Tag Archives: fashion

Ivy Reviews: Clinique Moisture Surge

IMG_5261I’ve never been one to moisturize religiously partly due to laziness and partly because I just couldn’t bare the dense consistency of most facial moisturizers on my face. I’m also profoundly sensitive to scents and even the most renowned creams made me uncomfortable and prompted me to wash my face immediately.

That was until my mother insisted I try out the Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief moisturizer. I was already a big fan of Clinque’s 3 step system since my late teens, having used their Liquid Facial Soap and Clarifying Lotion almost daily. So I brought my first jar of this award winning Moisture surge two years ago and have been hooked ever since.

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I instantly fell in love with the texture, which is actually more like a gel than a cream, hands down, it’s one of the softest pink sheer formulas I’ve ever touched and it spreads perfectly onto skin and gets absorbed instantly, like it was never there. But it’s there alright, because it will leave your face feeling super baby soft and refreshed, almost plumped. The best part is that’s its actually oil-free.

IMG_5258It’s now a fundamental part of my daily regimen and even managed to get my makeup to blend much better. Although it doesn’t come cheap (around $60 for 75ml in Lebanon) it will last for 3 months easy since you really need a very small amount to comfortably spread it all over.

Try it out and let me know what you think.

Enjoyed this beauty review? Check out some more below

Too-Faced Lip Injection Gloss

Bassam Fattouh’s Blush Tint and Lip Tint

The Body Shop Leona Lewis Collection

Fiber Lash Brush On Fake Lashes

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Mona Abou Hamze and Amanda Seyfried: Who Wore It Best

amanda seyfried mona abu hamzeLeft: Amanda Seyfried on the red carpet at the ’Lovelace’ Premiere during Berlin’s International Film Festival in this stunning cobalt lace long royal blue gown from Elie Saab’s Spring 2013 Collection and TIFFANY & CO. jewelry.

Right: Mona Abou Hamze attends the ‘Cleopatra’ premiere at Cannes Film Festival this week also in this tiered lace Elie Saab gown and Chopard Jewelry.

Mona most definitely wore this better thanks to the way her feminine figure playfully hugs this dress in all the right places and because she wasn’t afraid to wear this dress the way it was designed.

Amanda did not do the intricate design on the dress any justice by wearing it a size too large, layering it with a cream sheath underneath and the red lips were total overkill.

What do you say?

Also check out Mona’s Separated at Birth

Ivy Reviews: The Body Shop Leona Lewis Collection

IMG_4856Last week I got my hands on The Body Shop’s new limited edition collection by gorgeous songstress Leona Lewis. The cruelty-free range recently hit stores in Lebanon and also includes a very playful musk-fragrance.

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I also got the chance to review my first BB (Beauty Blemish) Cream, the latest sensation to take the beauty world by storm.

First things first, I was invited to the summer opening of one of Beirut’s hotspots this weekend and complemented my look with the Shimmer Palette in Bronze from the range, which works perfectly as a blush or bronzer for contouring.

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I loved how well the colour transferred onto my skin and was a breeze to blend, a problem I usually face with most blushers. I even used some of the crème shimmer as a base on my eyelids and I must say the shade worked so well with the rest of my face. It’s one of those palettes that matches all skin tones to give you this subtle sun-kissed glow without looking over-the-top shiny or plastic.

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I paired my look with the Honey Bronze Lip Nectar which really felt like I dabbed actual honey on my lips, the gold tint in it really livened up my look and reflected so perfectly with the Shimmer palette.

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The formula is pretty viscous, so I suggest you give it a slight squeeze when applying and blend it really well with a brush to avoid unevenness. I’m not big on sticky glosses so I dabbed some powder from the shimmer palette on top to reduce it. I also tried and really liked the bright and fabulous shimmer-free Deelicious Fuchsia shade which I also paired with the Shimmer palette for a brunch the next day.

But before I applied all that makeup I used the Vitamin E Cool BB Crème which basically works as a (light coverage) moisturizer and all over hydrator.

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If you’re not yet familiar with BB creams, they serve two purposes; skin care and makeup in one- sort of like applying a really good moisturizer on your face with a tint that will not only even out your skin tone but also lightly cover up your flaws.

And if you’re like me and wear foundation occasionally, then this is for you. It doesn’t mean that it’s a substitute for foundation, but the light coverage when applied solo will give you a naturally radiant look perfect for those light makeup-free days.

It also serves as a base right before your foundation. Vitamin E Cool BB Cream comes off matte, very sheer with a light coverage and shine. If you have oily skin this one’s for you but if your skin is on the drier side of things than you may want something slightly more luminous with higher coverage like their All-In-One BB Cream.

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This new limited edition collection is available at The Body Shop stores across Lebanon but supplies are limited.

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MET Gala 2013 Best and Worst Dressed

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Christina Ricci looked perfect in plaid in this creation by quirky Vivienne Westwood, I loved the way the strapless gown flapped on her chest and the strappy heels. I also loved that she completed her look with orange lips rather than the typical red. She killed it last year in her bow tie dress and this year too!

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My Grandma has been calling all morning demanding Kristen Stewart return her curtains. I kid. Dressed by Stella McCartney this burgundy satin pantsuit adorned in lace is actually very chic but I would have preferred it on someone slightly taller. Yes she is skinny, but pantsuits are for models. I LOVED the hair but didn’t appreciate the matchy-matchy smokey eye makeup.

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Anne Hathway goes platinum this year and looks every bit the punk in this see-through vintage Valentino dress. A good comeback from the Oscar fail this year I loved seeing this usually goodie two–shoes in something more risqué and dramatic, but I’m not a big fan of mid- side-boob.

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Another star that took the theme way too seriously was Miley Cyrus ( why was she even there?) in this long Marc Jacobs fishnet gown that looks like something she picked up from a stripper joint and the awful hair that is way too long for to spike up. To be fair though she looks like she’s rocking an amazing figure from that silhouette!

"PUNK: Chaos To Couture" Costume Institute Gala

No she didn’t make a statement in Givenchy, Beyonce tried way too hard in this way-too-much-going-on dress. And I’m all for over-the-top couture and art but the thigh-high slit, matching boots and matching gloves made this one big mess to look at. Add that waist belt in to the mix and you got yourself something that looks like she took the title of the “Gala PUNK: Chaos to Couture’ way too literally. This looks like it was made by the House of Deron not Givenchy, just like last year when she looked like an ostrich. No matter how many people call her the Queen, even she can’t get away with this fashion crime.

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Super Model Gisele Bundchen pulled a cheap shot on everyone at the gala. She wore an itsy bitsy little Anthony Vacarello  mini-dress that only women with radically tall legs can pull off- and she looked stunning!

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Holy Grandma! Madonna raided her teenage daughter’s closet. We get it punk means studs fishnets and plaid but all three of those together is nauseating and don’t get me started on that wig.  And enough with the excessive show of butt, your over 50 and super fit. WE GET IT! She may be the queen of pop but she is definitely NOT the queen of style. And Givenchy? Come on!

 "PUNK: Chaos To Couture" Costume Institute Gala

Leave it to Gwyneth Paltrow to make a statement in the most effortless manner. While most stars were decked in 80’s memorabilia she threw on this satin long-sleeved bubblegum pink Valentino with a sheer panel cutting right across her upper chest. And although I the simplicity of the dress I don’t think it did much justice to her midsection. I would have preferred it to be slightly more form fitting on her.

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Nicole Richie makes sure she gets noticed this year in a shocking grey frock and an amazing embroidered Topshop gown which I just loved! She pulls this off without looking too punkish and still keeping her poise and elegance. One of my best dressed looks of the night!

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Finally Jennifer Lopes in a long-sleeve full length gown without the excessive cleavage or thighs! She must be reading my blog!  Ok prolly not.But she wore a curve–hugging Michael Kors feline patterned dress with an amazing punk-inspired combed back hair do which I’m going to print out and show my hairdresser this weekend.

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No to matching your shoes and dress. And how does a floral print gown from head-to-toe have anything to do with the punk theme? Pregnant  Kim Kardashian managed to find yet another super unflattering look for herself in this form-fitting Givenchy gown by Riccardo Tisci.  Besides the fact that she looks like wallpaper the worst part of the dress is that it comes with attached gloves in the same pattern. JUST AWFUL!

"PUNK: Chaos To Couture" Costume Institute Gala

Rooney Mara was one my of best dressed of the night with this stunning crème laced Givenchy gown (finally something decent from the fashion house) she went super light on the foundation, minimal on the haired and finished her look with oxblood bold lips. Perfection

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Sarah Jessica Parker revived her Sex and The City Character in this crazy head piece by Philip Treacy and Giles Deacon gown and paired them with Louis Vuitton plaid boots. Do not attempt to try this look unless you’re Carrie Bradshaw.

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An unexpected and very pleasant fashion risk from Kirsten Dunst who wore this ravishing gown by Louis Vuitton, I love every bit of it from the plunging neck line to the patterned halter to the olive green feathered bottom. One of my best dressed of the night!

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Always a winner, Kate Beckinsale looked beautiful in this Alberta Ferretti dress with an asymmetrical hem that she paired with the perfect earrings and the perfect heels. A little too safe perhaps?

Ivy Reviews: Bassam Fattouh Cosmetics Tints Collection

IMG_4487So I’ve been sneakishly using Bassam Fattouh’s Blush Tint and Lip Tint for the past month and thoroughly enjoying the compliments I’ve been receiving. Friends have been commenting on my “rosy” cheeks and flushed lips and I’ve been acting totally oblivious, “who me? Oh it’s nothing” Yeah right.

But before I dish about my latest beauty secret, let me tell you a little bit about Bassam Fattouh Cosmetics. As the name suggests, makeup artist extraordinaire and image confidant to a long list of celebrities including Haifa Wehbe, Elissa and Mona Abu Hamze recently launched his re-branded beauty line, collaborating with the likes of international fashion illustrator Liselotte Watkins and renowned graphic designer Rana Salam. The collection boasts an amazing selection of creative makeup tools with a twist from creamy eyeliners named Leyl and Feyruz, dreamy Orient liquid liners dubbed Sharm and Mikonos and a full range of velvety and matte lipstick and blush shades which are this season’s hottest beauty trends.

I prefer to keep things light when I don’t have to paint my face. Other days, I just want to keep my face makeup-free but still need a quick pick-me-up, especially if I’m late to a meeting or off to the gym. That’s precisely what both Blush Tint and Lip Tint are; the perfect remedy to some quick color without looking like you just swiped a ton of blush or lipstick on. But make no mistake; both can be used as base or touch-up with full makeup.

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The Tint line is made of a water-based gel works line a stain on your skin giving them a natural flushed look like you’ve just ran a mile. Lip Tint actually gives me the exact same result as applying on red lipstick and then wiping it off with a tissue (which I do A LOT.) minus the actual mess that comes with it. The best part is that it literally lasts all day. The challenging part is trying not to lick it off your lips, this stuff tastes like candy.

Although Blush Tint comes with a sponge applicator, I found that it works much better when you remove it and instead use your hands to dab it on your face.

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As for Lip Tint you can control the amount my twisting the bottom, just make sure you move it around fast on your lips as it could blotch if you keep it in one place for too long!

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I totally recommend you go for both products which will quickly become beauty staples in your bag. You can find Bassam Fattouh Cosmetics in department stores across the Middle East and Lebanon.

Curious about more beauty products? Let me know what you’d like me to review.

Also see

Too-Faced Lip Injection Gloss

Fiber Lash Brush On Fake Lashes

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Topshop and Miss Selfridge, The Grand Openings

I attended the grand opening of both Topshop and Miss Selfridge on Thursday and Friday of last week at the new Beirut City Center. I visit the Topshop store at City Mall regularly but I loved the retro electro-pop  look and feel of the new store. I also used to shop endlessly at Miss Selfridge as a teenager but I was happy to see that I didn’t outgrow the collection, heavily inspired by the 60′s icons and adorned in lace, satin, ruffles, frill, sugar,spice and everything nice.

The openings were nothing short of fabulous and everything you would expect from these high-street fashion powerhouses. I took the liberty of snapping up some of my favorite moments and items from both days. Bisoux

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Ivy Reviews: Too-Faced Lip Injection Gloss

Too faced Lip Injection

I’ve heard rave reviews about Too Faced’s Lip Injection Plumpers available at Sephora and I really wanted to see what the hype was about. It ‘s actually known to be one of the most effective lip plumper’s in the market right now and it’s a fantastic alternative for the botched Lindsay Lohan lips or surgically blown-up duck pouts we’ve been seeing everywhere.

I’ve also been warned that it stings, so I was slightly reluctant with the dose the first time around. I dabbed a small amount of the translucent gloss right on my lips (which is surprisingly non-sticky) and waited. At first, I felt nothing but around 5 minutes later I started feeling some sort of inflammatory reaction on my lips and a mildly burning sensation-Nothing intolerable or too dramatic, it was actually amusing and slightly tickled. So I waited a while longer and looked in the mirror.

My lips looked mighty plump almost like they’ve been pinched and then released. It actually works so well cause of the active ingredients that stimulate lips by bringing blood and moisture to the surface. I have average-sized lips but my man noticed my swollen lips as soon as he walked in the door. I knew right then this would be a staple in my bag. The down-side is that the effect will last for around half an hour before you’d have to reapply some more again. And as for long-term results claim, I think that is just a rumor, though Too Faced doesn’t claim that anywhere on the package.

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I recommend you wear this product right on your lips not over lipstick, so that it can react directly with your skin and you can feel its full potential. But if you must add color, just apply lipstick over the gloss, it can get messy but it’s worth it. It costs around $35 in Dubai but you can get it online for $22 if you’re willing to pay double of that in taxes and shipping.

Want More makeup reviews? Check out my take on Fiber Lash Brush On Lashes