BT Nano Facial

This week I tried out a new type of facial. The BT Nano facial. Basically it is still a deep cleanse but with the addition of a new gadget called a BT Nano which is a Bio Therapeutic machine. It's a small device that sends micro currents to your muscles to slow down the ageing process as well as improve blood circulation resulting in revitalised skin.

There are many functions of this gadget - the technology helps firm and smooth the skin, rehydrate and revitalise skin. Due to my constant breakouts, I required this facial to help alleviate my breakout. Lutfiya performed the normal cleansing routine and then went over my face with the machine, sending electric currents to the affected areas. I felt a slight tingle as she went over my cheeks and chin - the sensitive areas. It felt like a mild form of laser.

At the end of the facial I noticed my skin felt tighter, looked brighter and my breakout seemed to diminish slightly. I noticed after a few days my breakout subsided on the surface. I can still feel something underneath which I think is more of a hormonal problem thus it's reoccurrance.

I did a bit of research on the process and drastic results can only be seen after a good few treatments, which I plan to undergo to see how well this machine works. I was very happy with the initial results so I'm keen to have another BT Nano facial.

Have your BT Nano facial done at Skinsation at Mugrave Centre or Gem Towers

Lutfiya - 082 838 4608 
info@skinsation.co.za
www.skinsation.co.za

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.

The Week That Was...

Hello Lovely Readers

I've been busy - my usual excuse for not posting as often as I'd like. I hope your week has been great, as mine has been work, work, and more work (if you've had a look at my Instagram you would already know this). Instead of writing about something in particular, I'm just going to tell you about what I've been doing these past two weeks. People often ask me what it is that I do. They see my snap stories and think my life is so fun and fabulous lol! Not that it isn't, but there's a lot of work involved too.

I mentioned that I've been learning the skill of makeup art with Neil Ramautar of Drama Queen, which keeps me occupied on weekends. Last week I had the pleasure of styling the beautiful model and presenter Neetasha Singh for her tv show, East n Style on ANN7 (channel 405 on DSTV). Her show focuses on lifestyle and fashion infused with an indian flavour. I styled her for an interview which she conducted with myself and Neil about fashion and makeup. The episode will air soon (I'll keep you posted) so be sure not to miss it! 

Somewhere between styling and makeup I took a few hours off to treat myself to my monthly facial at Skinsation, this time Lutfiya did a brightening facial which involved a deep exfoliation and some other ingredients that smelled really fresh. She used a little mechanism called the Bt Micro on my face which aids in plumper, firmer skin and a brighter complexion. The Bt Micro uses ultra sound to create temporary pathways which encourages the penetration of the product deep into the skin to maximise the effects of it. Be sure to try it out, I've seen results already - my skin looks brighter and feels more supple and moisturised - which is a great help, with the dryness that has accompanied the change of season.

Work aside, I attended the Tasha's book launch. I love the whole vibe of the chain. It's so relaxed and chilled - I enjoy sitting on their wall-lined couches,watching the patrons come and go. Also, I am good friends with the head chef, Mateus Coelho who's been my close friend since our chef school days, so I went to support him and meet the famous Natasha! The recipe book is awesome as it has all my favourites from their menu as well as a few extra recipes. I love it because the food is easy to prepare and healthy! Mostly, I' so chuffed because I can finally try out all the meat dishes since they're not halal certified.

That's pretty much it for me for this past week. I didn't get any proper snaps of my looks for the week but here's a few selfies I look along the way.

 Selfies en route clients. Wearing both tops from Cotton On. Lips are Russian Red from Mac

Selfies with the team. Wearing Black leather-look tights from Mango and  boots from Bershka

Neetasha Singh styled by me, bra used as a top - Cotton On. Skirt - Jo Borkett. Heels - River island. Bag - Zara.  Palm bangle - Ziba Styles. Neckpiece and earrings - Sass Diva

At the Tasha's book signing. Jacket - Zara

Travel Necessities: 12 Beauty Essentials To Pack For Your Holiday

Is it just me or is beauty the most difficult part of packing for the holiday? How do you know which blushes to pack or how many different shades of orange lipstick to throw in? Or what to use when a week in the sun throws you a lemon and you end up with sunburnt lips and steel wool hair... 

So, here's a list of beauty essentials to keep you looking your glowing best for all those holiday selfies.

1.

Dry Shampoo

Holidays are sometimes more of a rush than a time of relaxation which is why this Redken dry shampoo is perfect, it keeps your hair looking clean and shiny when you're running late for hotel breakfast.

2.

Cleanser

When packing a cleanser for a holiday it needs to be two things; gentle enough to soothe distressed skin (due to climate change) and hard-working enough to remove debris. This Dermalogica cleanser is gentle enough for sensitive skin and moisturises as well as cleanses.

3.

Facial Cream

Your skin really takes a beating when travelling, if it's not the plane sucking out every ounce of moisture it's the change in climate. Pack a cream that works for both day and night to save space. This cream absorbs wonderfully and doesn't leave your pores feeling suffocated.

4.

Spf

Please wear sunblock wherever you go! This sunblock has a slight tint which is perfect if you're not in the mood for foundation. It provides an even coverage and doesn't leave your skin looking and feeling oily.

5.

Sunblock

The rest of your body is just as important as your face! Don't forget to lather on the sunblock before sipping on those poolside cocktails.

6.

After - Sun Lotion

And now for some rehabilitation! Even if your skin isn't feeling toasty, give it some relief with this after sun lotion by Eucerin. 

7.

Foundation

Grab a foundation that's light enough for a no-makeup look but thick enough to provide lasting coverage. This Bobbi Brown (Honey) cream compact provides lasting coverage while still keeping your skin looking and feeling hydrated.

8.

Eyeshadow 

Pack an eyeshadow palette instead of individual colours. This Bobbi Brown (Warm Glow) palette is ideal for day and night with it's neutral colours, perfect for a soft bronzed look or a smouldering smokey eye for those nights out. 

9.

Waterproof Mascara

Avoid Racoon eyes after a plunge in the pool with this waterproof mascara by Givenchy. The unique brush provides extra volume and draws the lashes out. A must - have for all lash lovers!

10.

Bronzer / Blush

Pack a bronzer, blush duo like this one from Chanel (Les Beiges Healthy Glow)

which also has an spf in it. It acts as a highlighter, sculpting powder, bronzer and blush which saves you a whole lot of space!

11.

Lipstick Palette

Pack a lipstick palette instead of all your lipsticks which will save space and prevent loss. Choose a palette with a few bright colours as well as a neutral colour for different looks. 

12.

Nail Polish

Don't forget about your nails! Go crazy with colour this summer with this one from Topshop in 'Clique'. 

What are your travel beauty essentials?

Beauty Secrets: Rain Africa Wild Cotton Range

Rain Africa is truly one of my favourite beauty brands. I received the Wild Cotton body cream as a gift and all I can say is I am absolutely enthralled by the scent. Rain's Wild Cotton range is primarily made up of three main ingredients - organic marula oil, shea butter and sweet almond oil. Marula oil has been dubbed the new "miracle oil" in the cosmetic industry as due to it's high anti-oxidant levels. It is easily absorbed and hydrating, leaving the skin feeling soft and revitalised. Shea butter is included for its anti - inflammatory properties. Rich in vitamins A, E and F, this butter replenishes the skin whilst acting as a natural sunscreen. Almond oil is known to improve complexion and soften the skin.

The Wild Cotton scent is totally my new scent, I love how delicately the body cream's scent lingers and the luxurious feel and at R99, it's affordable luxury in a jar!