Ramadan Nights

Ramadan is one of the most important months in the Islamic calendar and is a time for fasting, prayer, self reflection and charity. 

If you attend the evening prayers (Taraweeh) at your local mosque (like myself and my family) then you know how hectic the nights can sometimes be. Here are my top essentials for the night. 

Small bag - A small compact bag is always easier to carry and to stash away whilst you're at the mosque. Big hefty bags are a no-no! The hall can get a bit crowded during Ramadan and you don't want your pretty Longchamp to get squished on #HandbagFail. 

This pretty purple bag actually belongs to my sister, she got it a couple of years ago from River Island and it's still going strong. It's nice for once to steal something from her, considering she literally lives in my wardrobe. I particularly love the deep purple colour and gold detail, it reminds me of the 40s era. 

Mirror, lip balm and multi-use product - I never pack too many beauty products when heading to the mosque. I always have a compact mirror handy, the one I am loving at the moment is a little souvenir mirror from Thailand that my friend got me, many moons ago. A lip balm of some kind is always handy, chapped lips are no joke, people. Here I have the Bene Balm tinted lip balm by Benefit, it keeps my pout moisturised whilst giving it a little sheen of colour. I always try and have a multi-use product on me, one that can be used on hands, face, lips and body. The one I am taking with me on most nights is the Yu-Be moisturising cream, it includes Vitamin C & E and is a concentrated glycerin moistuiser. It's super absorbent and leaves skin feeling velvety smooth.  I got this little tube from a GlossyBox and it's perfect for moisturising any dry skin areas you may have, whether it's on the face or body. 

Coin purse, travel card holder and phone -  When it comes to small bags/clutches, opt for a little coin purse. Pop a few coins, a note or two and your debit/credit card into it. It's a lot easier then faffing about with a chunky purse. The one I'm using at the moment is a little zip-up Paris themed purse that was given to me as a gift. It's from Accessorize and is very sweet. Accessorize is probably the best place to get zip-up/coin purses from as they have a large selection for decent prices. 
I love my travel card holder, I got it from Forbidden Planet, Gremlins is one of my favourite 80's films after all - anything 80's related is always a win for me. Even if you're travelling by car, it's always handy to have your travel card with you, in a case of an emergency. 
Not much to say on the phone front - just make sure you have it on silent/vibrate, there is nothing more embarrassing than when your phone goes off in the middle of prayer and your Michael Jackson's Beat It ringtone fills the hall...

Glaceau Vitamin Water Defense Raspberry and Apple - It's essential that you bring a bottle of water/juice or in my case Vitamin Water with you. As you have been fasting throughout the day, it's imperative that at night you keep yourself hydrated. It can also tend to get a bit hot and stuffy in the mosque and you will find yourself reaching for your bottle more often than not. I like to drink Glaceau Vitamin Water, my favourite flavour is the Defense Raspberry and Apple, it includes minerals, Vitamin C and zinc. During Ramadan, It's really important to top up on your vitamins when you can. I also try to have a fruit salad when I get home after the mosque, as a healthy bedtime snack :). 

Normally I am so bad when it comes to packing my handbag -  I over pack everything. So it's so refreshing carrying a little bag with me with only the essentials inside. I don't only use this packed bag for Ramadan, I sometimes take it with me (minus the Vitamin Water) when I need to run errands or when I fancy carrying a lighter load. 

For all of you observing the month of  Ramadan - Ramadan Mubarak! 

~Nas~ 

Bright Lip Love

By nature I am a deep-red-lippie-kinda-girl. I have to force myself to wear brighter colours. Although, having said that; I do love a good ol' purple. 

After watching a VivannaDoesMakeup vid, she mentioned her love of the matte Bourjois's Rouge Edition Velvet lipsticks and I decided to pick one up in the gorgeous shade Olé Flamingo!

These lipsticks have been out for a while now and I was a bit dubious to try them, mainly because of my uncertainty over how much a matte lip would suit me. 

But I decided to ignore my doubts and be brave and I absolutely love the packaging! it's so dinky and chic!

I am pretty happy with the it as it stays for absolutely ages, when first applied it glides on as a liquid but dries quickly for a matte finish. I really like how it has a doe foot applicator, as It allows me to control the application of the product better. 

It is super creamy and doesn't dry my lips at all. As I do have a small pout, I did have to use a lip liner to create a crisp line and to define my lips more. When it comes to small pouts, it is quite easy to smear on the product haphazardly and make a  bit of a mess of it, so I find I always need to use a lip liner. 

The colour is a very bold and vibrant pink, perfect for the summer season and suits darker skin tones really well. I do like the way it looks on me, but feel it would look even more amazing on a fuller pout. 

All in all, a matte lip lover's dream. 

~Nas~

Dreamy Matte Lips

Clinique's Long Last Soft Matte Lipstick* range have been in development for the past 3 years and they are now here for all to enjoy.

Matte lips seem to be trending this summer and I have to admit I have never really liked the idea of matte lips on myself, as I don't think I have the pout to pull it off. I feel  like you have to have to be super elegant and chic to carry off this look. I'm not quite sure if I am there yet - I am trying though! 

I have had some bad experiences with matte lip products, the formulas can be so drying and uncomfortable, leaving lips feeling and looking parched. This is where the Long Last Soft Matte Lipsticks differ, the application is smooth and doesn't feather or dry out. It lasts all day and I only need to touch up once. The creamy formula includes beeswax which helps to keep lips feeling super moisturised, but still keeps them looking matte. 

The colour pay off is fantastic and includes porous silica beads and porous silica to set the colour and keep it looking fresh. 

There are 8 gorgeous colours in this range including the two pictured above; Matte Beauty (a pretty nude) and Matte Plum (a vibrant purple). 

Top Tip: Make sure your lips are smooth and flake-free by using a scrub before lipstick application. Check out LUSH's Bubblegum Lip Scrub. 

www.clinique.co.uk

~Nas~

*PR samples sent for consideration.

Benefit's Tinted Lip Balms

If you're a fan of Benefit's lip & cheek tints, then you'll be excited to learn that this June will see the release of the new Tinted Lip Balms! 

These moisturising lip balms come in four shades to match the tints; a rosy red (matches the Bene tint), candy pink (matches the Lolli tint), mango (matches the Cha Cha tint) and a baby pink (matches the Pose tint). 

Each of these creamy little balms include beneficial ingredients such as mango butter and beeswax for a super smooth and moisturised pout. 

They come packaged in metal twist up containers with pretty prints to match their big sister tints. 

The colour isn't highly pigmented but still delivers a lovely sheer wash of colour to the lips and leaves them feeling gorgeous and supple. They are perfect to wear for an everyday casual look with a gorgeous natural tint. I particularly love the rosy Bene Balm that matches the Bene Tint and I also like the look of the Cha Cha balm.

Of course you can wear these balms with their matching tints, or you can mix and match them for a number of different and pretty looks. 

These balms will be available from the Benefit counters at the end of May , so make sure you keep an eye out for them. 

www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk

~Nas~

                                                                                                                                                                         *PR samples sent for consideration 

LUSH Kitchen

The geniuses at LUSH have opened the LUSH Kitchen, where fans are able to see how the fresh handmade cosmetics are made. 

This is an amazing opportunity for LUSH lovers to witness the inner workings of this delicious natural brand and see their favourite products come to life! 

This innovative concept involves producing a small selection of limited edition products daily. LUSH fans will be able to exclusively purchase these products online which will then be sent out on the day that they were produced. 

There will also be a number of special events and Q&A's with LUSH experts streamed live through the brand spanking new website! 

In my opinion, LUSH is one of the best natural beauty brands that exist in the industry today. LUSH Kitchen offers a completely unique and new way of customer delivery. As well as a fresh perspective on cosmetic manufacturing. 

 This is an interactive experience for customers. By allowing us to peek inside the LUSH Kitchen, we are shown how LUSH products are transformed from mere ingredients to beautiful cosmetic products of the highest quality. 

#WhatsInsideCounts

LUSH is all about keeping it natural and healthy. They believe in the importance of using only the finest, freshest ingredients and essential oils in their products. 

Using a product by LUSH is an experience in itself. They always make me feel all shiny and new. 

I was lucky enough to receive two freshly made products from the Kitchen; the Violet Nights Bath Oil* and the Lemon Melt Shower Gel*.

I am loving The Violet Nights Bath Oil, it's perfect to pour into a hot bath before bed. I do love a good soak and this bath oil makes my bath smell gorgeous. It includes ingredients of Ylang Ylang Oil, Fair trade Vanilla Absolute and Violet Leaf Absolute. If bubbles aren't really your thing, then this is a great product to pop into your bath. It'll turn your bathwater a milky purple and will leave your skin feeling super conditioned, smooth and pampered. It's brilliant to use before you go to bed as it sends you into a state of calm and relaxation.

The Lemon Melt Shower Gel is so delicious, I have to resist not gobbling it down every time I use it. This little pot of lemon goodness is great to use in either the shower or bath, to brighten and smooth the skin. It has ingredients of cocoa butter, Irish Moss Seaweed and Lemongrass Oil. I was also pleasantly surprised when I opened the little pot, as I found a freshly cut lemon slice floating on the top! Such luxury. 

Make sure you visit the LUSH Kitchen website to grab some of these wonderful products! As I mentioned before, the LUSH website has had a little makeover and it's now easier than ever to find the perfect  product for you as well as more information about the amazing work LUSH does. 

www.lush.co.uk/kitchen 

Follow @lushkitchen for live updates. 

#LushKitchen 

~Nas~

 *PR samples, sent for consideration.

Feathery Lashes

Clinique's Lash Power Feathering Mascara*

Anyone who knows me, knows how much love I have for mascara. It would be my desert island beauty product of choice.  

Most people would assume that I am mainly a lipstick kind of girl, which I am. I do love drenching my pout in colour, but above all else...

I LOVE MASCARA! 

This mascara has a unique and advanced formula with an innovative new brush, to build fuller and super pretty lashes. 

The formula is clump-resistant and includes polymeric stretching technology. The masterminds of Clinique have studied hard and made sure that this mascara includes a formula that lasts all day and is resistant to rain, sweat and humidity. There is zero flaking and smudging and it comes off really easily with a cotton pad soaked in warm water. Of course it can also be removed with your normal eye make-up remover. Place the cotton pad over your lashes and press lightly to dissolve the formula. I can honestly say that this is the easiest mascara to remove, one quick sweep with your soaked cotton pad and there is no trace left at all!

The brush applicator has been designed to specifically create feathery lashes. I love the brush as the formula clings to the bristles and separates each lash, creating a gorgeous feminine look. This mascara is easy to use and is great for an everyday look, but can also be layered for more defined lashes. 

I am one happy-mascara-loving-girl.

~Nas~

www.clinique.co.uk

*PR sample sent for consideration. 

How sweet it is...

The Body Shop Blueberry Range

I'm not normally a lover of blueberry, I don't like the fruit at all, but I absolutely love the scent. 

I'm really loving The Blueberry range, it smells incredibly delicious and super sweet. 
It's a lovely fruity scent for spring and will leave you feeling light and fresh. The range includes blueberry seed oil. This helps to provide long lasting nourishment to the skin as it includes vitamin E and vital fatty acids. There is also the added ingredients of CFT (Community Fair Trade) shea butter and cocoa butter from Ghana. Shea butter helps to create a moisture barrier for the skin and cocoa butter smoothes the skin and keeps it feeling supple. 

The range includes the following:

 Blueberry Body Butter
Blueberry Body Lotion
Blueberry Body Scrub-Gelee
Blueberry Lip Butter
Blueberry Shower Gel
Blueberry Sponge

The Body Shop body butters have a selection of over 20 different floral, nutty and fruity scents. My favourites include peach and strawberry.

One of my favourite products from this range is the Blueberry Body Scrub-Gelee*. The product looks like a tub of scrummy blueberry jam. It almost looks to good to use (but of course, I do) The scrub is wonderfully luxurious and when worked well into the skin, exfoliates gently. 


Every time I use this scrub I feel like I've gone fruit picking, it's just too delish! 

~Nas~

www.thebodyshop.co.uk

 *PR samples sent for consideration.