FAVORITE FINDS: Glamour, not "Beauty", Products

You know that sound a machine makes when it's changing directions? There are a lot of clicks, followed by some whirring and finally a solid locking sound to know that a new course has been set? I think that's happening in my life and I like it. I haven't yet heard that final sound, but who really does? You're too excited for all that's happening to really pay attention.

A few of the exciting things are known, but some are not and for those that are known, I need new makeup. Ha, I know, strange lead in to this post, amirite?

This post is a little bit (no, it's a lot) departure from my usual clothing posts because I've been looking at a lot of makeup lately. My family gets to celebrate a few special events coming up soon and I've decided it's time to refresh my makeup - the last time I did so was 3.5 years ago.

I do enjoy wearing makeup and I've received compliments when I've done my eye makeup, which is a high compliment to someone who can barely draw stick figures, let alone paint or draw. I don't wear makeup daily, just for special occasions (and place where there will be a lot of cameras) because those are the only times I think it's appropriate.

A PSA announcement to us all: you are beautiful as is and there is no need to have to paint your face daily to feel like "your best self" or a new version of you. There is no need to change up your look daily. Your best self is right there, on a day to day basis. Makeup is simply a good way to add some glamour - NOT BEAUTY - to your look and only if you want it.

So here are Farrah's Favorite Finds/Deep Desires in the makeup retail market these days. You'll notice it leans heavy on the eye shadow side (reference the above paragraphs) but lacks variety. That's because I'm in the market for new mascaras and liners (especially liquid!) and happily taking suggestions. That goes for lipsticks as well (a great nude pink would be welcome). Also, if anyone knows a thing or two about contouring, please help.

1. Eye shadow palettes

I tend to wear dramatic colors (aqua, deep purples) so it's hard for me to create softer looks. The Urban Decay Naked 3 palette has 12 shimmery, rosy hues for those events where I don't want all eyes on my eyes.


Urban Decay also has similar palettes, named Naked and Naked 2. To be quite honest, I want to own all of them, but am limiting myself to Naked 3 to start.

Naked	Naked 2

How do you know which one to get? All three palettes promise a neutral experience but do highlight different skin tones. I can't do justice to the reviews so check them out here: http://goo.gl/fF0C8M

I'm also INCREDIBLY in love with this Yves Saint Laurent palette in my signature purple eyeshadow.


This one comes with an aubergine color that anchors a soft copper-infused peach, pink, and green accents. Love love LOVE. Not a fan of the price tag, but for someone who only buys makeup every 3-4 years, the price amortizes over time (how do you like that MBA speak?!).

A very special reader sent me the palette below as a graduation gift and I can't get enough of it. I'd never looked into Kat Von D's line but turns out she's got some really cool stuff.


This palette, called "Poetica", is an array of gothic and romantic colors that can be mixed and matched to create a myriad of looks. I love it because it's different than what I currently own and like the idea of being able to pull off some more Jessica Alba dark makeup looks.

2. Face makeup and tools

I've been having some progressive results with my latest skincare endeavor, using the Rodan + Fields Unblemish system for 3 weeks (today starts the fourth!).

Side conversation on that: My friend Kate recently started selling Rodan + Fields products after experience really noticeable results. She's someone who either LOVES something or HATES it and she LOVES R+F. The things she loves generally fall into my own loves, so I decided to take the plunge and start an R+F regiment. So far, so good. I can't say it's 100% better but it's only the 4th week. It's a bit pricey, I'll admit, but worth the trial if you can budget it in. Here's Kate's site and tell her Farrah/Greater Lengths sent you! https://kswalker.myrandf.com/

Investing in R+F is my insurance against the need to use foundation so this sponge falls into the one of those things I don't REALLY need but for hype, am considering the purchase.


The foundation I when I use foundation is Make Up For Ever High Definition Foundation, which I bought for a roughly $70 set from Sephora (okay, realized I bought this last year - so ONE new thing in 3 years). It came with primer, concealer, a kabuki brush, setting powder, and a full size bottle of foundation - a GREAT deal. Really, I did the cost comparison and it's a steal.

Sadly, the microfinish setting powder was a casualty of graduation recently - the bag containing it got lost between the ceremony and reception at the business school.

Not to say that expensive, high end foundations are the way to go.  I am a huge fan of L'Oreal's True Match foundation, which I may go back to after I use my current bottle of foundation. L'Oreal really has created a line of foundations for every skintone and one that provides natural coverage.


Continuing in the vein of face makeup, I've been hearing a lot about this Maybelline Dream Lumi highlighter and concealer. My friend Sabba commented on my Pinterest board that it's as good - or even better - than her Dior alternative. Considering it's around $8 without a coupon, it's a low-risk investment that may have major beauty payouts.

When and if I end up getting this stuff, I'll try to keep you guys in the know. Let me know if you already own these things or end up getting them yourself!

It's Alive! Frankensteining My Graduation Dress (part 2)

A day or two before graduation, the comment still on my mind, I remembered a neutral-colored pleated chiffon maxi skirt from Urban Outfitters that I owned. I layered long and sleeveless tops all the time - why not a skirt with too short a hem? I liked the idea of the play on texture - the pleats peaking out from under the angular hemline. While I meant to test the look earlier in the week, I didn't actually try it until the day of graduation - and thankfully, the neutrals weren't too off the mark of each other to work.

The real trick came in ensuring the shoes would be fully visible. Worn at my waist, the maxi would have covered my shoes and lengthened the hemline - giving the dress more of a gown look. I wanted the skirt to fall right around the longest part of the hemline of the dress.

So I did what any normal person would do - I pinned the skirt to my bra.

I'd planned to go a little bold and wear the dress as is - loose and flowy a la the Olsen twins in their early style years - but as my brother commented, I looked like I was wearing a tent. A belt was in order and I found the PERFECT accent in a gold metal belt from Asos.

Dorothy Perkins <span>Long Skirts</span>
Jessica Simpson <span>Pumps</span>

I'm VERY happy with the way it turned out. I felt like a hippie goddess with all the flowing sleeves and regal collars.

It's Alive! Frankensteining My Graduation Dress (part 1)

It happened! It finally happened! I graduated and walked across the stage and can officially say I hold a Masters in Business Administration from a top 25 business school!  I have been in school the entire existence of this blog and even before, a student working on her degree part-time while working full-time as a consultant.

The countdown to graduation began a few months ago, as did the anticipation for my outfit. I decided not to buy a new dress for graduation. I haven't had my eyes on anything lately - at least not in the dress category - and I also own enough clothes that I could re-wear something in a fresher way.

This is what I started with:

Which I've worn like this before (wide leather belt, tall leather riding boots, and an aqua long-sleeved shirt)

Hanging with one of my favorite bands, Parachute

But for graduation, I needed something unique. I knew I wanted to wear my new Jessica Simpson heels in Miss Piggy (a soft baby pink) and decided to take a chance on the pink/neutral/orange combo. This dress is a midi and part of it falls around my knees - definitely too much skin if worn on its own.

I settled on wearing stockings with piggy pink tights from Target with a blouse picked up from H&M.

H&amp;M <span>Button Front Tops</span>
Jessica Simpson <span>Pumps</span>

A few weeks before graduation, I showed my mom the outfit, to which she commented that my legs were still "bare". You see, I grew up with the belief that a Muslim women is covered when you don't see her form, not simply when her skin is covered. Acting as a typical child, even at 31, I brushed off my mom's concern when she expressed it, but the comment lingered with me...I didn't feel like I'd really modest-ified the dress enough.

But what to do? I wanted to wear the dress as a dress for an elegant affair - not layered with pants, and clearly tights or anything similar were out of the question.

The solution came in the form of safety pins and my undergarments.

**See part 2 of of my graduation outfit post tomorrow! Here's a teaser in the meantime!**

READER REQUEST: Pleated Maxi Skirts

My apologies to my reader, Ayesha, who asked me a few weeks ago about pleated maxi skirts and dress.

Just wanted to ask, have you seen pleated maxi skirts or dresses anywhere? I really want one and see pics online but havn't seen them in stores?

Because spring was still alluding us until, what, two hours ago, I wasn't in the mood to think of light airy skirts and warm-weather dresses. That's changed and pleated maxi skirts are everywhere! I especially encourage you to check out the skirts on sale at Piperlime today - as sale items are an extra 25% off!

Making Good on an Athleta Promise

A few weeks ago, a very helpful reader, Rukhsana notified me of a 20% off sale at Athleta on all sale items.

I told myself, and her, that I'd try to post by the end of the day. Athleta has some great modest workout clothes - they're great quality - but often run a bit higher in price, so a sale is something we all win with.  Unfortunately, I slacked and missed posting on the great deal and felt like I let Rukhsana down.

Thankfully, redemption is mine!  Athleta is having another 20% off all sale items sale (use code EXTRA20) and they've got plenty of good stuff to go around.

Take a peak at some of the more modest items from their workout selection.
(Click on the item below to check out size and availability)

Athleta Activewear Pants · Athleta Women's Fashion · Athleta Casual Jackets