For the girl who's always on the Go

I've been meaning to write this post for a while, since Ive been back from Chicago. 

Mainly for tips on how to pack for traveling.

I'm not a big traveler, and this was not for work, so I thought it would be the perfect entry for how to pack efficiently. Right before leaving, I started having like an anxiety attack (which is quite common when packing for anything) because of the TSA rules. 

This is LITERALLY Me when packing.
<-------- br="">
 I looked through many blogs, like fashion blogs, traveling blogs etc, trying to piece together what to bring and not to bring. I even posted on FB what was the best way to go about packing makeup, which was directed to my MUA friends. Though I was not technically working, or planning to.. ( b/c I went to visit family) The girls asked me to bring Makeup/Teach them a few  tips and tricks which ofcourseI was super excited about.  I wanted to pack the right amount of things and not over due it. Have u ever had to pack for a trip, and u start packing stuff that you have never/used or barely have use for but for some reason u think, you may just miraclously use?. This is what being a girl is about. OVER PACKING. Though I consider myself low-maintenance, I too, tend to fall in the fashion woes of over packing. Its quite mental.

I haven't had the best luck at O'hare when checking in my bag (Due to their inclement weather delays and u know, every other issue known to man)  so I did not wanna take the risk..

Unfortunately packing a carry-on seems ridiculously complicated.  It's hard as hell in fact.. I did sift and re-sift through my Train Case trying to piece the right products to take without taking stuff I don't necessarily need. For someone who has a ton of makeup it was not easy. I love when James Cornwell asks to bring a Mini-Kit and I go nuts, but in fact, This is prob the only reason I have learned to pack sufficiently by bringing products that can be used on multitude of skin types, yet enough to carry in a small bag.

So here are some tips for packing and what I found useful: I didn't have to book a hotel so staying with girls who are fairly girly, cut down my list enormously: 

THE TSA RULE: 

Use a Quart Size bag, tho this is the rule, you can pack a gallon size bag (do check with your airport/airline to see if it's okay) BWI did not have any issues so I did pack a gallon size bag, but I did not fill it all the way. Also multiple bags are allowed.

Liquids: I was really conscious about what is considered a liquid? Liquid Foundation is considered liquid, but was cream foundation an issue? and Also what type of creme. I had a few cream palettes, as they were quite expensive so I was really conscious about having something like that removed had it not fit in the bag...

So cream palettes/foundations I kept in a semi transparent beauty bag in my carry-on. No issues there. Did not use a TSA approved bag for that stuff.

I remember all powders should be in a clear container when the TSA rules first came out, I did not see any specification on the website but I did have clearish cased translucent powders but they also remained in my carry-on. I did not have them with my TSA bag stuff.

I had a small spray bottle with rubbing alcohol to keep my brushes sanitized, tinted moisturizer, gel night mask,  contact solution, gel eyeliners, mascara, moisturizer were all in my TSA bag. These items are fairly small and did not take up much room.

* Tip: I took 2x2inch jar, put my moisturizer, SPF and serum all together. This lasted me about 2 weeks. One week there, and I still had some for majority of this week. Separately, I would have had 3 big jars, all less than 3oz, but would have taken a a lot of room. I was hesitant about the size of the jar, it happened to be empty sample jar for something/or travel size, I cleaned and washed it & added all  3 products, it was more than enough to last me. Also tweezers, razor and my lash curler that looks like a tweezer were all in an additional bag. Also a few LipGlosses, .I did have a lipstick palette which went in my carry-on, NOT in the TSA bag.

Organization: The TSA bags all stayed in my book bag. I think I had 2 bags. I know on my way back I did have 2.

This way it wasn't a hassle to take out and put back. Worked out perfectly.

Clothing: I literally over packed, thinking I could take one or 2 outfits extra in case I didn't want to wear certain things, or had to change or of course in my case, my flight got cancelled. This was retarded. I started to repack, when I was barely getting the carry on closed- Then I started packing enough for my trip.This was perfect.

I told myself, I did not 4 different types of black cardigans to take, and packed comfortable yet clothes that could be worn out. When you're in a city where your in or near downtown, like Chicago/New York comfortable and sturdy outfits are important. Cuteness is up there too but something that is versatile goes a long way. Looser fitting clothes helped.

This was super smart. One black cardigan, A warm coat, flat tennis shoes, sweater, ankle boots and leggings were essential in this. Black Cardigan came in extra handy for layer over lighter items and still not bulky for a fitting coat. The flat- coach tennis shoes (not super bulky) worked with skinny jeans and blouse/tunic tops but good for walking and Ankle boot wedges comfortable to walk a bit in without killing my knees and looked cute with my outfits. The leggings were to wear under jeans in case it got too nippy which I did wear for longer outings.

I packed a certain amount of brushes, majority of which were fairly versatile and all of my favs. 12 brushes is more than enough.

I packed 2 mineral powders, since the girls are really fair to olive skin tone, a translucent mineral powder (colorless), a few palettes, which all worked out.

The biggest hassle was my MK purse. It was big enough to carry for my DSLR but pointless. I didn't even use it much.

I packed a few scarves, and a hat I wore through out my trip. I should have packed ear muffles. The crochet hats aren't too warm for ears, since the holes are fairly large. Also I packed like 5 scarves which I did not wear all of them. I wore maybe 2-3 outfit 5 for sure. Waste of space. Multicolored scarves work, they are easier to pair up with solids.

I kept my makeup light and nice and it lasted all day. 

Another thing I did on a past trip, if you're going with a friend or staying with people.. divide up some of the stuff. Toothpaste I didn't have to take and hotels provide it, I meant to bring my curling iron and forgot it at the last minute. The girls had both a straightener/curling iron/blow-dryer. -didn't need those either. In a previous trip, a friend and I divided up our Hair Tools so that we wouldn't have too many things and ask the place your staying. I usually pack a temp toothbrush and stuff that I am gonna run out of so I can just throw it away before leaving. I also use a mineral deodorant which is like straight solid and I can throw that in my carry-on.

Take a 2-1. My old straightener curled hair fairly well, so I didn't need an additional iron for that, and hotels have blow dryers unless you're big on blow-drying, which I am not- I can generally air dry my hair and then straighten it (less heat is best for hair)  it works out. Or pick one look out. It won't kill you to lessen the mount of stuff. Travelling light feels amazing. I could also keep track of what I brought and what I had to pack so I was aware when purchasing extra stuff.

Hope this helps you out... I know sometimes the TSA rules get a bit confusing and are a tad vague. I feel like I was quite successful this trip! Not only did I realize I don't need a 1000 products to use to keep up with skincare but overall I learned to be efficient. I had all my necessities/packed into things that were trendy and fashionable. Win Win Win!

Good Luck!

If I didn't mention something you had a question about, please ask! If I have the answer I will most definitely share!

xx

Ammara

My next post I am gonna do my best to do an update skincare routine and a lot of makeup/skincare products that I have tried that are amazing!

A Bold Impression Makes a Lasting Impression..

Bold lipsticks are seen everywhere, from Holly wood to runway. Bold Lips completes an outfit, compliments skintone, and works like an accessory. For my latest work, I used MakeupForever Rouge Intense #36. Its an ELECTRIFYING PINK that lasts all day long  For more Tania and Dru's look,  leave a comment and I will add product deets for my next entry!

Perfection has a name, It's Mario Dedivanovic (Pt 2 of Seminar )

        So, continuing from where I left off..Front Row Seat! Mario came out with Adrienne Bailon! The ENTIRE class wanted to know the HIGHLIGHT and CONTOUR which he is sooo famous for! This basically sorted out how Kim K looks the way she does. I cant still believe that I went, it literally felt like a dream. Mario definitely did not hold back, the tips and tricks were unimaginable!. If anyone understands a woman's face, its him. His work is incredible start to finish. Literally the epitome of FLAWLESS. I tried out the look, but just need practice.  I took so many notes, I don't think I've ever hand-written so much in my life, that I lost the first and last sheet, and I almost had a stroke, like LITERALLY. I knew if I just stared at what he was doing I'd forget everything since my memory seems to FAIL at times.

I searched n searched and found the first page, the last page stuff I fairly remembered, so tho I was  :( I managed to re-write and type my notes- 8 pages worth.. The whole experience opened my eyes that my whole process changed on doing makeup. Not only that, but what to look for in products, the multitude ways of using certain products such as EYE M GLAM (Mario's own creation highlighting loose pigment that is used just about EVERYWHERE and for 435985343204 things. As well as --just perfecting the look. With enough practice, I figured I can cut down on certain things and create shortcuts but for now... Im practically studying the notes like I've never done before!

It was an experience I will LITERALLY never forget. I feel like I need to attend like ALL his classes, because his techniques are one of a kind. Adrienne was alot of fun, she described and added tidbits to her makeup, was super down to earth and just an asset to the seminar!
We got to take pics, and talk to him as well. He was so down to earth, and just a big ol' sweetie!
We got gift bags as well, not exactly what I'd hoped for but still a treat nonetheless.
This seminar was just so motivating and will probably change my makeup career as well, by the tips he gave on how he started and progressed so much! It totally made me wanna just get super proactive and educate myself as much as possible and PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE!

EYE M GLAM is sold @ Giella.com -- a cosmetic company that helped Mario create the perfect highlighting pigment for that Kimmy K glow! Here's the Link
* I bought this a while back, when he first came out with it. Its literally one of my fav products, which I wanted to mention when I start doing my Fav Must -Have Products!

To Mario,
You've truly changed beauty from the inside out, by perfecting imperfections. Thank you so much for sharing your talent with us, it was dream meeting you! X

Ammara

Mario D (Kim K's Makeup Artist)

Daneen from SpoiledPretty.Blogspot.Com

Mario's Set Up

   

Gift Bags

Loads of Makeup!

P.S. my camera was acting super shady and I didnt get alot of pics. Daneen was also at the event, you may know her from SpoiledPretty.Blogspot.com, as well as Adrienne, but my pics with everyone came out atrocious so I cant add. Sorry!

Makeupy By Mario Seminar in Chelsea -with Adrienne Bailon

MAKEUP FOR STYLE SCRAPBOOK

The ever-so lovely Andy T, one of my favorite bloggers Style Scrapbook actually the first blog I came across when I started pro-actively pursuing fashion, needed some tips on recreating a look from her Mango Shoot...
tags Http://www.stylescrapbook.com

Its been about 2 years since Ive written here b/c I was busy with School (Fashion School :D) looking for a job and sorting out my finances, but thats another story.. so here goes!
Hope it helps!
Face: After washing your face, use a moisturizer that's best suited for your skin, if your makeup doesn't have SPF, I definitely recommend getting a moisturizer with SPF.
Use a good Face Primer- I use Face Primer by Arbonne International its super amazing. Dot it on the forehead nose and cheeks, and chin and spread it outwards.. covering the entire face...
Depending on what type of foundation/powder you use, dot it again, in the same areas and use a sponge or a brush to spread out evenly getting around the lip area, around the nose, and any other crevice in the face. 

EYES:  My favorite part! - Starting at the eyebrow, using your concealer/ and a concealer brush, work the brush along the eyebrow line (Its like tracing your eyebrow) : Starting from the outer corner, going in...

Once you do that, you can start by blending the concealer downwards to the eyelid.

Afterwards... take a little more of concealer and cover the lids all the way to the lash line, and blend evenly...
If you dont need to fill in your eyebrows, you dont have to but having an olivey/brown matte eyeshadow and a good fine brush will do the trick...

Taking a Tapered Blending Brush  and start blending the crease area, smoothing out anything btwn the upper eyebrow and lid.. Starting outwards and then in..

you can also go over the eyebrow to blend everything out evenly..
* The concealer also works as a shadow primer, to set a good smooth foundation for the eyeshadow to look better and last longer..
If you are a beginner and want to get a real defined look, take some scotch tape to the corner of eyes







using Urban Decay Stray Dog, or a color similiar to it, its a charcoalish Taupe color, cover your lid starting at 2/4 of ur eyelid up to 3/4s leaving the corner free... pile on the eyeshadow to get the intensity you want..

blend the shadow all over lid, so it looks nice and even, blending it to the lash line.. taking your blending brush, you can blend all the way up to your crease area out to in, lift your eyebrow with your finger to identify the crease area.

to make the eyes more define, you can pile more on the corner 4/4s of the eye, where the applicator is in a side V like this 


Inner corner color you can use Shroom by MAC  or anything light and shimmery with a thinner brush to pack it in the corner lid to lash line in a boomerang shape.

Take your eyeliner, a dark black would work really well.. The inner lash line is located parallel to the waterline keep going back and forth till you get the intensity you want, youll start seeing the smokey illusion right away. P.S** this is a good trick to make your lashes appear dark and full. If you've never done this, start in the middle working back and forth from out to in or vise versa..
Afterwards, take the eye, with your finger slightly stretch the eye out, holding from the outer corner towards lash line. Apply liner towards lash line going in, and use a smudger, comes with a bottom of an eyeliner usually or a fine brush and smudge the liner so it gives the lid a smoker appearance. Take a thin brush and add some eyeshadow towards the lash line and blend it outwards.. once everything looks blended and even. Take mascara and add to bottom lash line. Once ur all set, you can remove tape!
Using blending blush, blend out any definitive lines left by the tape.. and your all set.

Take the concealer brush and start adding concealer underneath the eyes covering up to the bridge of the Cheek bones. Just like in the pic. You want to use a color lighter than your skin. Taking my favorite beauty product, BEAUTY BLENDER, you can find in one of the previous blogs, and now Ulta.Com has one too for only 4.99 or 5.99!  Blend it into your skin. Once everything looks even, Take a coral color and blend it in from the apples of your cheeks towards the temples. Blend it out evenly and add some lip gloss to your lips you're all set!!! Enjoy!

Sorry for the short notice and random pics, I had to do this for Andy but if I end up/which I am planning to- attend Makeup By Mario's Seminar in NY this year (Last year I attended NY's Makeup Show-AMAZING) I will post a proper tutorial up!! Thanks <3
Ammara