Friday 26 September 2014

FOTD #10



Before I start this - can you guys see how pasty I look? Ugh, I really need to pile on the bronzer, and its really making me feel like a corpse. Sigh. But anyway.
Its been a while, hasn't it? I always love posting these types of blogs and I'm so glad I could finally work out the lighting (Stand in front of my window with my camera held awkwardly in my hand) and the rest of that jazz.
This was a quick one before School one day in this past week.
For base I used my Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation all over, followed by my trusty Bobbi Brown Corrector under the eyes. I pricision powdered in certain areas of my face using my Chanel Loose Powder. I really piled on the Bobbi Brown Matte Bronzer to add some colour to dull face.
For the eyes, I went back to an oldie but a favorite.. the Nars Eyeshadow Duo in Cordura, followed by several lashings of my Tarte Lights Camera Lashes Mascara! I ran some dark brown shadow through my brows.. A bit of lip balm and I was done!

What d'you think? 

Wednesday 24 September 2014

A Foundation Conundrum


The Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation is supposed to be a gel based foundation with a light-medium coverage that goes over areas of texture and colour and glide over it, while providing radiance and hydrating your skin. Atleast it claims to do all of that.
After using this for close to a month, I've been debating on writing a post about it, because honestly, I don't know what I feel about it. Hence, the conundrum.
For starters, I find it doesn't really glide over my skin the way I presumed something that claimed it was 'gel based' would. It was streaky and patchy, and I really needed to buff it in to stop that from happening.
Secondly, since I needed to buff it into areas where I had texture and pigmentation, I couldn't really build it up to anything more than a light layer - which is great if you have perfect skin, with my skin however, NOPE. Just doesn't work. So it was a bit of a fail on the coverage front.
Third, I found that it just sat on my skin, without sinking in, adding to my need to buff it or use a sponge - which honestly speaking is a huge bother in the morning when I'd rather just sleep that extra ten minutes I take to get this to sink into my skin. Ugh.

But, all is not lost. I really do like how radiant my skin looks when I wear it. And it stays put all day long without much fading. Also, colour match (I have 55) is pretty decent as far as budget foundations are concerned.

So... have you had this problem? Not sure if you like or dislike a product? Well, join the club, and help me make a decision! 

Monday 22 September 2014

Precise Powdering



Before you say it, I know I know.. I look absolutely hilarious with those lines on my face.. but hear me out, it will all make sense in a moment.
You guys know I love me some glow and the only area I usually powder is under my eye... however, since moving here, I've noticed a fair few changes in my skin. For one.. its much colder and hence my skin is drier in general, which contradicts the title of the post, I know, but patience, grasshopper.
But the difference here is.. despite the cold, I'm still walking a fair bit. And it does make me produce more oil than I did back home travelling from one air conditioned place to another without any real movement.
Hence, precision powdering has been my savior.
As you can see in the second picture.. those are the areas I get a bit shiney around mid day. Mostly around my cheeks and chin, but I add a bit around the nose and forehead as well.. so I just remember to dust a small amount of loose powder like my Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre in 40 Dore around those areas in the morning, and I'm good to go through the day.. also, my makeup so much longer when I do this.

So I ask myself.. why didn't I powder more before this? Strange, innit?

Do you like precision powdering? What are your thoughts?

Friday 19 September 2014

The Tool You Don't Need, But Need.



Yep, I had to talk about the Real Techniques Miracle Sponge that I got a few weeks ago (my first day here!)
Lets start with all the hype that surrounds these sponges... the original Beauty Blender made a wave in the Makeup world and is still a favorite among Youtubers all over the world. Though I was tempted, the cost made sure I would never give into said temptation. However, with Real Techniques came out with their own brushes, at a remarkable decent price, my curiosity soared again.. but I didn't have access to it... until recently.
I have to admit its a strange little tool which practically becomes twice its original size when its run under water... but I think I like it.
Now, nothing will beat my Buffing Brushes (Real Techniques, and more recently Zoeva) but this little orange blob does have its uses.
You see, once you've buffed that foundation into your face, followed by concealer and whatever else you'd like to add .. and things are starting to look a bit heavy, the same orange blob can save you from becoming cake face.
I use it just after foundation to smooth things over with the flat side and pat in twice the amount of concealer (I have very dark circles)  with the pointed edge. It manages to keep my skin more hydrated (possibly the water) while keeping it look so natural and skinlike (see picture above as reference).

So, this is my verdict.. I love it.. for days I have time for this extra step, otherwise, I can manage without it - but I would prefer to have it.

What about you? And what are your plans for the weekend?

Wednesday 17 September 2014

NEW IN! The Zoeva Brush Edition


So, I finally gave in and got myself some Zoeva Brushes... for 'the kit' ofcourse - because I really need more excuses to buy makeup.
They took about 9 days to get to me, mostly because I wasn't home the first time they tried to deliver them. I finally got my hands on them the day before, and I have to say it was love at first glance.
I bought the Complete Set which comes with a wide variety of brushes for the face and eyes, all packed in a sleek looking black pouch with really cute bright pink lining.
The 15 brushes consist of -

  • 102 Silk Finish
  • 104 Buffer
  • 106 Powder
  • 110 Face Shape
  • 128 Cream Cheek
  • 142 Concealer Buffer
  • 227 Soft Definer
  • 228 Crease
  • 223 Petit Eye Blender
  • 231 Petit Crease
  • 234 Smoky Shader
  • 235 Contour Shader
  • 317 Wing Liner
I also got the 109 Face Paint Brush for contouring. 

Every single brush is so soft and incredible quality - really impressed with these at first sight/use. Though I haven't washed them or used them enough to review, my first impression is nothing but positive! Keep your eyes peeled for a favorites/review post!

Have you tried these? What are your thoughts?


Monday 15 September 2014

A Brow Game Changer


If you're a regular around this part of the web, you know how much I talk about this product, so much so that I don't ever wear a full face of makeup without using this. Infact ever since I've found it I haven't had the itch to try anything else that does something similar/same thing.
The Anastasia Beverly Hills DipBrow Pomade in Black Brown is so right for the eyebrows, its almost scary. Its a gel - moussey texture that is so insanely pigmented that I would advice you to proceed with caution.
Its a long wearing water proof product that can guarantee perfect everybrows all day long. It keeps the hair in place, its a cool toned dark brown which is a great match for my natural hair colour and it has yet to fail me. It truly is one of my favorite products that I feel doesn't get much of chance to shine. Hence this post.

For the record, I got mine from Cult Beauty where they give you free international shipping with your first order... just sayin'.

Have you tried this? What are your thoughts?  

Friday 12 September 2014

A New Base Love


You know how I've always wanted to try the NARS Sheer Glow Foundation? Well, I never did because I could never figure out what I shade I would be or how to get it shipped to me because of how expensive it was! Well, imagine my utter surprise and glee to see that our Makeup Kit for school included 4 shades of this foundation. I was even more surprised to see that both Barcelona and Syracuse (the two shades of foundation I was confused between) were a part of the 4 we were given.
I'm currently inbetween the two, but if I were to buy myself one of them, right now, I'd lean towards Syracuse, but come winter I'll be using Barcelona.

The foundation has a medium coverage with a satin finish. It isn't dewy, it isn't shiney, its just.. as the name suggest a glow.
I've been using it everyday for 2 weeks now. On various skintones and types and I thought I would give you a round up of this little wonder.
It costs GBP 31 (Around INR 3000). The range of colours is ridiculously large and has both warm and cool undertones.
The coverage is medium, but buildable to full, which I have done, and it never goes cakey or thick looking. It really sinks well into the skin without emphasizing texture of settling into lines.
No matter what your skin type is, it seems to last fairly long and doesn't fade till the 8 hour mark, which is great in a foundation.
It doesn't have SPF to it photographs like a dream, which is always a good thing!

I have to say, I am very impressed by this, and by the looks of it, it may become a kit staple for me.
Have you tried this? What do you think?

P.S Keep your eyes peeled for a quick 'what I've learnt so far' post!

Wednesday 10 September 2014

Dry Skin Saviors.


So as I type this, keep in mind that I have had a few glasses of wine... SO, Stuff that's keeping my going through colder weather (its 10/15 degrees here)

Soap and Glory Hand Food
I never understood the need for handcream until I came here and my skin started peeling (I kid you not) but now I do. So, first of... This hand cream seriously smells amazing. When I use it I feel the need to keep sniffing my hands - which let me be honest here, looks creepy as hell, but I can't help it! Not only does it smell good, it really helps my hands which are super dry and crinkly look almost human (I said almost!).
Its really moisturizing, but at the same time it isn't greasy and for the price (INR 500) I'd buy it repeatedly!

The Body Shop Body Sorbet in Strawberry
I got this back home before I left... because I wanted something light (in weight) but still heavy duty, contradictory I know, but that's me for you... And this suits that brief. When you put it on, its almost like an airy moussey cream that feels like heaven, smells fantastic and still manages to keep those dry parts completely soft and moisturized. Infact, the first time I used it, my flatmate commented on how good it smelled and bought one for herself in Mango (which doesn't smell as strong though, keep in mind).
So, if you're looking for divine moisture that smells like dessert, and has the most unique texture you'd ever try out.. you need this. I mean it. No, really.. go.. go now and try it out!

What are your dry skin favorites?

Monday 8 September 2014

Current Favorites #2


I'm not sure if I've mentioned this or not, but since we're working on eachothers faces during class, we don't wear makeup every morning. Which is very refreshing, and gives me plenty more time in the morning - however, it limits my blogging severely as I can only do FOTD/N's of what I'm wearing on the weekends or even test it out new things only during the weekends. Frustrating, yes, but I'll make things work, I promise.
However, the point of this post - makeup products I've been enjoying recently... The Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation is on my list of favorites at the moment because of how light it feels on the skin, and the way it glides on so easily! It has a medium coverage that is enough to cover my scars but still look like skin - which is what I want out of a foundation. Though the shade 55 is a touch lighter than I am at the moment, it still blends beautifully into my skin. I would highly recommend this to anyone who can get their hands on this.
Since its cold here, my skin has been getting a bit grey and dull looking, so my Bobbi Brown Bronzer has really been my go-to to warm things up a fair bit, though I was a bit skeptical about the red tones at first, I find it really helps here. Keeping with the colour theme, I've been loving the Clinique Cheek Pop in Berry Pop which is a berry pink - perfect for this transition to my first ever autumn. Though it does look more like blush and less like a natural flush on me, I find that the colour really helps bring out the natural warmth in my skin.
For my eyes, I've been enjoying two things in particular. One is the Estee Lauder Shadow Paint in Chained which is my first pick for effortless and easy eye makeup that still looks natural, while I've been reaching for the Clinique Eyeshadow in Black Honey other times. Black Honey is another more 'auntumn' colour thats really exciting for me to wear out.

I know this is fairly simple, but these are the bits and bobs I've been loving recently!
What are your favorites?


Friday 5 September 2014

The 'Holy Grail' Base Product


I'm not entire sure how many times I've mentioned this foundation while running this blog, but I'm guessing atleast once a week? Its probably my most mentioned product in my time writing this blog... yes, you guessed right - the Chanel Vita Lumier Aqua is what I could consider my 'holy grail' foundation. Bear in mind, there is no other product I consider holy grail uptil now, its a big deal people.
To put it simply, it is very easily the base I realize I cannot live without. Now that I'm onto my second bottle of this stuff, let me give you a full indepth review of this wondrous product.
For starters, Its Chanel, which by default makes it a luxury item that may make you tear upon hearing the price (INR 3000 *sob*). But its everything you'd want from a foundation that you shell out a boat load of money for.
The smell? Like Roses, classic Chanel.
The packaging? Travel friendly, light and simple.
The coverage? Light-medium to medium full if you want to build it up, never cakey or heavy looking, sinks in like a dream and looks gorgeous. FYI, its water based so you have to give it a good ol' shake before using it.
The colour match? I'm B50 which matches me as well as one foundation can, but the shade range is a little bit more on the smaller side.
The finish? Like skin, but healthy and glowy and beautiful!
How long does it last? Well, despite using it about 3 times a week on average, I've used the same bottle for over a year, so if you really think about it, its really worth the money you pay. Also, the pigment is so great that a little really does go a long way.
On the skin, it lasts all day on me, no problem at all.

Its lightweight, its easy to use and blend, stays put all day long and looks lovely on my acne prone dry skin. Honestly speaking, there is nothing I don't like about this foundation, I would say... RUN to your local Chanel store and try it. It will be love at first whiff/usage, I assure you.


Wednesday 3 September 2014

NEW IN! The Boots Edition


Obviously, I could not have been here for more than 10 days now and not have gone into Boots and picked up a few things. So a mini haul for you lovely folks.
Lets start of with the one I'm most excited about the Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation in 55 which has replaced my trusty Happy Light that I had to leave behind. And you know what? I like it MORE. Its more coverage, but since its gel based it goes on better and stays put forever - not that I have a problem with products staying on here, I mean, its cold all the time. 
Next up, was a new Mascara I needed and the Revlon Bold Lacquer Waterproof Mascara looked much to pretty to pass up. On first try, I did not like this, but now that its dried up a bit, its pretty darn great. Its insanely lengthening and does a great job of separating, which I love or day to day. Also, I got rained on when I was wearing this - did. not. budge.
The Rimmel Brow This Way Styling Gel is supposed to be a great dupe for the Benefit Gimme Brow, but since they didn't have my colour in stock, I chose the clear version, which is very.. meh. It doesn't really hold my eyebrow hair up, and its a bit wet for my liking, but you never know, time will tell. 
Finally, the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge which I've wanted since it came out. I haven't really played around with it much, but I will tell you this - it makes the face looks flawless, even if it does take a while... review on this soon! 

So what do you think of my picks?



Monday 1 September 2014

Everyday in London



So what was originally supposed to go up on Friday is now here for you on this lovely Monday morning. I start classes today, which is a huge deal, I'm so excited nervous!

But this post is more about what I've been wearing on my face for the past week.
I've been keeping things fairly simple, because I have no idea if its going to rain or shine on me.. so I start with the Chanel Vita Lumier Aqua, a very light layer because in this climate, my skin seems to absorb this stuff like a sponge. Followed by the Bobbi Brown Corrector under my eyes. My skin has also been super dry, so i haven't been setting anything with powder.
For my cheeks, I've been using the Tarte Blush in Blissful, because without the colour I look grey.
For my eyes, I've been using the Estee Lauder Stay on Shadow Paint in Chained, along with my MAC Magnetic Appeal Mineralize Skinfinish in the inner corners, to brighten my eyes. For the eyebrows, the Anatasia Beverly Hills DipBrow Pomade continues to make its daily appearance.
For Mascara, I've been using up my mini Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! Really need to get a full size of it.
Much like the rest of me, my lips are dry and chapped, so i've been using the Maybelline Baby Lips. Simple, takes no time and easy!

What do you think? Also, I'm BACCKK!