Thursday, September 10, 2015

Green with Envy: Golden Olive Eyes & Muted Coral-Orange Lips Makeup Tutorial

Green with Envy: Golden Olive Eyes & Muted Coral-Orange Lips Makeup Tutorial

I am enamoured of Gold Eyeshadows, I cannot get over them. I am planning to customise a palette from Inglot for I am love-struck.  *.*
I have this Moss Green in Sleek Acid Palette, which if worn alone looks magnificent. But I had something Gold infused Olive Green Eyeshadow in my mind. And I don’t have any...
So I decided to mix eyeshadows to create the colour I want. Voila!
My very own Olive Gold Eyeshadow: Muted Gold from MUA palette + Moss Green from Sleek.
I have been mixing lipsticks, but this would be my first attempt at mixing compact eyeshadows.
Here is the breakdown of Tutorial; I’ll explain the best I can.

golden olive smokey eye tutorial in India, Makeup Tutorial

For Face:
MAC Matchmaster in 5.0, applied with fingers and buffed using a buffing brush.
MAC Prolong wear in NC42 for acne marks that are still healing & Under the eyes.
Kryolan Fixing powder in P4 dusted lightly for setting the base makeup.

For Golden Olive Eyes:
Applied the Moss Green mixed with Muted gold on the brush on the entire eyelid.
I layered both the colours till I got the desired intensity of both.
NYX Single Eyeshadow in Taupe in the crease, following my natural crease. Both the eyeshadows blended well.
Matte Black eyeshadow from the Sleek Acid Palette used for smoking out the outer V of my eyelid. My left eye is more hooded than the right one. I decided to follow the natural hood for both the eyes.
Lined my eyes to elongate them with Maybelline Drama Gel Eyeliner, skipped my signature wing this time.
I also decided to skip my usual Volumizing Mascara and used Rimmel Extra Lash Mascara for lengthening instead. I wanted to wear falsies but they feel heavy and uneasy as of now.


For Cheeks:
Contoured my Cheeks and Nose with Sleek Contouring Palette in Light.
Highlighted my cheekbones and the bridge of my nose using Highlighter from the Palette.
Blush: Sleek Rose Gold.

For Lips:
MAC See Sheer.

Sleek Acid Palette MUA Heaven and Earth Kryolan Derma Color Fixing Powder Sleek Contouring Palette in Light MAC MAtch MAster MAC Prolong Wear NC42 NYX Single Eyeshadow in Taupe MAC See Sheer in India

I am mixing eyeshadows more now, and the love for Muted Gold is everlasting. =)
The makeup of the Day/Face of the Day clicking was extremely fun this time. I am falling in Love with my Canon 70D each passing day and the remote is a blessing!

*I am linking this look up the #TheMakeupMixup with the wonderful hosts Jaelan & Miranda


Friday, September 04, 2015

Frugal Flair: Soft Gold and Coral Makeup Tutorial with Drugstore Makeup Brands available in India

The spirit of review is alleviating, exclusively when...never mind. For me...For me...

There are many products that could have been up here, basking in either glory or lowliness. [I am harsh, right.]
I cannot overcome the sinfulness of reaching out for something one moment and devaluing the next.
So I have been keeping certain products aside to use them more often. I am trying to add them to my casual/daily makeup or occasional as well.

Soft Gold and Coral Makeup Tutorial with Drugstore Makeup Brands available in India
After Purples, Khaki Green and Neutral eye shadows; I am warped with Hues of Golds and Coral medley. I personally think the Coral elevates the splendour of the Gold, exclusively with brown eyes.
Moreover, I love the coalescence of Browns, Corals, and Golds in one look, and this one was perfected in Ten minutes.



NYX above and beyond full coverage concealer in medium MUA Heaven & Earth Palette Maybelline Colossal Eyeliner Rimmel Stay matte in the shade 004 Sandstorm Revlon Streetwear Lipstick in Pink Persuasion The Body Shop Vit E Cool BB Cream In India

The other day, I was going to meet a friend and I wasn’t planning on going anywhere just some casual place. So I decided to squeeze in my Frugal Flair Look for the day. Considering it was daytime, I pretty much decided to unify my loved colours in their most muted forms. This look would even look great to wear in the mornings if paired with a dewy base. I ran out of my moisturiser, so I am using The Body Shop Vit. E Cool BB cream. I loathe the muddy results with this one if I go overboard. I am strictly using this as a moisturiser and base for my compact. Bourjois CC cream is not hydrating enough for my current state of skin. Since I skipped foundation and used NYX Above and Beyond Full coverage concealer for correcting. Rimmel Stay matte is yellow toned warm and it emphasises the shadows on the sides of my nose and mouth. [Why is it so difficult to find neutral undertoned Drugstore product in India?]

Against Light

~ I concealed my under eye circles and dark shadows around my mouth with the NYX above and beyond full coverage concealer in medium. [Orange tone corrects at once]
~ Applied NYX cream blush, lightly in patting motions with fingers.
~ I applied a muted Gold colour on the eyelid and a shimmery brown into the crease from MUA Heaven & Earth Palette.
~ Lined my eyes with Maybelline Colossal Eyeliner and coated my eyelashes generously with Bourjois Beautyfull Mascara.
 ~ I set my makeup with Rimmel Stay matte in the shade 004 Sandstorm.
~ On well-hydrated lips, I adjusted the intensity of Revlon Streetwear Lipstick in Pink Persuasion.
Mute enough to match the Gold eyeshadow on the eyelids.

Frugal Flair: Soft Gold and Coral Makeup Tutorial with Drugstore Makeup Brands available in India
Soft Gold and Coral Makeup
That’s for the effortless Gold and Coral Makeup look. And there are variations to happen soon.

I am using the sidelined products to my heart’s content only to replace them with Cruelty-Free replacements and to free some space in my vanity. [I don’t like too (two) many things at the same time.]
Adding frugality to your makeup:
Double up the lipstick as blush, that sometimes look really co-ordinated.
Use eyeshadow as a Highlighter and Dark brown eye shadow with grey undertone for contouring.


*Pictures clicked with Canon Ixus in bright daylight. I have cropped the images and adjusted the exposure.
 *All the brands used are available in India.
*I am linking this look up the #TheMakeupMixup with the wonderful hosts Jaelan & Miranda

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Dermalogica Brighten Up! Kit: Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel, Dermalogica Microexfoliant and Dermalogica Total Eye care Review


Dermalogica Brighten Up! Kit:  Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel, Dermalogica Microexfoliant and Dermalogica Total Eye care Review


 After halfheartedly nixing the repurchase of my most favourite Neutrogena Deep Clean Foaming Cleanser of the year 2014, I wanted a Cruelty-Free replacement. I already repurchased Himalaya Aloe vera Facewash but it failed to conform to my squeaky-clean-non-stretchy requirements. Before using the Dermalogica Microexfoliant, I had already prepared an identical exfoliant at home using rice flour as a base. I wanted to try the original product as well, so I purchased this online from Flipkart

Dermalogica Microexfoliant alone retails around 975 INR for 13grams, so this kit definitely is worth the price.

Usage:
Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel: 45 days, once in the morning.
Quantity: 50ml

Dermalogica Microexfoliant: Thrice a week or after cleansing on dull skin days.
Quantity: 13g

Dermalogica Total Eye care SPF15: Used twice (hence I am skipping the review)
Quantity: 4ml
Dermalogica Brighten Up! Kit:  Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel, Dermalogica Microexfoliant and Dermalogica Total Eye care Review

Price for Dermalogica Brighten up! Kit:
1945 INR

Cruelty-Free Status:
Cruelty-Free [Listed on PETA and Leaping Bunny certified but acquired by Unilever since June 2015]

Paraben Free? I can still read 'Paraben' in the ingredient list of Cleansing Gel and Total Eye care listed in the end, in minor quantities.

Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel Review:
The texture is distinct, a cross between liquid and gel. It does not lather more than required and starts to break down with water. A pea sized is enough for cleansing morning skin might require more if using post makeup removing.
The results are squeaky clean without over-drying, just as they assert. And the effect radiates with a light on my forehead, nose and cheekbones after cleansing. I wish the sebum did not take the luminosity away. I have used 60% of the product, and get ahold of whenever my skin appears dull.
My skin was oiliest with little acne during the phase I switched to Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel.
Sadly, this cleanser did not help in reducing acne or even clearing them nor do they assert the same.

Recommendation: Try it for the especial texture and the luminosity it imparts from the first use. I am certainly using this for special occasions and dull days.

Dermalogica Brighten Up! Kit:  Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel, Dermalogica Microexfoliant and Dermalogica Total Eye care Review

Dermalogica Microexfoliant Review:

The texture resembles finely milled Rice flour except there is bead like granules that dissolve on massaging.
This unlike rice flour does not feel gritty; imagine oatmeal mixed with rice flour in equal. This foams when it comes in contact with water, just like Baking powder with water.
Anybody with sensitive skin should probably prefer this over cream scrubs. I dislike regular scrubs with the results that my skin is irritated and often rosy post usage. Also, I have abandoned products with non-dissolving micro-beads as they have been fatal to fishes and other aquatic creatures. Ban the Bead!
And going by the ingredients list, I prepared a mixture that works the same except the texture is gritty though non-irritant and non-foamy.

1 TBS Oatmeal finely sifted through muslin
1/4th TBS Rice flour
1/4th Licorice powder [jesthamadh (Marathi) /yeshtimadhu (hindi)] (key to brightening skin)
½ TSP Wheat flour
a pinch of Baking powder (not baking soda)

 
This mixture works the same except Dermalogica Microexfoliant contains Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, a surfactant used in cleansing products, including bath soaps, bubble baths, and shaving cream, detergents, and shampoos. (Source: cosmeticsinfo.org)
It instantly brightens the complexion though fails to clarify blemishes. What I dislike is the packaging, so I neatly taped all the dispensing holes to avoid flying away or wastage.

Dermalogica Brighten Up! Kit:  Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel, Dermalogica Microexfoliant and Dermalogica Total Eye care Review

Recommendation: If you find most of the scrubs irritating on your skin. This could be the gentlest option and is easily available online.
I may repurchase the Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel but not Dermalogica Microexfoliant. I am saving these both for especial days. And for exfoliation, I prefer oatmeal and honey over counter bought scrubs. I have already switched to Derma prescribed facewash for acne, I would definitely update if I repurchase.


Dermalogica Brighten Up! Kit:  Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel, Dermalogica Microexfoliant and Dermalogica Total Eye care Review

Dermalogica Total Eyecare SPF15 First Impression:

I switched to Dermalogica Total Eyecare SPF15 after I ran out of my Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Eye Concentrate. [3ml lasted me for more than two months, heavy texture]
Dermalogica Total Eyecare SPF15 is lighter and absorbs faster, just a few pats and it vanishes. No greasy residue and barely there feeling, I have not used it under concealer yet.
But next morning after cleansing, my under eye area is plumper, smoother and feather soft to touch. I like it better than Fresh Black Tea Age Delay.

**Update: I tried to search for this particular Kit, but it was a February 2015 edition, free with the purchase of
£50. The products are available separately. check the SOURCE

Sunday, August 23, 2015

My New Camera: Bokeh Photography, Literary Love-Letters and the rest

My New Camera Canon 70D for Beauty Blogging: Bokeh Photography, Literary Love-Letters and the rest.

Bucket List: A Wall full of Pictures. [Probably in the living room]
Someday, I will have a wall full of pictures and stories behind each that would have the privilege of being on it. 
A Wall of fables, fantasies and tales... I would call it.

My mind was overwhelmed with Bokeh Photography for more than twenty-two months. I put the lights over my bed’s headboard for added ambiance  and it would always show up unfocussed in the pictures. Bokeh. was all I wanted. And then I toppled in this phantasmagorical world of photography.

When I bought a compact camera, I did not plan, walked into the store and purchased the first camera I noticed. A baseless rather unconcerned behavior I would call it.

Much later after winding up the academics, I experimented with photography again. This time I tried Bokeh Photography with the Canon Ixus 510 hs. And the results were admirable. Here are few pictures:

Bokeh Photography with Compact cameras Canon ixus 510hsBokeh Photography with Compact cameras Canon ixus 510hs

When I was deciding on a Digital SLR, I did not wanted to start out with the beginner ones. I am inquisitive and I don't do things halfheartedly. I had both my eyes on the Canon EOS 70D. And I would have waited till eternity...
After a lot of contemplation I finally bought Canon 70D! 

Natural light bokeh with Canon EOS 70D DSLR
view from my window
Bioderma in India buy online,  Bokeh with Canon EOS 70D DSLR Photography

Yves Saint Laurent Beauty YSL Rouge Volupte

Infinity Bokeh with Canon EOS 70D DSLR PhotographyNatural light bokeh with Canon EOS 70D DSLR
Natural light bokeh with Canon EOS 70D DSLR

I am smitten! Can't you tell?


 Bokeh with Canon EOS 70D DSLR Photography

An ode to his eyes... [INCOMPLETE]

Portrait Photography would be the next after mastering the art of Bokeh. I cannot yet explain the fancy and mind boggling words like Aperture, Field of depth and gah gah. And the best part about 70D is I can click my own pictures with a remote, tripod and the highly adjustable screen.


I am thinking of Poesies in images next...

Saturday, August 22, 2015

Asus Diva Meet in Mumbai ~ Launch of Five Asus ZenFones along with Asus ZenFone Selfie.

Source

Few days ago, I got a chance to attend the Asus Diva meet at The Grand ITC, Mumbai. The meet essentially was held for the launch of FIVE Asus Phones with Asus ZenFone Selfie garnering monumental consideration.

The event started around 7 in the evening, followed with an official launch of Asus ZenFone Phones by Asus Managing Director Mr Peter Chang and with deeper insights about the functions and specification by Mr Charles. But the crème de la crème of the sprightly evening was VJ Anusha Dandekar’s tips on Selfie Makeup. Anusha profusely shared all her precise secrets of taking perfect selfies. Before I list down Anusha Dandekar’s ‘Perfect Selfie’ secrets. Here are the Asus ZenFone Phones that were launched that evening.

Asus MD Mr Peter Chang
Zenny in the drive

ZenFone 2 Deluxe: See the crystal miracle
ZenFone 2 Deluxe (ZE551ML) delivers powerful all-round performance and beauty in abundance, with a gorgeous new multifaceted polygonal finish accentuating the signature ZenFone 2 Ergonomic Arc design. ZenFone 2 Deluxe features a 5.5-inch Full HD IPS display, 13MP/5MP PixelMaster cameras, 2.3GHz 64-bit Intel® Atom™ processor with 4GB RAM and 4G/LTE connectivity. ZenFone 2 Deluxe also features ASUS BoostMaster fast-charge technology for 60% capacity in just 39 minutes. As with all other ZenFone 2 models, ZenFone 2 Deluxe includes the latest ASUS ZenUI — the world’s first fully-customizable mobile interface — and Trend Micro™ security software for safe web browsing.

ZenFone 2 Laser: See at the speed of light
ZenFone 2 Laser models all benefit from a powerful 13MP PixelMaster camera with an f/2.0 wide-aperture lens to capture stunning, high-resolution photos with zero shutter lag — augmented by laser auto-focus technology that empowers users to capture perfect clarity in just 0.3 seconds. Available in 5-inch (ZE500KL), 5.5-inch (ZE550KL) and 6.0-inch (ZE601KL) versions with up to 1920 x 1080-pixel Full HD resolution, ZenFone 2 Laser also incorporates the latest and toughest Corning Gorilla Glass 4. It boasts an up to octa-core 64-bit Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ processor with up to 3GB of fast memory for unwavering performance.

ZenFone Selfie: See the perfect you
ZenFone Selfie (ZD551KL) is a trailblazing fusion of fashion, technology and craftsmanship that lets users see their perfect selves, with dual 13MP PixelMaster cameras, dual-color, dual-LED Real Tone flash both front and rear, plus laser auto-focus for ultra-fast shots with complete clarity.
ZenFone Selfie’s Ergonomic Arc design and intuitive rear key makes capturing selfies easier than ever, with live digital cosmetics to apply some magical glamor — all enjoyed instantly on the stunning 5.5-in Full HD display.
ZenFone Selfie’s exceptional front-facing PixelMaster camera has a huge 13MP resolution and an f/2.2-aperture, 88-degree wide-angle lens to capture more of every smile. The unique Selfie Panorama mode enables selfies with an outlook of up to 140 degrees, so everything and everyone becomes part of the shot.
ZenFone Selfie’s rear camera is just as advanced, with a large f/2.0 aperture lens for superior low-light shots. Both cameras are engineered with five-prism Largan lenses and top-quality Toshiba sensors, and include dual-LED Real Tone flash technology for perfect illumination in any lighting conditions. ZenFone Selfie also delivers superb macro photography that works on subjects as close as 6cm, plus rear laser auto-focus to compose shots in the blink of an eye.

ZenFone Max: See for longer
The highlight of the new ZenFone Max (ZC550KL) is its incredibly-long-lasting high-capacity 5000mAh lithium-polymer battery that gives users an unprecedented amount of mobile freedom.
ZenFone Max has a bright and clear 5.5-inch IPS display with wide viewing angles, protected by the latest Corning® Gorilla® Glass 4 for unrivalled scratch-resistance, strength and everyday durability. At the heart of ZenFone Max is a powerful yet power-efficient 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor with up to 2GB of RAM. ZenFone Max features a 13MP/5MP PixelMaster cameras with a wide f/2.0 aperture, and the rear camera also boasts laser auto-focus for sharp, near-instant shots.

ASUS ZenPad 7.0 (Z370) and 8.0 (Z380)
ASUS ZenPad features clean lines, embossed-leather patterning, and premium styling influenced by fashion accessories such as clutch bags and wallets for a luxurious appearance unique among mobile devices. Ergonomic rounded edges make ZenPad comfortable to hold and carry, and its polished metallic frame adds a bold visual accent.
ZenPad is the world's first tablet to feature an innovative interchangeable cover design that lets users easily customize their tablet with functional back covers. These can provide extra features and additional color options, while perfectly matching ZenPad’s looks. Zen Clutch is a sophisticated carrying and protection solution for ZenPad; Zen Case lets users outfit ZenPad in their choice of five sleek or vivid colors and features a fine leather texture; and Audio Cover brings immersive 5.1-channel surround sound to a tablet for the first time. Power Case extends ZenPad’s battery life, giving users up to 16 hours of usage to easily get them through their day or even the longest international flights.
ASUS ZenPad features the exclusive ASUS VisualMaster suite of visual enhancement technologies — including ASUS Tru2Life and ASUS TruVivid — that brings advanced image-processing found on high-end TVs to a tablet for the first time and provides comprehensive visual optimization. ASUS Tru2Life analyzes each pixel in an image before it is displayed and performs an intelligent contrast and sharpness adjustments to boost dynamic range, revealing even the smallest details to ensure an incredibly realistic viewing experience. ASUS TruVivid improves screen clarity, brightness, and touch responsiveness by transforming the conventional six-layer display design into a two-layer, fully-laminated design that eliminates the air gap, resulting in higher optical transparency for brilliant color and improved brightness.
ZenPad is the world's first tablet to integrate DTS-HD Premium Sound, delivering the ultimate sound experience. DTS-HD Premium Sound transforms stereo audio into virtual surround sound so users can enjoy incredible, theater-quality audio right on ZenPad.
ZenPad is available with LTE/3G connectivity and phone functionality or as a Wi-Fi-only model.

Asus 'Mascot' ZENNY
The Phones at display

I checked out all the Phones but I was taken with the clarity and artistry of the Asus ZenFone Selfie Phone. The colours available are ideally feminine with Pink and Tiffany Blue and ofcourse Black.


Anusha Dandekar’s Perfect Selfie Makeup Secrets.
I wouldn’t get into much of her exclusive liking about makeup. But here is how she advocates keeping it natural and stylish.

1) MAC Studio Fix or Powder Foundation to even out skin.

2) MAC Soft and Gentle or any other Highlighter/Bronzer to accent the Cheekbones.

3) Oodles of Voluminous Mascara Coats.

4) Lip gloss [Dab, rest on the eye lids]

And voila! You are fixed for some breathtaking Selfies.
Anusha also approached the Selfie Angles, counseling some of the Divas take unbelievable Selfies with the Asus Zenfone Selfie.
Here are pictures of some of the fun group selfie activities:

Panaroma Selfie Time

The winning was accomplished with Zenny Pendrives and Lolly flashs. The event was sprightly illuminated with Asus Zenfones, Selfies and Angles.

ZENNY Pendrives

You can check more about Asus: https://www.asus.com/in/
ASUS Global Press Room: http://press.asus.com
ASUS Global Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/asus
ASUS Global Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/asus

You can preorder you ASUS Phones on Flipkart!
*These picture are provided by Asus, few of them are clicked by me for no watermarks. =)