Inspiration

Amina Sheik; one of my favorite actresses.

There are times where I feel like I was born in the wrong era. My ultimate goal in life is to move to Lahore, build a haveli and have a pet elephant and a peacock (I kid you not). And then there is the old American/European culture which intrigues me. I guess there was something so poised, elegant and regal about those times that I just can't help but be in awe. And the makeup, often done to show up in black and white photos, was just beautiful. Breathtaking and always beautifying (I take inspiration for my future wedding look from these!)

Here are some photos that make yearn for those times and although not all of them are from "that" era, they are still so inspiring and beautiful to look and remind me of the never-outdated past.

Mata Hari

Carole Lombard

The badass Dita Von Teese.

A vintage ceramic tile.

Ignoring the caption 

Carole Lombard

Portrait of Noor Jahan from the 19th/20th Century (Lahore Museum)

A gorgeous creation by the legendary Bunto Kazmi modeled
by the beautiful Amina Sheikh.Bunto Kazmi's work oozes intricate
 detail, heirloom-quality work, South Asian traditional
cuts and designs. Utterly gorgeous and timeless. 

*nod*

What's in My Makeup Bag.

Bag: Sephora GWP

I'm definitely one of those people that feels like they need to be prepared for pretty much everything and the weight of my bag reflects that spot-on, thankyouverymuch. As for my actual makeup bag, my philosophy is smaller-the-better (as opposed to "less is more" since that just wouldn't work for...me, ahem) and the contents of my makeup reflect that. I try to have all elements of my basic makeup routine in there just in case I need to dash out the door at times.

The contents of the bag:

What I carry with me: 
- Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer in SX-06 (in the tiny jar)
- MAC Face & Body in C2 (not pictured; carried in a similar tiny jar)
- NYC Creme Blush Stick in Big Apple Blush *
- MAC Studio Finish Concealer NW25 (under eyes)
- Blinc Mascara ("tubing" one)
- Aquaphor 
- Nivea Lip Balm
- Sleek Pout Polish in Perfect Plum *
- Revlon Lip Butter in Candy Apple
- Lip Gloss from BBW in Toffee *
- Laura Geller Mini baked blush in Sunswept (doubles as eyeshadow in a pinch)
- NARS Laguna Bronzer Mini (also doubles as eyeshadow in a pinch)
- Retractable black liner
- MUFE Aqua Eyes liner in Black
- Benefit Posietint (mini)
- BarryM Shimmering Eye Crayon in #5
- Ecotools Shade Brush (perfect for concealer like the KA SSE)
- Laura Mericer Blush brush (short-handle)

As you can tell, I like to keep mini/smaller/travel versions of things. Also, the products marked with a * are products/colors I prefer to wear in the Winter; these usually get switched in and out. And I'll be honest, at times when I have replaced a product with something better, I usually like to throw it in here to use up (like the MAC Studio Finish concealer).  

Some of my must-haves are definitely the Kevyn Aucoin SSE (doubles as concealer and foundation), Ecotools brush (it's tiny and perfect for the Kevyn Aucoin SSE which requires precision), MAC Face & Body (not pictured because the idea to keep some in a mini jar came after these pictures were taken >.< but F&B is my HG foundation and because of its consistency and fuss-free nature I can just apply it with my fingers) and lastly, since I love red/plum/pink lips for the winter I love the combo of Sleek Pout Polish in Perfect Plum and Revlon Lip Butter in Candy Apple paired together! 

Another product I love for travel purposes since it's so compact and practical is NARS Blush Bronzer Trio (LE $55). This is perfect for the summer when on vacation or to carry in your purse because it has a highlighter (Albatross), a blush (Orgasm) and a bronzer (Laguna). All three products also happen to be notoriously popular so if you're new to makeup/NARS and want to try all three products at once, this is a great palette to look out for. My NARS stage has reached its saturation point but I do love a practical/compact product nonetheless!

I'm on the hunt for a more practical makeup bag (I have a feeling this will eventually tear from usage) so if any changes occur, I'll be sure to post an updated WiMMB post!