Beauty Blogger

[aarthim]

Let me take a moment to re-introduce myself and the Your Face Is My Canvas brand. I am Aarthi Maharaj, a 44 year old single mum to 2 teenage kids and 2 fur babies. I am a Town Planner by profession and I focus on local economic development. I have my planning practice AMR Development & Planning Consultancy, which has been operational since 2004. I have been a lover of all things beauty related for more than 2 decades. Be it skincare, makeup, haircare, nails or body, I am obsessed. It is my love for research and testing the new products in the quest for the best products on the market that lead to my blog and this page. I am a strong advocate for women empowerment, mental health issues (I am a Psychology major), and of course I will stand up against gender-based violence, child abuse and human trafficking every single time. I am a Hindu but I love and respect all religions. I am not a ritualistic person. I know this grates some people but I believe in doing things that make sense to me and what I can truly believe in. I hope you feel you know me a bit better and I’m happy to answer any questions that you may have for me. Pop them into the comments. Thank you for being a part of my journey and I hope you enjoy the reviews and product shares on my page. Also … let me know what you think of my all new AI logo! #blogger #beautyblogger #townplanner #localeconomicdevelopment #makeup #beauty #skincare #nails #haircare #gbv #humantraffickingawareness #womenempowerment #womensupportingwomen #mentalhealthmatters (at Umhlanga Rocks, KwaZulu-Natal) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoW_gstqB20/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[aarthim]

This week I was invited to @durban_girlscollege to be a part of their Health and Wellness week. I spent time on two days chatting to preteens about skincare and doing makeup demonstrations for the older girls who are preparing for an upcoming dance. With COVID and the limited time spent with client contact I think I started to forget how much I enjoy teaching and sharing my knowledge within the beauty sphere. Thank you to Durban Girl’s College for calling me back for the second year. Thank you to the PA for all your hard work and putting together this wonderful week of events. Thank you to my model @dreyer.paula for being my model at very short notice. You are so special to me. If you’re looking for a one-on-one makeup lesson (in person or virtually), please do feel free to drop me a pm. (at Durban, KwaZulu-Natal) https://www.instagram.com/p/CIBD3PXJ5Gw/?igshid=j11ui924rtjd

[aarthim]

LOCAL BRAND SHOUTOUT: @karoo_inc I am obsessed with this bag that I purchased before the lockdown hit us all and I received it for my birthday once the Karoo Inc factory was opened and able to manufacture my bag. It’s the perfect size to run around with and is so classy to take to work/meetings. It may look small but the interior is quite spacious. The bag comes with a long, adjustable and detachable strap so you can wear it cross body for a more casual feel on the weekends. Robyn (the owner) is the most lovely person and her customer service is impeccable. I highly recommend you check out @karoo_inc ‘s page and support local businesses. __________________________________ #karooinc #leatherwork #leatherhandbag #bloggerstyle #blogger #sabloggers #southafricanblogger #supportlocalbusiness #onlineshop #beautifulthings #pursuepretty #practicalandstylish #cupofexcellence #bloggersofinstagram #southafrica #durban #johannesburg #capetown (at Durban, KwaZulu-Natal) https://www.instagram.com/p/CFY-punpZpx/?igshid=1cky89r2qtk8d

[aarthim]

I know I’ve been MIA from my blog & social platforms for a while now. Life has been chaotic, scary & exciting all at the same time. I will be back with the good stuff really soon. Sometimes life is hard so know that it’s ok to stop, breathe & give yourself the time & space you need. Honor yourself first... the rest will follow! With love & gratitude - Aarthi (at Durban, KwaZulu-Natal) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4hZVr6J-Fc/?igshid=tconz1vs1vuc

[aarthim]

Thank you to @theballito for this beautiful picture. This was indeed a truly beautiful charity high tea in aid of the @lettielovefund during Women’s Month. ____________________________________ #yourfaceismycanvas #blogger #southafricanblogger #zimbalicountryclub #lettielovefund #hightea #charityevent #darlingdarling #darlingmovement #pursuethepretty #event #livethemoments #beautifulwomen #cherryblossom #southafrica #southafricanwomen #durban #empowermentthroughbeauty #womenempowerment (at Durban, KwaZulu-Natal) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3sFUHFJW1h/?igshid=gw86b2ru6256

[aarthim]

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I’ve shopped my stash and picked out some products to use and hopefully love through the month of October. Products include: @zoevacosmetics eyeshadow palettes (I bought these as a set) @colourpopcosmetics Sweet Talk palette for some spring vibes. @beccacosmetics blush and highlight palette @makeuprevolutionsa @makeuprevolution face palette specifically for the bronzer @chanelofficial foundation, which is a fantastic foundation. I have been through so many bottles of these. @urbandecaycosmetics @smashboxsa and @woolworths_sa eyeliners. @colourpopcosmetics lippie stix I love the formula of these. @stilasa @stilacosmetics one step primer. This is so lovely but I want to try and finish it up. @lauramercier translucent powder to set my makeup in place. ____________________________________ #yourfaceismycanvas #beauty #blogger #southafricanblogger #sabloggers #bloggersofinstagram #shoppedmystash #springmakeup #doikeepit #bossup #darlingdarling #pursuethepretty #livecolorfully #livethemoments #forthoveofcolor #makeupmaverick #southafrica #durban #capetown #johannesburg (at Durban, KwaZulu-Natal) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3Yk54EpmiE/?igshid=1hetf5coi9vn8

[aarthim]

NEW BLOG POST: Today I posted my review of the Physicians Formula’s The Healthy Foundation on my blog. This product was received in PR but my review is unbiased. You can read my thoughts by clicking on the link in my bio. Have you used this foundation? What are your thoughts? _____________________________________ #yourfaceismycanvas #blogger #beautyblogger #southafricanblogger #productreview #problogging #darlingmovement #foundation #physiciansformula #foundationreview #thehealthyfoundation #affordablemakep #dischem #southafrica #durban #johannesburg #capetown (at Durban, KwaZulu-Natal) https://www.instagram.com/p/By_DAeQJaxB/?igshid=117ainqtdppbc

[aarthim]

Colourpop eyeshadow is like a drug! I’m always wanting more. Excellent, consistent good quality at really affordable prices with a constant stream of new releases ... there’s never a moment to be bored! Which brand gets you excited? ____________________________________ #yourfaceismycanvas #blogger #southafricanblogger #beautyblogger #problogging #makeup #colourpopeyeshadowpalettes #fortheloveofcolour #makeupgram #sweettalk #salvaje #goodsport #throughmyeyespalette #perceptionpalette #makeupmaverick #durban #durbanblogger #darlingmovement (at Your Face Is My Canvas Makeup Studio) https://www.instagram.com/p/By5LdVgpXyi/?igshid=200ybfw7m2sf

[aarthim]

MAKEUP TIP: If you love cream makeup but the sometimes difficult blendability of these products put you off using them, try adding a drop or two of this @kryolansouthafrica Makeup Blend to your product. This works with foundation, concealer, blush and whatever else you have in a cream formula. Blending made easy. __________________________________ #yourfaceismycanvas #blogger #beautyblogger #southafricanblogger #makeupartist #mua #protip #thatsdarling #darlingmovement #problogging #productrecommendation #makeupmaverick #kryolanmakeup #southafrica #durban #johannesburg #capetown (at Durban, KwaZulu-Natal) https://www.instagram.com/p/ByzyogVJ9v2/?igshid=1f2w5c4dpufw4

[aarthim]

My skin is looking wonderful after my @Beaute_pacifiqueafrica treatment. My skin is more hydrated and there is greater clarity. Today I used a foundation that generally clings to dry patches, but today my foundation looks flawless and the glow (aside from my highlight) comes through. I can’t wait to get my skin care products next week and see the changes in my skin. Have you used any @beaute_pacifiqueafrica products? What are your thoughts? ____________________________________ #yourfaceismycanvas #blogger #beautyblogger #beauty #skincare #southafricanblogger #beautepacifique #medicalskincare #thatsdarling #problogging #goodskinforlife #southafrica #durban #johannesburg #capetown #bloggervibes #skincareupdate #productreview (at Durban, KwaZulu-Natal) https://www.instagram.com/p/ByqW9-BpsEB/?igshid=1sfd6il20609o

[aarthim]

So proud to have been featured in the first issue of the @revamag Let me know your thoughts. ________________________________ #yourfaceismycanvas #blogger #beautyblogger #bblogger #southafricanblogger #problogging #magazinearticle #magazinefeature #empowermentthroughbeauty #makeupartist #mua #durban #johannesburg #capetown #southafrica #darlingmovement #thatsdarling #theblogissue #girlbossparty (at Durban, KwaZulu-Natal) https://www.instagram.com/p/BySMXY1p_XR/?igshid=15xr8qxk5ll1w

[aarthim]

MAY MAKEUP FAVORITES 1) Primer - Farsali Unicorn Essence. I love the slightly tacky feeling that this leaves on my skin which helps my foundation stay in place. The color and the application is also simply fun. The antioxidants in the product make me happy knowing they’re good for my skin too. 2) Foundation - Catrice HD Liquid Coverage Foundation. This foundation is so pigmented but so light weight on the skin and gives the most beautiful finish. I have even worn this to events and it looked amazing. I just reach for this over and over again. 3) Concealer - Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer. I have loved this concealer for years and keep going back to it. I mix two shades to get my perfect color correction and concealing. It’s lightweight but gives good coverage hiding a multitude of sins. 4) Powder - Huda Beauty Easy Bake Powder and Laura Mercier Powder Foundation. The Huda Powder does an amazing job at setting my under eye makeup and gives a lovely finish to the skin. You can use it all over the face too if you so desire. I’m also loving the Laura Mercier Powder to brush lightly over foundation for a little extra coverage and setting makeup or on its own on days that I am in a hurry but need to even out my complexion. 5) Face Palette - this Cover FX palette came in my BoxyCharm box and has the perfect selection of products to contour, highlight and blush up my cheeks. I love the ease of having everything in one place. 6) Eyes - Dose of Colors Desi x Katy Friendcation Palette. This palette deserves all the hype it has received. It has a beautiful array of shades and I keep reaching for this one either for a complete or to enhance a look. It’s so beautiful I could stare at it all day and just keep swatching the shades. 7) Mascara - Essence I ❤️ Extreme Volume Mascara in the Waterproof formula ticks all the right boxes for me and given my sensitive, teary eyes, this works well. It’s great to build volume. I wouldn’t call this my all time favorite mascara but it’s what I have been picking up regularly. 8) Setting Spray - Makeup Revolution Pro Fix Illuminating Fixing Spray has been my number one spray for giving my skin a dewy look. (at Durban, KwaZulu-Natal) https://www.instagram.com/p/ByQKNedp_VE/?igshid=1dffq75pwoss9

[aarthim]

Two really great, affordable products that I have tried, tested and recommend. The Primer Infused Bronzer in Forever Sunkissed is a very subtle shade and can be built up on the skin. However, this particular shade wouldn’t work on deeper skin tones. The bronzer applies and wears well through the day. There is no patchiness and it does stay in place. The Dewy Setting Mist has a coconut scent and is said to be a dupe for the Tacha Setting Spray. Although I always set my makeup with powder to keep everything locked in place, using a dewy or illuminating setting spray has become one of my favorite steps in my makeup routine. I am loving the glow that this gives my skin and helps makeup become one with the skin. Also, highlighter applied over this really pops! The one aspect I don’t love is the spritzer. It’s not the finest mist and sometimes you get a sudden harsh spray. I suggest holding this as far away from your face as possible before spraying. These products are unfortunately not available from local stores but can be purchased from importers. I picked these up from @muse.sa (at Durban, KwaZulu-Natal) https://www.instagram.com/p/ByNJylwJg7U/?igshid=1meow4nagzts9

[aarthim]

Two really great, affordable products that I have tried, tested and recommend. The Primer Infused Bronzer in Forever Sunkissed is a very subtle shade and can be built up on the skin. However, this particular shade wouldn’t work on deeper skin tones. The bronzer applies and wears well through the day. There is no patchiness and it does stay in place. The Dewy Setting Mist has a coconut scent and is said to be a dupe for the Tacha Setting Spray. Although I always set my makeup with powder to keep everything locked in place, using a dewy or illuminating setting spray has become one of my favorite steps in my makeup routine. I am loving the glow that this gives my skin and helps makeup become one with the skin. Also, highlighter applied over this really pops! The one aspect I don’t love is the spritzer. It’s not the finest mist and sometimes you get a sudden harsh spray. I suggest holding this as far away from your face as possible before spraying. These products are unfortunately not available from local stores but can be purchased from importers. I picked these up from @muse.sa (at Durban, KwaZulu-Natal) https://www.instagram.com/p/ByNJylwJg7U/?igshid=1xjvuzfni52sz

[aarthim]

Two really great, affordable products that I have tried, tested and recommend. The Primer Infused Bronzer in Forever Sunkissed is a very subtle shade and can be built up on the skin. However, this particular shade wouldn’t work on deeper skin tones. The bronzer applies and wears well through the day. There is no patchiness and it does stay in place. The Dewy Setting Mist has a coconut scent and is said to be a dupe for the Tacha Setting Spray. Although I always set my makeup with powder to keep everything locked in place, using a dewy or illuminating setting spray has become one of my favorite steps in my makeup routine. I am loving the glow that this gives my skin and helps makeup become one with the skin. Also, highlighter applied over this really pops! The one aspect I don’t love is the spritzer. It’s not the finest mist and sometimes you get a sudden harsh spray. I suggest holding this as far away from your face as possible before spraying. These products are unfortunately not available from local stores but can be purchased from importers. I picked these up from @muse.sa (at Durban, KwaZulu-Natal) https://www.instagram.com/p/ByNJVSzJqIy/?igshid=93wbxxmuvovb

[aarthim]

Two really great, affordable products that I have tried, tested and recommend. The Primer Infused Bronzer in Forever Sunkissed is a very subtle shade and can be built up on the skin. However, this particular shade wouldn’t work on deeper skin tones. The bronzer applies and wears well through the day. There is no patchiness and it does stay in place. The Dewy Setting Mist has a coconut scent and is said to be a dupe for the Tacha Setting Spray. Although I always set my makeup with powder to keep everything locked in place, using a dewy or illuminating setting spray has become one of my favorite steps in my makeup routine. I am loving the glow that this gives my skin and helps makeup become one with the skin. Also, highlighter applied over this really pops! The one aspect I don’t love is the spritzer. It’s not the finest mist and sometimes you get a sudden harsh spray. I suggest holding this as far away from your face as possible before spraying. These products are unfortunately not available from local stores but can be purchased from importers. I picked these up from @muse.sa (at Durban, KwaZulu-Natal) https://www.instagram.com/p/ByNJVSzJqIy/?igshid=93wbxxmuvovb

[aarthim]

41 years old today! That scares and excites me at the same time. I look back on my younger self and remember fondly the wonderful years of my teens and early twenties. It was a time I worked like a demon to achieve my undergrad and masters degrees. I think back on the heartaches and how I felt that the pressures at that time were just overwhelming. My heart is filled with love as I remember my thirties which were the years I focused on building my consulting firm and I had my two insanely beautiful children who are my heart and soul. My 30’s was also a time that I decided to follow my passion for the beauty industry. In my thirties I was also broken and brought to my knees. It was the hardest time of my life but I worked hard every day to pick myself up and to define myself by my own standard. I would write my own story and be that person who my children would know was not going to lie down and die. I’m still here, I’m still standing and I’m still fighting. My message to you is to believe in yourself, believe in your passion and your dreams. It will need you to do the work but if you’re determined enough, if you believe enough, you will make it happen. It’s always been inside you! With all my love and gratitude - Aarthi 💋 (at Durban, KwaZulu-Natal) https://www.instagram.com/p/ByJA_OVJ0m8/?igshid=k7eeevwp4cux