In the words of Rick Astley: “Goodbye, but not the end.”

It’s clear to me that in the beginning of this blogging process I would have an unlimited supply of time. Returning to University, after a two-year hiatus, has been rewarding, challenging and more importantly, time-consuming. After interviewing a few special people for this blog, it became apparent that any time spent writing for ‘fun’ was…simply put… “TOO HARD”. Life interfered and then priorities shifted. Epiphanies about time management arose with great gusto and then slipped quickly out of reach. For those of you undertaking Postgraduate research, you’ll know EXACTLY what I mean. For those of you who work a nine to whenever-I-finish-this-!@#$%^-report, you too, will know what I mean.

The Sesame Boutique began as a passion for skin-care, cosmetics and beauty in general. Undertaking an Honours dissertation that is based on the values and messages that the beauty industry conveys has since become my life. Uncovering what has essentially not been covered in New Zealand, is exciting and for me ground breaking as a person. I have been fortunate enough to be given this opportunity to prove my capability to those around me and most importantly to myself. Therefore, it’s unfortunate that the Sesame Boutique, bids you Au Revoir.

In the mean time, I will be working on something bigger, better and more tailored to my strengths and knowledge in skin-care. The new project I will be working on requires much more research and will only be available once my own studies are complete. I won’t be deleting the Sesame Boutique; it’s there for you to use the recipes and information I have uploaded. Be my guest, keeping viewing, creating and sharing what I’ve offered and uploaded. In the mean time, stay beautiful and I’ll see you soon.

The Sesame Boutique. x

Time Flies (Literally) & Upcoming Features

Tauranga from aboveYes, I am aware that I have been absent from this blog a little too long now. But like my title suggests I have been flying around the lower half of the North Island, attending my Postgraduate year at University (or College, for those of you in the Northern Hemisphere) and have been interviewing a number of beautiful people for my blog. Editing these interviews, however, have been taxing with having very little time on my VERY full plate. I can’t even imagine how I’m going to fit this in with a job, number of assignments and reviews and research for my dissertation.

I digress, I’m here people, I don’t want to disappoint you, but I will say that I have 2 very interesting feature articles with a former contestant from NZ’s Next Top Model and the beautiful face behind one of my FAVOURITE beauty boutique’s in Auckland, Glamorpuss Cosmetics. So stay tuned for those, they will be up on the 25th of March (most likely a night event).

 -SB

TRENDING: RED CARPET BEAUTY JAN 2012

TRENDING: RED CARPET BEAUTY JAN 2012

It’s not yet the end of the award show circuit. But it is the end of January, which played host to a handful of awards ceremonies, including the Emmy’s, Golden Globes, SAG Awards and Peoples Choice Awards. I’m currently waiting for two of my favourite awards ceremonies to air, The Oscars and The BAFTA’s.

The lead-up so far has been a little disappointing to say the least. No celebrity has hit it out of the park, in terms of a beautifully made face. I have however, picked a line up of worthy make-up artists behind these beautiful faces.

 - SB

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REVIEW: ZA SKINCARE

REVIEW: ZA SKINCARE  - PAMPER PACK

ZA TRUE WHITE ESSENCE MASK     ZA CleansemaxZA Whitening Prismer

3 words. Affordable. Effective. Results. I cannot tell you how quickly this became a holy grail pack for me. I purchased this as a pamper pack for Christmas and I went out and purchased an extra one, in fear of it running out as well as scoring an amazing bargain. I will say, it’s good enough to purchase separately.

ZA cosmetics and skin care don’t often cross my mind when I’m thinking about pharmaceutical brands. Drug store doesn’t necessarily mean ineffective, but the ideology behind luxury can often culminate placebo results. You pay $105 for a “whitening and brightening” treatment serum and you “see” results, because you’ve justified spending that sum of money. This was affordable and really showcases your skin’s luminosity.

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REVIEW: BIODERMA Sebium H20

REVIEW: BIODERMA Sebium H20

Bioderma Sensibio Bioderma Sebium H20

Laboratoire Dermatologique BIODERMA, is a specialist skincare institution based in Lyon, France. They have based all their products on scientific research and have continued to produce amazing high quality products that are effective and treat your skin, hair and scalp in accordance to your skin type and what you need. Teaming with professionals, scientists and dermatologists alike, BIODERMA’s product range is small but mighty.

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TRENDING: ALLURE

As November comes to an end, there are a number of looks that were polished to perfection. Whether it was dewy or matte, make-up looked complete, it was professional and more importantly it was all about high saturation of colour, regardless of their neutral nature. The majority of these ladies had grey nails, either metallic, high-shine or semi matte in finish, fall trend in the Northern Hemisphere clearly. No need for NZer’s to follow that league, we’re hitting summer and with that comes brightly manicured hands and tootsies. In either case, enjoy the selection.

Lui Wen

Photo: Luca Cannonieri / GoRunway.com

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