5 Makeup Products I want to buy

Hey Dolls and Gents!
You'd think by now I would no more buy anything related to makeup.
I am blessed to have a large collection and I understand I don't need to have every color and formula under the sun. But I'm also very good at keeping my makeup well organised - daily items in one storage and the rest in categories, same as for my closet where daily items are on rack and everything else sorted by type. This means I know exactly what I have, what I am running low on and what I do not have.
For now, I am holding off any purchases, but if I were to buy something (say I won a voucher or got a gift card or it was my birthday), here is what I'd want to add to my collection.

Note that the pictures are from the MAC website and Sephora website, I do not own copyright for them nor would claim they're mine - obviously it's a wishlist so I didn't buy the products yet.

1- MAC Fix+:
I had this before and finished it, so this would be a repurchase. I do not have any product that is quite like this setting spray. I only have makeup fixing sprays which while being nice and effective, are not at all moisturising and won't do much if I accidentally overpowder.

2- A brown Lipstick:
I was going through all the lipsticks I have and the predominant color is RED. While I have a wide range of colors, as I was preparing an Olivia Pope inspired makeup, I realised I did not have a brown based lipstick. It makes sense because I do not gravitate toward such colors, but now that I have this tutorial in mind, I badly want one. I am hesitating between a MAC one and Clinique chubby stick since it is what Kerry Washington uses.

3- MAC Gold Deposit:
This is probably the highlighter that suits me the most. But for now, I have one from theBalm, been using it when filming and it looks great. The planner in me is thinking, I don't want to buy another highlighter while I still have that one and the lustre drops. I usually prefer to only have 1 or 2 items max in each category. Also given how little I need, I'm sure it will take at least 1.5 years for me to hit pan on the powder highlighter.

4- MAC Hover lip liner:
I know everybody and their grandma have been raving about the Kylie Jenner lip. I don't really care about that Whirl lip pencil, I don't follow fads, I just do what works for me.
I tried Hover all over the lip and it was perfect.
I need to finish 4 or 5 lipliners first before justifying this purchase... but I will get there.
You will be mine my precious.

5- A Z-Palette:
These have been around for quite some time, but since I don't buy online, I was never able to find one.
I see that Sephora have Z-palettes so I need to get my hands on one.
I can fit my entire makeup routine in one of these and it would be the perfect addition to my streamlined travel packing routine.

10 products I stopped buying from the US and why

Hey dolls and gents;
If you follow me on social media, you know that my biggest indulgence is traveling to teh US whenever I can. I save for months and as soon as I reach my travel budget, I hop on a plane and go.
I used to compulsively buy everything I need on a daily basis. I remember once I traveled to cincinnati, and I didn't have anything in my bag. First thing after I reached the hotel was to go to the Macy's that was few meters away. I bought everything from socks to undies to makeup and even my suitcase.
In 2013, I went to NYC 3 times and I loaded on drugstore items each time. That is when I realized I have a problem. Especially that since then, we had 2 malls in Casablanca and few stores started opening in Morocco.
As of 2014, I decided to be more targeted in what I bring along. My only trip was in October and I was quite moderate.
Here are the items that old Ouga would have bought and why I did not bother this time.

1- Rinse off Conditioner
As a curly girl, my biggest struggle is finding good products for my hair texture.
I know it is counterintuitive to say this because I live in Morocco, Africa. Alas I have to travel to another continent to find products suitable for African hair.
Every bottle weighs 1 kilo and I noticed that even when I lug back 4 huge bottles, they still won't last me a year. So I decided to start buying local cheap conditioners especially that I am no longer as strict on the no-silicones thing. I figure that paying twice the price is still OK since I have the product available whenever I want. The few dollars savings do not justify the extra weight in my luggage.
If you are curious about my hair routine, here it is in video:

2- Body Butters
I have an important stock of body butters because I would buy at least 3 tubs each time I travel.
Now, the body shop opened in Morocco so no need to stock up. And it would take me at least 2 years to finish everything I have in stock.

3- Secret Deodorant:
This has been my favorite for years. Then one day, I went overboard and bought so many that I got bored with it. I think I might be at my last stick now. When it's done, I will use some of the Avon deodorants I have in stock. Once all of these are done, I might try the Lavanilla deodorant because I heard so much about it. But this won't happen till at least a year or 2 :)

4- EOS Lip Balms:
I discovered these randomly and since then, every time I traveled I'd buy 5 or 6.
At the end of the day, I realised I don't love them that much and I can have many other lip butters available in Morocco. As of now, I have 3 open and 2 in backup and I will not repurchase.

5- Lipsticks:
There was a time (circa 2011) where my entire lipstick collection was a 2 MAC lipsticks and 1 Lancôme Rouge. I had tossed all my Wet n wild and other drugstore lippies that I had hauled in 2006 (long story but let's say I went crazy on inexpensive makeup).
Then starting 2012, I started slowly building my collection. I probably have around 50 lipsticks and some of them are not open. Every time I went to the states I bought a dozen (or two) from the drugstore. I also was gifted many lippies.
I am proud to say that in my last trip, I only bought one Revlon matte balm and one burt's bees lip balm. If ever I go again, I will buy zero lip product (maybe the agave lip mask but it doesn't count).

6- Victoria Secret Bras:
These don't come cheap, but I felt like I didn't have any choice since in Morocco we have little choice and inflated prices. However, few months ago, I went on a mission to find good brassieres locally. I bought from La Senza and didn't like them, then got a couple from Etam, and judging by how many times I wore them, I think we have a winner. So as of now, I'm replacing all my bras with Etam ones but very slowly because they're bloody expensive.

7- OPI and Essie Nail Polish:
Here again, 5 or 6 nail polishes whenever I traveled. Also friends would always give me nail polishes.
But last time, I went shopping for an acrylic nail polish holder, I needed several sets and it wasn't enough to hold my 79 polishes. This stops now.

8- MAC Cosmetics:
This is my love brand, the first brand where I found my skintone, the first brand where I splurged while being happy and excited each time I stepped into a store.
MAC opened in Morocco few years ago so since then I exclusively bought from the local store. I didn't appreciate how everything used to be out of stock, but their supply is fixed now so I'm a happy customer.

9- Teas:
There was a time customs at Charles de Gaulle airport wanted to check my bag because I carried so many tea tins. I would go to whole foods and grab a dozen cans and be so happy about it.
Now, we have a wide tea selection in Morocco, I have found brands like Tchaba, and even found Tazo sold in Casablanca and Rabat.

10- Socks:
Believe it or not, my first purchase every time I set foot in America was several packs of socks that I would wear throughout my stay.
I mean seriously, socks can be bought everywhere. Time to stop this nonsense.

Review: Eve Lom Morning Time Cleanser

Hey loves!
Six months ago, I discovered balm cleansers and fell head over heels.
I was using just the Clinique Take the day off, and was secretly fantasizing about the higher end balms that all the British youtubers are raving about.
I know Eve Lom and Emma Hardy come to mind whenever we think luxury balms.
Last time I was at Sephora's aisle of doom - you know that little display while you're queuing to checkout and you have all the mini travel sizes - I saw this travel size Eve Lom morning cleanser, and while I know it's a lighter variation of the classic balm cleanser from the same brand, I thought I'd give it a try.

Eve Lom Morning Time Cleanser: Thick yellow gel

Eve Lom Morning Time Cleanser: it melts in heat but stays solid at room temperature

Eve Lom Morning Time Cleanser

Eve Lom Morning Time Cleanser:

It comes in a very sober white tube with gold writing. I know that the classic one comes with a flannel and you can buy the muslin cloths separately, but I was already feeling horrible for shelling 22 dollars for a travel size (50 ml).
The tube twists and you have to squeeze out the yellow waxy balm. I rub in my hands to melt it then massage it on my skin, and I must confess, I like smelling it too.
It has an earthy smell and feels great on the skin. Once I've removed it with a damp hot flannel, my skin feels plumped and smooth.

The downside of this product, other than its price tag, is that it contains mineral oils.
I did not know this because the travel size did not really have a visible ingredient list and was sold as a tube not in a box. But with some googling, I found the ingredient list and was disappointed because for such a price tag, they could at least use better ingredients.

I will finish this product because it feels awesome on my skin and I wash it anyway but I will not repurchase because I think I can get better formulated products for such an investment.

Review: Clinique Take the Day Off Balm

Hey dolls;
Over the past few months, I have switched interests from investing in makeup to investing in skincare.
It is very important to have a smooth canvas before painting my face.
I would say that the step which made the most difference is cleansing. I have become very thorough at cleansing my skin and I could see a difference.
This does not mean I used to sleep with makeup on or anything like that, I just feel like Bioderma micellar water and a gel cleanser were not enough, or at least have stopped working for my skin.
One of the additions I introduced to my skincare in the past 6 months was balm cleansing with a flannel.
This sounds so greasy and old-fashioned, but I found myself enjoying it so much, that I have started cleansing with balms also for mornings this winter and even if I don't wear makeup.
There is something about using warm water and a flannel that feels so SPA-like.
But I digress...
The product I want to share with you is something I mentioned in so many videos, you have seen it in my night time routine: Clinique Take the Day off Balm.

Clinique Take the Day off Balm - a staple in my routine

Clinique Take the Day off Balm 

It comes in a purple plastic packaging and looks like a big lump of smooth grease. It is unscented, has no extra ingredients that you don't need. It simply does its job of removing grime from your skin.
The added bonus is that it does not contain mineral oils.
I apply a little amount on my face and massage it in. Then I go several times with a hot flannel.
This feels divine and I could do it for hours.
The skin feels clean and smooth but not dry at all.

The only downside if any, is that it is fragrance free so I get a bit bored.
I know that it means it is safe to use for sensitive skin, but to me it takes a bit from the experience of cleansing as I like a whiff of essential oils every now and then.

One tub lasts me for several months so I think it is quite wallet-friendly.
I would definitely repurchase. Matter of fact, I already have a backup.

You can buy it in all clinique counters at parfumeries in Morocco.

Review: Dior Crème Abricot nail cream

Hey dolls!
I've heard of this cult product for so long but the price tag delayed this purchase.
I eventually caved in during a semi-private new year's sale at my workplace.

This product has been around since the sixties and some people have been using it for decades.
It comes in a white demure packaging embossed with CD. Even if it is plastic, I like these little jars and am already considering saving them once empty to transport my travel cosmetics in style.

Christian Dior Crème Abricot - Apricot cream

The cream is protected by an aluminum foil.
I have heard of the product turning yellow for some people who saved it for months, but for me didn't see any stability issue with the product: it looked a bright salmon color and did have an apricot smell, but I disagree on the fact that it's a nice smell. I thought it felt a bit industrial as a fragrance.

The texture is very thick and sticky and there was no way I was going to dip my finger in this. Instead, I used an inexpensive eyeliner brush from a walmart set to carefully lift a bit of the product and apply it on my cuticles. This in itself is very soothing. I do it while watching youtube videos.
I gently massage this cream in my cuticles and nails.
I use it whether I have bare nails or wearing nailpolish.

I have seen a visible difference as my cuticles are very smooth. Now, let's keep in mind I never had cuticle issues, just some dryness because of winter and excessive hand washing.
I just feel it is one of those pampering products to help me relax and feel like I have a princess-y side to my hectic life.
I like it very much and will definitely repurchase. I will keep using this product every night, but since I also have my Burt's Bees cuticle butter which I love, I will use that one during the day.
I like the latter's non-greasy texture and sweet lemony scent so will probably continue buying both.

This is what the jar looks like after using it for less than a week. I think this will last me at least 6 months but will definitely post progress photos every couple months so you have an idea on how fast it goes down with daily use.

The Winter Edit

Hey dolls!
Come winter, I always notice that my skin becomes dry, my hands look ashy, and overall my entire routine no longer works for me.
This is when I do my winter edit. I go through my everyday little things and see if they still work for me, otherwise I adjust.

First and most important: Skincare.
My combination oily skin becomes dry and scaly. It is partly due to cold weather and partly due to indoor heating. I do not really mind the dryness but am aware my warm weather routine no longer works.
I replace my gel cleansers with balm ones. It is very soothing and leaves my skin cleansed yet plump.
I opt for richer creams, mostly geared towards mature skin.
I add a face oil to my night routine.

L'Oreal Age Perfect Huile Extraordinaire, L'Oreal Revitalift

Avon Care Cocoa lip butter and Lush lip scrub

Taaj Dry Oil - The Body Shop Body Butter - Yves Rocher hand and nail cream

Next comes makeup.
During the cold season, I go for deeper colors and the change is mostly for lips and nails.
I use moisturizing lipsticks for daywear but would not hesitate to whip out the matte reds for outings.
For nails, the burgundies and navy adorn the tips of my fingers all season.

Rimmel Pro Blue Vogue - Oriflame the One in Cherry - L'Oréal Color Riche Eva

Avon ColorTrend lipsticks in Gardenia and Red Inferno

Winter means cocooning. This is why I love wearing fleece and any material that would keep me warm especially that my apartment is always freezing.
I like my loungewear to still look cute so I chase down the sales at American Eagle to get their printed sweaters. For pants, I use some running leggings that have fleece lining. Softest combo ever.

I wish I had a bathtub, but it is still a project. I just use yummy scented products that have a richer texture. I switch my usual shower gel for a shower cream, when out of the shower I use a body oil - I love this one from Taaj - and before sleeping or if I skipped shower I just slather on some body butters.
Stay Glamorous
xoxo
Ouga

My Daily Makeup Routine

Hey dolls!
You know I have a daily makeup corner. It is an easy way for me to have a makeup routine in one place instead of pulling drawers and picking up products every morning.
This is also a great way to have a healthy product rotation as I go over this makeup corner and edit as I see fit.
Unless I'm going to a special event, I stick to one go-to look for 2-3 weeks and it makes my life easier when I'm rushing in the morning to go to work.
Here is my no-fuss everyday makeup for the month of december.
I also list all the products used and why I picked them (right after the video).

if you are interested in my eyebrow routine here it is:

Products used for this makeup look:
1- Priming:
Lips: Maybelline baby lips. I bought this color and realized it was too light, so now I use it to moisturize my lips at night or while applying makeup. When I finish it, I will not repurchase... I have about 20 balms to go through.
Face: My face was already moisturized in my morning skincare routine. Now, I apply this miracle blur skin finisher by l'Oreal. I got this in a goodie bag and was curious to try it. I really like how it smoothes my skin. I apply a generous amount and use it everyday. In my opinion, it is comparable to the smashbox primer sample that I used from Sephora. I will continue using this, then finish a couple samples that I have and also the avon magix primer that I got bored of.
Eyes: I always prime under and over my eyes because I have greasy eyelids and I use a thick concealer. I use Mavala eye base. I saw it in one of Tati's videos and was so glad to see it is sold in Morocco.

2- Face Makeup:
Foundation: Urban Decay Naked Skin. I tried this at a Sephora ($44) and was very impressed with it. I didn't think 9.0 would suit my skintone because it felt very dark, but I did get matched with the Color IQ technology and decided to trust the choices it gave me. I apply it with a Sephora Pro #55 brush.
Concealer: MAC Studio Finish. I use it to highlight under my eyes and the yellow tone definitely suits my skin. I apply it using my finger then pat it with a damp beauty blender.
Loose Powder: I use MUD loose powders in Desert and Suede. Desert is what I use undermy eyes and all over my face, and Suede is what I use towards my hairline. I bought these recently in Galeriess Lafayette for 255 dhs. It took me a while to get over the price tag but I like them.
Blush: MUD blush in pumpkin. I like this color because it is midway between an orange and a brown.

3- Eye Makeup:
Oriflame the One eye shadow pot
Avon Glimmerstick
Oriflame the One mascara

4- Finishing Touches:
Avon setting spray
Avon ColorTrend lipstick in Red Inferno