Ben Nye Luxury Powder - Banana

Clients often ask why we use a yellow powder to set their makeup which leads to a long explanation about the product and why we use it, which is why I decided to dedicate a blog post to the miracle that is Ben Nye Luxury Powder.

Ben Nye Luxury Powder is a neutral powder which provides a superior matte finish to any makeup look. This micro - milled loose powder is often compared to many French powders with silky textures. Translucent with just a whisper of colour, Banana powder can be used by just about anyone with a warmer skin tone and for just about any need. Perfect for setting makeup, highlighting or colour correcting surface redness. 

What I particularly love about this product is it's ability to smoothen fine lines and mattify without giving a caking appearance. Unless you're a true-tone, foundation often changes the appearance of your skin tone, however with this magic powder, your skin tone is enhanced without over - powering it. There are a few ranges in this brand as well as various colours to suit each skin tone but this colour - Banana proved to be universal for all skin tones. 

This powder enhances your skin colour and with it's anti - perspiration technology, it keeps the skin matte for up to 8 hours without clogging pores. Popularised by Kim Kardashian's makeup artist for highlighting her face especially her under eye area - this powder works wonders under the eye. The yellow tone neutralizes dark circles without creating lines and caking under the eye. Due to its texture, this powder is build-able which can be dusted lightly over the eye area or used for "Baking" - a new technique which involves leaving the powder to set into the skin to create a highlight under the eye area.

I recently did a photo shoot and used this magic powder to set my foundation and under eye concealer. Once my foundation and under - eye concealer was applied I then used a soft - bristled brush to dust on the translucent powder on to my under eye area, highlight areas, chin and the sides of my chin. This gave my face a natural glow and a smooth finish. 

I highly recommend this product to give you a professional finish to any makeup look.

This product is available online but I purchased mine from Muse Sa. Having Tasneem curate the finest products from around the globe just makes my life easier. You can purchase this must-have powder from her... 

Follow @muse.sa on Instagram or whatsapp Tasneem on 0735214369

I used Ben Nye Banana Powder over my foundation and under my eye.

Here I brushed over the powder under my contour line as well as under my eye.

Primary Colours

Most of my work happens on weekends lately, which I love because I get a whole week to take it easy, work from home and get in a bit of relaxation. This past weekend I was off. I had the whole weekend to relax and spend time with family and friends. If you follow me on Snapchat you would have seen what I got up to the entire weekend. 

Pagiel and I shot these images last week. We both have been super busy recently so it was lovely to catch up and take a few pics while we were at it. He suggested we meet at Audacia Manor for a quick drink and catch up and ended up getting these shots. I was in a hurry, as always, so I threw on this grey t-shirt from New Look with my favourite pair of Zara denims. At first, I really disliked these jeans and regretted getting them but now I could wear them every day! I always find myself regretting a purchase but a few wears later and it's the only item I see in my closet. 

The shoes were a real bargain. I was flipping through Grazia Magazine at a client's house, whilst waiting for her. I kept seeing awesome stuff from Fashion Express. I have never even seen that store before but every item that caught my attention was from there. After the appointment, Neil, Keshnee and I drove into the heart of the CBD - West Street in search of this store. I ended up finding the store and parked on the pedestrian crossing because a selfish driver refused to let me park in the parking I had so patiently waited for. I literally was in the store for 15 minutes as I didn't want to be fined for my parking. I skimmed through the store, looking for anything that interested me. As I made my way to the shoe rack I laid eyes on these cut-out pointy flats. I grabbed my size along with two other pairs of shoes and headed to the cashier. I felt so victorious for some reason. Maybe it was the price that made me smile...

The red fringed waistcoat is from Vim and Verve Collection on Windermere Road which was also another purchase made with Neil. We are always stopping off at random stores between clients. The Yellow Bag is from Charles and Keith. I got this one on sale. The sales assistant was so patient with me because I tried on every bag as well as half the shoes in the store. I bought this bag along with two other pairs of shoes which I look for any excuse to wear. The bag charms are from Bin Dawood in Makkah. My sister and I love key rings and charms. Whenever we get the chance to, we buy as many as possible. 

Hat - Cotton On // T-shirt - New Look // Waistcoat - Vim and Verve Collection // Denims - Zara // Shoes - Fashion Express // Handbag - Charles and Keith 

Henna by Zakiyya. Find her on Instagram @zakiyya_hennaart

Photography by Pagiel Chetty www.pagielchetty.co.za

Morphe G30 Flat Contour

Morphe is fast becoming a leading makeup brand in South Africa thanks to Muse SA. I recently got this brush from Tasneem and I must say it works like a charm. The first thing to do when purchasing brushes is to wash them! You never know what's on the brush, and if you have sensitive skin like me, you don't want to risk getting an unnecessary blemish!

 The brush is designed mainly for blending out a cream contour, however it can also be used for powder contour. The bristles are synthetic, feathery-soft and dense which blends cream contour beautifully on the forehead, cheeks, and jawline. On my first attempt, I brushed on the product with this brush, which was incorrect. On another occasion, I applied the product using a tapered concealer brush and subsequently blended with the Morphe brush. This method provided a smoother finish as opposed to my initial method. The brush is a bit thick for the nose area, especially for beginners - I suggest using a slimmer version of the brush for the nose. That and the fact that the brush handle is quite thick are the only negative qualities about the brush.

 Furthermore, if you want to purchase a universal contour brush - and you're not a makeup artist - I suggest purchasing a tapered version of this brush, which Muse SA does stock. This brush makes a great addition to an established kit. For a makeup novice, it's best to purchase a brush that can be used for smaller areas as well.

Find Muse Sa on Instagram: @muse.sa or Whatsapp Tasneem on 0735214369

Spring Clean

I've been lazy lately, maybe even a little distracted. Every so often, unwavering feelings of discontentment fill the air... As hard as I try to ignore it or focus on what's on my plate at the moment, it doesn't leave...

As of recent I have been feeling like I need a change. I'm not entirely sure which aspect of my life needs a good spring clean but something has got to go! Or maybe I need to focus more on the projects I'm currently working on. I don't really know at the moment. Maybe I should begin with making some adjustments to the blog and it's content. I'd like to know what you would like to see more of on the blog. Maybe a little reader insight is just what I need to make the change I'm longing for. Kindly comment below or tweet me @zaida_omar about what you want to see on the blog.

What I'm Wearing:

Dress - River Island // Leather Biker Jacket - Purchased Overseas // Cobalt Heels - Zara

Hair - Sawleha Hansa // Photography - Pagiel Chetty