Allure

It's the first of December! I can't believe I made it through this year. So much has happened and changed for me. I still remember talking about my objectives for the year on New Years Day with my friends. It's comforting to reflect on this year as I have accomplished most of my goals. This year was a year dedicated to work and nothing else and exhausting as it has been, that is all I have been doing thus far. I still have a long road ahead in terms of my career but I'm proud of the progress I've made. I literally had to put family, friends, and my social life aside! I think the most frequent question I got asked was "where are you?" and "why are you so lost?". 

Next year has already got me thinking about what I wish to achieve and in which direction I want my life to go in. It's so surprising to me that my aims for next year are so different to this year! It's bizarre how we change in the short space of a year! Next year is going to be more balanced. Family is of utmost importance to me, I feel like I missed out on so much this year and I know I will never get back the lost time but I can make the most of the time I do have with my loved ones. 

This week's look was shot at the Botanic Gardens for Allure Couture. This gorgeous cobalt Jumpsuit immediately attracted me when I previewed the collection. I was commissioned as the makeup artist and stylist however, this beauty caught my eye so I modelled it for the brand. I think it was the simplicity and 'cleanness' of the garment that attracted me. As you know, I like a clean look with a hint of drama therefore I incorporated a little sparkle and glam with midi sequinned blazer which I purchased some time back from Lipsy. The heels are from Zara which I impulsively purchased. I grew tired of looking at the shoes in my cupboard...

Cobalt Blue Jumpsuit - Allure Couture // Sequinned Blazer - Lipsy London // Heels - Zara

Allure Couture: Instagram - @allurecoutureza Moonira Joosab 0837865439

Images by Pagiel Chetty. www.pagielchetty.co.za Instagram: @pagielchetty 

Topshop Lipstick: Mescaline

Hello fabulous people! I hope everyone's week has been productive thus far. Mine has been busy, I've been working on content for various mediums. I trust everyone has been keeping up to date with my Teenzone Magazine articles. I'm so proud to announce that I am currently being featured in the online version of Glamour Magazine - as part of their Style Diary. You can view it here. 

Topshop has been fulfilling my beauty needs of late. I have always been a Mac and Bobbi Brown girl but since my first lipstick purchase (I did write a review on this  - it's nestled safely in my drafts folder) I've converted.

My latest addition to my ever-growing Topshop Lips agglomerate is from their Autumn/Winter '14 collection - Mescaline - which is a shimmery gold lipstick, is part of their metallic range. I must be honest, I have never been a fan of wearing any sort of metallic makeup but this collection has swayed my opinion. I was instantly attracted to the gorgeous hue and ever so subtle shimmer it possess - the metal is subtle enough for girls of any shade to find their perfect match. 

The problem most of us face with pearlescent shades is that it tends to make us look a bit 'old-school' (picture a 90's chick with a waterfall scrunchie, super high waisted jeans and horrible metallic lips) but this won't happen with this particular range of lippies, I assure you... Topshop is unrivaled when it comes to reinventing the classics.

This lippie is ideal if you want to give the metals a go as it's subtle enough for those who aren't confident about the change.What's really cool about it is that it's perfect worn on its own- during the daytime -or can be layered for a glam evening look. 

Have you tried this colour? whats your favourite lipstick? Share your references with me on Twitter @zaida_omar

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?