The secret behind a radiantly clear, smooth complexion isn’t really a secret anymore. It all starts with keeping your skin clean; like really, really clean. Yet over-cleansing and exfoliating can strip the complexion of precious moisture and leave it overly dry and prone to premature aging.

I have normal to dry skin and tend to be very weary of over-drying cleansing formulations, so when I got sent the Starskin The Master Cleanser Detoxing Sea Kelp Leaf Cleansing Foam (long, long name, I know!), I kept it aside for a good few weeks before I gave it a try. The ‘Master Cleanser’ sounded like it would really clear out everything on my face, and perhaps it was made for oily skin.

Starskin the master cleanser foam detoxing sea kelp leaf cleansing foam review by The Tezzy Files Dubai Beauty Blogger

How wrong was I. This wee cleanser deep cleanses for sure (you really are left with this refreshingly clean after-feel), and it manages to do so without leaving the complexion feeling tight and begging for hydration. 

Gosh Cosmetics is a makeup brand hailing from Denmark, and prides itself for its high-quality products that are in par with some of the biggest brands on the beauty shelves (yet cost a fraction of the price). Moreover, the brand is cruelty-free, their products contain no harmful parabans or synthetic additives, and apart from their lipsticks which contain beeswax, the Gosh range can also claim to be vegan-friendly! (For more on Gosh Cosmetics, read my earlier post by clicking here).

I just got back to good old sunny Dubai, and went ecstatic discovering a whole new bag of Gosh goodies in my mailbox! Ofcourse I had to play with them right away 🙂

GOSH Cosmetics makeup tutorial review by The Tezzy Files Dubai Makeup and Beauty Blog UAE blogger (1111)

I am in India right now, and just got back from a day trip exploring the streets of Guwahati (click here if you missed it). Walking about in the heat and humidity can take a toll on the skin, and so I decided to try out the OLEVA + Oxygen Activating Renewal Black Mask as soon as I got back.

OLEVA + Oxygen Moisturizing Black Mask review by The Tezzy Files Dubai Beauty Blog Lifestyle Blogger UAE Sephora Middle East(6)

The OLEVA + masks are brand new on the shelves of Sephora Middle East, and although the concept of sheet masks originates from Korea, this brand is made in China under the licence of Oleva France.

I am wandering around India right now. The weather is hot and humid, with a few monsoon showers thrown in. I have vowed to travel light, but my time here will entail a long list of social engagements, the Eid festivities included. Limiting my makeup stash given the travel allowances has proven to be a tough call, but I have narrowed down to a top 10 list of makeup products that have made it into my travelling makeup bag.

top 10 makeup essentials for travel by the tezzy files Dubai beauty blog travel tips beauty reviews lifestyle blog.jpg

Asian-inspired sheet masks are here to stay. Apart from an influx of Korean sheet masks in the market, global brands are also taking cue and offering a variety of options for beauty mavens. Sephora Middle East has launched a brand new range of sheet masks under their banner, and I recently tried out their Avocado version; the Sephora Avocado Face Mask.

Sephora Avocado Mask Review by The Tezzy Files Dubai Beauty Blogger UAE Sephora Skincare Summer 2016 Dubai Lifestyle Blogger.jpg

I am heading off on a summer holiday, and one of my pet peeves has been trying to squeeze in all my essentials into the constricted luggage allowance. This time round, I am carrying 9 eye-shadows, 2 blushes, 1 highlighter, 1 bronzer and 2 lip and cheek stains in my hand-bag. Quite a stash you say? Well here’s news for you, this entire list of goodies is stocked in The Balm Voyage Vol. II palette, and its actually as slim and compact as my passport!

The Balm Voyage palatte makeup for travel review by The Tezzy Files Dubai Beauty Makeup Blog Blogger UAE (1)

I am SO in love with this brush. Kinda sad admitting I have such strong feelings for a makeup brush, but The One Perfecting Brush by Becca Cosmetics really is life-changing. When I first spotted this brush at the Sephora Middle East Summer 2016 event, I knew I had to get my hands on one. The bristles felt so luxuriously soft, and I loved the solid, earthy look of the handle.

Becca The One Perfecting Brush Review (2)

Becca’s The One Perfecting Brush retails for AED 225 at Sephora, and is therefore not the cheapest of makeup brushes. However, I really do believe it will save me a good deal of time and money in the long-run. Here is why:

I recently posted this #MakeupSelfie on Instagram, a rather minimal look that I think is perfect for Ramadan and late-night Iftar and Suhoor soirees. Quite a few of you have inboxed me on how to get this look, so without much ado I am sharing my Ramadan Makeup Look ‘recipe’ with you 🙂

Ramadan Makeup Look Beauty Tutorial by The Tezzy Files Dubai Beauty Blogger UAE

Just when I thought I’d found the epitome of foundation perfection, the Shiseido Syncro Skin Lasting Liquid Foundation lands on my reviewing desk. I love my Makeup Forever Ultra HD Foundation, and being rather brand loyal, was rather reluctant to make a shift. However, this brand new contender has ticked far too many boxes than I first gave it credit for, and I’m totally obsessed!

Shiseido Syncro Skin Lasting Liquid Foundation  Review by The Tezzy Files Dubi Beauty and Lifestyle Blog UAE (1)