Internal Decoration

With just eight days left to the Holy Month of Ramadaan, I thought it appropriate to publish a post on yet another topic and experience I feel extremely passionate about.

In Islam, it has been prescribed to fast for one month. Daily fasting, which starts about 45minutes before sunrise and ends at sunset, entails refraining from food, drink and any other worldly pleasures we would usually endulge in.

Many people wonder why Muslims all over the world would subject themselves to physical and mental torture by going without food and water for 12 hours a day, everyday for a month. Once you begin to UNDERSTAND, with an open mind, why anyone would subject themself to starvation, it seems fair that God prescribed only ONE month for us to practice self restraint and discpiline. 

You see, for me, personally, this Holy month is not only held in high regard because of The Revelation of The Quran, but also and just as important, because it is a time for me to reconnect with The Almighty. When we are constantly feeding our body with food, drink, clothes and other material things, and the mind with an influx of thoughts, our relationship with God gradually deteriorates. We tend to lose ourselves in worldly affairs and forget God.

Fasting allows the body and mind to take a break. Once the physical element of being is a bit relaxed, we allow the spirit or soul to be revived, by feeding it through prayer and worship.



Photography: The Archive by Tassin Albertyn (www.thearchivebytassin.com)

The month of Ramadaan serves as the perfect time to re-evaluate my life, in the light of Islamic teachings and God's Guidance. My faith is one of the very few things in this life, that actually makes sense, that motivates me to want to be a better person.
What I love most about Islam, is that it teaches us that God has bestowed HIS favour upon us by reminding us that we are only human and that we are imperfect and that, through prayer, repentance and consciousness, HE will help purify and guide us to a path that is of eternal bliss.

 

Photography: The Archive by Tassin Albertyn (www.thearchivebytassin.com)


As I head towards this Auspicious month, it gives rise to many emotions. One of them being a feeling of slight contentment. The realisation that I am blessed with another Ramadaan, to seek forgiveness and God's pleasure. Most of all, to reflect on who I am. An opportunity presents itself to do some serious internal reflection. Ultimately, the point of my existence is aspiring towards and working hard to become a good person with excellent character, like the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).



Photography: The Archive by Tassin Albertyn (www.thearchivebytassin.com)



On behalf of my family and I, we would like to wish all Muslims a blessed month of Ramadaan. May The Almighty bestow HIS Infinite Wisdom, Mercy and Peace upon you and your loved ones and accept all our prayers and good intentions (Inshallah - God Willling). Ramadaan Mubarak and Much Love :)

Xana

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

Stand a chance to win a beauty session and an INLGOT makeup palette, to the value of a R1000.00 

Entries are simple! All you have to do is:

1.   Share my blog link: http://xanadoblog.blogspot.com

2.   “LIKE” and share The Xana Do Blog Facebook page: facebook.com/XanaMakeupstyling

And / Or

3.   Follow me on twitter and retweet/ share this giveaway

Makeup Palette Sponsored by Xana DO Blog: #INGLOT_SA 3xEyeshadows. 2XLipPaints. 1xBlush

Terms & Conditions

1.   All names are recorded and entered into a lucky draw. Winner will be announced within 7 days from this published/shared post.

2.   The winner will schedule a beauty / makeup session with me on availability.

3. The makeup brushes in the above image are not included in the prize.

Personal Style: The Peplum

Honestly, I had NO idea what "peplum" was up until about 2 months ago. This bell bottom liked top that seemed to add a little, or no wait, way too much width to Kim Kardashian's hips, was in my mind, an immediate rejection. Why? because I can openly admit that I dont like Kim K. Stunning, and very sexy woman,  but not my kinda woman. She doesnt make me go "wow" or "yoh" or "damn girl".

So here's the deal, I see this woman wearing these tops with the frill at the bottom, and I go "aaah hell no" whatever that is, she needs to get RID of it. Its uuuugrly!

Oneday, my sister and I walk into some shop, me pointing at the bell bottom liked top that I always see Kim K wearing and I say, "I hate that, its ugly". She goes "The peplum". I go "what?!!!" She goes "The peplum top". I keep quiet because I feel like a complete fool. So I continue and I be like "Oh yeah, that ... the peplum".

A week thereafter, I decided to do a bit of shopping and what's shopping without walking into a Mr Price, to check out the "New Arrivals".

As I enter the store, the first thing I see is this blue peplum top. For some weird reason, and for the first time, it actually appealed to me. Perhaps it was the colour? I dont know. What I did know, was that I had to try this on. I did and I liked it.... alot.

So here I am, with my blue peplum, a pair of legendary brown ankle boots (my new favourite item), floral pants and my liquid leather turban by Cherrie Lee.

Follow me on instagram: @xanadoblog

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Photography: The Archive by Tassin Albertyn

(www.thearchivebytassin.com)

Check it out, one amazing fashion photographer!!!

Makeup Tutorial 1 : Basic Application

Post product preparation, is the long awaited tutorial. I’ve opted to photograph this tut, proceeding through it, step by step and word for word, detailing each product and also sharing some extra tips.

Lets begin!

Step 1 and 2: Colour Correcting and Concealer

There are usually four colours used in corrective makeup, i.e:

1.   Green is to eliminate red blemishes/ scars / pimples.

2.   Orange is to eliminate any brown or dark blemishes / under eye circles/ scars.

3.   Purple is used to correct any type of blemish on Ethnic or dark skin.

4.   Yellow is used to highlight certain areas like the cheek bone or just under the eye.

As you can see, for the red blemishes on my face, I’ve applied green corrector on my cheeks and for my dark under eye circles, using a small flat brush I applied the orange.

Always use a concealer that is one or two shades lighter than your skin tone. In order to blend the concealer with the corrective makeup, use a wedged makeup sponge or foundation brush. I prefer using none of the aforementioned, but rather would opt for a small blush brush.

Corrective Makeup: Kryolan Concealer: Estee Lauder

Step 3: Foundation

If you have an oily skin, try and use a matte foundation. Should you have a dry skin, try using a liquid foundation and for a combination skin, use a compact foundation.

Foundation application is the most important step in makeup application. It’s crucial that you choose base that blends well with your skin tone. Most women prefer using a wedged makeup sponge or foundation brush to apply foundation. Once again, I swear by my medium sized blending brush.

TIP 1: Bristles assist in optimum blending because it fills the pores, leaving a much smoother effect.  

TIP 2: After the foundation application, gently blush some translucent / mineral powders all over your face to minimize the cakey look. This adds a natural flare too the skin

Step 4 and 5 : Eye Shadow, Eye Gel and Mascara

There is quite a lot one can do with eye shadow.

First, use a neutral colour on the lid of the eye, this sets the foundation on the lid and minimize any creases which may appear.

Secondly, using a darker brown on the outer ends of the eyelid, blend it all the way up into the crease of the lid, just below with bone.

TIP 3:  To create a fuller brow, use the dark brown eye shadow and a small slanted flat brush to fill it in.

Thirdly, to define the eye, stroke the upper lash line (slightly above the eyelashes), using a narrow, refined tipped brush, with black eye gel.

Last, but not least, for maximum definition and still using the brown eye shadow and a small flat tipped brush, gently blend the eye shadow from the outer corner of the eye, along the bottom lash line, towards to inner corner of the eye. To complete the basic eye makeup, brush on a little mascara.

Foundation: MAC Studio Fix Fluid Eyeshadow: Max Factor Neutral and MAC Dark Brown Eye Gel: INGLOT AMC Black Mascara: INGLOT Black Waterproof

Step 6 and 7: Blush and Lips

Using a big blush brush, smile and apply some blush on the cheek bones, blending it all the way up towards the temples.

For a basic look like this, I would strongly suggest using a soft, rose pink to a peach or coral colour blush.

Lip liner defines the lip. Key areas of the lip are the cupid’s bow and the corners. To create a full lip, ensure that you line the lips properly. Using a thin lip brush, colour in the lip with a lipstick that matches the lip liner.

Blush: Bobbi Brown Summer Pink Lips: Revlon Pink Lip Liner and INGLOT Nude-Pink Lipstick

I hope this tutorial was as informative as I hoped it would be. There are many more to come. Please feel free to comment or make any suggestions.

Would love to leave you with an important reminder:

Makeup only enhances the natural beauty you ALREADY are.

#MuchLove

Xana

Photography: The Archive by Tassin Albertyn 

(www.thearchivebytassin.com)

#MakeupLesson 1: Product Preparation

In preparation for an upcoming makeup tutorial, where I will be detailing a step-by-step basic application and after taking some good advice from Tassin, we thought it best to do a "pre-post" leading up too the tutt.

There are, literally hundreds and thousands of different makeup and beauty products on the market. It's virtually impossible for me to use every single brand. However, I do keep my options open and consumption varied.

This is an interactive assignment, whereby I want you to be involved in the tutorial. Hence, this post.

So basically, my intention is to give you a "headsup" on what products it is I plan on using in my upcoming tutorial, giving you a chance to get products to the like thereof so that we can proceed through the tutorial, together. Keeping in mind that this is basic makeup application.

Please keep in mind that I wont be elaborating on the why's and the hows in this post. To get all those specifics, stay tuned for the tutorial which will be published during the course of next week.

Lets begin...

The first product I'll be using is the colour corrector. This can be purchased at any beauty house or beauty counter. Try Woolworths / Smash Box, MAC, Bobbi Brown or Inglot. It looks a little something like this..

The second product is concealer. I am addicted to Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer. PEEK-A-BOO..

The third piece of makeup is the foundation. In this specific tutorial, I will be using my MAC Studio Fix Fluid, for maximum coverage. 

The aim of next week's tutorial is basically to illustrate how to get full coverage using the above three products.

To complete / finish the look, I will be using the following:

Mineral Powder

Dark and Neutral Brown Shades of Eyeshadow, Blush and a little bit of a lip  liner & colourant ...

Oh and almost forgot.. the Inglot Black EyeGel...

I must apologise, once again for the poor image quality. All images were taken with an IPhone. Promise that next week's tutorial will knock your socks off, so please do keep a lookout. 

In the interim, GET PRODUCT PREPPING!!! 

Much love and have a superb weekend! 

Xana 

Any excuse to play dress up...

Its Friday night, it’s raining out and I’m in a serious mood for good food.

I’ve been anticipating an evening of dining for a while now. So after making a reservation at one of my favourite restaurants, I thought it a perfect opportunity to kill two birds with one stone i.e to endulge in the best Indian quisine at Bukhara and, to whip on my latest purchase from Steve Madden.

The fact that I adore makeup, gives one some indication that I also love playing dress up.  

In my personal style posts, hardly is it ever mentioned what makeup is used. So here’s to Ponds BB Cream, Inglot Cerise Lipstick, Bobbi Brown Summer Pink Blush and my two personal favourites, MAC Long Lasting Liquid Liner and Smudge Eyepencil.

Like I said... any excuse to express my love for makeup and clothing...

Have a fab saturday

Much Love

The Swinging Sixties

In a decade denoting freedom and revolution, the sixties was an era which would cause a paradigm shift for years to come.
From 1960 to 1969, social groups and political uproars were rife. There seemed to have been a "fall" of social taboos as people became a little more relaxed about sexism and racism.
Equality became an important factor contributing to the upliftment of the global community.

After that history lesson, and on a lighter note, let me delve into what intrigued me most about the 60's. The freedom of self expression. Hippies were the epitome thereof. Everybody knows that the 60's would never have been the 60's without the hippies!
The hippie subculture was a youth movement who represented the "Flower Power" revolution.

So drawn too it's flamboyance, the 60's with all its uprises and complexities, fascinates me because they wore what they wanted, how they wanted, when they wanted. The psychedelic parties, the floral fashion, the dope makeup and the icons of that time period, exemplifies my obsession.

Two women, from this era, really made their mark were Lesley Lawson and Edie Sedgwick. Lesley Lawson better known as Twiggy was a British model. Never before had the world seen such a thin, androgynos looking model. After her, the fashion industry saw it fit to continue this trend wherby reputable fashion houses would flaunt tall, feeble and underweight looking women in their clothing.

Twiggy set a unique trend. One I can appreciate.




Being a makeup artist, I drawer inspiration from this era. From the exaggerated eye liner painted just below the bone, along the crease of the eyelid to the show stopping fake eyelashes and drawn on lashes along the bottom part of the eye. These over-the-top, doll-like eyes represented the women. It was bold and strong. Women were demanding to be seen and heard. No longer were they willing to be oppressed. This is the reason why this look appeals to me.

 

 

 

Then there is my ALL time favourite, Edie Sedgwick. I could possibly go on for days about this woman. As you know, Sienna Miller played Edie in the movie, Factory Girl. Based on all the stalking I've done, Edie seemed like she was a very troubled young woman. Finding contentment in drugs, alcohol and excessive partying, she died at a very young age. With a mentor like Andy Warhol, who wouldnt be completely f@&!ed!?

 

What draws me most towards Edie Sedgwick is how deeply disturbed she was. Her complexities actually made her the trend setter that she is.

Theres a sad truth in the above statement I just made. However, she was one of the most stylish women who ever lived. The way she spliffed her cigarrette. The way she danced. The way she smiled. What she wore! Can you slowly sense how obsessed I am? hahaha

 

Okay enough writing now.. here's more of Edie..

 

 

 

 

 

Hope you enjoyed this post :)

Blessings and have an amazing long weekend #OneLove

 

MiliJo

In South Africa we've coined the the term, "LOCAL IS LEKKER" for many reasons. We use this term to pay tribute to national talent in the various industries like Design, Music Arts and Culture and so fourth. It's also become part of our South African heritage.

 

Needless to say, when I talk local, the first person that springs to mind is one of Cape Town's finest fashion designers, Michel Lisa Johannssen.

A creative and a true beauty by nature, Michel has outdone herself by setting her own trend as a designer. Her designs appeal to me, and my sense of dress merely because she does not mimick international trends, but rather raises the bar by using fashion as an expression to define who she is and what she represents.

Labelling her brand, MiliJo, I can sincerely profess that every single item of clothing that is put together, is made with love.

 

 

 

 

MiliJo has also launched a "sousies" line. Once again, reinforcing the Cape Town heritage and bringing to surface that "LOCAL IS LEKKER".

 

 

 

In addition, one can definately re-live the 80'S era with MiliJo. A brand that conceptualises retro, vintage, funk with an element of modesty.

I can totally appreciate the diversity MiliJo practices, by speaking to women from all walks of life.

 

 

 

I conclude this post with a personal note from me to Michel / MiliJo:

After having met you, its truly refreshing to know that in an industry consumed by arrogance, superficiality, pretenses and inflated egoes, I SALUTE YOU for staying REAL and grounded.

Your designs are a true reflection of your awesomeness as an individual.

 

#OneLove and blessings with all your future endeavours!

 

Getting into contact with MiliJo, click on these links:

 

Twitter: @Mili_Jo

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/milijofashion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The King of Pop

"Everyday creates your history. Every path you take, you're leaving your legacy"

Where do I begin?

Michael Jackson was a trend setter in every aspect of the term.

At the tender age of five, Michael joined his brothers in a motown band, The Jackson 5.

Taking the world by storm with his unique, yet absolutely beautiful voice, the band went straight to number one on the music charts. The Jackson 5 was a craze for many years.

However, out of the all the brothers, Michael, the baby brother, always seemed to outshine his siblings.

With hits like "ABC", "One More Chance", "I Want You Back" and "I'll Be There" The Jackson 5 set homes alight with their timeless jams.

In 1971, Michael went solo. He fast became the world's leading icon. A singer-song writer, dancer, philanthropist and businessman. Four decades that followed, he made invaluable contributions to social development, fashion and the music industry.

This man topped the charts so many times, that the Guinness World Records merited him with being the most successful entertainer of all time.

Every album released, from "Got To Be There", "Ben", Music and Me", "Thriller", "Forever Michael", "Off The Wall" to "Bad", "Dangerous" and "Invincible", he reminded the world how blessed we were to have been reared with such timeless music and ingeniunity.

He set the trend for musicians and entertainers to come.

As a little girl, and having a father that collected every single MJ song, music video and album, its only obvious that I would too become one of his biggest fans.

Always intrigued and in complete awe of his "over the top" entrances to his concerts, the one of a kind dance sequels, movie like music videos, and his outrageous outfits, I was hooked on MJ.

You know what I loved most about him? He felt his music! He understood it! He breathed it! He lived it! He shared his brilliance and profound love for music and dancing with the world. #Respect

For as long as I can remember, all througout my childhood and up until this very day, I have been an avid fan of this man. His music, his moves, his style, his beautiful words, just EVERYTHING he stood for. If there was one artist I would've loved to have met, it would've been him.

Even after his death, the thing about Michael Jackson is that our children's children's children will know him, and his music. Thats the beautiful legacy he has left. That is the beautiful legacy that continues to live on.

 

"MICHAEL, I LOVE YYYOOOUU!!!!" 

 

P.S.I conclude this tribute post with one of his most beautiful songs.. "Gone Too Soon"