Summer Makeup & Skincare | Zafira
Hi!
I had a lot of aspirations of glowing up this quarantine in preparation for summer, however it just wasn’t in the books for me this year. My skin and I have gone through a roller coaster of events. From breakouts every week or so to scaring like no other, it’s made me simplify my skincare and change a few things in my makeup routine which has led me to find some amazing products I want to share with you this week.
I’ve also filmed a little get ready with me because I haven’t done one in forever and I know a lot of you like when I film videos.
Here’s the products I used in this video as well as some other skincare and beauty bits I’ve been in love with recently:
Hyaluronic Acid
If you aren’t already on this Hyaluronic Acid kick then you are well and truly missing out on your skin absorbing all the moisture it needs.
I actually stopped using this for a bit because I was using a different serum that already had the hyaluronic acid within it but I’ve stopped using that and simplified the entirety of my skincare routine.
I had a really bad breakout on both cheeks over the past few weeks ago and with acne medication that dries your skin out like no other, moisture and hydration was something my skin definitely needed. I go in with a facial mist after cleansing and then I’ll apply this just before my moisturiser. It has brought back so much life into my skin.
You can buy this here.
GLOSSIER - INVISIBLE SHEILD
This was the only reason I was excited to go start going outside a lot more now that restrictions have eased up is this.
This might be the best thing I’ve ever put on my skin.
Since I do have a lot of acne scarring, one thing step in my daily routine that I’ve learnt is vital, is sunscreen. Exposure to your skin without suncreen can actually cause your scars to darken so it is incredibly important to add this into your routine.
I love this one from Glossier because not only does it smell amazing but it has more a gel texture and no white cast like your generic sunsreens. As a darker skinned girl, putting on sunscreen has always been a nightmare but this blends into your skin like a regular moisturiser or serum and leaves no residue whatsoever.
I was a little shocked by how small this was at first but you’d surprised how far one pump of this can go.
You can buy this here.
kiehls - ultra facial cream
As I said earlier, my skin has been suffering so simplicity in my routine has just been incredibly vital. This cream is the best because it just does what you want a moisturiser to do which is moisturise.
This is ideal if you have oily/combination skin because it isn’t greasy or really thick but still hydrates you skin.
I will never put another moisturiser on my skin ever again because this is perfect.
You can buy this here.
clinique - even better glow foundation in cream caramel
I’ve never been a full coverage foundation girl so when I tried this and realised it was basically a tinted moisturiser, obviously I fell in love.
It applies so smoothly and is pretty light so it doesn’t feel like you’re actually wearing anything but the glow and dewiness this foundation has is beautiful and has pretty decent coverage for a foundation that is so light.
Even after powdering, my skin has this subtle dew to it that makes it look healthy and makes me look awake and fresh.
You can buy this here.
estee lauder - double wear concealer in
6N Extra Deep
This is supposed to be an excellent concealer however, this shade is too dark for me to use as a concealer. So I’ve been using it to cream contour instead.
I know for contour, you’re supposed to use a very cool toned brown but I personally prefer something that is a little on the warmer side and this shade is spot on.
I apply this under my cheekbones, my nose, sides of my forehead and a tiniest bit on my jaw and blend it in with a beauty blender.
I also adore using this as a base before my everyday eye shadow. It’s a great primer and base and intensifies whatever shade of brown I decide to put on my eyelids that day.
You can buy this here.
mac - studio finish concealer in NW40
On the topic of concealer, this Mac Studio Finish concealer has been my best friend when it comes to covering scars and blemishes as well as my under eyes.
It’s a little more heavy duty than any concealer I’ve used before but I think that’s what makes it so good.
You can buy this here.
nip + fab - contour palette in dark
I was contemplating whether even photographing this was a good idea because it’s the most beat up thing in my collection.
I use this for everything.
I’ve hit pan on pretty much every shade because I use them all. I’ll use the two middle brown shades for contour/bronzer as well as eye shadow. The darker brown on the right for a more intense contour or in the crease for my eye shadow. I’ll use the pink shade as a blush but also will blend a little into whatever lipstick I’m wearing that day.
This is literally the most efficient and useful palette I’ve ever bought.
You can buy this here.
Nyx - ultimate shadow palette
I’ve slowly started incorporating more and more colour into my routine these past few months and the easiest ways to do that is by getting an eye shadow palette like this.
It has so many colours but my favourite at this moment is the lilac. I did a little look with this a few weeks ago. You can check that out here.
You can be subtle and use these are liners for a tiny pop of colour or you can be bold and use these all over your eye lids. The options and colour combos are endless.
You can buy this here.
smashbox + vlada - petal metal shimmer drops
This is amazing for any of you who love glitter but want something a little more subtle and easy to wear everyday.
I use this as a highlight sometimes, on top of eye shadow and even on top of my lipsticks.
It’s basically a glitter top coat but for your face. It’s truly great because it doesn’t mess up your makeup when you apply it, it dries so fast and has the prettiest sparkle.
I like to squeeze a few drops onto my finger and pat wherever I want to put it.
You can buy this here.
barry m - lip liner in chocolate
I will never in my life buy another brown liner that isn’t this.
I think I first bought this when I was around 15/16 and nearly five years on, it’s become a staple in my everyday routine.
I usually love using this as just a lip liner to fill and line my lips but recently I’ve loved using this as an eyeliner too. I do a little flick on the outer corner of my eyes with this to elongate my eyes.
You can buy this here.
Nyx - Matte Lip Liner in Alabama
At some during the beginning of this year, I decided I needed to change my everyday lip colour and went out and bought this liner.
On the rare days I do decide to switch things up a little, I’m a big fan of using this lip liner with either a nude/mauve lipstick blended in.
It looks like a red lip liner but it’s got this orange-y brown tone to it which I love.
You can buy this here.
If you’re curious about the products I used in the video that I haven’t listed in my current favourites then here’s a list of everything I used!
everything I used in the video:
Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
Clinique Even Better Glow Foundation in Cream Caramel
Mac Studio Finish Concealer in NW40
Revolution Conceal and Define Concealer in C10
Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer in 6N Extra Deep
Laura Mercier Translucent Powder
Nip + Fab Contour Palette in Dark
Zoeva Cocoa Blend Palette
Barry M Lip Liner in Chocolate
Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara
Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream in Rome
Thanks for reading!
February Favourites 2019 | Zafira
Hi!
I have no idea how it's March but February has flown so so so much quicker than January. Now that Spring is finally coming our way (and climate change), I've had a chance to not only switch out my winter items and products but also purchase some new bits and pieces which have changed my life.
Here are my favourites for Feb!
1. REVOLUTION CONCEAL AND DEFINE CONCEALER
I feel like makeup is a very chronological place to start since February turned out to be my month of breakouts. Literally, the day the months changed I broke out like there was no tomorrow and it was extremely unfortunate especially because we had a big family wedding coming up mid-Feb. My breakouts did calm down by then but not enough to just wear foundation like I usually do.
I've never been into concealer because I hate the way it feels but this is so different and feels extremely light. I even started wearing concealer under my eyes too which is something I never do and it's been life-changing.
I usually use the darker shade (C12.5) kind of all over, on my scars and under my eyes. Then I go in with the lighter shade to highlight because I now think I'm an MUA, I'll use this on my forehead, a tiny bit under the eyes and on my chin. For £4, you definitely cannot go wrong with this.
Buy it here:
https://www.superdrug.com/Make-Up/Face/Concealer/Revolution-Conceal-and-Define-Concealer-C5/p/751538
2. NYX FOIL PLAY CREAM PIGMENT in POP QUIZ & GLITTER PRIMER
Glitter is something I like to keep my distance from because once you touch it never leaves you. However, I decided to go extreme for this family wedding and just spice up my go-to gold eyeshadow look with a dash of glitter and I'm so glad I did because my eyeshadow was dazzling in all the pics I took!
I swatched this NYX Foil Play in Boots and was a bit taken back because it was just super glittery. Not like chunky glitter, kind of like a gold eyeshadow but with millions of tiny flecks of gold glitter. I did use gold eyeshadow as a base for extra pigment and then used a thin layer of the glitter primer (worked absolute wonders) and then applied the glitter.
My eyeshadow was on until 3am I can 100% assure you that this glitter and primer combo are amazing.
Buy it here:
https://www.nyxcosmetics.co.uk/eyes/eyeshadow/foil-play-cream-pigment/NYX_639.html
3. & OTHER STORIES LIPSTICK in RUBYLITH REGAL
I ended up throwing away a lot of makeup at the beginning of the year either because it was old or just not worn enough. I'm really trying to minimalise my makeup collection because realistically, how much makeup can you possibly wear? I'm trying to purchase things that either have multi purposes or things I know I will defo wear on a day to day basis.
This lipstick from & Other Stories is 1. super pretty but also 2. so versatile. I will wear this either full on with a brown lip liner and use a little bit of loose powder to matte it down the slightest bit or I will apply it in a very thin layer to get that 'swollen lip' look and if I'm feeling a bit adventurous that day, I might even add a lipgloss on top.
I can't find the specific shade of lipstick I mentioned but I would definitely recommend having a browse through their lip products and see what catches your eye!:
4. LAURA MERCIER POWDER in TRANSLUCENT
Now listen, paying any more than £5 for a l o o s e p o w d e r is ridiculous. But this, this is a game changer. My face? Not cakey. It's smooth, airbrushed and just nice to look at. I may have just become a broke student again but it was completely worth it.
That's all I have to say about this.
Buy it here:
http://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/laura-mercier-loose-setting-powder_304-3001489-12321001/
5. KHAKI PANTS AND JACKET
This kind of counts are two favourites but I didn't take two separate pics for them (whoops). I bought these khaki pants and jacket from Zara on two separate occasions and when clearing out my wardrobe these two items just found their way together. They were just laid on my bed next to each other and I was like wow wait hold on this is actually a great outfit and this is how I ended up creating what I have decided is my most coordinated outfit yet.
Unfortunately, the pants and jacket aren't available anymore but here's some good alternatives...
Pants:
https://www.zara.com/uk/en/drss-trsr-01-p08547860.html?v1=8468819&v2=1180677
Jacket:
https://www.zara.com/uk/en/jacket-with-contrast-topstitching-p08073021.html?v1=8167138&v2=1180323
6. THE ORDINARY HYALURONIC ACID
Skincare has been a bit tricky this month since I had such a crappy breakout but this has really helped. I've been using products to dry out my spots so stuff like the Mario Badescu drying lotion and Sudocrem (weird yes but it works so well!!) and to somewhat combat the dryness after my spots have gone, I've been using this twice a day.
It's important to use this before a moisturiser in order for it to work properly, so in the mornings I'll use this with my GlamGlow Glowstarter Mega Illuminating Moisturiser and then in the night with Bio Oil. It's wonderful and so inexpensive.
Buy it here:
https://theordinary.com/product/rdn-hyaluronic-acid-2pct-b5-30ml
7. & OTHER STORIES PERFUME in MIAMI MUSE
I'm quite a picky person when it comes to perfume. I'm not a fan of overpowering perfumes or like extremely floral ones. I always look for something that smells clean, comforting and something you'd sniff and be like 'hm that's nice'.
It lasts all day and isn't too strong but strong enough for people to compliment me on my scent. I think & Other Stories have such a good range of fragrances and it's not really somewhere you'd expect to be selling such high quality perfumes. A very unexpected but well-loved favourite this month!
Buy it here:
https://www.stories.com/en_gbp/beauty/fragrances/product.eau-de-toilette-miami-muse.0293738026.html
8. FLORAL EARRINGS
I'd be lying if I said I've been wearing these a lot but I only got them a few days ago but they already make me drool so so so much. Lovisa is such an underrated shop with the prettiest jewelry ever. I saw this and cried for a few minutes and somehow found my feet dragging me to the till and my hands pulling out my debit card. It all happened so fast but I'm dying to wear these. I might just be
that
person and wear them to uni this week.
Buy them here:
https://www.lovisa.com/products/rgld-rg-coated-flower-hoop-er
9. LUSH ROSE JAM BUBBLEROON
The Lush Rosejam bubbleroon has changed my zen Sundays massively. Every Sunday, I take time to myself and relax. I'll run a bath, put a facemask (or about 4) on and just chill. It's become a part of my weekly schedule and I treasure it.
I bought this because it was pink and sparkly. I hate that I'm
that
person but it caught my eye and I'm so glad that it did. It smells so lovely and just clean and floral. Did I mention it turns your bath water pink?????? yes pls.
Buy it here:
10. SHOES
Words cannot explain my love these shoes! If you haven't heard me speaking about these whether it's in real life or over on my Instagram then you must have been living under a rock for the entirety of Feb.
On one of my many trips to TK Maxx, I found myself wandering through the shoe section (mainly disappointed because nothing exciting usually pops up in the size 3 section) and found these pretty things. My shoe knowledge is quite limited so I have no idea what these are called or where you can even get your hands on a pair like these but they're just wow.
Pink and velvet is a combo I never thought I needed until now. I thought they would be quite difficult to style but they fit right into my wardrobe so well and match so many of my outfits. These have truly made not only my year but just my entire existence overall.
Thanks for reading this post! If you want to see more like this please let me know :)
FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO STAY UPDATED:
AW18: Skincare & Makeup Faves | The Zafira Edit
Hi!
Ever since Uni began, my skin has become a metropolis for everything that's just not cute. Whether that's a herd of acne, horrifically clogged pores or dry alligator-like skin, you name it, my skin has been suffering from anything and everything. It's been quite the sh*t show.
To help combat all of this I've been using a range of things. I usually keep my skincare routine pretty simple and try not to change it that often because I know that since I have pretty sensitive skin, I have to be very careful with what I use. Because of this, I mostly use things that specifically say they are targeted towards dry and sensitive skin.
Like I've probably mentioned a million times now on my blog, I'm a uni student now which means one thing and one thing only. I'm broke 24/8. Skincare used to be the one of the biggest dents in my bank alongside makeup because my mindset was that if it cost more then it would probably be a lot better but I was so so so wrong. A lot of the skincare and few makeup bits I'll be mentioning in this post are all things you can find in drugstores such as Superdrug and Boots.
I love Rejjie Snow. I think he's talented and just super cute. I love everything about him so when I had heard he came out with a lip balm with a pretty great skin/body care brand I knew I had to get my hands on it. I actually ended up getting it as a gift for my birthday in June from my cousin but she ended up only giving it to me a few weeks ago lol. It's such a good lip balm. I honestly wasn't expecting anything as good as this. It's made with all natural products and it's vegan and it's the best thing you could ever put on your lips. I put this on a lot before wearing matte lipsticks and my lips don't get dry at all. I use this a lot at night too to keep my lips mosturised all night long.
I'd say the mini collection (well more like 2 items but ok) of Glam Glow products that I own are probably some of the more expensive items in my skincare routine but they are completely worth it. This is one of the quickest and most effective face masks ever. I use this nearly everyday because it really does refine your pores and make your skin look so much healthier overall. I am finally starting to look like I didn't just rise from the dead and it's truly amazing. You just pump out the smallest amount and apply all over. It's a funky purple colour but with Glam Glow, you're probably expecting the most vibrant and colourful of face masks. It applies like a normal face mask at first but after a couple of seconds it starts to bubble and turns into a frothy-like consistency. I like to use this in the shower because I just leave it on whilst washing my body and then wash it off once I'm done. It's fun, it's purple and it's a miracle. It's definitely something you should your hands on.
I've never been into products like this because I'm not a fan of super brightening and illuminating skin. I always find that I just look sweaty. I bought this in a set with the other Glam Glow product above and ended up trying it one morning before applying my makeup and it makes me look heavenly. The thing I love about it most is how mosturising it is. I have skin as dry as the Sahara desert and it still keeps it quenched all day long. It's not glittery at all but more luminous. It gives you the healthiest and most natural glow. It also smells a lot like children's antibiotic medicine which is a bit strange.
Much like the Vitamin E mist that I mention further down, I've been using Bio Oil for years now. It's so essential in my skincare routine. I mainly use this to get rid of acne scars and old eczema scars too. I think a lot of people get annoyed when using this because they don't see results straight away. You have to use it quite consistently for about a month or so and then you can really see a change. It's also a pretty good mosturiser for the body.
I was reading an article online that said that this is Bio Oil's first new product in 30 years. I saw this in Boots a week or so ago and I knew I had to pick this up. I've started to use this on my face and the gel consistency is wonderful. I don't even use the oil on my face anymore just this. It has a thicker and gel like consistency so it absorbs so much quicker into the skin and isn't as greasy. I could even get away with wearing this in the day now.
If you've been reading my blogs since the beginning then you'd know all about this baby. It's truly the love of my life. If I don't use this at the beginning of my day then I can
100%
tell that it is not going to be a good day. I use this just after washing my face in the morning as a somewhat pre-mosturiser, on my Real Techniques beauty sponge instead of using of water and then in the night after washing my face. It's one of the best things I've ever used on my face and it's one of the cheapest items in the my entire skincare routine.
Once upon a time I was in Superdrug having a little browse round when I spotted one of these So...? Body Mists. I gave it a little spritz and it smelt so so so good. I ended up buying it just so I could throw it in my bag. And in present day, I pretty much use these body mists everyday. They are so inexpensive and so handy for when you're out and about.
I am a massive face mask lover. I'm trying to get into the habit of using one at least once every week. It's the perfect way to relax and get healthier and happier skin. I've started using this sheet mask from Soap & Glory and it's a literal miracle just like it says. Since my skin is super dry, this mask combats the dryness so well and makes me look like I've bathing in mosturiser for days. It smells pretty good too just like most of the other Soap & Glory products.
I have never been a big eye shadow person but I think that was down to me wearing not a lot of colourful outfits. But now I've started incorporating a lot of colour into my wardrobe, makeup is starting to become a really fun and experimental thing rather than a daily chore. I recently bought a pair of flowy pants in this mermaid green colour and thought this was the perfect opportunity to venture out in the experimental makeup world. I also saw
and fell in love with the look. I haven't had a chance to actually wear this eye shadow yet but just swatching it and seeing how well it reflects the light makes me want to cover my entire body in it.
In my entire life, I have only used one foundation. It was the Bare Minerals Pure Brightening Serum Foundation and it worked so well that I didn't even bother trying anything else. But it started to become a bit expensive using a £28 foundation on a daily basis. I decided to venture out and went for this Maybelline Fit Me Foundation. Now I know I have dry skin but after applying all my mosturisers and oils in the morning, the last thing I want to do is apply something dewey that is going to intensify the shine from my mosturisers even more. This works perfectly. It matches my skin extremely well and has an amazing finish.
I think because I quite a few products before starting my makeup or thick products, my makeup tends to cake here and there which is not what I want
ever.
A few months ago, I decided to try out this powder from Collection and it's drastically changed my life. I've found that I don't get that annoying cake-like finish anymore and my makeup looks a lot more natural. I don't know whether it's the powder or just me finessing my makeup skills but my base makeup looks more set into the skin rather than just sat on top. I love this and it's so inexpensive!
Thanks for reading! (All the backgrounds of my photographs are pages of the latest issue of Dazed magazine)
FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO STAY UPDATED: