Makeup Discourse

I am finicky when it comes to hygiene, makeup organisation and anybody touching my makeup for two reasons:  hygiene & longevity!

And to be honest I do not abide by the regular discarding rules that I often read on Pinterest or in magazines. I have been extra concerned with my makeup since I started stockpiling on requisite products.

I will lose my mind, If I am made to discard a high-end lipstick merely after few uses. I am not only sharing how to sanitize and when to discard makeup but also how you can get best out of the money you've invested. [Right, there I said it.:D]

But before everything else, I would like to mention that I never touch up makeup (ever) except for lip balm. And if I would, I'd keep a separate compact/lipstick in my bag that has to be sanitised every weekend. The nuisance I create definitely puts everyone off but who cares, I save some zits there, you see?

1] Store Your Makeup in Cool and Dry/Dark Place

Opaque Makeup Drawers are ideals for storage, since light exposure can alter the

texture/colour/consistency. When I say Cool place, I don't mean refrigerator. And away from humidity. Humidity is the real reason why fungus develops on oil-based makeup products. Avoid direct sunlight on your vanity, if you use clear or open storage make sure you keep them covered.

2] Shelf Life (SL) and Period After Opening (PAO) 

SL is often mentioned on the package in bold and is well-known. Some brands also display PAO on the bottom of the product. Indian brands or certain brands sold in India do not label PAO symbols, for instance, I have attached a picture of Maybelline Lip Polish with the missing PAO.

3] Sanitizing Makeup Every Month

I am a finicky and no amount of sanitising would ever convince me. But once in a month, I take out all my makeup to disinfect them, have a small talk over teatime and, of course, put them to sleep with a lullaby. =) Sometimes, I go overboard and disinfect the inner rims, outer package and clean all the fallouts and make them shiny new.

For instance, If I am running out of time, I would just sanitise the makeup I have used in past few weeks. I keep them rolling till I am bored.

4] Using Q-tips, Spatulas and Lipgloss Wands to Extend the Life of Your Makeup

When I got hold of my 10-15 liquid lipsticks, I made sure I refrain from using the wand directly on my lips. So, I got these disposable wands to apply the lipcreams and liquid lipsticks so that I get the liberty to stretch the PAO of my liquid lipsticks. Also I use Q-tips or spatulas to take out moisturisers, scrubs or anything with tub packaging. [ I saved all those Barbie pink spoons I got from Baskin-Robbins :D]

5] Do Not Keep Your Products Exposed For Too Long

Even if you have been taking all the measures of not letting any aliens in your makeup, if you are keeping them open and exposed for too long that could just impair the taken measures. At times (not always), I disinfect the pumps of foundations ( hello! you dirty MAC match master mouth! *. *) with a sanitising wipe to just get better sleep at night. *rolls eyes*

That is one of the things that drive me insane: dirty pumps without caps.

6] For Cream Products and Concealers with Wands 

I personally avoid buying cream based face products because they should be tossed within 12 months (if unmentioned on the package), making sure that you don't dip–undip unclean brushes doing rounds from your cheeks to pan. Concealers with wands are probably time-saving but the wand is unhygienic. It is better to discard such products after 6 months of PAO. And if you'd be covering zits or blemishes, it is always great to use a brush.

I think I have covered all my significant actions into a blogpost, but I still have a few things I'd like to mention—the products that I discard on time are mascara and eyeliner. Infested or spoiled mascara/eyeliner can lead to stye or infection. Rest all the liquid makeup product's usage can be stretched until the texture changes/oxidises/alters.

How to Sanitize Lipsticks:

Dip the bullet (only the bulbous part that comes in contact with the lips) into Dr Spirit and then wipe away on clean tissue.You can also sanitise your lip pencils.

How to Sanitize Compact Powders/Blushes:

Transfer rubbing alcohol/Dr Spirit into a spray bottle and spray some alcohol on the surface. Wait for the surface to dry and then brush off the upper layer with a clean brush.

Following these certainly does take a lot of effort and you don't have to the rigid follow rules, if you look after your makeup.

Forest Essentials Light Day Lotion Indian Rose & Marigold has accustomed itself on my tabletop. The only moisturizer I have loved during summer and I am eking out. You should know why!

I got hold of this in December but it did nothing, absolutely nothing for my dry skin. So I resumed using this in spring/summer. You can check my Forest Essential Haul here.

It has been more than three months, I have been using this exclusively after cleansing my face in the morning and just one pump. And I am still left with moisturizer that would last me for another month.

Forest Essential claims this to be an authentic Ayurvedic formulation and Ayurvedic name mentioned on the packaging is Taruni.

Taruni is native botanical name for Rose but Taruni also means New, perhaps renewal with reference to the product.

The factual reason I chose this variant is because of the Pitta dosha being dominant. My facial skin turns red especially my nose and cheeks with excess Pitta.

There's whole earnestness with Ayurveda, You can check or read Basic Principles Of Ayurveda by Bhagwan Dash if you will.




I am using this exclusively as a Day-time moisturizer and at times, I layer my regular sunblock for maximum protection. The texture is a cross between thick cream and a lotion, spreads and absorbs effortlessly. The pump is in compliance with the texture of the lotion and dispenses the right amount without any mayhem around the pump.
The lotions does not leave any oil residue, just a subtle glow on the oily areas of my face.
As per the claims, I did not notice any skin lightening, brightening or renewal with 3 months of usage. But it did gradually countered my redness and kept my skin hydrated during the day.
To condense down in one sentence, This is just regular lotion that hydrates and balances the eruptions/redness with imbalance in Pitta dosha.



Ingredients Analysis:
The main ingredients of Forest Essentials Light Day Lotion Indian Rose & Marigold are Almond Oil & Wheatgerm oil. I was delighted to read Sweet Almond oil listed as main ingredient with Wheatgerm Oil. Almond Oil repairs the damaged collagen layers due to oxidative stress and is one of the most potent anti-oxidant. Wheatgerm oil increases collagen production and repair the DNA.

Mulberry Extract contains Arbutin ( a form of Hydroquinone ) used in skin lightening. Jojoba Oil  is a natural emollient which prevents irritations, rough skin, it also hydrates and repairs the epidermis.
Rice Bran Oil is rich in Phytic acid which stimulates circulation and cell growth while revealing brighter skin. Ashwagandha Root Extract stimulates collagen production while increasing elasticity in the skin. Gokharu Seed Extract is known to improve skin texture.
Kokum Butter, a natural emollient moisturizes and rejuvenates. Beeswax is an emollient and skin softener that helps maintain a smooth skin texture. Vitamin E is a potent anti-aging moisturizer and damaging free radicals neutralizer. Rose Oil is known for its calming and anti-bacterial properties which soothes redness and irritation. Marigold Flower Extract is an anti-inflammatory antioxidant which heals and slows down aging, known as an effective treatment for acne.

Price: 1750 INR for 40ml
Cruelty-Free Status: Cruelty-Free but not Vegan (contains Beeswax)

Recommendation: This is not really an essential in my daily routine. This works fine with hydrating and makes a fine base for my powder foundation. But it does not really work for all the claims of brightening, lightening or even healing. It definitely is way too pricey for just a regular moisturizer. I won't repurchase though I love how it reduces my redness.

The factual reason I prefer Physicians Formula Healthy Wear  Powder Foundation over any other  Powder foundation is SPF 50, alone.

Physicians Formula claims the product to be Fragrance-free, Non-irritating, Paraben free, Non-Comedogenic, Hypoallergenic, Oil-free and Dermatologist approved

This Powder Foundation is a windfall for me this summer. The texture is powdery and I detest fallout, I use Real Techniques Powder brush and buff onto my skin and layer the fallout over the buffed powder. The coverage is translucent, even though it covers redness around my nose and evens out my skin tone. The powder is hydrating and does not look cakey upon layering or accentuate dry skin.

Though it states that the Foundation is mineral based, I don't notice the illumination mineral foundation results. At times, this does look flat matte.

Physicians Formula Healthy Wear  Powder Foundation has been discontinued. I think I could use this all seasons round. This is my absolute favourite and summer essential.

For most of the days when I am out between 11-5, I top this on Vichy and I am ready to step out.
This alone does not provide enough sun protection, I use it to mattify the shiny sunblock residue.
Talc is the first ingredient listed with Dimethicone (a silicone), a pore clogging ingredient.

I am a touch-up shy, I dislike touching up my makeup or sunblock. I would like a powder/dry sunscreen in a brush, say Brush on Sunscreen. So I could just brush on some dry sunscreen to protect and mattify in one go. =D

Is Physicians Formula Healthy Wear Powder Foundation Cruelty-Free? Yes

Repurchase: It is discontinued. Maybe a different variant.

Liquid Lipsticks carry my strongest interest when it comes to lipsticks. I have a drawer full of them and no amount could suffice my inordinate desire for them. This post is an abridgement of all Cruelty-Free Matte Liquid Lipsticks in one.

the Balm Meet Matt(e) Hughes Long-Lasting Liquid Lipstick ($17.00)
Available in 12 shades
Paraben Free

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream ($6.00)

Available in 34 shades
Cruelty-Free but not Vegan

Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick ($20.00)Available in 21 shades

Cruelty-Free but not Vegan

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick ($18.00)

Available in 23 shades

Vegan. Paraben and Gluten Free

NYX Liquid Suede Lipstick ($7.00)

Available in 24 shades

Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick ($28.00)

Available in 9 shades

Vegan. Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates and Fragrance Free.

Colourpop Ultra Matte Liquid Lipstick ($5.00) [Review HERE]

Available in 47 shades

Also available in Ultra Satin Liquid Lipstick ($5.00) in 16 shades

Vegan. Sulphates and Paraben Free

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick ($20.00)

Available in 28 shades

Vegan. Paraben Free

Ofra Cosmetics Liquid Lipstick ($19.90)

Available in 48 shades

Too Faced Melted Matte Lipstick ($21.00)

Available in 17 shades

Vegan. Paraben Free

Gerard Cosmetics Hydra-Matte Liquid Lipstick ($20.00)

Available in 15 shades

Gluten Free

Ciate London Liquid Velvet Moisturizing Matte Lipstick ($19.00)Available in 13 shades

Parabens, Sulfates & Phthalates Free

Sweat Stains

For light to moderate sweating, these are ideal. These absorb underarm sweat and prevent Sweat stains.

I use Panty liners underneath almost anything with sleeves to avoid those sweat marks. Works great, make sure you find the soft ones. OR You can find Sweat pads online.

Oily, Sweaty Scalp

I shampoo every alternate day, though my hair turns dull and flat in just about a day. I spray Dry Shampoo or Baby powder before going to bed. I make sure, I keep them untied. So when I wake up next morning, I massage the powder/dry shampoo in circular motion and voila! VOLUME.
For Extra-Voluminous mane, I mix in Batiste XXXL with Baby powder and dust evenly on scalp.
I avoid blow drying since blow drying invites more sweat.

Body/Sweat Odour

How do I keep off body odour/sweat odour without using an Antiperspirant Deodorant?
This is exclusively for masking the unpleasant sweat smell. This does not prevent sweating or clog pores, but instead mildly exfoliates when you wash off in shower.

I grind Alum powder to the finest I can and store into a jar. After shower I take a pinch of the powder and rub on the areas I tend to sweat more. [Credits to a blogger friend]

If you cannot find Alum powder or are lazy enough, Baking Soda works just the same. I am testing a DIY Deodorant as well check back soon!

Taming Fly aways and Baby Hair
I don't have much of baby hair, a few here and there extremely close to the hairline.

I don't like using hair wax to tame them. I simply use a clean mascara wand, spray on some Hair holding spray and brush them in the direction I want. And sometimes, I just tame them with Clear Brow gel. Works just fine for me.

Staying Fresh all day

When I did not use EDTs or EDPs, I did follow this. And I still do. Essential oils are vital part of my Hair care. I use Hair rinses with Peppermint, Rosemary & Lavender to keep my scalp feeling fresh till next wash. And the best part, the more heat your hair accumulates, the more fragrance these oils release.

These rinses promote hair growth as well.
For Face mist: I prefer Peppermint, Tea tree and Sandalwood in 1:3:3 ratio in 100ml spray bottle.
Either Distilled/Mineral or Rose water with a drop of Vit. E oil. Great alternative to store bought Face Mists.
As Fragrance: I apply Rose Essential oil Or Jasmine on pulse points over Vaseline. These are multitasking, for balancing your mind, increasing memory. I use Vetiver Essential oil for boosting memory.
I think I cannot picture my shelves without these.



Blotting Sweat and Sebum
I have used and  despised The Body Shop Tea Tree Blotting Sheets (trashed it before I could use them all). I never repurchased Blotting sheets ever, instead I discovered an inexpensive alternative to them.
I always carry Facial Tissues (two whole packs) in my bag and pat sweat especially on hair line and under eyes. I dust the same tissues with Translucent Powder and when I pat, it absorbs oil and sweat exclusively. I cut them into squares so these Translucent Powder dusted Tissues are easier to carry around in an empty case.

I am compiling a post of Makeup Hacks since November 2014, lying around in my drafts. Its about time...