30 Sept 2017

BOURJOIS ROUGE VELVET LIPSTICK | BEAUTY

VELVETY HEAVEN ON MY LIPS!

Bourjois recently sent me their FULL collection of Rouge Velvet (did you know that in Arabic we say Rouge for lipstick too?). I have to be honest in saying I wasn't expecting too much from a hughstreet brand when I comes to lipsticks. I either find that they're not matte enough, too sticks or don't last very long at all. I love Bourjois blushers and eyeshadows so I decided to give them a chance with the rouge.

First up, packaging and design. I think the packaging has been designed really well to be honest, It may have been nice to have included exteriors which reflect the matte/velvet interior, however one must respect that their aim is to keep prices low for the consumer. More importantly is the shape of the lipstick on this occasion.


The lipstick are much narrower than usual lippies and also the tips are 'U' shaped rather than the usual 45 degree angle, which means the lipstick hugs and contours the shape of your lips which makes it glide on, and you only really need to go over one area of lip once for a decent product coverage.


Pigmentation and finish are the two most important things for me in lip products. Bourjois surprised me in creating one which meets my rouge demands, theres a shade for everyone.



Bourjois have created undertone heaven. I personally prefer blue undertones but theres literally one for all occasions and all preferences.


   

Bourjois Miraculous Contour Universal Lip Liner has a barrier effect to prevent any lipstick bleed or feather (which you won't usually get with these lipsticks). The twist-up pencil smooths and blurs lips and lip contour for a primer effect and its transparent texture suits all colours of lipsticks. It gives a smooth finish which allows those with smaller lips to conceal their natural lip line for over-drawing and gives the appearance of fuller lips.
How to use: Apply all over the lips for a smoothing primer action or just as a contour to prevent lipstick from feathering.


BUY HERE | www.bourjois.co.uk

28 Sept 2017

SWAAF LONDON | STREETWEAR FESTIVAL


Although I opted out of Fashion week this season, I entertained an idea out of my comfort zone. STREETWEAR festival. I know what you're all thinking, my outfit choices are anything BUT streetwear however this is not to say that I do not admire alternative fashion choices, plus it did sound like the perfect opportunity to meet young and growing streetwear brands.



There were SO many goodies we were spoilt with, my favourites included @bexfast AMAZING healthy breakfast alternatives made by founder Bex walker. She makes delicious, raw, whole food, Vegan, Dairy free, Preservative free goodness. I had the pleasure of trying the Caramel Crunch and Cacao and Raspberry. They're basically these amazing oat cakes packed full of nutrients, the basis of each pot is made up of : oats, coconut rice milk, & fresh fruit. A few of my favourite things in one.


If you've started healthy eating or would like to then please check out @bexfast because her treats are to die for without the guilt attached. I'm pleased to say that I have now eliminated almost all foods containing preservatives, and my diet is very nearly 100% organic, but thats another story, for another post.


One of my favourite brands which was showcasing was @Road140. They had a pretty cool 90's vibe with many things I like and can associate with and made them into their own by adding their London fingerprint to each piece. 


'Grime' Theft Auto. 'G.a.n.g.G.a.n.g' in the place of 'F.r.i.e.n.d.s'. Wheres 'Wiley' in place of 'Wally'. Such an awesome take on childhood memories and an excellent play on words.


I especially loved their Nike Air trainers with the names of London rappers in place of tube station names.Apparently Giggs has promoted these and they've had a lot of interest. I'm not a fan of the trainers per say however I do love the concept which I believe they've made into a t-shirt as well.



The last photo is with one of my sisters from another mister. It was also her birthday the day of the event, and we both agreed it was a real treat to see such talent and enjoy a great breakfast!



22 Sept 2017

THE BEST BRUNCH SPOT IN LONDON | SKETCH

- "The most Instagram-able restaurant in London"

If you follow me on Instagram you may well have seen this magical place which I recently enjoyed brunch at - SKETCH. I would go as far as to say its my favourite brunch spot in London. You may well have seen the pink afternoon tea room photographed to the extreme all over social media but I'm telling you, THE GLADE room is where its at. The carpet is overgrown to look like mossy grass blades, the walls are art in themselves, moving lights dance all over the room, the interior is a cocktail of coronial chic, vanitas, and an Alice in wonderland setting.




DRINKS
We started our brunch date with a bottle of water - served with lemon and ice (I do this everywhere I go, more so as a palette cleanser than anything else) then we feasted our eyes upon the Non-Alcoholic section on the drinks manu. To be honest we were pleasantly surprised this section existed, usually I have to order a cocktail and ask for it to be made non-alcoholic! We went for The Frooibos - which consists of ginger, pomegranate, blueberries, elderflower,rooibos tea & The Cha Spritz - This was a cocktail of apple, lime, ginger, cucumber, orange and honey droplets. Both drinks were SO refreshing, and lasted the entirety of brunch - another rarity. 



TO START THE DAY
Emmental, Gauda, cheddar cheese, crackers and apple jelly - one of the quirkiest looking starters I've feasted my eyes on. Cheese is totally my jam, this is a good alternative to a filling cheeseboard. There was enough to share and again portions were perfect, simply divine. Our second starter was the Avocado, grapefruit, pink madagascan, prawns and Wasabi mayonnaise - this is perhaps one of the best prawn starters I've had. it wasn't too fussy, it's exactly what is said on the menu - which is what i love about sketch. There aren'tfancy names which require explanations, just good food, atmosphere and presentation.


 

MAINS
The food was amazing, dish by dish was coming from the kitchen, and it became apparent that the experience as a whole was an art form. I'm all for splashing out on experiences and I have to say sketch is worth every penny. My friend and I both know what we love so when it came to mains neither of us wanted to compromise and try something different so we both ended up with Two poached eggs, with scottish smoked salmon, toasted sourdough and sliced avacado as an extra on the side.



HOME MADE PATISSERIES
Crackpot - black forest dark chocolate shell filled with vanilla chantilly and chocolate foam, cocoa biscuit, and crumble griottines - this cake was as delicious as it's description. Not too chocolate-y that it's sickly and just the right amount of layering to have alternate rich flavours, so divine.

Iranian Pistacchio macaron, fresh mint macaron - In my world, the best way to finish off any meal is with macarons, they're super light, delicious and give the perfect amount of sugar kick to end a divine brunch. SKETCH also offer hot beverages which you can check out on the menu link at the bottom of this post. The Iranian pistachio was definitely the winner, pistachio conquers all. We also had a delicious Caramel birthday cake which was SO good.




The thing I look for in restaurants (besides good food - of course) is great customer service. From the minute we arrived to the minute we left the service was impeccable. The staff are really cool, down to earth and do not shy away from being personal and holding great conversation. They're literally dressed in the most amazing outfits to reflect the vision of each room and surprised my friend (who's birthday it was) with a candle and cake at dessert - all without prompt.

AND if you've ever wanted to pee in an EGG then this is your spot!



Reservations :+44 (0) 20 7659 4500 | Menus : Here| www.sketch.london 


3 Sept 2017

EXPERIMENTAL PERFUME CLUB | THINGS TO DO IN LONDON


I was invited to join and afternoon of perfumery at the Experimental Perfume Club with The Blogger Programme with fellow bloggers and scent fans! Having lived in London for 5 years I thought I had exhausted all of its exciting new things to try. I'm always surprised to discover that there are more delights.

The EPC Lab is a working perfume creative studio located in East London. They develop fragrances for brands and individuals and provide the perfect environment for people to experiment with scents.

The EPC Lab hosts a number of monthly perfume-making workshops and one-to-one private tuition, as well as open-access perfumery sessions. If you've been following my social media for some time, you'll know I am scent crazy... I'm a die-hard Oud bather and LOVE trying new rich perfumes. 

    

So we were invited to participate in a short perfume workshop which lasted roughly about an hour. It's long enough to make you want to learn more about perfumery, yet short enough to keep it exciting, and straight to the point. There are various options to select from online and Emanuelle (the owner and founder) has a sea of knowledge ready to share. 


LE PETIT PARFUM WORKSHOP
THIS IS PERFECT if you want to create your very own bespoke scent within a limited time. During this workshop you find out your scent profile and make your own blend, this blend recipe can be then used to reorder your scent in a 50ml bottle.

This is the perfect opportunity to get your girls together and have a sophisticated day in London.

   

I loved the quirkiness of the Lab along with all the personalised little areas with splashes of yellow and injection of all things nature related.


WHAT DO YOU TAKE FROM LE PETIT PARFUM WORKSHOP? 
• A newly awakened nose & new found perfume knowledge
• Your very own perfume-making workbook filled with fragrance facts & information
• A lab bottle filled with your own bespoke fragrance that you name on the day (take home a 12ml lab bottle & re-order 50ml bottles using your own recipe)
• Your finished perfume formula


To help each and every single one of us discover our scent profile, we were each given 9 scent notes. Some of these scents were earthy, others zesty and some leathery. We decided which scents we liked (in order of preference) and numbered them. These preferences later became the basis of our personalised perfume.


OPEN TO THE PUBLIC:
Every other Wednesdays for open-lab sessions
Two or three Saturdays a month for workshops and masterclasses
Any time of the week for one-to-one appointments
Any time during the week to welcome private groups and corporate
We are closed on Sundays and Mondays
FIND US: in East London at 4 Netil Lane, London E8 3RL, a short distance from Broadway Market & Bethnal Green underground station.
Since creating and wearing my perfume I have recieved so many compliments on my fragrance. I cannot wait to re-order mine as soon as my 12ml is all out (at the rate my friends and I are using it - its going to be soon). If you ever get the chance make sure you book yourselves into a workshop.

www.experimentalperfumeclub.com | @experimentalperfumelab