May 2012

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Thursday, May 31, 2012

One Lovely Blog Award!

My dear friend Demi from http://www.beautyandthemist.com has given me another blog award. It is the 'One Lovely Blog Award'
This is such a nice end to an otherwise weird day - have been really really sick since afternoon and this has just lifted up my mood!
Thank you so much Demi.
All of you who haven't yet seen her blog please do visit - she has some really nice posts out there!



I pass on this award to Ritu from http://theduskyindianbeauty.blogspot.in/

Corallista MAC Retro International Giveaway

Corallista is giving away a really nice MAC lipstick - shade Retro.
I have never tried a MAC lipper before so I am taking part.
Its a rafflecopter based giveaway - to enter click here 

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

White Tone Face Powder - Review

Cute packaging always attracts me and that was the reason why I thought of giving the White Tone Face Powder a try.

White Tone face powder claims at making you fairer - read 'clown'! Yes if you go by the actual claim and apply it to your face you will look like a clown with the powder sitting on your face. But, this cute little beauty has such a nice fragrance that I adore it like anything!
White Tone Face Powder
White Tone Face Powder
The powder comes in a pink plastic flip top pack. The one I have is the smallest packing and hence its really cute. The powder itself is very fine in texture and can actually be applied to the face. But the trick is to use a buffing brush and buff buff buff till the whiteness is gone and you are left with a gentle veil on your face that does make it appear brighter. This did not break me out but the brightness on the face does not last long. It will help minimize oiliness for an hour or two depending on the weather conditions.
White Tone Face Powder
White Tone Face Powder
Dry skin beauties - don't even think of trying this - talc on your face is going to make it drier and patchier. But oily skinned ladies can surely give it a try specially if you are fond of floral fragrances.
White Tone Face Powder
White Tone Face Powder - swatch
My pack sits on my bathroom shelf - I use it occasionally on my face when the whether is too hot. Generally though I just use it like a regular body talc for the fragrance

Details at a glance:
Packaging: very cute plastic packaging
Texture    : very fine powder
Fragrance : floral
Price        : Rs. 50 (approx) for 30gm

What I like:
Fragrance

What I don't like:
The whole idea of a talc for the 'whitening' the face is a bit weird
Explore the Hottest Spring Beauty Trends

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Water Marbling Nail Art - Tutorial

Yes water marbling - can you believe it - a nail art technique using water! When I was browsing through the China Glaze website I saw this tutorial and it looked so awesome I just had to give it a try.
Here is a picture taken from the web showing a neat and clean version of the water marbling nail art.
Picture courtesy: www.makeuptalk.com
So even though my first attempt results are not that awesome I will surely share the step by step tutorial on how to do this sort of nail art.
Water Marbling
Water Marbling - finished result
What all you will need -
1. A small bowl of water (water should be at room temperature - this is very important)
2. Your favourite nail paints (at least two different colours)
3. A toothpick or some thin stick (preferably wooden)
4. Nail polish remover
5. Ear buds
Water Marbling
Water Marbling
So here we go. Start off by putting some water in a bowl. Make sure the water is at room temperature.

Now take a nail paint, dip the brush in the nail paint and don't wipe off any extra. Put a drop of the nail paint in the centre of the bowl of water. It will slowly start to smear on top of the water.
Water Marbling - step 1
Water Marbling - STEP 1
Repeat this with the next colour putting the drop in the middle of the existing drop of colour. Keep repeating this till you have concentric circles of different colours. You can create any combination of colours depending upon your imagination. I played it safe with only coral and white nail paint. And as you will notice my design ended up towards one edge of the bowl and was in no way circular!
Nail paint tends to dry fast on the surface of water so think of your design before hand and do the  above step very very quickly.
Water Marbling - step 2
Water Marbling - STEP 2
Nail paint will settle in the form of a light skin on top of the water. Now take the tip of the tooth pick and gently pull the colour in any direction. From the centre towards the edge of the bowl gives a nice pattern.
Water Marbling - step 3
Water Marbling - STEP 3
Don't pull too hard or you'll end up with all the nail paint on the toothpick itself. Once you have created some pattern using the toothpick, gently dip your finger (nail side down) onto the surface of water with the nail paint. The skin of the nail paint on the water will stick to your nail and also to your finger. Use the toothpick to steer unwanted nail paint away from your finger. Look in the image how the stretchy surface is seen on the water - that is the nail paint skin trying to stick to my finger nail.
Water Marbling - step 4
Water Marbling - STEP 4
One nail is done. To repeat on the other nails clear the water and start over. Once you are done with all the nails you will have something looking like the  picture below - notice all the extra nail paint on my fingers!
Water Marbling - step 5
Water Marbling - almost done!
Once the nail paint is dry (its almost dry when you take out your finger) take an ear bud dipped in nail polish remover and clean out the mess around your nails. Finally you should have something looking like this:
Water Marbling - final
Water Marbling - done!
I am surely going to try this again making a more predictable pattern in water. I did not create concentric circles hence my design is totally asymmetrical.

Hope you enjoyed reading this and will give it a try. It was real fun for me and the finish comes out nice and smooth. With practise better clean designs are very much possible!

style tip: stick cello-tape around your nails and on the fingers before dipping in the water. This way you will prevent the extra nail paint from sticking to your fingers

Style Craze China Glaze Giveaway - VOTE NOW!


Stylecraze has come up with a contest where if you vote for a china glaze nail colour and the colour gets the highest votes then one voter from the highest voted colour will win that china glaze nail paint.
I voted for Swing Baby

Vote for my favourite colour - SWING BABY - and join the winning colour team :)


Pink Clouds Cute Roses and Roses Giveaway

Pink Clouds along with Roses are Red bring a cute giveaway
It is open to all internationally

Don't forget to take part here Pink Clouds - Roses-and-Roses Giveaway

Monday, May 28, 2012

L'oreal Color Riche - Raspberries - Review


I already reviewed a lipstick from the L’oreal Color Riche range - Blushing Berry. You can check the review here - L'oreal Color Riche - Blushing Berry - Review


As you all know I really like the fact that this lipstick range is really smooth.
It's soft golden beige packaging along with the L’oreal engraved on the lipstick itself. I find these lipsticks very classy.
L'oreal Color Riche - Raspberries
Today I am reviewing the shade 231 - Raspberries. 
This is a lovely deep mehroon shade - deep yet soft - not an over the top dark shade. This one has better staying power than Blushing Berry - I think mainly due to the darker shade. The shade is apt for Indian weddings or night parties. It makes the face appear brighter and would draw attention to the more glamorous you!
L'oreal Color Riche - Raspberries
L'oreal Color Riche - Raspberries - swatch
Above is a pic with the swatches - right most swipe is a single swipe and as you can see a single swipe itself look ravishing. The left swatch is a double swipe - the true deep colour!


Below are some more pics of the swatch
L'oreal Color Riche - Raspberries
L'oreal Color Riche - Raspberries - swatch
L'oreal Color Riche - Raspberries
L'oreal Color Riche - Raspberries
This is my current favourite when I am wearing a saree for a night party.
Details at a glance
Packaging     : plastic but a good quality
Pigmentation : highly pigmented
Fragrance      : none
Flavor            : none
Price            : Rs 684

What I like:
1. Moisturization
2. Color range available

3. Suits Indian skin tones very well

What I don't like:
1. Nothing!
Style Tip: apply a single swipe the blot it off nicely with a tissue paper - then layer on your favourite gloss - it will give a lovely look to your lips which you can carry off during the day

Beauty And The Cheaps 100 Follower Giveaway

Some carefully selected products are up for grabs - yes Beauty And The Cheap is hosting a 100 follower giveaway - the giveaway is open to everyone and there are some really nice things to be one.


Click this link here beauty-and-cheaps-100-follower-giveaway and participate!

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Sally Hansen Diamond Strength No Chip Nail Colour - Fairy Tale Ivory - Review

Sally Hansen nail paints are really becoming my favourite. The nail paint I am reviewing today is from their Diamond Strength range.
The nail paints from the diamond strength range are no chip nail paints. The colour lasts on your nails for a very long time - it does not chip at all. Even after a week of having this on my nails it only fades off - never chips not even at the edges!

The nail polish comes in a glass bottle with a very cute little diamond stud on it (click on the pic to enlarge it and you will see the shiny diamond stud)
Sally Hansen Diamond Strength
Sally Hansen Diamond Strength
The back label contains details about the nail paint and ingredients - I couldn't capture the back label properly as the shimmer particles would cause the light to reflect off and not give a clean shot.

Sally Hansen Diamond Strength
Sally Hansen Diamond Strength - back label
The shade I have is 02 Fairy Tale Ivory. Its a very pale pink colour with loads of shimmer particles. One coat only leaves the shimmer on your nails and two coats give you the nice soft pink colour to the nails. Nails appear healthier after applying this nail paint. I love how naturally shimmery my nails look after applying Fairy Tale Ivory.
Sally Hansen Diamond Strength - swatch
Sally Hansen Diamond Strength - sparkly nails
Sally Hansen Diamond Strength
I simply love the shade and the longevity of this nail paint. I do want to try out other shades from this range because nothing has lasted longer on my nails as much as the Sally Hansen Diamond Strength.

Details at a glance:
Packaging       : glass bottle with plastic cap - and a diamond stud on the front
Pigmentation  : good
Fragrance       : none
Staying power: long lasting
Price              : Rs. 500 (approx)

What I like:
1. The colour
2. Sparkly Finish
3. No chip - long lasting

What I don't like:
1. Nothing

style tip: apply a thin layer of this nail paint on your other nail polishes as a shimmery top coat - your nail paint will last longer and you can change the shade of your nail paints with the soft pink tinge in this nail paint.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Bathroom Décor From the Neighbourhood Potter

There are many options available these days for keeping your combs and toothrushes etc in the bathroom. But after searching high and low through local markets and top end malls I could not find anything that I liked. And then one day at a small expo of handicrafts I found something that clicked. It was a small pottery shop which displayed artefacts made of clay. The products were for decorating a room or a garden but my imagination went wild - and this is what I bought and turned into options for my bathroom.

A duck shaped flower pot that I use for keeping the combs
Our External World - bathroom

 Bucket shaped pot turned into a moisturiser and other knick knacks.
Our External World - bathroom

Another picture of the bucket - I love the colours of these pots and the brightness they bring to the bathroom
Our External World - bathroom

This is one corner where I have the duck and basket pots and behind them is a pot that I actually use as a flower pot - it has a white rose (artificial)
Our External World - bathroom

Have you guys used something for a completely different purpose than it was originally intended for?

Friday, May 25, 2012

Coloressence Lip Color - Passionate Pink - Review

Who doesn't like getting a little something free with their purchase? I am no different and readily bought a magazine because they had a lipstick for free with their subscription. 
The lipstick is from a brand called Nature's Essence. The products are usually sold online and you would see their offers a lot on tele shopping channels.
Coloressence Passionate Pink
Coloressence Passionate Pink
Coloressence lipstick comes in a simple black packaging - nothing great nothing too bad. (sorry for the oily lipstick case photo - was making breakfast and in between took these snaps!)
The company claims that the lipstick contains coriander and basil extracts and is purely vegetarian. It is also said to have SPF 15.
The lipstick is very moisturising and does not cause my lips to chap. The texture is smooth and creamy but the look it gives is very matte which is something I really like.
Coloressence Passionate Pink
Coloressence Passionate Pink
Passionate Pink is a soft shade - looks like a dark bubble gum pink but is not a loud shade at all. In fact it is apt for day wear and gives a nice neutral pink tone to the lips. It might look loud if you have a darker skin tone but a single swipe can still be applied to replace your moisturising balm.
Coloressence Passionate Pink - swatch
Coloressence Passionate Pink - swatch - single swipe and two swipes
I like to use it during the day for office wear. It imparts a nice pink shade and lasts even after my cup of coffee. When it fades it leaves behind a pink tint (like the single swipe in the picture above). The faded color does not last too long though.

Coloressence Passionate Pink
Coloressence Passionate Pink - swatch
Coloressence Passionate Pink
Coloressence Passionate Pink - label
This I would say is a good yet cheap lipstick. It has not caused me any trouble and I really like the colour.

Details at a glance
Packaging    : simple black plastic
Pigmentation: good - two swipes for the true colour
Texture        : smooth and creamy
Fragrance    : none
Price            : around Rs.125 - these are usually sold in packs of 5 costing Rs.600 (but I got mine with some magazine subscription)

What I like:
  • Matte yet creamy texture
  • Colour
  • Moisturizing
  • Price
What I don't like:
  • Packaging (but for the current price I would say packaging is decent)

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Khadi Moisturising Lotion - Rose - Review

A light moisturising lotion which I have almost finished is the Khadi moisturising lotion in Rose. On my last visit to Khadi Gram Udyog I happened to notice this entire shelf of different products that drew my attention.
I had never tried anything from Khadi Gram Udyog before so sceptically I purchased this moisturiser.
Khadi Moisturising Lotion Rose
Khadi Moisturising Lotion Rose
 The label said nourishing, oil free, replenishes lost skin moisture, and recommended to use the moisturiser after any skin treatment. It also said ayurvedic medicine. The moisturiser is light weight in texture. A very light pink colour and it does have some rose fragrance. The fragrance is not really a nice rose fragrance. It has some medicinal - some talc like fragrance too.
Khadi Moisturising Lotion Rose - swatch
Khadi Moisturising Lotion Rose - swatch
I used this moisturiser for my face but did not like the effect - it did not break me out but I did not like the feeling - it was like a thin layer that I could feel on my face - maybe due to glycerine in the moisturiser. Glycerine does not suit my skin and does settle on my oily skin like a film.
I used it on my arms and legs and tried to finish it up. On arms and legs it felt good. But due to the fragrance which I did not like much I use it occasionally and am finally almost finished with the bottle. The moisturiser  comes in a plastic bottle with a plastic flip cap - nothing interesting here either.
Overall I would say its ok - can be used if you are looking at a cheaper option for daily use in summers.

Details at a glance
Packaging : plastic flip cap bottle
Texture     : very light non greasy
Fragrance : rose but a little medicinal
Price        : Rs. 85 for 210ml (this is a year old price)

What I like:

  • Light weight
  • Non greasy


What I don't like:

  • Creates a light film if used on face (maybe due to glycerine which does not suit my facial skin)
  • Fragrance

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Pink Clouds and Crunchy Fashion Giveaway (India)

Pink clouds has come up with yet another giveaway with Crunchy Fashion for Indian residents.

Its a pretty necklace from Crunchy Fashion that can be won. A rafflecopter entry is required.
Check it out and all the best!Color Me Beautiful Giveaway

Bringing back old memories

I was sitting in my cube in office today and after a long time I noticed the paintings I had put up. These paintings and sketches are old - very old (almost 10 years old).
Since I haven't been doing much with paints lately I thought of sharing what I already have.
Looking at them just brings back sweet old memories, a blank paper, some active imagination, some inspiration and my paints.
Hope you like looking at them!
Taal sketch
Inspiration - Aishwarya in the movie Taal (pencil sketch)

The Gaze - water colours
The Gaze - water colours on paper (random imagination)

Mermaid
Mermaid - water colour on paper (random imagination)

vodafone kid
Vodafone Kid in their old print ads (pencil sketch)

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Maybelline Colorama - dusky - review

It was a tough day today - loads of work and a lot of multi-tasking. My brain is tired of the overwork!

To ease the brain off I decided to paint my nails - a soothing colour - do you also feel relaxed when you are painting your nails or is it just me going bonkers over something as trivial as applying nail polish?

OK now to get to the nail paint - today I applied one of my favourite shades from the Maybelline Colorama range. The shade is called 'dusky' and as the name suggests its a dusky fawn colour that looks very natural and soft on the nails.

One coat can be used but won't last too long (and will fade easily specially near the edges)
Maybelline Colorama - Dusky
Maybelline Colorama - Dusky - single coat
Two coats give the lovely colour to the nails. The company actually claims that this is a 5-day wear nail paint but if you use your hands a lot this won't last long unless you have a top coat. The paint does have a nice glossy finish. The applicator of this nail polish is easy to use and gives a smooth coat of the nail paint.
Maybelline Colorama - Dusky
Maybelline Colorama - Dusky - two coats
Maybelline Colorama - Dusky
Maybelline Colorama - Dusky
 And the final look -
Maybelline Colorama - Dusky
Maybelline Colorama - Dusky - Final look
Details at a glance:
Packaging       : glass bottle with plastic cap 
Pigmentation  : good
Fragrance       : none
Staying power: fades off easily without a top coat
Price              : Rs. 85

What I like:
1. The colour
2. Glossy Finish

What I don't like:
1. Nothing

Monday, May 21, 2012

ELF Total Face Brush - review

No maid for three days has made it very difficult to write up blog posts. But the passion just keeps me drawing towards it.
Today I'll do a quick review - nothing too elaborate to write about either but a tool that has become an essential part of my make-up kit. I am reviewing the ELF total face brush - its an all over face brush which I simply love.
E.L.F. Total Face Brush
E.L.F. Total Face Brush
It comes in a simple packaging as in the image above. The brush has dense bristles - dense enough to pick up the right quantity of the product. They are tapered at the edges to give proper application.
E.L.F. Total Face Brush
E.L.F. Total Face Brush
I use this to apply compact powder, loose powder,and powder blush. The bristles are so soft I love moving it around all over my face :) Sometimes I just brush this all over my face after applying foundation with my hands - it gives a smooth air-brush sort of finish to the face.

Washing the brush is also very easy - I take a small amount of shampoo and lather it on the brush and wash all the products off. Then I lay it flat to dry in the shade. Once dry it is back to its super soft self. This is from the EyesLipsFace cosmetics essential range.

Details at a glance:
Bristles: soft and dense (no breakage seen after 10 washes)
Price: $1 (yup - thats only Rs 55 by the current conversion rate)

One More Liebster Award - this time from Demi

Demi from http://www.beautyandthemist.com gave me a Liebster Award!!!! Yayeee!! This is my third Liebster award and I am so happy :)

Demi is a friend have found through the blogging world. Take a look at all the wonderful work she has done on her blog. I specially like all her eye makeup :)

Thank you Demi for giving me this award!!!!


Rules:

  • Put a link to who gave you the award.
  • Put the award on your post.
  • Choose 5 blogs with under 200 followers to receive the award.
  • Let them know you awarded them.


And I give this award to:
Puja from http://cutenailstudio.blogspot.in/
Shylu from http://prettyprincesspage.blogspot.in/
Vish from http://gleanandpreen.blogspot.in/
Kumkum from http://mumma-world.blogspot.in
The girl from Indian Lacquerade http://indianlacquerade.blogspot.in/

Sunday, May 20, 2012

YSL Teint Singulier Sheer Powdercreme Veil - review

This is my first ever YSL purchase. I had heard very good reviews about the YSL Teint Singulier Sheer Powdercreme Veil foundation. My sister swears by it and is the only foundation she lets near her delicate skin.


This is what the company claims: "The sensuality of a cream foundation that turns into a powder 
This deliciously melt-on-the-skin cream transforms into a powdered veil when you apply it. 
An even, matt finish, smooth second-skin effect, natural looking complexion… this foundation is intended for combination to oily skin and is quite simply unique. 

Ideal for combination to oily skin. "

I made my purchase online when YSL counters had not yet opened up near my place. One mistake (a big blunder I should say) is that I purchased it at least two shades darker than my skin tone :(

But I couldn't let the product go waste - not only because of the money I spent on it but because I was in love with the texture the moment I tested it on the back of my hand.

Lets get to the product now. YSL Teint Singulier Sheer Powdercreme Veil is a super soft foundation. It comes in a small tube with a golden cap. The prominent YSL logo on the front looks really smart. The back side has a small number written at the top - this is the shade number. The Tient Singulier comes in 10 shades. 1 being the lightest and 10 being the darkest. Alternate shade numbers are pink and yellow toned. So while 1 has pink undertones 2 has yellow undertones and so on.
 YSL Teint Singulier Sheer Powdercreme Veil
 YSL Teint Singulier Sheer Powdercreme Veil
 YSL Teint Singulier Sheer Powdercreme Veil - 10
 YSL Teint Singulier Sheer Powdercreme Veil
The  Shade number 10 is a very dark colour. Deep chocolatey brown.

As you can see in the swatch below it is way too dark for my skin when I put a drop of it on my thumb.
 YSL Teint Singulier Sheer Powdercreme Veil - swatch
 YSL Teint Singulier Sheer Powdercreme Veil
 YSL Teint Singulier Sheer Powdercreme Veil  -swatch
 YSL Teint Singulier Sheer Powdercreme Veil
 When I blend it out it still looks a bit dark but not as dark as I would expect it to. It actually blends in very well. But, for a foundation the shade is still too dark for me. I will tell you in a bit as to how I actually use it.
 YSL Teint Singulier Sheer Powdercreme Veil - blended
 YSL Teint Singulier Sheer Powdercreme Veil - blended
 The texture of this foundation is air-soft. True to its name it gives sheer coverage that looks beautifully natural. It is really like putting a gentle veil on your face. Even if you apply two coats of this to the entire face you won't feel a thing. If you have the correct shade it will hide small imperfections and make the face appear smooth with no appearance of any make-up at all. And because it is so gentle on the skin it does not cause any breakouts. In winter I would suggest a light moisturiser beneath this just to give a dewy finish.
My sister has a wheatish skin and shade 6 suite her well. I should have bought that shade too but by mistake I ordered shade 10.

So what do I do with it now - well I use it for contouring the face. Yes, I apply a moisturiser if my face is feeling dry (I normally skip moisturiser), followed by my normal foundation. Sometimes I apply it directly on top of the moisturiser. I dot the YSL Teint Singulier around my temples, under the cheek bones, around my jaw line and on the sides of the nose. Then I blend it with my fingers. This gives the face an appearance of being slimmer. I then apply a light highlighter to the rest of the face and blend everything in. As a full foundation on my face this might not work because it is sheer and I need medium coverage. But for beauties that have better skin this would be a superb add to their kitty.


Details at a glance
Packaging      : plastic tube with a twist cap - small travel friendly
Coverage       : sheer
Texture           : air-smooth - very natural
Fragrance      : none
Price              : Rs 1400 for 40ml (approx price)

What I like:
· Air soft finish
· Does not cause breakouts
· Feels like there is no make-up

What I dont like:
· Nothing