Sunshine

A really witty read

Loves it!

Fastidious Babes fabulous taste in literature :D

Not a fan of MAC but a huge fan of honey..The Naked Honey highlighter

Spent the day after leaving my on call and decided to browse the mall after a good four months. I'm not big on shopping in AD as theres nothing that holds my interest here, but nonetheless it was good fun to just have a change from the routine of work and venture into the real world.

That doesn't mean that things have been stagnant for me though..since returning from my last adventure 4 months ago, I've been restless and the urge is reeling to a new metamorphosis once more.

So far my plans are shaping up well and the fun part is theres quite a few things pending whilst I sort myself out with it all, including new hobbies. The summer tends to get a bit slow so Ive decided to try out some pretty interesting things that I have time for now and just need to commit to. Im inspired and that's been a really good rush by itself..there's nothing like a bit of sparkle to suddenly breeze in with the summer heat and put you in a really good mood.

You'll have to watch this space for more on that to come..

Have a relaxing day off tomorrow my bubblylicious readers.

xx

On Birthdays and Summer tans

Midas Touch

The elusive perfect shade of red

I knowwww! lol

The past few weeks caught me in a continuous cycle of work and weekend on calls, with the extreme heatwave that has attacked the country and the intense blast of humidity injected in the air for good measure I seriously went into flat-not-so-bubbly-mode. But like all things I cant stay in a dreary phase for long and I figured I needed to snap out of it asap.

I just realized my last post was my 100th..so happy hundreth to this cosy corner..I really should update more often. I also celebrated my birthday this past weekend and had a relaxing chilled out day with no pressure-for-fun, rather a go with the flow soothing lazy indulgence.

I got the sudden urge this weekend to go bronze goddess and transform myself from fair to honey and I must say it was really fun to do something different for a change. Stayed in this past week watching,yes I know Dynasty of all things (it's become a guilty pleasure lol) and a few other shows to catch up on before the fall season episodes begin. True Blood was rated as one of the top seasons premiered but so far Ive been disappointed, the awful casting and the slow plot lost my interest at episode 4..I guess I'll move on to other things.

On a bubblier note I got my lust listed black birkin a while back finallyyyyyy and it was the coolest thing ever. Although Im not really a hardcore fan, London Hermes is so much more accommodating than what I've heard about Dubai..in the past 6 months Ive managed to pick up three birkins from them with no drama whatsoever and theyve been really sweet in helping their customers find what they look for.

That's it from me right now, there are definitely more news and posts from me to come my bubblylicious readers. Thank you for being so patient. InD you had me smiling at your update prompts :)

Have yourselves a bubblylicious summer night xx

Bronze Goddess

Soleil de tan Chanel

So my last post got this fun discussion going with Tweenkie Belle and Fabulous Babe (my nick for her) about bronzers..I wanted to post this new must-have face bronzer that was released in the States a few weeks ago and is already sold out...I saw it with my sis and loved the sheer colours that can range from a peachy tint to a full on sunkissed glow. Worry not, the range will be released in Europe next month and should definitely hit our shores after that or around the same time.

The Body Shops Body and Leg Shine

Michael Kors Classic Leg Shine

In terms of a tan whatever you choose the nicest thing you can do to it is make it subtly glow. A few years ago I found this delicious scented stick from Michael Kors that worked like magic..over a tan it highlights and gives a really pretty sheen on areas like legs,collarbone and top of arms. I ran out and I found an amazing replacement in the Body Shops stick...its stunning...they also have a tube of this liquid molten gold called Shimmer Sun that glides on for more of an impact anywhere including face..it reminded me of Scott Barnes Body Bling which works creative magic if youre looking for a deeper shimmer.
If youre on the beach this summer take a bottle of Nars Monoi Oil Body Glow that works beautifully over tanned skin to give a really sexy sheen. You dont want the oil to fry your skin so don't forget the sunscreen.

xx

Scent of Sweetness

Finallyyyyy Jo Malone opens up in Dubai Mall :) Yippyskippy!

So go stock up on your Vitamen E body scrub, treatment oil or yummy lipbalm...the newly launched Kohdo wood collection or the ubersensual Pomegranate Noir candles that turn your bedroom into a sexy boudoir.

I cant wait to hit Dubai this weekend.

Sweet Dreams xx

Canvas

Im loving the feedback on my last beauty post, thank you bubblylicious readers xx
I'll give you the big reveal and finally let you in on my holy grail cosmetic must haves, there better be stock at the beauty counters when I resupply lol...no,seriously you will love how transformed you look after this.

Laura Mercier's tinted moisturizer

I always keep saying that if you take really good care of your skin your base should never be a problem which is why I place such an emphasis on skin rather than makeup...this is the most gorgeous veil of colour that literally does everything you want a base to do...apply it sheer with a brush...dot it on with your fingers...or simply blend it with a cosmetic sponge when you need a bit more coverage...it comes in an oil free formulation too and is perfect for every season in our parts of the world..allow it to sink in and then move on to the concealer below.

Laura Mercier undercover pot concealer

My tiny miracle..It comes with two parts...the right side is creamy whilst the left has a bit more holding power...use whatever side you like to manipulate colour on different areas of your face or blend both to get another shade depending on what kind of coverage you need and what type of blemish you want to hide e.g a fading mark or a new blemish..At the bottom of the concealer pot comes an illuminating powder to tap on after you finish. Really.good.stuff.

I recommend you apply your concealer with the secret camouflage concealer brush or any concealer brush you have, because its goes on perfect and when you use your fingers youre not as accurate and tend to take away or rub off the concealer from your skin with the finished result ending up looking a bit caked.

Follow up with translucent powder on bridge of nose chin and forehead...stay away from cheeks to keep the dewy look along your cheekbones.

If you cant find it here in the UAE, try Clarins souffle de teint (posted that in my bubbly beauty awards a year ago I think) and Guerlains/YSL/Dior flashradiance brush concealer until you actually source what youre looking for.

Enjoy xx

Weekend Bliss

"Because I am a bad girl, people always automatically think that I am a bad girl, or that I carry a dark secret with me or that I'm obsessed with death. The truth is that I am probably the least morbid person one can meet. If I think more about death than some other people, it is probably because I love life more than they do."

Angelina Jolie

Unfortunately last weekend hit a glitch due to family schedule mix ups and an on call at work...I spent the whole week slaving away determined to definitely have the weekend I planned and finally on Thursday I packed, set my music and went to Dubai.
It was absolutely and utterly relaxing...Spent the first night at the Buddha Bar for dinner followed by a decadently dreamy sleep catching up on a much needed snoozefest...following morning breakfast at the Grosvenor house for the yummiest oatmeal berries and honey with double chocolate milk making my sister chuckle at my eight year old sudden whim...
Headed off to watch Wanted and god it was so worth it...Not since Gia released in 1998 have I been moved by a performance by Angelina...she looked absolutely breathtaking and the glow on her face, the strength she exuded comes from the past rollercoaster year of her mother dying and the support of finding an inner place of peace with Brad pitt and her children...I admired her in Gia because as an actress she shed her inhibitions and worked professionally and challengingly for a very graphically raw true account of the story of Gia Carangi that hit very close to home for her...and she made the movie compelling...she delivered a portrayal of brilliance.. performance with shellshocking honesty...alot of other actresses wouldnt be able to pull off what she did.
Maybe thats one of the many things I love about her...Shes a rebel that doesnt aplogize for who she is and yet she cares so much for the world...Shes the UN's High Commissioner for Refugees Emissary..I loved her book 'Notes on my travels'...when you look into her eyes you'll see stories that won't ever be told...cementing my personal philosophy...leave everything to the imagination...She was very open about her sexuality and now with time has a very je ne sais quoi air about her making most people look at her with a mixture of fascination, intimidation and awe...a strange combination reflecting how most are not comfortable in their own skin..as humans its such a shame to deny or not acknowledge what we possess.
I followed up the movie with the most blisssssssssful treatment at my favourite spa Sensasia and as the masseur worked on my tension with soft scrubs and milk and frangapani oils...I slipped away into a deep slumber to wake up feeling like I was literally walking on air...the rest of the weekend passed by just as decadently and I made my pilgrimage to Harvey nics to stock up on my Kiehls essentials..Philip B's white truffle hair treatments and a look at my favourite corner...stunning Lanvin.

I leave you with the Gia trailer and kisses for a starry night xx

Everyday is a weekend

The season officially starts....Bust out the bikinis and the gorgeous cover ups...don on the grecian sandals and make sure your ipods list is full of pumping summer tunes...Hang on, we forgot something important...summertimes slew of skin concerns...the right SPF...the perfect moisturizer...shine control and the eternal question...how to keep summer hair silky smooth at the beach and outdoors...Well worry not, Bubbly's here to the rescue with some of the most wondrous discoveries and advice for my favorite bubblylicious readers.

CHANELS HYDRAMAX
For the past few years Ive been a loyal of Chanel's Hydramax and whomever I have recommended it to has led to a cult following...simply because it works...
The delicious scent...the continuous moisture all day and all night and now they've launched a newer version...Hydramax Active which means an even better result for your skin.
Although it comes in three different textures I recommend the Cream Gel for summer...you can do what I did and switch to Cream for winter...thats so lushhhhhhh....there's also a tinted moisturizer for days at the beach or simply at work...I mean who wants to hit work in the morning with foundation in the summer?

CREME DE LA MER
After all of my loyalty to Hydramax which was a part of my secret to my flawless skin, lol the rest is genetics...I realized that I needed something more than moisture for me...I wanted a simple moisturizer for sensitive skin that works as an anti-aging product too (prevention is better than cure)...although there are a hundred million claims from different luxury brands, with my beauty savvy I knew which one I had to channel for myself personally...and so I headed to the beauty counter bought the items and went home to test run it through my standard 8 vigorous weeks of testing...and Im happy to report my skin thanked me by revealing dewy fresh baby softness...Im hooked for life!
I love the La Mer Gel Creme formulation and the fantastic Face Mist that is perfect for trips to the beach to boost moisture levels or even a spray indoors at home or work to combat drying effects of the airconditioning system.
The Refining Facial is divinityyyyy....its the perfect exfoliator with real diamond dust that glide so softly on your kin to reveal a fresher you.
Oil control throughout the day? No problem Creme de la mer's Oil Absorbing Lotion nixxes shine beautifully.

SPF AND TANNERS

Clarins UV PLUS SPF 40 merged wth e3p their antipollution screen tp produce divinity results...goes on as light as air on your face and leaves no greasy residue.
For the body I love Neutrogena SPF 85 drytouch and it comes in a cooling version spray for serious coverage of hard to reach areas....cool your skin later with an aloe vera spray and a milk bath and dont forget to carry Clarins SOS sunburning relief stick and balm.
Self tanners are Fake Bake....ModelCo and the gold standard St Tropez.
For the fairer paler ones like me Ive found the most delicious products formulated especially for pale skin...lol finalyyyyyy...Clarins delicious self tanning cream...and Cliniques touch of bronze.
Dont forget to scrub and moisturize with Kiehls Soy body polish and Creme De Corp in Light before applying.

BEACHY HAIR

Kerastase has the cutest soleil range to protect your hair from sun chlorine in the pool and damage...and an overnight product to work on your tresses to transform them into silk by morning
Im loving Frederic Fekkai's Lavender and Honey conditioner to soothe dry scalps and the Shea Butter Shampoo and Mask post beach exposure.
Wrap your hair in a silk scarf to protect it from the suns rays...crucial for those with coloured hair...I love Pucci and Missoni for their fresh bursts of colour.


MAKEUP

The look this summer is ultra glam....dab on some a soft lipbalm or Chanels aqualumiere lipshine...the texture made me melt its stunning...Guerlains range this season is divine...swirl a brush over their terracotta moisturizing powder or spray with their bronze spray in three colours light medium and dark for different intensities..then add a light tint to your cheeks,,,Benefits Poisie is like their cult Benetint except
its a fresh pink...or go for the Nars stick in orgasm.
Keep your nails with fresh colours...I discovered Chanel in Cassis and Cherry

Now that your armed and fabulous dont forget to put on your sexy oversized shades on your way out, theyre useful in more ways than one ;)
Bubblywishes to a sexy fantabulous uninhibited summer...go knock yourselves out!