From the other side of mirror: November 2016

Monday, 28 November 2016

Tale of 3-day Fashion Extravaganza called Hum Bridal Couture Week 2016

I have been trying to be regular in my posting and have been true to my vows for the a couple of weeks now but then i Haven't posted on the weekend and my instagram feed looks like a monotonous amalgam of ramp videos. Thanks to my utterly disappointing phone camera, they don't look good. The thing is, I have been busy in the ongoing Bridal Couture Week by Hum TV and man hats off to the people who got o fashion weeks regularly ! How do you guys keep up with all the craziness there ?? And those time delays ? Please don't ask how I was kicking myself for being an hour late and the show started 3 hours after the due time ? Nope not talking about it -__-

So while being there and witnessing everything , Here is my take on the three days . No this is not a regular HITS & MISSES post , Just random stuff that went on there , few of the pieces that actually caught my eye , with no picture of myself (Shame on me !) and just my ramblings as usual . So LETS GO !

RED CARPET :

Red Crapet is one place for which everyone dresses to impress . You can see some major style statements going on the red carpet at every event and some make you look at the mirror and kick your own but for being not that skinny (CONFESSION) . So while I was really really looking forward to some divas showing up those statement cuts and colors with those jewelry pieces that make you wanna throw your Shadi ka Zewar and buy them , I saw none :( I am serious , I don't know if I just missed it or people are now just fed up of dressing up for the Last Fashion week of the year (that makes it 6th in the year , yup we have six fashion weeks in Pakistan , will talk about it later )

So nothing major went on the red carpet to be honest so i'll pass it

DAY 1:

There were around 8 designers exhibiting on day 1 (or 7 ?) and to be honest there was hardly anything memorable about them . I liked a few individual pieces from a few collections as they were absolutely stunning and I am posting them below . Please note that these choices are personally ,wholly ,solely my own , I have nothing against anyone and of course you don't have to agree either . Just putting out a disclaimer before anyone takes my words to heart and start bombarding me with death threats :D

Zonia Anwar

These 2 particular pieces from Zonia Anwar's showcase caught my eye majorly because of the color combinations . I absolutely love the timeless combination of black and gold and with the incorporation of black velvet the feel was absolutely regal !

The Bottle Green velvet shawl in the second one has the most intricate and beautiful design and with the backdrop of a muted ivory it was a piece to remember . All the winter brides take notes ! Do add a velvet shawl with your bridal dress to just amp that OOMPH and make it look regal to the next level .

Iman Ali for Ivy Couture

Rest of the collections went a bit meeh for me BUT did you know Iman Ali walked for Ivy Couture ! The said designers know how to make a Debut for sure . Whatever and how ever the collection was , Iman Ali's presence worked like a charm.

Day 2:

Day 2 had some well known names int he line up and it gave us hope that the showcase is going to be much much better this time and yes it was !

Anees Malik

The Shawls incorporated by Anees Malik in his Bridal designs was remarkable . I fell in love with all those beautiful shawls and their hues that made them perfect to be worn with the bridal wear and even pairing them up with a monochrome dress would just make a statement . Definitely one of those pieces that you would want to have in your wardrobe to perk up those winter wedding without freezing to the core !

Chinyere

Chinyere gave us a diverse color palette ranging from some typical colors to some multi colored Mehndi appropriate attires. I am a sucker for those multicolored gold printed lehngas and found a perfect blue in the collection . Over all I was left quite impressed by the whole collection

Day 3 :

Day 3 had been the most happening one of all ranging from some amazing designs , major celebrity appearances ,long delays and yes some power packed performances , Oh and that Finale was AH-MA-ZING ! No literally ,I was absolutely in love with the whole concept and the bunch load of Showstoppers . Amir Adnan definitely knows how to make a Finale GRAND ! Since we are on it,Lets discuss the Finale first and then some of those pieces that I loved .

Amir Adnan

The Grand Finale started with some amazing waltz performance followed by celebrity couples showing some moves , among them were Mr & Mrs Moamar Rana , Redah Misbah & Shammal Qureshi , Mr & Mrs. Ahmed Ali Butt , Junaid Khan & Sara Mikaal , Mr & Mrs. Rehan Babar , Mehreen Raheel & Sarmad Sultan Khoosat , Tapu Javeri , Momal Sheikh & Agha Ali and many others . Loved watching them shaking some leg to those beats and giving those Finale feels . The instrumental of Wake Me Up - Avicii just just perfect to set the pace.

Moamar Rana with Wife - Amir Adnan

Ahmed Ali Butt & Fatima Khan - Amir Adnan

Mr & Mrs. Rehan Babar - Amir Adnan

Anoushay Asad & Saleem Sheikh - Amir Adnan

Mehreen Raheel & Sarmad Khoosat- Amir Adnan

Amir Adnan

Ziggi Menswear

Among the designers , Ziggi Menswear showcased an amazing collection in both Eastern and Western Formal wear for men . Though I had this feeling that the Sherwanis have somewhat similar look as HSY's ,but still the intricate work on them was beautiful . This particular Blue coat had my heart whole night and I loved how subtle gold looked on that navy blue giving those royal feels .

Among the Grand Couturiers, Elan stood out and showcased amazing designs both for men and women . However these particular designs carried by the duo Cybil Chaudry and Jahan e Khalid was beautiful . The impeccable work on Cybil's dress from the Palias Indocine collection has our heart ever since the showcase and I love how those peach and bottle green stands out on that steel grey

Grand Couturiers ft. Elan

The Dragon fly pattern on the Sherwani and matching draped shawl was a stunner . Though I normally despise the work on menswear but this one was something I would want on a man's dress if he wants it to be embellished. To be honest , I like the pattern too much that I might want it on my dress too ! I love dragon flies ^_^
The other pieces in Elan's collection were stunning as well , but the men's wear was beautiful in particular .

To be honest , there was a lot of repetition of patterns and colors . I was hoping to see some innovation but I guess when there are half a dozen of Fashion weeks happening in the same year and most of them showcasing bridal wear , its pretty hard for the designers to come up with something new . However , it was nice to see shalwars and ghararas make a come back this time and wearable cuts being used. Abandoning some weird cuts and using male models as a prop is a breath of fresh air and is much welcomed by everyone.

This was all about the Hum Bridal Couture Week 16 and my take on it . If you had been following , do let me know which designs you liked and which things just put you off .

*Picture Credits: HUM PR , Ebuzz Today Facebook Page, Fashion Gossip Facebook Page

Pucker up Matte with L.A Pro Matte Flat Pigment Gloss - Review

Its been a while that Matte liquid lipsticks have been trending and it seems to extend into 2017 too . Even though people have started to experiment with metallic lips , glitter lips and also glossy shades , but in the end of the day , Matte finish lipsticks are everyone's go to thing . I have given into this trend pretty late and have been hooked ever since. All of my lipsticks have been replace by Liquid lipstick tubes on the vanity and are used (and abused) regularly .
Since I always gravitate towards the drugstore items, I have had my eyes on L.A Girl Matte Flat Pigment Gloss for a long time but due to reasons unknown , I wasn't able to get them. So, finally when I got it , naturally it was a nude AGAIN. If you follow me regularly , you would always see me wearing a nude or a dull pink because choices and also I don't think I carry dark colors so well .So, I got this and here is my take on this :

L.A Girl Matte Flat Finish Pigment Gloss:

Blurring the lines between lipstick and lip gloss, Matte Pigment Gloss has become a favorite of makeup artists, bloggers and fans. Available in 16 bold shades that provide rich and intense color in a flat finish for all day wear. The long wearing formula goes on as a highly pigmented liquid and dries to a flat matte finish, for a gorgeous velvety perfection that last and lasts.

How To Use
Apply a thin coat evenly on lips and let dry. Re-apply as desired. Formula is fast drying and long wearing. To remove lipgloss, use an oil based makeup remover.

My Experience :

L.A Girl Matte Flat Finish Pigment Gloss- Fleur

The L.A Girl Matte Pigment Gloss comes in a screw tube that is smaller and stubbier than a regular gloss tube . I really like how its lid is all matte black and it has a printed tube with the color of the product showing through,it really makes its easy to spot it when you are in a hurry . The applicator is flat from both sides ,rather than the standard doe-foot applicator which makes it super easy to use as you just need one swipe from each side to cover your lips completely .The packaging is really sturdy and travel friendly ,so thumbs up for it !

L.A Girl Matte Flat Finish Pigment Gloss- Fleur

Now coming to the actual product. The Matte flat pigment gloss has a unique mousse like texture that glides on super easily. Being super pigmented , it doesn't need layering up and applies evenly . It comes in 16 shades and the one that I have is named "FLEUR". The shade is a pretty Nude peach. Though people say the pigmentation varies from shade to shade , I have found this one to have an even and smooth application . once applied , it dries really quickly and gives a matte finish that doesn't look dry at all and neither does it feel dry on the lips .Since it has a mousse-y texture ,it does not accentuate fine lines or dry patches over the lips ,but still I would suggest you use lips scrub and moisturize them well before application for a better result.

The staying power is really good stays on a good 6-7 hours on me without eating and drinking. It does't feel heavy on the lips at all and formula is really comfortable. Since its texture is airy and foamy sort , when you press the lips too hard, they will get that sticky feeling and it gets transferred in patches. Now ,I don't find it to be an issue as none of us would be smacking their lips that hard to experience this.

L.A Girl Matte Flat Finish Pigment Gloss- Fleur

The product is little bit transferable ,and you might see it on the edge of your cup after a good steamy cup of coffee.

Its really easy to take off. I prefer using a wet wipe or my much trusted Garnier Miceller Water to take it off and it comes off without any tugging or rubbing

All in all , I am really enjoying the unique formula of this pigment gloss. It doesn't get bone dry and make your lips parched as a desert and stays on for a long time, which in my opinion is a win-win situation.

Swatch:

L.A Girl Matte Flat Finish Pigment Gloss- Fleur

Thumbs Up For :

Affordable

Easily Available

16 gorgeous shades to choose from

Sturdy Packaging

Double sided flat applicator

Mousse texture

Pigmented

Applies Evenly

Doesn't accentuate lines and dry patches

Doesn't feel Dry or Heavy after application

Long Lasting

Comes off Easily

Thumbs Down For:

Darker colors might apply patchy

Sticky feeling upon smacking

Transferable

My Rating :

Personally,I absolutely love the formula and have no problem of retouches but if you are looking for a super long lasting dead matte formula ,this might not be your thing .

Price and Availability:

The LA Girl Matte Flat Finish Pigment Gloss is available for 6$ at the L.A Girl WEBISTE . In Pakistan, you can easily get these pigment glosses from their facebook page of L.A Girl Cosmetics Pakistan for PKR 700/- each .

HAVE YOU TRIED THESE PIGMENT GLOSSES BY L.A GIRL COSMETICS YET ? HOW DO YOU FIND THE FORMULA? DO YOU KNOW ANY OTHER MATTE FORMULAS THAT ARE SIMILAR? DO LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS BELOW. x

Clean it all up with Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water - Review

Lets juts admit , as much as we like putting on makeup , it kills us to take it off in the end ! I am such a lazy bum when it comes to skin care especially cleansing . Having the most crazy skin ,which throws a tantrum in the form of pimples whenever I put on some cream based anything . No seriously , have you ever had a pimple popping its head within like 30 minutes after you apply something new ? If you have you will know I am not exaggerating .
But as soon I realized the oblivion of approaching 30's ( which is a few years away) I knew I had to take care of my skin and move my lazy arse because ain't no one coming home to give me a spa treatment !while browsing around for cleansers , I stumbled upon this Garnier Miceller Cleansing Water which is hypo-allergenic water based cleanser and it has been quite a rage these days .Intrigued by the idea , I gave it a go and here is the verdict !

Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Makeup Remover & Cleanser

All-in-1 Makeup Remover & Cleanser Removes makeup + cleanses + refreshes. No rinse, no harsh rubbing. For face, lips, eyes.

This all-in-1 cleanser is surprisingly powerful yet gentle to skin. It effectively removes makeup, cleanses skin and refreshes. A multi-purpose cleanser that contains Micellar technology. Like a magnet, micelles capture and lift away dirt, oil and makeup without harsh rubbing, leaving skin perfectly clean, hydrated and refreshed without over-drying.

Results:

Suprisingly Powerful yet Gentle to Skin with Micellar Technology. Like a magnet, micelles capture and lift away dirt, oil and makeup without harsh rubbing, leaving skin perfectly clean and refreshed without over-drying.

Micelle Technology Explained

THE SCIENCE BEHIND OUR ALL-IN-1 CLEANSER AND MAKEUP REMOVER

Discover the difference between traditional cleansers and Micellar Water.

Micellar Cleansing Water

Lifts Makeup Like a Magnet

Micellar Cleansing Water features micelle cleansing molecules that pull oil and dirt away from the face. Our all-in-1 cleanser gently takes all makeup off, no rinsing, no harsh rubbing.

How to Use:

TO REMOVE EYE MAKEUP:

Hold pad over closed eyes for a few seconds, then gently wipe without harsh rubbing.

TO CLEAN SKIN & REMOVE FACE MAKEUP:

Gently wipe all over until skin is completely clean from makeup and impurities. Use daily, AM/PM. No need to rinse.

My Experience:

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water
All-in-1 Makeup Remover & Cleanser

The Ganrier Miceller cleansing water comes in clear plastic bottle with a click open lid bottle with a tiny opening which is really the apt size to dispense enough product.However,the screw lid is a bit loose and untwists on its own at time which might result in spillage during travelling so you guys better take care if you intend to take it along. The product itself is a clear fluid with consistency same as water ,hence the name Miceller water. There is no odor to the product which is a huge plus . It comes in a 400 ml bottle that claims to be used up to 200 uses which I feel is a valid claim. since you need a little amount of product to dampen the cotton pad and need not to reapply because it works really fast in cleansing up.

About the performance, I must say that I am highly impressed by this product . I have a sensitive oily skin and usage of any oil based removers/cleansers always broke me out . With Garnier Miceller Water ,I haven't experienced any sort of break out in my 2 months usage . Instead it has helped me a lot in controlling the occasional break outs I used to get .

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water
All-in-1 Makeup Remover & Cleanser

It is really easy to use and stands tall to its claim that you don't need any harsh rubbing to cleanse . I usually don't wear water -proof makeup, hence it takes it off pretty swiftly and easily. However, it takes a little time to take off my Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara which is water proof .But still all I have to do is hold the cotton pad for a while over the eye and then swipe it and it easily comes off. People who have the concern that if it is safe to use over eyes like this , then the answer is YES! I have used it over and over on my eyes before making this claim!

All in all, I really really like this and am glad to have it as a part of my skin care routine. Absolutely recommended !

Thumbs up for:

Affordable
Easily Available
Enough quantity to last a few months even is used regularly
Odorless
Gentle to the skin
Doesn't cause any breakout
Doesn't irritate eyes
Doesn't require any harsh rubbing or tugging the skin
Takes off dirt and impurities efficiently
Doesn't need to be washed after use

Thumbs Down for:

Only draw back lies in the packaging . I feel the cap is kind of loose and might open up during travelling.

My Rating:

Only need to improve the packaging .The product itself is a winner for me !

Price & Availability:

Garnier Miceller Cleansing Water is available at their website for $8.99 (msrp prices may vary). In Pakistan,it is available for PKR 499/- on all leading stores nation wide . It is also available at Daraz if you want to order online !

HAVE YOU TRIED THIS YET ? WHAT MAKEUP REMOVER AND CLEANSER ARE YOU USING CURRENTLY? DO LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS BELOW. x

Gotta Glow 'em Off with Wet n Wild MegaGlo™ Highlighting Powder -Review

"There is no such thing as too many Highlighters"
(Anonymous)

Dear Anonymous,

Thank you for putting out what I feel for highlighters in such apt way that made me feel so good about the Highlighter hoarding spree I have been on for a while now!

If you love that super famous 100 watt glow or even a fan of that subtle Lit-from-within kind of glow , you would know what I mean . So, this summer Wet n Wild came out with a limited edition highlighters named MegaGlo and it was an instant hit leading to getting sold out everywhere. Being intrigued by the popularity I finally had a look at it as what is all the fuss about and I was instantly sold to the prettiness of it, yes I fall for everything pretty in a breath .But being an L.E , it was nowhere to be found and left me heart broken for a while because they announced it to be back in stock and now as a permanent addition ! All praise the God for putting the idea in their minds ! Long story short , I got it and Here is my take on this prettiness:

Wet n Wild MegaGlo™ Highlighting Powder :

•Velvety-smooth highlighting powder

•Enhances skin with a naturally luminous glow

•Infused with shimmering pearl pigments

Ingredients:

Boron Nitride, Dimethicone, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Nylon-12, Ethyl Macadamiate, Polysorbate 20, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbitan Stearate, Lauroyl Lysine, Caprylyl Glycol, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Hexylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, o-Cymen-5-ol, Polyacrylamide, Tocopheryl Acetate, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, [+/- (MAY CONTAIN/PEUT CONTENIR): Mica, Titanium Dioxide/CI 77891, Iron Oxides/CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, Carmine/CI 75470].

My Experience:

Wet n Wild MegaGlo™ Highlighting Powder- Precious Petals

The Wet n Wild MegaGlo™ Highlighting Powder comes in a square pan with a clear plastic lid that is sealed with a black label which I personally liked a lot because it ensures that your product has never been opened . The quality of the packaging is a little lower than expected ,the plastic lid is prone to scratches and I do not recommend traveling with it without putting it in a nice soft makeup pouch , if possible in a separate compartment . The lid closes off securely without doubt , its just that I feel the lid is easily breakable. So if you travel with messed up bag in which every possible thing is just thrown in , take y advice . And if you are one of the highly organized lot , sure carry it along as you please , it wont let you down !

Now you get a whopping 5.4 gm/0.19 oz of this uber gorgeousness in just 3.99$ which I think is a steal. Even if you are regular highlighter person who just puts it on just to appreciate the gorgeousness of their purchase ,even if they are mopping the floor ( Yes I am the one ) , its going to late you a very long time.

The MegaGlo™ Highlighting Powder comes in two variants : Crown of my Canopy and Precious Petals . I picked up precious petals out of the two because it was the lighter one of them . Crown of My Canopy leans towards deep brown-ish hue which I feel would suit the dark skinned beauties well . Precious Petals ,on the other hand is a beautiful Champagne .


	Wet n Wild MegaGlo™ Highlighting Powder- Precious Petals

The texture of this highlighter is butter smooth and glides on easily. I have always had issues with the blending of highlighting powder as they just stick to where they are placed . But this baby just blends and melts into the skin and gives that beautiful glow. The powder is pigment packed and a single swipe of brush is enough to pick up enough product to give you a good glow , not subtle mind you, a really really good glow . Now the best part is that you can easily layer it up to get that 100 watt , In-Your-Face kind of glow and it won't turn frosty or look layered up rather it keeps melting into your skin , just like that . However , it may accentuate pores upon layering. There is no chunky glitter or shimmer in this highlighter which is a huge plus because I do not like my face turned into a disco ball after a while.


	Wet n Wild MegaGlo™ Highlighting Powder- Precious Petals

One little bummer for vegan friendly people would be that the ingredients state it contains Carmine.I thought it might be good if it state it here loud and clear so that if anyone has any issue with the said ingredient, they just steer off clear,

All in all , I personally love this highlighting powder and super glad that I got this one in my stash now(on a side note I have been practically abusing it these days by wearing it everywhere)

Swatch:


	Wet n Wild MegaGlo™ Highlighting Powder- Precious Petals(Swatch)

Thumbs Up For:

Affordable Price tag
Now a permanent product
Huge amount of product
Comes in sealed
2 color variants
Buttery Texture
Good Color Pay off
Easy Blending
No chunky/Visible Glitter/Shimmer

Thumbs Down For:

Poor Packaging
Prone to breakage
Might accentuate pores upon layering
Contains Carmine

My Rating :

Only if they work over the packaging , this would be a super hit (not that it already isn't) . Still I prefer it over my The Balm Mary Lou-manizer any day !

Price& Availability:

Wet n Wild MegaGlo™ Highlighting Powder is available for $3.99 at their website . It is also available at Drugstore and Ulta as well . In Pakistan, You can order it from any reseller, I got mine from a Facebook Page ROUGE. You can go check them out for some amazing in stocks that are updated regularly.

I am super happy to bring forward this drugstore gem for you guys. Do give it a try and let me know how you guys find it . If you are already using it , lets compare notes !!

Till next time
xx

Beautiful, Soft and light METAL brushes by Rosegal.com - Review

Winter is here FINALLY ! and that means lazing around , staying in bed and enjoying some sun when it shows its face. Also it means that whatever you are going to wash will stay wet for a couple of days , unless you try to take some drastic heating measures and dry it asap . Confession coming through : I am super lazy in washing my makeup brushes and in winters when they take about 3 days to dry completely , I tend to not wash them very often . Now to just make things a bit more workable , I planned to get some new brushes this winter so that if one set is drying , I have an alternative waiting in the stash . During the search , I came across this website named ROSEGAL where they stock up ladies and gents clothing and also some makeup tools and accessories as well.

So, they asked me to pick something for myself and keeping in view the rant above , I picked up this 7 pieces plated brush set and that's what the today's post is all about. So lets get started

7 Pcs Plating Handle Nylon Facial Eye Makeup Brushes Set:

Category: Makeup Brushes Set
Brush Hair Material: Nylon
Features: Professional
Season: Fall,Spring,Summer,Winter
Length: 21cm
Weight: 0.120kg
Package Contents: 7 x Makeup Brushes (Pcs)