Magical Marrakech

 

I was looking forward to loosing myself in the relaxation and indulging my senses in the culture rich, vibrant city that is Marrakech. It’s long been on my ‘must go there’ list, so needless to say I was a little excited...it was such an experience and I wanted to share some of my highlights and pictures with you lovely lot.

From the bustling Dejemaa el-Fna,  full of storytellers and snake charmers, to the hypnotising winding streets that are the traditional souks, this city is truly magical.

Dusk at the Dejemaa-el Fna (The main market square in the old city)

The Souks

Whilst I was looking forward to the shopping opportunities (of course) I think I was more interested in soaking up the culture, and visiting some of the hot spots from the movie 'Sex and the City 2'!

(Although the film is said to be set in Abu Dhabi due to filming restrictions it was actually shot in Marrakech)

So...the geek in me made in my mission to visit some of the key locations from the movie.

More on that later!

But for now....

One of the Souks where Carrie and Aiden Meet Up in SATC 2! Arrrgggh!

Me in the Shoe Souks 'My Mecca' a la Carrie Bradshaw!

(Ok maybe no where near as slim but I was in shoe heaven...so as if I care!)

Marrakech really played with my senses, it took me to some of the most magical places I’ve seen in my life and yet I was jolted right back to reality when walking through a traditional neighbourhoods in the old city...  dusty, polluted streets....children begging and the general feeling that is people are living in poverty leaves you feeling sombre...until you're nearly ran down by the erratically driven scooters or a clapped out car or even a donkey! (Take your pick!)

A 'rare' empty street in the Medina

Everyday City Life

Marrakech is a city where you can find both millennium-old buildings as well as modern high-rises. The médina, or old town, is home to many beautiful mosques. The Koutobia, the premier mosque of the city, stands at over 250 feet and serves as a symbol Marrakech.

There were many other beautiful examples of architecture.

 The Koutoubia Mosque, built in the 12th century

The ancient city walls known as Medina of Marrakech

Despite these amazing places, my favourite place in Marrakech was The Amenjena www.amanresorts.com/amanjena/home 

(where Carrie and Aiden met up for dinner in SATC2...jeez I am obsessed!!)

There are no adjectives amazing enough that could suitably describe the heaven that is the Amenjena, I can say with ease that this is one of the most luxurious place I have ever (and probably will ever) go in my life. 

 I was gobsmacked.

The Archways (Main Entrance) of the Amenjena

Carrie as she runs from Aiden in SATC2 (I stood right there!!!)

The Beautiful Amenjena Gardens

Sitting here as I listened to the local men playing flutes, drinking a glass of the finest red wine was like an out of body experience!

All in all Marrakech is an amazing city, it ignites your senses, and opens your eyes to a mystcal, magical world far far away from here.  As much as I tried to 'blend in' with the locals being fair skinned with blonde hair wasn't fooling anyone. 

 

My advice...GO THERE.... EXPERIENCE IT....

but don't fly with Ryan Air and colour your hair before you go! ;)

 

Would love to hear your thoughts if you've been to Marrackech!

x

 



Five of the Best Beauty Buys under £10!

Sorry I haven't updated the blog lately, I've been so busy with weddings, events and what not and then I ran off to Marrakech for a cheeky mini break! I'll post some pictures later in the week :) t'was intesting to say the least!

I have some REALLY exciting things coming up in he coming months so watch this space.

In the meantime, I thought I'd do another 'on a budget' post, in the tough climate that is today it's sometimes difficult to make ends meet let alone splurge on expensive cosmetics, but we all deserve a little beauty in our lives.  I get alot of requests asking for my favourite drugstore brands so I thought this would be the ideal opportunity.

A lot of my clients ask what my favourite products in general are and what I would reccomend, whilst I have my personal favourites they are not exactly universal and because I work with a variety of different clients, with different skin types and needs I have to stock an array of products in my kit.  I also get asked if high end, expensive brands are best?  As with most things in life, some things are worth the investment, others you pay for a brand and fancy packaging.

If a product makes it into my kit it's for a number of reasons, it has to work for a start...obviously :), it has to be good value for money and I have to have tried and tested it, all of these products I have used personally and professionally.

Instead of listing all my favourite foundations or lip colours I have chosen five different pieces that you could invest in that could start/overhaul your makeup bag for well under £50!

Boujois Healthly Mix Foundation

Boots £9.99

Similar to some of the Chanel Foundations

First up is Boujois Healthly Mix Foundation.  This foundation provides a natural, matte finish (light-medium buildable coverage), it's glides onto the skin and blends well, I find it works best with a stipple brush application.  I am not sure if the claims of lasting 16 hours are quite exact but I'd definately say it's good to go for at least 10 and lets fae it why would you want of need a foundation to last any longer?

There's also concealers in the Healthly Mix range which are pretty good too.  I've even used this for weddings as it photographs really well.

Sleek Blush  (Colours vary)

Superdrug -  £4.29

Colour Rose Gold is Similar to NARS Orgasm blush 

Sleek blush comes with 8g of product and a handy little mirror inside the cool, no fuss pallatte.  These blushes come in a variety of colours, they are highly pigmented so go easy, but they are a dream to blend and easy to use.  Some of the colours from vibrant pinks, to warm bronze tones.  Some of the colours look pretty shocking at first,  but trust me they do look beautiful once on the skin.  Flamingo is one of my all time favorites, it's the brightest pink, but is so easy to wear, it gives the skin such a natural pink flush. Just devine!

Gel Liner

Avon Supershock Gel Liner - £6.00

Similar to 24 hour Urban Decay Liners

Having a good gel liner is a make up bag must have it's an essential tool to create sultry or dramatic eyes in an instant, don’t underestimate this liner it literally glides on providing a thick kohl-like look, however because of the genius pencil form, you can achieve a precise cat eye flick, it's almost foolproof.

Try applying the liner to your upper and lower waterline/lids, or as close to your lash line as possible to make the lashes appear thicker, also try smudging lightly with fingers for a subtle smokey eye.

Sleek Au Natural Eye Pallette

Superdrug -  £6.49

The pigmentation with some of the darker colours can be compared to some of the MAC shadows.

Another favourite fron Sleek, a simple two minute smokey eye is one of the most requested looks, channelling the sophisticated smoky eye has never been so easy and affordable thanks to Sleek Cosmetics. The impressive twelve-colour eye palette offers every shade you need to achieve a subtle, but sultry look. Each shadow has a matte(ish) creamy, velvety texture, which really helps when you’re blending the shades. My top tip would be to start with the lighter colours as a base, applying with a brush, but as you start adding darker tones, use your finger or tapered blending brush to blend well  for a real smokey effect.

The palette is without a doubt, a real pleasure to use and when you take into consideration the adverage price of one colour is 54p its a steal compared to £12 for one MAC colour it's rude not to really!.

Loreal Million Lashes

Boots - £9.99

I haven't found a high end comparison brand, this for me stands out all on it's own

 If you want a smudgeproof mascara that gives lashings of volume without the clumps,  don't just volumize, millionize your lashes as the advert says! The Millionizer Brush has a multitude of bristles that separate lashes for a fanned-out effect which really works and doesn't leave you with spider eyes! It also has an excess Wwper which is an in-built wiper system removes excess mascara, wiping brush free of clumps.

I simply love this!

What are your favourite drugstore brands?  What's your luxury brand alternatives?

x