Haul
Friday, May 05, 2017
Vegan and Cruelty-free Brushes | Free Colourpop Brushes with your order? Not as free as they seem
In
Haul
This is not an outrage, I love the brand for being Vegan and Cruelty-free and for their steps towards animal welfare and to add their customer care has been a cordial experience so far.
This is an eye-opener post for all the makeup lovers who are planning to purchase from Colourpop Cosmetics and ship/import it in India.
In January 2017, in the
So I placed an order and I could not wait for it to arrive. I was wondering looking at the brushes and the pricing, really really wondering if I made the right decision by greedily adding 12 eyeshadows for the brushes. It did almost after, 15-20 days(don't remember exactly) and also arrived a shocking fact: Import Customs Duty. INR 2778/ $40 for an order worth $53.
I checked again to see if it is 270 or 2778, to be really sure. My calculations were wrong!
And I sat down to really check if there was no error by calculating online. Here are few websites that let you calculate the import customs duty in India online and for free. Dutycalculator.com needs a subscription.
And when I checked the customs bill which was stuck on the outer package, I could see $21 for three brushes and the total was calculated as $79.03 (on the surface.) But if you really calculate everything: 6 brushes and $53 worth eyeshadows, exactly 50% customs duty was charged.
And even if you calculate the whole price including the free brushes, It turned around $95/6507 INR $53 eyeshadows + $42 free brushes, it does turn out less ie 1900 INR. So in fact, 50% is the new duty rate of the 'New' government.
So was it worth all the hassle? Not so much!
The brushes are custom made for the eyeshadows and work like a dream together. But I don't think they're worth the price tag!
I'd take that as a lesson and hence I decided to shop wisely (hopefully). Spending INR 8000 for an Indie brand, No thank you!
Thursday, April 27, 2017
Charlotte Tilbury Haul from Beautylish.com | Shipping and Import Customs Duties to India
In
Foundation,
Haul
I have been fancying Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipsticks (esp
I want to try her Treat & Transform Magic Cream which I added to my cart but since it is heavy, the import duties for it (alone) turned out to be higher than I anticipated.
So I settled for base makeup instead. I am hankering towards Golden Goddess & Filmstar Bronze & Glow kit! In a few, I want all!
My Charlotte Tilbury Haul includes
Charlotte Tilbury Air Brush Flawless Finish in 2 MediumCharlotte Tilbury Cheek To Chic First Love
Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder in 7 Medium
Charlotte Tilbury The Retoucher in 3 Medium
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation in 7 Medium
Even though, I decided to christen these on my birthday; I tested both the foundations few days before. I wanted to be sure of what finish I preferred with the makeup with my skin condition.
Boy! When I tested the shade of Magic foundation on my jawline and nose, I was doubtlessly under a spell. The shade blended in perfectly. I have had great first impressions of all these products so far.
So what I chose to wear on my Birthday? Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder! (without a doubt)
The shade matching is close enough but a bit too warm for my neutral tone which makes it a bit shadowy on my complexion. Shade 6 has pink undertone while Shade 5 would've been too light for me. But the Magic Foundation is my skin but better kind of shade match for me and I couldn't be more stoked!
I do not regret purchasing any of these but are these worth the price? which I will be decoding in individual reviews.
Shopping with Beautylish
I placed my order on 6th of April 2017 and I was notified that my order was shipped within 24 hours. And additionally, I received an email from FedEx about the tracking and documents for customs verification. The Service type used by Beautylish was FedEx International Priority. And I received my package on 10th April, 2 days before the estimated date. I selected the gift wrap option with a written note. I am definitely impressed with the quick delivery. The customs duties were already included in the order. You can check the snapshot of my order below. I prefer paying import customs duties with the order than on arrival.For such quick International delivery and prepaid custom duties, I am impressed and looking forward to placing more orders with them( motivates me enough!)
Click on the image for a larger view |
Is Charlotte Tilbury Cruelty-free? YES! and many of her products are vegan as well.
You can check Charlotte Tilbury Base Makeup in action here.
I had to choose between diamonds and makeup.
I chose Makeup.
And for accomplishing 3 major goals in 2016 (one in 2017), after working hard for months and numerous sleepless nights (Thank you Redbull!) I decided to treat myself to some luxury makeup in spite of my project pan challenge. I seem to go on purchasing makeup and keep forgetting about it. I lack sincerity with project panning!
Here's the makeup flatlay
My theme for makeup as well as aesthetic was Rose gold. I paired a soft rose gold smokey with soft mauve lips. That lip colour was not on my mind, but I have been wearing Cannes lot, to skip it for once; I mixed Zurich and Marc Jacob's Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. I wore Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation and dusted the Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder over my T-zone lightly.
My base, illuminated and extremely light with bronzed glow, I did skip contouring today. And after taking pictures, I realized I need to fix my eyebrows, I fixed them, wiped off my lipstick and stepped out.
I have zillion Lace blouses, tops and tanks and every time I see lace, mesh or anything similar I have to purchase it (and regret later.) But this is something I had to include in my collection. I didn't have anything forest green!
And here's my humble Face of the Day!
Closeup shot of my illuminated base makeup
And here's the birthday acquisition (for succeeding goals and ignoring my skin all the while!)
My laugh lines are running deeper due to lack of skincare and I am determined to switch to a skincare routine preventing dry patches and developing lines/wrinkles. You can check my acquisition here
Brown paper packages tied up with strings. ;)
I chose Makeup.
And for accomplishing 3 major goals in 2016 (one in 2017), after working hard for months and numerous sleepless nights (Thank you Redbull!) I decided to treat myself to some luxury makeup in spite of my project pan challenge. I seem to go on purchasing makeup and keep forgetting about it. I lack sincerity with project panning!
Here's the makeup flatlay
My theme for makeup as well as aesthetic was Rose gold. I paired a soft rose gold smokey with soft mauve lips. That lip colour was not on my mind, but I have been wearing Cannes lot, to skip it for once; I mixed Zurich and Marc Jacob's Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. I wore Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation and dusted the Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder over my T-zone lightly.
My base, illuminated and extremely light with bronzed glow, I did skip contouring today. And after taking pictures, I realized I need to fix my eyebrows, I fixed them, wiped off my lipstick and stepped out.
I have zillion Lace blouses, tops and tanks and every time I see lace, mesh or anything similar I have to purchase it (and regret later.) But this is something I had to include in my collection. I didn't have anything forest green!
And here's my humble Face of the Day!
Closeup shot of my illuminated base makeup
And here's the birthday acquisition (for succeeding goals and ignoring my skin all the while!)
My laugh lines are running deeper due to lack of skincare and I am determined to switch to a skincare routine preventing dry patches and developing lines/wrinkles. You can check my acquisition here
From Me to Me :) |
Tuesday, February 02, 2016
My Colourpop, Beauty.com, the Balm Cosmetics, Real Techniques & NYX Cosmetics Haul.
In
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.
From Colourpop, with ♥ aren't they just made of sugar?! |
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.
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.]
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.
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.
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).
The Fringe Benefits of Shopping from Sephora US is the Gifts with Purchase & the Samples. I carefully picked the samples and mystery/cyber gift bags this year. I had it all planned!
Last year, I willingly picked up skincare samples & perfume samples over makeup. Only to realise, how risky are these skincare samples.
My Sephora Haul with Hourglass Ambient Lightning Powders missing :( |
I had my heart stuck on Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Enhancer and I couldn't risk the shade matching. Second on my list was KEVYN AUCOIN The Celestial Powder Candlelight ($44.00 for 0.11 oz)
And to round off my order to $50, I added Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick Canvas mini ($10.00 for 0.03 oz)
I am so in ♥! |
Later, I saw this Ciaté London Mini Mani Month ($59.00) and I ordered it without thinking of the weight and how much other makeup I would need to cut down. I selected Mistletoe Moments Sample Bag / GWP solely for Burberry Fresh Glow Deluxe Sample.
Last year, I was able to use the same code and get hold of all the bags they had to offer, but this time, one bag was restricted per account.
Cyber Monday Mystery Bag: This full sized Lancome Hypnose Volume Mascara! |
During the Cyber Monday Sales, Sephora had these irresistible $10 deals. And I restricted myself only to 5!
Too Faced Sexy Lids and Lashes Set, tarte Fanciful Favorites Deluxe Discovery Set, Urban Decay Triple Threat Travel Pencil Set Smoky Matte Edition, bareMinerals Stay True All Over Face Duo and Josie Maran Argan Pure Cleansing Essentials.
Later that week, I knew I was going to receive a $15 off giftcode and I already had something on my mind.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette ($58.00 + $4.06 Tax -$15 off = $47.06) Yay!
Atelier Magnolia Post cards& Sephora Perfume Cards! These go into my collection. |
I picked up Anastasia Brow Products too. You can check them here. I had to have all Anastasia Beverly Hills co-ordinated!
My Last order was mammoth (on my wallet) and I tried to pick most of the stuff I forgot or had to cut off. So I had an earful coming complimentary too! :D
BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector® Opal Glow On The Go Opal ($20.00)
tarte Tarteist Clay Paint Liner ($24.00 for 0.21 oz)
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder Diffused Light ($45.00 for 0.35 oz)
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion - Original ($20.00 for 0.33 oz)
I hurriedly added the Cyber Weekend Mystery Sample Bag bcz I was told not to shop anymore. -_-
I heaved a sigh!
Burberry Sheer Fluid, I think I need full size -_- |
My sister who neatly received all these packages and packed them into one bag. :* Thank you!
But she forgot my Hourglass Ambient Lightning Palette & Individual ( which I assumed were lost.)
I should receive mid-2016with my New Ambient Lights Strobing Powders & Too Faced Sweet Peach Eyeshadow Palette!
What would I do with out YOU?! |
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!
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 & 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
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
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.
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.
After an event, I walked into Mango at Palladium looking for sweaters. A soft peach chunky knit had me enchanted, but even the small size turned out 5x larger on me.
With a shift of running out of my Cetaphil bar, I entered Forest Essentials store. I cross my heart, I only wanted to purchase a moisturizer and a Cleanser.
The first thing, I tried was Soundarya Radiance Cream with 24K Gold. The texture I found was a bit heavy but the resplendence post application had me transported to some cosmic realm.
In search of something light day wear, I settled for Indian Rose & Marigold Light Day Lotion. For all the products I chose, I let my olfactory senses expert me.
The Manager at the Palladium was cordial but not much in granting samples to try.
I almost zeroed on full sized Mashobra Honey, Lemon & Rosewater Delicate Facial Cleanser & Pure Rosewater Facial Toner but then I spot a gift box which had Travel/Sample sized bottles of both. so I cancelled them and picked the gift box instead. And singled out on Kashmiri Saffron & Neem Delicate Facial Cleanser.
I am using Bio oil as post shower oil and I like how it gets absorbed instantly with a zero residue. I tried Moisture Replenishing Bath & Shower Oil Indian Rose Absolute and ...
I skipped it till I finish Bio oil and I singled out on Cold Pressed Organic Virgin Coconut Oil.
The Gift box is versatile with travel/sample sizes of incomparable products priced for 1675 INR. Here are the contents:
Delicate Facial Cleanser Mashobra Honey, Lemon & Rosewater~ 50ml/ 1.69 Fl.oz
Facial Toner Pure Rosewater ~ 50ml/ 1.69 FL.oz
Sunscreen Lotion Aloe vera & Sandalwood ( SPF isn't mentioned) ~ 50ml/ 1.69 FL.oz
Facial Scrub Walnut Gel ~ 15 g
Facial Cream Sandalwood & Saffron ~ 15 g
Sugared Rose Petal Lip balm ~ 5 g/ 0.176 oz
I subsumed Mashobra Honey, Lemon & Rosewater Delicate Facial Cleanser and Facial Cream Sandalwood & Saffron as my daily cleanser and night cream. I tried the lip balm, nothing riveting me from my regular. *I am assuming I found MY cleanser.*
The products I am purchasing on my next visit:
Nargis Body Mist
Soundarya Radiance Cream with 24K Gold
Moisture Replenishing Bath & Shower Oil Indian Rose Absolute
The Frosting on the cake?
Cruelty-Free
SLS Free
Paraben Free
Mineral oil & Petroleum Free
Silicone Free
*as per their website, but I need my fact-finding here too! stay tuned*
To be outright, after spending 5k, getting the membership and asking for samples. I was only provided with Narangi & Nagkesar Ubtan 8g sample jar and I was told they were out of sample jars. Hmmph!
I am hopping to the Phoenix store next time for an Olfactory treat & Cosmic transportation to Lah Lah smelling Land! :D
With a shift of running out of my Cetaphil bar, I entered Forest Essentials store. I cross my heart, I only wanted to purchase a moisturizer and a Cleanser.
The first thing, I tried was Soundarya Radiance Cream with 24K Gold. The texture I found was a bit heavy but the resplendence post application had me transported to some cosmic realm.
In search of something light day wear, I settled for Indian Rose & Marigold Light Day Lotion. For all the products I chose, I let my olfactory senses expert me.
The Manager at the Palladium was cordial but not much in granting samples to try.
I almost zeroed on full sized Mashobra Honey, Lemon & Rosewater Delicate Facial Cleanser & Pure Rosewater Facial Toner but then I spot a gift box which had Travel/Sample sized bottles of both. so I cancelled them and picked the gift box instead. And singled out on Kashmiri Saffron & Neem Delicate Facial Cleanser.
I am using Bio oil as post shower oil and I like how it gets absorbed instantly with a zero residue. I tried Moisture Replenishing Bath & Shower Oil Indian Rose Absolute and ...
I skipped it till I finish Bio oil and I singled out on Cold Pressed Organic Virgin Coconut Oil.
The Gift box is versatile with travel/sample sizes of incomparable products priced for 1675 INR. Here are the contents:
Delicate Facial Cleanser Mashobra Honey, Lemon & Rosewater~ 50ml/ 1.69 Fl.oz
Facial Toner Pure Rosewater ~ 50ml/ 1.69 FL.oz
Sunscreen Lotion Aloe vera & Sandalwood ( SPF isn't mentioned) ~ 50ml/ 1.69 FL.oz
Facial Scrub Walnut Gel ~ 15 g
Facial Cream Sandalwood & Saffron ~ 15 g
Sugared Rose Petal Lip balm ~ 5 g/ 0.176 oz
I subsumed Mashobra Honey, Lemon & Rosewater Delicate Facial Cleanser and Facial Cream Sandalwood & Saffron as my daily cleanser and night cream. I tried the lip balm, nothing riveting me from my regular. *I am assuming I found MY cleanser.*
The products I am purchasing on my next visit:
Nargis Body Mist
Soundarya Radiance Cream with 24K Gold
Moisture Replenishing Bath & Shower Oil Indian Rose Absolute
The Frosting on the cake?
Cruelty-Free
SLS Free
Paraben Free
Mineral oil & Petroleum Free
Silicone Free
*as per their website, but I need my fact-finding here too! stay tuned*
To be outright, after spending 5k, getting the membership and asking for samples. I was only provided with Narangi & Nagkesar Ubtan 8g sample jar and I was told they were out of sample jars. Hmmph!
I am hopping to the Phoenix store next time for an Olfactory treat & Cosmic transportation to Lah Lah smelling Land! :D
Whenever I am in or around Bandra, I often make it a point to visit Kryolan’s Flagship store. So last time, when I was in Bandra, I hurriedly checked Kryolan and forgot visiting the Kama Ayurveda store, which is exactly opposite to Häagen-Dazs. So yesterday, I felt a little misplaced (perhaps, something I wanted was out of stock) and chaotic, not to mention, then I saw this warm, lit store and everything just settled down.
The store is unusually uncomplicated, well-lit and the place smelled of herbs, strong-smelling herbs. The shelves are adorned with all the products that are categorised perfectly. Shelves organised with skin brightening products, concocted oils and others with hair, body and gift boxes—neat, was all I could think. My mind was in a temporary truce with the ambience and behold, I told myself.
I was basically occupied in looking for things, I saw on their website. But I forgot all that I wanted. So, I randomly picked up things to try.
Kama Ayurveda Kumkumadi miraculous fluid was the first thing I smelt and applied on my wrist. My skin then was peculiarly dry and flaky with the cystic acne medication. I wanted something gentle and Jasmine & Rose cleanser fit the requirement. I am currently using a mixture of Argan oil and Grapeseed oil as PM facial oil. I narrowed down to Nalpamaradi from Jwalini and Kumkumadi to treat my body tan.
SA gave me three tester samples of Kumkumadi night cream, Kumkumadi face scrub and Lavanya natural plant mask
Natural products do take a while to show results.
Why I picked Kama Ayurveda products:
~ Cruelty Free
~ Organic Certification from Ecocert, India Organic and USDA Organic
~ No petrochemicals, parabens, urea, propylene glycol or sulphates (sic)
~ Vegetarian Products
~In the booklet I am provided with has mentioned the percentile of naturalism in their products. I liked their transparency even with regard to their ingredient list.
But I could not find the ingredient list on Nalpamaradi oil. I would preferably drop an enquiry
If the brand was a person, I would describe it as humble, kind, and luxurious (partly antithetical, I know).
I also noticed that not all of their gift boxes are for sale on their website. There were different variants at the store than listed on their website.
I am waiting to empty my skincare, shampoos and Oils. But I am hankering to try Kumkumadi serum and Lavender & Patchouli shower gel.
I am not affiliated to the mentioned brand. The products are bought by my own money.
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