Solihull) with my parents and brother, Ramadan started.

I love the month of Ramadan as it's a time for everyone to nourish and strengthen their relationship with God. I believe everyone has their own connection and relationship with God that no one should interfere with or judge.

So far I have kept all but one and alhumdulilah they have actually  been fine. I eat 3 dates and a banana with a glass of milk and also a glass of water and it keeps me going until about 8pm, an hour and half before the fast opens.

Although the day before yesterday I found hard but I think it because I only ate a banana with not enough water. Honestly dates are magical so the day after I went back to them and felt much better!

For those who are fasting and read my blog I hope all is going well for you. I can't believe tomorrow will be the 15th fast. The month really does go quite fast!

Regarding losing weight, I lost like 3lbs in the first few days but since then I've stayed the same which I guess is better than putting on weight. I actually didn't realise how much weight I had put on since returning from Kuwait ( a stone and half) and I'm trying to stay motivated even though the progress is slow. I haven't over eaten at all during these fasts but it could be that I eat so late and don't exercise afterwards. After Ramadan I'm going to have to kick start my exercise routine again to at least lose half a stone.

I've also been helping out at my mom's school 3 days a week with  art planning and also teaching KS2 which has been good. The other 2 days I've been doing odd jobs and getting things ready for my own class.

I hope you all have a lovely summer break and Ramadan Kareem. I have a few posts which will focus on my birthday haul and a review of teaching in Kuwait.

Love and Blessings,
Sara xx

My Makeup Collection: Kuwait

This weekend I stayed in as over the past 2 weeks I have been ill with the flu and my sinuses have been playing up too. It has been quite relaxing as yesterday I decided to oil my hair and leave it in for most of the day and then I applied a hair treatment. I also got down to some making some handmade cards, well I started card #1 for my new collection which I was excited about. Today I cleaned my room a little and then painted my nails using Barry M Gelly Shine in Almond (a purple based grey), a colour I wouldn't normally choose but I like how it is neutral and will go with most colours.

I was actually packing up some thing for home and was going through my makeup when I thought I would snap some photos and do a blogpost on my makeup collection in Kuwait. I have previously blogged about my lip collection so I didn't want to repeat myself and therefore decided to focus on eyeshadows and blushes. 

I will talk about my top 3 eyeshadow palettes:

#1: L'oreal Quad Palette - I find myself packing this beauty on short trips as I can use this for simple daytime and smokey evening looks especially paired with NARS Mekong. I LOVE!

#2: Barry M Pressed Pigment Palette -  I made this palette a few years go when pressing eyeshadows was in. I still make good use out of it when I apply a coloured eyeliner on the bottom lash line, I like to intensify the colour by swiping a colour on top.

#3: Sleek Storm Palette - Out of all the Sleek Palettes I own this is  the one I used the most. It is more of a neutral to smokey palette which I tend to use for 'fresh' daytime looks. I usually opt for the rose gold, pale champagne colours and swipe a slick of black eyeliner on top. Definitely a must have!

R - L: ABH & Tammana Roashan Eyeshadow Palette, Barry M Pressed Pigments Palette, Sleek Storm Palette, Urban Decay Deluxe Eyeshadow Palette, Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette. In the Middle from R - L: L'oreal Quad Palette, MAC Eyeshadow in Honeylust, Nars Single Eyeshadow in Mekong

I will talk about my top 3 blushes:

So I LOVE my blushes big time but looking at my collection I tend to sway more towards natural looking colours like browny-pinks and corals which also mirror my lip collection!

#1: NARS Madly without a doubt! This was my first or second high end blush I bought with the help of my Foundation Queen/Makeup Partner in Crime friend Sheena. It is a browny-pink but really gives you a natural glow. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!

#2: Sleek Suede - this is more of a pink based brown and my favourite Sleek blush. It was limited edition before they made it permanent to their collection and I am so glad they did. I have been wearing this pretty much everyday and people have commented on how lovely it looks. It gives you a pop of colour and really compliments a fresh faced/dewy look. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!

#3: MAC Peaches - I cannot believe I had not seen this blush sooner! I saw this on Sabina's Makeup Addict blog before she switched to documenting her looks on Instagram and it looked really nice and natural. So I took the plunge and bought it here in Kuwait. I have literally used it up until a month ago when I switched to Sleek's Suede. It is a gorgeous light peach that is buildable and again just gives a nice flush of colour to the cheeks. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!

Top Row from L - R:  Sleek Blush in Pan Tao ( much oranger and brighter in real life!), Sleek Blush in Sahara, Sleek Blush in Suede, Nars Blush in Madly, Nars Blush in Torrid
Bottom Row from L - R: MAC Blush in Margin (frost), MAC Blush in Peaches ( sheertone) and Laura Mercier Illuminating Quad in Coral Red.



I hope you enjoyed checking out my collection.

Love & Blessings,

Sara xx

Summer Skincare Regime

I just realised my last post should have been an update on my skincare!

Okay, before I think I posted that my skin is normal but can get dry especially with the air conditioning. So I switched to using The Body Shop Vitamin E range which worked well but then the last 2 months my skin was terrible. I have noticed that within the past year before 'time of the month' I usually get a mofo' of a zit somewhere on my face. I know it's like ' Hey Sara, your period is due soon!' Trust me, it is horrible! But going back to the past 2 months ( March and April) , my skin was not good at all. It was just spotty/bumpy and I am not sure why so the only alternative was to switch up my skincare as the Vitamin E range wasn't doing it for my skin.


Cleanser and Eye Makeup Remover: Soap and Glory Peaches and Cream

Toner: Bioderma Micellar Water ( Pink top)

Moisturiser: Soap and Glory Feel Good Factor Translucent BB Cream

Eye Cream: Soap and Glory You Won't Believe Your Eyes Eye Cream

Exfoliator: Sephora Metamorphosis Exfoliating Powder  ( reminds me of Dermalogica Daily Exfoliant)

Spot Treatment: Boots Tea Tree Night Gel ( I only use this when I have a mofo of a zit and dab it lightly)

Night Moisturiser/Treatment: Superdrug Vitamin E Oil ( I use this every night)

Face Mask: Lush Brazened Honey ( I use this once/twice every 2 weeks)

I have to say I am anal when it comes to removing my makeup at the end of the day. I have my own little routine hence the list above! Alhamdulilah, my skin has been so much better since I have used these products and as well as drinking lots of water.

My skincare consists of a lot of drugstore/high street products which proves that you don't always need to use high end brands.

P.S. I will add photos tomorrow as my phone battery has just died!

Love & Blessings,

Sara xx

Update in Kuwait...10 months on!

So I thought I would post an update on life in Kuwait...10 months on.

I moved to Kuwait in August 2014 after deciding that I wanted to travel and experience the world as well as teach abroad. Fast forward to May 2015, with 3 weeks to go before I return to the UK for the summer I wanted to summarise my first year of living abroad.

So has moving to the Middle East lived up to my expectations?

Well, I will start with the positives.

+ Kuwait offers a very relaxed and laid back lifestyle which I enjoy in comparison to London

+ The opportunity to meet people/colleagues from a range of countries and backgrounds.

+ An excellent hub to travel to a range of destinations

+ Lots of free time to take up hobbies, travel, alternative interests.

+ Weather ( come on 2 months of Winter suits me just fine :p )

Then there are the negatives...

- The quality of education in schools is questionable as lots of schools employ unqualified 'teachers' including the top schools!

- Some expats can have negative attitudes towards the Arabs here which annoys me ( you chose to come here so be respectful of other cultures and people!)

- Kuwaitis can come across as quite a closed off community but once you get talking to them they are fine ( well the ones I have spoken too!)

- If you don't have a circle of friends, life here can be pretty boring.

- Again in comparison to London, there isn't a lot to do here hence why I travel pretty much in my school vacations.

- It's normal to see workers/maids be exploited by some Kuwaitis and even expats ( something I have found very hard to comprehend)

Overall, I am glad that I made the choice to leave the UK  as I now have a work/life balance here which is something that I appreciate greatly. I have also been able to travel around the Middle East and enjoy experiencing a range of Arab cultures which I love! I love the food, music and best of all the hospitality of the people. However I do miss teaching in the UK, there are more expectations and challenges there and above all more structure and organisation.

Would I recommend it to expats?

Everyone has come here for different reasons, but if you enjoy Middle Eastern culture and have travelled before then yes I would say living here is not so bad or elsewhere in the Middle East. In terms of teaching it is a tricky one, because it can go against what you have been taught in teacher training and also against ethics and values. Again that is something I have found challenging as I am here primarily for the children. But if that doesn't bother you then, go for it.

I wouldn't advise someone to come here especially if you are younger and have not travelled as I have noticed that they complain a lot and have found it hard to settle and integrate here and as a result some have done a 'runner' from their job.

At the moment it is Assessment Week at school and then I am pretty certain that most of the kids will leave after then which is fine with me :P All I am doing at the moment is counting down until I am back in the UK. I can't wait to see my family and catch up with my friends :)

Love & Blessings,

Sara xx

What look am I rockin'?...Arab-Folksy Fusion

So yesterday I ventured out with a friend to the movies at Al Hamra Mall and before I went I snapped these pics of my look. I bought a new top at The Avenues the day before and really wanted to wear it. It is a folksy embroidered floaty kaftan with maroon, teal and gold. I also bought a matte turquoise cream liner from Laura Mercier which I LOVE and had to team with the top! Sorry in advance for the photographs, I was in a rush to get downstairs to my taxi so just snap, snap, snapped away hence the lighting is not that great. As always, a breakdown of the products I have used is detailed below.

Double flick on the eyes 

Full Face Photo

Products used:

Face: LM Primer. theBalm Balmshelter TM, theBalm TimeBalm Concealer, MAC Prep+Prime Highlighter in Peach Lustre and Bright Forecast, theBalm Mary Louminizer, ABH Dipbrow Pomade in Chocolate

Cheeks: MAC Peaches Blush, LM Matte Baked Radiance Bronzer in 03

Eyes: LM Creme Eyeliner in Canard (LOVE!) , LM Eyelash Curler, Benefit Roller Lash, NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk

Lips: MAC Sweet and Sour Lipstick, Barry M Lipgloss in Coral ( LOVE this combo!)

Et voila my signature pose :P !

I hope you enjoyed the blogpost! My next one will be focussing on my 'Summer Skincare' regime and an update on theBalm Balmshelter :)

Love & blessings,

Sara xx

The Review: theBalm Balmshelter Tinted Moisturiser

The Product: the Balm 'Balmshelter' Tinted Moisturiser

The Background:

As mentioned previously, I was on the hunt for a more affordable tinted moisturiser comparable to the quality of my current LM one. I had heard positive reviews about a lot of theBalm products. I now own 4 products: tinted moisturiser, concealer, mary-louminizer and read my lips lipgloss. Today I will just be focussing on the tinted moisturiser.

So I went along to Marina Mall as there is a small make up counter there and I swatched away. The lighting was not good at all and in hindsight I probably should have walked around the mall to see what it looked like in different lights. Anyways, I ended up purchasing the tinted moisturiser in Medium/Dark and also purchased the Timebalm concealer in Medium/Dark.

The Review:

I have been wearing this consistently for about a week now, I probably should have given it more time but since the original Kuwaiti weather is returning I thought let's see how it holds. I wear it the same as my Laura Mercier although I tried it on different days with primer and without and to be honest there were no difference at all.

On application it blends well and feels lovely and lightweight something which Laura Mercier's is not but it provides light - mid light coverage which isn't that buildable. I did layer it too but again it did not provide enough cover for minor blemishes whereas LM also doesn't cover them but blends them out.

The concealer I bought to go with it blended in nicely and the look at the end was similar to how I look after applying Laura Mercier however it does not last long at all and goes slightly patchy on me.

The Verdict:

So overall, the positives are that it comes in a 64ml for 11KD which is very reasonable and the consistency is silky smooth as well as application. It really blends into my skin well and it is a perfect match!

However I really wanted to love this moisturiser more but it doesn't deliver in terms of wearability which is a big factor for me. It stays on my skin for a good 4 hours before it goes slightly patchy which is not a good look when you're out for the day! I am not one to take a bag of make up outside with me and touch up wherever I go, I mean who has that time when you are enjoying yourself with your friends?! ( Don't get me wrong I do take a lipstick but that's it really!)

Anyways, like I said it blends well and as you can see in the pictures it leaves my skin looking glowing and flawless but in this Kuwati heat unfortunately this tinted moisturiser is a no-no. I forgot to mention it also only give an SPF coverage of 12 which is very low compared with Laura Mercier's SPF20 which mean I am rating this product at a 6/10 which is a such a shame!

It looks like I will be going back to Laura Mercier after all, it is amazing. I don't know why I want to always find an alternative - it must be the makeup addict in me :P

Love & Blessings,

Sara xx