2k16's Beauty Products aka 2k17's must have!

To Be Honest,

I wanted to show you guys my favourite 2016 beauty products AKA best products of the year.

I advise you to grab a snack while reading this, since it might take a while. But I promise you, not too long! I'm gonna also leave names of each product used in case you guys are interested. I totally recommend them.

As a start, 2016 was a really great year for Kylie Jenner. She launched her first cosmetic line, under the name of Kylie Cosmetics, that took huge success over the year, especially with her lip kits, each one inspired from her family members and loved ones. TBH, when the lip kits launched I was so excited. I was one of the first to get some and try them on. And after obsessing over the amazing quality, long lasting texture, formula, and great scent, I got many other shades later on, including the metallics, that I kept showing on my social media by reviewing and recommending them. I gifted them to my friends and loved ones, as well as for myself. My personal favourite lip kit is Candy K, a gorgeous nudish-pink for a natural lippie. Also the minis, part of the holiday edition collection, a small box that includes 6 mini matte liquid lipsticks of which Angel is my favourite.

 Kylie also launched limited edition creme eye shadows, with a set of makeup brushes, and glosses.

I mentioned my fav Kylie products that I've brought, and in general I totally recommend them for those who haven't tried them yet. Stay tuned for my next Instagram post for the upcoming Kylie Givaway!

Also, this year I got introduced to a new makeup brand, the Jeffree Star Cosmetics by Jeffree Star.

When I first tried his matte liquid lipsticks, after trying the Kylie ones, I've found a huge similarity, but I would still choose his products over hers, which are really affordable. I also tried one of his highlighters, in a shade called Ice Cold. For those that have been following me for quite a while now, you guys probably remember when I reviewed it. It's really pigmented, inside a really large pan, not a regular pan you'd expect to get for a highlighter, which is a plus. Not to forget that this year, he also launched his first ever eyeshadow palette, under the name of Beauty Killer, that has 10 jaw-dropping shades with extreme pigment, with 3 formulas : matte, frost and glitter.

As for my favourite liquid foundation, Tbh, I've tried many this year, but the best one so far was by Maybelline, the Dream Satin Liquid foundation, that is also poreless, with a satiny finish.

My all time favourite concealer was the one by Yves Saint Laurent. But for a more affordable everyday use one, I would totally recommend the Conceal stick by Avon, to blemish dark circles and eyebags.

To be able to get the perfect face contour, I've tried the cream contouring palette by Anastasia Beverly Hills, after reading so many reviews and seeing how much it is recommended. And honestly after trying this best-selling set myself, I also recommend it. It's easy to use, is not sticky, gets you the perfect contouring look you're looking for, with a smooth and highly blendable formula. It is truly a must have! also available in powder. To contour my face using this kit, I used  Kylie brush, that also helped with the blending with a BeautyBlender.

After contour comes blush! I really liked this year SAMOA Cosmetics' blush, that has a shiny finish and lasts the whole day.

What's the most used item? a mascara of course! Tbh, I've also tried many mascaras this year and ended up loving 3 : the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, Benefit's They're Real, Maybelline's Collosal Volum' Express. Perfect for everyday use, for great, soft, voluminous yet natural lashes, that suits every look.

I don't usually put on falsies, except for events, photoshoots and so on. My all time favourite were the Huda Beauty Lashes by Huda Kattan, the one behind Huda Beauty; they still are, in addition to the Cheryl Charm lashes, by the gorgeous beauty Lebanese influencer Cheryl Azoury, that has my total support, and is a huge motivation to me.

Also, Urban Decay launched this year a full limited edition collection with the collaboration of american singer Gwen Stefani, including an eyeshadow palette that took huge success and sold-out immediately, but i was lucky enough to grab one for me, all the way from Italy.

Speaking of limited edition, and really successful palettes, there is also the Mario palette, made by the well known american makeup artist Mario and Anastasia Beverly Hills. After its recommendation by the best in the beauty industry, for the creation of simple makeup looks, I ended up getting it, and i honestly can't stop using its beautiful mattes. I'm not gonna show you guys palettes in this blog post, I'm gonna keep them for later.. let me know if you're interested in tutorials;)

As for my brows, I've tried one product so far and I've been sticking to it ever since : the Benefit Gimme Brow gel in medium, for brows on point.

Bronzers are a must in the creation of almost every look. My favourite so far is Hoola by Benefit. Plus the one that is part of the Urban Decay 3 in 1, Naked Flushed palette, that includes a blush, bronzer and highlighter. It's bronzer can even be used after the cream contour to set it better.

Before using the Gimme' Brow gel.

After using the Gimme' Brow gel.

 

I mentioned earlier that this year I got to discover new makeup brands. Not to forget that I got to try cosmetics by the Lebanese makeup artist Bassam Fattouh. Guys. No joke, I'm obsessed. Like wow. The quality is to die for. My personal favourite items of his cosmetic line are the nude lipliner called "Khashab", the matte lipstick made exclusively for his recent collaboration with the Lebanese Blogger Lana El Sahily, the one behind the successful blog, L'armoire De Lana; a gorgeous, daring dark nude pink, under the name of #LanaLoves, available to purchase on her website. Adding up to that, there is also the Blur Kit, a kit that combines both powder highlighting and contouring pans at the same time, in the presence of 6 blendable shades that enhance and define natural features.

Thank you for reading this! Don't forget to turn on post notifications! and stay tuned for more.
Much Love

TbhJo

Products used in the pictures above :
SAMOA blush
Benefit's They're Real Mascara
Better Than Sex Mascara by Too Faced
Benefit's Gimme Brow
Angel by Kylie Cosmetics
Khashab lipliner by Bassam Fattouh
Anastasia Beverly Hills Cream Contour Palette in Light to Medium 
Brush by Kylie Cosmetics
BeautyBlender Sponge
Ice Cold Highlighter by Jeffree Star Cosmetics.

Gothic Chic FW16/17 by MarcellaM x TbhJo

 To Be Honest,

 

 I know its been a while guys, and I'm sorry for my absence. I hope you're all enjoying your holiday so far.

As promised earlier, and after posting some sneak peeks from my collaboration on social media, it's time for you guys to see the great shots and pieces from this FW16/17 collection called "Gothic Chic", inspired by many sources. For instance, gothic themes and styles, and my favourite fabric, VELVET.

It all started when I met Marcella at the launch of her new collection, that took place at CosmoCity, in Beirut Souks, on the 12th of October. The show wasn't like any other fashion show you'd expect to see. Models were standing in front of the public, where each one stood and presented a one of a kind outfit.

I'm known for my love for fashion and artists, and especially Lebanese ones, making us so proud of their artwork. However, the collection really got my attention, and after staying in touch with Marcella, and visiting her workshop, we got to collaborate; where I was able to model my favourite pieces; the ones that got my attention mostly during the event.

I would like to let you guys know more about Marcella Mouawad, the artist behind these creations. Her fashion career all started when she left Beirut, heading to New York where she completed her fashion studies, and ended up specialising in evening wear, and got the chance to collaborate with Carolina Herrera on her final year project. Then she came back to her Lebanese roots, and decided to intern for the iconic, well-known Lebanese designer, that had mostly a huge impact on her throughout her fashion career : Elie Saab. This internship allowed her to gain even more experience, and it motivated her to have her own line.

 
Being such a hard-working and determined person with such a vibrant soul, she never imagined opening her first studio anywhere else than in Lebanon. In 2013, she brought her professional New York skills to Beirut, and opened her first workshop and showroom in Mar Takla, Hazmieh.

Her brand, MarcellaM, stands for luxury, with fabrics and finishings that represent every woman's worth.

I was honoured to work with Marcella, as well as getting to know her better. 
The collaboration was everything I hoped it would be. It was also so much fun. As for my makeup, I've used as eyeshadows the HUDA BEAUTY Rose Gold Palette, and lashes in Samantha #7 by HUDA BEAUTY as well, in addition to Jeffree Star's highlighter in Ice Cold from the Skin Frost collection.

I hope you guys like the shots! Don't forget to follow Marcella on her social media pages listed below. For more details, feel free to contact her :) 

Website : 

http://www.marcellamouawad.com

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/MarcellaM.fdh/?pnref=story

Instagram : 

https://www.instagram.com/marcellamouawad/ 

The shots were taken by Chadi,a great photographer and friend of mine, you can check his photography page also HERE: https://www.instagram.com/chadimechaalani/

Thanks for reading this & for your continuous support, feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments, and don't forget to share! 

Here are some more shots in some of my favorite pieces.

 

TbhJo

Tbh Jo x Eternal Style Boutique

                                                           

                                                  To Be Honest,

Hey guys!Sorry for not being active much. I have been really busy lately. However, that didn't stop me from working on collaborations and future fashion projects. 

One of them was made exclusively for this holiday season. I teamed up with Eternal Style Boutique to provide you with a discount code. The code is: TBHJOinStyle , and it will be activated on the 10th of December and valid until the 1st of January 2017. This discount code deducts 25% off all items in store, located in the Bekaa, also available online. You can check their collection on Instagram and order online: @Eternal_style_boutique, they deliver all around Lebanon.

All you have to do is send/show them this coupon below when making any purchase!

Enough with the talking for now. I modelled my favourite pieces from their items of clothing, in order to show you guys a sneak peak of the collection, giving you some outfit inspirations & gift ideas since Christmas is so soon. The shots were taken at the Delora Hotel.

I really enjoyed trying on these outfits because of their material and style. I loved these elegant yet youthful pieces, because they are sophisticated with a touch of playfulness; a combination every girl needs.

 

Here is a simple black clutch from their newest collection. It is so versatile. You can wear it with a super laid-back outfit, as well as a formal one. A must-have!

Here are a few more shots

This dress was probably my favourite, and I had to get it. It's a simple bandage dress, super classy yet comfy at the same time.

                                                         Thank you for reading this!Don't hesitate to leave your thoughts in comments below. Stay tuned on my social media for all updates.

TbhJo

SAINT-LOUIS CRYSTAL IN BEIRUT

To Be Honest,

November 17th; Saint-Louis and FedCo hosted a colourful cocktail to celebrate the inauguration of the refined boutique dedicated to the Saint-Louis crystal, in the heart of Dowtown Beirut.

For this special occasion, more than 400 guests were invited to visit the brand-new space, and enjoyed three animations: 

Floral arrangements : Where the guests had to choose flowers and create their own bouquet or arrangement.

Gold decoration : Where Saint-Louis' very own artist, the one that does the hand painted decoration on the crystals, was there to explain to us how it all happens, and even allowing us to get to try to draw on crystal. 

Cocktail bar : Where Saint-Louis crystal cups and glasses of different shapes, sizes and colours were placed on a stand, for guests to pick one of their choice and go to the bar next to it for a drink.

Saint-Louis crystal belongs to the Hermès group, and vibrates with the immense talent inherited from history, since it's origin in 1586; being the oldest crystal company in the world. Every day, master glassblowers and cutters, considered to be among the very best in France, create crystal pieces that highlight expertise enriched from generation to generation: crystal is mouth-blown, hand-cut, hand-engraved and hand-decorated using 24-carat gold or platinum.

A bold, precise cut, strong, euphoric colours, extremely refined designs and materials: this is the clear identity that Saint-Louis perpetuates in its crystal collections. The Manufacturer is thrilled to announce its collaboration with the expert retailer Fedco. 

Founded in 2005, Fedco SAL is indeed a solid established trading company, whose core business is to operate retail sales areas in Beirut-Rafik el Hariri's International airport. In addition, Fedco is the concessionaire of the Crystal Area in Beirut's Duty Free zone.

It was honestly an honour attending the opening, and getting the chance to meet the president of FedCo Mr. Fadel Ghandour & the president of Saint-Louis Mr. Jérôme De Lavergnolle, Jessy Mrad the owner of PROMAR, and many lovely bloggers.

I wore to the event, a top from the KENZOxH&M collaboration, with a black high-waisted skirt from Forever21,a black mini purse, and black suede H&M pumps. Oh and yes, I'm obviously obsessed with black. As for my makeup, I went for a simple look. I used Ginger for my lips by Kylie Cosmetics, and a bit of dark eyeshadow from the Gwen Stefani X Urban Decay collaboration palette.

Stay tuned for more!

TbhJo