Wednesday, May 04, 2016

Physicians Formula City Glow Daily Defense Bronzer - Paris: Review, Swatches & FOTD

Bronzing is my newfangled Fancy!

Physicians Formula City Glow Daily Defense Bronzer - Paris: Review, Swatches & FOTD

I went into The Body Shop the other day to purchase the Dry shimmering Oil but that thing stained. I want something Neutral-Glistening-Dewy-Nonstaining to wear on my face.
When I ordered this, I wasn't sure if it would be pigmented enough for my Brown-Tan Skin. So if it wouldn't, I would just use it as Face Powder rather than Bronzer. Because if you observe the pan or swatches, they're barely pigmented or visible.
But when I swirled and layered once, I was bemused with the glow. But but the Glowing Cityline disappeared. sigh!



What does Physicians Formula claim

Paraben Free, Oil Free, Gluten Free, Non-Comedogenic, Hypoallergenic, Fragrance-Free and Dermatologist approved.

Physicians Formula City Glow Daily Defense Bronzer - Paris: Review, Swatches & FOTD

Physicians Formula City Glow Daily Defense Bronzer - Paris: Review, Swatches & FOTD on Olive/Tan/Brown Skin

Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide, Inactive Ingredients: Talc,  Dimethicone, Mica,Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate,  Butylene Glycol,Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract,  Triglyceride, Caprylic/Capric, Cetyl Dimethicone,  Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract, Disiloxane, Propanediol,  Sodium Dehydroacetate, Smithsonite Extract, Spilanthes Acmella Flower Extract,  Fluorphlogopite, Synthetic, Tocopheryl Acetate,  Phenoxyethanol, Water, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Zinc Stearate,  May Contain: Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide, Manganese Violet, Ultramarines

Price: $14.99 (approx 1040inr)
Is Physicians Formula City Glow Daily Defense Bronzer Cruelty-Free? Yes Physician Formula is Cruelty-Free.

Bronzers for Olive Tan Brown skin. Bronzer for Indian Skin
Left to Right Swirled, Lower & Upper shades

This dual coloured bronzer has a powdery almost dry texture. A lot of fall out was noticed, I think it runs with all Physicians Formula Powder forms. I do not use the colours individually, I prefer swirling the brush into the pan. I use one layer from the cheek bones to temples and rest of the product on my forehead. Since I do not like contouring much, I prefer Bronzing. I do not use Bronzers to sculpt but to add warmth.
The longevity is average, it starts to fade after 3-4 hours, and if I pat my face with tissue or blotting paper,  the bronzer transfers. Though I have not noticed separation even on my sweaty-oily cheeks.
Though the shimmering city line fades away, the bronzer is not flat matte, but it has a slight sheen to it, almost like mineral foundation.

Bronzed Olive Skintone. Bronzers available in India
Indoors around 10 am

How to apply bronzer. Bronzer for Olive/Medium/Indian Skin
Afternoon glow, around 12.15 pm

On my face:
Philosophy No Reason to Hide Moisturizer
Rimmel Stay Matte in 003
Eyes: Buxom Full & Fabulous Mascara
Brows: Benefit Gimme Brow Eyebrow Gel in Medium/Deep
Cheeks: Bourjois Cendres De Roses Brune Blush
Physicians Formula City Glow Daily Defense Bronzer
Lips: Nivea Fruity Shine Watermelon


How I use this Bronzer

I prefer applying bronzer or blush after setting my base makeup and then setting with the same setting powder again. This blends blush, highlighter & bronzer seamlessly into each other.

Availability is an issue though I might not repurchase. I have other Physicians Formula Bronzers trying to connect with my psyche. =D
Besides, This Philosophy No Reason to Hide Moisturizer is incredible. Can you see, I have redness on my right cheek and one active acne and patchiness here and there?
Obviously, it did not hide my dark circles, so psyched that I might pick that up next.

Saturday, April 30, 2016

A Heart-Shaped Mark and infinite stories...

This all began on 14th February 2013.

This post is in continuation of a post I wrote in 2014. I wrote a post here

Last week I discovered this!

Finding Heart Shapes

Finding Heart Shapes and Things

& in Bright daylight

Why am I finding Heart shapes

Heart symbols, repeating hearts, and what they mean


...the universe.
I don't have much to say; this has rendered me speechless!

I mean how in the world...

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Skinny Brow Pencil in Dark Brown: Swatches & Review

Eat. Sleep. Shape Brows. Repeat - Anastasia Beverly Hills
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Skinny Brow Pencil in Dark Brown: Swatches & Review for Olive/Medium/Indian Skintones


My brows are sparse, possibly worse. Back in days, I remember women drawing their brows with pencils. As funny as it could be, I disliked everything about the trend.
I didn't start shaping my brows until I was 22-23 simply because the pain was unendurable. But by the time, I started with eye makeup and smokey eyes. And it became a necessity.
Wisdom, I say =]

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Skinny Brow Pencil in Dark Brown: Swatches & Review for Olive/Medium/Indian Skintones

For longest period, I would use Brow powders and clear pomade or even eye shadows to fill in my brows.
When I got hold of this, even the brow powders started to seem dull and unnatural.

Selecting the Brow Wiz Shade:
I settled down for Dark Brown.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Skinny Brow Pencil in Dark Brown: Swatches & Review

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Skinny Brow Pencil in Dark Brown is a deep brown with a neutral undertone. Dark Brown is ideal for Medium Brown to Black hair.

Price: $21 approx. 1449 INR

Is Anastasia Beverly Hills Cruelty-Free? Yes

Quantity: 0.08grams

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Skinny Brow Pencil in Dark Brown: Swatches & Review
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Skinny Brow Pencil in Dark Brown: Swatches & Review


Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Skinny Brow Pencil is a dual ended. But coming to the spoolie part; the spoolie is unique and the bristles are bent inwards which really buffs the pigment, making it look more natural.
The Texture of wiz crayon is dry, somewhat powder finish. The pigmentation is excellent and the ultra fine tip actually mimics as brow hair if drawn using light strokes.
I don't like the fact that this is so expensive.
But it stays on until I remove my makeup at the end of the day ( approx. 7-8 hrs). This did not smudge or rather melted off in Mumbai heat. Nor it did transfer on my face or tissue while patting the sweat.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Skinny Brow Pencil in Dark Brown: Swatches & Review
Bare Brow


Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Skinny Brow Pencil in Dark Brown: Swatches & Review Softly filled in with Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Skinny Brow Pencil in Dark Brown

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Skinny Brow Pencil in Dark Brown: Swatches & Review
Bold Brow using Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Skinny Brow Pencil in Dark Brown


Recommendations: Purchase if you don't mind splurging, but I think the longevity validates the price tag. NYX microbrow pencil is exactly the same formula, except for the spoolie which makes a lot of difference in terms of finish.

Repurchase?: No. Since I don't simply rely on this single Brow wiz to fill in or define my brows.

Tuesday, March 01, 2016

ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip in 1st Base, Donut, Ouiji, Mars: Photos, Review & Swatches


ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip in 1st Base, Donut, Ouiji, Mars: Photos, Review & Swatches on Olive Indian Skin tone
L-R  ColourPop Ultra Matte Ouiji, Donut, 1st Base & Mars
I wanted ColourPop since November 2014, I wanted their 1st Anniversary LE Super Shock Eyeshadow: Birthday Girl. I wanted ALL My Favourite Colour in ColourpPop Cosmetics.
I was irresolute about their products except for Super Shock Eyeshadows. So I decided to pick these for trials: Two Soft, almost pastel colours and Two Brights, just how I love them! ;-)

Where to buy ColourPop Cosmetics in India

I have tested these more than thrice and I am glad I just picked only 4. [Hello Satin Mattes! I'll rescue you soon- The Li Girl. ;)]
1st Base is my most Favourite Colour out of these, And second favourite is Mars, Donut being my least favourite of them.

Colourpop Ultra Matte in 1st Base, Donut, Ouiji, Mars Swatches on Indian Skin, Olive Skin, Neutral Undertone
L R: ColourPop Ultra Matte in 1st Base, Donut, Ouiji, Mars
The swatches are clicked with Bare and Prepped Lips, Unlined and are Uncorrected with concealer.

Above: Direct Light. Below: Indoor

ColourPop Ultra Matte 1st Base is a Mid-Tone True pink, as described by ColourPop.
1st base is a Neutral Pink and almost looks subdued Mauve. With one single layer of this, looks amazing. My camera could not pick the right hue, I shall use this in one of my makeup looks.
I wore this first time to T's Birthday Dinner and every time, I want a soft Pink Lip. This mid-tone pink come forth as a cool toned Pink on my Neutral under tone. The warmer the undertone, the pinker it shall be.
ColourPop Ultra Matte Donut Lipswatches on Indian Skintone
Above: Direct Light. Below: Indoor

ColourPop Ultra Matte Donut is a Bright Peach, as described by ColourPop.
I picked this on whim, a warfare between Solow & Donut. ColourPop Ultra Matte Donut is almost Pastel Peach with warm Brown undertone. This clashes with my neutral undertone and washes me out, or so I think. I think, this should be a great colour for summer.

ColourPop Ultra Matte Ouiji Lipswatches on Indian Skintone
Above: Direct Light. Below: Indoor
ColourPop Ultra Matte Ouiji is a Bright Coral Red, as described by ColourPop.
If there is, out there, a theory like: Love at First Sight. This will be it for me. It was decided, Bright Corals warped in Pastel would define my liking?
The Colour is as described A Bright Coral with Red undertone. This is brings out more brownness indoors and more yellow outdoors, either in my skin or in itself?


ColourPop Ultra Matte Mars Lipswatches on Indian Skintone
Above: Direct Light. Below: Indoor
ColourPop Ultra Matte Mars is a Red Fuchsia, as described by ColourPop.
I have Hues of pinks in my wardrobe, and I always pair Pinks with Bold Lips ofcourse Pink!
So I was torn between Highball and Mars, I was sure Highball would turn Violet-ish on me, so I skipped and friendzoned Mars.
I love the Planet too, fiery & misconceived. And so is the colour, Can I just not tell you how much I love this colour?

Cruelty-Free Status: Vegan & Cruelty-Free
Price: $6 for 3.2g/0.11 oz

Texture & Application:
ColourPop Ultra Matte are 100% Matte Liquid Lipsticks. These Dry completely and does not transfer once they set/dry.
They did crack on my lips in winters, irrespective of the lip balm underneath. And it turns streaky and patchy, if you layer or reapply. But ColourPop Ultra Matte Mars is the only colour that refused to crack or turned streaky on application. I should've bought ColourPop Lip Pencils too.
The battle would've been much easier, I assume.
ColourPop Ultra Matte Donut on the other hand, cracked, turned streaky and worn off patchy.
Reason? The Darker shades stain deeper than the soft ones.
You CANNOT apply and expect flawlessness without prepping or conditioning lips.
I use a Lip mask, a night prior and then exfoliate and heavily moisturize them. Before applying, I wipe off everything, every trace of balm or else these ( esp Bright/ Soft Colours accentuate, every thing.)
Bare but Prepped Lips is what makes it long lasting. Any trace Lip balm underneath degrades the longevity and I find it absurd.


ColourPop Ultra Matte Donut Review Swatches on Medium Neutral Skintone
Colourpop Ultra Matte Donut with Lip Balm underneath: Takes away the intensity!

Recommendations: Not for Dry, flaky unprepared Lips. These are not really uncomfortable, but these do crack if you have dry lips. On the other hand, Deeper staining shades are blessings!
I surely love these for occasions where I don't want to touch up. My lips are not dry unless the weather. Own these if you could, at least one to not curb your curiosity.

Friday, February 26, 2016

My Simple Skincare Routine for Hyperpigmention & Acne marks

It was not too long ago, I discovered a miracle product on my shelf. Sweet Almond Oil. I never used any eye creams until I got them as samples. I have always used Almond oil/Castor Oil for my under eye area, with or without dark circles. In the journey of discovering oils in skincare, I switched using oils for everything. From cleansing, to moisturizing to pampering.
That's when I discovered how my skin loves Sweet Almond Oil.

How I wake up to supple radiant skin.



Night Time Routine
You can read how I remove my Makeup here.

After Oil Cleansing Method, I massage my face with Forest Essentials Delicate Facial Cleanser and Rinse off.
Post cleansing, while my skin is damp, I massage a coin sized amount of Sweet Almond oil onto my face and neck including the under eye, lips and eyelashes. Just about every inch and every contour of my face. I have been using the same brand for years now.
If my eye area feels dry, I layer Dermalogica Eye cream.
For days when I feel, my skin is producing more oil. I use Philosophy no reason to hid on the old acne scars and around my mouth. And then smear oil on the lips, eyelashes and under eye area.
I like layering the Forest Essential Rose Petal lip balm upon almond oil since the lip balm has a strong artificial rosy fragrance. I am sure, they use the essential oil. The Almond Oil sweetness just takes it all away.

Daytime Routine


Daytime is all about Makeup for me, so skincare except the Moisturizer & sunblock is a low-key affair. For healing, my night time routine just works fine. I use the same cleanser for day & night routine. But Instead I spray my face post cleansing with Rosewater & Tea tree Essential oil both tone and soothe my skin, especially open blemishes. Tea tree Essential Oil is antiseptic and my acne dries out within a day or two. Holy Grail!
Follow up with Forest Essentials Light Day Lotion with Indian Rose & Marigold. Marigold is used for Acne but this lotion is extremely light for my normal/combination skin.
I layer Sunblock over this and proceed with my makeup.
For under eyes, I pat Neutrogena Fine Fairness Eye cream and after 5 minutes or so, I wipe it off with a damp cotton pad. My concealer smudges and smears with it underneath. Fresh Soothing Rose Eye Gel worked great with my concealer.
I am running out of most of these things. I have switched to this routine since 1st January 2016  with a resolution of making skincare pivotal in my life. I am about to switch to a new routine from 1st March 2016.

How often do you switch routines? *.^

5 Ways to Tame Frizzy Hair ft. Bblunt Climate Control Anti-frizz Leave-in Cream

5 Ways to Tame Frizzy Hair

Frizz taming is the most important part my winter haircare routine. I follow quite a low maintenance haircare routine and prefer spending less time in styling them. I'm just a wash-and-blow dry-kinda girl.

What causes my hair to frizz?
Heat (styling and sun; you think the sun doesn't damage hair?)
Humidity

I heat style my short hair thrice once a week. But what affects my thin hair is humidity if not dryness. The weather is punch-drunk with humidity and dry air in winters. So I follow these 5 Ways to Tame my Frizzy Hair.

1) SLS Free Shampoos
Ever since I have switched to SLS Free Shampoo, I have noticed a major difference in the hair texture. Less frizz and More volume. Read my Hair story HERE.

2) Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
This is one more step that I have been combining with SLS free shampoo routine. Cider Vinegar is highly acidic which helps in taming the frizz and adding volume and shine.

3) Cold Water Rinse
If you cannot follow the above to step, You could rinse the ends of your hair with cold water after you condition them. This seals the open cuticles and seal in the moisture you added to them.
You may add a tablespoon of Glycerine in the water for an extra boost of hydration. Or Simply choose Glycerine based Shampoo or Conditioner

4) Heat Protectant Spray
I think styling your hair without one is a sin. When I wouldn't use one, I would often escape the heat styling aftermath with the chopping of the damage. Like it was a war between the strands and the rod, either one would come out alive.

Bblunt Climate Control Anti-frizz Leave-in Cream Review India

5) Bblunt Climate Control Anti-frizz Leave-in Cream*
I love the sleek hair, poker straight. This smells incredibly good, a floral accent I love! I use this as a styling cream as well as postfix. This works fine as a heat protectant. I find when I apply this before blow drying, it amplifies up the volume with a sleeker outcome. This does keep me frizz free for 6 hours straight (inclusive of being out in sun & traveling hours.) Read more about it here
Price: 450 INR for 150grams
 
*The product featured is sent by the brand for consideration.

Tuesday, February 02, 2016

My Colourpop, Beauty.com, the Balm Cosmetics, Real Techniques & NYX Cosmetics Haul.

I was on cloud nine when Colourpop.com accepted my Indian card (I am not talking via Paypal)(how remains a secret).

I placed my first Colourpop order with a Lippie Stix and four Colourpop Ultra Matte Lipsticks (forgot the $5 off discount code, cancelled and placed another). For my second order, I added 11 golds and bronze supershock eyeshadows. I felt as if I needed them all.
I restricted myself and had to refrain myself from placing the third one. I want all their eye shadows, literally.

Colourpop Ultra Matte Lip
Colourpop Ultra Matte Lip and Colourpop Lippie Stix
Colourpop Supershock Eyeshadows
Colourpop Supershock Eyeshadows, Lippie Stix & Ultra Matte Lip in India
From Colourpop, with ♥  aren't they just made of sugar?!

BeautyBlender  Make-Up's Best Friend: A 4 Piece Collection buy online Sephora.com

I wanted this with all my heart! BeautyBlender Make-Up's Best Friend: A 4 Piece Collection (limited edition) which is just precious. I kept procrastinating and after Sephora VIB Rouge sale in November, my nightmares came true. It was out of stock. for. ever. and so was the Kat Von D Lipstick duo I fancied. So I had to hunt this down, I couldn't just sit there and watch other people's hauls on Insta. I searched everywhere and found it on BeautyBay at a higher price tag. *sigh* I had no choice but to order it right away.

Real Techniques Bold Metals Collection
Real Techniques Brushes online India

I was never excited about Real Techniques Brushes. I always told myself to hold on... I wanted the Bdellium Tools Bamboo Brush Set, but my card didn't process through. So I zeroed down on Real Techniques when they had 30% off throughout their website during Black Friday Sale.
I loved them so much that I ordered the Real Techniques Core Collection Brushes (not included in the picture) from Amazon India. To my amazement, I am glad I waited this long because the brushes have a major difference with the bristles. The ones from Amazon India shed and the bristles are coarse as compared to those from the States. [I believe it is mostly mishandling, but they are authentic for sure.]

the Balm theManizer Sisters Palette, the Balm Nude Dude Eyeshadow Palette

My first the Balm, I was restless when theManizer Sisters Palette (limited edition) was Kohl's exclusive. Kohl's won't accept international card. I waited patiently for the Balm cosmetics website to stock them. To avail free shipping, I added the new Nude Dude® Palette. I picked the palette for one colour: Faithful.

tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation & tarte Airbuki Bamboo Powder Foundation Brush. tarte cosmetics ships to India

For tarte Cosmetics, Beauty.com had few offers running. I added Nars products in my cart as they had 20% off on select Brands. But I changed my mind and I added tarte instead and I wanted to try BareMinerals LE Foundation (that jumbo size!) but Medium Beige went out of stock soon enough. I got these beauties at 20% off!

Great news: tarte Cosmetics now ships to India and many other countries. The minimum cart amount for free shipping to India is over 8,500 INR.

NYX Liquid Suede in Life's a Beach, NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams in Addis Abba, Antwerp, Prague, Istanbul, San Paolo, Ibiza, Amsterdam in India
NYX Liquid Suede in Life's a Beach, NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams in Addis Abba, Antwerp, Prague, Istanbul, San Paolo, Ibiza, Amsterdam

I purchased these from their website using 25% off welcome code. And then they had 40% off the entire website the very next week...ugh. I forgot to add NYX high Voltage lipstick they were offering as GWP. Haste makes waste, serves me right.

That completes my haul for 2016, and my makeup ban began with the dawn of 2016 (that birthday something is an exception).