Product Review: Max Factor Mini-Haul!

 

The Max Factor brand has been around for FOREVER (he even did Lucille Ball’s make up!), and for good reason– their products are exceptional in quality and the prices are also super affordable! Here are a few of their latest products that I got my hands on:

Max Factor Liquid Effect Pencil- 10 Black Fire 

 

This little baby is a miracle! Honestly one of the best eyeliners around. It’s great on to use on the outside of your eyes as well as on the inner rim. It goes on smooooth as butter, and surprisingly doesn’t wipe off easily! I’ll definitely be going back for more of this once this has been all used up…

Rating:    (5 out of 5 Sheikha Diamonds)

 

Max Factor Max Effect Dip-in Eye Shadow 

To be honest, I’m not much of an eye shadow girl– I can never really get it just right. This little product right here, however, is great for girls who can handle doing their own eye make up well– I think it’s especially good for those who like to sport smokey eyes. The container is also great because is a no-mess, tiny-clubbing-clutch-approved packaging!

Rating:   (3 out of 5 Sheikha Diamonds)

 

Max Factor Lash Extension Effect 

This is a GREAT daytime mascara. The brush is long with thin bristles, so it gives a very natural look. If you want something more dramatic, you can keep layering on top. It does lengthen your lashes beautifully, but it’s not the best if you are also looking for volume. I like to keep this mascara for those minimal makeup/natural-look days.

Rating:    (4 out of 5 Sheikha Diamonds)

 

Max Factor Lipfinity 

Oh my god! This lipstick really does last for AGESSS! The first step is the one with the color which goes on liquid and dries to a beautiful (and totally unwipe-able) matte. Then after about 30 seconds, you top it off with the clear balm that comes with it. It seriously could last days if you don’t take any make-up remover to your lips. PERFECT for parties, it’s totally unfaltering!

Rating:    (5 out of 5 Sheikha Diamonds)

 

Max Factor Color X-pert 

This is a gorgeous liquid liner that glides on super smoothly. The felt brush allows you to create the perfect cat eyes every time! I got it in a sparkly purple shade and was told several times that it brings out my brown eyes! This one is definitely a keeper!

Rating:    (5 out of 5 Sheikha Diamonds)

 

Salon Review: Sisters Beauty Lounge at St. Regis Abu Dhabi

Sisters Beauty Lounge has always been one of my favorite salons, and I especially love the one that already exists in Abu Dhabi, so of course when I heard of the new one that just opened up down the street from me, I had to try it out! This new SBL is located in the  brand new, drop dead gorgeous St. Regis Abu Dhabi. Being used to the spaciousness of the Al Bateen villa SBL, this new one initially seemed a bit small, but as I sneak peaked at the other rooms of the salon, I realised just how well-laid out it really is!

I started off with a mani-pedi in the cute nail room:

SBL mani/pedis are my absolute favorite mani/pedis of all time. The use of moisturized plastic gloves on your hands and feet keeps your skin soft for at least a week! Yes, even your feet stay soft for that long! Since the salon is still quite new, the variety of colors isn’t as great as the other locations just yet, but it’s definitely getting there. I chose a summery blue with a glitter top coat 🙂

After my mani/pedi, I went over the hair station. This room is just gorgeous! It has a beautiful terrace that overlooks the city.

A blow dry here can uplift even the drabbiest of moods. My hairdresser was, surprisingly, an incredibly talented MAN! Since I cover my hair, they asked me ahead of time if it would be alright if he was the one doing my hair, and I am pretty sure that I gave the same answer that most women who cover give, “Sure, as long as he’s good!” And he definitely is! I got a milkmaid-style braid with loose big curls on the back. He was not only great at his job, but a fun character to talk to. I barely felt the time pass!

I love the SBL Al Bateen location, but I’m just so glad that there is an SBL that I can literally walk to! The fact that it’s a bit quiet right now also helps with the fact that you can book (or walk-in) at almost anytime that works for you!

Overall Rating:    (5 out of 5 Sheikha Diamonds)

Price: Manicure – 85 Dhs; Pedicure- 95 Dhs; Blow Dry (long hair)- 195+ Dhs 

If you would like to book a treatment, call 02 621 0044. 

Salon Review: NStyle Galleria Mall- Blow Dry

 

NStyle has SO many locations, and rightfully so—they are so great at what they do and are very consistent. I tried out one of their newest locations at Galleria Mall in Abu Dhabi. Since the entire mall is pretty new, it was a very quiet salon, much unlike the other branches that I am used to. It was actually nice for a change though. Upon entering, I saw that the hair area was completely closed off from the rest of the salon. It’s a brilliant idea because it’s perfect for women who cover! I was ushered into the hair station, offered a drink and then the girls got to work. My hair was lavishly washed three times and then conditioned. Then it was time for my blow dry. I opted for a simple straight blow dry with a few curls on the bottom. A young girl by the name of _____ worked her magic and within no time, I had beautiful locks! She recommended a few L’Oreal products, but since I had just started a new hair regimen I passed up on them and headed home. The blow dry prices at NStyle are definitely a bit on the higher end, but it’s worth the pampering experience.

By the way, if your guy needs some grooming, there is an Urban Male Lounge right next door to this NStyle location J

Price: Long Hair Blow Dry- AED 150+

To book an appointment, call 04 413 8935. 

September Glambox!

Hey girlies,

I know, I know– it’s already October 7th and September is long-gone but I wanted to make sure that the products were thoroughly tried and tested before I lashed out the verdict! So, here it is:

This Glambox was heavier than the usual and I could tell as soon as the delivery man handed it to me. The products were bulging out of the package, and that sure as hell got me excited. Here are the products:

Neutrogena Blackhead Eliminating Scrub: Neutrogena has always been my favorite brand for face washes. I have a stock 3-4 different face washes, but have never tried this blackhead-specific one. I’ve been using it for the past week and like other Neutrogena products, it’s very cleansing and my face feels very fresh afterwards, but I think I need more time with it to really see the effectiveness on blackheads.

Nuxe Micellar Cleansing Water with Rose Petals: This product is super gentle, almost to a fault. I feel like it’s not effective as other cleansing products. However, if your having one of those days when make-up is just not in the plans, then this is a great cleanser to use at night. I recommend it for use on your stay-at-home days.

Thierry Mugler Angel: This scent is heavenly! It truly is angel. The best thing about it though is that even though its a very soft feminine scent, it lasts AGES! I’ll definitely be needing more of this once my little bottle runs out.

Dove Hair Fall Intensive Roots Treatment: This is the big momma of September’s Glambox– this treatment comes with 7 viles of this treatment. So far I’ve gone through three and I can honestly say that I see a bit of a difference! My hair fall is less when I brush it out. It’s definitely noticeable. I think this product is great for all women who live in the UAE. With the water being so horrible for hair, a shower filter rarely does the job. Products like this one are a necessity.

Dove Hair Therapy Oil Replacement: Another great product for hair fall and damaged hair! I’m coupling it with the Intensive Roots Treatment and it seems to be giving my hair more life. Glambox definitely did a good job with introducing these two Dove products in this month’s box. The only negative thing about using both at the same time is that your hair gets “musty” faster, and it becomes necessary to wash it every other day at least.

Spa Cordon 60 Minute Treatment Pass: I’ve been to Spa Cordon and it’s absolutely amazing! The treatments are VERY well planned, and the spa layout is just gorgeous. The staff are really good at what they do, and they are also super friendly and will easily make you feel relaxed. I’m really glad they put this voucher in there!

Thanks Glambox for another awesome box!

By the way if you ladies are thinking about subscribing to Glambox, right now is the best time– from 6th October, when you subscribe to GlamBox for 12 months, you will only pay for 6! So, that is one whole year of GlamBoxes delivered directly to your door step with a saving of over AED 400!

 

The offer will only last for 2 weeks, as a special Eid promotion, so hurry! The 12 month subscription will cost just AED 449 (original price: AED849) and you will get your first GlamBox this October. To take up this offer simply enter the promotional code 12GB449 at check out, it’s as easy as that.

My August Glambox is here!

For those of you who don’t know what Glambox is: 1.) You’re missing out and 2.) It’s most fun way to get to know about and try out all different kinds of beauty products you probably wouldn’t have tried out on your own.

I’ve been subscribing to Glambox (700-something dirhams for a whole year) for a few months now, and I have to say that this has to be one of my most favorite Glamboxes yet! I’m not really a fan of the brand-themed boxes (Glamboxes that only have one brand for the month) but this month the brand was just too hot to not love– BENEFIT!

There it is! The samples include:

They’re Real Mascara– It’s a freaking jewel that will soon enter my makeup bag in the form a full-size tube. It really volumizes without clumping. I put on a few layers of that and topped it off with some Max Factor False Lash Effect Fusion mascara and it lengthened and volumized out my lashes to make them look like fucking chinese feather fans. Absolutely amazing!

Hello Flawless Oxygen WOW foundation– It takes me about 2-3 tries to see if a foundation is really compatible with my skin, and since I’ve only tried it on once, I can’t really say much on it. However, the good that I did notice in it is that it didn’t screw up my skin from the first try, and also that it’s goes for a very natural look. It’s great for the day time with its SPF 25 and not cakey.

Total Moisture Facial Cream– Honestly not my cup of tea, but I’m glad I got to try it. If you have sensitive skin like me, you are probably very weary of trying new moisturizers. It was a bit too thick for my acne-prone skin, so I didn’t try it on more than once. I chose to stick to what I usually use instead of being too adventurous in this department.

There are a few more discount vouchers in there, but that doesn’t usually grab my interest as much as the products do.