rubybox Beauty Night Out Cape Town

Last Friday, I attended rubybox Beauty Night Out...and almost didn't leave. It was SO MUCH fun. I've been in a little bubble since the event, hence this delayed post.

After all my "outfit drama" last week, I bought an infinity dress at Phoenix Wardrobe in Canal Walk...on Friday...after 4pm. The store owner, Jehan, was super helpful and accommodating. I redid the damn thing thrice before settling on the "most covering option", as it was so damn cold in Cape Town.

On stepping into the Mount Nelson Ballroom, everything was so pretty (including the people) and so well organized, that it was confusing. I was presented with all these options: Cocktails, wine, build-a-box, makeup, hair, manicures, a lot of friendly faces. So many options, where to go first?

I also realized that I suck at taking photos, but in my defence, I borrowed someone else's camera for the night and the flash was blinding...to those I was taking pictures of and to those who looked at the pictures. *hangs head in shame.* I'm sorry. Luckily, many others took pictures, and as soon as I find 'em all I'll link to it. You can check out the rest on the rubybox Facebook page, in the meantime.

My first stop was at Stila, to get a nice face for the night. I have to admit, I'm not the most relaxed person when it comes to having makeup and hair done. I've had some disasters where the results were just not what I expected. In a bad way. I'm sure we could all relate. On the other hand, I also like to "try new things" and sometimes you just have to let the professionals do their thing, and you may be very pleasantly surprised. As was the case at Beauty Night Out. Sonya (hope I got the spelling right) knew exactly what she was going for - "big bold eyes", something I don't really do. It looked way more dramatic sitting in her chair (and in person) but it photographed really well. She also coated a few of my lashes with blue liquid liner, which I LOVED. And am now officially obsessed with blue mascara. I also discovered some new makeup gems from Stila, including their Stay All Day Foundation and Concealer. It's really nice. Light-medium coverage that feels like nothing on your skin. And it really stays put. I also have a new-found LOVE for their Baked Cheek Duo in Pink Glow. I'm not crazy about shimmery blushes, because often when you want to layer the colour, the shimmer is inescapable and you could look a little too disco. The Baked Cheek Duo, however, was perfectly balanced and I looked warm and radiant. Thanks, Sonya (and Stila).

I know, duck-facing like a chop, but it's the only pic where you can see the blue in my lashes. And you JUST HAD TO see the blue in my lashes.

The next stop was at Scar to get my hurrr did. I was greeted by Jodi, who was super friendly and helpful, and full of ideas on how to style my hair for the night. She has amazing hair. The kind of hair you just want to touch and flip and twirl. Sigh. The Scar lovelies eventually decided on straight and sleek hair, all down, with a middle parting. I don't do middle partings. I think it looks funny with my super sexy widow's peak and chubby cheeks, but Leandi (hair stylist) totally proved me wrong. She made magic. And it didn't look funny. I'm totally popping into Scar soon. Maybe their magical hair powers are transferable...? Thanks, Leandi and Jodi.

I completely lost it a little bit that night because I got to meet beauty LEGENDS that night: Margaux Knuppe, co-founder and director of rubybox (unfortunately lost my Margaux pics - stupid BlackBerry) and Leigh van den Berg from Lipgloss is my Life. If you're not familiar with lipglossismylife.com yet, get over there and subscribe, because it's one of the best beauty blogs you will find in your lifetime. Leigh knows her stuff and keeps it real. She's also super entertaining. You may have seen my tweet about how I squealed like a loser when I saw Leigh. Only slightly embarrassed. She was in a "bit of a rush" as she was off to do a "restaurant review" (read: run and hide from this crazy chick) so we didn't get to chat much. Shame, she didn't even get to Build-A-Box, even though I offered to help her as she didn't have much time (clearly can't take a hint.) Yeah, I offered to help her build her box. I'm crazy helpful, sometimes. Ha. Anyway, it was lovely meeting her and she is even prettier/hotter/cuter and more beautiful in person. With a killer sense of humour, too. And super soft hair. I got to put all of 5 strands back in their place before we took a "piccie" together, because that's what friends do. :-P

Can. You. Even. Deal. How cute, we matched. Kinda.

Later that evening, the RUBYROYAL finalists were called up on stage, and the announcement of the official RUBYROYALS was to be made.

And...

Jennifer, Lauren, moi, Kwena, Simônè, Adel, Chante and Farzaanah. Why didn't anyone fix my hair, here? Do I have no friends?

We're ALL RUBYROYALS. Yay! Congrats to all the other ladies and I look forward to working with them all. I'll do a follow-up post about our breakfast that took place the next day and about all these amazing individuals, and their blogs/vlogs. GO TEAM!

Just before the announcement and giveaways, we straight up attacked the photo booth:

Me, Lauren and Simônè

I don't know, clearly watched one too many girl-kicking-ass movies.

The way Lauren and Simônè rock these hats...

My favourite pic. How freakin' cool is that giant comb? And yes, I totally sanitized it before letting it touch my hair for all of 3 seconds. Wet wipes are the business. And so is blue mascara. Also, I want those Minnie ears.

I may have a thing for play-guns and pretend-shooting people...in the head.

Simônè thought she could get me with her hand-gun, but I saw it before the picture-taking-countdown was finished, and quickly changed gun-position. Ha! Gotcha!

And then I got her again. She was obvs not expecting it.

And then I just had enough. But not before she cast a spell on me. :-P

She promised to come back in December and school me on selfies. 

Thanks, Rubies, for a wonderful night. I look forward to the RUBYROYAL journey and experience.

Miss B

P.s. Johannesburg, Beauty Night Out is heading your way in November. Click HERE and "join" or mark that you're going for updates and info. It's totally worth it.

xxx