USA Haul!

Hey! First things first no I didn't jet to the States :( but I managed to order a few things via a mail service called My Mall Box. YouTube beauty blogger Shahleena has mentioned this company in a lot of her videos and I was tempted none the less to try it out.

I signed up to My Mall Box for free and they supplied me with an address based in the USA. All I had to do was order what I wanted from the various USA retailers, input my address and wait for it to be delivered there. Initially I ordered a few bits of makeup and then I also ordered some school supplies and some accessories. Once ordered and shipped My Mall Box update you when the have received your package. After you've got all of them you can either choose to send them individually or all together to where ever you are based. You have to pay a shipping charge of course and also customs too. Mine wasn't so bad!

So I received my first USA package last month and I was pretty impressed. They packaged it all well into one box and apart from a retractable eyeliner that could have been broken before it got to them everything else was great!

Lately I've been watching a lot of YouTube videos on mastering eyeshadow looks as I do like to wear it especially when I'm not working as I have more time to spend on a look. There have been lots of new 'indie' companies about which specialise in one type of product or have a niche range too. A few of these are for example: Gerard Cosmetics, Colour Pop and Dose of Colours.

The hype at the moment has been liquid lipsticks and in particular matte ones. If I have to be honest I am definitely more of a gloss girl. But! I have been really into matte lipsticks since I bought Serenity and Valley Slipper from Gerard Cosmetics last summer in the UK via Beauty Bay. I love how effortless the application is and also how natural looking they look (obviously depending on the colour!)

I won't bore you with all the details but just a brief summary of what I bought. I'm still trying them out at the moment and I'd rather wait and test them before rating them completely.

My USA Haul:

Dose of Colours Bare with Me lipgloss and eyedeal duos
Koko Lashes
Lily Ghalichi Lashes
Gerard Cosmetics hydra matte liquid lipsticks, lipstick, lipgloss
Stila smudgeproof eyeliner in Turquoise
Korres eyeliner in Periwinkle 
Makeup Geek eyeliners and eyeshadows
Carli Bybel Palette
Colour Pop Eyeshadows
Go Noodle school resources
Quay Sunglasses

It's great that customers all over the world can use this system to pick up American brands, especially drugstore and these indie brands as there is so much more of a variety than the UK.

I would definitely use My Mall Box again maybe now as a birthday treat :p hehehe We'll see!

Hope you enjoyed reading :)

Sara xx

Ravin' up: Kiehls

Aah I had to rave up this brand as I'm a new convert and I am SO impressed. Last year 2 of my friends were telling me about Kiehls and whilst I was happy that the found a great brand I was pretty sure I would be sticking to my lovely Soap and Glory skincare products. So I did some research on eyecreams and whilst in the States last summer I picked up two eye products, Eye depuffer and Eye Alert which are aimed at men but women can use them too :p I was really happy after using them for a few months especially Eye Alert and the time came for me to repurchase once I was back home for Winter break as Kiehls is not available in Oman but only in the UAE. So the kind sales assistant popped in a few samples after I said I was interested in serums.

Fast forward and I tried out those sample which were the Hydro plumping serum and line reducing concentrate. My skin literally changed to being more radiant and flawless and smooth in the first week. So when I was in Dubai I decided to change up my skincare routine.

#1 Kiehls Hydro Plumping Retexturising Serum Concentrate
This is a lightweight, silky  smooth serum which you only need a pea sized amount of to moisturise into your face and neck. I apply this after I have washed my face and then I leave it for about 10 minutes before applying the next product. It instantly rejuvenates your skin and looks so radiant.

#2 Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream

This is thicker than the serum but still lightweight and I apply this after the serum as my main moisturiser. I tend to have some small dry patches either on my forehead or chin at times and this really targets these areas. I use this in the morning and evening.

#3 Kiehls  Line Reducing Eye Brightening Concentrate

I actually used the Powerful Line Reducing Concentrate as a sample on my skin and under my eyes and loved it. But opted for the Eye version because I wanted to focus and look after my eye area. I do like it and it does make a difference but I think I will purchase the Line Reducing one too.

I bought these with 2 other products ( tumeric and cranberry masque and the micro dermabrasion exfoliator). The 3 products above are my holy grail skincare products I like to use on my skin and the serum even doubles up as a primer too as I've found my makeup lasts longer when applied.

Kiehls is a high quality skincare brand that I wish I'd known about sooner but nevertheless I know about them now and will continue to use them. I am eyeing up their toner as I absolutely loved the milkiness and freshness of their Ultra Facial Toner.  That means either another trip to Dubai or waiting until I return to the UK for the summer.

I hope this blog/review was useful to you.

Love & Blessings,

Sara xx

What Look Am I Rockin'?...Peachy Perfect

Today was supposed to be a make up free day but I had the urge to try out a peach look with my new purchase from Inglot, pearl eyeshadow #15. I've explained below how I achieved this look.

First I hunted through my make up stash for a base colour and ended up using my Sleek Pan Tao blush which is a matte bright orange colour.

Then I primed my lids with NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk. After I used my RT base eyeshadow brush to apply a Pan Tao on my kids.  Next I took MAC Rice paper and applied it to my brow bone and inner corners to make them glow. I took Ingot #15 and applied it from the middle towards the end of my lash line and lid. I dampened my brush a little to intensify it. Lastly I used a Sleek coppery brown I believe from the Sunset palette in my outer V. I really liked the outcome.

To complete my eye makeup I add Morphe Lashes in #202 to give my eyes a bit of drama and applied a slick of Collection liquid eyeliner in black over the top.

On my face I used the Garner BB cream and to conceal MAC'S peach lustre highlighter, Giorgio Armani Master concealer in 2.5 and Garnier eye contour in light. I contoured with the ABH original palette and intensified this by using LM Matte Radiance Baked Bronzer in 03. Then I applied NARS Blush in Torrid to make my whole look 'pop'! For highlighting I used BECCA'S Shimmering Skin Perfector in Champagne Pop. I LOVE Jacyln's creation it's just SO pretty!

To finish off I applied Gérard Cosmetics Serenity which I love! I'm actually feelin ' matte lipsticks a lot more these days I think because they have more staying power than my usual lippie and gloss.

You'll see I've included another photo whereby I took my lashes off as for some reason since I cooked my eyes have been crazily watering. Anyways I also changed my lippie and tried Kat Von D's Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Beloved - such a summery shade!

I hope you enjoyed reading my blog.

Love & Blessings,

Sara xx

Inglot Haul: Inglot Pearl Eyeshadow #15, Inglot Gel liner 94, Inglot Body Sparkles 64                 

Close up of eyeshadows

Complete Peachy Perfect Look with GC's Serenity Hydra Matte Liquid Lipstick

Peachy Look with Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Beloved

Travel Diaries #6 Sri Lanka

Last week during my Spring break, I visited Sri Lanka. I booked with PL Tours and Travels for a 4 day, 3 night tour which included Pinnawala, Dambulla, Sirigya, Kandy (brief stopover), Ramboda, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Tissa, Hikkaduwa, Galle and Unawatuna.

It was a solo tour as I tend to travel by myself most of the time. As a female traveller in Sri Lanka I felt safe for most part of my trip apart from during Yala National Park when my safari guide was being way too friendly and weird! But on the whole I had a lovely experience.

My driver/guide was lovely as he was accommodation and friendly and was open about talking about Sri Lanka and it's history and how it has changed. The country is absolutely stunning. It's like a huge jungle but with a vast landscape too and the land is so richly fertile in gorgeous shades of green. Honestly I loved it.

I can't say which was my favourite as all the parts are so different but I did enjoy seeing Asian elephants and Turtle rescue centre, the tea plantations/factory, the waterfalls were amazing and Unawatuna beach was stunning! The people were so lovely too and we're always smiling.

I was so glad I visited as it was recommended by my friends in Kuwait who had been last year. It is definitely a country worth visiting for its beauty ♡

Moi at Sirgya Rock

Asian Elephants at Pinawalla Orphanage

Tea Pickers on a tea plantation

Ramboda Waterfalls

Lake Gregory, Nuwara Eliya

Ella Waterfalls

View from my hotel in Tissa

Peacock at Yala National Park

Fisherman on the Sri Lanka coast

Sea Turtle Farm, Hikaduwwa

Galle Fort

Overlooking the Indian Ocean at lunch, Unawatuna

The Review: Lilac Beauty Center, Al Khuwair

The background: I can't remember how I found this salon, it may have just been a Google search! It's actually in the same building as Majlis Al Henna but they occupy a larger space and there are 2 floors. I believe the first floor or ground floor is for makeup application and the lower/basement floor is for manicures, etc and massages.

The review: I really like this salon as it's very inviting and the layout is simple but quite chic and relaxing too. I went in for a regular manicure and pedicure and thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend this place to others. It's a reasonable price. I think I paid maybe between 12 - 15 OMR  for both services and the girls were so sweet. I felt like they were more thorough than in Tips and Toes. Their nail colour collection is all Alessandro International based but they do have a good and extensive shade range too and they offer shellac which is great.

The rating: Overall I have given them a 8.5/10 as they provided very good service. The receptionists were friendly and polite. They had a lot of availability and were acoomodating too. The services I had were of a very good to excellent standard and I felt so relaxed whilst sitting down. I have been about 2 - 3 times and will continue to visit too.

The photo below is actually from a visit when I had a ring finger shellac mani applied in navy blue and gold to match the henna I got at Majis Al Henna.

Travel Diaries #5 On Safari in Kenya

During my February break, I travelled to Kenya to go on a safari in the Maasai Mara and Lake Nakaru. Prior to my trip I had researched a lot of safaris, as I wanted something inclusive of accomodation and meals, with a feel of the culture there too not forgetting my budget too.

I used Tripadvisor and Safari Bookings and I eventually chose Terminal Tours who were based in Nairobi. The communication with them was great and they met my every need. I had to transfer 30 USD to them to secure my place on the safari which initially I was a bit weary of as I had read mixed reviews of the company.  But it all was fine.

I was met at the airport by Debbie who was lovely and we started chatting about so many things straight away! Then oh my goodness we sat in about 2 hours of traffic before we got to their office. Honestly I don't think the Middle East can beat African traffic as it's literally standstill! After I got to their office I paid them the outstanding money and then they gave me enough water for the 4 days and 3 nights. I was then taken by Nelson to the bus where I would start the 5 hour journey to the Maasai Mara. I met the driver/guide who was lovely. Along the way we picked up the rest of the people on the tour and as you do we all got chatting and it was cool because we got all just hit it off.

So just to let you know I was in the Maasai Mara for 2 and a half days and Lake Nakaru for 1 and a half days and it was enough time to be honest to see the animals.  We all stayed in tents woth a bathroom and shower which was actually fine and then in the morning and evening we would eat in the main tent.

I was literally amazed everytime we were out on safari as I love animals. I saw lionesses and their cubs, African elephants, warthogs, zebras, wildebeest, a leopard and a lion in a tree, lots of types of birds, African buffalo, jackal, black rhino, giraffes, gazelles, crocodiles, hippos and so much more! It was just WOW to see them in their natural habitats.

Our group was such a laugh as we had a great sense of humour. As we entered the park we were humming the tune of Jurassic Park lol! Then throughout the safari we must have made so many references and jokes about the Lion King haha!

Overall I had an amazing experience on safari and would so do it again perhaps in Tanzania next time though which is basically on the other side of the Maasai Mara. Or I could revisit to see the spectacular Wildebeest migration.

I would definitely recommend using Terminal Tours to go on safari!

Love & Blessings,
Sara xx

Cute Zebras

Black Rhino at Lake Nakuru

African Elephant

Lioness with her cubs!

Giraffe at Maasai Mara, early morning game drive

Sunset on the Maasai Mara

MAJOR DXB Beauty Haul!

Earlier this year I was in need of a short break from Oman so I decided to jet off to Dubai for the day. Yes for the day! I left in the morning and arrived in time to have breakfast at my favourite eatery 'Social House' at Dubai Mall. Then I spent a couple of hours restocking some of my beauty products before I returned home.

I have listed the products I purchased below and yes it's a lot because here in Oman they don't have many good quality beauty brands. I wish they would at least open a Sephora but anyways day trips to Dubai will have to do once in a while!

I've also noted in brackets any repurchases but this haul.is mainly full of new products as I've wanted to try them out or switch up in my beauty collection.

Beauty Products:
NARS Radiant Concealers in Custard & Ginger
BENEFIT Girl Meets Pearl Highlighter
KAT VON D Liquid Lipstick in Requiem
UD All Nighter Setting Spray
UD 24/7 Liner in Sabbath
NAILS INC Nail Polish in Regents St
ESSIE Nail Polish in Topless and Barefoot
MAC Lipstick in Sunny Seoul
MUFE Lipstick in N40
Too Faced Lipstick in Taffy
Vintage 'Natural' Eyelashes
Impress on Nails in French Manicure and Design
Boots Nail Glue
Clip on Sponge Roll for hair

Skincare Products:
Kiehls Ultra Moisturiser
Kiehls Hydro Plump Serum
Kiehls line Reducing Eye Brightener
Kiehls Tumeric Face Mask
Kiehls Micro Dermbrasion Exfoilator
Sephora Rose Mask
Sephora Honey Mask

Beauty tools:
Real Techniques Blush Brush
Sephora Powder Puffs
Laura Mercier Eyelash Curler (repurchase)

Hope you've enjoyed reading.

Love & Blessings,

Sara xx