Friday, January 22, 2016

Beauty Haul | Soap & Glory | Michael Todd


Last year when I hauled from the States, I was oblivious of the process of how things work. This time I over did it, so much so that my makeup refused to fit into a single bag.
I purchased from Beauty.com, NYX Cosmetics, The Balm Cosmetics, Real Techniques, SkinStore, Michael Todd USA, Colourpop Cosmetics, Macy's & my absolute Favourite Sephora US.

I splurged at Sephora US and was $20 away from VIB Status. [ Since I may not purchase anything for 2016, I did not want to attain the VIB Status.]
I have been shopping since October 2015 to December 2016. And now my sister hates Packages!

Soap & Glory The Birthday Box, Clean on Me Body Wash, Foam Call Body Wash, Rich & Foamous Body Wash

The VERY first thing I purchased was The Balm Manizer Sisters Holiday Palette because it was 2015 LE. Duh!
But I wanted to try Soap & Glory but the challenge was acceptance of my card. So after researching, I landed on Skin Store. So here's what I picked up for starters.

Soap & Glory Clean On Me Creamy Clarifying Shower Gel ~ $10 approx. 690 INR

Soap & Glory Foam Call Dual-Use Shower and Bath Body Wash ~ $10 approx. 690 INR

Soap & Glory Rich and Foamous Dual-Use Shower and Bath Body Wash ~ $10 approx. 690 INR

Soap & Glory The Birthday Box Gift Set ~ $20 approx. 1380 INR

Soap & Glory Peaches and Clean Deep Cleansing Milk ~ $15 approx. 1035 INR

Soap and Glory Clean On Me Creamy Clarifying Shower Gel, Soap and Glory Foam Call Dual-Use Shower and Bath Body Wash,  Soap and Glory Rich and Foamous Dual-Use Shower and Bath Body Wash, Soap and Glory Peaches and Clean Deep Cleansing Milk. Price, Where to buy

Soap & Glory in India, Buy online, Prices
Soap and Glory Peaches and Clean Deep Cleansing Milk ~ Price, Where to buy
Something to replace my Oil Cleansing Method.

Rounded off to $75! I have no idea if purchasing from the US is worth the money of travelling 3 hrs by road to Pune Sephora. I am not that excited about Sephora Mumbai launch, though.

While I was making my mind to finally purchase Clarisonic MIA 2 and brush heads to last me for next 2 years. I was looking for Cruelty-Free Alternatives and I stumbled upon Michael Todd USA. My two concerns with Sonic Brushes:
1) Replacing Brush heads every 3-4 months
2) Non-Cruelty-Free Status

Michael Todd Soniclear Elite Deluxe Set, Content, Price & Replacement Brush Heads 

With Michael Todd Soniclear Elite, both my issues were solved. So I placed my order with peace. I bought 4 Replacement brush heads to last me for at least next two years. ( one brush head went missing -_- )

I was waiting for Michael Todd offers/coupon codes and I purchased the Michael Todd Soniclear Elite Deluxe Edition in Cotton Candy during the Pre Black Friday Sale for $99 ( value: $199) approx. 6831 INR.

Cruelty-Free Sonic Cleansing Brush, Michael Todd Soniclear Elite Deluxe

Michael Todd Soniclear Elite Deluxe Edition/ Michael Todd Seven-Piece Soniclear Elite Sonic Cleansing System includes:

~
Soniclear Elite Sonic Powered Skin Cleansing System with C-Boost™ Technology, Charging Stand and Power Adapter
~ Antimicrobial Face Brush Head
~ Antimicrobial Body Brush Head
~ Pedi Treatment Head
~ Shower Extension Arm
~ Hard Shell Travel Case
~ Shower Caddy Wall Mount
And I purchased the Replacement Brush heads for $25 each and I think 35% off on the total.
The Soniclear does not go well with my current cleanser. I am waiting to finish it off soon so I could start using My Soniclear! [ I couldn't be more excited! ]

And there is more Makeup, GWPs and the Samples. I have both my hands full and I won't be purchasing any makeup until I hit a pan and sit down to type out an empties post. 

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Favourite Lip Colours: 2015

I have not bought a lipstick since, October 2015. I think the last one was Essence Silky Matt Lip Cream, in anticipation and frenzy.
I was selective of colours I used throughout seasons.

Mac See Sheer Lipstick Colorbar Deep Matte Lip Creme in Deep Blush  Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick #16


Kate Moss #16 was my absolute favourite for Spring 2015. Though I wore this all the time in spring topped with a clear lip gloss, the colour grew paler as my skin bronzed in summer.

Colorbar Deep Matte Lip Creme in Blush was my absolute summer favourite. It steads well with my bronzed complexion and really brightened up my face from skin to smile. I even wore this during monsoon to brighten up my grey days.

And My Blindfold Lipstick, because I think I reached out for this one on the blank grumpy days.
MAC See Sheer. This soft, muted colour coordinated with almost everything, even my bare face.
I need more such sheer & muted colours I think.

MAC See Sheer Lipstick Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Moss Lipstick #16


Rest of the times, I relied on Tinted Lip balms and I was able to finish most of them. I bought lots of Liquid Lipsticks & Lip Creams, so for me 2016 favourites would revolve more them.
But I am determined to Finish one, just one Lipstick by the end of 2016 :D just so I could buy more.

And recently, I christened my Chanel Rouge Allure. And the pink is like no other! ;-)

Saturday, January 02, 2016

My Anastasia Beverly Hills Haul


I floundered to think of any other way to embark the year 2016 & my 101st blog post. So I am initiating my year with something I lusted all along 2015. And I wanted e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g Cruelty-Free.

Anastasia Beverly Hills is Cruelty-Free. ( Leaping Bunny Certified. )


I was lovestruck with these... Liquid Lipsticks!
Carina had held me for so long but it wasn't available. I had to wait, A Macy's Exclusive and My Secret Santa (A friend from the US) bought me these. Thank you! =)

Anastasia Beverly Hills Eyeshadow Palette in Self-Made (Limited Edition)

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Dark Brown

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow Pomade in Ash Brown

Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in Carina & Electric Coral


Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick Carina is Macy's Exclusive could not even locate on the brand website. These aren't available on Sephora either. And Macy International don't ship them.
Taken together, It is pretty hard to get hold of these. But the Liquid Lipsticks are gifted!
The Palette, Brow wiz, & Dip Pomade are from Sephora. Though the Palette is out of stock everywhere now.


I am excited to create infinite looks with Self-Made, the colours are admirable. I solely picked this for the incredible colours. Swatches, Review and Looks will be up soon.
I haven't even opened anything yet, let alone first impressions. I see myself using these pretty occasionally or so I think!

Anastasia Beverly Hills will be my momentous indulgence!

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

#OwnThose5Days with New Whisper Ultra Clean: Product Review & Comparison

The Products has been sent by the brand for consideration. Views, Opinions and Conclusions are my own and derived after usage of 6 days. Compensation is received in exchange of the review.



Whisper India has launched a new revolutionary Sanitary napkin last week. You can read details about the event here. I received the product a week before the event though I knew Aunt Flo would not return this month before 24/25th, I waited for her arrival and in anticipation.

What the new Whisper Ultra Clean does?
Protects 5X Better

What has changed?Better Dryness
Longer Lasting Absorption
Better Comfort by softer Top sheet
Faster Absorption
Better Scent

The 5 Unique Features of the New Whisper Ultra Clean:

~ Revolutionary 1000 suction Holes that absorb up to 100% wetness.
~ Magic Gel Crystals that absorbs liquid and locks into gel
~ Odour Lock
~ Extra Long
~ 1 New Whisper Ultra Clean = 5 Regular/Ordinary Pads

Price for New Whisper Ultra Clean: 80 INR for 7 Sanitary Pads.

My first brush with the product was the fragrance; a mild floral scent that instantly takes effect. I have always been an Ultra Girl and Whisper was my saviour during school days when I actively participated in sports. And never in my life, had I faced leakage issues in public. No such Embarrassing moments for me!

And the worth mentioning part, I had NO rashes as the top sheet ensures comfort. And with the New Whisper Ultra Clean, I could carry myself with ease even during those 5 days.
And I am really pleased with them for changing the top sheet. This one is more comfortable and soft on the skin.

My Experience with the New Whisper Ultra Clean:

My first stark address would be about the Top Sheet. The new improved napkin is soft and more comfortable than ever. And the R&D expert was right about the 1000 suction holes since it reduces wetness up to 100%. And yes, I did sense dry/normal feeling with negligible wetness.
The New improved Whisper Ultra Clean is so for the lengthiest napkin, I have used from the Maxi Range. Wings just help the napkin secure itself, and so far it has been an integral part of using a Sanitary Napkin.
About the odour control, New Whisper Ultra Clean locks the odour and the floral fragrance is intact even after hours.

New Whisper Ultra Clean fulfils all the claims they made, discussed and explained us at the event.
To be outright, I never paid heed to minute details with respect to a Sanitary Napkin with slight or major difference until I had to review the New Whisper Ultra Clean. Because, I get rashes no matter what I use.
Though every woman needs something extra, these 5 mentions are basic ideas of a sanitary napkin that meets the basic requirements.
I would like to add, Changing Sanitary Napkin every 4-5 hours is mandatory. And keeping a Period tracker handy in your phone or journal is great way to audit your health.
You can claim your free sample HERE.


My Beauty Blog Resolutions for 2016!






Looking Back

2015 was a remarkable year. I tried filling in some order in my absolute boring blog, makeup and skincare routine. I started off with few and easy things such as organising my vanity every weekend, experimenting with hair, advanced into adhering to a makeup removal routine and, most importantly, buying all cruelty-free (except for Chanel and MAC, damn I want Guerlain #260 Jardin De Bagatelle too).
My cruelty-free pledge still stands steadfast and unshaken. And as I was determined, I flipped the 90% non-cruelty-free makeup to 90% cruelty-free. I see this as a minor achievement. Besides, I accomplished all my personal resolutions for 2015.

My makeup, beauty and blog resolutions for 2016:


Blog more

I have no planned posts as of yet. But in 2016, I am going to experiment with makeup more—my favourite literary characters, celebrity inspired or somethings on similar lines things. I am going to lay down my basic routines and techniques and try something else, and there is a special-themed post I am planning to post every month. I will try my best to pour in more creativity here in 2016. I am experimenting with photography again, still need to master a few things.

Beauty journals

Growing up, I made scrapbooks by reusing my old notebooks and diaries. I would jot down or stick in tips and inspiring articles from magazines and newspapers. Somehow, deep down I could connect both—scrapbooking and bloggingthese things. So, maintaining a hand-written diary to list down my blog posts, routines and changes in my skin is my way to channel my plans. I did maintain one for 2015 which had my huge wish list and my skincare routines from the first half of 2015. I lost the journal, and the posts never went live even though I had saved them as drafts.

Experiments

I am basic, minimal, essential kind of person when it comes to clothing. I am setting up my wardrobe, experimenting with colours and... SATC back-to-back for inspirations, oh! How I love Carrie and Mr Big. 😏

No Makeup Purchase for 2016

I over spent by letting myself free a bit too much. I am $20 away from attaining my Sephora VIB status. I misplaced my Hourglass Ambient Powders. I want to try swapping my favourite non-cruelty-free makeup with cruelty-free makeup. Finding cruelty-free equivalents for my favourites, sounds like an adventure!

Finding my contouring/bronzing essential

I was in two minds whether to get Anastasia Beverly Hills Original Contour Palette, but I read Kat Von D is better and blends seamlessly. I didn't wanted NYX contour palette. So I gave up and didn't bother to purchase any. I will keep looking, for that perfect mid-tone brown with slightly greyish undertone, till then I will mix and create with what I already have.

100 posts in 365 days

I am setting up my bar high. I blogged exclusively for the days I would need an escape from reality. Through 2015 things were changing and I sought solace in blogging. I attended events and met some non-beauty/makeup bloggers. Things have changed, I am assuming I'll get cold feet, like always!

More skincare than makeup

I am going to invest more in skincare than makeup. Recently, I attended an event bare faced with almost just sunblock. It is a big thing, especially when I don't step out without makeup. I escaped my seasonal acne cycle, I am in love with my skin right now. I'm assuming I am going back to my no-foundation phase. I no longer feel the need to conceal my imperfections.

Another year, definitely I am ending something or beginning something.