Hey Guys! So this is an old post that I've decided to publish because it was due to be published before my phone was stolen with all the pics I needed for this post...  And many of you had enquired what the results of using Nimue were...

If you missed the part about where I won a Nimue hamper from Rubybox for me and a friend...
read up here--->My Rubybox Reveal

I have been using the entire pack for a month, and happy to report that I didn't run out of the products until the 5th and 6th week. As a muslimah, I obviously wash my face often due to wudhu thus necessitating reapplying the products a few times a day, so for it to last this long...impressive.

This is my verdict about the Nimue skincare based on real results. As you know, my skin was breaking out and dry...not very badly, but enough to get me to notice and start taking it alot more seriously than I already did.

In the first week, I was getting used to applying the toner with a gauze and night cream...I am particularly lazy at applying night creams religiously night after night but I did, and I missed at most 3 nights. The Gauze was also an issue for me, it rolls up when you applying the toner to your face. I thought it was the best thing ever, but I think a thicker gauze or few layers would be better or one which is more dense with fewer holes,  but then it wouldn't be a gauze.. Lol..

The conditioner tonic or toner, is a spray on application, which you spray onto the gauze and you can literally see the toner swiping through the gauze, which felt like a waste of good product. I would place the gauze on my palm to avoid wastage and then apply what was left on my hand.

I loved that none of the products have any scent, which is great for skin that is easily agitated by perfumes in skincare.

I found the day cream a little too thick for my liking, but it was hydrating. I am particularly fond of the SPF 40 in a tube. I would skip the day cream and just apply the sunscreen as it was so moisturising. It's also absolutely important to use the Spf40 once you start using the active lotion.

Does it work? Yes yes yes, 1000 times yes! Nimue skincare is amazing, even if you don't get all of the steps from cleanser to night cream.

I strongly recommend their cleansers, which leave your skin feeling fresh and awakened without the tight, too squeaky clean feeling (you know the kind that strips the skin of its natural oils). However if your personal option in cleanser works for you, stick with it.

Next, I recommend the night cream and chemical exfoliator as a must! these are what really give you results. You will see more hydrated skin in the morning, brighter, smoother (texture is dramatically improved), pigmentation or dark spots lighten up.

After 4 weeks of using the complete skincare, my skin was now ready for phase 2. I scheduled my complimentary active rejuvenation facial with my cousin Farhana, who also used  the Nimue Skincare at the Laser Beautique in The Zone at Rosebank (also coincindentally located in phase 2 of the Zone...lol). I thought as it was complimentary, it would probably be a very basic rushed facial, but now I truly believe that Nimue doesn't do anything halfway.

The facial was an hour long and amazing. It included all the bells and whistles of a luxury facial from cleansing, toning, exfoliating, a facial and head massage, use of an active rejuvenating lotion and my favourite the collagen mask which was placed after the active lotion and a layer of gauze. My therapist was excellent, her name is Shaista. Shaista explained how it doesn't matter how much water you drink, you facial skin is prone to dehydration and always receives less hydration, which only increases with age. So we require products to target hydration.

It's was then a few weeks after my facial and my skin is continued to improve, Alhumdulillah! I received my complimentary active lotion which is to be applied every alternate night. I also purchased the orange serum which I apply day and night after cleansing and toning. Even if you don't buy any of the other above items, save up and buy the serum ( I paid R750....worth every cent..I havn't seen my skin look or feel more hydrated, even after nights of little sleep), exfoliator, night cream and the active lotion, and if thats too much then just the active lotion and serum and be sure to exfoliate.

The serum works on a nano technology delivery system.


Pick your colour! A serum for each skincare concern...

Ask your nearest stockist for the starter kit to purchase, that's tailored to your skin type and conditions. if you have any questions...email me: waseema561@yahoo.com or leave your comments below. I absolutely love hearing from you!

When it comes to makeup... It saves to be in the know...

What am I going on about?

Ever bought a makeup product and regretted it after? I have!  numerous times... and once used you can't return it... It doesn't help that they are super expensive too! Especially if you love the good stuff and want your highlighter to be popping as much your favourite red lippy!

I'm going to share a few items that I love in my kit... As a makeup artist... Nothing goes to waste unless... That item is seriously useless or worse...  expired!

There are alot of makeup out there promising this, that or the other, and once bought we may find it works or just barely hits the mark.

Well,  let's get on with it! :)

Featured below:

Sunny shade from top left...Mac paint pot in rubinesque
Dior mini gloss, got these in a travel pack on Emirates duty free
Yardley Absolute Translucent powder
Max factor flawless perfection blush in 220 classic rose
Smashbox photo finish primer oil
Mac paint pot in Layin low and soft ochre
Mac studio conceal and correct duo in burnt coral and rich yellow
Palladium foundation primer
Loreal lumiere 500 gold mania
Catrice cosmetics made to stay highlighter pen and made to stay inside eye highlighter pen.

The Mac Paint Pots are basically long wear cream eyeshadow.

Paint pot in rubinesque and max factor blush above. I love the Maxfactor blush... It suits most skin tones and the colour pay off is great. Be sure to test it along your jaw before you purchase.

The rubinesque definitely felt like one of those annoying "what I was thinking, I should have tried it on" purchases. It is a medium sheer product... So if you tap it on with your finger or a brush.. You are likely to get the most coverage.... It's really pretty and looks amazing when the light hits it but it mostly shows up gold on my eye which is lighter than my hands.. But I'd definitely use it as a base for a similar colour eyeshadow or use base under to get the most of this colour. It suits the fairer or darker complexions and looks quite bland on medium complexions like myself. I also tried a lighter base and darker base,  the colour show was disappointing. I just have it in my kit now to use for ombre lips or as a base on my cheeks for layering highlighter over. Check for sensitivity of your skin when using as a highlighter, highlighter base or ombre lips. BTW it's pretty balmy in texture compared to the other pots.

Side by side... The Mac paint pots from left to right are rubinesque as discussed above, a coral gold colour, then is soft ochre, which is yellow toned and layin low which is brown with a pinkish undertone...

Soft ochre and layin low are fantastic as eye primers or as a base to apply before applying your eyeshadow. They are long wearing, prevents your lids from creasing, dries to an almost powder finish, and allows you to get the most from your eyeshadows.

Colour payoff using these as a base are excellent as long as you use the right colour. Mac paint pot in painterly is a pinkish shade great for lighter skin tones, I do not have it in these pics. Soft ochre for medium to light skin tones. Layin low for medium to deeper skin tones. Also check out other options like Indian wood.

Apply by dabbing on with your finger or a brush... Ensure that no skin is visible under your application... It must be smooth, streak free and even in colour on the lid.

I was surprised by this Yardley powder...it is really fine and translucent, which means it won't change the colour of makeup already applied when used over and great for baking without caking. You can apply it over those areas that are prone to oiliness, like the forehead and nose, and use minimally over the under eye area unless you are baking, in which case allow the powder to sit for a few mins... then gently brush off. You must give the shades buff and bare a try... Buff for highlighting and bare for a little colour for medium toned skins.

The Loreal lumiere gold single eyeshadow saved me when I really wanted a gold eyeshadow and couldn't find anything suitable.  This shadow is best applied with a dabbing motion... It is great for creating an ombre lip by using a dark lip colour and then applying it by dabbing onto the center of your lip.

The Palladio foundation primer comes pretty close to the smashbox primer for a fraction of the price. It mattifies and gives a smooth base to glide on foundation.

My favourite is the Smashbox priming oil, it provides hydration,  skincare and gives a gorgeous lit from within glow... Great for all over application for dry skin,  but best on the cheeks and chin for combination skin. It is pricey,  but you get alot for your buck!

This primer will also liquify or thin out your creamier foundation and can be used to make your matte lipstick into a glossy one... Is great as a base for highlighter and blush. Best of all you can use it at night to hydrate and fortify your skin.

Mac duo conceal and correct is well known and used by many to correct the blue under eye colour with burnt coral and then add brightness with the rich yellow... I think this product is great but when it dries and as the day proceeds it cakes...best to use the smashbox primer oil first on the under eye area, then the duo,  to keep it looking fresh.

I love the Catrice pens... A quick highlighter for the Brow bone area that stays put all day. The inside eye pen is pinkish white and looks alot more natural and less like the 80s stark white used on the inner rim. It will give you a wide eyed look and is great for those days when your eyes look tired and you need to look fresh!

These dior glosses remind me of Mac lip glass and Essence cosmetic glosses.... That are great as a topper over other lip products or colour especially matte lipsticks and paints because they are sheer and have a high shine like most glosses. Love using them in the evenings when I sport a Smokey look.

I just bought a pack of colour pop lippy Stix and will hopefully get to review those soon.... But before I do.. You guys have to check out what went on at the Urban Bliss spa on the 29 October 2016...so brace yourself... Next post will be jam packed!! Who I met,  liked and didn't like so much... Mmmmm....

Just kidding.... I wouldn't tell you guys that.. Kindness and a good heart always wins!!! Irrespective of how others may be... You get to choose your behaviour;) Be you! Be real! Peace out!!

Xoxo Always!!
Stylexplora

Face it!

Winter really wreaks havoc with our skin! with heaters, aircons, the fireplace, and staying indoors, your skin barely needs free radicals to dehydrate and give us some serious insecurities, when our stuffy indoor air does it perfectly! Drinking your 6-8glasses of H2O just does not cut it!

From reading my prior posts, you know I am currently recovering (Alhumdulillah) from acne due to an allergy from a well known high end cosmetic product. I initially thought it was a food allergy until I used the product again, and lo and behold! my acne had cousins and distant relatives.

Now some scarring later, I used a number of items to get my skin back to its former clarity. I thought it would be a good idea to share them with you!

The only item that helped relieve the allergy and reduce the pimples were Cuticura ointment( available at any pharmacy or retail supermarket), another cream from Fordsburg (which I shall reveal soon), and ofcourse avoiding use of the culprit product. I have always used this ointment every night before bed on the insistence of my mother, and have her to thank for my good skin days! I have to include it in my routine again, the smell of the ointment is an acquired taste, but not too bad...I'd Say more medicinal. It is has a balmy consistency and looks oily on the skin when applied, so avoid use during the day unless you plan to stay indoors.

I also wanted to get rid of dehydration and acne scarring too, sooner rather than later. Swiitch beauty founder and owner Rabia handed me a precision pore cleansing pad at their booth at the Eid Shopping Festival. I have to say, I love it! and am so thankful she handed me a complimentary one, no strings attached! It is easy, practical and effective! I've put aside my sorbet cleansing brush until I'm no longer lazy enough to charge it. The precision pore cleansing pad is a simple silicone item, that requires no fussing over. It has a little grip at the back to hold between your fingers for ease of use and no batteries needed. To contact Swiitch beauty and get your hands on one..
click here: Swiitch Beauty their prices are so reasonable!

I use circular motions to wash my face with my favourite cleanser Neutrogena 2 in 1 wash or mask. For brightness, I team the cleansing pad with my Nimue Exfoliating Enzyme atleast once a week.

My skin is alot smoother as the pad proved effective in providing a gentle exfoliation. If you have particularly oily skin that's prone to acne, definitely give Vichy Normaderm gel cleanser a try...you will not regret it! Smells divine! My husband will vouch for the effectiveness of this product!

I decided to team my above regimen with Coconut oil for hydration, which I apply at night before I go to bed. The next morning my skin is noticeably brighter, smoother and more hydrated, and best of all the acne scarring has lightened quite alot and my makeup sets like a dream. I use the Lemcke brand in a white tub as featured below. Hey! if it's good enough to eat, it's good enough for my skin! I strongly suggest you give the above a try.

Another item or items that have made its way on my list are sheet masks from Shades of Mink store, the very first and specialists in bringing you sheet masks. Find them here:Shades of Mink Store

They are inexpensive (in fact the most reasonably priced at under R50...talk about value for moola!) yet utterly good for your skin and effectively hydrate, brighten, lighten, you name it...there's a sheet mask for it. Tip: you should buy more than 4, not only will you reap the amazing benefits, Shades of Mink rewards their clients! I need to get more! If you want to get some...Speak to Yasmin and she'll advise you, her service is brilliant!

As you can see, my huge Shades of Mink Haul

Your Face It list!:
1. Neutrogena 2 in 1 wash and mask / Vichy Normaderm Gel cleanser
2. Cuticura ointment
3. Lemcke Coconut oil
4. Swiitch beauty Precision Cleansing pads
5. Shades of Mink store Variety of specialised Sheet masks
6. Nimue Exfoliating enzyme


I have a ton of reviews lined up because I have been soo busy with work...I figured I owe it to you guys!
I will let you know about the Fordsburg Cream soon. In the mean time, don't forget to follow me on Instagram: https: Stylexplora on Instagram
and check out my latest Hijab tutorial on YouTube: Stylexplora on Youtube

Love and Salaams as always!
StyleXplora

Any hijabi will tell you it's easier to dress in Winter...Summer is a whole other challenge! You want fabrics that are cool yet breathable and non transparent so you can avoid layering.....oh and "with sleeves please".

It's rare to find long tops and dresses with sleeves that aren't sheer..and when I do...I want to know how many colours I can get it in. I do have the advantage of being able to sew what I want, but often don't have the time. Despite the lack of Modest wear...I still love shopping;)

This outfit combo is my go to!

Scarf: Lace, pleated kashkha Laila Couture Fordsburg ( I got it at the Eid fair a while back)
Scarf band: Sowsan
Shirt: Mr. P
Pants: H-twenty one jeans (90% cotton)
Necklace: gold leaf Checkers Hyper
Watch: Swatch
Wedge Sandals: Jet
Bag: LV
Inner: Moondrops (Durban, Overport) couldn't skip it ...it's a white shirt..lol..Moondrops has the largest selection of inners I have seen one shop carry!
Gold belt: WOW Couture


When I want a change, I just swop my shoes, bag, scarf and wear the shirt in another way....tucked in at the front, skip the belt or try another..and the options are endless.

I love this White shirt, because it is a loose fit but has some shaping and has a longer back. Shirts are my staple...I even wear them over dresses and jumpsuits like a jacket and with skirts..the looser fit offers more versatility. A white shirt is a perfect addition to a capsule wardrobe for the budget conscious (who isn't these days?!)

It was really hot when I wore this...so we were running for shade when my highly esteemed photographer(ahem my hubby) took these random pics...Thanks Hun!  It was a relief to be wearing a cotton shirt and mostly cotton pants...

This one is definitely a selfie;p
Right now, the trend in lace scarves are running riot and this one from Laila Couture is really gorgeous!

 At the Home stuff store at Brightwater Commons...

Last seen in this OOTD at the Industry Bakery...:)

Xoxo....

What�s in the box?

�My Skin Health Journey!� and a box of �magic!� as Rubybox.co.za describes it.

It is a starterpack filled with complimentary Nimue Skincare products ( as stocked and used by high end spas and skin clinics) and a voucher for a specialized treatment (free pampering!) and in addition, a travel sized product. Nimue's signature phrase is "the science of beautiful skin".

Products are as follows:

1 x Nimue cleansing gel 30ml

1 x Nimue Conditioner Tonic 30ml (a toner)

1 x Nimue Day cream 30ml

1 x Nimue Moisturiser plus 30ml (night cream)

1 x Enzyme exfoliator 30ml

Quite a few gauze

1 x SPF 40 UVA UVB sun protection Professional

and the cherry on top a  1 x Complimentary Active Rejuvenation Treatment to the value of R490 and a travel size Phase 2 Active Lotion

I was so excited when I found out I was selected for this gorgeous Nimue Campaign by Rubybox! Thankyou so much Rubybox  and Nimue! and best of all I got to nominate a friend to receive one too. I nominated my cousin, who will also try her Nimue starterpack and give me feedback on her journey.

If you have been reading my posts for a while now, you know that I love skincare and areas specializing in it. 

The current state of my skin however, has me running for my shades, even on dull days, and avoiding eye contact. I never thought I would ever say that, but I recently found myself allergic to certain types of fizzy drinks or meds that fizz like Cal C Vita, Corenza C, Aquelle (ooh how I hate that I have to forsake honey melon and litchi). I never really drank fizzy before, other than Appletiser, but with the heat in Jozy and having caught every bug out there, I felt justified. 

I break out into pimples that do not have an expiration date, and being someone that doesn�t really get acne, I gave it 2 weeks and I did what I preach no one should do�I bust the bugger�except it didn�t bust�all I did was damage my skin and the problem was much deeper. While I have gotten that under control, with lots of water and avoiding the fizzy, I was left with pigmentation from that memorable bugger, which I wore, even on my brothers wedding day. 

So fast forwarding, I need to get my skin back in shape, and I�m doing it with the Nimue starterpack.

I actually feel like I have a personal skin coach with the Nimue Ap (which is available for both android and ios). I first installed the ap and did the skin classification survey/ test to determine my skin type. Mine was Environmentally damaged, and having been selected for the campaign, Rubybox and Nimue sent me a starter pack tailored to suit my skin classification�.How awesome is that?

The Nimue ap is interactive and easy to use and allows you to journal your journey. So I have taken my Day 1 pic or before and will share my progress with you as I go along and dish out on the complimentary treatment to follow.

Nimue has a 3 phase skin health program which you can embark on too, by downloading the app, determining your skin classification and then purchasing phase 1 from your nearest stockist...try the The Laser Beautique.

The phases:

Phase 1: Prescribed homecare products that support the second phase or prepare the skin for the second phase(the products as per my starter pack but tailored to your skin classification)

Phase 2: Prescribed, professionally administered products to treat the skin within the deeper layers (ie. the active lotion/gel, I get to try a complimentary travel size)

Phase 3: professional treatments (such as the complimentary Active Rejuvenation treatment)

You are probably wondering about the gauze?

Nimue prefers gauze to cotton wool and wipes, as they assist in the natural exfoliation action. It takes a bit of getting used to but is gentler than you think.

To find out more about Rubybox and Nimue...Click on the links below and be sure to sign up for the Rubybox newsletter, download the Nimue ap and find out your skin classification, follow the instructions and you could just get a free starter pack suited to your skin as well;)

Nimue
Rubybox

All the best! (",)

xoxo

A few days before my Birthday, my husband sent me an sms confirming a booking he had made with Life Day Spa Fourways at Design Quarter. He knows me all too well, so he booked and paid for it in advance knowing it was the only way to get me to go. 

I go on guilt trips from time to time, when I spend alot at a spa. I keep wondering how I could have used that money more wisely. I have been to numerous spas in Jhb, none of which I have been pleased with. One of my favourite spas Logique is located in Durban, Overport and  I was yet to find one that rivalled it until now!.

Truth is, I really needed some TLC and Life Day Spa at Fourways has me hooked! Let me tell you though, the only pitfall, is it's available to men too....luckily I didn't come across any...perhaps it was quieter then. You can keep your hijab on though, remove it for treatments.

Life Day Spa Fourways Foyer

In the pic above I am standing in the ladies change room entrance/ exit. To the left is the mens change room, in front of it is the rasul chamber and its shower and in front of that the mani station. Before the mani station is the reception area. To my left is an entrance to the treatment rooms. If you walk further down, at the end of the foyer is the spa pool and the flotation room. Use the stairs to get to the pedi station, coffee lounge and daybeds. 

Want more? Click on this link for the spa virtual tour...bare in mind you can do all of the treatments individually.

Life Day spa Virtual Tour

Ladies Change/ Shower room

In the mirror you can see large combination lockers, which are super easy to use and effective at keeping your precious items safe.

Hair Drying station

The reception and the spa itself is absolutely beautiful! When you arrive you feel like you have been transported to a place away from the concrete jungle, that is Johannesburg, where you can feel calm and at ease. What stood out most for me, is that the staff are friendly, welcoming and immediately take you on a tour through the spa to familiarise you with their rooms and the complimentary spa facilities, so you don't require any chaperoning or babysitting. 


Yes! I said Complimentary spa facilities! which are available to you with every treatment booked. I thought it was too good to be true or there must be a catch so I lost out...:( Complimentary spa facilities includes the following:
Use of the- 
Steam Room
Sauna
Swiss shower
Indoor heated pool (carry a costume)
Rasul Chamber- A middle Eastern Mud Ritual based on the Turkish bath, you are given a body scrub and clay body mask to apply and then enjoy a rain like shower.
Flotation therapy- one session equates to 4hours of undisturbed sleep, I didn't get to see this one as someone was already making use of it.

The Rasul Chamber

Okay get over it!, I know the pessimist in me lost out, but I'll catch it next time!;)

By the way, I met my spa attendant  Anneke Jansen, almost walking into the men's change room.lolll I have dubbed myself Queen of embarassing situations!... I was heading toward the Rasul Chamber and thought it was next door, too preoccupied with getting pics for you guys..hehe, I took the wrong turn.  Anyways Anneke, I could see wanted to burst into laughter but restrained herself like a professional...We got chatting quite a lot and I definitely have a new friend:) If you ever visit Life Day Spa, ask for Anneke, she is great at what she does;)

My treatment was a luxurious candle massage and a signature pedicure without the nail varnish ofcourse, but still soo worth it. My muscles felt more relaxed and my feet soft. I had neglected my feet to the point that I had cracked heels, which I had never done before, so having soft feet again was such a relief. 

The Pedi Room

For my 60 min massage treatment, massage candles are lit and melts to a warm massage oil. This is then massaged according to whether you want a deep, medium or soft massage. I chose deep all the way. 


The Signature pedicure is exactly that, their signature! Your feet are exfoliated with a scrub, your nails buffed, dry heels and toes gently filed, and my favourite.... the Caviar like treatment that intensely hydrates your feet while soaking in hot water. The signature salts expand and swell with the water to resemble caviar and get in between your toes too...quite the experience, fun to watch Anneke Jansen dispel the swelling...shhh, I'm not going to tell you everything..you have got to try it!

Enjoying my signature pedi

You also get complimentary tea or coffee and muffins, relax on their gorgeous day beds, and I got to take home an oil candle....you know who, I am going to use that on....Ok, stop those naughty minds and click on the link below to see their treatments on offer.

Life Day Spa Fourways

Day beds on the patio

Coffee lounge

Friendly staff

Coffee Lounge alternate view

Remember to book the complimentary facilities atleast the day before your treatment so you can pitch up an hour early and take advantage of them!

The spa offers Le Praire, Optiphi (created to suit South African skin) and Nimue treatments and sells quite a few popular products too. I bought a brilliant product which Anneke suggested and I am completely amazed with the results, so a post on that coming soon:)

Display

I really want to try the Le Praire facial or the Optiphi Skin rejuvenation peel with micro dermabrasion next and will definitely include before and after pics.

Love and Spa days.....
Waseema

  

I have hereditary under eye darkness and puffiness, so you can believe I have tried dozens of natural treatments, including correcting and concealing products for cover. 

Under eye circles and puffiness can be as a result of a number of different factors, here are few of the common reasons:

• consistent lack of sleep (so night after night, you think it's ok to stay up late?)
• water retention or high salt intake 
• anaemia 
• poor lymphatic system or blood circulation
• genetics or hereditary 
• low water intake
• also related to other health issues such as poor indigestion
• tired eyes or eye strain from use of screens in laptops, tv, computers, cellphones etc. 
• sinusitis or allergies
• humidity or climate conditions

What can you do about the under eye circles and puffiness? 

• you have heard this over again, go to bed early and be consistent with your sleep times, this has always helped me personally with both the puffiness and darkness
• I grew up in sunny and very humid Durban, so my eyes were puffy alot of the time, particularly in the morning, as the day would pass, it would lessen. Now living inland in Jhb with slightly drier climate, both my sniffles and puffiness have decreased substantially.
• stay hydrated and reduce your salt and caffeine intake to avoid water retention, use lemon juice, vinegars and spices instead of salt.
• workout consistently, make time for it...your health is everything. You really don't know the quality of life you are missing out on. For workouts and tips click here:workouts
• take your iron supplements, take them with or after your meal to avoid nausea
• use eye drops to combat dry and over strained eyes and step away from your screen or simply close your eyes for a few minutes throughout the day 
• cucumber slices straight out the fridge placed on the eye area for 5-10mins, cool and invigorate the eye area, it may only lighten the under eye area very slightly and remove a bit of the puffiness.
• I haven't seen much difference with Potato slices personally, but your could give that a go as well.
• honey and turmeric mixed to form a paste is another option. In my opinion the yellow or orange tinge that the turmeric has lightens the purple tone under eye or cancels it out temporarily.
• milk or water and rice flour mixed to make a paste also has a lightening effect, you can also add in honey for hydrating the eye area
• visit a skin specialist or dermatologist. Involves injecting hyaluronic acid (naturally produced in the body) to areas that are sunken in around the baggy area of the under eye to plump these recesses. This is costly but effective.
• place two teaspoons in the freezer for 5mins and then apply on puffiness holding it until the spoon has warmed up, I used to this in the mornings before campus when I was up studying the night before
• Use an eye cream that is specifically formulated to target your eye area concerns, caffeine eye rollons are great for depuffing, try Garnier and Clinique. (I will review eye creams from budget friendly to the more exclusive soon Insha'Allah)
• lymph drainage through massage has a number of benefits, with decreasing under eye puffiness being one of them...see below

All credit due to Distant Healer

The lymph drainage massage literally takes 2 mins, I use the massaging head on my shower by lifting my face up to the shower and having the pulsing pressure of the water, tap or massage those lymph drainage areas. It feels invigorating, please try it!

Corrector and concealer

What is the difference?

Concealers are available in liquid, stick and cream form. Often concealers don't do justice to covering up more noticeable under eye circles (I should know), if anything it makes them stand out more or look grey. The reason for this is that most concealers are meant to brighten the under eye area and are generally in skin colours, behaving more like highlighters. 

If the under eye area has purple or blue undertones, a corrector in the "appropriate colour" should be applied first to cancel out the purple and blue tones, creating a clean canvas. Applying the concealer will now work more effectively to blend the under eye area to your skin and brighten it up. Setting the concealer with either translucent or yellow toned powder will give the concealer staying power and avoid it melting and moving into eye creases and lines. Pat your eye with your baby or ring finger with a light touch to blend any lines or creases it has moved into.

Correctors come in a range of colours, and also in a variety of forms, from liquid to cream and powders. They are often worn under your makeup and are for correcting colour due to skin issues.

Green correctors cancel or camouflage redness due to skin irritation, acne, eczema, sun exposure etc

Yellow correctors cancel purple undertones such as purple under eye circles, bruises, pigmentation

Orange correctors cancel blueish undertones such as blueish under eye circles, acne scars, pigmentation, veins

Pink correctors cancel brown such as brown spots or pigmentation, freckles, scars and are particularly great for fairer skintones  

The above also works the other way around ie. purple can cancel out yellowness or skin dullness. Some foundation face primers come in purple undertones.

Correctors and concealers are therefore not reserved for the eye area only they can be used on areas or skin concerns that require a cover up. Correctors are used in darker areas of the face such as around the nostrils, upper lip and concealers for highlighting areas like just above and below the brow bone, the bridge of the nose (length) and above the cheekbones and centre of the forehead. See more on contouring later in this article.

courtesy of nyx cosmetics

Can you see the colour wheel in motion above....colours opposite each other on the colour wheel cancel each other out! 

To learn more about colour theory, click here: Colour theory

Which products would I recommend?

As a Makeup Artist, I have had to learn alot through trial and error. The products I recommend are as follows:

For light under eye circles:

Try a liquid concealer in a shade lighter than your skin tone such as Essence, YSL radiant touche eclat (this is more of a highlighter and great for brightening up dull under eyes). The YSL pen made the darkness under my eyes look grey and the puffiness more noticeable due to it's highlighting effect, so its great for someone who has dullness rather than darkness. 

Picture courtesy of Elle.com

For medium to dark under eye circles: 

Try a stick or pencil concealer such as Palladio herbal concealer in "yellow" (I am crazy about this inexpensive wonder!) which comes in a lipstick compact. See my review on the Palladio herbal concealer coming next. Clinique All about eyes concealer is also a great buy and stays put.

For more severe under eye circles:

Try a creamy concealer, my absolute favourite is Bobbi Brown corrector and concealer I use the corrector in dark peach and concealer in golden and honey for occasions. I apply it using my ring finger patting it on lightly in a triangular shape, from my inner eye to outer eye and down my nose to just above my nostrils and then back upto my outer eye. I will include a video tutorial soon.

Kryolan orange camouflage creme is also a great alternative corrector for dark marks around the face such as the upper lip area, the lips, around corners of the nose and dark spots. This must be topped with either a creamy concealer or foundation to blend correctly, all applied with a dabbing or patting motion. 

Tip: for beautiful pink lips apply a lip balm then Kryolan camouflage creme, top with pink or soft peach lipstick of your choice or a nude for gorgeous nude lips.

This product has some great reviews, and was actually used by the makeup artist who did my wedding makeup (I wasn't a makeup artist back then, else I would have done my own makeup:). Its very widely used by celebs on and off screen as it photographs and videos particularly well. I sometimes use it on my dark lips or marks and for special occasions, unless I prefer Bobbi Brown that day.

Bobbi Brown Creamy concealer and yellow powder compact and Bobbi Brown Corrector which is applied before the concealer and powder

Applying Corrector and concealer

Check out this Bobbi Brown Video on how to apply corrector and concealers 

click on this link for more concealer hacks from Harpers Bazaar

Concealer Hacks every woman should know

Ladies, please note that I have tried and tested all of the products mentioned above. Here are some of my concealer and corrector stash including powders:

Here I am using the Bobbi Brown corrector in dark peach and concealer kit in golden. The concealer in honey would be a better option to brighten up the under eye.

Here I have used the Palladio herbal concealer in yellow, my review on this product and its application will be up soon.


Hope this post was especially useful and informative, look out for my videos and don't forget to subscribe to my blog and You Tube channel and follow me on Instagram for more.