Recessionista tip 5

St. Ives Whipped Silk Advanced Body Moisturizer

Cost: 20.75 Dhs (for 18oz or 532ML) at Spinneys

This is probably one of my favorite body lotions ever. It's perfect for when the weather warms up. You know how hot and sticky it gets and using a heavy lotion just isn't a good idea.

This one surprised me the first time I used it. I read a few reviews online that really recommended it, but the texture was so light that I didn't really think it was going to do anything. Then I checked a few hours later and my skin was still really soft and moisturised!(always a good thing!)

It's been a few years since then, and while I do like to try different products, I tend to come back to this one as my staple.

It has a really refreshing scent, too - but not over powering at all so it doesn't compete with your perfume. And because the texture is so light you don't have to stand around and wait for the lotion to soak in before you get dressed.

I also mix it with some shimmer powder and apply it to my legs, chest and arms when I think my Nars Body Glow will be too heavy.

Recessionista tip 4

Making the Most of Lipstick Samples

I love samples. Love them. Samples are a great way of trying out a new shade or product without the hassle of crappy store lighting and the pressure of crappy store assistants telling you that you look great when you really look like a crack whore and they just want to make a sale.

But sometimes you just want to get a tiny bit more out of your samples before you splurge on a product. (I'm reminded of that scene in Friends with Money where Jen Aniston lines up like 10 jars of Lancome cream and Chanel lotion!)

Here is an easy way to prolong your lipstick samples:

What you need:

your samples

an empty container (I got this one at Daiso, but you can also find some at Sephora)
Vaseline. I'm sure you can also use any of your fav lipbalm
a lighter
a metal spoon
a spatula. I used a wooden tongue depressor that I cut into half

Use the spatula to scrape out all of the lipstick and put it on the spoon. (I mixed the two middle pinks)
Scrape out a little bit of vaseline and add it on to the spoon. Use less or more depending on how glossy you want the lipstick to be.
Hold the lighter under the spoon and hold it until the flame heats the spoon and the lipstick melts completely.
Pour the liquid lipstick into the container (warning: it's REALLY hot) and stir it with the spatula so that the color mixes evenly.
Let it cool completely. Might take a few minutes.

(tada!)

I think this is the perfect pink to ease myself into the whole 'bright lipstick' trend.

Recessionista tip 3

Daiso False Eyelashes.

(my, what big eye(lashes) you have! Little known fact: False lashes also double as fans when the weather warms up!)

Where: Lamcy, new mall out by Mirdif (I keep forgetting the name!), Ajman outlet mall.

Cost: 5 dirhams!!

I have been wanting to try false lashes for a long time now. And since I'm far from a pro right now, I figured I'd be better off getting some cheaper ones so I won't be mad if I ruin them! (so no Madonna-esque mink and diamond lashes for me right now!)

I bought mine at the Lamcy branch, and they have loads of different styles. I love #13, the half lashes because they are easy to use if you're a first timer and and they give my eyes that sweet, but-not-so-innocent Marilyn Monroe type look.

I also got the individual lashes that I thought would be fun to try for a more casual look. And I bought the shorter ones because I figured they'd look most realistic on my short little Japanese eyelashes. (thanks, mom)

I also stocked up on lash glue. They had the clear kind and also the black one. The black one is great because it practically disappears if you are going to line your eyes afterwards.

Recessionista tip 2

Goody Pillow Soft Rollers

Where you can find them: I bought mine at Life Pharmacy, so I'm pretty sure you can find it at any pharmacy.

Cost: 28 Dirhams for a pack of 20.

I saw these while I was waiting at the pharmacy and thought they looked interesting. Especially since I am trying to find ways to avoid heat-styling my hair. The instructions said that they can be used on dry hair, but I used them on freshly shampooed, slightly damp hair (after I applied my leave-in conditioner and serum) and left them in over night.

They were pretty comfortable to sleep in. I didn't sleep like I normally do but I think it's because I was just aware that they were in my hair. And I'm sure that after a few times I will barely notice them at all.

I took them down in the morning and they were completely dry. I ran my fingers through the curls to break them up a bit, but it was still a little too curly for my taste. It could have been that I used all 20 rollers. I think next time I will use less rollers and bigger sections.


The end results. Don't mind my ends, they've gotten pretty dry. I think it's due to the coconut oil I've been using, but that's a whole nother post ;)

Recessionista tip 1

I'm going to start posting some tips for the recessionistas amongst us. Basically letting you know about cheap products or deals that I've found throughout the city. Here's my first one!


1. Baking Soda

Where you can find it: any supermarket.

Cost: I buy mine for less than ten dirhams.

Uses: What don't I use baking soda for?? I mix it with my liquid body wash and use it as a gentle daily exfoliator. You can even mix it with your face wash and use it a few times a week as an exfoliator for your face.
I also use it with toothpaste to help keep my teeth white.
And I mix it with hydrogen peroxide and apply the paste to bare nails (especially toes) to help lighten them if they've become a bit stained from all the dark polish I use.
And I use it to polish some of my jewelry when it tarnishes. You can mix it with water (I use toothpaste sometimes if the jewelry is really tarnished) until it becomes a thick paste and use it with an old toothbrush. Then rinse the jewelry and let it air dry.

Here's a link to other cool ways to use baking soda!

75 Extraordinary Uses For Baking Soda