How To Clean Your Makeup Brushes

Cleaning makeup brushes is a real schlep and most of the time the stains don't come off. I've read numerous blog posts and watched tons of videos on how to clean makeup brushes however, I could never get my brushes to look brand new. 

I tried something we all have in our homes, Handy Andy, and this worked like a charm. It removes all stains and kills bacteria. I don't know what this product does to the bristles of the brush but if you're like me, not planning to keep your brushes forever, it works just fine. I've cleaned my brushes with Handy Andy for a year now and so far I have not seen any damage. The product doesn't have the best scent so I suggest mixing a shampoo or scented soap to the detergent.

 Step One: Wet brushes with warm water

Step Two: Apply some detergent to a Brush Egg and gently run the brush over in a back and forth motion until the brush is clean. 

Step Three: Rinse the brush until clean and run your brush over a black towel (so there are no stains) to absorb the excess water.

Step Five: Place brushes on the towel and leave to air dry.

Fashioned By Me x Mora Ammo

Last week Mohammed from Mora Ammo and myself collaborated. The brief was for me to style a few key items from his latest pret-a-porter collection. The items included a floral midi top, a black full length skirt and a silver dirndl skirt. My favourite look is the black and white pairing. It's very Carolina Herrera. Classic and elegant... 

I styled the pieces the way I would wear it which isn't necessarily how I'd style it for someone else. My look is very understated. I don't wear much accessories nowadays as I prefer a cleaner look. It's not often that I'm wearing print especially floral but I really loved this floral print - I'm considering investing in a few floral prints for this season. I feel like sometimes I channel Sara Donaldson from the blog Harper and Harley - her colour palette is black, white, grey and nude. I do think her style is great but she seriously needs to add some colour to her wardrobe. With that being said, I am going to introduce more colour to my every day wardrobe.

My hair was done by the talented Sawleha Hansa of @glamhairdontcare and the photography is by Mohammed himself!

All of the Mora Ammo items are available for purchase. Contact Mohammed on 0820788999 and follow him on Instagram @moraammo

I did post the pics on Instagram already but here's a few more...

 Top - Mora Ammo // Pants - Forever New // Heels - Luella // Cuff - Lovisa

Sequined Cardigan - Guess // Leatherette Dress worn as a top - Mora Ammo // Dirndl Skirt - Mora Ammo // Bangle - Accessorise 

Hat - Cotton On // Shirt - Massimo Dutti // Skirt - Mora Ammo // Necklace - Unknown //            Lips - Russian Red by Mac

Blown Away

It's Monday again, back to the rat race! I wish time would slow down already so I can catch my breath! Last week was such a busy week for me, I had lots of work as well as an interview for Mela on SABC 2. We prerecorded it, it should air some time towards the end of this month or early December so please look out for that on my Instagram and please watch the show!

A few items from this look was borrowed from my sister's closet. I am so tired of looking at my clothes - I really can't find any new ways to pair it. When I put this look together I envisioned myself wearing this to a casual lunch with my sisters or going shopping (so I can update my wardrobe) or even to work! We shot this at the Point on what felt like the windiest day of the year. You will notice my hair is flying in every picture. Pagiel tried his best to get a good shot of me but eventually we gave up due to the weather. 

I'm sitting on my couch, listening to 'Hello' by Adele feeling nostalgic. I don't know what more to write about so I'll just leave it at that.

Have a productive week! xx

Yellow Top - Zara // Nautical Jacket - Forever New // Camo Denim - True Religion // Jelly Shoes - Vivienne Westwood for Melissa // Sling Bag - Topshop // Bangle - Swarovski // Watch - Raymond Weil // Sunglasses - Rayban// Lips - Rebel by Mac

Hair colour by Keshini Moodley - Instagram @kesh_206
Hair by Sawleha Hansa - Instagram @glamhairdontcare
Photography by Pagiel Chetty - www.pagielchetty.co.za / Instagram @pagielchetty

50 Shades of Tan

Fasting has commenced and I am all sorts of lazy - which is driving me crazy! I was under the impression that hunger allows for greater productivity and better decisions. Clearly I missed that boat...

I was going for smart/casual with a bit of warmth for this look. It is finally cold in Durban - something I'm rather pleased about. I'm all for layers but with our humidity, that's not always possible. The not-so-warm coat was a purchase made under the influence of Neil. It was my first day working with him. I remember being so nervous I couldn't tell a concealer brush from a lip brush! Neil was so patient with me that day - all I did was pass him a few products (after getting it wrong the first time) and watch him work his magic! After work he took me shopping to try to get me to loosen up a little and complimented me on my great effort  - I'm pretty sure that wasn't the case but he did a great job of assuring me! We walked into Cotton On and both of us gravitated towards this item - I think I even got him to try it on! So there we were, having a mini fashion show in the store, accessorising it with whatever caught our eyes. Needless to say, I purchased it. However he, sadly, did not. 

I wanted to photograph this coat, so it is the hero piece in this look, everything else was paired to complement the coat. The top is so old I was about to give it away. It was one of those tops you just keep in your cupboard but never wear it. My sister and I go to Johannesburg every winter for the sales - she finds the bargains and I buy the same thing as soon as she shows me her finds. This particular 'luck' as she calls it is from Hilton Weiner. The shoes (from Castello) are also from one of my winter shopping trips - the first time I walked around in them I nearly broke an ankle, then I thought to myself " this is exactly the kind of shoe I need in my life", so I got them however, I wear them when I know I'll be seated for the duration of my outing.

I didn't accessorise this look with jewellery because I forgot to carry it with me but if I remembered, I would have worn a watch and diamond studs. I like to let the clothes speak for themselves sometimes...

Coat - Cotton On | Beaded Vest - Hilton Weiner | Hat - Gifted To Me | Denims - Zara | Belt - Diesel Shoes - Castello | Bag - Gucci | Lips - Russian Red from Mac

Hair - Sawleha Hansa 0825088414 

Photography - Hanna Mahomed

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?

Girls Night Out

Hello ;)

It's been a while since I did a look post, mainly because I haven't been out or gotten dressed up in a while. This past weekend my girlfriends and I met for a late coffee to catch up on the week's events. With the end of year nearing and everyone rushing to complete all that they had set out to, it sometimes becomes difficult to keep track of what's going on in each others' lives. I sometimes get so consumed with work, I forget to come up for air. Our weekly coffee dates are perfect for catching up on the latest in each others' lives and just letting our hair down! 

For my look, I just threw on a bunch of clothes and left the house. I find it easier to put an outfit together when I'm in a hurry as I don't have time to over think things however I have been told my clothes don't match a couple times. But that's life hey, you win some, you lose some!

What do you think of my look? Did I win or lose this time?

Top: Zara

Jeans: Forever 21

Shoes: Zara

Bag: Zara

Necklace: Mr Price

Bracelet: Available from me 

#FBMChallenge

My apologies for going completely MIA these past two weeks. I know I proposed a challenge and didn't keep up but in my defense, I had a busy two weeks. I did however, take pics of what I wore and even managed to pull out a couple gems, I also emptied a fraction of my closet which made so much more space for next season's purchases. :)

Day Two, Wednesday

I wore this to a birthday supper. This month my calendar was full of birthdays, mine included. Plaid is so in at the moment so I paired these TopShop pants with a sheer top and barely-there heels.

I usually do wear darker colours but on this particular night I decided to channel my inner RiRi with this super dark lip. I got mixed reviews but I still loved it and will definitely be wearing it more often. (I used a lip pencil because I don't have this colour in a lipstick).

Top: Cotton on (Old)

Pants: Top Shop (New)

Jacket: Forever 21 (Old)

Barely- there Sandals: Steve Madden (New)

Box Clutch: Zara (Old)

Lip: MAC in Currant (lip pencil)

Don't Hate

T-Shirt: Forever 21

Jeans: Forever 21

Shoes: Topshop

Chain: Mira Mew

Lipstick: MAC Russian Red