Nosy Lebanon- Please RefrainAmethyste Lounge’s Annual Pool Party
Last Saturday night I attended Amethyste Lounge annual pool party at the Intercontinental Phoenicia.
Though I’ve been to this usually laid-back venue with its roman pillars draped in ethereal voiles amidst a magnificent pool for dinner and drinks last year, the place transformed into what felt like the Carnaval in Rio that night.
People were decked out in their most floral designer summer gear and over-sized colorful straw hats as they sipped on champagne and cocktails. Live performances played in the background while people feasted on the BBQ stations as the hotel’s five star chefs prepared a mouth-watering selection international cuisine including shawarma, Chinese food, Sushi and mini-burgers.
It was the perfect inauguration to a very eventful series of Beirut-y summer nights ahead of us.
Whether you enjoy tanning with a great cocktail in hand or a light dinner with drinks, check out this seasonal exotic hotspot.
Ivy Says is Special Magazine’s Beautysta of the Month
7 Reasons Why I Love Bridget Jones BabyMona Abou Hamze and Amanda Seyfried: Who Wore It Best
Left: 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
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5 Steps To Gorgeous Doll EyesIvy Reviews: The Body Shop Leona Lewis Collection
Last 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This new limited edition collection is available at The Body Shop stores across Lebanon but supplies are limited.
Enjoyed this beauty review? Click here for more reviews
YSL Couture Kajal Eyeliner: The ReviewThe Roof, Four Season’s Über-Fabulous Lounge
There’s some magic brewing atop one of Beirut’s high-rises where the well-groomed and fabulously dressed go to mingle. But this is not your average open-air bar sprouting all over the city; this is The Roof, the Four Season’s luxury playground overlooking the heart of Beirut.
As you set foot on the deck the 360° spectacular view of the marina, city, and surrounding mountains impose themselves on you. And just when you’ve held your breath long enough to absorb it, you begin to take in the place’s lavishness. The design is brilliant in a dangerously meticulous way, the perfect balance between effortless chic and poised as you’d expect from this 5 star powerhouse.
The lounge-y laid back atmosphere and beats synchronized with the customized projector make it the ideal venue for professional after-work drinks (doors open at 7pm) ,the absolute predrink spot before hitting a club or my personal favorite, date night with the man, a chance to sport a sexy pair of stilettos and sip on some of the finest cocktails in the city.
On Saturday night we headed over to The Roof for some quality time, literally. Our waiter was more than happy to walk us through the signature cocktails prepared by the finest mixologist and we were even happier to oblige.
I started the things off with one of the best (if not the best) Lychee Martini I’ve had in a very long time, and for someone who truly appreciates this fruit I was beyond marveled by the harmonious collaboration between the vodka and juice. I drank it a little too fast and our super-attentive waiter was quick to notice my PDA with it, because he quickly recommended I try the Kiwi Cucumber Martini. It hit the spot.
My man being the eternal classic (though he denies it) ordered a traditional favorite Mojito which I was also eager to taste. They say you can really judge a bartender by the Mojito he makes and this one had a great balance of mint and brown sugar.
I’ve heard rave reviews about the place’s Asian Fusion Tapas menu and was eager to see what the fuss was about. We wanted to keep things light so we started things off with a succulent cold starter, marinated fresh shrimps in pineapple and jalapeños, an unlikely combo that totally seduced our taste buds.
Next we had the fried chicken wontons which also came in a traditional bamboo basket, they were as good as most wontons I’ve had.
But the highlight was the main dish we shared, the Kung Pao Chicken, stir fried chicken and peanuts in soy-sesame sauce with hot chili paste. Now let me warn you this is not for the faint of heart, this dish has a real kick to it so if you can’t handle spicy steer clear. I loved how authentically Chinese it tasted but there was a point where it felt like my mouth was on fire.
Finally, the waiter offered us hands down one of the best fat-free vanilla/chocolate ice creams I’ve had with a side of get this: fudge brownies, chocolate chip cookies and cranberries. My heart skipped a beat with every bite.
We couldn’t get ourselves to leave but we were headed to Stereo Club Nights and were running late. I will definitely be making this a regular on my list of Beirut’s hot spots this summer.
Price Range: Average $60 per person (drinks and tapas)
Verdict: The best quality cocktails/venue/view money can buy
Also Try the Four Season’s The Grill Room, read my review here
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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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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
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.
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!
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?
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