Makeup Discourse

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.

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).

I have been wearing makeup every day. And it has been one and a half year heretofore. But there is one thing I would like to mention, I either wear  Concealer under Powder Foundation or Liquid Foundation alone, never both. I loathe the layers, I like a glimpse of my real skin even through my bad skin phase.

Initially, I used the Maybelline Biphased Makeup Remover which caused a lot of breakouts. After desolate stages of acne due to Biphased Makeup Removers, I used them exclusively for eyes and lips. My sister was fond Ponds Cold Cream and every Sunday she would pamper her skin by massaging a good amount onto her facial skin and then steaming and cleansing off with a hot towel. [She is a genius, though. :) and while growing up I learnt more from her than on my own.]

So I tried the same method with Ponds Cold Cream and it did work, except I could not withstand the scent. Back then, I had bought a bottle of Olive oil for hair and I tried it to remove my makeup. All that I did was massage the oil onto my face and neck and wipe off with damp cotton. It did work pretty well with zero breakouts. Thereupon I concluded to follow the same method.

After few days, I decided to steam and then wash off using Himalaya Neem Facewash.( I used back in the day.) My makeup removing methods did oscillate with variations until I settled for using blends of Oils followed with a hot washcloth. I was relieved to find something that suited my combination/normal skin.

The blend of Oils included: Olive oil and Grapeseed Oil in 4:1 ratio.

Or Coconut Oil either mixed with Olive Oil & Grapeseed Oil.

I still use the aforementioned method to remove my makeup except that I switch between Oils. Cold Processed Oils have been an integral part of my skincare. I don't purchase fancy concoctions/blends of Oils readily available rather I favour my customised blends. Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil (Sephora Deluxe 5ml sample) converted me to switch to Oil for the night time moisturiser over my Cetaphil Lotion. I don't prefer mixing them for now since Olive oil is slightly acidic while Coconut Oil is Alkaline in nature. I am covering the pH balance in my future post.

My Oil Cleansing Method:
I generously spread Oil blend and massage onto my skin. After all the makeup breaks down, I spray my face with rosewater and the emulsification of Oil and water helps break down the rest.
Next, I just wipe off my face in the downward direction with a baby washcloth dipped and wriggled out.
Post cooling, I hydrate my face with Rosewater and follow up with my night time moisturiser.

For weary days:

I saturate a cotton pad with Bioderma Sensibio h2O and clean away all the makeup.


The Benefit: Retaining the Hydration, Moisture and Oil to maintain skin's elasticity to slow down ageing.

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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.

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)

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.

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!

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!

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!

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I bought Forest Essentials since it was on my "To Try: Cruelty-Free Brands in India" List. You can read what I purchased to try.

I do not use granular scrubs or had a scrub free 2015 until I switched to using Forest Essentials Revitalising Kashmiri Walnut Gel Scrub and I have been using this one for 2-3 weeks twice a week. But what compelled me to write a review is my sneaky suspicion that this contains alcohol (in great amount.)

Why I stay away from Alcohol:

Terribly dries out my skin

Causes itching on spots and acne

Rashes

Redness

Price: 1095 INR. ( I reviewed the 25 grams deluxe size jar in a gift box.)

Quantity: 50 grams

[ Backstory: The last time I went to my Dermatologist was when my face infuriated with ugliest possible rash & Acne due to Sebamed Deep Cleansing Toner in August/September 2015. ] 

The patch test behind my ear turned out just fine so I decided to finish it off this January. The first time I used this scrub, I was startled with the brightened skin and removal of slight Tan. I jumped at the conclusion of purchasing the full sized jar. I used twice that week and since I had few acne that next week, I abstained from scrubbing.

And while my acne healed and the stage commenced where I actually need a good facial scrub. I let this Walnut Gel Scrub sneak into my simple skincare routine. [You will see my January Project Pan.]

It was that horrendous night of 23rd January when I cleansed my skin with Forest Essentials Cleanser and I scooped out scrub with my fingers, I weirdly smelt of Alcohol. I followed with my Almond Oil and retired for the day.
The morning that followed I woke up with four Bean sized rashes two on the left cheeks, one on the right and one hiding under the chin. See the Picture below. And they were itching and so were my acne, by the mid morning I had got red bumps and blotchiness. I continuously sprayed my face with Rosewater and skipped anything except my night time almond oil. Next day, I woke up just fine, my rashes were gone but not the redness.
Right at this moment, My skin is still dry and inflamed and I have used up the Forest Essential Walnut Gel Scrub for my feet last night!

What made me conclude Forest Essentials Revitalising Kashmiri Walnut Gel Scrub contains Alcohol:

~ I stay away from Toners. Toners infuriate my facial skin, no matter how gentle or 'Alcohol-free'
~ I can smell Alcohol. Reminds me of Isopropyl Alcohol I use for sanitising my makeup & stuff.
~ If this contains Aloe vera Gel, it should either pill or stay moist holding the granules. BUT instead, it dries completely in few minutes and leaves the walnut shell powder behind. ( Check the image below.)
~ The first time when I used it, I had a weird feeling that it numbed my skin a little. Since the scrub granules are harsh. And I made sure, I don't  over scrub.
~ Key Ingredients? We know the Key ingredients from the very Long products names too.
It's not like you are using Mashobara, Lemon Honey face wash WITH Coconut, Pineapple & Lavender on the Key ingredients list. -_-

This loathsomeness is limited to Forest Essentials Revitalising Kashmiri Walnut Gel Scrub. Other Products I am currently using are working fine for me (no rashes at least.)
Moreover, I began my fact finding with the Ingredients which should be concluded soon.

And here is why I am so no fandangle with respect to the Ingredients List.

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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

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. 

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