Marc Jacobs Beauty

Hello everyone!! I'm really really really sorry for the late update. I was busy with weddings, everyone was home and I was away for a week. I was going to post this entry last week but there were some technical difficulties I couldn't avoid. 

On this entry I'm gonna talk about the latest beauty line by the reMARCable Marc Jacobs. I know this is so two months ago but heyyyyy its never to late for Marc Jacobs. There are a few products I'd like to share together with the swatches. So lets begin!! 

This collection was officially launch in the US on August last year but only arrived here in Malaysia on the 18th last month. The New York designer stated that the colors and the look of the collection was inspired by pop culture, art, film, music, iconic character and even his own tattoos. My most favorite part of the collection is the packaging. The sleek, polish and tremendously shiny packaging was "derived" by his coffee table which is an art deco by Swiss artist, Jean Dunand.

It came with 122 products which are divided into four categories - "Smart Complexion", "Blacquer", "Hi-Per Color" and "Boy Tested Girl Approved". Foundation, concealer and powder sit in the "Smart Complexion" category while "Blacquer" consists of liner, lash lifter and gel crayon. As bold as its name, it is obvious that eye, lip, and nail products fall into "Hi-Per Color" category. "Boy Tested Girl Approve" is a bit unique because the products listed under this category are unisex products which includes lip balm, brow tamer and concealer.

I was invited to the launch party last April by Sephora which was held at Sephora Star Hill. The party was hosted by a very beautiful model/DJ, Patricia K. There was also a demonstration session by Melissa Laughrey-Taieb who is an International Education Specialist for Marc Jacobs Beauty. She showed us how to create The Vamp look while answering all the questions asked by us. The session is very informative and exciting.

Some of the products featured during the launch party

Melissa Laughrey-Taieb

Beside having to attend the party, I also received a complimentary box by Sephora which includes four products from the collection.

The first product is the Genius Gel : Super Charged Foundation. This gel based foundation contains coconut water extract which keep your skin hydrated. The formula is a bit runny and it allows your skin to peek through it which is perfect for natural everyday look. This product is very buildable. It gives light to full coverage. 

Next is the best selling-product from this line. I went to Sephora a week after this line was launched and this product was sold out. It is the Magic Marc'er, precision pen eyeliner in Blacquer. This is the blackest black available. This liquid liner comes with a felt tip with a very precise end which makes it easier for you to draw the finest line that you want to achieve. 

The lips products from this line also caught my eyes. One of them is the Lust for Lacquer -Lip Vinyl, or in simple less haute-couture term, a lip gloss. They come with 12 shades of color - 6 full coverage, 6 sheer coverage. For full coverage shade, the glass container or tube, whatever you wanna call it is decorated with black logo while the sheer coverage rocking a silver logo. Lip Vinyl above is in the shade "Boom Boom" which I was told by the specialist Melissa, was inspired by Nicky Minaj's song. It is a very vibrant pink with blue pigment in it. It applies very well on the lip, it doesn't bleed, it is not sticky and it leaves a tiny tingle-ish feeling on your lips like a lip plumper. 

The last product is the Style Eye-Con No. 7 eyeshadow palette. This palette comes with 7 bold shimmery colours - dark bluish-grey, silver, off-white, purple, dark green, dark copper brown and black. The colours don't have names but this palette is called The Vamp. This palette screams high fashion! The mirror that comes with this palette is very unique. Unlike regular mirror when you hold it vertically, you see reflection of your whole face. This Style Eye-Con No.7 line is also available in other 3 shades which are The Tease, The Lolita and The Starlet. 

And here is my fail attempt swatching the products : 

I swatched them on my hand but the color didn't really show up on camera so I decided to swatch them on a piece of paper. Pardon my fiasco :P 

Marc Jacobs Beauty is available in Sephora nationwide. For more info about this line, head on to www.marcjacobs.com/beauty.

From scale 1 to 10 on how impressed I am with this new Marc Jacobs' creation, I'll give it 8/10. I really impressed with the line from the packaging to the actual products. I hope you enjoy my post this time. Any ideas, comment, correction or if you want me to do a review of one of those products mentioned above, don't forget to comment down below. Until next time.

xx,

NZ

Is Comfy The New Classy?

The fashion industry was astounded when sneakers made a suprising appearance on the runaway. Even more suprising when the upscale running shoes were paired with couture collection. The French fashion's house creative director, Karl Lagerfeld decided to pair his haute couture collection with custom running shoes during Chanel's Spring/Summer 2014 Couture Collection. This is inspired by history of fashion circa 1800 to 1840 to 1845, when the women during that time wore flat shoes even with a ball gown. 

As well as Chanel, Raf Simons,  likewise, braced haute couture sneakers at Christian Dior Spring 2014 Couture Collection. The Dior creative director delivered the models on the runaway with sneakers covered with little flowers and stars embellishment. While Lagerfeld, on the other hands, went for more classic looking upscale sneakers for Chanel.

Christian Dior Couture Sneakers

Cara Delevinge for Chanel Spring/Summer 2014 Couture Collection

This shows that people these days demand for more comfortable and easy-to-wear high fashion style. This casual-cozy craze has spread from the runaway to street style where we can often see casual outfit involving mostly sneakers, over-sized cardigans, boyfriend jeans and chunky sweaters are often be worn by nearly all fashionistas and celebrities. 

Besides comfortable, this whole easy-to-wear idea of fashion is also affordable. From H&M to Alexander Wang, you can always be in style within your budget. Below are the outfits I put together to give some inspiration.

Casual is the new chic by nazhatulzulaiha featuring a jersey tank top

Alexander Wang crop top
2,675 MYR - harrods.com

Topshop white shirt
97 MYR - topshop.com

Pull Bear beige top
110 MYR - pullandbear.com

H M jersey tank top
38 MYR - hm.com

STELLA McCARTNEY boyfriend jeans
1,205 MYR - net-a-porter.com

Acne Studios blue jeans
880 MYR - youheshe.com

H&M blue jeans
110 MYR - hm.com

Manolo Blahnik high heel pumps
1,910 MYR - neimanmarcus.com

Tod s sneaker
1,590 MYR - luisaviaroma.com



Development in fashion can sometimes be a little dramatic. Will this relaxation on couture runaway is the new future of fashion or just a device intended to attract attention? I personally think that this is just a gimmick for publicity however it really worked. The matching sneakers really goes with the breath-taking outfit. Generally for me, high heels will be forever haute couture's soul mate. Rich women might be busy but I don't think sneakers will be an option to go with couture dresses. Nevertheless, for day to day basis, coziness really is important. What would be your point of view be like on this matter? Do you really think comfy is the new classy? Do you agree on sneakers being presented on the couture collection runaway? Let me know by leaving comment down below. Hope you enjoy this post. Till next time.

xx
NZ

Vaseline : The "Wonder Jelly"

Most of you out there have used Vaseline at least once in your lifetime. But for those who don't know what Vaseline actually is, it is a brand for petroleum jelly. Even though this brand has extent their product to selection of skin cream, lotion soap and personal lubricant, people will still think of the classic petroleum jelly every time Vaseline is mentioned. 

Vaseline was found in 1870 by Robert Chesebrough. The Big Apple chemist intended to make a fortune as an oil prospector but he discovered the petroleum jelly or also known as "rod wax" by accident. The wonder jelly had become staple to the US citizen. In 1943, New York Times reported that Vaseline helped severe burn victims healed and survive. US military used Vaseline to protect their soldiers wound while healing during the great World War II. 

Robert Chesebrough

The uses not only limit to those healing purposes, here are some tips and tricks for you to try with this magnificent "wonder jelly" :

For dry skin/lips

Tip :It is not Greek to us to use Vaseline on the dry area of our body and also on the chapped lips. 

Trick: Apply Vaseline on the dry area and the lips before going to sleep. This helps the skin to heal and to be moisturized while sleeping.

For face

Tip: Most of the celebrity including Tyra Banks use Vaseline as sleeping mask. 

Trick : After washing your face, lather a small amount of Vaseline all over it. Your skin will feel well moisturized on the next morning. You can skip your moisturizer if you feel like Vaseline is enough.

For eyes

Tip: There is always the time when you realized your favorite eye cream is gone and it's almost midnight and Seven Eleven does not sell Bobbi Brown!! But no worries, use Vaseline as an eye cream substitute or in this case, eye gel substitute.

Trick : Apply Vaseline as you apply your regular eye cream. Use ring finger when dealing with your eye area because the skin on that area is very gentle. Ring finger provide the least amount of pressure compared to other fingers.

For nails

Tip: Vaseline is good for your cuticle owing to the fact that it is very moisturizing and also helps your nail polish to last longer.

Trick: Massage Vaseline on your cuticle and nails after your nail polish is dry. You can use the same trick even if you don't wear nail polish.

As beauty balm

Tip: Vaseline can act as beauty balm and also as makeup remover. Nearly all beauty balms are very pricey and it is so difficult to find the ones that really remove  heavy makeup thoroughly. Vaseline really helps removing heavy makeup since it is an oil based product. It breaks down almost all kind of formulas including the waterproof ones.

Trick: Coat your face with a generous amount of Vaseline. Let the product sit for at least 10 seconds. Massage your face for a few minutes. I usually do it for about 15 minutes. Be gentle on your eye area. After finish massaging, wet your facial towel in warm water and wipe off the Vaseline from your face. If there is some residue left on your eye area, take a cotton bud, dip it into Vaseline and clean the residue. You'll be amazed with how clean and soft your skin feels. This is by far my favorite use of Vaseline.

For hair

Tip: Vaseline is widely used backstage during fashion week  by designers. One of the common uses is to tame baby hair or they call it "hair line" I suppose?!?? They also use Vaseline to build a very polish and sleek updo by applying Vaseline onto the hair to create the gorgeous shiny finish.

Tame the hair line for more polish ponytail 

Trick: Vaseline also helps in treating major split ends. Apply a tiny amount of Vaseline on your hair tip. Be careful! Don't put too much of Vaseline or your hair will end up looking greasy!! 

For make up

Tip: You can create various makeup looks with Vaseline. Marilyn Monroe was famous for using Vaseline as a base before putting on foundation. The iconic american actress, singer and model used the trick to create a lovely glowy finish. This technique create a soft focus look which made her face appeared very flawless on camera.

Trick: Apply Vaseline over eye shadow to create a very modern polish look. You can also use Vaseline to highlight your cheekbone. This method compliments neon lips so well! 

New York Fashion Week 2012

Glowy cheek

Glossy eyes look

So those are some tips and tricks on how you can use the "wonder jelly". I'm sure there are much more uses than the ones I mentioned above. If any of you have other ways on how to used the Vaseline, don't forget to let me know on the comment down below. I hope you find this post informative and hope you enjoy it. Till next time.

xx
NZ

D.I.Y Journal

There are many ways to express your feelings. My favorite way is by writing a journal. A journal is basically a diary where you keep of your daily event or you thoughts about something. The thing I like about writing on a journal is, it helps me clear my mind. I write on my journal almost every other day. If I didn't have anything to write or nothing interesting happened to me on that day, I just write about what I am grateful for in my life. It is always good to read back your previous writing especially when it involves good memories. 

Writing a journal is fun but when it comes to buy a right journal for myself, I find it very tricky. Some journals out there are very expensive. However if I find the cheaper ones, the design can be very tacky and they don't really suit my personality. So here is the journal that I made for myself. This journal is very easy to make and it only involves three simple steps. All the thing tools and materials that you need to make this journal are probably already exist in your house. 

What you need to make your own journal :

1. Any exercise/note book. I got mine at stationary shop for only RM 2.25.

2. A couple of magazines. Any magazine that you like. In my case, I chose Harper's Bazaar because I like fashion so much.

3. A scissors.

4. A glue. I used a glue stick. You can use any glue you want as long as its not very runny or else it's gonna wet your magazine cut outs and it's not gonna be fun because no one wants a messy journal :/

5. A sharpie. This is optional. I use sharpie to write the word "journal". You can use whatever you want.



The first step is to cut any pictures from the magazine you have chosen. Find pictures that show your personality because this is your journal after all. I cut a very big piece to use as a base for my collage. This big piece is gonna cover the front part of the note book. And then I cut a various little pieces so that I have a lot of options.

The next step is to place all the cut out pieces on the note book without putting on the glue yet. This is to give you idea on how your journal will look like. Use your creativity on this part. You don't have to follow exactly how I did mine. You can use more pieces or lesser than mine. Don't worry about making mistake. This is your journal, there is no specific skill on how to place the cut out pieces. Just follow your heart and your creativity. Take as much time as you want until you achieve your desired design.

The last step is to glue the pieces on the note book and you're done. Now you have your own personal journal!!! This is only a basic step on making a journal. You can add on glitters, embellishment or whatever you want. I hope you enjoy this post and don't forget to leave me feedback or requests in the comment down below.

Until next time.
xx

NZ

Comeback

Its been almost 2 years since I posted something in here. Been so busy with school and stuffs. I just finish my second year degree.I have three months until school starts again. So, I decided to try and be good this year. I will try my best to post something in here. Something beauty or fashion related, something informative or just something that crosses my mind. We never know. I've been struggling with editing this blog. It is very confusing. I still have not figure out how to exactly design the blog from scratch. If any of you have some tips, please comment down below. I really appreciate it.



So yeah I guess that's pretty much it for tonight. I'm going to bed after publishing this post. Hope everyone sleep well and have a good day ahead. Always think positive.

xx
NZ

Make up rescue : Fix your gel liner

Gel liner gets dry up and cannot be used anymore? No worries  :) There are a couple of solutions. Keep on reading to know how.

Gel liner is so easy to use and it's not as messy as liquid eye-liner but, it gets dry so easily. To save your money from getting a new one (especially those high ends one like Bobbi Brwon, MAC, Estee Lauder and etc), follow these methods :

1. I'm sure everyone has a microwave. Pop your gel liner into the microwave for 10-15 seconds. There you go! Your liner is ready.

2. Another step is to put your gel liner on your hair straitening iron. wait until the gel liner melt, then there you go. 

Note that those methods are not permanently melt the gel liner. But you can carry on doing those steps. Its better than spending more money on new gel liner.

Cautions!

1. make sure to let the gel liner to cool down first before applying it to your eyes!

2. If your gel liner container is plastic, change to the glass jar or a microwave save plastic container to prevent the container from melting. And ONLY use a glass jar for the 2nd method (hair iron method)

I hope this is helpful and thanks for reading. Till next post.

Atull xx

D.I.Y Lip Scrub

Hello everyone. So today I'm gonna show you how to make a homemade lip scrub by using all the things that you already have at home. I know that we can just go out and buy lip scrub at almost everywhere but lip scrub tends to get really pricey sometimes. Here I'm gonna show you what you need and how to make it. Enjoy :)

Things you need :

1. Sugar. You can use either white sugar or brown sugar. The more course the better. I'm using a mixture of white sugar and brown sugar.

2. Petroleum gel. I'm using vaseline. It could be any petrol gel.

3. Lip gloss/Lip balm. You can use either one, it doesn't matter. Depends on what flavor you prefer. Here I'm using Benefit California Kissin' lip gloss because I really like the minty flavor and its blue color. The fun part about this product is it has a blue glitter in it!

4. Empty jar. I'm using my old moisturizer jar. You can use whatever size you prefer depends on how much of lip scrub you're gonna make.

5. Spoon. It helps you to mix all the products.

6. Small plate / small bowl.

7. Olive oil (optional). Sometimes your mixture can be a little bit too solid especially when you use a lip balm instead of lip gloss.

Finish with the ingredients, now let's see how to do it!

1. Take out about a table-spoon of the petrol gel and put it on the plate.

2. Add about one table-spoon of sugar. If you find the sugar is too little, add some more.

3. At this point, you're gonna add your lipgloss/lipbalm. Be generous with the lip product if you want the flavor to be stronger. After that, mix all the ingredients together.

4. This is how it looks like after you finish mixing.

5. If you already happy with your mixture, you can start filling it up into the jar.

6. Tadaaaa! Your home made lip scrub is ready!!! You can use it right away or you can keep it in the fridge first to give more texture to it.

Note : If you use a lip balm and the mixture is way too thick, you can always add some olive oil. If your mixture is too diluted, add more petrol gel. Keep altering your mixture until you happy with it.

I hope you enjoy this D.I.Y post and till the next post

Atul xx