2019 in review

Back in 2018, I set myself some goals for the new year. I swore off making steadfast resolutions and instead had five things I wanted to be better at… So, how did we do?

1. Travel more Well, I’d say I nailed it. I visited a few countries this year – India, Spain, France, Denmark – and the trips varied in length. It’s safe to say I’ll be doing more of these in the new decade.

Nyhaven, Copenhagen

Dreams really do come true in Paris

2. Read 2 books I didn’t quite hit this quota. I got stuck on a book that wasn’t gripping me and sucked the fun out of reading (unfortunately). I’ll give this one up for 2020 and hope to find something I enjoy for next year.

3. Be healthier By and large I’m doing okay – more consistent gym schedule, and eating better meals. I’m hoping to eat less meat in the new decade and more seasonal fruit and veg.

4. Blog consistently So, I was unemployed for a little while this year and managed to get regular posts out for a few months. Since then, I’ve started a new job and am about to move house so once things settle down, I’ll be coming back to the blog. But I’ve been writing consistently for Brown Girl Magazine this year so definitely check them out!

5. Keep better skincare This one worked to an extent! I certainly took care of my skin, but unhealthy eating over the holiday periods really made good skin a challenge…

Fun with skincare, makeup and hair products ❤

And for 2020? My outlook is similar. But with the added goal of furthering my writing career. So, if you’re looking for a versatile freelance writer, drop me a line in the comments 😜

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The best makeup of 2019

As we approach the last month of 2019, party season is upon us. Here are my favourite makeup products for this festive season.

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With Christmas and the New Year just weeks away, I’ve put together some of the best makeup looks and products that I love, offering long-lasting wear, a light feel and wow factor. 

Concealer

My go-to concealer these days is none other than Queen Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty range. It’s thicker than my usual preference, but it matches my skin perfectly, and means I don’t have to bother with foundation on a regular basis.

If I’m going for a more full coverage look, I go back to basics with the Maybelline age rewind concealer, which is a few shades lighter than my skin tone, but offers buildable coverage. It works super well when paired with a foundation or BB cream.

Foundation

Depending on the coverage you’re going for, you may even want to skip this step. When I’m using Fenty Beauty’s concealer, I let the rest of my face breathe by leaving out anything extra. But if you’re going for a more glamorous look, the Lancome teint idole foundation is my pick. It’s lightweight, so offers you the flexibility to build a heavier look, or just keep it simple with one layer. 

Sculpting

I must admit, I’m not a heavy contour/highlighter gal – I prefer a more subtle look myself. That said, the Maybelline powder contour is always a staple in my makeup bag, just in case.

I find eyeshadow works well for highlighters, so make the most of my gold Kiko shadow and pop it on my cheekbones for a little more glam.

Plus, adding a little colour to my cheeks is easy with Kiko’s rose blush – I’m nearly out, so hoping to find it under the tree on Christmas morning! The darker tones in this warm dusky tone add colour to my cheeks without being too cold and bright.

Finishing touches

Depending on the look you’re going for, eye makeup can be as subtle or as bold as you like. If the event is fairly understated, a matt shadow and eyeliner look might be all I go for. On the flip side, I love to dress up, especially for special occasions. So, my eyes might be bold, with a dark lipstick and dramatic lashes.

At the moment I am absolutely loving Eyelash Emporium’s new range of full strip lashes. Whether I’m going subtle or full glam, these lashes complement my look and just finish it off beautifully. Plus, they’re lightweight and super comfortable.

Set everything with Urban Decay’s all nighter setting spray and you’re good to go! Whether you’re watching a fireworks display or dancing the night away. 

Keep up with my social media accounts @anamikatalwaria and @namitalwarrior for some glamorous looks for the season!

Thought of the Day: International Women’s Day

Women Supporting Women is the definition of Feminism.

In this day and age, it’s really easy to claim that you’re not a feminist. This International Women’s Day, I want to remind you all to support the women in your life this year…

2019: The Year of Development

Why I’m not making a resolution this year, and why you shouldn’t either.