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WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!!

Congratulations!!!!

 

to the ever so beautiful, Nicole Dirks! Winner of the Rubybox Makeup and Beauty Box Giveaway

To those of you who took the time to enter this competition, DO NOT despair! There will be many giveaways to come. Keep a lookout on www.xana.co.za for more awesome giveaways.  

 

Official Blog Launch 01 October 2013

GIVEAWAY!!!!

In light of my new venture & along with the launch of my new blog, I’m giving away a …

RUBYBOX FULL OF MAKEUP & BEAUTY MUST HAVES sponsored by Xana.

 

Follow these 2 Simple Steps & stand a chance to WIN:

1.    If you haven’t already, LIKE & Share the Xana Facebook Page- www.facebook.com/XanaMakeupstyling

 

2.    Tweet @Farzaanah_R one thing you’d like to see more of, on the new blog.

 

 
Terms & Conditions:
1.     The winner agrees to the blogger, Farzaanah Richards, publishing a photograph of her (the winner) on XanaDoBlog.
2.     The Prize will be issued within two weeks of the winner being announced.
3.     The Prize cannot be redeemed for cash, vouchers and, or services.

3 Steps to Long Lasting Luscious Lips

1. Starting with a trickle of concealer, dab onto both lips. Using your ring finger, blend it with a fingertip’s worth of foundation.

Products: Revlon Colourstay Concealer, MAC Studio Fix Foundation, Maybelline Pressed Powder, MAC Lip Liner, Mac "ChatterBox A21" Lipstick

 

2. Then apply pressed powder. This sets the foundation & allows for the gloss/ lipstick to stay on, for hours.

3. Lip Liner is optional. Using a fine tipped, sturdy brush, apply lipstick.

…AND VOILA!!!! 3 Steps to Long Lasting, Luscious Lips

 

 

#TeamVanityCase

Dating back to Thursday 01 August, Ramadaan still prevelant, residing on its last days, I headed too the CTV Studio to record my first ever guest appearance on Vanity Case.

Hosted by Cape Town's hottest stylist, Justin "StyleRoom" Peters and the ever so amazing and beautiful Roshan Philander. These two dynamos showcase the city's up and coming fashion and beauty trends.

The show is directed by the legendary, Soli Philander. A South African icon who I personally admire and look up to. Being in the public eye for so many years, Soli remains grounded and unashamed of his roots. Love that about him.

 

CTV launched The Vanity Case show, not too long ago. Its birth has brought about much media attention. Recently being featured on a two page spread in the Daily Voice, its critically acclaimed as Cape Town's newest, freshest and trendiest beauty "go-to" show.

I happen to be a guest on the show the same day that The Daily Voice visited the CTV Studio.

This show is about bringing the latest international and local, beauty and fashion trends too the people. 

In a third world developing country, we are becoming very aware of our appearance and the presentation  thereof. Whilst keeping it real, this is the show that helps you attain understanding of what beauty is. A variety of guests are invited to air their personal and professional experience.

 

I was brought onto Vanity Case to discuss my view on beauty and fashion trends this spring. Moreover we touched on the nature of blogging etc.

More than actually being on the show, I totally appreciated the conversation. The whole crew was welcoming and so natural.

It was an honour to be on The Vanity Case show.

Tune in every Thursday at 18:00pm sharp to CTV, and Saturday at 21:00 for repeats, to watch the beauty be televised!

 

In the words of Soli Philander and in memory of  my guest appearance on Vanity Case:

"Everybody Wants To Be You"

Style Post: The Makeup Trend For Me...

 

 

As a makeup artist, I'm always seeking inspiration. Its all good and well to source this inspiration from magazines, websites, the runway or catwalk and any other form of trend setting platform. However, I can totally appreciate the unconventional type of makeup trends. You know? The Avant Garde, over-the-top, make-a-statement, type of makeup trends.

It was no more than a year ago, when Phyllis Cohen, Canadian Born makeup artist and illustrator took the fashion industry by storm when she introduced her newest invention, FACE LACE! Givenchy, Armani, Gaultier and Dior, are few of the many high end fashion designers who accessorised their catwalk models with this elegent, yet daring, Face Lace.

After doing much research on Phyllis Cohen, I've deduced that she is an innovator. Creating masterpieces for the last 35 years, for big names in the industry like David Bowie, Pink Floyd, Chaka Khan and the list is never ending. Her endless creative flow has her a winning portfolio. 

I have the utmost respect for her work because she exceeds the boundaries that the industry sets. She has her own idea of what beauty should be and her need for expressing that unique vision is rife. 

So now that you have a bit of background knowledge about Phyllis Cohen, the inventor of the Face Lace, its time too share some of my personal experience with this dashing accessory. 

I LOVE IT!!! Its a serious spring beauty musthave. Its bold! Its sexy! Its daring! Best of all, its ready to wear.

   

Keep a lookout for the Rubybox FaceLace Tutorial ...

Until then.. much love and have a fab weekend further

 

A Crowned RubyRoyal

The beauty journey with Rubybox has officially begun. As Nina Simone so beautifully sung, "Its a new dawn, Its a new day, Its a new life... for me & I'm feeling good".

I recently posted about the Rubybox Beauty Night Out event. It was at this very occassion, that I got crowned, what Rubybox terms for their beauty ambassadors, a RubyRoyal.

Along with seven other amazingly talented and beautiful young women, we were honoured to be nominated to represent the Rubybox beauty brand. 

Needless to say, the evening was filled with beauties everywhere. Women from all walks of life getting their nails and hair did while sipping on decadent cocktails, while the RubyBox team welcomed all with their warm smiles. I can honestly say that I am so humbled to be affiliated with a team of hardworking, dedicated, down to earth and experienced individuals.

Chaperoned by my dear friend Thielshad and one of the loveliest women I've ever met, Pavitra, we definately made the most of the evening. I have to admit though, the highlight of the evening for me, besides winning ofcourse, was the music. The DJ, was playing the most epic deephouse. Sorry, I just had to put it out there. He was "killing it" !!!!

 

Now that I got that off my chest, I plan to share ALL of this amazing journey with you. Let me take this opportunity again, to thank everyone who voted for me and who was a driving positive force through this entire competition. Tassin Albertyn, if it werent for you, I would not have even known about this, so know that I LOVE YOU and that you always ROCK MY WORLD! 

I'm amped, excited, chuffed, ready and eager to start "repping" for a brand and a team that I truly believe in. Along with an EPIC GOD, may this road take all of the RubyRoyals to new heights. Our hard work and efforts is slowly reaping great reward. 

So do keep a lookout for many, many, many amazing, mind blowing beauty tutorials, tips and makeup "how-to's" with Rubybox. Let the Beautfying Begin! 

StylePost: Mercedez Benz Cape Town Fashion Week 2013

Saturday 10th August, marked yet another milestone in the life of an average city girl. Upon booking my ticket, three weeks prior too the MBCTFW, my immediate thoughts were, "What to wear to such an extravagant event?"  As fate would have it, at the time, I was hard at work with photographer, Tassin Albertyn from The Archive and local designer, Michel Lisa Johannessen shooting The Sacred by MiliJo Spring/Summer 2013 Range. On set, I completely fell inlove with this mustard flare crop top and blue high waisted skirt. My love affair would be cemented with Michel agreeing to marry me and the outfit you now see me in, in the below images. 

In the black and white striped MiliJo Dress & black leather jacket is Tassin Albertyn from The Archive. Me in the middle, dressed by Sacred By MiliJo. On the right you have Thielshad Karriem dressed epically! 

Accompanied by my dear friends Thielshad, Tassin and Faiek, we were quite intrigued, yet simultaneously overwhelmed by photographers and fashionistas. 

It was an amazing experience to have been pulled out of a crowd by A Fashion Friend (www.afashionfriend.co.za) and Glamour (www.glamour.co.za), and be photographed for their mbctfw street style page. Rather humbling and awesome! 

I attended three shows, Tart, Lazuli and Lalesso. In all fairness and honesty, Lazuli stole the show. Completely appreciated their designs. Holistically, the show lacked something. In my opinion, it was missing the "The Showstopper" element. As a makeup artist, fashion lover & first time Fashion Week attendee, I left feeling somewhat uninspired and disappointed. 

As a Capetonian fashion and beauty blogger, I hope to attend next year's fashion week and look forward to that "Show Stopper" dream be made a reality! WE CAN DO IT!

Much Love, until we meet again... 

RubyBox "Beauty Night Out!" Experience

 

RubyBox is SA's top beauty destination. Women, the country over, shop online for all their cosmetic needs. This web based beauty store offers internationally acclaimed and a variety of branded fragrances and makeup, to tantelizing body products.  

 

So how to become a Rubie? Easy! Follow this link http://rubybox.co.za/shop and subscribe to RubyBox to get your monthly beauty box.

 

Now that I've covered that element, let me share some exciting news with you. About a month ago I entered a RubyRoyal competition. After a whole month of ongoing support and votes, I was nominated one of the eight finalists in the RubyRoyals Ambassador search.

RubyBox is launching a little something new. What might that be? Beauty ambassadors! Women who can not only represent their brand, but also a love and a sincere passion for inner and outer beauty.

This leads me to conclude with a special invite to the RubyBox Beauty Night Out! This is the event of the year. The RubyBox team has gone the extra mile to put together a night dedicated to ALL WOMEN. Glam is the order of the evening. This fabulous night out, includes styling & fashion tips, fresh off The Mercedez Benz Fashion Week runway, Stila Makeovers, Cocktails, AND the crowning of the RubyRoyals Ambassadors Ceremony.

Dress to impress and join us, while we glam the night away at the Mount Nelson Hotel, this coming Friday, 30 August 2013.

Tell a friend to tell a friend and BOOK your tickets NOW!!!!
http://rubybox.co.za/beauty-night-out?utm_source=fb.23aug.photobooth&utm_medium=event&utm_campaign=beauty.night.out

Lets do this, for the love of fashion and beauty!

A Rare Kinda Beauty....

"Dream of a land my soul is from"...

Beautiful lyrics from a track by Erykah Badu and Robert Glasper Experiment, off one of the most epic albums I've ever heard in my LIFE.. "Black Radio".

Hello again! Its been a while since I've blogged. My past few weeks have been consumed with fasting,working,a profile interview on Vanity Case (which I need to discuss in further detail in my next post), Eid celebrations, The Mercedez Bens Fashion Week and a legendary photoshoot with Local Designer MiliJo, I havent had the time to actually sit and focus on publishing a decent post. In relation to my post topic and those beautiful lyrics I opened with, thought I'd share some positive vibrations. As of late, I've been obsessed with the term, modesty. Modesty is regarded as a certain dresscode which is intended to discourage sexual attraction.

My more recent obsession stemmed from my faith, which teaches women to cover up and be modest in our appearance and attire. What intrigues me most about this, is the wisdom behind it. A woman is very highly regarded in Islam. Contrary to popular belief, women ought to be treated gently and kindly, with much love, affection and respect. What we wear, represents who we are. The operative word here being, REPRESENTS! Its doesnt define us. As a woman, a mother, a wife and in my 28 years, I can honestly say that others show more respect towards me, when I maintain a level of SELF respect. Ladies, God has blessed us with the treasure of womanhood. Embrace it and spend time valuing yourself.... your soul... your femininity.. Our bodies are sacred..Its a temple and should be worshipped. All too often, women are objectified and this cycle must be broken. I love all women... and I think every single woman on this earth is beyond beautiful!

So I until next time, I bid you a fairwell, on what I hope would have been a thought provoking note.

P.S With just 4 days left until the Ruby Royal Ambassador is announced, you still have time to vote for me every 24 hours.
Please spread the love and VOTE http://bit.ly/12Dimpx

GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stand a chance to WIN a Rimmel Hamper & a designer scarf by MiliJo all to the value of R600.00

To Enter:

1. VOTE:
for me on The RubyBox Facebook Page. Follow either of these links:

https://www.facebook.com/rubybox.co.za?v=app_486254294756872&rest=1 orhttp://bit.ly/12Dimpx

2. Tweet:
@rubybox_beauty @farzaanah_r & @miLi_Jo one reason why you think I should win

Remember: You are allowed to vote once EVERY 24hours.

Entries close on Wednesday, 07 August 2013. Winner will be announced on Monday, 12 August 2013.

Terms & Conditions:

1. You MUST VOTE in order to stand a chance to win. “Likes” will not be accepted as a vote.

2. The winner will be awarded the prize anytime between Tuesday, 13 – Saturday, 17 August 2013.

3. By entering this competition, the winner agrees to a photograph with myself and MiliJo. This will be published on social media.

START VOTING!!!!!and GOODLUCK!!!

Here's To New Beginnings!

By now, most of you are well aware that I work closely with my good friend & partner in crime, Tassin Albertyn from The Archive (www.thearchivebytassin.com).

What started out being a haphazard aquaintanceship, from the dancefloors of Deluxe to what has blossomed into a long term friendship and what is now, developing into a business partnership, is really proving to be an epic journey!

Tassin, equiped with her immeasurbale intelligence, creativity, experience and understanding is able to relate to me on so many different levels. Most of our work, collectively, to date has been a collaboration.

In the last two years, we have learnt so much. Her passion being fashion photograpy and mine being makeup artistry and styling, this journey has lead us through good and bad experiences. I think the one thing we've truly realised is that we need to work really HARD to achieve our goals.

We refuse to succumb to the saying "its WHO you know, not what you know".

Whatever the achievement, or reward we may benefit from persuing our passion, it needs to be on the basis that we've worked for it. There is a great desire to achieve with morale and principle and with our character in tact.

Our motto is to strive hard on the path of success, without losing ourselves in the process.

Over the last two months, we have been fairly quiet. Along with much planning and a bit of sacrifice, we are excited to share our new journey with you. Time will avail all. 

We would be honoured to have you keep a look out on each of our blogs and facebook pages for new updates. You dont want to miss this! TRUST ME.

To New Beginnings,with an Old and Dear Friend!

P.S The Ruby Royal Ambassador Competition...

Please VOTE for me!!!!!!!!

Click on either of the below links:

https://www.facebook.com/rubybox.co.za?v=app_486254294756872&rest=1

or

http://bit.ly/12Dimpx

Much Love and thank you all for the support!

Xana

Ruby Royal Ambassador!

A very warm hello to all you beautifully amazing people.

 

I've recently entered a competition hosted by RubyBox. Becoming a beauty ambassador would not only be a legendary experience, but also be a great opportunity for my career as a makeup artist. 

 

Along with your support and love, please be a part of this journey, by simply clicking the below link and voting for me:

http://bit.ly/12Dimpx

  

Fingers Crossed!

#Much Love

Xana

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Makeup Tutorial 3: Lip Contouring

 

Anna Sui's Fall and Spring Collection 2012



First…Have to allow these images to do the talking…



Anna Sui Fall 2012 Makeup by Pat Mcgrath

Anna Sui , a designer who has been in the industry for decades. Born in Michigan, to French educated Chinese immigrants, she knew since the age of 4 that she wanted to be a fashion designer.

After manyyears, she upped and left Detroit, Michigan for New York. Here is where it all happened.

After teaming up with renowned fashion photographers like, Steven Meisel, in the beginning, it was still a battle to start her own line. However, with supermodel friends like Noami Campbell and Linda Evangelista, who at the time were encouraging Sui to try a runway show, she was bound to get the media attention and recognition she deserved.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since then, Anna Sui has opened self standing retail stores around the world. Her line has gone from strictly clothing to perfume, shoes and cosmetics.

Personally, I adore this woman’s clothing. If she should ever decide to open a store in SA, I WILL definitely need a media pass to this!

Makeup Tutorial 2: Basic Smokey Eye

Step 1:

After prepping the eyelid with concealer and foundation, apply a neutral colour eyeshadow to set the foundation (it minimises creases on the lid)



Step 2:
Using a small tipped, oval shaped blending brush, apply grey / black eyeshadow all over the eyelid. No system is required here. Just blend the pigment all across the lid as iluustrated below..

Step 3 & 4:

Using a small flat tipped brush, and still using the same colour eyeshadow as above, blend it on along the lower lash line. To create a bold smokey eye, line black eye gel or liquid liner along the upper lash line. See below illustration..

Step 5 & 6:

To complete the basic smokey eye look, apply black kohl eyepencil in along the bottom lash line and inside the wet of the eye. Using a black mascara, add length and volume to your eyelashes. You will notice that this look can be very messy because of the dark pigment that spreads all across and around the eye area. Continue to the following steps for an extra tip.

Step 7:

The final step is to clean up around the eye area. As mentioned above, eyeshadow pigment tends to be very messy. So what you need is a clean tissue or cotton pad (for smaller areas or mess, use a earbud), some concealer and yellow colour corrector. Using the tissue/ cotton pad/ earbud softly dab the dirty spots away. Then with a bit of concealer on the fingertip, cover the the under area, up to the temples. Thereafter, you'd want to apply another fingertip's yellow colour corrector, to highlight under the eyes and the cheekbones. See below illustration...

On completion, this is one way of wearing a smokey eye...

Hope this tutorial helped enlighten you a bit. Please feel free to comment and leave suggestions on my posts or contact me on:

Facebook: Facebook.com/XanaMakeupstyling

Twitter: @Farzaanah_R

Instagram: XanaDoBlog

Email: xanamakeupstyling@gmail.com

Much Love

Xana

WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!!

A huge congratulations to Ms Jade Abbott!!!

The winner of the INLGOT makeup palette and free beauty session, sponsored by Xana Do Blog, all to the value of R1000.00

http://xanadoblog.blogspot.com/2013/06/giveaway-stand-chance-to-win-beauty.html

Photographs will follow ... so do keep a look out!

Also, just a reminder that I will be running a giveaway once a month.
Visit my blog regularly for further details / information!

The Pink Beanie



Makeup Artist and Stylist: Farzaanah Richards from Xana Do Blog
Photography: The Archive by Tassin Albertyn (www.thearchivebytassin.com)
Clothing-Pink Lumo Beanie: CL Styling House by Tara-Lee Delport Polka Dot Jacket: Forever New Rings: Lovisa Black Skirt: Hip Hop



So apparantly, beanies are trending this winter. To my knowledge, experience and in my opinion, beanies have always been trending. In fact, it was never a trend, it was designed and created to prevent the cold from entering the ears, simultaneously wrapping the head in warmth.

Quite frankly, and as I've reiterated many times before, I dont understand why trends are so important. I absolutely detest the idea of being told what to wear and, what to listen to.

Print and electronic media reinforces this repetitive message, too the masses, almost planting a seed in the conscience, to follow a trend.

Now dont get me wrong, to each his own, but I truly believe in thinking for one's self.

The point I am trying to make, is that I would never want to be a carbon copy of some thing, or some one else. The mainstream media, from fashion through to music and film, promote what I call, the carbon copy civilisation.

Makeup Artist and Stylist: Farzaanah Richards from Xana Do Blog
Photography: The Archive by Tassin Albertyn (www.thearchivebytassin.com)
Clothing-Pink Lumo Beanie: CL Styling House by Tara-Lee Delport Polka Dot Jacket: Forever New Rings: Lovisa Black Skirt: Hip Hop

Digression gets the better of me.. I apologise. On the topic of Beanies, I was recently offered a gift from CL Styling House by Tara-Lee Delport. An amazing faux fur lumo pink beanie ,which I wear quite often. Adore the colour, but moreso, love the fact that it serves its original purpose... it snuggles my head and ears with tender loving warmth!



Makeup Artist and Stylist: Farzaanah Richards from Xana Do Blog
Photography: The Archive by Tassin Albertyn (www.thearchivebytassin.com)
Clothing-Pink Lumo Beanie: CL Styling House by Tara-Lee Delport Polka Dot Jacket: Forever New Rings: Lovisa Black Skirt: Hip Hop


So to conclude this post I would like to share this quote with you, something that stuck with me. It goes a little something like this:

"Dont be into trends. Dont make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express, by the way you dress and the way you live" Gianni Versace

#MuchLove

Xana