Korean Beauty Mini Haul + Review

Hi guyyysssss *Dina Tokio style*
Hope everyone's in good health and enjoying winters as much as I am. Its been so long since I've reviewed or posted anything :O feels like I've abandoned the blog.
Nywayz this post is going to be about Korean Beauty Products YAAAS.

A month or two back, I came across this YouTuber who had ahmazing skin! I then did what every other person would do,  started going through her videos and I found out that she uses Korean Skincare Products. And that's how, my friends, the obsession started and I got to work. I learnt everything I could about Korean products in an hour, found the products for my skin type, checked if they are available in my city and if its in my budget and what not. All this was done in about 3 hours 
So my skin-type basically is dry and acne prone, which is literally the worst skin-type out there. Finding products for this in Riyadh is very hard & even if you do find it, they're super expensive. You can't use the dry skin products either because they are really oily and end up clogging your pores, and any acne treatments and creams available are for oily/combination skin, which makes your face dryer than it already is. So yeah it was quiet a bit of a challenge to find a suitable product, and thankfully my effort wasn't wasted and I ended up finding quiet a lot of them.

Time to show y'all my mini haul!

Let's begin with the Skin Food's Egg White Pore Mask and Toner.

$15

As you can tell by the name, this product is made for minimizing the look of pores. The  ingredients are given in Korean so I can't really understand anything except that the main one is egg white. Egg whites are known for minimization of pores. Their Peel off masks are one of the best DIY masks out there.

The packaging is so cute. The box contains a peel off mask and a pore cooling toner. The mask removes all the dirt and blackheads, leaving your pores clean. Applying the toner cools your pores and minimizes them. The texture of the mask is quite thick and you need a lot of product to cover your nose or any other area. Hence, it can only be used 5 or 6 times. 

Pros:

Mask: Removes all the black and white heads
Makes nose soft and clean
Smells amazing
Toner: large quantity

Cons:

Mask: Pricey

Doesnt last very long 

Takes ages to dry 

Hard to peel off
Very thick
Toner: None

$8

The next product, probably the most well known among all the ones that I bought is the Nature Republic Aloe Vera gel.

It comes in a sizable round plastic jar. The ingredients consist of 92% Aloe Vera as stated on the lid itself.

 Alcohol is the second main ingredient which would explain why its soo drying on the skin.

The gel makes your skin super soft and is a perfect moisturizer for the summer, with a very light feel to it. Only problem is that it didn't really help with my acne as many of the reviewers only claimed which was frankly quite disappointing as it was the feature I was most excited about.

Pros:
Makes your skin soft
Light
Pleasant Scent
Affordable

Cons:

High percentage of alcohol

Drying

No significant effect on acne

$8

To start of the packaging for this Nature Republic Friends Hand Cream in Fruity is to die for. It is the most adorable packaging I personally have ever seen. The jar doesn't have a cheap plastic feel and does have some weight to it.

I don't have much to say about this considering its only a hand cream. I haven't tried many hand creams before so I cant honestly make a good comparison, but as far as hand creams go it is a pretty good one. It sinks well into the skin right after use and doesn't just sit on the surface like some I have previously used. It is very moisturizing without being oily or leaving a sticky feeling or any residue on the skin. The price is also pretty decent and you get a fair amount of product for it.

Pros:

Cute packaging

moisturizing

no residue/oily feel

Cons:

NONE

$18

This last item is by far by favorite of all that i purchased.The Innisfree Green Tea Sleeping Pack is designed to be used in the very last steps of your nighttime routine right after any serums or masks. It comes in a sturdy green plastic container.

The texture of the product is very gel like and thin with little white beads in it that dissolve when you rub them around. The mask, when applied on the skin, gives a cooling sensation which is very relaxing especially after spending the day in a full face of makeup.

If you have dry skin then I would definitely recommended purchasing this mask as it works wonders and holds to all of its claims. I myself have incorporated it in my daily night time routine.
Trust me when I say that you'll be blown away with how it can help change your skin from dry and flaky to soft as a baby's butt.

Pros:
Affordable
Great quantity 

Not Sticky

Smells good
Brightens your skin

Cons:
NONE


Final Verdict: I wouldn't really recommend the pore set or the Aloe Vera gel as the Pore set is pricey and you don't really get much product for the price you pay. Aloe Vera gel didn't really show any difference on my face so, I don't think it's worth it either. While the other 2 products are something you should definitely own. 

That's it for this post, happy reading :D 

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The Best Star Wars Household Gadgets

Star Wars fanatics can be found all over the world. A fandom popular among kids and adults! Even if you haven't watched it, you know who Jar Jar Binks is. Back in the days you didn't have much choice when it came to the Star Wars merch, but now, there are shower heads, music box, tea-pot etc. Sometimes, it gets so hard for you to decide what to buy and what not to buy without going broke. To make things easier for ya'll I've made a list of some household gadgets you can buy to geek-up your house without spending a fortune. Let's get started!

• Darth Vader Toaster                                           
                               This Darth Vader Toaster will make a remarkable addition to any kitchen counter. You can toast 2 breads, frozen pancakes, pop tarts or english muffins at a time. It comes out with a Star Wars logo on them. You will start your day by feeling like you're ready to take over the planet. 

• Death Star Kitchen Timer with Lights and Sounds                                                                 

                                                                 

This Death Star timer works upto 60 minutes. It makes a sound and emits green laser when the time runs out. Perfect for a Star Wars fan who loves to cook or bake!

                                   

• BB8 Waffle Maker                                             

                           

Complete your meal by adding the newest droid in the Star Wars Saga. This waffle maker makes perfect tender and golden  BB8 waffles.  Another striking addition to any house!                 

                               

• Darth Vader Handheld Shower Head               

                          

Want to have a shower that's out of this galaxy? Then this shower head is perfect for you! Bring the force into the shower and make the place into your empire. 

• Millennium Falcon Bluetooth Speaker                 

                         

This bluetooth speaker makes your music boom upto 30 feet. It lights up when in use and you can also answer your calls with it.      

                                 

• R2-D2 Hot Air Popcorn Popper                        

                                                          As ya'll know, nothing is impossible for our fav R2-D2. It will come as a surprise but he can also make popcorns! Now watch your fav show munching on these delicious popcorns made with love by your one and only R2-D2.                                     

• Lightsaber Ice Pop Maker                                      

                           

Want to eat your popsicle with a lightsaber? Then grab this Lightsaber ice pop maker. This pack of 4 has 2 Luke and 2 Vader hilts. In 4 hours you get your favorite liquid frozen and ready to be eaten. The lightsabers also light up!!                                                   

• Star Wars Salt & Pepper Shakers                        

                            

Salt & Pepper Shakers that scream AWESOME! A perfect addition for your dining table and an ideal gift for everyone who loves the Dark Side.                            

       

• LED Lightsaber Umbrella                                  

                     

An umbrealla perfect for a dark and rainy day. The LED flashing colours help you see in the dark clearly and also makes you look super cool!                                    

• Star Wars Theme Silicone Molds                          

                           

How tempting does these chocolates look? Now you can turn your favorite Star Wars Character into chocolates, ice, soaps, jellies or candies. So get these molds to liven up a party or your everyday life!                             

• R2-D2 Measuring Cup Set                                  

                                             Your favorite driod is now more useful than ever! It has every standard measure; from a quarter teaspoon to a cup.                               

• R2-D2 and C-3PO Ceramic Bowl Set                     

                                    

R2-D2 and C-3PO aren't be complete without each other. They are the best of friends. Because of this Duo, their set of bowls are called Chips & Dip. Use them for milk and cookies or cheese and Crackers.                                                             

• Star Wars 3D Desk Lamp                                      

                                       

This lamp will be a game changer for your work space or your bedside table. It has an automatic colour changing mode, saved energy and doesnt heat up. Perfect for every fan!                                               

• Lightsaber Flatware Utensil Set                        

                                                            These adult sized Lightsaber flatware makes you meal more fun. Imagine eating spaghetti with Luke's lightsaber, or ice-cream with Yoda's spoon.. This set of silverware complements any dish and any style.                                                                                          

• Death Star Vinyl Record Design Wall Clock   

                              

A masterpiece perfect for your home.  This wall clock can be customized to match your room. Make an striking addition to a boring wall by getting this for yourself or a die-hard fan.                            

• Darth Vader Cookie Jar                                     

                              

Store cookies or any food in this Darth Vader Jar. Makes sounds from the movies when it's opened or closed. Bring the Dark Side Vibes into your home with this iconic jar.                         

• R2D2 Teapot                                                            

                                       

A must-have for anyone who likes tea and nerdy kitchenware. Made of the highest quality ceramic, the geometric decal design transforms the teapot into the head of the highly resourceful astromech robot!                       

• Chewie We're Home Door Mat                                

                               

Chewie fans NEED this mat to give their home a more homey feeling. It will surely bring smile to your guests face.                                                         

• Star Wars Mini-Figure Alarm Clock                 

                                             

Want to be woken up by the dark side of the force? Then get this Lego Alarm Clock. It brings out the inner child in you and you wake-up ready to take over the planet.                     

 

• Lightsaber BBQ Tongs                                     

Feel like a Jedi while you BBQ with this Lightsaber tongs. It also has sound effects to make you feel like you're fighting the Dark Side. 

                                                              

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Cheezy Doritos Croquette

Doritos, Cheese and Fried food: three things I'm a sucker for. And what do you do when you're on Sem break and have nothing to do?  You find a way to pair these things up to create a masterpiece. Which is how I ended up with these Cheezy Doritos Croquettes. I don't think I need to tell you but they taste heavenly!
 Croquettes are very fun to work with. You can add anything inside, make it veg or non-veg, can have it for dessert, brunch or dinner, the possibilities are endless! These cheezy spicy goodness are perfect for anytime of the day. You can enjoy them as a snack or serve them with a side dish with another dish. They're gorgeous golden coloured, crunchy, kinda spicy and a fluffy treat. This is surely going to step-up your croquette game! ;)

Ingredients: 

• Chicken (Boiled & Shredded) 1 Cup
• Cheddar Cheese (Shredded) 1/2 Cup
• Flour 5 tbsp and etc for coating
• Milk 3/4 Cup
• Salt 
• Lemon Juice 1 Tbsp
• Paprika 1/2 tsp
• Black Pepper 1/2 tsp
• Garlic Powder 1/2 tsp
• Doritos (Cheese flavor crushed) for coating
• Butter 1 tbsp
• Egg 1 (beaten) for coating                                                          

Directions:

1. In a pan, heat the butter and add in the flour. Saute the flour until it changes colour to light yellow or golden.
2. Then add the milk, little by little and keep whisking to avoid any lumps. 
3. Turn off the heat and add in the seasoning, including lemon juice, cheese and chicken.
4.  Now shape the dough to your desire.
5. After you're done, roll the balls in the flour, then dip it in the egg and lastly coat it with doritos. 
6. When you're ready, deep fry it until it turns golden. 
7. Then remove and place it on a tissue and let it cool down for a few minutes.

And now you're all done! Place it on the plate and serve with a sauce or chutney of your choice. 

If you try these mouth watering croquettes, then share you picture with me on IG and let me know how it turned out. 

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6 MUST BUY things for your cat's happiness

Are you a new cat owner and don't know how to keep your kitty happy and entertained? Well worry no more, I have got you covered.  Here is a list of 6 things you need to keep your new housemate happy and busy.

Pin this post so that you can refer to it later.

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15 Min DIY projects you need to try ASAP!

Hello guys! So, recently I was brainstorming and came up with the idea of putting a couple of DIY's that I find really easy and don't take much time in one post :D Coincidentally all of these ideas came to me while showering, so they're more like shower ideas :p I'd like to think they turned out pretty great. To be honest I had been saving these ideas for a long time, but i was too lazy to actually try it out. Then today I got so hyped after watching Naruto's 1 hour special episode, which btw was AWESOME AND OVERWHELMING! SO MANY FEELSS, SO MANY TEARS!! I simply could not take my eyes off of the screen, they were literally glued to the tv. I read somewhere that this was the 2nd last episode of the series, which I hope is not true because I don't know what I will do with my life if I don't get to see Kakashi's face every week. Anyways, enough with my Okatu stuff let's get back to the DIYs. As i was saying, I got so chakara-fied after watching Naruto, that I did all this in an hour. Procrastination surprisingly stopped  and I finally ended up implementing these eye-catching DIYs. Now lets get started! :D

The first DIY is:

 Embroided/painted flats

 You will need:

• a pair of plain flats
• bukrom
• embroidery thread
• embroidery needle
• paints

Directions:

• Trace your design onto the bukrom and paint it according to the colour of the flats, I just colored mine with a marker. 
• Then do your embroidery or painting onto your design.
• If you painted your design then leave it to dry.
• After that, cut it out and stick it on our flats with a glue gun or super glue. 

And that's it, your're done! :D

As you can see I used embroided designs for the first two flats and painted the 3rd one. All of them looked great after trying it on. You can use this inexpensive way to re-create your favorite embroided flats or you could create your own new look! Be creative and go crazy! ;D

Bangle Holder

Remember those huge over-sized bangles that came into fashion when you were in your early teens?If you were anything like me, you probably bought every single one you laid eyes on because you thought they were cool. And now they are just lying in the bottom drawer of your closet and every time you see them you cringe, but you don't throw them away because somewhere deep down you still find them pretty, leading to conflicting feelings and a lot of regret. Well, cringe no more because I've got the perfect answer to this situation! 

For this you will need:

• foam board (you could also use empty toilet paper roll )
• bangles
• paints (optional) 
• glue gun

• Start with arranging the bangles in order of your choice.
• Cut out the foam board in the shape of the bangle that's at the bottom.
• Glue the bangles and the foam board together.
• Paint the holder with the colour of your choice and let it dry.

Aaand voila! Your bangle holder is now readyyyy :D

I made 2 holders to match the theme of my bedroom. You could leave yours as is if the colors are to your liking or you could change it up entirely. It's totally up to you! Feel free to use your imagination and get those creative juices flowing. ;)

Bleached/Painted Rib cage Tee

Now lets move on to this last project; the masterpiece. This one was inspired by a lot of similar tees that kept coming up on Tumblr posts. I couldn't find tees like these anywhere in Riyadh so I knew if I wanted one I would have to make it myself. A plus was that it saved me a tonne of money compared to buying it online (the only other option to get these kind of shirts). ^.^

So, for this you will need:

• Plain cotton tees or any other bleach friendly tees.
• Bleach in a spray bottle
• gloves
• mask
• Paints

•  Firstly, print your template and cut it out. You can easily find the rib cage silhouettes on google.
•  Put on your gloves and mask for safety. 
• Lay your shirt on a floor, preferably somewhere outdoors where the smell won't stay for long.
• Put a newspaper or a cloth inside the shirt to prevent the bleach from getting to the back side of the shirt.
• Then place the cut out on top of your shirt.
• Spray on the bleach onto the shirt. Make sure you spray it evenly.
• Let it dry for 10 mins then remove the cut out and hang the shirt to it dries completely.
• Wash the shirt with cold water and leave it to dry. 

Aaand this is the final result! Your masterpiece is now ready ;) It looks like a piece from the Abbey Dawn collection, does it not? No one would be able to tell by looking at it that this was made by you yourself.

Directions for the painted one:

• Put a newspaper inside the shirt before starting.
• Put the cutout on the shirt and dab on the paint with a sponge .
• Leave it to dry and that's basically it.

Wear your new creations with pride ;) 

If you try out my projects then do post a pic on Instagram and tag me in your pics @amna.sayeed 

Till next time, Baibai xx

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5 Youtube Channels You Should Definitely Subscribe To

Hi guyss!! Today's post is going to be about my favorite Youtube channels, of which one or two are pretty underground so please be sure to check them out and show some love. You might notice that most of them concern food, because lets be honest here, who doesn't like food?! If you've been keeping up with my blog you will already know that I am obsessed with two things: food and DIY- so I don't think any further explanation is needed there :P Once you check them out, they'll be your favorite channels to binge watch, I guarantee it. ;) So lets beginnn.

1. Gemma Stafford

A professional chef, Irish, living in the US. She is hands down my favorite baker. I discovered her on Youtube about 2-3 months ago while searching for a Microwave Mug recipe. Her  5 Microwave Mug Meals caught my eyes and the min I clicked on the video, I knew I had hit jackpot. Her tutorials are super easy to follow and always turn out amazing. The most popular recipes on her channel would be her mug recipes. From mug breakfast to mug desserts, she has it all. My personal favorite are her cinnamon rolls, which are to die for! Every time I try one of her recipes, they turn out perfect. She explains everything in detail and that is why you can never go wrong with her recipes. Besides the pro stuff, she also makes videos on basic baking. 

2. Feast of fiction

As you can tell by the name, this channel makes your fiction food come to life. The food you drool over while watching your favorite anime, tv show, movie or cartoon! Black Butlers Curry Buns, Skyrim's Sunlight Souffle, Jawbreakers from Ed, Edd n Eddy, Lembas Bread from LoTR, and many more! Jimmy Wong is the brains behind this channel and cooks with Ashley Adams and his mom, who btw is such a pro at everthing, she is basically mom goals :D Naruto's Ramen is what brought me to his channel. Although I haven't tried making anything from this channel, it sure is fun to watch XD. 

3. Annika Victoria

 Anna Victoria is a Science Student who loves sewing. She finds the simplest way to re-create your favorite fashion trend from thrift shop finds. If there's a bag, dress, shirt or any other fashion accessories you saw online and don't know where to buy it from or if it costs a million bucks then just send her a request to make it. If your request is popular it will be granted and soon you will find a DIY version  of it on her Youtube series, Make, Thrift, Buy.  Her sewing DIYs and hacks are a life saver! Follow her on IG for more pics @littlepineneedle

4. Rachel Mooney

I'm in love with this super talented up and coming Irish Youtuber who makes wonderful DIYs. She comes up with unique and eye catching ideas that are incredibly fun to replicate. Her videos also includes Hauls, Travel vlogs and Food videos. The Food she makes is yummy and Kawaii both.  To sum it up they are just plain adorable :3

5.Jun's Kitchen

This guy's cooking and creativity skills CANNOT be compared with anyone! Jun is Japanese and lives with his wife, Rachel, in Japan. He cooks with his co-chef, Kohaku, his cat. Yes you read that right! Kohaku is always there to assisst his master cook yummylicious food, while watching him closely from the top of  the fridge or table, occasionally checking the ingredients for freshness. He also goes grocery shopping with Jun on his bicycle, which is ADORABLEE. Its amazing how he stays so calm when he goes out and never misbehaves. I came across his Store Cat Food vs Homemade video while looking for a decent homemade meal for lil Pepe (my cat) and fell in love with his channel. I sat and binge watched his videos when I was supposed to be cleaning my room :$ still, no regrets :D  Jun doesn't upload much, but when he does, he knocks your socks off with his amazing cooking skills. Also, his knives are knife goalsss!!! For more Kohaku  follow Jun's IG @junskitchen

So, these are the channels that are worth subscribing to, according to me. Do check it out and leave a comment below telling me your favorite channels. ^.^

Follow me on Instagram @amna.sayeed and Pinterest - Everything Rad

Thankyou for visiting my blog. Come again. xx

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DIY Makeup Organizer

                                         

The clock strikes 2, my brain goes numb; bore-o-clock. And that's usually when it begins; my unending quest of inspiration and creativity. It's already been 6 to 7 weeks since the end of high-school which I attended in Karachi and i've been back home here in Riyadh. Since then my life has been mundane and excruciatingly dull. I'm aimless and going out of my mind with nothing to do, Outing with friends is not an option since most of my friends are off to study at universities abroad. This is why DIY projects are my holy grail, keeping me sane (borderline).

 When depressed it is best to push yourself to do something productive. It gives you a sense of satisfaction, the 'good day's hard work' feel. So the other day i decided to clean out piles and piles of junk, i tend to collect. The first step of any project-unintentionally so- is when you collect random crap you'll never use over a period of time. So there I was, sorting through and some if the things I found were: fake cheap lashes, old glasses, candle holders, tin cans, scraps of fabric, yarn etc.

 Creative juices flowing in my system, i sat there for a solid amount of time, staring and thinking hard. After trying multiple (decidedly weird) ideas I finallly settled on something; makeup organizer. Okay so it's no billion dollar idea but what I had in mind was a bit different from the conventional ones. It looks good, it does the job and it's very simple top make. What more could you want? 

Without further ado, let's get started folks!  

Here's a list of all the stuff you'll need:
1. Tin can
2. Small glass
3. Fake lashes (I don't think this could be any more obvious but for those of us on the slower side: DO NOT USE YOUR HUDA BEAUTY LASHES or any other expensive brand)
4. Lash glue
5. Any paint to colour your tin can that won't wash off in two colours, one for the base and other for the lips.

I used and old tin of cream commonly found here (locals call it 'gishta'). The size is very adorable and the top peels off which gives the inner rim a clean finish. (also I really hate using can openers; they leave the edges frayed and messy). Make sure you wash it thoroughly before use. You don't want any nasty remnants or smells clinging to your precious makeup ESPECIALLY if the tin in question was previously full of something like tuna. Flawless skin with essence of fish? I don't think so.
As for the glass, it can be any tiny mason jar. We get small glass jars of cheese at every convenience store here so that's what i used. You can easily find one at the dollar store or clean up and old jar of anything really!

Moving on to the instructions:

1. So the first thing you're going to do is paint your can in the colour of you choice. I used a spray paint but you can use any paint you have, anything that will stay on the can and will look good. We will leave the glass as is, just clean it up to make it nice and shiny.
2. After the can's all dried up, position and apply the false lashes, first to you can and then on the glass. Use the images I put up as reference. You can estimate how it'll look by drawing on a sketch with the lash glue on both containers. This way you can wipe off any errors without permanently destroying your project.
3. Lastly, paint on a set of simple cutesy lips on both the containers and let them dry. Again use my picture as reference. As you can see they are very easy to make, but if painting proves difficult you can use a sharpie or a permanent marker just for ease. Just keep in mind that the material you use needs to be well pigmented so that it shows up properly on top of the painted can as well as the glass.

And that's it! Pretty simple right? Now throw in your makeup brushes, lipsticks and pencils lying around messily on your dressing table, and admire your handiwork. Hey you invested your time and effort into this, no shame in pride here. You can change it up and try different things too such as bottles, boxes, bowls. Use your imagination, be creative and most importantly enjoy what you do!

That's all for this easy peasy project, do try it out and be sure to share your lovely creations with me by tagging me on Instagram. My IG id is - @amna.sayeed 

baibai xx

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