Makeup Application : Don't skip these steps!

To Be Honest, 

When it comes to applying makeup, we all have different routinised steps that we go through; but there are some that we skip, that are super helpful and NOT to be missed. 
So just in case you're not aware of them, their use might maintain your makeup, make it look naturally better and less cakey, while keeping your skin look healthier.

STEP 1: Face Cleaning

            Make sure to wash your face with an appropriate cleanser, depending on your skin type (your dermatologist can help you choose if you're not sure), in order to purify your pores. 

~ Sometimes a moisturizer might be needed for your skin type, but again, make sure your dermatologist recommends it, to avoid weakening and tiring your skin with excessive chemicals. 

~ Moreover, using heavy chemicals on your face can dry-out your skin. After all, remember: your face is like a white clean canvas, and nothing can stay or reach it's full potential when placed on a dirty canvas. And NO, fresh cold water on it's own won't change anything, and isn't enough.

STEP 2: Apply A Primer

              A face primer makes your skin smoother, mattifies, and adds radiance to it, also keeps your foundation in place. 
It is actually the secret weapon of all makeup artists worldwide for long-lasting looks.
If you wanna skip this step, it's fine, but make sure you replace the primer with a hydrating/moisturising cream.

-You can also apply a lash primer, before putting on your mascara. It may seem like an unnecessary step, but by applying it, you'll get longer and stronger lashes, that won't stick nor smudge, plus it'll nourishe them.

-Eye primer is usually needed when wanting to apply eye shadow to last longer without smudging throughout the day. I rarely apply eye primer, cause by prepping my face with the foundation and concealer,   it is said to be already covered pretty enough.

-As for the lips, you can use a lip primer/lip balm/lip scrub as well. Foundation can be used as a primer, to make sure the color of your lipstick doesn't fade.

STEP 3: Foundation Application

              When it comes to applying foundation, make sure you don't skip these steps, they are usually common mistakes:

 -Make sure you choose the best match to your skin not only in shade, but also color.

 -Test it before buying it to see how your skin absorbs the product. You don't wanna get it if it's not effective or doesn't have the coverage you're after.

 -Don't apply concealer before applying your foundation, cause it can make you use more foundation than you would otherwise need.

 -DO NOT APPLY IT WITH YOUR FINGERS.LIKE EVER. Use a foundation brush or a makeup sponge/beauty blender. 

 -Do not over-apply it, your skin still needs to breath a little beneath the makeup you're putting on; cause the less foundation you apply, the more natural you'll look. If you're looking for full coverage, make sure the foundation you pick provides it by only one layer, to prevent applying lots of layers, which will thicken your makeup.

 -Set your makeup with a setting spray before applying your foundation, and when you're done applying everything. It will help fix and maintain your makeup.

And if it is not necessary to have foundation on, skip it. This will prevent your skin from ageing and looking tired. 
Don't forget that by applying something on your whole face for an entire day, clogs your pores and produces more skin problems. 
In that case, for simple and everyday looks, go for BB cream -especially the ones that have sun protection- that will unify the tone of your face.

STEP 4: Perfect Glow

           After choosing the highlighter of your choice, apply it on the top of your cheekbones, on your brow bone, and dab a bit on the tip of your nose. A layer is enough, or you can go for multiple layers for intense highlight. 

-For some extra "pop", add a touch of highlighter to the inner and outer corner of your eyes - this can also be done using light shimmery eyeshadow.

-Add a dab also just above your upper lip. This area is called the cupid's bow, and by highlighting it, you'll draw more attention to your lips. You can also highlight the center of your chin.

-Brush some down the center of your forehead to accentuate it.
- don't apply too much on the T zone if you have oily skin -

Contouring is optional. You can go for powder or cream or even both. The steps depend on the shape of your face.
As for the brows, my go-to product is the gel + the brow pen and brush.

Applying lip liner is mandatory, it makes your lips look full. Make sure to draw your lips exactly on the vermilion border (outer line of the lips). Followed by your favorite lipstick and blush; then you're ready to go. 

Make sure to get brushes of good quality, for better results, and remember to tap the brush to remove any excess before application : you don't want to look red. 

And don't forget : blending is the secret of makeup looks, so make sure you blend well the products you apply.

Hope these tips helped you! For further questions or tips feel free to leave comments over here or on my social media.

Thanks for reading!Xo

TbhJo 

              

             

             

      

Meet The Mukhis with TbhJo

Hi guys! I'm back with a recent collaboration that I made with the "Mukhi Sisters". 

Recently, I've started getting more into jewellery. To Be Honest , I barely do wear some, since that I wasn't a fan. SO, if you're a bijoux lover, fan and an accessory person, you're going to love this. 

It all started when their grandfather and his cousins decided to leave India and move to Beirut where they eventually settled, and owned fine jewellery stores as well as oriental works & textile stores.

Their father Chandru Mukhi married Lebanese lady, Effat Kreidieh, owner of "Effy's Jewellery" was born in 1982.

"Reverie On The Vine" pendant.

Who are the Mukhi Sisters? Entrepreneurs, women with a purpose and a vision. Maya, Meena & Zeenat, growing up in family of jewellers, they were always exposed to stories of jewels and precious stones. It all started when Maya, as a child, always knew that one day she was going to have her own company.

In 2009, she decided that she was going to make it happen and she asked her sisters if they wanted to join her on this new adventure, and they agreed, without a doubt!

Why Mukhi Sisters? They wanted a name that wouldn't be a fad,and they were looking for something that would describe them best. Their mission was to bring their personal style to the market and so their name had to be a reflection of that.

Maya, Meena & Zeenat knew that they were going to let you in their world, so they chose to keep Mukhi. It is their legacy & it is a reference in the industry. As for Sisters, they're naturally referring to their sisterhood - in addition to that, the girls are huge believers in women empowerment and all the changes women can do.

"Monocle" pendant with the "Charm Junkie" pendant.

In 2011, they opened their first store in Beirut Souks. Back then, their concept was to have a small boutique. A secret in Beirut, that had a hint of the cave of Ali Baba effect - they believed in the power of more is more and their windows were a mix of styles and colours, and it was up to the clients to create their own mix. Today, they have opened the Mukhi Sisters Fine Jewellery & Concept Store designed to reflect their universe and style into their flagship store, in Downtown Beirut.

Their creations don't only reflect their personal style, but also spread positive vibes, and celebrate women with character and individuality, what did really catch my attention, since that their designs and collections are not the usual ones we're used to see constantly at jewellery boutiques. You can feel the love and care put in each and every creation displayed.

The Mukhi Sisters: Meena, Zeenat & Maya.

Maya on the left, Meena on my right.

On my arrival, Meena and Maya welcomed me in a very friendly way, with Charlie the cute dog the sisters own. I got to see the collections, from precious vintage pieces, to modern ones, and decided to model and show you the ones I loved the most, from various collections that you'll get to see in the pictures below.

Charm Junkie Collection.

First pendant is from the "Reverie On The Vine".
Second one is from the "Charm Junkie" collection.

Earring from the "Dreamcatcher" collection.

Hair buckles part of the "Reverie On The Vine" collection.

Rings from the "Bug Collection"

Mix of the "Queen Vicky" and "Ever Yours" collections.

From the "Charm Junkie" collection.

From the "Reverie On The Vine" Collection.

Earrings from the "Indian Gold" collection.
Hair buckles are from the "Reverie On The Vine" collection.

Also, I forgot to mention that their pieces are very versatile, you can mix and match them according to your outfit, or the style you're adopting. Every piece is unique and holds a story behind it. Once in the store, you can feel the good, positive vibes as soon as you step in. They help you find the "IT" item you're looking for, that matches your style, as well as styling tips that can come in handy.

TBH, it is thanks to them that I'm now more into jewellery and how much it can compliment an outfit so well no matter the occasion, day & night. 

Make sure during your next visit to Downtown Beirut to pass by their boutique and to meet them. As they say, best for last, I would like to thank Meena & Maya for the huge support they showed to me, the motivation they gave me, and the empowerment, I left filled with positivity. It was a really cool collaboration that I'm really proud of. I'm officially a jewellery lover haha.

Anyways, they have upcoming plans for the future, follow their news for jewellery designs and updates on their social media :

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/mukhisisters/
Instagram  :https://www.instagram.com/mukhisisters/
Phone Number : +961 76 087 729 / +961 1 989 188 

Thank you for reading this! Hope you enjoyed x
Stay tuned for more on the way! so so much love x

TbhJo

KENZO x H&M

To Be Honest,

I really hope you guys liked my first blogpost.

Thursday, the 3rd of November, was the launch of the collaboration collection by the French house of fashion KENZO & the Swedish H&M. 
It felt like a new world of creativity and playful energy. This collection features vibrant, street-inspired clothing, full of prints and bright popping colours with some really weird, yet cool & daring designs; not our usual H&M fashion. 

This year as well, the collaboration was a massive success just like last year's BALMAIN x H&M; but this time it was well organised and not as chaotic as before. Not to forget about the bags that I'm definitely not getting rid of later. I mean, they're too pretty to be tossed away. They are so uniquely designed!

 Anyways, people were lined up as the opening was about to take place at 8:00AM sharp. And it was literally worth skipping my morning class to attend lol. Adding up to that, I was lucky enough to bump into my all-time favorite fashion blogger Tamara Farra, known as "The Stylish Mouse", who inspired me to become a blogger in the first place.

 Enough with the talking for now. Let me show you guys some shots that were taken during the event, displaying my favorite pieces.

I did my fashion homework beforehand, and checked the night before the collection online, choosing the pieces I wanted to get, ahead of the event. Annnnd I was lucky enough to grab them before they sold out, including this black, oversized men’s sweater with blue writings, with the traditional KENZO PARIS label; the tiger, that covered almost all T-shirts and sweaters, just as shown below.

 

The second item was this really funky top, similar to the dress I previously showed you guys on my Snapchat (@tbh.jo) during the event. I'd probably wear this top with a high-waisted black skirt or pants. I am truly obsessed with it's great quality and creative prints all over it.

My other favorite items which I sadly didn't get, were the dress, shown in the picture to the side, long black leather gloves with pink print of KENZO PARIS on each, reversible silk-blend loose trousers and an off-the-shoulder crop top with bright popping jungle prints, that can be worn together, or separately, and a small leather white shopper bag, not to forget about the colourful wool and silk scarves. Almost all of the items got my attention, but the ones I just mentioned are probably the ones I'd personally wear. Oh & by the way, the items are even prettier live.

  

 

I honestly can't wait to see who H&M will be collaborating with next. No doubt it will be just as phenomenal.

What are your thought about this collection?

 If you've bought an item and need some fashion advice on how to style it or wear it, please comment below! If you just want to show me, feel free to do so also!

Thank you for your continuous love and support! 

TbhJo

Black Velvet

To Be Honest, 

I'm really proud to finally say that I've launched my blog. 

I have decided that my first blog post is going to be about one of this season's trends: velvet. I chose to show you guys this simple black velvet dress from ZARA, included in the FW16/17 TRF collection. 

There is a bunch of reasons why I chose this dress. First, for it's simplicity. Also, I love that it's suitable for any event, and can be worn with heels or flats and stay impressionable. Many brands and even designers used velvets in their new collections and designs as it is taking over the runways this season. In addition, velvet goes well with almost every style, from goth to punk, to classic and so on.

 To liven up this look, I decided to have a dramatic makeup, but still keep it simple. This is why red lipstick was my choice, and to be more specific, L'Oréal Paris, Color Riche's "Red Passion". I'm not certain if you guys have noticed that I applied red eyeliner, on my lower waterline, inspired by an episode of CHANEL Beauty Talks : Red Power featuring the face of their new campaign, Kristen Stewart. However, this particular eyeliner is actually Mary Jo K lipliner from Kylie Cosmetics, cause it's really pigmented. 

They say every girl needs a little black dress. Mine happens to be velvet.

I really like the photos shot by a good friend of mine, in Downtown Beirut. So here are a few more.

Thank you for your support and for reading this. The best is yet to come.

What are your thoughts? Feel free to leave a comment below.

Don't forget to share and stay updated on my social media and future blogposts.

TbhJo