Thursday 30 April 2015

OOTN: Vamp it Up


Ever had to whip up an outfit in a matter of minutes due to an unexpected call from the girls? Here's a quick outfit post showing you what I wore to dinner and drinks with friends a couple of nights ago. The theme for this outfit was much like all my other outfit posts - vampy meets Morticia featuring bold, dark lips and statement jewellery. Essentially, this outfit is a pair of structured trousers with a simple vest chucked on top. Yet with the use of statement metals, chunky heels and bold lipstick this outfit is brought to life, making it appear much more 'effort like' than it actually is!

By wearing statement jewelry we create the illusion of an accessorized outfit - the mixed textures of metals and gemstones on clothing brings character and luxury to a somewhat simple outfit. This gorgeous necklace was purchased in Zara (for £19.99) a couple of years bag, yet I still find myself reaching for it all the time. This is a great example of how luxury can be brought to your style at an affordable price. Although this exact necklace is no longer available, high street stores such as Topshop and H&M do great alternatives. Here are some of my current favourites:
Oval Stone & Tassel Necklace, Topshop
Bar Chain Choker, Topshop
Metal Mesh Necklace, Zara
Fringed Necklace, H&M

I've gotten a few weird looks whenever I dare to go out in these platforms - but contrary to what these bad boys look like, they are the most comfortable pair of 'heels' I own! The height in the platform at the front of the shoe evens out the height of the heel - essentially making it feel like you're wearing a flat shoe with height (does that make sense?). The whole of your foot is raised rather than just your heel, therefore taking the pressure off the front of your foot. These booties were purchased from Topshop a while back, but I've listed similar (and cheaper) options below:
Chunky Stack Ankle Boot, Asos
Lucy Peeptoe Heel, Boohoo





Outfit Details:
Vest, Trousers & Necklace, Zara
Chunky Heels, Topshop
Longline Blazer, H&M
Lipstick 'Living Legend', Mac
Saina
xo

How to Perfect the Brow


This season has been all about brows - plucking till the arch gets right, filling in the tail to create a symmetrical frame for the face, and delving into the once unknown world of eyebrow threading.
As an Iranian, I was *blessed* (I use this term loosely) with naturally thick eyebrows and eyebrow hairs. Of course this came with its own downfalls - a ticket to the mimicking of my caterpillar eyebrows at the age of 11! For that reason, I started to tame my eyebrows at the end of junior school and I remember oh-so-well that moment my mother finally gave me the go ahead to get my eyebrows done for the start of secondary school - eek!

Eyebrow Threading:
That brings me to the treatment of my eyebrows - I have been threading them every two weeks professionally for a total of 11 years (wow, that's a lifetime of thread to face action). One thing that I'm eternally grateful for is that my mum kept all tweezers at home hidden well away from me. For that reason I never took it upon myself to pick a pair of tweezers - clearly I was alien to the satisfaction that comes with plucking stubborn hairs. My eyebrows are therefore well trained in growing out regularly and mostly all in one length i.e. no waiting around for smaller stubborn hairs to grow out in between threading treatments. Facial hair threading is an ancient method originating in Persia and Central Asia, though only recently has it gained popularity in the Western beauty world. Therefore, I have been exposed to threading at home since a young girl - it's a method that most Iranian women have mastered, though I haven't caught onto the skill of 'double and twist' just yet!

Here, the different face shapes show you what eyebrow style works best
Face Shape & Eyebrows: 
Eyebrows are the key components of framing your face, therefore there are a variety of shapes and styles that compliment different face shapes better. Once you have determined your face shape, you can then found out which eyebrow shape suits you the most. For instance, a long face (check above diagram for reference) could do with a flat eyebrow (check the space between the brown bone and brow tail - no real height in the arch or curve) to create the illusion of a shorter and more proportionate face. Alternatively, if you have a short face you can create the illusion of an elongated face by thinning your brows, but also creating a more arched shape will widen the space between the brow bone and the brow tail, which also widens the face. If you visit a beauty salon that offers threading treatments, which I highly reccommend you do, your beautician can help you determine the best brow shape for your face. In general, I only ask for a 'tidy' as naturally my brows tend to grow in a shapely and arched manner.

The Golden Ratio:
As a general rule of thumb, the 'Golden Ratio' (originally trademarked by world famous makeup artist, Anastasia Soare - founder of Anastasia Beverly Hills) represents balance and proportion in the face starting from the brows. The GR technique three precise points on the brow:
1) The imaginary line running through the middle of the nostril to the highest point of the eyebrow arch.
2) The line running from the tip of the nose to the iris of the eye.
3) The line that runs from the point of the corresponding nostril to the outer edge of the eyebrow tail. 
Use these three guidelines to determine the beginning of your brow, the highest point of your arch, and where the tail of your brow should end. Again, you can discuss these proportions with your beautician. Most salons have the 'HD' brow option, which offers shaping, and dying of the brows to create the illusion of fuller brows without makeup!

I brush through my brows using the brush (top), then stroke pomade into brows following natural hair direction using an angled brush (bottom)
Little Tips:
If you find that there are bald patches in your brows, dip a q-tip into some castor oil and gently pat it onto the area that has little-no hair growth. Castor oil has hair activating qualities and can be use to thicken and encourage hair growth!
I like to use Anastasia Beverly Hills, (available here) Brow Pomade in colour 'Chocolate' to further fill in and define the shape of my brows. By using a fine angled brush I pick up the pomade on either side of the brush and make gentle strokes within my brows following the natural hair direction.

Ladies, ditch the tweezers and opt for threading!

Saina
xo



Wednesday 29 April 2015

Gift Guide For the Girl who has Everything

























Struggling with gift ideas for your sister, or is your best friends birthday looming on you? Perhaps you want to gift yourself on payday (who doesn't)? A very intrinsic female trait is that we like to be creative with our ideas, especially when it comes to gifting our loved ones. But another female 'trait' is that we have literally everything we need (and more). So what do you get for the girl that has literally everything she could ever need? If you have a besties birthday coming up and cannot think of what to get her, look no further! Today, I'm sharing with you a collection of items that would work perfectly as gift ideas. The items are thoughtful, functional and will ensure your bestie will have her happiest birthday yet.

1) Lush Cosmetics: Me and my besties have an arranged agreement that if we ever struggle with gifts we take to Lush to make a 'survival kit' filled with all natural goodies - perfect for pampering. Lush has the perfect assortment of bath bombs filled with different colours and scents, and made with natural ingredients. Soaps, cleansers, bath bombs and shampoo bars - you have a variety of options at Lush with each being catered to particular skin needs. You can't go wrong!
2) Neom Candles: Candles are some of the best gifts there are. Almost every home needs them (no tree-houses, duh). With natural essential oils being put into them, Neom candles are great for pampering the soul - not only do they create an ambiance at home they also de-stress your mind.
3) UGG slippers: My collection of pyjamas and slippers is ever growing. With every trip to the high street I pick up some new pjs with the promise that 'this time is my last time'. If you're looking for a special gift for a special someone why not take luxury to another level and pick up a pair of cosy slippers from UGG Australia.

5) Kate Spade Journal: Stick to it or not, girls are big time list makers. A journal is something every girl wants and needs but isn't something we necessarily splurge on for ourselves. Kate Spade has a cute collection of designs, choose one that's best suited for your friend!


6) Fashionology: Fashionology has some of my favourite sterling silver pieces, with some featuring precious and semi-precious gemstones. Why not pick up a quriky keepsake for your bestie?
 7) Flying Bird Botanicals Tea: As a self confessed tea lover, I love receiving organic loose tea leaves as gifts - they feel super cleansing to the body and soul. Why not gift your loved one with handcrafted herbal treats?

Hope this helps someone out there!

Saina
xo

Ditch the Cartons: At Home Juice Detox


2015 has been the year of body cleansing in the form teatoxing and juicing. Social media has particularly seen an influx of the juicing trend, where celebrities and popular figures have endorsed brands that cater to natural weight loss and healthy juicing. At the start of 2015 I made it my personal resolution to jump onto the healthy bandwagon and take a further step into eating naturally. After a fair amount of research and a couple of failed push-starts, I came across a juice weight loss program - a brand that offered a 3 day detox program. I was attracted to this particular brand as it promised to clear your body from toxins and aid in healthy weight loss in a programmed time frame. As promised, when I placed my order I received the correct amount of juiced bottles, all numbered and stages for the correct 'meal' eating (or drinking) times. By the end of my detox I felt great, full of energy (yes you read that correctly) and I wanted to learn more. However, there was a downfall. The three days of a handful of bottled juice had cost me £115. After bickering with my mum about purchasing another set of juices, she suggested I made more for my money by purchasing my own top-quality juicer and fruit. That simple, I know.

Kale, spinach and green apple ready for a smoothie
After a trip to my local John Lewis, I left with a 'maximum juice, minimum fuss' Philips juicer that cost me no more than £70. I also picked up a Kenwood smoothie maker for £20. Since then, I have been enjoying mixing up my own fruit and veg ingredients to make juices and fruit smoothies for both detox purposes but also as a way of incorporating more healthy foods into my diet.

Left is the Phillips Juicer, right is the Kenwood Smoothie maker
The juicer I bought allows me to make 1.5l of pressed juice, which is perfect for bottling up and putting in the fridge - this is the food prepping that all trainers are raving about! Using this juicer, I've also found it easier to drink up some fruit & veg that I wouldn't normal eat i.e. ginger - the benefits of ginger are endless, though I don't like its raw taste. In juice it adds a delicious tang that I love!
Here's the Phillips juicer I bought and love.
Here's the Kenwood smoothie maker that makes delicious magic in seconds.
All blended and ready to be poured over ice, voila!
I hope this inspires you to ditch the cartons and create your own healthy goodness.

Saina
xo

Treats for your Feets: Primark Sandals

With every season change I always seem to convince myself that I have nothing weather appropriate in my *ahem* ever growing wardrobe. Now I know I'm not alone on this struggle, so let's just all accept the fact that we like to delve into some retail therapy, all in the name of season change!
With such inconvenient and costly habits comes not only one too many trips to the high street, but also a pile of shoes that I no longer wear. So what better way to get new treats for your feets than to grab yourself some bargains, that you won't regret come next year.
Upon a recent trip to my local Primark, I found a few pairs of sandals that I'm super in love with, and of course they were also super pocket friendly. S/S 2015 fashion has seen a sudden influx in the trend of 'sliders' - and high street stores are doing a great job at releasing affordable variations of this trend.
Although these sandals are faux-leather including rubber soles, I've worn two pairs out and about and I had no issues with comfort.
My favourite pair was actually the cheapest buy - the all black slider purchased for £3! I've even contemplated picking up a spare pair of these because I've fallen in love with the casual, laid back vibe they bring to every outfit. I also picked up a snake print version of the sliders, this pair features a slightly slimmer band across the foot, which some people might find uncomfortable due to the lack of support. Again, I've had no issues with these but I did go up a size (usually a 6, purchased these in a 7). My last pair is this crossover style in rose gold (price: £8) - I only really picked these up in hopes of injecting some 'colour' into my wardrobe. This sandal is an example of how colour and simple detailing such as the cross over band can soften a somewhat more 'masculine' shoe. I will be featuring these sandals in future outfit posts so look out for those. You can also see how I styled the all black pair in my previous ootd.

Saina
xo

Monday 27 April 2015

CREEP It Real: OOTD

Having had another day full of sunshine, it seemed a waste to not take this as an oppurtunity to snap some outfit pictures. So, I'm coming at ya with anther ootd! Though the sun was out today, I took it upon myself to dress in all black... again. Somewhere, someplace, the gothic fashion God's are proud of me, right? Apart from being an all black outfit, today's wardrobe choice was all about light layering - in true Londoner spirit, of course.

You possess the art of layering once you live in London - don't be fooled by the sun!
Outfit Details:
Leather Jacket: H&M 
Sheer duster jacket: Asos
Deep armhole vest: H&M
Ankle length trousers: Zara 
Faux leather sliders: Primark, similar here
Satchel: Vintage Celine




Hope the sun's been treating you right!

Saina
xo

Todays FOTD: Everyday Natural Makeup

Despite being a makeup junkie, there are few firm favourites that I use pretty much everyday and serve as holy grail items in my beauty stash. This post is a quick insight into some of the main treats my face is fed on a daily basis.
Base: Nars Sheer Glow in Santa Fe
I've been using this foundation for 4 years now and I still have no complaints. It's the perfect everyday foundation for normal-dry skin, due to its luminous finish I wouldn't recommend this foundation for oilier skin types as it may make your skin super greasy without constant powder touch-ups. Personally, I tend to get slightly *greasier* in my t-zone area, but I use Macs MSF after a few hours use and I'm good to go for the rest of the day. I wouldn't say this foundation radiates that 'glow from within' look, but rather has a beautiful satin finish that smoothes over any imperfections without drawing any attention to them. In terms of coverage, this foundation is sheer in texture, though buildable for soft coverage of imperfections.

Bronzer: Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel (Bronze Universal)
This cream-gel bronzer was all the rage a couple of years back, and most people seemed to have gave up on the application of this makeup newbie. Though once you've caught the hang of what works best with this product, it really works a treat in warming up your skins base. The trick, for me at least, is to use the product as I would foundation. I like to use this with my Real Techniques Expert Face brush, and gently pat in upward motions from the hollow of my cheekbones.

Contour: Benefit Cosmetics Hoola
Although I'm not a massive contouring freak, I like to use this product to create a slight illusion of a shadow for my cheekbones and down my nose. For olive skin tones, I find this works best as a contour shade rather than a bronzer as it has 'cool' undertones rather than a red base. It's also a matte product, which is perfect for defining the face.

Highlight: Mac Lustre Drops
With this product, a little goes a long way. I like to use a couple of drops of this over my cheekbones and down my nose to create a luminous and radiant base.

Lips: Mac Soar & Blankety
Soar is a mauve-pink liner that works perfectly to create the illusion of fuller lips. I fill around and in my lips with this shade and then tap Blankety ontop for a fuller, but also glossier pout.


Saina
xo

Going Nude: Nude Lipsticks for Skin with yellow undertones

Kendall Jenner for Calvin Klein Denim Series, 2015
A catwalk makeup staple, that doesn't seem to be going anywhere is the nude lips. Nude lips seem to always be on trend. No matter the season, nude lips seem to be having an ongoing major moment. We've recently seen Calvin Klein transform Kendall Jenner into a 90s babe, sporting the denim dungarees with bold brows, clean cut makeup and you guessed it.. matted nude lips. But for something that may seem so simple, it's not that easy to find the right shade that doesn't wash you out, but brings life to your face whilst being a 'nude' lip.

 "Too dark, and you look like you're trying to make brown lipstick happen (and not in a cool '90s way). Too light, and you start to resemble the living dead." Byrdie, Faith Xue

I remember when I was first exposed to the trend in school, and at first attempt I got it all oh-so-wrong. Although cosmetic companies have expanded their colour ranges, and there's now something available for everyone; at the naive age of 14, it wasn't so easy for me to achieve this look as most drugstore products at the time seemed to cater to paler complexions, which essentially made it look like a white chalk-like colour across my mouth. Today, extensive brands such as Mac and Bobbi Brown provide excellent options for almost every skin tone so I am going to share with you some of my favourite colours for this lip trend. For reference, I am an NC30 (Mac) with a pale-yellow undertone. Like most people, my face tends to be paler than the rest of my body so I rely heavily on bronzer to even out my complexion.

Order: Topshop Desert, Dior 178, YSL 2, OCC Interlace
1) Topshop, Desert: If you're looking for a nude with a bit more colour, this is your answer. Topshop's Desert is a perfect peach pout that still falls under the 'nude lip' umbrella. Not only would the orange undertones of this colour work well against olive skin tones, but it will do wonders for tanned skin by giving the impression of 'I just got back from holiday' sun-kissed look. What I love about Topshop's lipsticks is their lasting power (4 hours+) and finishing texture. If you're after a more glossier finish you probably wouldn't appreciate the cream to powder texture of this product - but I love it! 
 
2) Urban 178, Dior Addict: This tinted lip colour is very versatile and fool proof - so you can afford to take a risk with this one! Once applied you get a sheer pinkey - nude tint without appearing overly glossy. The caramel toned beige shade will play up the warmth in your skin, whilst the slight shimmer running through it will accentuate your tan skin (real of faux).

3) YSL Rouge Volupte, 2: I've mentioned this lipstick before, but it never seems to escape my list of favourites. This velvety-cream nude works perfectly against olive undertones, making it appear a 'natural' nude on my lips - without looking ghostly or too pale. It has peachy undertones which work well against skin tones with yellow undertone

4) OCC Lip Tar, Interlace: Although this looks scarey in the tube, this is an excellent product once you get the hang of how to use it. Admittedly, I had one too many mishaps when I first got my hands on OCC products as they are highly pigmented, paint like but also extremely liquid based. I've tried to make this product work with the brush that comes with it, but it just applies streaky and unevenly every time I do so; so here's how I do it - I place a small blob of product on my index finger, then I dab it onto my lips, patting it to create an even finish on my lips. This basically creates the 'your lips but better' illusion by adding a hint of pink and flush of your colour to your complexion.
Tip: OCC Lip Tar's are great for mixing up and creating your own shades, if one colour appears to light and another too dark, give them both a whirl and create your own happy medium. You can also use Lip Tar's in conjunction with another lipstick or liner that you have at home to create a unique and desirable finish.


Which is your favourite?

Saina
xo

Sunday 26 April 2015

When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Natural Toner


Lemons have been a favourite in Middle Eastern and South Asian homes as a skin brighter and colour enhancer. Many young brides are familiar with the idea of their mothers (or mother in law's) picking a lemon from the backyard, cutting it in half and rubbing it all over their face - all in the name of beauty, of course. And they had the right idea - the acids in citrus fruits, especially lemons, make them the perfect natural skin brightner. Unfortunately, Middle Eastern and South Asian cultures have historically valued lighter skin tones and deeper skin tones. Medium-deep skin tones have not been in favour as they are deemed to connote a poorer background, or an unkempt female. Asian women have been worshiping the perfectly porcelain look forever.

Although this thought process seems to be fading away, lemons are still an excellent natural alternative to chemical-filled toners, blackhead busters and the fruit rind can be used as a natural exfoliater. I like to use a lemon treatment every now and then to reduce pore size, remove excess skin oils and impurities, but also to brighten any scarring discoloration (dark spot scars) and even out my skin tone. Lemon treatment also helps brighten the general complexion of my skin, and any dullness I might have. By simply cutting a lemon in half and gently rubbing it all over my face and neck, I can wear my skin confidently without needing layers of foundation, bronzer, contour, highlighter etc. to enhance and bring that *glow* to my skin.

What you need:
1 lemon.. literally that is all!
What to do:
Once the lemon has been cut in half, rub the lemon gently in circular motions accros your face and neck, focusing on oilier areas (for me it's my 'T Zone' - forehead and nose). Allow the juice to sit on your face for a few minutes before you wipe it off with a muslin cloth and splash your face with cold water. Lemon treatment is also great for minimizing pores and blackheads, so if you suffer with either of these, make sure you focus on these areas!
Tip: Why not create your own toner-potion? Try mixing 1 lemon's worth of juice, half a cup of purified water and a few drops of witch hazel.

Sundays Picks: Featuring Zara Pointies

Today I wanted to share with you a few items that I've been loving, but I also wanted to share with you my new shoe loves - these beautiful structured, leather pointies from Zara. I managed to bag these beauties in the Zara mid-season sale for... £9.99! As a self-acclaimed bootie addict (ankle boots are what I'm speaking of here), I was in the market for leather smart(ish) shoes that could act as happy medium between heeled boots and casual flats, so this absolute bargain won me over.


I've been turning to these shoes more than I initially thought I would, and they've been working well with jeans of all colours and styles. They're the perfect 'I'm smart without looking overly dressed up' addition! Due to the sturdy leather, I've been wearing these with thicker ankle socks to avoid any rubbing in the breaking in process. Unfortunately, I cannot find these shoes on the Zara website which often seems to be the case when I find amazing mid-season bargains, but I've seen many similar styles that I've linked a couple below.
Here are some similar styles I found: Find links for these beauties below: 

Asos Say Goodbye Shoes: Here
River Island Patent Pointed Toe: Here
Mango Leather Pointed Shoes: Here
Zara Toe Bluchers: Here

Saina
xo

Saturday 25 April 2015

Styling the Fedora

Nicole Scherzinger, Kourtney Kardashian & Mary Kate Olsen sporting the fedora trend
One fashion trend that I'm overly excited about is the Fedora craze. Fedora's made their first signs of appearance last Fall, they continued as a firm favourite during Winter and Spring, and they seem to be holding their place on high street and high end fashion for summer too. This, I am thrilled about. Hello, this means immediate miracles for bad hair days, dull outfit days and an instant spruce to 'I can't be bothered' days!
Admittedly, I'm not the most head-wear savvy person and I often steer away from overly accessorizing an outfit with add-ons like hats, scarves, belts etc. But I must confess, the fedora has become my favourite wardrobe item of the moment. Any time that I am unsure of an outfit, or want to look chic without looking like I've tried too hard, I throw on a fedora. They are both functional and outfit transforming - an absolute win win. Today, I am going to share with you a few outfit ideas showing you how I style my fedora's for both casual and more 'dressy' days.

Look 1 - 'Soft Grunge': Although I'm no stranger to a predominantly all-black outfit, the monochrome checkeredflannel on top of an all black look definitely adds an element of grunge to this outfit style. This outfit is typical of me attempting to look 'girly' without the pink and frills that I steer (well) away from! Dresses are not my go-to, but this is my take on Saina does Spring Stylin'.
Outfit details: Flannel, Topshop - similar here
                       Dress, Asos - here
                       Boots, Topshop - similar here
                       Fedora, Miss Selfridge - here 
                       Bag, Michael Kors chain safiano - here 

Look 2 - 'City Chic': This is an everyday Saina outfit, minus the heels. I'd usually substitute these for a pair of Nike's or New Balances to make the outfit casual. But going with the theme of 'chic', I added a pair of strappy heels to show how versatile fedora styling can be, and how it can be used in aid of dressing up an outfit. Apart from the heels, there's not really much going on in this outfit, and things are kept pretty minimal. This is a perfect example of how the hat transforms what would be a simple outfit to something a little more (effortlessly) stylish.
Outfit details: Faux fur jacket, New Look - here
                       Black vest, Zara - here
                       Coated denim trousers, Zara - here
                       Strappy heels, Asos - similar here 
                       Fedora, Miss Selfridge - here 
                       Bag, Chanel 2.8mm - here

Look 3 - 'Casual for Coffee': If you're ever bound to bump into me, you're more than likely to see me in some rendition of this outfit. Ever since I discovered the world of trainers, I've been loving the exploration of fashion in the sport-luxe world. By adding elements such as the fedora, and a fancy handbag the outfit is instantly lifted from what might look rather masculine (jeans, t-shirt, trainers.. you get my drift) to a fashion-savvy yet comfy outfit.
Outfit details: Faux-fur long waistcoat, Canadian Boutique - similar here 
                       Basic white Tee, Zara - here
                       Ripped knee jeans, Topshop - here
                       Grey fedora, Next - here
                       New Balance 524, here
                       OMG canvas tote, Alphabet bags - here

What do you think of the fedora trend - yay or nay?

Saina
xo



Friday 24 April 2015

The Many Uses of Rose Water


Rose water is essentially a flavoured water, made up of steeped rose petals and distilled water. Being Persian, there is no escaping Golab (translated literally as Gol - rose, Ab - water). It's a staple ingredient in Persian cuisine, chai, coffee, cocktails, skincare and beauty. In Iranian homes, rose water is used to add a distinct taste to foods such as rice, ice cream and cakes - in fact the general Persian stereotype goes 'The more rose water used in cooking, the better the cook'. Since Ancient Persian times, Golab has been used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes such as eye drops for clearing ones eye, or sprayed directly onto skin to revitalize, cleanse and freshen facial pores.
Although rose water adds amazing taste and smell to food, I unfortunately haven't mastered the art of Persian cooking (awful, I know). I have, however, found other uses for it and it now has a well deserved role as part of my skincare routine!
Cleansing:
Having mentioned many times before, I have hypersensitive skin that is prone to product reactions and break outs. What better way to cleanse my skin from makeup and impurities, than to use natural ingredients that I know my skin will not turn down? Every night I place a few drops of rose water onto a large cotton pad and gently rub in circular motions across my face and neck. Surprisingly, this works as a great cleanser, and I always notice a significant change in pore size when I use this product.
Tip: I sometimes mix Witch Hazel with Rose Water for added anti-septic effect, this works even better when I am suffering from breakouts, as WH combats infected/damaged skin cells.

Face Spray:
If you took any notice of the beauty world this gone year, you would have taken note of the 'face spray' trend. Essentially, a bottled up water based product that can be carried in ones handbag for freshening of makeup, or generally used to spray before moisturizing to 'wake up' your skin. Luckily, I didn't buy into the trend for two purposes 1) it's all a bit gimmicky, 2) I refuse to pay £20+ for a bottle of water and some harsh chemicals/perfumes (basically). Something that I have been doing since I was a young teen, is making my own facial spray at home using... rose water! This seems like a trick, but it honestly works wonders. If you're skin is feeling a bit irritated, dull or your makeup needs freshening to look a bit more dewy, a couple of rose water spritz and you're good to go!
Tip: Tea tree and Witch Hazel are also great to add to the mixture for an added oomph of goodness.

Soften Dry Skin:
Only I haven't yet been daunted with facial wrinkles or fine lines, I often realise that the skin around my eyes can feel tight, which in turn makes my makeup apply patchy. Tight, dry skin is your body's way of telling you it's thirsty, though sometimes even enough hydration cannot do the trick. By placing two cotton pads soaked in rose water on my eyes for a few minutes, you can see great results. Tip: I like to use a couple of cups of rose water in my bath water not only for the divine fragrance and freshness, but also for its immediate softening effect.

Natural Body Spray: 
Just as it works as a natural makeup setting spray, rose water is also a great alternative to the standard body sprays that can be harsh on your skin and let's face it, sometimes they don't smell great either. Just fill a plastic spritzer and voila! 
Tip: Mix half cup of rose water with a few drops of rose essential oil for extra fragrance power.

Rose Water Tea:
As a lover of everything tea, I add a few drops of rose water to both hot and cold tea. Rose water works especially well in chilled green tea, I like to make rose water ice cubs - sounds fancier than it is. Just fill your ice tray with rose water, once frozen pop a few cubes into your long glass of green tea.
Tip: I know a few people who hate the taste of green tea, so try stirring a tea spoon of agave nectar in your drink to add some sweetness and flavour.

The possibilities are endless, and will do your body and skin many favours.

Saina
xo

Natural Eyeliner: Sormeh

A Middle Eastern cosmetic favourite is the use of natural eyeliner, Sormeh, made originally from almonds. Sormeh is made from 100% natural ingredients such as almonds, walnuts, pistachios, hazelnuts - these are roasted (until black) and ground into a gorgeous, charcoal-like powder.
Traditionally, Persian's have used hand-crafted wooden containers, which include a thin applicator that is ideal for lining your eye's water and tight line. 
To apply sormeh, you dip the wooden applicator into the container and collect enough of the fine powder, flick off any excess as you do not want it to smudge within you eye. You then close your eye and gently run the applicator across your eyelid from inside to out. You can end this with an optional cat-like winged flick.
Although sormeh is not waterproof, it's seriously black and it takes a lot to make it budge. What's beautiful is that the ingredients are extremely friendly to your skin and gentle on your eyes, no harsh chemicals are used to achieve this gorgeous, long-lasting depth of colour.
Sormeh applied to both outside & inside the eye
Let me know if you have any natural cosmetic tips!

Saina
xo

Snack & Go


The term 'snacking' seems to have developed a bad reputation, though it definitely can (and should) be added to and be a part of a healthy eating lifestyle. Ever since I took the healthy plunge, I have accumulated quite the shopping list of picky foods that are perfect for chucking in your bag to fulfill those cravings!
Eating clean(ish) is something I committed to a little over two years ago - the content of my meals have changed, but that doesn't mean my eating habits have had a dramatic change. I'm a self confessed snacker. I'm always bored, and always hungry! I prefer snacks to meals, which isn't necessarily a good thing but you can definitely make smarter decisions when choosing your snacks. One thing that I initially struggled with was finding healthy snacks whilst out and about, the easier (and often cheaper) options are almost always a pack of crisps, a chocolate bar etc.
Today, I am going to share with you a handful of guilt-free snack suggestions that are useful for when you are on the go.
At 110 calories a pack, popcorn is an ideal alternative to crisps and cookies and craves the desire to pick and crunch away. Propercorn is one of my favourite brands to turn to for popcorn snacks as they have flavours for every craving - this Sweet Coconut & Vanilla one is a perfect alternative for sweet craving. With the key to healthy snacking often rooting in convenience, The Health Doctor is a great brand with products ranging from packed nuts, seeds and beans to corn and soya crisps. These spicy chipotle crisp thins are made from 50% soya and 50% corn - an innovative range bringing health back into the crisp market. These crisps are air popped rather than baked or fried, containing 50% less saturated fat than standard fried potato based crisp snacks.
With Quinoa being all the rage right now, I was more than delighted to discover Eat Real come out with Quinoa chips that taste better than any standard potato chips I've ever tried! These crisps are gluten free and suitable for vegans, making them perfect for everyone and especially ideal for dipping and sharing.
Indulging in sweets doesn't have to always mean chocolatey goodness, you can satisfy your sweet tooth with healthy options too. 9bar is more than just an ordinary snack bar - these energy bars are a great all round, satisfying and wholesome snack, packed with naturally nutritious seeds (superfood goodness). These delicious and satisfying bars are free from gluten, wheat, egg, yeast, preservatives and artificial colours. Nākd bars are also a great way to eat nutritious, healthy food without compromising on taste! Available in a range of natural and tasty flavours, these minimal ingredient snack bars are a perfect bite with tea. Made up of tasty fruit and nuts, these are 100% natural and also free from gluten, wheat and dairy (another Vegan option). Although chia seeds require a bit more prep before eating, these Chia Shots are perfect for having in your handbag and using as a 'topping' in yoghurt, or a simple way to add something to a simple bottle of water - just empty a sachet into your water and shake the bottle, voila! 
Finally, here's a firm (but simple) favourite - fruit and nuts! There's nothing better, and nothing more simple to curb snacking cravings. Fruits are some of the best providers of natural sugar, which are great for suppliers of energy. Grab an apple, grab a banana and you're good to go! 

Let me know what some of your healthy favourites are. 

Saina 
xo