Love of the week: MAC Girl About Town Lipstick

Yes, my obsession with bright lips continues. I am shocked really since I have been a neutral gal for so long.. It's a gorgeous blue based fuschia pink. I line my lips with NYX Fuschia lip liner, fill them in with Girl About Town, and then blot. I like wearing my bold lips as a stain/matte. It really brightens my face. It's a MUST HAVE for Indian NC40-44 skintones

Love of the week: NYX Fuchsia lipliner with MAC Russian Red

Yes, I know I am obsessed with bold lips. Loving this combination:

Love of the week: Mixing MAC Russian Red and MUFE #11

I applied a layer of MAC Russian Red, with MUFE #11 on top = gorge!! Perfect color for Fall.

Love of the week: MAC Russian Red

I am so happy! I have finally found a red that I adore!! Introducing you to MAC Russian Red. If you are NC40-42, Indian skintone, you will love this color. I promise you.

It's an orange based red, matte. I line my lips with MAC Cherry lip liner.

Love of the week: L'occitane Immortelle Precious Cream

Hi everyone

I have normal to dry skin, more dry than normal. I am always on the lookout for a heavy moisturizer that is very emollient but not greasy (meaning I want to to sink in and not leave a film). The night time moisturizer that I am loving at the moment is L'occitane Immortelle Precious Cream.

It's freaking expensive at $58.00 for 1.7oz. But I can honestly say that its worth every penny. Let's see what the product claims and if I saw those results:

(from sephora.com) The product claims that in a satisfaction test conducted on 25 women over 4 weeks:
-100% reported that skin felt supple.

EMA says: Hells ya!!

-96% reported that skin felt moisturized, and nourished.

EMA says: Definitely yes.

-84% reported that skin became firmer.

EMA - I did not notice any change in firmness, but then I am in my mid 30s so my skin is not saggy, yet

-80% reported that skin became smoother. 

 EMA - OMG yes!! I kid you not my skin looked smoother overnight.

 

Love of the week: Revlon Coral Glow lipgloss

I am totally loving coral/orange cheeks and lips right now. I think Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Coral Glow is a must have this season!

This is what it looks like on my lips - with no liner, no lipstick..And yes my lips are not that pretty - but I really wanted to share the color with you :)

Love of the week - NYX HD Eyeshadow base

Hi everyone,

Sorry for being MIA for so long. Lots of changes have happened of late - new job, new dog, new house...Seems like I just dont have time for myself anymore.

Anyhoo, I bought NYX HD Eyeshadow base product as a cart filler when I placed my ulta.com order many months ago.  It's one of the best primers I have used so far, and have since then returned my Urban Decay Primer Potion (UDPP)

Ulta sells it for $6.99, but they frequently have sales. I bought it when they had a 20% coupon going on.

The product is a pale yellow but goes on clear. It's serum like and is a little tacky when first applied. You need to give it a min or so to set or else eyeshadow goes on patchy. UDPP in comparision is way too pricey, goes on too thick on my lids and makes then crepey.

What is your favourite eyeshadow primer?

Love of the week - Fay Farm Shea Body Butters..yum!!

As you know I am a sucker for floral smells, and since I have uber dry skin I am always on the lookout for moisturizing creams that are NOT greasy! I am also trying to "go natural" and reducing sulfates and parabens from my products. I tried the following two products from TheFayFarm.com

Shea Body Butter in Lavendar and Cucumber Jasmine.

Ingredients: Shea butter, Cocoa butter, Sunflower & Safflower oils, Coconut oil & Beeswax, fragrance & essential oils.

Sizes: They come in 2 sizes: 4oz ($18) and 1.7oz ($10)

The quality of the shea butter is insanely awesome, and the product just melts as I rub it between my palms. I need only a tiny amount of my entire body. It absorbs instantly, and leaves a lovely sheen, NOT GREASE on my body. The scent is strong, but not overpowering, and lasts for 3-4hrs.

Love of the week: Korres Thyme Honey Mask

Korres Thyme Honey Mask ($29)

This is a god-sent for my dry skin. When I get flakes that the Clarisonic cant get rid of, I use a generous helping for this moisturizing and revitalizing face mask. It's made with natural Thyme Honey.

What it is formulated to do:
Uncover glowing skin the natural way. Real Thyme Honey is rich in antioxidants (to protect the skin from environmental damage and premature aging) and also deeply hydrating. Skin's elasticity is improved while becoming more radiant.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petro-Chemicals
- Phthalates
- GMO
- Triclosan

Love of the week - Too Faced Primed & Poreless Powder

I love setting powders since my foundation has a tendency to slip off my face. I have dry skin, but my sunscreen leaves me a bit greasy.

I have reviewed two setting powders in the past: MUFE HD Microfinish Powder ($30) and Ben Nye Banana Visage Powder ($8). While of the two, the Ben Nye powder is still my favorite and a much cheaper alternative, Ben Nye's powder did not give me a "soft focus" look - you know the "glow-from-within" type look...So I now introduce Too Faced Primed & Poreless Powder ($28). Its the perfect combination of the MUFE and Ben Nye powder.

What it is:A silky, translucent finishing veil that adjusts to any skintone while minimizing the appearance of pores and fine lines.

What it does:
Primed and Poreless Powder contains a high-resolution, reflective powder technology that transforms skin by visually minimizing pores, fine lines, and imperfections for an airbrushed-looking finish. Our weightless powder can be worn alone, or under and over foundation to prep skin, lockdown makeup, and control shine for a complexion-smoothing, flawless finish.

What else you need to know:
Achieve perfect results using the new Powder Pouf Brush created specifically for Primed & Poreless Powder application.

Size: 0.27 oz


When size vs. price is concerned, the Too Face powder costs almost the same as the MUFE powder, but Too Faced as a slightly yellow tinge so it does not leave a white cast that MUFE does (it's easy to over apply setting powders). Since Too Faced has some "reflective" properties, it gives a beautiful airbrushed look that MUFE and Ben Nye dont provides. The reflective particles are super super finely milled - so no glitter/shimmer AT ALL!! It's my new favorite setting powder.



Oh and btw, I don't need an eyeshadow primer anymore, since the Too Faced powder sets my MAC paint pot  (I use the color Layin Low) beautifully.

What brushes I use to apply setting powders:

You have a choice of the following brushes
[1] ELF complexion brush ($3)
[2] MAC 134 (most expensive option, $52)
[3] Sephora #50 powder brush ($38)
[4] ELF Powder puff (cheapest option, $1)

I personally prefer a flat paddle powder brush (like [1] and [2]) rather than a puff.

Hope this helps! What is your favorite setting powder?

Love of the week - charm necklace from Charlotte Rousse

I picked up this beautiful charm necklace from Charlotte Rousse for approx. $8. Its so pretty and feminine!

Love of the week: Ben Nye Banana Visage Powder

In my previous posts, here, and here too, I raved about the MUFE HD Microfinish Powder to set my foundation.

Since then I have also tried the MAC Mineralized Skin Finish Natural (MSF) in Medium Dark to set it. I did not like the MAC one too much, a bit too dark for me. A shade lighter, Medium Deep, is too light for me.

Anyway, so I found a store by my place that sells Ben Nye stuff and I tried their Banana Visage Powder, and O.M.G!!! You guys, the Ben Nye powder is freaking awesome!! It's softer and finer than the MUFE HD powder. Since it has a pale yellow color, it does not leave an ashy look. MUFE HD can be ashy if you over apply by mistake.

I got the Ben Nye 1.5oz shaker bottle for $8. So, 0.35oz of Ben Nye costs $1.8
Now let's compare the price to the MUFE HD, the bottle size is 0.35 oz and costs $30.
$1.8 vs. $30....I am so sold:):)

BTW, the Ben Nye powder comes in 3oz size as well, I dont know how much it costs. The 1.5oz bottle will last me foreverrrr.

Give this a shot....You will love it!!

Love of the week: Pink Soap Artist Brush Cleaner

I love makeup, but I hate washing my brushes!! Especially my foundation and gel liner brushes. I heard about Pink Soap Artist Brush Cleaner on youtube and I thought I would give it a try. I bought it for $8ish from Micheals.



How to use it?
Work a little Pink Soap into the bristles of the brush, and rinse. Repeat this until the soap stays pink. You can then be sure that your brush is clean and safe to put away.

Verdict? A+
My brushes has never felt so soft!!! And I have never seen my MAC brush bristles look so white. I am hooked and I highly recommend this product.

Remember Michaels frequently has a 40% off coupon.

Love of the week: MAC Ladyblush and Bobbi Brown Powder Pink blushes

Hi All

I actually have two blushes that I am LOVING at the moment. Both of these are my "I-dont-have-time-to-coordinate"/"getting-late-for-work"/"work-appropriate" blushes. Plus I am suffering from dry skin this winter so I am leaning towards cream blushes.

[1] MAC Ladyblush Blushcreme (US $18.50) Color: Demure cool pink flush

From maccosmetics.com "Luxuriously soft and creamy, this cream blush tenderly flushes the cheeks or brings them into full-blown rosy bloom. Blends well; layers exquisitely. Gives a vibrant, dewy fresh, slightly shiny look to the cheeks. Apply with a brush or fingers."

I am totally attest for the vibrant, dewy look!


[2] Bobbi Brown Powder Pink Pot Rouge (US $22.00) Color: Light Pink

From bobbibrown.com "This cream-based formula is great on both lips and cheeks for a sheer, stained finish. Available in a wide array of color choices for a variety of skin tones. For All Skin Types. Creamy and easy to blend - pat on lips and cheeks for a beachy pop of color. Beauty Bonus: Makes an equally beautiful lip color."

Here is a link to the swatch, and also swatches of my other BB pot rouges

Love of the week: Jemma Kidd Dewy Glow All Over Radiance Creme

I am always searching for products that give me a luminous effect. I love using the Revlon Skinlights, NARS Albatross, MAC Vanilla and Melon pigments for this, but I was looking for something to give me a soft "candlelight-from-within" kind of a look that I could wear to work.
- NARS Albatross from the list above is the only product that gives me a soft glow and has no glitter.
- MAC Vanilla has no glitter either, but is too intense for daytime
- MAC Melon has some shimmer
- Revlon Skinlights unfortunately also has some shimmer (my boss pointed this out to me..yikes!!)

Then I discovered the Jemma Kidd Dewy Glow All Over Radiance Creme.



It gave me a lovely peach glow without enlarging my pores, and as far as I can tell it is super finely milled, so you dont get shimmer/glitter residue on your face. According to Jemma Kidd "This light-diffusing crème can be used all-over for a lustrous finish, for use under or over foundation or on bare skin. With added moisturising jojoba and sun filters to help protect the skin. "

It retails for around $30-$32.

Ingredients: Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Diethylhexyl Adipate, Dimethicone, Mica, Polyethylene, Candelilla Cera (Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax), Talc, Silica, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Cera Microcristillina (Microcrystalline Wax), Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Octyldodecanol, Nylon-12, Simmonsia Chinensis (Simmonsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil), Oryza Sativa (Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil), Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Cholesteryl Hydroxystearate, Methylparaben, Propyl Paraben, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Citric Acid. May Contain/Peut Contenir [+/- CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 77007 (Ultramarines)].

Love of the week: Givenchy Magic Kajal Eye Pencil

I love my Stila Kajal in Onyx and MAC Feline kohl, but I was looking for a fat kohl pencil. I have fallen head over heel Givenchy Magic Kajal Eye Pencil.

It's super dark, goes on the waterline line a dream!! It does tend to smudge a bit, like all kohls do. To prevent that set the kohl below the waterline with a dark matte black eyeshadow, like MAC Carbon or NYX Black single eyeshadow. I highly recommend trying this product out! It's brillant for creating a smoky eye super quickly.

What it does:
Givenchy Magic Kajal Eye Pencil reveals the beauty of eyes with a very intense carbon black shade to apply around the inner rim of the eyelides. Inspired by the kajal used by Indian women, the pencil contains wax and oil—making the texture creamy and generous. The formula is enriched with vitamin E for a smooth application and is long-lasting—allowing your dark, eye-catching look to last all day.

Love of the week - Cetaphil Cleansers

Cetaphil sells two types of cleansers.

[1] Daily Facial Cleanser: Great for normal-oily skin. I actually have dry skin and I use it everyday to remove my makeup. Love it!!


Ingredients: Water, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Copolymer, Glycerin, PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Butylene Glycol, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Phenoxyethanol, Masking Fragrance, Panthenol, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Disodium EDTA, Methylparaben.



[2] Gentle Skin Cleanser: Cetaphil recommends this one for folks with dry skin. I love to use this with my Clarisonic Brush for a nice exfoliation every weekend.



Ingredients: Water, Cetyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Stearyl Alcohol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben.

Love of the week: CoverGirl Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner

I think I have found a decent dupe of the Stila Kajal in Oynx (Permanent) and the MAC Kohl in Feline (Limited edition). Drum roll please.......................its the CoverGirl Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner in Black Onyx! I think I bought it for $5-6 USD.

I actually used up the entire eyeliner before writing this review, so I guess that proves that I really liked it:) It not as creamy as the Stila and MAC, and not as black either, but its the closest that I have found. In fact it's formula is just perfect for waterliner, since it does not smudge under the eye (MAC Feline gives me racoon eyes!)

Try it and let me know what you think.

Love of the week - Stacked Bangles

I simply adore these stacked bangles in gold called "Cara Accessories Bangle Set". I saw at Nordstorm and they retail for $58. I think this is just crazy pricey. I will try to track down something similar on my trip to India.

If I have any readers from India, have you seen something similar?

Love of the week: Laura Mercier Smokey Smoky Eye Liner Brush

Do you want to smoke out your waterline? But you can never get the color to be as close to the waterline as possible? Did you buy MAC 219 thinking you can do both the above and failed? If you have answered yes to all the above, then Laura Mercier Smokey Smoky Eye Liner Brush is what you are looking for.

It retails for $29, and its the best $29 I have ever spent in a while....

Do you see how sharp the tip is compared to MAC 219? Ah smokey out the waterline is such a joy now:)