I am finicky when it comes to hygiene, makeup organisation and anybody touching my makeup for two reasons:  hygiene & longevity!

And to be honest I do not abide by the regular discarding rules that I often read on Pinterest or in magazines. I have been extra concerned with my makeup since I started stockpiling on requisite products.

I will lose my mind, If I am made to discard a high-end lipstick merely after few uses. I am not only sharing how to sanitize and when to discard makeup but also how you can get best out of the money you've invested. [Right, there I said it.:D]

But before everything else, I would like to mention that I never touch up makeup (ever) except for lip balm. And if I would, I'd keep a separate compact/lipstick in my bag that has to be sanitised every weekend. The nuisance I create definitely puts everyone off but who cares, I save some zits there, you see?

1] Store Your Makeup in Cool and Dry/Dark Place

Opaque Makeup Drawers are ideals for storage, since light exposure can alter the

texture/colour/consistency. When I say Cool place, I don't mean refrigerator. And away from humidity. Humidity is the real reason why fungus develops on oil-based makeup products. Avoid direct sunlight on your vanity, if you use clear or open storage make sure you keep them covered.

2] Shelf Life (SL) and Period After Opening (PAO) 

SL is often mentioned on the package in bold and is well-known. Some brands also display PAO on the bottom of the product. Indian brands or certain brands sold in India do not label PAO symbols, for instance, I have attached a picture of Maybelline Lip Polish with the missing PAO.

3] Sanitizing Makeup Every Month

I am a finicky and no amount of sanitising would ever convince me. But once in a month, I take out all my makeup to disinfect them, have a small talk over teatime and, of course, put them to sleep with a lullaby. =) Sometimes, I go overboard and disinfect the inner rims, outer package and clean all the fallouts and make them shiny new.

For instance, If I am running out of time, I would just sanitise the makeup I have used in past few weeks. I keep them rolling till I am bored.

4] Using Q-tips, Spatulas and Lipgloss Wands to Extend the Life of Your Makeup

When I got hold of my 10-15 liquid lipsticks, I made sure I refrain from using the wand directly on my lips. So, I got these disposable wands to apply the lipcreams and liquid lipsticks so that I get the liberty to stretch the PAO of my liquid lipsticks. Also I use Q-tips or spatulas to take out moisturisers, scrubs or anything with tub packaging. [ I saved all those Barbie pink spoons I got from Baskin-Robbins :D]

5] Do Not Keep Your Products Exposed For Too Long

Even if you have been taking all the measures of not letting any aliens in your makeup, if you are keeping them open and exposed for too long that could just impair the taken measures. At times (not always), I disinfect the pumps of foundations ( hello! you dirty MAC match master mouth! *. *) with a sanitising wipe to just get better sleep at night. *rolls eyes*

That is one of the things that drive me insane: dirty pumps without caps.

6] For Cream Products and Concealers with Wands 

I personally avoid buying cream based face products because they should be tossed within 12 months (if unmentioned on the package), making sure that you don't dip–undip unclean brushes doing rounds from your cheeks to pan. Concealers with wands are probably time-saving but the wand is unhygienic. It is better to discard such products after 6 months of PAO. And if you'd be covering zits or blemishes, it is always great to use a brush.

I think I have covered all my significant actions into a blogpost, but I still have a few things I'd like to mention—the products that I discard on time are mascara and eyeliner. Infested or spoiled mascara/eyeliner can lead to stye or infection. Rest all the liquid makeup product's usage can be stretched until the texture changes/oxidises/alters.

How to Sanitize Lipsticks:

Dip the bullet (only the bulbous part that comes in contact with the lips) into Dr Spirit and then wipe away on clean tissue.You can also sanitise your lip pencils.

How to Sanitize Compact Powders/Blushes:

Transfer rubbing alcohol/Dr Spirit into a spray bottle and spray some alcohol on the surface. Wait for the surface to dry and then brush off the upper layer with a clean brush.

Following these certainly does take a lot of effort and you don't have to the rigid follow rules, if you look after your makeup.

The factual reason I prefer Physicians Formula Healthy Wear  Powder Foundation over any other  Powder foundation is SPF 50, alone.

Physicians Formula claims the product to be Fragrance-free, Non-irritating, Paraben free, Non-Comedogenic, Hypoallergenic, Oil-free and Dermatologist approved

This Powder Foundation is a windfall for me this summer. The texture is powdery and I detest fallout, I use Real Techniques Powder brush and buff onto my skin and layer the fallout over the buffed powder. The coverage is translucent, even though it covers redness around my nose and evens out my skin tone. The powder is hydrating and does not look cakey upon layering or accentuate dry skin.

Though it states that the Foundation is mineral based, I don't notice the illumination mineral foundation results. At times, this does look flat matte.

Physicians Formula Healthy Wear  Powder Foundation has been discontinued. I think I could use this all seasons round. This is my absolute favourite and summer essential.

For most of the days when I am out between 11-5, I top this on Vichy and I am ready to step out.
This alone does not provide enough sun protection, I use it to mattify the shiny sunblock residue.
Talc is the first ingredient listed with Dimethicone (a silicone), a pore clogging ingredient.

I am a touch-up shy, I dislike touching up my makeup or sunblock. I would like a powder/dry sunscreen in a brush, say Brush on Sunscreen. So I could just brush on some dry sunscreen to protect and mattify in one go. =D

Is Physicians Formula Healthy Wear Powder Foundation Cruelty-Free? Yes

Repurchase: It is discontinued. Maybe a different variant.

Bronzing is my newfangled Fancy!



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.





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.


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.


Indoors around 10 am


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.

Eat. Sleep. Shape Brows. Repeat - Anastasia Beverly Hills

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 =]

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 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 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.


Bare Brow

Softly filled in with Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Skinny Brow Pencil in Dark Brown

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.

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! ;-)


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.


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 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 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 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.

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.

Kryolan High Gloss Brilliant Lip Shine in Apricot Review, Swatches, Photos

Kryolan High Gloss Brilliant Lip Shine in Apricot is a sheer Lip gloss with a hint of Apricot. The Apricot tint is soft and turns sheer on application, almost a sheer Coral gloss with a hint of warmth. The Applicator is brush which makes it easier to build the vibrancy or shine. The Gloss does not contain shimmer. [The swatch reflects shimmer transferred from my lipstick.]

The Texture of Kryolan High Gloss Brilliant Lip Shine in Apricot is Non-sticky and waterproof. It does not bleed though it transfers. Kryolan High Gloss Brilliant Lip Shine in Apricot is light and hydrates/moisturises well. I prefer wearing this alone paired with Kohl Eyes. (I rarely wear Kohl and if I do, I make sure it is heavy and smoked.) Though my lips are pigmented or dual discoloured, I don’t mind wearing this alone at all. I also use this layered above few of my Coral Lipsticks.

The Longevity is slightly better than other Lip glosses I’ve tried but not better than Bourjois Rose Exclusif since it leaves a tint. I think it is the viscosity of this Gloss; this stays on for 3 hours straight without meals or water.

Kryolan High Gloss Brilliant Lip Shine in Apricot Swatch in Daylight
Price:  900INR for 4ml
Cruelty-Free Status: Cruelty-Free but Not Vegan

Ingredient List:
Polybutene,  Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil),Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Tocopheryl Acetate,  Aloe Barbadensis Extract (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract), Trihydroxystearin, Parfum (Fragrance) and may contain: [+/- Titanium Dioxide CI 77891, Iron Oxides CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499,  Yellow 5 Lake CI 19140, Carmine CI 75470, Blue 1 Lake CI 42090, Red 22 Lake CI 45380,  Bismuth Oxychloride CI 77163, Red 28 Lake CI 45410, Red 36 CI 12085, Red 7 Lake CI 15850, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate,  Silica, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Tin Oxide, Mica] (EU seulement/only: CI 77510) May contain carmine as a color additive.

Pros:
Waterproof, Non-Sticky Formula
Light Texture
Moisturizes & Hydrates well with a slight plumping effect.

Cons:
Unduly High for a Lipgloss
Transfers almost every trace on the glass [See the Water Transfer Test below.]
Availability



The Verdict: I have been wearing this gloss through the monsoon. And it does stay until you either blot down with a tissue or remove with cleanser/makeup remover. Even when it starts fading, the reflect starts to dull but it is as moisturising as it is freshly applied.  I have started wearing Lip glosses to moisturise my lips when I’m out and this overfills my moisture urgency. I don’t feel the need to reapply my lip balm for hours notably.

Recommendation: If you prefer Sheer Tinted, light Lip glosses. Wear alone or layer on a Lipstick; excluding the price tag.

Essence XXXL Longlasting Lipgloss Matt Effect in Silky Red is a warm orange based Red. The Colour is Deep Scarlet Red and is semi-opaque in a single swipe. The base colour is true Red with a Scarlet overtone to it. After blotting with a tissue, a True Red colour with a slight hint of Scarlet remains.

The Texture is mousse like Silky and with a touch of warmth turns oily. It certainly is fleecy and creamy to touch. It does not set to a Matte finish rather it settles into fine lines, it bleeds as well.
I wear almost all lip colours softly blotted and this one is no exception. Blotting does take away the intensity of the Red, but I find it more wearable blotted since I sidestep the Lipstick bleeding.

The applicator is flat rectangular which again makes it easier for me to line on the go. But since this bleeds, I avoid.

Price: 279 INR

Cruelty-Free Status: There is a bit of perplexity from what I have researched. I could not find anything positive in terms of Non Cruelty-free, even after a lot of reading between the lines. I am assuming Essence is NOT Cruelty-Free even though they are not sold in China.

Essence XXXL Longlasting Lipgloss Matt Effect in Silky Red Sunglight and Flash Swatches 

Cons:
~Bleeds
~ It develops tides if you press lips together
~ Accentuates flakes and fine lines
~ Transfers


Essence XXXL Longlasting Lipgloss Matt Effect in Silky Red blotted excess

The Verdict:
I picked this on a whim of trying the most loved Drugstore brand in Europe. I wanted Coral Calling; I picked this instead since it was out of stock. There was one more Rosy Brown Colour; I assumed it would be too warm for my Neutral Complexion.
The texture is unique, nothing like I have tried before. After blotting, the texture turns powdery, just sits on top with a True red slight stain beneath. Not flattering.
The staying power is poor and it does transfer easily. Also it easily moves. I am introducing Water Glass Lipstick Transfer Test. I hope that would give much into the aspect of staying power as well. I think the weather plays an important role here, because I have seen/read other bloggers raving about this. Certainly not for Hot humid Climate.

Essence XXXL Longlasting Lipgloss Matt Effect in Silky Red: The Water Glass Transfer Test

Recommendation: I would not recommend it to anyone unless on budget. The texture is pretty workable if lined, filled and blotted well.

Lotus Pure Colours Lipstick in Carnation is a Rosy Coral colour with slight earthy/peachy tone to it. The Colour is semi-bright and is opaque in a single swipe. The base colour of this lipstick is Rosy Brown and the overlay is semi-bright Coral which adds vibrancy to this lipstick. After blotting with a tissue, the vibrancy is reduced to a soft rosy brown opaque tint.


I prefer using both ways: Vibrant and blotted. But I feel the colour is intense and bright enough for day wear. Blotting takes away much of the vibrancy (and yellowness in Carnation), so make sure you soft blot it.
I don’t like using Lip liners and hate the fact that you hardly find a match. So I basically use the bullet to outline and fill in the Lipstick. And with tricky textures, I use a lip brush to outline and filling followed by blotting and applying directly from the bullet.

The Verdict:
I love this Lipstick and prefer this when I have enough time to follow the needed steps to get it right.
The formula is gross, it is creamy and slippy. The texture is hydrating and creamy on application. The creamy overlay slips and transfers when you press your lips and develops tide lines resulting in uneven application. It does not bleed.

This Lipstick does leave a slight tint behind but if removed with a bi-phased remover or Bioderma, every trace of colour comes off. I don’t think there are many Pros or Cons to be listed down apart from the gross texture.
The staying power is average and lasts up to 4 hours without meals. [Most of the lipstick transfers on my water glass/ bottle]

Swatch on my freckled forearm and No! it is not Cassiopeia =)

Price: 275 INR

Is Lotus Herbals Cruelty-Free? Yes

Recommendation: I have not read any review mentioning the slippy texture that overlaps and forms tides in the outlines or corners of lips. I guess either this is manufacturing default or just a bad lipstick.
I would try few more shades from the same range since they are affordable, I am willing to try a few more shades.
I like the colour and I believe I can make it work.

*All the swatches are clicked in Bright Daylight.
I want to try their Rosewood, Red Rose and few other colours too. =)