Makeup Discourse

There is this thing about spring; everything is bright bathed in a golden hue. I dislike winter, I find a disparate solace in spring when there is a still winter’s chill in the air bracing the warmth of the spring.
A Transition...


What inspired my eye makeup?

Pastel Wash of Colour
Robustness of a Brown eye shadow
and the periphery of the Black wing eyeliner

I wore this look in the late afternoon when I went to the Lotus counter, and I paired this with a Coral Pink polished lips. The eye shadow and the lipstick complement each other and are somewhat similar. At first I assumed, it would look absurd, but it did not. I used 4 eyeshadows: Ribbon, Pamper, The Mail and Boxed from Sleek Oh so Special.


Here is how I did my Pastel Coral Pink eye makeup:

~ Created a base using NYX eye shadow base in white 
~ Applied and blended Pamper all over the lid for Ribbon as a base lid colour
~Packed Ribbon on the eye lid, use it wet if you find it difficult to apply.
~Blended Boxed into 3/4th of crease from the outer corner of the eye, you can create a ‘V’ if you like
~I blended it well, almost because I wanted the robustness of brown to peek through the colour & application technique.
~I blended the edge of Boxed with a mixture of The Mail and Pamper.
~ Finally I added Bow under the eyebrow.
~ Winged it out keeping the edges sharp as I intended.

Products used to create Pastel Coral Pink Eye makeup

I kept the Base for makeup, extremely light. A pump of MAC Match Master set with MAC Mineralize Natural Skin Finish. I added a soft Rose Pink Blush by NYX in Peach, skipped Bronzer & highlighter.
For the Lips, I applied Rimmel London Kate Moss Spring Collection #16, a soft Pink with a hint of coral topped with a clear gloss. This Pink Lipstick brings out the yellow in my skin which I like, I fancy the illusion.

inanely raised my brows for the Transition to be visible

Coming to Transition, I wanted to create a transition of colours and undertones on the eyes.
A Neutral Coral Pink Pastel ~ Warm Matte Brown ~ A mixture of Pamper and The Mail, both Cool and Neutral Undertone and A Cool White with a hint of Pink under the eyebrow.
All this and a wearable Day time Look, I have two more ideas I fancy to put into action.

Friedrich Nietzsche said, “There are no facts, only interpretations.”
And I conclude, Makeup is an interpretation likewise. =)


P.S. I discovered a great tip to neutralize/cover the dark or pigmented eyelids without concealer or foundation. I have pigmentation on my eyelids, certainly not easy to make eye shadows work.

Schwan! (learn about it later in the post)


I went to the nearest Lotus Herbals counter and was disappointed not to find the Colorkick Curved Eyeliner. But I really wanted to kowtow the 'Cruelty-Free' conclusion here. I wanted to start adding C-F products to my vanity.
And Lotus Lipsticks ascended the list, so I wanted to find an orange lip colour for summer and something coral-ish pink and I wanted to narrow one down from the newly launched shades. I got Lotus Whiteglow Gel Creme- 20g free for purchasing above 1000inr.

I was disappointed!
T and I visited the Beauty Centre which is few blocks away from the Uni, and I found it there and oh-the-discount!
T picked up the Colorkick eyeliner which she will be reviewing soon ;)

It is pretty hot and sunny, like in summer already. I was in need of a sunblock for Body and a mattifying something too. Vichy isn't mattifying at all and I need something C-F. I tested this on the back of my hand at the counter yesterday and I was taken by the mattified finish.

~Biotique Bio Vera 75+ SPF Suncreen (for 180 inr, 148 with discount)
The smell is strong, the lotion makes the skin soft but the fragrance is overwhelming. Though it fades after application. (completely disappeared by now, after 2 hours.)

~Lotus UV Screen Mattegel PA+++ SPF 50 (for 395inr, 297 with discount)
I wish it provided cooling effect on skin. It made my normal/combination skin stretchy!, I think I will have to layer this onto Vichy. Hopefully this will make a decent primer too.

Tangerine, Carnation & Coral Candy

I picked up the Coral Candy 434 from the Lotus Eco-Stay range; Carnation & Tangerine from Pure Colors range.

~Lotus Eco-stay Coral Candy (for 545inr)
A Coral undertone Pink? OR Blue based pink color with a hint of coral? I cannot elucidate the colour.
But its bright and summer appropriate.

~Lotus Pure Colors  Tangerine & Carnation (for 275inr each)
I applied Carnation today to test the staying power. I applied it in the morning and it was too warm for my neutral complexion, more like orange brown with hint of pink.
I blotted it several times to make it suitable for day & the place I visited. I applied Neutrogena Lip moisturizer thrice from 10-3, and it stayed on for 4 hours and then slowly faded. I had a hint of the lipstick when I came back. I like that it does not leave the tint behind, not it does look patchy while fading. I'm impressed.

Coral Candy, Tangerine & Pink Carnation

~Lotus Colorkick Curved Liquid Eyeliner (for 725inr, 617inr with discount
I did not expect this, I would avert jumping onto conclusions. You will see, won't you?
I tested the Eyeliner on the inner palm. I'm wondering about its staying part, I cannot wait to wear it tomorrow, out in sun and humidity. What I really want to see is, if it transfers to crease in humid climate, which is what happens with me most of the times.


It is definitely smudge free, once it dries. It take its own good time to dry, nor too slow nor too quick.
The tap test: It did not bleed under force of water, but it did smudge when I wiped it off.
This is priced for 725inr, I got this for 617inr, almost 100inr off from Beauty Centre, Crawford.


Lakme Eyeconic, Ikonic Eyeliner & Lotus Colorkick have one thing in common, the manufacturing company: Schwan-STABILO Cosmetics GmbH & Co.KG, a Germany based manufacturer.
I have liked Eyeconic, not on the water line. It stings my eyes in summer, probably the heat. But then I do not like my waterline lined.
I'm testing the Lotus Colorkick Curved Liquid Eyeliner tomorrow. I'm enthused. *.*

I singled out the Felt Tip Eyeliners over Gel ones, obviously the cult fancy, Maybelline Drama Gel Eyeliner.
I liked it too... at some indefinite point of life. Maybe, I am the only one who did not repurchase. I still have the swirl one, used once or twice but that isn't half good as the Black one.

First few months
Me to Myself: I think I found the Best Gel Eyeliner (even though it's the first you've used)

Few Months Later
No, this is not what I like I want Bourjois Felt tip Eyeliners, all of them.

I bought the Bourjois Mega Liner, from Asos. It was not launched in India, I'm not sure if it is.
And I wanted to try, Maybelline Colossal Liner which is on the brink of running out, I used it so much. ( All this official declaration of turning 90% Cruelty Free)
I have given and discared most of the stuff already, Oh the horrid 'Makeup Academy Uk' products, I'm talking about. The Bourjois Mega Liner is still pitch black with no sign of running out, believe me even though It was the only eyeliner I've used since October 2014.

I planned on Physicians Formula and NYX Eyeliners, but I would've to wait till June for that!
And then I came across this when I was browsing through the website figuring out what I would need to try!

Lotus Colorkick Curved Eyeliner	http://www.lotusherbals.com

Definitely a microfiche of the NYX 'The Curve', an award winner for $15 approx. 975 INR!
Lotus Colorkick Curved Eyeliner is definitely reasonable for 725 INR. (Oh! My mind calculated the Tax+shipping/handling)
I am hoping it is decent enough for me to commit to it. I am not expecting a lot. Honestly!

And the 9 Added shades to their Ecostay Lip Colors

~Lotus Herbals Ecostay Lip Color in Maroon Mash
~Lotus Herbals Ecostay Lip Color in Coral Candy
~Lotus Herbals Ecostay Lip Color in Spicy Red
~Lotus Herbals Ecostay Lip Color in Coral Crave
~Lotus Herbals Ecostay Lip Color in Me 'N' Mauve
~Lotus Herbals Ecostay Lip Color in Persian Pink
~Lotus Herbals Ecostay Lip Color in Orange Dream
~Lotus Herbals Ecostay Lip Color in My Melon
~Lotus Herbals Ecostay Lip Color in Magneta Magic



My Picks would be
~Lotus Herbals Ecostay Lip Color in Coral Candy

~Lotus Herbals Ecostay Lip Color in Coral Crave

~Lotus Herbals Ecostay Lip Color in Persian Pink

~Lotus Herbals Ecostay Lip Color in Orange Dream

~Lotus Herbals Ecostay Lip Color in My Melon

I am heading to the Lotus Herbals counters today and trying out the shades, get hold of the eyeliner and a lipstick from newly launched shades.



AND A Shout out to Saravana, Please fix my Page Elements :)

The Blog has been steering clear of Makeup Looks or Face of the Day. Well I'm breaking all the rules.
I have had this Maybelline Color Tattoo in 20. Painted Purple, free stuff on some unnoted amount.
I wore it just once, but with the onset of Spring I had a look panned out in my head. But the end result turned out better!
Since this is a Day Time Spring Makeup, I kept it simple, subtle and refrained from 'smoking' out the edges.
I wanted to do something 'warm cheery yet mindful' look. I have seen Purple & Pink combinations, all the time. I really wanted to try Bright Orange and Purple and make it look wearable. I would not dare to wear a medium to full coverage foundation, as I did in this look.



For Face:
MAC Prolongwear Foundation (sample) in NC42 ( it is too warm/yellow on me)
MAC Skin finish Natural in Medium Golden

For Cheeks:
Kryolan TC1 (Orange) Blush
Sleek Contour Kit in Light


For  Lips:
Streetwear Color Rich Ultramoist Lipstick in Pink Persuasion
Revlon Colorburst Lipgloss in Papaya Punch


For Eyes:
NYX Eye shadow Base in White
Maybelline Color Tattoo in Painted Purple
A Purple Eyeshadow from Sleek Acid
Crease Blending Colour, Highlight and Eye brow Highlighter from Coastal Scents Revealed2
Maybelline Colossal Liner
Bourjois Beauty Full Volume  Mascara + Rimmel Extra Super Lash


I started off by priming my eyelids and letting the base set for a minute. I went over the entire eyelid with Maybelline Color Tattoo and blended the harsh edges.
I blended as soon as I applied the eye shadow. I blended the Purple eye shadow from Sleek Acid into the crease.
To add a transition, I used the marked Brown Colour and blended seamlessly above the Purple.
I added the Highlighter in the inner corner and used a Matte Highlighter for eyebrows.
I used a card for the first time to map out my wing, I prefer the freedom. I kept the wing subtle and non dramatic, extending it to 1/4th of my lower lash line to add an illusion of elongation.
And then did rest of my face.

I am planning on doing more wearable colourful eye makeup looks for the spring and summer. =)

P.S.  Pardon my ungroomed eyebrows.

=)

The other night I was studying (post midnight) and filing my nails. I have had my hair loose, a bit limp with the Shea butter mask I had applied a day before. I noticed two split ends from the corner of my eyes; I wondered why I had them since I renounced Heat stylers (excluding the Philips Kerashine) for the hair.


And the next thing that I did was inquisitive

I took the hair shafts between my fingers, resting on my palm. I filed the latter half of the ends (Split ends) in gentle downward strokes.
 I Filed those split ends off gently and rubbed in some argan oil to the hair ends before sleeping.

I don’t want to think about the science behind damaging my cuticles by filing them. I am struggling to grow my Hair long and chopping them would be a disappointment.
I am sure it is absurd to file your split ends, but maybe when you do so you are opening your hair end shaft to absorb the Oil or Serum you are going to apply better just like cutting or using warm water?
And applying Oil or Serum is to condition the hair shaft, if damaged.
I am sure there would be other substitutes out there like Keratin rich Hair mask, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Coconut Oil or any Oil that would repair.

Is it the Oil/Serum made my split ends look less visible? It would be hard to tell the difference.
I wonder this filing would work on curly hair; I am looking forward to ask someone to try it.
But for now, I am going to file away my split ends. And I hope that would either conclude with a Quick Fix that would work or I would get to learn something from it (my inquisitive brain).

What are the other Bizarre Quick fixes for Split ends that are buzzing? I want to know. I am inquisitive!

Foundations have been riveting me ever since I have forsaken BB creams. I was in love with Bourjois Healthy Mix; no I did not re-purchase it with the lone reason of shade mismatch. Though it looked natural, it would oxidize on my Normal/Combination skin. I am looking for my ‘Perfect Match’ Foundation from MAC these days. I like the formula, staying power but the shade either runs yellow or oxidizes. I have loved Match master & Prolong wear so far, but the latter has a dominant yellow tone.
Focussing on this one, I bought Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation from Asos along with Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation.

What does Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation claim:

Tested and approved by 97% of women,* the “new generation” foundation for a rested yet radiant complexion and a flawless, even result for up to 16hrs**
Its formula:
3 colour correcting pigments:
1. Yellow pigments – conceals dark circles for a rested look
2. Mauve pigments – corrects dullness for radiance
3. Green pigments – neutralises redness for an even out the complexion
Soft and smooth formula for an undetectable second skin finish. Available in 9 natural shades to suit all skin types.
And it’s good for my skin!
- 24hr hydration**
- SPF 10
- Cotton Flower – hydration & anti-shine
- non comedogenic, lets skin breathe

Price: £10.99 (approx. 1109)
1450 INR in India


When this was new, the texture was semi-runny but now it has thickened a bit. It has delectable mild floral fragrance I like. Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation in 56 Beige Rose turned out a bit lighter during the warmer months but it is a close match during colder months. The wear time is around 6-7 hours, though my nose would turn shiny after 2-3 hours. It does starts to fade after 6-7th hour depending on the clime. (I use blotting papers/tissues.)
I use Rimmel Stay Matte to set this foundation on my T-zone which additionally elongates the shine free hours.
Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation takes a little effort in blending; it does not go easy and sets quicker. I use sponge and flat top brush to blend this seamlessly. Blending foundation with fingers is not much of a good idea with this one; it tends to settle on fingers more than the desired area.


My skintone is Neutral and Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation is a cool toned pinkish beige, beige being the dominant. Medium Coverage gives ashed results around my eyes or mouth hence I avoid building coverage with a corrector underneath. And to add, it does look patchy on the dry areas. I add a drop of Jojoba oil to the Foundation and work it out. The 3 Colour correcting pigments failed to hide my dark circles though my redness and dullness was corrected.

Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation warmed up with Bronzer during Summer

Making Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation work for Warm Skin tone:
I use a Matte Bronzer to add warmth to my face which makes it look much better on me. Or use an Earthy/Warm Blush. I stick to Neutral Colours for Lips as well. I have even used a Brown Eyeliner to balance out the Warm-Cool tones.

Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation applied alone and sheerly blended during Winter

Why Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation:
An excellent Matte Finish Foundation
Sturdy Glass bottle (dropped it once)
Neutralizes Redness
3 Hours of Matte shine free skin
A Pump and a half covers the entire face (little goes a long way)
Adequately conceals if build up
SPF 10
Non Comedogenic
Medium Build able Coverage

Why not Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation:
Accentuates dry patches, dryness and fine lines under the eyes
Inordinate Price for a Drugstore Foundation

Rating: 4 of 5

Recommendation: Yes, for oily skin and matte finish lovers. I love it as sheer coverage and natural matte finish.

I was once in love with these wonderful little things, alas! No more.

De-cluttering my vanity and keeping it brimming only with the ones I intent to use is one of my resolutions for 2015.
I have been collecting and repurchasing Lip balms, all kinds a lot. I do create my suitable versions of homemade lip balms using Beeswax, olive & almond oil too.
I like using clear or tint free balms when indoors so hydrating my lips is my only intent. Some of these tints are good enough to replace the lipsticks.
They all end up lying on the shelves, inadequate of my attention and they expire.

Here are the chosen ones that are easily available:

Nivea Lip care Fruity Shine
Nivea had launched these two flavours in Watermelon & Peach. These are decently pigmented and hydrated adequately. I did not like them much, like I do the pomegranate version.
I seldom use them so I won’t be repurchasing them though Nivea Essential Lip care works wonders for chapped lips sans the greasy lips.



Chaptick
I had got these from Feelunique, three different flavours in a tin- Strawberry, Cherry & Green Apple.
The regular version was bought separately. I use these exclusively under lipsticks, as goes the name it fills up the chaps. Even the matte lipsticks look better with this underneath.


Maybelline Electro Pop in Oh! Orange! and Maybelline Lip Blossoms in Pink Blossom and Peach Blossom
I like them when I need a hint of colour. The orange version looks subtle and goes great with my heavy kohled eyes. It hydrates well but the packaging is a steal.
For tinted ones, I like these Lip blossoms both the versions. The Pink ones in both Electro Pop and Blossoms are similar in terms of tint. But boy! These take makeup remover to get off the tint from lips.

Neutrogena Lip Moisturizer with SPF 15
I am sure this one and the next one, will be repurchased till I am bored for eternity. I use this when I’m out in sun, a layer above my lipstick and touch up for hydrated lips.

EOS Lip Sphere in Sweet Mint
I got hold of this back in summer, extreme light hydration and slight tingling (hello! peppermint). A perfect combination for summer, and oh the sp-here!
I got this one from the States and I’m sure I’ll get a new one for this summer.



If I had to choose one lip balm from these, I would choose Neutrogena Lip Moisturizer; it’s light, it hydrates and has SPF 15.
In the year 2015, I don’t intent to be trying or buying any more lip balms. Let us not count EOS Lip spheres and Neutrogena Lip Moisturizer in them.

Xo  *.*

The truth behind Cleansing brushes that I discovered lately. A usage history runs down in process of this review.

Olay ProX Microdermabrasion + Advanced Cleansing System Usage: For 28 Days
Proactiv Deep Cleansing Brush Usage: For 7 days

I have been wishful of Clarisonic Brush, the maintenance and 'purging' scared me. I have used a manual cleansing brush and some tools in the past. I have been electrified with the results on first usage of Olay ProX, my skin was smoother, softer and glowed on the forehead, nose and cheeks.
Fortunately, I did not break out nor had a ‘purging’ phase.
I clean my makeup with baby wipes and then use the brush with Neutrogena Deep clean. I do not run the brush on my face for more than a minute. I keep counting to 60 with moderate speed.

I recently redecorated my vanity table, but the makeup extent is deficit!

Until, I have an unfurled stretch. Exclusive of Books.


I certainly look like a panda, on days I sleep less. I needed a miraculous Concealer, to hide those bags under my eyes. Brightening the eye area was the last thing on my mind.
I tried NW35 and 40, 35 looked a bit grey-ish under the yellow lights and 40 looked fine. The SA applied Match Master on the top with CC in yellow to set it.

Okay, That looked Flawless. Indoors.
Outdoors. It looked cake-y.



 
MAC Pro Longwear Concealer ~ 1900 INR
The Concealer is 4-5 shades darker than my skin tone and half a pea sized amount is needed to correct the under eye. A pump, and half of the product is wasted. I tried contouring, but instead  I distorted the foundation underneath, looking 3 shades darker.
I hope to detail it out, very soon. That's enough of deploring for now.

I am wholeheartedly, absolutely in Love with See Sheer. I wanted a soft shade, I could wear everyday. The finish is Lustre.


MAC See Sheer ( Lustre Finish) ~ 1450 INR
A Grapefruit Pink, as cited by MAC Cosmetics.
It modestly brightens my face and it covers my pigmented lips as well, in a single swipe.
Apply --> Blot --> Re-apply. To keep it intact for more than 6-8 hours.



MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural ~ 2400 INR



MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural, in Golden Medium matches me like second skin. I have used it to set my foundation, till date. And used once over sunblock, and it looked as if I am not wearing any makeup.
I need to test it under extremes, to conclude my liking for it. I have liked it wearing alone so far, best.
Alrighty! the wondrous side is Oil Control. Just a shiny nose tip, rest all unaffected by the weather/humidity. (I wore Match Master underneath, for reference.)

Also, I got samples of Match Master & Face & Body Foundation.

*.*
Xo

 I shopped from the States during Thanksgiving, around last week of November and shipped it to my sister's place.
She landed on 11th and I had this in my hands on 14th. I waited too long. sigh!
I initially decided on no-makeup and had ordered the perfumes, to round off $50 to avail free shipping.
I-gave-in and placed two quick orders of  YSL Rouge Volupte and Josie Maran Argan Oil and other Urban Decay Naked2.
I always, always wanted to have this Palette, I am not a fan Naked3.

YSL was on my list for so long.



I got the sample bags, these are around 32 samples, rest were tried by my sister. I guess that was some perfume, serum and eye cream samples.
The one time trials don't excite me, but some of these are pretty decent.
During Coastal Scentssale, I got around 16 brushes and 5Lbs Shea butter to whip my own body butters this winter.
I regret not ordering the Real Techniques Brushes, but I had had no time to research and order, since I used Indian Credit card which restricted me to use Walmarts/Walgreens or Target.

Perfumes: Raplh Lauren Romance, Marc Jacobs Daisy and Daisy So Fresh Mini


Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupté Shine 12 Coral Incandescent

Palettes: Urban Decay Naked 2 and Coastal Scents Revealed 2



The list of samples is a chaos, I added Pampered Party Prep and Lipstick Sample Bag.
And the rest 3 samples, I got almost the same ones, One time usage: I fizzle to make my mind.

Okay, Long story short. I made up my mind to spend $199 for Clarisonic, alone. But then I had to invest in a cheaper alternative.
Olay ProX was the best bet, I could narrow down. Beauty Blender and Olay ProX was bought from Amazon. ( I'm never purchasing anything from Amazon again since I paid way much for shipping and handling)


The only thing, I have used is Olay ProX, and my skin is feeling lot smoother and clearer. That makes a way for Clarisonic.
I am busy till 29th, I'm listing down the samples with their mini reviews soon after.


I'll be posting my recent MAC haul too. I'm mastering the art of forgetting.

Xo

Eventually, everything returned to where it came from...~

I conceded my passion for makeup, in these two years. I learnt afresh, from holding a brush to mastering the techniques.

There is so much needed to be done for now. Gradually, it will happen.
To outline these lines, I would not have been more happier than not doing this.

Maybelline Baby Lips Electro Pop, has the focus of attention. This is not a review.


I wanted to have these ever since, these were launched in the U.S. So when I spotted these at the counters, I got them sans the second thoughts.
Here are manifold of images.






Here are the Lip swatches:







My Verdict: These balms are extremely hydrating and glides on smoothly. If to consider the tint, Oh! Orange! lacks pigmentation while Pink Shock is indubitably pigmented.
My concern lies with the un-eveness of Pink Shock, which hydrates enough and easily transfers.

~ I apply, blot and reapply several times to get a decent amount of hydration and tint, it works for me in this manner.
These stays on for 3-4 hours without eating. Pink Shock would be a great companion for pigmented lips.
For now, I am loving these Electro Pop in terms of Tint, Hydration and Packaging.

Xo