Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Lotus Colorkick Curved Liquid Eyeliner: First Impression and a haul

Schwan! (learn about it later in the post)

Lotus Colorkick Curved Liquid Eyeliner: First Impression and a haul

I went to the nearest Lotus Herbals counter and was disappointed not to find the Colorkick Curved Eyeliner. But I really wanted to kowtow the 'Cruelty-Free' conclusion here. I wanted to start adding C-F products to my vanity.
And Lotus Lipsticks ascended the list, so I wanted to find an orange lip colour for summer and something coral-ish pink and I wanted to narrow one down from the newly launched shades. I got Lotus Whiteglow Gel Creme- 20g free for purchasing above 1000inr.

I was disappointed!
T and I visited the Beauty Centre which is few blocks away from the Uni, and I found it there and oh-the-discount!
T picked up the Colorkick eyeliner which she will be reviewing soon ;)

It is pretty hot and sunny, like in summer already. I was in need of a sunblock for Body and a mattifying something too. Vichy isn't mattifying at all and I need something C-F. I tested this on the back of my hand at the counter yesterday and I was taken by the mattified finish.

~Biotique Bio Vera 75+ SPF Suncreen (for 180 inr, 148 with discount)
The smell is strong, the lotion makes the skin soft but the fragrance is overwhelming. Though it fades after application. (completely disappeared by now, after 2 hours.)

~Lotus UV Screen Mattegel PA+++ SPF 50 (for 395inr, 297 with discount)
I wish it provided cooling effect on skin. It made my normal/combination skin stretchy!, I think I will have to layer this onto Vichy. Hopefully this will make a decent primer too.

Lotus Herbals Pure Colors and Eco Stay Lipstick Carnation, Tangerine and Coral Candy
Tangerine, Carnation & Coral Candy
I picked up the Coral Candy 434 from the Lotus Eco-Stay range; Carnation & Tangerine from Pure Colors range.

~Lotus Eco-stay Coral Candy
(for 545inr)
A Coral undertone Pink? OR Blue based pink color with a hint of coral? I cannot elucidate the colour.
But its bright and summer appropriate.

~Lotus Pure Colors  Tangerine & Carnation (for 275inr each)
I applied Carnation today to test the staying power. I applied it in the morning and it was too warm for my neutral complexion, more like orange brown with hint of pink.
I blotted it several times to make it suitable for day & the place I visited. I applied Neutrogena Lip moisturizer thrice from 10-3, and it stayed on for 4 hours and then slowly faded. I had a hint of the lipstick when I came back. I like that it does not leave the tint behind, not it does look patchy while fading. I'm impressed.
Lotus Herbals Pure Colors and Eco Stay Lipstick Carnation, Tangerine and Coral Candy swatches
Coral Candy, Tangerine & Pink Carnation


Lotus Colorkick Curved Liquid Eyeliner

~Lotus Colorkick Curved Liquid Eyeliner (for 725inr, 617inr with discount
I did not expect this, I would avert jumping onto conclusions. You will see, won't you?
I tested the Eyeliner on the inner palm. I'm wondering about its staying part, I cannot wait to wear it tomorrow, out in sun and humidity. What I really want to see is, if it transfers to crease in humid climate, which is what happens with me most of the times.

Lotus Colorkick Curved Liquid Eyeliner Review

It is definitely smudge free, once it dries. It take its own good time to dry, nor too slow nor too quick.
The tap test: It did not bleed under force of water, but it did smudge when I wiped it off.
This is priced for 725inr, I got this for 617inr, almost 100inr off from Beauty Centre, Crawford.

Lotus Colorkick Curved Liquid Eyeliner review swatch and water test

Lakme Eyeconic, Ikonic Eyeliner & Lotus Colorkick have one thing in common, the manufacturing company: Schwan-STABILO Cosmetics GmbH & Co.KG, a Germany based manufacturer.
I have liked Eyeconic, not on the water line. It stings my eyes in summer, probably the heat. But then I do not like my waterline lined.
I'm testing the Lotus Colorkick Curved Liquid Eyeliner tomorrow. I'm enthused. *.*



Monday, February 23, 2015

Lotus Colorkick Curved Liner: And New Launches from Lotus Herbals


I singled out the Felt Tip Eyeliners over Gel ones, obviously the cult fancy, Maybelline Drama Gel Eyeliner.
I liked it too... at some indefinite point of life. Maybe, I am the only one who did not repurchase. I still have the swirl one, used once or twice but that isn't half good as the Black one.

First few months
Me to Myself: I think I found the Best Gel Eyeliner (even though it's the first you've used)

Few Months Later
No, this is not what I like I want Bourjois Felt tip Eyeliners, all of them.

I bought the Bourjois Mega Liner, from Asos. It was not launched in India, I'm not sure if it is.
And I wanted to try, Maybelline Colossal Liner which is on the brink of running out, I used it so much. ( All this official declaration of turning 90% Cruelty Free)
I have given and discared most of the stuff already, Oh the horrid 'Makeup Academy Uk' products, I'm talking about. The Bourjois Mega Liner is still pitch black with no sign of running out, believe me even though It was the only eyeliner I've used since October 2014.

I planned on Physicians Formula and NYX Eyeliners, but I would've to wait till June for that!
And then I came across this when I was browsing through the website figuring out what I would need to try!

Lotus Colorkick Curved Eyeliner
Lotus Colorkick Curved Eyelinerhttp://www.lotusherbals.com


Definitely a microfiche of the NYX 'The Curve', an award winner for $15 approx. 975 INR!
Lotus Colorkick Curved Eyeliner is definitely reasonable for 725 INR. (Oh! My mind calculated the Tax+shipping/handling)
I am hoping it is decent enough for me to commit to it. I am not expecting a lot. Honestly!

And the 9 Added shades to their Ecostay Lip Colors

~Lotus Herbals Ecostay Lip Color in Maroon Mash
~Lotus Herbals Ecostay Lip Color in Coral Candy
~Lotus Herbals Ecostay Lip Color in Spicy Red
~Lotus Herbals Ecostay Lip Color in Coral Crave
~Lotus Herbals Ecostay Lip Color in Me 'N' Mauve
~Lotus Herbals Ecostay Lip Color in Persian Pink
~Lotus Herbals Ecostay Lip Color in Orange Dream
~Lotus Herbals Ecostay Lip Color in My Melon
~Lotus Herbals Ecostay Lip Color in Magneta Magic

NEW Lotus Herbals Ecostay Lip Color


My Picks would be
~Lotus Herbals Ecostay Lip Color in Coral Candy

~Lotus Herbals Ecostay Lip Color in Coral Crave

~Lotus Herbals Ecostay Lip Color in Persian Pink

~Lotus Herbals Ecostay Lip Color in Orange Dream

~Lotus Herbals Ecostay Lip Color in My Melon

I am heading to the Lotus Herbals counters today and trying out the shades, get hold of the eyeliner and a lipstick from newly launched shades.



AND A Shout out to Saravana, Please fix my Page Elements :)

Friday, February 20, 2015

Spring Inspired: Bright Orange Lips and Purple Eyemakeup



Spring Inspired: Bright Orange Lips and Purple Eyemakeup

The Blog has been steering clear of Makeup Looks or Face of the Day. Well I'm breaking all the rules.
I have had this Maybelline Color Tattoo in 20. Painted Purple, free stuff on some unnoted amount.
I wore it just once, but with the onset of Spring I had a look panned out in my head. But the end result turned out better!
Since this is a Day Time Spring Makeup, I kept it simple, subtle and refrained from 'smoking' out the edges.
I wanted to do something 'warm cheery yet mindful' look. I have seen Purple & Pink combinations, all the time. I really wanted to try Bright Orange and Purple and make it look wearable. I would not dare to wear a medium to full coverage foundation, as I did in this look.


How to do Spring inspired eyemakeup with Bright Orange Lips and Purple Eyemakeup


For Face:
MAC Prolongwear Foundation (sample) in NC42 ( it is too warm/yellow on me)
MAC Skin finish Natural in Medium Golden

For Cheeks:
Kryolan TC1 (Orange) Blush
Sleek Contour Kit in Light

Streetwear Color Rich Ultramoist Lipstick in Pink Persuasion  Revlon Colorburst Lipgloss in Papaya Punch

For  Lips:
Streetwear Color Rich Ultramoist Lipstick in Pink Persuasion
Revlon Colorburst Lipgloss in Papaya Punch

Maybelline Color Tattoo in Painted Purple, Maybelline Colossal Eyeliner

For Eyes:
NYX Eye shadow Base in White
Maybelline Color Tattoo in Painted Purple
A Purple Eyeshadow from Sleek Acid
Crease Blending Colour, Highlight and Eye brow Highlighter from Coastal Scents Revealed2
Maybelline Colossal Liner
Bourjois Beauty Full Volume  Mascara + Rimmel Extra Super Lash

Coastal Scents Revealed 2 India. Spring Inspired Bright Orange and Purple Makeup

I started off by priming my eyelids and letting the base set for a minute. I went over the entire eyelid with Maybelline Color Tattoo and blended the harsh edges.
I blended as soon as I applied the eye shadow. I blended the Purple eye shadow from Sleek Acid into the crease.
To add a transition, I used the marked Brown Colour and blended seamlessly above the Purple.
I added the Highlighter in the inner corner and used a Matte Highlighter for eyebrows.
I used a card for the first time to map out my wing, I prefer the freedom. I kept the wing subtle and non dramatic, extending it to 1/4th of my lower lash line to add an illusion of elongation.
And then did rest of my face.

I am planning on doing more wearable colourful eye makeup looks for the spring and summer. =)

P.S.  Pardon my ungroomed eyebrows.

=)

Monday, February 16, 2015

A Bizarre tip for Split Ends!


The other night I was studying (post midnight) and filing my nails. I have had my hair loose, a bit limp with the Shea butter mask I had applied a day before. I noticed two split ends from the corner of my eyes; I wondered why I had them since I renounced Heat stylers (excluding the Philips Kerashine) for the hair.

How to get rid of split ends,A Bizarre tip for Split Ends

And the next thing that I did was inquisitive

I took the hair shafts between my fingers, resting on my palm. I filed the latter half of the ends (Split ends) in gentle downward strokes.
 I Filed those split ends off gently and rubbed in some argan oil to the hair ends before sleeping.

I don’t want to think about the science behind damaging my cuticles by filing them. I am struggling to grow my Hair long and chopping them would be a disappointment.
I am sure it is absurd to file your split ends, but maybe when you do so you are opening your hair end shaft to absorb the Oil or Serum you are going to apply better just like cutting or using warm water?
And applying Oil or Serum is to condition the hair shaft, if damaged.
I am sure there would be other substitutes out there like Keratin rich Hair mask, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Coconut Oil or any Oil that would repair.

Is it the Oil/Serum made my split ends look less visible? It would be hard to tell the difference.
I wonder this filing would work on curly hair; I am looking forward to ask someone to try it.
But for now, I am going to file away my split ends. And I hope that would either conclude with a Quick Fix that would work or I would get to learn something from it (my inquisitive brain).

What are the other Bizarre Quick fixes for Split ends that are buzzing? I want to know. I am inquisitive!

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation Review: Swatch and FOTD


Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation Review: Swatch and FOTD in India


Foundations have been riveting me ever since I have forsaken BB creams. I was in love with Bourjois Healthy Mix; no I did not re-purchase it with the lone reason of shade mismatch. Though it looked natural, it would oxidize on my Normal/Combination skin. I am looking for my ‘Perfect Match’ Foundation from MAC these days. I like the formula, staying power but the shade either runs yellow or oxidizes. I have loved Match master & Prolong wear so far, but the latter has a dominant yellow tone.
Focussing on this one, I bought Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation from Asos along with Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation.

What does Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation claim:

Tested and approved by 97% of women,* the “new generation” foundation for a rested yet radiant complexion and a flawless, even result for up to 16hrs**
Its formula:
3 colour correcting pigments:
1. Yellow pigments – conceals dark circles for a rested look
2. Mauve pigments – corrects dullness for radiance
3. Green pigments – neutralises redness for an even out the complexion
Soft and smooth formula for an undetectable second skin finish. Available in 9 natural shades to suit all skin types.
And it’s good for my skin!
- 24hr hydration**
- SPF 10
- Cotton Flower – hydration & anti-shine
- non comedogenic, lets skin breathe

Price: £10.99 (approx. 1109)
1450 INR in India

Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation in 56 Beige Rose in India, Best Foundations for Oily Skin, Velvet Matte finish Foundations

When this was new, the texture was semi-runny but now it has thickened a bit. It has delectable mild floral fragrance I like. Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation in 56 Beige Rose turned out a bit lighter during the warmer months but it is a close match during colder months. The wear time is around 6-7 hours, though my nose would turn shiny after 2-3 hours. It does starts to fade after 6-7th hour depending on the clime. (I use blotting papers/tissues.)
I use Rimmel Stay Matte to set this foundation on my T-zone which additionally elongates the shine free hours.
Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation takes a little effort in blending; it does not go easy and sets quicker. I use sponge and flat top brush to blend this seamlessly. Blending foundation with fingers is not much of a good idea with this one; it tends to settle on fingers more than the desired area.

Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation in 56 Beige Rose Swatch Review

My skintone is Neutral and Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation is a cool toned pinkish beige, beige being the dominant. Medium Coverage gives ashed results around my eyes or mouth hence I avoid building coverage with a corrector underneath. And to add, it does look patchy on the dry areas. I add a drop of Jojoba oil to the Foundation and work it out. The 3 Colour correcting pigments failed to hide my dark circles though my redness and dullness was corrected.

Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation in 56 Beige Rose in India FOTD
Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation warmed up with Bronzer during Summer


Making Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation work for Warm Skin tone:

I use a Matte Bronzer to add warmth to my face which makes it look much better on me. Or use an Earthy/Warm Blush. I stick to Neutral Colours for Lips as well. I have even used a Brown Eyeliner to balance out the Warm-Cool tones.

Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation in 56 Beige Rose in India Review, Swatches, FOTD, Makeup
Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation applied alone and sheerly blended during Winter

Why Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation:

An excellent Matte Finish Foundation
Sturdy Glass bottle (dropped it once)
Neutralizes Redness
3 Hours of Matte shine free skin
A Pump and a half covers the entire face (little goes a long way)
Adequately conceals if build up
SPF 10
Non Comedogenic
Medium Build able Coverage

Why not Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation:

Accentuates dry patches, dryness and fine lines under the eyes
Inordinate Price for a Drugstore Foundation

Rating: 4 of 5

Recommendation: Yes, for oily skin and matte finish lovers. I love it as sheer coverage and natural matte finish.