I mentioned a shit ton of products on this week's episode of my podcast, Arab-American Psycho, so I thought it would be helpful to create a list of them all in order of when they were mentioned as well as separating them by category so it's easy to navigate. I am also instantly regretting this decision because I talked about A LOT of shit, but I want to help you guys out because I'm just SUPER nice and helpful. So, yeah.
London Haul: & Other Stories, Mango, Topshop, vintage, etc.
I recently went to London and bought a ton of new pieces (so much so that I had to bring a whole new additional checked bag), and I thought it would be fun to share with you all. All the items mentioned in the video are listed in the order they have been mentioned below (with links, of course).
It is very rare that I find a moisturizer worthy of repurchasing, primarily because I find that most moisturizers generally do the same thing but also because I get sent several moisturizers to test every month. Earlier this year I was sent The Rich Cream by Augustinus Bader, I was intrigued by the brand's high-tech approach to skincare and ingredients that claim to activate your own stem cells, boosting them into healing mode. I started using The Rich Cream day and night in June (I also used it under my eyes in lieu of an eye cream) and in just a few days there was a visible improvement in my skin. My skin appeared luminous and plumped, and my typically oily t-zone looked less oily. I also tend to get the occasional blemish every now and then, but I honestly did not have one single pimple or clogged pore while I was using The Rich Cream. I continued using The Rich Cream until August when the bottle tragically came to an end, and I couldn't believe how good my skin looked. In fact I was almost annoyed at how good my skin looked considering a 50ml bottle retails for $265 (which is undeniably pricy).
Unfiltered photo of my skin after week 2. Not wearing foundation, just a tinted primer and loose translucent powder.
I moved onto another moisturizer as I normally would, but I couldn't help but think about The Rich Cream. The way the luxuriously creamy yet weightless formula sunk into my skin, the way my skin glowed, the way the bottle's magnetic cap clicked in the most satisfying way. The best way to describe my skin while using The Rich Cream is happy and healthy. My skin had never felt more balanced, and I loved being able to use just one product for all of my post cleansing skincare needs. I quickly realized that although this cream came with a hefty price tag, $265 for a day cream, night cream, and eye cream is not that outrageous and absolutely worth it. Augustinus Bader's The Cream and The Rich Cream are now available in a 30ml bottle for $160, which is a bit more digestible if you're still not sold on shelling out the price for the full sized bottle. It's also worth mentioning that part of the proceeds fund the Augustinus Bader Foundation, which provides free hydrogel treatments to clinics that treat burn victims.
If you decide to give either of the Augstinus Bader creams a try, I would love to hear how it worked for your skin.
It's crazy that I've been living at my new place for a little over nine months now, but it's finally coming together quite nicely if I do say so myself. When it comes to buying furniture, I'm kind of insane. I need to see every single option available of whatever it is I'm looking for, I want to find something that's unique but also timeless so I won't get sick of it in a few months or years. I've really been taking my time selecting the right pieces, and I feel really good about it (even though it's super tempting to just buy everything at once). When Apt2B told me I could pick out any pieces that I wanted, it was honestly such a dream. When I clocked the Nora Swivel Chair in Evergreen Velvet I immediately knew that I needed it. It's even more plush and luxurious in person (seriously, photos don't do it justice) and it SWIVELS. I am an adult and I know I should not be this amused by a swiveling chair, but if you follow me on Instagram you will know that I am totally obsessed with this chair and the fact that it swivels. Not only is the swiveling fun, I find it to be very functional since I have relatively limited living area space so it's very convenient to readjust as needed. I also loved being able to incorporate an Art Deco piece into my living space while still being very modern. The Nora Swivel Chair comes in a ton of colors and fabrics, which I think makes it extra special.
The second Apt2B piece I chose is the Palmer Upholstered Bed in Mountain Grey with a nutmeg leg finish in the eastern king size. I actually already had a somewhat similar grey upholstered bed at the time, but I wasn't happy with the quality of the bed frame or the height of the headboard (this bed was literally the only impulsive furniture purchase I've ever made and I totally regretted it). I was torn between the Palmer Drive Upholstered bed and the Palmer Upholstered bed which are identical other than the fact that the Palmer has a higher headboard than the Palmer Drive. After thoughtfully assessing and measuring my bedroom space, I decided to go big and I couldn't be happier. It is literally the most gorgeous bed I have ever seen, and it completely transformed my bedroom in the most incredible way. I love that my bed is the focal point of my bedroom, it was super important for me to create a bedroom space that soothed me and was my place to switch into a more relaxed state of mind. I would also like to note that the quality of this bed is next level, you really get what you pay for and I believe that investing in a good bed is a decision you will not regret.
I recently decided that I wanted to completely redo my bedroom. New furniture, mattress, pillows, and sheets. I wanted to transform my bedroom into the coziest spot on earth, and I wanted my bed to be even more comfortable than the most comfortable hotel bed. The hardest part had to be finding the perfect sheets, there are SO many options and I quickly learned that I essentially know nothing about sheets. I started my search by Google-ing "best sheets 2018" and a few brands were repeatedly mentioned on different online publications so I decided to take it to Instagram to some of your thoughts. I posted three different brands and asked for feedback and the consensus was clear, Brooklinen was the correct choice to make. I was lucky enough to actually get to work with them and have the Luxe Hardcore Sheet Bundle sent to me along with the All-Season Down Comforter (note: this blog post is not sponsored). This was definitely ideal since sheets can be on the pricier side and I figured if I didn't like them, I could try another brand. But I'm here to tell you, these sheets are the absolute best.
The only way to describe Brooklinen sheets is buttery smooth. They also are magical and somehow always feel cool to the touch, even though I live in Florida and it's the Summer I'm completely comfortable under my flat sheet and duvet. Speaking of the duvet, it's literally the best. I feel like I'm at the nicest hotel every night. If you want to treat yourself, get yourself some luxe Brooklinen sheets and thank me later. Brooklinen was kind enough to give me a code 'NOORE20' for $20 off your order + free shipping (this is not an affiliate code meaning I don't make any commission off your order, I just wanted to save you guys some money).