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

Natural Eyebrow with Anastasia Dip Brow Pomade

Hey dolls!
I have seen countless videos on brow tutorials and have noticed especially for darker skinned gals that the strong overdrawn concealer brow is king.
But this dramatic look does not reflect my makeup preferences so I decided to do a natural looking brow.
This routine is very easy and looks effortless.
Here is a video tutorial and below details of all products used, where to buy them and alternatives in Morocco.

Anastasia Dipbrow pomade

Anastasia Dip Brow Pomade in Medium Brown and n 12 brush

Anastasia DipBrow Pomade in Medium Brown

Products used:
- Anastasia Dip Brow Pomade in Medium Brown. $18 from Sephora in the US
- Anastasia Beverly Hills #12 brush. $18 from Sephora in the US
- Maybelline Great Lash clear mascara, from a US drugstore. You can buy the Catrice one for 60 dhs.
- MAC Studio Finish concealer, 200 dhs MAC store at Morocco Mall

What's in my Bag

Hi Dolls!
I was never a bag lady. This was me adapting to the unsafe environment in Casablanca where handbags are snatched on a daily basis. So to me, bags had to be crossbody, backpacks or none.
I have started feeling safer lately, so am carrying a handbag to work.
After quite some time beating up my Longchamps LePliage and Massimo Dutti saddle bag, I decided to upgrade.
I went for this Nina bag by Le Tanneur. It has everything I want in a power bag:
Saffiano leather is sturdy so I would not have a heart attack each time I bang it against a wall or desk (it happens more often than you'd think).
I also invested in a balm by the same brand so that once or twice per year I treat the leather.
This bag also has metal feet and is structured so as to stand by itself.
I have had it for less than a year but I feel it is holding up pretty well.
Here is a sneak peak into what is inside:

My Makeup Collection & Storage

Hey dolls & Gents !
My favorite videos to watch are about makeup organization.
To me nothing looks neater than an organized vanity where you know exactly where to find each item.
There are 3 benefits to keeping makeup organized:

1. You never loose items and end up buying replacements because everything has its designated spot
2. You shop more efficiently because you have a visual of everything you have in one place. For example, when I am browsing a shop, I see a cream I like and then I look at my cream section and see I have enough so I skip... or the opposite, I see that the only eye cream I have is the one I'm using currently and a sample size, so I can go ahead and order an eye cream (or 2)
3. Seeing what I have means I remember to use it. I don't open everything at once, but I do maintain a healthy rotation for products

I like the size of my collection and the fact that every month, I have empties - including in makeup. I don't see myself having one of those Ikea Alex drawers. And even if being a beauty & lifestyle youtuber means I get invited to events and get the odd mascara and hand cream, having such an organized vanity means I know immediately where the additions fit: top of vanity, extras or gifts.
Watch how I organize my makeup here:

Below the details of all my storage items, where to buy them and alternate stores to buy.

- Vanity: From Mobilia store in Morocco 1490 Dhs
- Decoration cubes: From Mr. Bricolage in Morocco 299 dhs I think (you can also buy them in Alpha 55)
- Acrylic drawers: Muji France or USA
- Acrylic containers for makeup and brushes: Alpha 55 in Casablanca from the bathroom section around 65 dhs I think
- Acrylic containers inside drawers: Alpha 55 from the kitchen section
- Acrylic lipstick container: The container store USA, but you can find similar ones in Mr. Bricolage
- Plastic containers inside drawers: Alpha 55 from Kitchen section or Marjane hypermarket
- Baskets under vanity: Alpha 55 around 59dhs each
- Nail polish holders: The container store USA, but you can find similar ones in Mr. Bricolage. Also available at Alpha 55 according to a lovely subbie

 ♥ Stay Glamorous ♥