{BEAUTY NEWS} | M•A•C Viva Glam Ariana Grande II

My M·A·C senses reached peak tingle yesterday when Ariana Grande released images for her second Viva Glam collection! And believe me, it is a GOOD one! Ariana has a killer, unique voice that sounds pretty amazing whether she’s singing a pop tune or belting out an emotional ballad. She also has strong opinions on many issues and uses her celebrity voice to speak out on behalf of minorities which makes her even more likeable and 100% perfect as the face of Viva Glam.

Viva Glam is a concept very close to my heart. It was launched by MAC in 1994 and directs 100% of the selling price to the MAC AIDS Fund which supports organizations fighting to combat HIV/AIDS as well as those that work to improve the lives of those who live with the epidemic. Over the past 20 years, they have raised over $400 million and are the largest corporate non-pharmaceutical HIV/AIDS funder. I try to make sure that I purchase both Viva Glam collections every year. Celebrities like Rihanna (my fav!),  Ricky Martin, Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Lisa Marie Presley and Sir Elton John have lent their faces to Viva Glam campaigns in the past.

The new, sugary sweet, campaign appears to be based on doll-like elements. The tagline is, "Be a doll, and go glam!" and campaign images seem to have Ari crammed into a tiny dollhouse. Her signature pony is adorned with a gigantic bow and she’s wearing a baby-pink dress and hot pink Mary Janes with frilly socks.

Ariana’s Viva Glam 2 duo is made up of a deep mauve matte lipstick and shimmery pale pinky lavender gloss. The Lipstick looks to be a bright orchid shade with blue tones and the Lipglass looks pretty and frosted. I absolutely love how different this lipstick is to Ariana’s previous Viva Glam one. M·A·C girls can rock them both and the 2 lipsticks definitely accentuate the different facets of Ariana.

The collection launches September 8^th in the U.S and will stay on shelves for 6 months. I don’t have any dates for South Africa yet but as soon as I do I will put them up!

I urge you to buy Viva Glam. Not only is the product fantastic but you’re also contributing to the empowerment and improvement of the lives of those living with HIV/AIDS.

Until next time

Love and sugary pale pink sparkles

Zaakira xox

{BEAUTY NEWS} | Ariana Grande for M•A•C Viva Glam

This week M·A·C Cosmetics announced their new spokesperson for Viva Glam. It’s Ariana Grande! I personally think it is a great choice! I’ve been a fan of Ariana since her red velvet cupcake hair and Victorious days and she’s grown up to be quite lovely.  Ariana has a killer, unique voice that sounds pretty amazing whether she’s singing a pop tune or belting out an emotional ballad. She also has strong opinions on many issues and uses her celebrity voice to speak out on behalf of minorities which makes her even more likeable. She isn’t without some controversy though but I think that this just makes her the perfect M·A·C girl!

Viva Glam is a concept very close to my heart. It was launched by MAC in 1994 and directs 100% of the selling price to the MAC AIDS Fund which supports organizations fighting to combat HIV/AIDS as well as those that work to improve the lives of those who live with the epidemic. Over the past 20 years, they have raised over $300 million and are the largest corporate non-pharmaceutical HIV/AIDS funder. Celebrities like Ricky Martin, Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Lisa Marie Presley and Sir Elton John have lent their faces to Viva Glam campaigns in the past and this year is Ari’s turn.

Ariana’s Viva Glam duo has a deep plum lipstick and a frosty, glitter pink gloss (frosted donut ;) perhaps?) which are said to represent the “good and bad girls in all of us”. For me it is the perfect combination because while I love being sweet and girly I also think that sometimes you need to rock a dark purple lip and the attitude to match!

The collection launches in January 2016 in the US. In South Africa, it will be available in store and online on 4 February 2016!

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

M•A•C x Giambattista Valli

“Fashion designer Giambattista Valli brings his effortless elegance and luxurious celebration of the female form to a stunning collection of timeless lipsticks.”

Every fashion lover has heard of Roman designer Giambattista Valli. Inspired by the city of Rome, the movies of Antonioni and the celebrated Yves St Laurent, he shows haute couture four times a year at Paris Fashion Week. 

His ultra-feminine collections adorned with flowers and constructed with metres and metres of tulle fill the dreams of fashion girls everywhere.  I know that there is very little I wouldn’t do for a Giambattista Valli piece!

M·A·C Cosmetics has made it a little easier to own a little something by Giambattista Valli. The makeup company and design house have collaborated on a beautifully packaged, very limited collection of lipsticks. 

There are four colours, ranging from a soft pretty pink to a sultry, dark cherry shade. All the lipsticks have a classic matte finish and are highly pigmented. There is also a clear gloss with a subtle pearly shimmer which you can wear on it’s on for a delightful, light glow or use to compliment your lipstick.

Here’s what you will find in the collection:

LIPSTICKS (ZAR230)

BIANCA -  pale white-pink (matte)

TATS - bright hot pink (matte)

MARGHERITA - yellow bright peach (matte)

CHARLOTTE - rich yellow-red (matte)

EUGENIE - dark cherry with blue undertone (matte)

CRYSTAL GLAZE GLOSS (ZAR230)

LENA - clear with subtle multicoloured pearl

I have the lipstick in Tats and I am in love!

You can find the collection online at maccosmetics.co.za or at selected M·A·C counters. Do note, however, that this collection is limited edition and highly sought after so get your hands on it as soon as possible!

Which is your favourite?

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

{BEAUTY REVIEW} | The Body Shop Vitamin C Glow Boosting Moisturizer

Today I will be sharing my thoughts on the Vitamin C Glow Boosting Moisturizer from The Body Shop. It claims to lift, awaken and soothe dull, tired and grumpy skin and encourages a healthy glow. It’s formulated with the Vitamin C rich camu camu berry which is found in the Amazonian forest. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps keep skin smooth and plump.

I’ve used this moisturizer a few times since it landed on my desk, in the morning and throughout the day. It’s a very lightweight, gel-like formula with a pleasant citrusy fragrance. It glides on easily and absorbs into the skin quickly.

I can definitely feel the effects of this moisturizer, especially when my skin has taken a bit of a beating. I applied some after getting home on Thursday (I flew to Cape Town for the day) and my face felt instantly refreshed. In terms of glow I can’t really say but my skin definitely did look more relaxed. The only issue I have is that it is a little light for Winter. Reapplication is necessary to keep the skin fully moisturized. I would definitely get this in the summertime and pop it in the fridge for a cool, juicy boost. Let me just add that Shuaib noticed it on my dressing table and he’s been using it now and he loves it! He has a pretty stressful lifestyle too so it’s the perfect moisturizer for him.

I would recommend The Body Shop’s Vitamin C Glow Boosting Moisturizer if you have a stressful lifestyle or if you are often in an environment that is artificially heated or cooled or polluted. If your skin feels dull or overworked this is definitely what you need.

You can find the Vitamin C Glow Boosting Moisturizer at The Body Shop stores where it retails for ZAR155. You can also get your hands on the Vitamin C Instant Glow Enhancer (ZAR140) for a quick fix.

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

Miss Veet SA 2015

I know that a few posts back I promised I would tell you which lovely lady won Miss Veet SA this year. Last week we gathered at the beautiful Four Seasons Westcliff and sipped mocktails and canapés while we eagerly anticipated the announcement.

Veet has been a part of my life since my teen years. I personally feel that there are very few drugstore bath and beauty products that truly understand young women and Veet is definitely one them.

I have a very low pain threshold (I’m currently DYING because my wisdom tooth decided to be unwise and grow) so when those pesky leg hairs began showing up I refused to go get them waxed. I made my Mom buy me some Veet cream that I’d seen on TV and I haven’t regretted it since. The chemical smell is minimal, the results are practically instant and totally painless and it’s moisturizing as heck. The results also last quite a few days and as the years went by Veet have made their product even better with quicker in-shower versions, light versions for sensitive skin and new scents.  As I got older I decided to take the plunge and try out the Veet wax strips for my face. Despite smelling good they work really well and didn’t hurt as much as I expected them to. I now use a combination of the creams and wax strips to keep my skin smooth and soft.

Veet is a brand and product that I am really comfortable with and I think that it will be a part of my life for a long time to come if not forever. Being a part of the Miss Veet SA process this year was lots of fun.  As I’ve mentioned before, Miss Veet is so much more than just pretty faces and long, smooth legs. It’s about feminity, empowerment and encouraging these girls to go fourth and be more than just what they look like. This is why I was pretty delighted when one of my favourites, Odirile Sepang was named Miss Veet SA for 2015. She stood out for me in her views about empowerment and I’m really excited to see what she does with her title.

Congratulations Odirile!

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

(Images supplied by Zebra Square)

{Miss Veet SA 2015} | A Day with the Finalists

On Saturday last week I was invited by Zebra Square to spend the morning with a few Miss Veet SA finalists at the Rosebank Mall. It was an opportunity to get to know the finalists, put our styling skills to work and just have a little fun.

After stuffing our faces on divine sushi, I was paired with the lovely Kopano Mocwane and we were sent to Jewls where I got to adorn her with lots of sparklies. We decided to do two looks and Kopano wanted to leave her comfort zone of gold accessories. The first look was very stylish and sultry. We used beautiful silver pieces with some blue and black accents and a little bit of edge. The second look was very girly and whimsical with a pink crystal watch being the focus of the look. It was also an ode to Kopano’s favourite colour, pink. We chatted over the jewels and I got to know that she is a BCom Finance student who has just started her own brand development and social media company. She is a very confident and bubbly young lady.

After we (very reluctantly) gave back all the jewels we were taken up to 54 on Bath hotel where we chatted with the finalists over tea and cupcakes. Speaking with the girls proved to me that this was not just an average beauty contest. The girls got along so well despite being in competition with each other. It was also so refreshing that the girls were so driven and ambitious. They were all so very clear about who they are and what they wanted to achieve and build in life. These include opening a finishing school for disadvantaged young girls, modelling internationally and starting a business that will empower women. It was honestly so difficult for me to pick a favourite because any of these girls will be a wonderful ambassador for Veet.

Miss Veet SA truly is so much more than just pretty faces and long legs. It’s about empowering and encouraging these girls to go fourth and be more than just what they look like.

Here are the finalists. They will enter the Veet Villa next month after which the winner will be announced. I will be sure to keep you posted :)

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

{BEAUTY REVIEW} | 6 Wave Pure Konjac Body Sponge

Konjac sponges seem to be the new it skincare and body product so I was pretty delighted when the lovely Rayisa from Bahira Laser and Beauty Spa gave me one to try out. So what is Konjac? Konjac or Konnyaku is an Asian perennial plant which usually grows at high altitudes. It is 97% water, rich in minerals and pH neutral. Originally created for babies’ skin, the Konjac sponges are said to gently exfoliate and remove dead skin, nourish and keep the skin’s natural pH and moisture balance. The Konjac Sponge Company ensures that their products do not contain any additional chemicals or additives. The sponges are handmade from the Konjac plant fibres using water that has been filtered through mineral rich volcanic rock. They are certified vegan, biodegradable and cruelty free and promote ethical production conditions.

I was given the 6 Wave Body Sponge which is for the entire body. It claims to do all that I have mentioned above as well as eliminate in-grown hairs. In order to test it, I used it over a period of 3 showers and I did not use any body moisturizers afterwards to monitor the effect.to use this sponge, it must be hydrated slightly in warm water.  

I used the sponge in a circular motion, specifically concentrating on my elbows and knees which are the driest. I instantly felt the difference, although my skin was not deeply moisturized, it felt smooth and supple. That tight, dry feeling my skin usually has after a hot shower was not there and my knees and elbows were not dull and ashy. My skin also did not get itchy and irritated over the day as it usually does when I skip the moisturizer.  I’m not sure how it will work in the dry winter but you can definitely get away with no moisturizer after using the sponge in summer.

For me the 6 Wave Pure Konjac Body Sponge definitely worked and did what it claimed to do. I will definitely repurchase it and I would like to try out the other versions of the Konjac sponge, especially the facial ones.

You can find The Konjac Sponge Co products at

Bahira Laser and Beauty Spa

Suite 5

Residency Business Park

2 Residency Road

Ladysmith

You can contact Rayisa at rayisa@bahira.co.za

For more information go to www.konjacspongecompany.com

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xxo

Yves Saint Laurent Beauté Maison

Hyde Park Corner is the venue for the Yves Saint Laurent Beauté Maison, a pop-up house in celebration of “50 years of Edgy Beauty.” I can only describe my visit there as a pilgrimage to honour a legendary icon in the world of fashion, beauty and fragrance. Needless to say, it was an inspiring and emotional experience for me.

The maison is an Aladdin’s cave of photos and artwork (some especially flown in from Paris). From the minute I stepped in, I was enthralled by the unfolding story of Yves Saint Laurent, one of my favourite classic designers, and of YSL Beauté. The story of Yves reads like an exotic fairytale - if it wasn’t true, you would be forgiven for thinking that it came straight out of Shehrezade’s 1001 Arabian nights.

Born in 1936 in Oran, Algeria, Yves Henri Donat Mathieu-Saint-Laurent (I love the way it trills off the tongue!), spent his childhood creating exquisite paper dolls. A child who has a passion can only become a success if he/she has the support of family. Yves was lucky - by the time he was a teenager, he was creating beautiful gowns for his mother and sisters, who wore the young boy’s creations with pride and flair. At the tender age of 18, he journeyed to Paris and joined the prestigious Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture. His designs quickly attracted the interest of fashionistas and other designers. It was only a matter of time before the young creative genius was “discovered” by Michel de Brunhoff, then editor of French Vogue. De Brunhoff introduced Saint-Laurent to the emperor of haute couture at the time - Christian Dior. The young man was appointed at Dior’s atelier and made such an impression that Dior went to Saint-Laurent’s mother and announced that he wanted her talented son to become his successor! When Dior tragically passed on from cardiac failure later that year, the 21 year old found himself heading the most celebrated fashion house of the era.

A tragic turn of events just three years later found the 24 year old prodigy drafted into the French Army to serve in Algeria’s War of Independence. His dismissal from the House of Dior, coupled with cruel initiation by fellow soldiers landed him in military hospital. It was a traumatic time, as he was drugged and subjected to electro-shock therapy which impacted adversely on his health later in life. It is often said that emotional pain and trauma is the root of creativity in artists and this proved to be so true of Yves Saint-Laurent. Upon release from the army, he successfully sued the House of Dior and with a cash injection from an Atlanta billionaire, he bounced back and established, with his partner, the Yves St. Laurent YSL house of fashion. There was no stopping his creativity and amazing fashion sense as he gave the world of couture the most amazing item after item, all of which went on to become enduring classics. St. Laurent earned a reputation for innovative and avant-garde creations like the very first tuxedo for women and the very first full prêt-a-porter range.

The unstoppable St. Laurent wanted to celebrate the beauty of the women who wore his fabulous creations and soon Yves Saint Laurent Beauté was born. There was nothing shy about the new range of makeup. The gold packaging of the products glided elegantly onto store shelves, quietly but firmly emphasizing the opulence of the YSL brand. YSL scents like Opium (once hailed as the most expensive perfume in the world), Paris and Kouros are covetable items, recognized as ‘must-haves’ in the perfume closets of fragrance cognoscenti. Another Yves Saint Laurent Beauté icon is the Touché Eclat highlighter pen. One is sold every second! The Beauté Maison guides you through Yves Saint Laurent Beauté over the years through wonderful photographs and artwork and invites you to experience the makeup and fragrances, both early and new.

Faces of Yves Saint Laurent Beauté have included Yves himself, for the first male fragrance; the stunningly voluptuous Sophie Dahl, in a very risqué but artistically intriguing Opium campaign that generated much discussion; Jessica Chastain and currently Olivier Martinez, Cara Delevingne and Edie Campbell.

In 1980, Saint-Laurent and his his long-time partner and co-founder of Yves Saint Laurent YSL, Pierre Bergé, bought the Majorelle Garden in Marrakech, Morocco. The purchase was a tribute, not only to his appreciation of all things beautiful, but also to his North African roots. He magnanimously left the beautiful garden open to the public, as they had been since 1947.

When Yves Saint-Laurent passed away in 2008, the world mourned the legend who put the ‘haute’ into haute couture. He was cremated and his ashes appropriately scattered in the breathtakingly tranquil and elegant Majorelle Garden that he so loved.

This year Yves Saint Laurent Beauté honoured the memory of the genius designer by creating Black Opium - black being his favourite colour. You can read my review of the fragrance here. Yves Saint Laurent Beauté and fragrances are available at selected retailers nationwide.

Yves Saint Laurent Beauté Maison is situated on the cinema level at Hyde Park Corner and will stay until November 24^th 2014. If you are a lover of beauty, fashion, art, real-life fairytales… actually if you just love and appreciate beautiful things, please make the pilgrimage. 

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

{FRAGRANCE FAVOURITES} | Black Opium by Yves Saint Laurent

To be truly truthful with you, I was never a fan of the original Opium by YSL. The secretary at my grade school often wore it and every time I smelled it, it was a reminder of her meanness. However when the scent of the new Black Opium first touched my nose, I fell totally and absolutely in love. It was announced to be the “rock ‘n roll” rebirth of the classic Opium and pays tribute to the dark and mysterious side of the YSL brand. It is really in tune with my personal style so it really is no wonder why I adore it.

The bottle is superbly glam rock. It is the classic Opium shape but is black and adorned with sequins. The iconic “Yves Saint Laurent” logo appears on the stopper and you get a glimpse of the liquid in the middle of the bottle.

Black Opium is a delicately sensual scent with vanilla, cedar and patchouli at the base. Coffee dominates the heart but it is tempered with delicate jasmine. The perfume is finished off with pink pepper, orange blossoms and pear at the top. The amount of notes is significantly less than those in Opium and with the result being that the few notes shine through exquisitely. It is simple, exotic and beautiful. It is a long lasting scent and doesn’t fade away even after a day of wear.

The ad campaign is dark and simple and it is fronted by British model Edie Campbell. She has the perfect look for the fragrance and I LOVE her hair. The TV ad is shot in Shanghai, China. It shows such a different side to the city and makes me want to visit! The song, Jungle by Emma Louise, perfectly suits that soft, grungy feel.

Black Opium, for me, shows us through its delicate ingredients that even the toughest and most mysterious girl has an innocent, vulnerable side. If you love rocker chic, this one is for you!

You can find Black Opium at all leading retailers where it retails between ZAR910 and ZAR1370

Until next time

Love and (black) sparkles

Zaakira xox

{BEAUTY FAVOURITES} | Argan Oil

Argan Oil known as ‘liquid gold” is extracted from the kernels of the Argania spinosa or Argan tree which is found in Morocco. Although it is consumed as a gourmet food product, it is most well-known for its cosmetic properties and has become a cult ingredient in the beauty industry. It is highly moisturizing and is thus used to nourish the hair, skin and nails. It also contains, amongst other things, vitamin A, tocopherols and unsaturated fatty acids which gives it some anti-ageing properties.

There are many Argan based products available but my friends over at 27 Pinkx stock pure 100% organic Argan oil and they sent me a bottle for my birthday. It comes in a brown glass bottle with a dropper. The consistency is that of an oil and the colour is a light golden. Because it is untreated and unfragranced, the scent is light and ever so slightly nutty.

I have been using it over the past few months in the following ways and I am extremely delighted with the effects.

To Moisturize:

At night I use a few drops on cleansed face. For an oil, it absorbs quickly into my skin and doesn’t leave an oily residue. My skin feels so soft and conditioned by the morning and has been noticeably more glowing. I also mix a drop in when I am mixing up my under eye concealers before I apply to add extra moisture and glow to my under eye area. You can add a few drops to your night cream for a serum effect and even to some aqueous cream for a delightfully nourishing body moisturizer.

 Hair Treatment:

Prolonged use of the GHD makes my hair a tad unhappy. Once a week before bed I use a few drops of the oil on the ends of my hair and work it upwards. I wash my hair the next day. It really nourishes the hair and gives it incredible shine. You can also use a drop or 2 after styling for shine.

Lip Scrub:

I mix a drop of the oil with some sugar and use it to scrub my lips. It removes the flaky skin while moisturizing the lips. This really helps to give that smooth effect when creating a really matte lip.

Nails and Cuticles:

I have such issues with my dry cuticles and brittle nails. I started using the oil on my nails a few days ago and I am already feeling a difference. It also helps that the oil absorbs really quickly and doesn’t get everywhere from your nails.

There are many more uses for the oil, including the treatment of scars and stretch marks, as a bath oil and if you like that glow, you can use it to prep your skin before applying makeup.

I have used many Argan oil based products but after using the pure oil, I have become very spoilt. No product comes close.

You can purchase Argan City 100% organic Argan Oil here on www.27pinkx.co.za at ZAR280 for 50mL with free delivery in South Africa. This product is bottled in Morocco and is not tested on animals.

Have you used pure Argan oil or any Argan based products? Have you felt that they have made a difference?

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

{BEAUTY REVIEW} | Lancôme Grandiôse Mascara

I am a total mascara addict. I am lucky to have fairly long lashes and I love enhancing them. Most days I leave my face bare and just add a coat of mascara to my lashes. The Lancôme Grandiôse mascara was sent to me and being a total Lancôme virgin, I was super keen to try it out. Long story short, I LOVE it. Here is why.

The Packaging

The mascara is 10mL and comes in a beautiful bottle. It looks like a perfume bottle and has the signature Lancôme rose suspended in the clear lid. If you love pretty things and displaying your makeup, this is for you. The odd triangle shape really helps with grip when applying the mascara.

The Wand and Brush

Okay so this is a major selling point for me. I have a huge nose and I am always getting mascara on it. This wand is curved and thus ensures you get every lash without making a huge mess. The shape of the actual brush tapers at the end so you can get right to the last lash at the end of the eye and really open up your eyes.

The Product

The actual mascara is a deep black and is not gloopy at all. I usually comb through my lashes to remove clumps but I barely had to this time. One coat is enough for me. It dries quickly but because of the Rose Cell Extract it contains, it doesn’t become dry and flaky. This also means that the formula is very moisturizing, my lashes feel really soft and nourished when I wear, and even after I remove this mascara. The smell is very mild and pleasant and it lasted all day without flaking or melting off. Despite its staying power, it is easy to remove with eye makeup remover or coconut oil.

I will definitely repurchase the Lancôme Grandiôse Mascara. You can find it at you nearest Lancôme counter and it retails for ZAR399.

If you’re in Sandton City, do check out the Lancôme Absolue Cabine in the Stuttafords for a “belle experiénce”

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xxo

M•A•C Viva Glam Rihanna II

Rihanna’s second Viva Glam collection with M·A·C has hit our shelves this week. Viva Glam is a concept very close to my heart. It was launched by MAC in 1994 and directs 100% of the selling price to the MAC AIDS Fund which supports organizations fighting to combat HIV/AIDS as well as those that work to improve the lives of those who live with the epidemic. Over the past 20 years, they have raised over $300 million and are the largest corporate non-pharmaceutical HIV/AIDS funder.

I am truly in love with this collection. While Rihanna’s previous Viva Glam collection provides the perfect frosted red, she had a little more fun with this one, creating a metallic almost gunmetal lipstick and a frosted mauve lipglass with iridescent pigments. Both are extremely edgy and so very Rihanna. I think the girl at the M·A·C counter put it perfectly in saying that she has a “girl crush” on the collection. I think I do too! You can wear them together or on their own and the gloss goes beautifully over lipsticks like Cyber and Rebel, creating a soft but futuristic effect. They both glide on effortlessly and are pretty long lasting although naturally the lipstick lasts longer than the lipglass.

The packaging remains the same. The lipstick is encased in a velvety, deep red tube and when you remove the lid Rihanna’s signature appears. The lipglass is in a clear tube with Rihanna’s signature on it covered by a lid in the same colour as the lipstick tube.

The lipstick retails for ZAR195 and the lipglass for ZAR185. I will reiterate that 100% of the selling price (not just the profit) goes to the M·A·C AIDS Fund. Here are some facts about the fund and what your money could be funding.

You can purchase Rihanna’s Viva Glam collection at any MAC store or online at www.maccosmetics.co.za

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

M•A•C x The Osbournes

Happy M·A·C Monday lovelies! Next week Friday (15^th August) sees the release of M·A·C’s latest limited edition collection and this time it’s with the lovely Osbourne ladies Kelly and her Mom Sharon. If you aren’t familiar with them, Kelly’s Dad (Sharon’s husband) is the outspoken and slightly weird Ozzy Osbourne, vocalist for the band Black Sabbath. Sharon co-hosts The Talk and Kelly is part of the Fashion Police on E!

I really like this collection because of the Mom and Daughter element. My Mom and I disagree on like, everything, she finds my taste a little edgy and I feel like she buys too many “classic” colours. In this case there are products and colours in the collection that will satisfy both of us. Kelly and Sharon developed these collections based on their personal relationships with their makeup artists and the shades that they love. The collections are encased in red (Sharon) and lilac (Kelly) packaging which is inspired by their unique, signature hair colours and feature their signatures.

Here’s what you can find in the collections.

Sharon

Kelly

For a guide on M·A·C lipstick formulas and finishes click here.

Judging from past M·A·C collections such as RiRi ♥ M.A.C, this one is going to fly off the shelves! I am definitely getting myself Kelly Yum Yum (DUH!) because I ADORE Candy Yum Yum and the satin finish and my Mom has her eye on the Patentpolish pencils.

Sharon and Kelly’s collections hit shelves and maccosmetics.co.za on Friday, 15^th August 2014 and will be available while stocks last!

Until next time

Love and smooches

Zaakira xox

P.S Since August is my birthday month, there are going to be lots of festivities on the blog, Facebook and Twitter… Keep your eye out ;)

{WISHLIST} | Gilt-y

This little wishlist has been waiting to be posted for so long that I’ve already gotten two of the items on it! I thought I’d share it with you anyway though because they are some lovely golden pieces on it.

DKNY DY4109 Sunglasses – (available at Sunglass Hut) Tortoise-shell, cat-eye… What more can a girl ask for in a pair of sunnies?! I have them already and I am obsessed ;)

MAC x Pedro Lourenco Lipstick in Peach Beige – (available at maccosmetics.co.za) I have this one too. The packaging is stunning and it is the perfect nude lipstick!

YSL Top Secret Natural Action Exfoliator – (available at Stuttafords) I have been using a tiny sample of this and it is AMAZING. It contains no granules yet it magically (ok, I’m sure there’s science involved) removes dead skin, purifies and brightens leaving skin feeling extremely soft. I definitely want to get a full size.

Michael Kors Glam Jasmine Perfume – (available at Stuttafords) This is the latest fragrance I am lusting after and it contains sultry notes of Egyptian Jasmine, sandalwood and sparkling citrus. I MUST add it to my collection.

Pearl and Chain Necklace – (available at ZARA) I am totally smitten with this gorgeous neckpiece from ZARA. It instantly adds class and glamour to any outfit. Wear it with your LBD, boyfriend jeans and a tee or a crisp white shirt. I love the little gold chain detail between the pearls.

What have you been lusting after this month?

Until next time

Love and (gold) sparkles

Zaakira xox

The M•A•C Maleficent Collection

The Maleficent Collection by M·A·C hits standalone M·A·C stores this week. The film, starring Elle Fanning and Angelina Jolie is the untold story of the wicked villain Maleficent who cursed Sleeping Beauty into her long nap. It released in the U.S on the weekend of May 30 and dominated the box-office. I haven’t seen it yet but I am dying to! It has been receiving fairly good reviews and I love origin stories and Angelina Jolie! The fact that Lana Del Rey did a song for the soundtrack helps too ;)

Anyway, the limited edition collection is inspired by Angelina Jolie’s depiction of the main character Maleficent. There are really classic colours and formulas in the collection but they have this dark edginess to them. If you know me, you know I am SOLD! The packaging is gorgeously dark, adorned with black wings which I am to believe are a huge part of the story.

This is what you can find in the collection:

LIPSTICK (ZAR210)

TRUE LOVE’S KISS - a clean bright red (amplified)

PRO LONGWEAR LIPGLASS (ZAR200)

ANTHURIUM - a clean bright red

PRO LONGWEAR LIP PENCIL (ZAR210)

KISS ME QUICK - a yellow red

MALEFICENT EYE-SHADOW QUAD (ZAR410)

GROUND BROWN - a dirty deep brown (matte) (I’d probably use this for cheek contouring too)

CONCRETE muted taupe brown (satin)

CARBON intense black (matte)

GOLDMINE intense gold with shimmer (frost)

PENULTIMATE EYE LINER (R220)

RAPIDBLACK – A true black

EYE BROW PENCIL (R180)

FLING - a light taupe ash blonde

SCULPTING POWDER (R250)

SCULPT – A soft taupe matte

BEAUTY POWDER (R350)

NATURAL soft peachy pink

PREP + PRIME HIGHLIGHTER (R280)

BRIGHT FORECAST - A mid-tone peachy coral

NAIL LACQUER (ZAR150)

UNINVITED – a neutral nude with slight pearl

FLAMING ROSE - a true red

NOCTURNELLE - a black-as-night black

LASHES – ZAR140

36 Lash

30 Lash

I have the Flaming Rose nail lacquer and it is the perfect, sultry and classy red. Once I purchase from the collection I will do some photos and swatches. I really want to get the lipstick (of course) Nocturnelle lacquer and perhaps the eye-shadow quad. I was hoping there would be a makeup mirror or something more permanent that I could keep forever. I missed out on the Disney Villains M·A·C Collection so I feel like this is my second chance!

Have you watched Maleficent yet? Will you be getting anything from the collection?

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox