Another Mascara to talk about...........

Another amazing mascara to be talked and gossiped about is the Bourjois Volumizer Mascara.......


Lets see what Bourjois has to say about this fantabulous mascara.....

Killer volume! No clumps guaranteed!

The new Volumizer mascara works in just 2 steps to build up to 11 x more volume, clump-free.

Its secret? AN INNOVATIVE TRANSFORMABLE BRUSH*.

Choose the volume that suits best your style or the occasion:

- Use Step 1 for extremely defined lashes with 2 x more volume, perfect for the day or if you want to focus on your lips.

- Use Step 1+2 for dramatic lashes with up to 11 x more volume with no clumps, perfect if you want the ultimate show-stopping eyes.

How does it work:

Step 1 - the lightly loaded brush gives you a defined volume and prepares lashes for a second stroke without clogging

Step 2 - the fully loaded brush will coat your lashes to boost and build maximum volume with no clumps.

Its formula builds instant volume to lashes and can be applied layer upon layer without clogging, boosting volume with every stroke.

... And it's good for your eyes:

Enriched with fortifying and repairing ceramide, natural waxes and provitamin B5, it is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers (Ophthalmologically tested).

*patent pending

 And there is more to say........

Being a new generation mascara Voumizer does not give you stiff and poke-y lashes but your lashes look full, flared and are soft to touch just like your original ones. This mascara may also land in my monthly "Best" awards due to its amazing versatility.

The only cons is I have to see how the mascara would work for ladies with tiny lashes and sparse lashes.

I love it and so would you for the price of Rs.550.........

Till then,

Ciao 

A Spicy Inspiration.......

I thought of warming up and spicing up the cold winter with an uber-chic look that can be done by anybody and everybody.So easy the look is yet is so GLAMOROUS. So lets see what we need.

FACE

• Clarins Instant Smooth Complexion Perfector Rs.1500 approx.
• Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation Rs.950
• Bourjois Brush concealer Rs.550
• Clinique Perfectly Real Compact Makeup Rs.1600

Prep n prime your face with a luxurious face moisturizer and then dab on a pinkie sized amount of face primer for the makeup to glide smoothly. Apply Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation for a dewy finish very apt for the winters against the summery-matte complexion. Dab on some highlighting concealer to brighten up the eye area as we would be using earthen tones to highlight eyes. Apply pressed powder on the T-zone and very minimal dusting on the cheeks to get the blush going better.

CHEEKS

• MAC Liquid Loose Powder in Truth and Light Rs.1700
• MAC Powder blush in Coppertone and Sunbasque Rs.1150

Dust Sunbasque on the face contours with a soft angled blush brush with Coppertone on the cheek bones and highlight with the Liquid Loose powder which is a subtle higlighting powder to perk up the complexion.

EYES

• MAC Paint pot in Soft Ochre Rs.1100
• MAC Tecknakohl liner in Graphblack Rs.1100
• MAC eyeshadows in Brule and Embark Rs.900
• Bourjois Single eyeshadow in No.54 Rs.390
• Clinique High Lengths Mascara in Black Rs.1075
• MAC Brow Setting Gel Rs.750

Prep the eye lids with Soft Ochre which has warm tones to go with the warmer side of makeup. Trace the lids with Graphblack and smudge with a pencil brush. ApplyEmbark in the outer corners of upper and lower lids and blend into the crease. Go as deep as you like depending on the eye shape. Highlight the brow bone and inner corners of eyes with Brule. Go heavier as desired. Apply Shadow no. 54 which is a warm copper shimmer all over the lid and on the lower lids. Color the water line with Graphblack. Coat and lengthen lashes with Clinique NEW High Lengths Mascara for loner and fuller lashes. For a defined look use Brow setting gel.

LIPS


Drench lips with shimmery lip color like Clinique Vit. C lip smoothie in Figalicious.




Its a easy-breezy warm winter look..........Do try


Till then,


Ciao

The Best of December

Yipeeeeee.........Father December is here and so is Christmas and Santa and all......I just love the winters that are fresh and not weary...This December its all about warmed up skin or a rosy flush and the products are just a melange of all that. Lets see what is best for this December.

BEST PRIMER




Shiseido Pore Refining Primer SPF 15 (Rs.1350 approx.)



BEST FOUNDATION (Liquid)



Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation (Rs.950)


BEST CONCEALER



Benefit Bo-ing Concealer (not in India)


BEST POWDER



MAC cooling Liquid Loose Powder Rs.1500 (from the Venomous Villians Collection)



BEST BLUSH



MAC powder blush in Bite of an Apple from the Venomous Villians line Rs.1150



BEST EYESHADOW



Clarins Mono eyeshadow in Midnight Blue Rs.825 and MAC single eyeshadow in De-vil from the VV line Rs.945


BEST MASCARA



Estee Lauder Sumptuous Volume Mascara Rs.1390 approx.


BEST EYE LINER



Elizabeth Arden Smoke Eyes Pencil in Black Rs.600





BEST LIPSTICK



Clinique Butter Shine lipstick in Cranberry Cream Rs.1025



BEST LIPGLOSS



Dior Addict Ultra GLoss Rs.1650 in Little Red Dress






Thats all for the month.


Till then,

Ciao

The Wedding Preps....

Weddings are on and we are off to attend every wedding that we could possibly do. The clothes and accessories match and very smartly we apply blush on the cheeks looking in the car's rearview mirror. And and the photo-session happens with a gorgeous looking bride and never-looked-so-handsome-in-his-liffe groom. And the wedding album is released and there "you" stand looking like a ghost with the most garish blush you've ever seen on yourself.Your eyes look vague and lopsided and your lipstick looks as if it is from the 80s. Please dont take it as a personal attack, take it as a fact.

This scenario may be faced by any woman who hires or does not hire a professional makeup artist during wedding time of some one else.Dont blame the bride as she has to really look amazing in the photos and she is prepping herself for the entire last year. Blame the wedding reception lights that are too strong and penetrating and blame a bit to your makeup skills.


Wedding day makeup is not your day to day makeup which most Indian women hardly do considering the myth that makeup spoils the skin, which is a perception made in our minds by our mothers and is far away from reality. Makeup should be used as a tool to enhance your features and add a touch of glamour on somebody else's wedding day and look subtle and not over the top.

In this article I am going to talk about the Dos and Donts at a wedding reception about your makeup.

DOs

• Do get yourself a nice on-budget facial with some scrub of jojoba microbeads before you start your makeup. This imparts a flawless smooth surface for the foundation and the makeup bases to glide on.If you have too much of flakiness and cellular debris on the face, your skin looks ghostly grey in the photographs inspite of you matching the foundation shade correctly. I recommend Clinique's 7 Day scrub Rs.1390 as it is the gentlest on your face.
• Do take time to hydrate your skin thoroughly. More the hydration better the skin looks.I like Estee Lauder's Hydracomplete Multi level Moisture Mask Rs.2130 which hydrates your skin deep within.
• Do use a sheer to medium coverage foundation to look dewy smooth instead of slathering on some heavy duty foundation. You dont want to match your skin with that of the bride. Here are som foundations I'd suggest: -

1. Clinique Superbalanced Makeup Rs.1550
2. Estee Lauder Double Wear Light Stay in Place Makeup Rs.2535
3. Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation Rs.950
4. Max Factor Second Skin Foundation Rs.870
5. MAC Face and Body Foundation Rs.1650
6. Shiseido Advanced Hydro-liquid Compact Rs.1450 (refill)
7. L'Oreal True Match Foundation Rs.650
8. Shiseido The Makeup Stick Foundation Rs.1950

• Do not powder your face until the theme of the wedding is "paranormal" as you'd look ghost like. Plus excess powder likes to sit in the lines and accentuate them. Dust off the excess of powder brush and then dust across the face. Transperent powders like MAC Prep + Prime powder (Rs.1350) , Shiseido Translucent Powder (Rs.1650) or Makeup Forever HD powder (Rs.1250) as they are transperent and mattifying.
• Do use rich tones in lipstick and eyeshadows and keep your blush very subtle.
• Do use waterproof mascara that lenghthens and volumizes. I love Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara (Rs.1075) and Max Factor Waterproof False Lash Effect Mascara (Rs. 510). Remember to remove the mascara with a good quality eye makeup remover meant for waterproof makeup.

DONTs

• Dont use heavy coverage foundations that can look utterly devastating in front of the camera.
• Dont line your eyes with heavy kohl as it looks like your eyes are absolutely not there.Kohl should enhance the eyes and not kill the look. I prefer a thin line in the inner rims of lower lids and a darker line on the upper lid. Try L'Oreal Carbon Black lquid liner with Clinique Quickliner for Eyes in Really Black.
• Dont use very powdery matte blushes or very shimmery products. Try to balance the shine as the wedding lights are very strong. I prefer soft matte blushes from MAC like Melba or Style and soft shimmery blushes from Estee Lauder's Signature BLush collection.
• Dont match your lipstick exactly with your attire. For eg. No matte dark red lipstick with a rich red sari.Go for a glossier red to look younger and lighter matte brown or bronze to tone down the stark red in the sari.
• Dont match your eye makeup with your sari but if you are sorely tempted apply a shimmery liner on the upper eyelids which resembles the color of your sari.

I would keep you updated with some classic wedding looks.........

Till then,

Ciao

The Tantalising Rose.......a look for Fall/Winter 2010

Got inspired to do some looks for the end of the month of November 2010. When brands and makeup artists are busy bronzing and warming up complexions during the winters, I thought of re-inventing the charm of the icy winters (not so in Mumbai but I am happy seeing my refridgerator).

The pink rose inspires me for Winters this time and its delicate blossom is really amazing when it sustains the chilly winters.This is an Indian version of an oriental look (same things happen to Chinese food in India).

What we need: -

FACE:-

• Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation Rs.950 + Estee Lauder Daywear Plus SPF 15 Rs.2350
• YSL Touche Eclat Concealer Rs.2150
• Estee Lauder Nutritious Vita-mineral makeup loose powder Rs.2505
• MAC Blush in Dollymix and Coygirl Rs.1150 each
• Clinique Fresh Bloom All over Color in Peony Rs.1800

Mix the foundation with a day cream to dilute it and let it give a coverage more than a tinted moisturizer and yet hydrate and lock in more moisture. Apply a shimmery concealer to conceal dark circles and look flawless. Dust some loose powder on the T-zone and cheeks to eliminate that little oiliness.Dust a mixture of Dollymix and Coygirl on the cheek bones. To get the best possible rosy flush I like the idea used by a very beautiful vlogger. According to her, to get the perfect rosy flush dust the blush over the cheek areas which are spared when you keep two fingers below your eye area. I would like to add a CLinique method and make a hybrid of this method. I also advice keeping two fingers from the side of the nose too.....so you end up with the perfect flush. I dont suggest any bronzing or contouring in this look.Highlighting the face is the best way to bring out your features. Dust the lighest beigey-bony-pink shade from the Peony blush trio across the height of your cheeks, the bridge of the nose and the centre of the forehead.


EYES: -

• MAC Paint Pot in Soft Ochre Rs.1100
• MAC eyeshadows in Sunday Best (Frosted Pink LE), Shore Leave (Muted beige pink Frost LE), Sushi Flower (Warm Satin Rosy Pink) and Glamour Check (Starflash Reddish Brown)
• Clinique High Lengths Mascara in BLack Rs.1075
• Bourjois CLubbing Eye Pencil and liquid eye liner in Black
• Clinique Instant Lift for brows Rs.1035

I wanted well groomed brows so I recommend using the brow color to fill in the gaps and then a spoolie brush dipped in a transperent hair gel or hair sprayed to comb through to set them. I like the pearkescent side to the Intant lift for brows to give a lifted effect by highlighting the brow bone. I also use the same highlighter in the inner corners of the eyes to instantly open them up and also act as a base for some pearlescent eyeshadow to sit on. The look is also about exaggerated highlights for eyes to give that dewy effect.

Use SOft Ochre Paint Pot as eyeshadow base. I love it as the yellow base also helps conceal and correct the bluishness of the eye lids. Use the paint pot all over the lid blending it into the crease. Trace the lids with an eye pencil applying just near the lash lines.And then trace and smudge this dark black eye pencil in the inner rims of the lower lid.

Apply Sunday Best e/s all over the lid highlighting the brow bone and the inner corners of the eyes. With a dome crease brush blend Sushi Flower in the creases, keeping it subtle to avoid an angry-pink-eyes look. Blend in Glamour check on the outer lids and subtly merging into crease.Also smoke it across the lower lid. Use Shore Leave in the middle and inner thirds of the upper lids. Trace a thin black line from the inner corners to the outer without winging the liner and then curl lashes and apply a lengthening mascara.


LIPS

• CLinique High Impact Lips SPF 15 in Toasted Rose
• Shiseido Lip Gloss in G5 Chianti Rose.

Apply a rosy lipstick and make it look younger with a slick of pink tinted lip gloss.



DO try it...............


Till then,

Ciao

Even Better Makeup SPF 15

Today I'm going to review another amazing foundation that has given newer and better hopes to combat pigmentation. It gets even better with Clinique's EVEN BETTER MAKEUP SPF 15. This foundation opens new doors in the fields of skin care and makeup and adds a revolutionary step in getting your skin right.
"An even toned skin always looks younger", says Clinique's Guiding Dermatologist and that's true for Asian skins. We never worried about wrinkles, did we? We always worry about pigmentation, uneven skin tone, patchy skin, under eye circles, oiliness, open pores and all. Clinique says that all this is due to skin irritations. Potential environmental allergens create chaos with skin's delicate system and the defense mechanisms against these insults make our skin from bad to worse. Oil is produced to combat dehydration due to epidermal water loss, melanin deposited in the inflamed areas of skin and pores open due to damaged support structure comprising of collagen and elastin……did problems appear severe?
Barriers could be created using moisturizers and spots could be zapped using serums, but what about recurrence of pigmentation? I believe the reason is having inadequate protection….and Clinique heard our prayers…..


What is EVEN BETTER MAKEUP SPF 15?

It's a lightweight oil free soft foundation that gives sheer to medium build able coverage. Lasts longer and performs better as the foundation knows how to lighten pigmentation and prevent it with added sun protection. It is an addition to the already wonderful performing range of Even Better products like EVEN BETTER SKIN TONE CORRECTOR, EVEN BETTER SKIN TONE CORRECTING MOISTURIZER SPF 20 and EVEN BETTER CLINICAL DARK SPOT CORRECTOR (serum). All these highly performing products contain Clinique's patented Blackout Yeast Extract and other mushroom extracts that are melanin cluster busters, exfoliants to remove the dust from the skin's surface by loosening dead cells and a cocktail of anti-oxidants to fight environmental insults. These act as a lethal combination for spots and also regulate and modulate melanin production. The foundation may not exfoliate but it lightens, brightens and protects.


How to use it?

Clinique products may be recommended to be used with each other but they do work in the mix-n-match way. I recommend using the 3 steps of Cleansing, Clarifying and moisturizing, then using the Even Better Skin tone corrector followed by the correcting moisturizer SPF 20. You can use your favorite moisturizer and then layer the foundation over it.
Even Better makeup SPF 15 gives sheer to medium coverage that not only hides pigmentation but also treats it. Sorry it doesn't treat freckles though. What I like is the slip of the foundation. It makes the skin flawless and radiant and gives a beautiful matte finish. I don't advice using foundation primer underneath as it might hamper the effects. Not launched in India but Dermawhite Bright C powder would be the best to set the foundation.


Pigmentation or discoloration of skin needs attention as the skin's defenses are already weakening, so start as soon as you can, because hyperpigmentation is deep within skin. So here is another option for you to try.


Till then,


Ciao

My Makeup Class.....Liquid Foundation Part 2

This part of my article is dedicated to girls who need some special attention. Accomplished makeup artists and talented amateurs know the trick of getting a flawless skin without doing too much. But thats not the case here. Women in India (as I have seen) wear a thick layer of foundation to not only cover their facial flaws but also the bits of beautiful skin they have between those flaws. With this kind of makeup one tends to look very cakey and pasty and draws attention to their flaws even more.

No one is born perfect. Its our flaws that make us stand out rather than a conventional beautiful face. But blemishes like acne and pigmentation ruin the beauty of our skin and makes us look older and haggered. This post is all about hiding flaws with liquid foundations and concealers.


Who said only cream foundations and stick foundations gave full coverage. Liquid foundations today do that too and yet help you look flawless as they blend seamlessly into our skins. They contain silicones and a blend of camouflaging materials that are so advanced that they help mimic a flawless skin better than their cream and stick counterparts.


So lets see how it is done:--

CASE 1

Moderately fair girl in teens with pubertal acne in her jaw line and sparsely on her cheeks.

She doesnt need heavy coverage at all. Girls in their teens need breathable makeup that would not clog their pores and something to conceal and prevent those ugly acne marks. In India it is rare for teens to put makeup but in the upclass society and some commoners too prefer wearing makeup without knowing what to do.

This girl does not have concerns on her forehead, under eye area and some parts of the cheeks. Here her skin is clear and dewy. On such areas of the face she can use a breathable foundation like Clinique Superbalanced Makeup (Rs.1550) or Inglot Young Skin Makeup Liquid Foundation (Rs.750) keeping her makeup in these areas dewy and fresh. On the areas where she has acne and acne marks she must use specialised treatment foundations like CLinique Anti-Blemish Foundation (Rs.1600) which not only hides marks but also treats the active acne underneath. I prefer using a small brush like MAC 217 to stipple foundation on those areas that need it than doing it all over. Sometimes for stubborn marks concealers like Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Treatment concealer (Rs.1035) works better too. Give her skin a matte finish using Clinique's Blended Loose Powder (Rs.1600) which is mineral enriched and non comedogenic.

I would not be putting any photos to avoid social violence.

CASE 2


A middle aged woman with beautifully flawless skin but very uneven complexion that has happend due to not using sunscreen and hormonal changes. She has pigmentation on her cheeks and on the chin on the sides of her lips.

I would apply a dewy foundation like Clinique's Even Better Makeup SPF 15 (Rs.1600) over a prepped and primed face. This foundation adds on a seamless veil of color on the face without looking over the top and also helps lighten pigmentation on the course of time. This foundation goes all over the face. Since pigmentation areas look purple I'd correct it by using a golden yellow colored primer like MUFE HD Micro-perfecting primer (Rs.1775) in Yellow. Then apply the Even Better Makeup and use a yellow colored concealer like MAC's Select Moisture Cover (Rs.1000 approx.) for lighter camouflage. End up with some medium coverage compact like Shiseido's Makeup Perfect Smoothing compact Foudations (Rs.2150 approx.), dusting in the areas like T zone and to set the concealer in the pigmented areas.



These are some of the scenarios and there are many more.I would invite my readers' queries, suggestions, individual photos and would be answering them in my future posts.


To be continued.........

Till then,

Ciao

Happy Diwali Guys..........

Best of NOVEMBER...........

November comes and so do come festivals and another batch of products one must have this month.My "Best" list for November is really encouraging.


BEST PRIMER


Dior SkinFlash Primer Rs.2300 aprox.
BEST FOUNDATION (Liquid)

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-place Makeup SPF 10 Rs.1950 with 30% increase in price this Nov.

BEST CONCEALER

Clinique AirBrush Concealer Rs.1300

BEST POWDER

Inglot YSM Compact Powder Rs.740

BEST BLUSH

Shiseido Luminizing Satin Face Color in Petal and Carnation Rs.2550 each

BEST EYESHADOW

Inglot AMC eyeshadows Rs.650 (Individual) and Rs.300 (each in a palette of 3,5 and 10)

BEST MASCARA

MAC Zoomlash Mascara in BLack Rs.780 approx.

BEST EYE LINER

Bourjois Liner Pinceau Rs.550 in Black

BEST LIPSTICK

Guerlain Rouge G de Guerlain lipstick Rs.2150 approx.

BEST LIPGLOSS

MAC Superglass Lipglosses with a sparkle Rs.1100



Thats all for the month.



Till then,





Ciao

Get Bronzed this FALL!!!

Surprisingly getting bronzed is the "it" thing this fall and designers, runways, fashion gurus all are sporting that healthy glow. So are we bronzing this fall? Lets see the newer ways for getting bronzed yet looking healthy.

Fall or winters in cold countries is about looking pale and ghastly.So everyone is out there faking or mimicking a little tan to beat the winter and add warmth in their makeup.Even the blues and purples getting warmer and cozier with a bit of gold in them.


FACE:

• MUFE HD Microperfecting Primer Rs.1774
• Clinique Superbalanced Foundation Rs.1550
• Clinique All About Eyes Concealer Rs.1300
• Clinique Almost Bronzer SPF 15 Rs.1800
• Clinique Blended Loose Powder Rs.1600

On a moisturised and primed face, dot and blend a natural looking foundation preferably in the exact shade or a shade darker than your actual skin tone to look healthy. This warms up pale skins and adds that "lived in" effect.Add a dash of concealer in the problem areas only if required. Dust loose powder for the makeup to set.Now is the time for bronzing very subtly. So pick up a fluffy brush preferably powder brush to take some dark shade of the Bronze duo on ur brush. Lightly make strokes of "3" starting from the temples to the hollows of cheeks to under of the jaw line. Keep this very subtle as if contoured.Then take a fan brush and lightly dust the light shade of the bronze duo over the areas of the face where light hits for a subtle sun-kissed glow.


EYES

• Clinique Quick Liner for eyes in Dark Chocolate Rs.990
• Clinique Color Surge Eyeshadow Quad in Spicy Rs.1750
• Clinique High Length Mascara in Black Rs.1075

The eyes are in between subtle and smoldering. Let a tiny bit of concealer be the eyeshadow base without too much going in. I like the Spicy Quad with some universally flattering warm nudes.They have a shimmery gold, peachy-bronze, warm light brown and smoky bronze.Line the lids with a Dark Chocolate liner and smudge into lash line.Then line inner rims with the same pencil liner.Draw a "C" with the smoky bronze eyeshadow from the outer corners to the outer half of the crease .Continue contouring the crease with the warm brown for getting the look right.For daytime keep the look subtle but for evenings you could darken the colors. Use a bit of peach bronze on the lids followed by the golden highlighter on the brow bone and in the inner corners.Add length and drama to your lashes with High Length Mascara.


LIPS

• Clinique Long last lipstick in Sugared Maple Rs.1025
• Clinique Vit.C Lip Smoothie in Running Latte Rs.1010

Work on the lips to remove dead skin and chapped skin and get smoother plump lips. With a lip brush apply Sugared Maple over the lips and dab with fingers to push and blend the color. Add a dash of Vit.C Lip smoothie in Running Latte for a glossier pout.



This look goes very well with cool colors like Lilac and Blues as well as with warm colors.
Do try and let me know.


Till then,

Ciao

PS: - These above mentioned products are personal recommendations.You can throw in whatever inspires you the most.

I'm BACKKKKKKKKKK

Dear Readers,


I must say how much I missed blogging after my laptop started crashing over and over again moving towards extinction.But the new laptop has come and so have new ideas so wait till I write more.



Till then,


Ciao

The Best of October

I am going to write this post in the beginning of month to make it some sense. Its always new products that get me hooked and inspired but I would not forget the old ones. Not necessary that each new launch has to be the best. Lets see what am I looking at this month.



BEST PRIMER

Estee Lauder's Illuminating Makeup Base Rs.1280

BEST FOUNDATION (Liquid)

Clinique SuperBalanced Makeup Rs.1550

BEST CONCEALER

Makeup Forever 5 Color Camouflage palette

BEST POWDER

Shiseido Translucent Powder Rs.1900 approx.

BEST BLUSH

Estee Lauder Signature Blush in Plum Nuance Rs.1950

BEST EYESHADOW

MAC Powder eyeshadow in Woodwinked Rs.900

BEST MASCARA

Clarins Wonder Volume Mascara Rs.1250

BEST EYE LINER

Chambor Dazzle liner in Black Rs.449

BEST LIPSTICK

Clinique High Impact SPF 15 lipstick in Rose Spectrum

BEST LIPGLOSS

Clinique Vit.C Lip Smoothie in Strawberry Fudge Rs.1010



Thats all for the month.

Till then,


Ciao

Coming soon.........

In the forthcoming posts I am going to write the following things: -


1. Applying foundation for a flawless finish.
2. Applying Concealers
3. Reviewing new shades of CLinique Vit.C lip smoothies
4. Inglot cosmetics .. coming soon
5. Makeup looks for October...


This is a reminder for me and beauty travelogue for my amazing readers.


Till then,

Ciao

Today's Purchase

I am so glad that I purchased Estee Lauder's New Concealer brush with bristles so soft and supple that even a butterfly's touch would feel heavy...


Shall soon write a complete review....Just sharing an excitement.....

Clinique EVEN BETTER Clinical Dark Spot Corrector Ads.....

Another MASCARA on the block........

M.a.s.c.a.r.as just get me ranting and raving all the time and they happen to be my truest love as I know what impact can be created in a look with mascara. Another mascara on the block from the affordable side is Bourjois's NEW Elastic Mascara...........it lengthens and strengthens and creates glossy, defined lashes.

What is it?

Its a lash lengthening mascara with fibres to stretch lashes and comes with a comb as a wand.

Bourjois says.......

130% more visible length!



Bourjois new Elastic Mascara brings a true formula innovation for a spectacular result:


All lashes, even the short and fine ones are lengthened to the max and smoothly coated from root to tip thanks to an INNOVATIVE ultra-stretchable formula* that forms extensions beyond the tip of lashes.


Enriched with hevea from the rubber tree, the formula stretches up to 130% beyond their natural length.


What's more, this high tolerance formula, enriched with natural waxes is suitable for sensitive eyes and easy to remove with polymers specially selected for their water affinity.




Tips on how to apply this mascara: Apply with large and slow gestures, that follow the lash from root to tip. This makes it possible to stretch the formula beyond the tip of lashes and to spread it evenly, with no clumps or sticky effect.


I feel......Its a great mascara for ladies with short lashes but since it does not volumize I find this mascara good for day wear more than night wear.If you have the patience to apply a coat of volumizing mascara and then a lengthening mascara then this is not a bad purchase. I must agree that Elastic Mascara does give a glossy and defined finish and lashes look perfectly groomed plus your lashes feel and look delicate and not weighed down even after putting 10 coats of mascara.

The formulation is rubbery thanks to stretchable fibres but it dissolves faster when cleaned with soap and water.The mascara is quite long lasting and I love the comb that comes in.

It sells for Rs.550 INR and is quite good for your pocket.I feel this is not "the" mascara and they have more mascaras to try out too. I still prefer the Volume Glamour Ultra care mascara.


Do try it and let me know.


Ciao

Neeraj

Brighten Up Part 2 BRIGHT APRICOTS

                               (Image courtest http://www.dailymail.co.uk/)


I just hate dullness. It makes one look so “dull”. This dullness actually happens to cellular debris on the skin surface which does not enable light to reflect from the skin surface. This makes one feel dull and a wonderful glow comes when this cellular debris is wiped off from the skin. Anyways that is not the scope of this article. I am going to talk about getting a radiant glowing skin and mimicking a fake glow when required.

Lets see what we need: -



FACE



• Makeup Forever HD Microperfecting Primer Rs.1774 especially in colors like Mauve, Pink and Blue

• Givenchy Photoperfexion foundation Rs.2200

• Clinique Air Brush Concealer Rs.1300

• MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Rs.1680

• Clinique Uplighting Illuminator in Peach Rs.1550

• MAC powder blush in Peaches and Sunbasque Rs.1100

Scrub your face with a scrub having Jojoba Microbeads which are gentle but strong enough to remove the cellular debris on the face. Massage an oil free hydrating cream like Clinique’s Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief after keeping it for 5 minutes on the face like a mask. Apply a good sunscreen in case you go out like Estee Lauder’s Cyberwhite UV protector SPF 50. Apply a pea sized amount of color correcting makeup primer to get rid of any sallowness and dullness and unveil radiant complexion. With a foundation sponge or foundation brush dab and spread Photoperfexion Foundation over the concerned areas of the face. Gently dab Airbrush concealer to brighten up the eye area and get rid of under eye circles and puffiness. Dust Mineralize Skinfinish Mineral enriched compact powder over your face and eye area using a fluffy powder brush for an even finish without caking up. We start on with the least amount of product and build if needed. I love to swirl the powder in circles so that it look natural and somehow the powder particles get crushed on your skin when swirled with a powder brush in round motion. Contour under the cheek bones lightly with Sunbasque and apply blush on the cheek in light round strokes with a Peach blush. With your finger apply Uplighting Illuminator in dabbing motions on the heights of the cheeks. This creates a lovely Golden Apricot halo on the face and makes you feel fresh and lovely. Please remember to go light on the blush and not make it patchy.



Tip: - Never apply blush on wet foundation as the blush sticks to the liquid and looks horribly patchy.



EYES



• MAC Paint pot in Soft Ochre Rs.1100

• MAC single eyeshadows in Goldmine, Expensive Pink, Embark, Ricepaper Rs.900 each

• Clinique Quickliner For Eyes in Black/Brown Rs.990

• Clinique High Lengths mascara in Black Rs.1075

Use Soft Ochre as an eyeshadow base for eye makeup to stay put for a longer time with a concealer brush. With a flat fluffy large eyeshadow brush dust Ricepaper over the brow bone. Line the eyes with Black-Brown eye pencil tracing it across the lash line and in the inner rims of your eyes. Smudge eye pencil with a pencil brush like MAC 219 to push the pigment into lash line to give the appearance of fuller lashes. Dust Goldmine in the inner corners. Contour the lid lightly with Embark and smoke it on the lower lash line. Dab and dust Expensive Pink very lightly over the entire lid. Apply two coats of lash lengthening mascara to open the eyes wide open.



TIP: Let the thickness of the line taper according to the shape of the eyes and how much eye area you have. For e.g. Small eyes should go with a thin liner.

LIPS



• Clinique Buttershine Lipstick in Cinnamon Stick Rs.1075

• Clinique Quickliner for lips in Soft Rose Rs.950

• Estee Lauder Pure Color Lipgloss in Clear Rs.1200



Line and fill the liners with lip liner in Soft Rose. Dab on Cinnamon Stick with fingers for a lovely halo on the lips and dab some clear gloss on the centre of lower lip to create a wonderful pout.



This is a beautiful look with warmer tones. It looks a little monochromatic but that’s the essence of the look and brightening up. I’d also post looks in monochromes of pinks, purples and browns etc. Do try the look and let me know.



Disclaimer : - Please feel free to look for alternatives if the products mentioned above go heavy on your budget. I’ll help wherever I can.

Explore the BRIGHTER Side......

Its not unusual to feel "dull" at least once in ones life.This can be dull skin, feverish atmosphere, bad-hair-day and all things imaginable and unimaginable. On such days we avoid going out of the house but sometimes it gets inevitable and going out of the house is just a must.During such times and many more we need to take help of something really strong and magical.

This "thing" could be a gorgeous dress, colorful bandana or.............makeup and skin care. So let me tell you in this post how to brighten up your day.



Disclaimer: - In case you suffer from a skin concern like acne or something that has an active inflammation please consider your senses and may be your doctor before using some of the products mentioned below. Please dont blame me if anything goes wierd. Please note abbreviation NSP means "not sure of the price"



SKIN CARE

This is for a bad-skin-day or dull skin day.

• Clinique Turnaround Instant Facial Rs.2525 with combination of multiple levels of exfoliation, this scrub-n-mask does wonders to your skin by giving you the benefits of micro-dermabrasion at home.
• Clarins Hydra-Quench Cream Mask NSP to give the maximum boost of hydration to plump up your skin.
• Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief Rs.2300, to give a moisture boost and replenish any lost moisture.
• Makeup Forever HD Microperfecting Primer Rs.1774 in  Blue and Mauve colors to combat dullness and sallowness before applying makeup.
• Clarins Beauty Flash Balm Rs.1650, to combat dullness and get a beauty boost.Somehow face appears well rested and happy in a jiffy.Its tried and tested by me many times.
• Elizabeth Arden Intervene 3-in-1 cleanser Rs.1100 which cleanses, tones and primes for better moisture absorption.Love the micro-beads.
• Elizabeth Arden Intervene Time Fighting Radiance Serum Rs.1680, to illuminate dull skin and make one look younger and glowing.
• MAC Careblends Essential Oils NSP, before your skin care ritual to look happy and radiant.It comes in combination of Lavender + Sweet Orange and Chamomile + Grapefruit. It really goes well on all skin types and smells wonderfully heavenly.
• MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator, Limited Edition with Volcanic Ash and Sugar crystals for some magical change in your skin.Skin felt soft, radiant and sparkly clean.....maybe a little brighter.
• Estee Lauder Idealist Dual Action Refinishing Treatment NSP, for on-the-go-glow and an alternative to Microdermabrasion and Glycolic Peel.Its safer and more fun in your own hands and at your own agenda.
• Clinique All About Eyes Serum Rs.1600 combats puffiness and tiredness, giving your eyes a refreshing touch with soothing botanicals and massaging roller-ball.

MAKEUP

Makeup fixers are instant, better and removable in case you dont want to take the risk of using skin care and break into rashes. Its a safer bet if done well.

• Foundations with some sparkle add radiance, glow and mimic a flawless skin. I love Givenchy PhotoPerfexion Foundation (Rs.2200 for 25ml.) and Guerlain Parure White FOundation (Rs.3490 approx.) for their light reflecting technologies. Also Chanel's Teint Innocence Liquid, Lancome Photogenic Lumescence Rs.2700 and from the mass market Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation Rs.920 do wonderful tricks of mimicry and magic. Max Factor Age Renew foundation with lens particles for a lit up glow sets the foundation apart (apart from the colors for Indian skin tones which is difficult). MAC made HyperReal foundation and is discontinued but I like their new Mineralize Foundation SPF 15 which gives a soft glow on the skin.
• Concealers with highlighting properties are in vogue.I love CLinique Airbrush Concealer Rs.1300, YSL Touche Eclat Rs.2150, Diorflash Concealer Rs.2100 from Dior, MAC Select Coverup Rs.1000 and Shiseido's New Natural finish concealer NSP as they hide the dullness wherever they can.Concealers are as loyal as dogs but you need the right one. Hate cake-y concealers
• Tinted Moisturizers are good but why waste money in buying one when you can make one at home by mixing an oil free moisturizer, sunscreen and your favorite color matched foundation.This is better as it adjusts the coverage you need.Still I love Clinique's Moisture Sheer Tint SPF 15 Rs.1480
• Blushes in soft and shimmery fluffy textures immediately add glow and brighten up skin making it look awake and fresh. Colors like Clinique Blushing Blush Rs.1550 in Precious Posy, Pink Love, Innocent Peach and Smoldering Plum are the best to give your skin that whisper of color and immediately brighten. Shiseido's Luminizing Satin Face Color Rs.2550 in Petal and Carnation are award winners. Elizabeth Arden's Ceramide Cream Blush creates a glowing flush at Rs.1400 and so does Clarins Multi-blush Cream Compact Rs.950 in Golden Apricot and Raspberry. MAC has a plethora of blushes at Rs.1100 approx. but some of my favs are Mocha, Honor, Dollymix, Pinkswoon, Pinch Me up, Peaches, Sunbasque, Ambering Rose and Peachykeen.
• Bright lipglosses add brightness to your smile and make the teeth appear whiter. Plumping and minted ones uplift lip lines and moods.
• Mascaras are eye-openers and dont hesitate to use something that volumizing, curling and lenghthening.
• Primers like Diorflash are great tools to combat fatigue and can be used liberally.

Do feel free to use your own products coz at the end of the day you have to looking amazing and gloqing though your dying within with tiredness. This is not faking in front of others but alleviating dullness and elevating senses. I hate splashing water on the face as its dehydrating for being water and rubbing ice and drinking caffeine based drinks and all and would never encourage it. Instead sip some ice tea or green tea or eat a fruit like Apple to boost up energy.

DO share your tips.

Till then,

Ciao

The Best of September

This may be a monthly post depending on what I get to see and love for that month.These are the best products I loved this month.


Disclaimer: - These products may not be new launches or something.Some of them may be limited editions and may not be found in the market, so please do not panic.Some brands may not be available in India.

BEST FOUNDATION

Estee Lauder Nutritious Vita-Mineral Makeup Rs.1950

BEST CONCEALER

Benefit boing Concealer (Not in India)

BEST POWDER

Clinique Blended Loose Powder Rs.1600

BEST COMPACT FOUNDATION

Clinique Perfectly Real Compact Makeup Rs.1600

BEST PRIMER

Makeup Forever HD Microperfecting Primer Rs.1774

BEST EYESHADOW PRIMER

Benefit Lemon-Aid Correcting Eye Lid Primer (Not in India)

BEST EYESHADOW - POWDER

MAC Pigments Rs.1300 revised packaging and prices

BEST EYESHADOW - Cream

MUFE Aqua Creams Rs.1250 approx.

BEST MASCARA

MAC Opulash Mascara Rs.850

BEST EYE LINER - Liquid/Gel

Clinique Brush on Cream Liner in True Black Rs.1100

BEST EYE LINER - Pencil

Bourjois Effet- Smoky Eye pencils Rs.270

BEST FALSE LASHES

MUFE False Lashes

BEST BLUSH - Powder

MAC Powder Blushes especially Plumfoolery, Sunbasque and Peach Melba (this month)

BEST BLUSH - Liquid/gel/cream

Shiseido Accentuating Stick in Rosy Flush (not available in India)

BEST LIPSTICK

Guerlain Rouge G Lipsticks Rs.2150

BEST LIP GLOSSES

Clarins Color Quench Lip Balm Rs.950


I am just loving these products this month.Shall write the best ones for NEXT month soon.................when the next month comes.


Till then,

Ciao

Line it all..........

Gucci Fall 2010 makeup is as simple yet inspiring as the fashion trend Gucci manages to set every year. I am smitten by the Dark Kohl liner look without being too punky or edgy. This questions me and all my beautiful readers, how did they manage to get those dark smoldering picture perfect lines. Its tricky and not easy to master as it is seen on the model.




I’m going to put this as an inspired look so do wait for the turn of the Eye makeup to come.



FACE

• Makeup Forever aka MUFE Microperfecting primer Rs.1775

• Estee Lauder Nutritious Vita-Mineral makeup Liquid Foundation Rs.1950

• Estee Lauder Nutritious Vita-mineral Powder Foundation Rs.1950

• YSL Touché Éclat Rs.2150

• Clinique Almost Bronzer Rs.1800



On a well moisturized or hydrated face, dab on a pinky sized primer for better stay of the foundation. I love the Estee Lauder Nutritious Range of foundations for their super natural finish which is the key to this look plus they have nutrients and are mineral enriched. Dot Liquid foundation over the areas of concern and spread evenly with foundation brush (Christian Dior Foundation Brush) or fingers. Dot and Dab Touché Éclat highlighting concealer and bid adieu to dark circles and tiredness. With a fluffy powder brush (Lancôme Large Dome Powder brush) apply loose powder to set the foundation and makeup. This gives the perfect base that your makeup needs. With an angled brush (Scott Barnes angled brush) contour the cheek hollows with a sheer shimmer bronzer in negligible amounts with wee bit of highlighter for a sculpted look that is not very sun kissed. I would also recommend a dark colored compact powder for more professional results.

Tip: - Start with less foundation and build as per needed. Apply concealer in the upper inner corners of your lids as generally that’s the area that remains.



EYES

• MAC paint pot in Soft Ochre Rs.1100

• MAC eyeshadows in Tete-a-tint and Nylon Rs.900 each

• Clinique Color Surge Soft shimmer eyeshadow in Foxy Rs.1050

• Clinique Brush on Cream liner in True Black Rs.1100

• MAC Technakohl liner in Graphblack Rs.1000

• MAC Penultimate liner in Rapid Black Rs.1100

• Some special brushes for the look…MAC 217, MAC 224, Inglot 30 T bent liner brush

• Clarins Wonder Volume Mascara in Black Rs.1200



Prime the eyes with Soft Ochre Paint pot for the eyeshadows to stay put and last longer. Highlight with Nylon in the sheerest color possible on the brow bones and in the inner corners of eye lids. Blend Foxy in the crease taking it outwards and upwards, with Tete-a-tint on the entire lid as a mid-tone eyeshadow (you can go lighter and darker as desired, I also like Retrospeck from MAC ) on the entire lid. Also apply tete-a-tint on lower lids and smoke it to make it look almost invisible. With Graphblack line the lash lines of the upper lids and the water lines of the lower lids. Get as dark as possible but do not go over the boundaries onto the lids. This is more solid than smoked look. With 30 T Inglot cosmetics brush (I use bent liner brush from Smashbox cosmetics) trace True Black gel liner over the pencil. The pencil underneath creates a perfect base for the gel liner to glide on. You can also use the gel liner in the inner rims of lower lids. Finally make the line stronger and bolder with Rapidblack eyeliner pen giving the outer edge a wing that goes upwards and outwards. Groom the lashes with mascara concentrating more on the roots.

Tip: - go near to the lash line as possible as you don’t want to end up looking like an old Bollywood Heroine. This is the modern version. Also in case of mistakes with the liners, erase the mistake areas with a Q-tip dipped in makeup remover and correct with the required makeup.



LIPS



• MAC lipstick in Touch Rs.980

• Clinique Superbalm Lip treatment Rs.810

Smudge Touch till it merges with the natural color of your lips and dab on some Lip balm for more moisturized results.



Disclaimer: - Readers please feel free to use other brands like Lakme, Revlon, L’Oreal, Clarins, Chamboretc whatever you like by keeping in mind the shades used. I promise to write dupes wherever I can. BTW NyX cosmetics is also a wonderful brand to try.



Till then,



Ciao

Makeup Look: - Sun and Rain

August and September is all about hide and seek between the sun and the rains. This look is inspired by their playful behavior.


FACE

• Clarins Instant Smooth Perfect Touch Rs.1650 approx.
• Clinique Superbalanced Makeup Rs.1550
• Clinique All About Eyes Concealer Rs.1300
• Clinique Blended Loose Powder Rs.1600
• Clinique Blushing Blush in Precious Posy (bright peach orange with pink nuances……..more on the coral side) and Bashful Blush (reddish bronze with subtle pearl) each Rs.1550

Begin with freshly moisturized skin and sunscreen if you are going out. Apply Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch on the T-zone and cheeks for a matte base for the foundation to spread on. With stippling brush apply Clinique Superbalanced Makeup foundation all over the face in one layer to create a sheer base that makes skin look flawless. The coverage is buildable and you can go a little more in the problem areas of your face. Gently dab Clinique All About Eyes concealer in the under eye area to diminish the look of under eye circles, thanks to the yellow tone in the concealer. I prefer using a concealer brush as it spread the concealer evenly and goes into even the tiniest areas where fingers maybe difficult to reach. Plus it is proven that concealer brush applies 700 times less pressure in the under eye area compared to fingers according to a study. This would keep the under eye wrinkles to minimum. Set the base makeup with a pinch of loose powder that is mineral enriched and does not clog pores but does diminish the appearance of pores. Dust Bashful Blush in the contours of face i.e. hollows of cheek very subtly with a fluffy blush brush and then dust Precious Posy on the cheek bones and apples for a radiant summery coral glow.


EYES

• Clinique Quickliner for Eyes in Really Black Rs.990
• Benefit Lemon-aid Lid Correcting Primer Rs.870 approx.
• Clarins mono coleur eyeshadow in Midnight Blue Rs.820
• MAC eyeshadow in Expensive Pink (Golden Peachy-pink shimmer), Embark (Matte Red-brown with intense pigmentation), Nylon (Beige-bone shimmer), Gorgeous Gold (duo chrome yellow-green shimmer), Contrast (deep blue with purple nuances), Rs.820 each
• MAC Pigment in Golden Lemon Rs.1250 approx.
• MAC Opulash Mascara in Black, Rs.850

Apply Lemon-aid Lid Correcting Primer with taklon eyeshadow brush all over the eye lid to keep the eyeshadow sticking better. Trace the upper lid and the inner rims with Really black for a smoldering beginning and a dark base for the lashes to look enhanced. With dome shaped eyeshadow brush apply Midnight Blue in the outer corners of the upper lid and lower lid with MAC 219. Blend this blue in the outer part of the upper lid crease. Over this lightly blend Embark in the crease blending towards the brow bone with MAC 224. Highlight brow bone with Nylon using Christian Dior Large Shader Brush as the brush is soft, fluffy and blends the color better. On the outer third of the eyelid apply Contrast blending towards the crease. On the lid apply Expensive Pink with MAC 217. In the inner corners of the upper lid and lower lid upto the inner third apply Gorgeous Gold with Shiseido Eyeshadow brush (Small). In the inner corners dab some Golden Lemon pigment with MAC 219 brush. Apply several coats of Opulash Mascara to get those smoldering lashes.


LIPS

• Clinique Butter Shine Lipstick in Cinnamon Stick
• Clinique Superbalm moisturizing lipgloss in Mango

Apply Cinnamon Stick lipstick which is coral gold with glossy finish and end up with some Mango lipgloss in the centre of the lip.




This look might sound complicated but its fun doing it….so do try it and let me know.


Till then,


Ciao

Getting NAKED!!

( picture courtesy: Napoleon Perdis cosmetics)


Naked to the skin is new in style but its always been a trend. Being "Naked" is having a see through healthy skin even through a foundation. Blessed are thee if you have a dry skin as this is the best way to get that healthy glow and blessed are thee if you have oily skin as you dont need much effort to mimic that glow.


Glowing tips: -

• use supernatural looking makeup like Estee Lauder's Nutritious makeup liquid foundation and powder foundation. Just a dash sets you out rolling. Mineral enriched foundation and powder creates an invisible yet luminescent veil of color on the face without looking chalky or tacky.
• I apply Clinique's Superbalanced Makeup Foundation on the face and rub some Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel over it to get get a dewy finish that long staying.
• "Highlighters" are your best buddies but not your sisters. With a smidgen of it you are a fairy and the more you go, you'd become a disco-ball. I lust the MAC Grand Duo in Light Over Dark for subtle contour and highlights.
• Stila Contour palette has got just the right colors to contour and highlight and play with light and so does MUFE highlight/Contour duo too.
• Eyes are lit with incandescent shades of beige-gold like MAC's Ricepaper or sport a cast of dewy sunlight with Clinique's Desert Sun and Lucky Penny eyeshadows. The perfect taupe crease comes with CLinique's Foxy and Twiglet eyeshadows and the iridescent drama ends with Stila's Single color in "wheat" or "kitten" in the inner rims.
• Lips are fun with Shiseido Luminizing Gloss in appropriate beige and browns and there's nothing to lust for better than Clinique's Superbalm in Ginger with a perfect candied red-pink shade.

Luminosity is within us and is masked by dullness and flakiness which are bid adieu with Clinique's Clarifying Lotion and Trunaround Concentrate while Estee Lauder's Hydrationist Serum keeps the moisture boosted and the oil busted.

Glow from within is in!! So light the bulb with you.


Till then,

ciao

Its all about getting inspired!!

I feel so sad and bad that I cannot blog and write articles since I'm short of time between work and playing Farmville these days. Sometime I have friend bloggers like Dr.Anju and my fav Rashmi inspiring me and sometimes I have so much to wrtie but I'm lost of words.

It doesnt take me a new collection to get inspired......Even things that have been there for sometime on the shelves inspire me..

My haul for October is definitely coming as follows: -


1. MAC 217 brush that costs mere Rs.1100 but makes a major addition in your brush set.

2. MAC Fabulous Felines collection to browse and see for the "steal"

3. Clinique's New High Lengths Mascara Rs.1075 is on its way in stock and surely going out of stock.

4. Gotto pick that MUFE Camouflage 5 color palette before I get pangs of guilt for Rs.1650

5. Inglot opens its doors to Mumbai and to some the makeup junkies like me.


Tomorrow with less work to do, I shall organize my makeup collection to try to make some decent looks myself and from the run ways with a little bit of market research...

Till then,

ciao

New Launches.......:))

Dear Readers,


Dreams of makeup addicts have come true..MAKEUP FOREVER is on Indian shores thanks to TARZ lifestyle.

MUFE, brainchild of artiste Dany Sanz is a professional makeup artist's own home and their products are one of the best ones in the market.

Shall soon write a post on the best of MUFE........

MUFE opens its first flagship store at Inorbit Mall, Malad, Mumbai in India and has made me go gaga.


CIao

Get "FIXED"

This article is nothing to do with fixing anything and the name happens to deviate from the real scope of the post.Just wrote the name 'coz I felt so.

Today's topic of discussion is many ways to use MAC's Studio Fix Fluid Foundation aka SFF. SFF has been blamed and praised by MAC artists and the rest of the world and is a group of amazing skin friendly colors that have always been under scrutiny for many reasons.

PROs

• Wonderful medium to buildable coverage
• Flatters the real color of the complexion (looking horrible if the color does not match)
• Leaves a veil of color on face and can be built to give full coverage

CONs

• Expensive (Rs.1600 approx.) for everyday use
• May get cakey and look fake if gone absolutely wrong
• Has a bit alcohol kind of smell that seems to be saddening
• Clogs pores though they say its 'non-comedogeni' and thats the reason all MAC staff (with few exceptions) have acne and bad skin that could go to worst......Sorry MAC
• No variety of colors of 'neutral' toned complexions that could look too pale with the NC series and too ashen and pinky with the NW series.
• The foundation changes it color and looks dark on the skin as day passes.

I ask myself, to why am I writing this article as SFF was never the HG foundation I'd always buy and use and recommend. The reason is that I used SFF for some days after taking samples from MAC store and I absolutely fell in love with the product as soon as I figured the correct way to apply the product. It becomes by social responsibility to tell it to my readers.

What MAC has to say about SFF??

A modern foundation that combines matte finish and medium buildable coverage with broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection with SPF 15.Comfortable and Long wearing, lasts up to 8 hours.Applies smoothly, builds coverage quickly and easily. Contains specifically treated micronized pigments and soft focus powder for a super smooth look that minimizes the appearance of imperfections. Absorbs and diperses oil.Contains special skin conditioning agents.Oil free.



I must say MAC did their job right. Let me share some tips on how to make your SFF the best deal for you..............

1. Use SFF, not by itself but over a makeup primer like Estee Lauder or Clarins. Test it not only the jaw line but also on the cheeks to find the right shade.
2. We can go one shade lighter as the TiO2 content in the sunscreen of that foundation tends to get oxidized and make you look eventually dark.
3. WIth SFF the main concern of clients is pore clogging. This can be taken care with special scrubs made for concerns of pores, exfoliants in all possible forms and lot of blessings ;))  I'd advice using Clinique's Clarifying Lotion, Shiseido Pore Purifying Warming Scrub and Estee Lauder's Idealist Pore Refiner along with Clinique's Instant Perfector to minimize the look of pores and YSL Matt Touch along with their famed Top Secret Skin Radiance Skin Care to correct the look of pores.
4. The biggest mistake everyone makes is applying a lot of product. Begin with very less, dot it and use a foundation brush for best results especially MAC 187. Then dab some in the under eye area to minimize concealer usage, on the sides of the nose to cut the ruddiness and sides of the temples to combat pigmentation. I used Lancome's and Christian Dior's FOundation brush and the results kept going better and better.
5. Never use the coordination Studio Fix Powder foundation otherwise one may look crazy.
6. A foundation sponge applies the product well but I see them going in the pores and hate the smell.
7. You can also use MAC's Prep and Prime SPF 50 primer and set it with translucent Prep and Prime translucent powder.
8. Never apply more as the foundation looks cakey then and can give an artificial look.
9. Some other brushes I'd recommend are MAC 109, Estee Lauder Powder foundation brush and NYX blending brush.

With this, I conclude before I fall off asleep.........

Till then,


Ciao

The BLACK Tide

Black being the darkest and gloomiest color in makeup, somehow happens to be the most coveted color by pros and amateurs alike. This is because "black" adds a touch of sophistication and elegance if used gently and can be built to create the most dramatic looks when used in abundance. Every makeup brand has "black" in all the possible forms of pencils, eyeshadows, liners and even lipsticks. In eyeshadows too, Black comes in various formulations right from flat-matte black to ultra smoky and shimmery sooty black.
In this post btw, I'm going to write some of the best black eyeshadows in powder and cream form available in the market and why I do like them. This is my own version of the "perfect" black eyeshadow and what it did to make me love it.

1. MAC cosmetics….makes one of the best and largest variety of "black" eyeshadows in the prestige professional makeup cosmetics market. The cult status of some of their eyeshadows is not that we are unaware of. There are Carbon, Typographic, Black Tied, Knight Divine and so many more that come as limited editions and go (especially their Hot Contrast and Blue My mind mineralize eyeshadows which sported one of the most satiny blacks I have ever used). My search for "Black" actually started with MAC as I was looking for jet black and not forgery-black which is seen in mass brands except L'Oreal due to their low quality pigments, excessive fillers like talc that give flatness and make the black eyeshadow ashen-grey and I hated the fact that these eyeshadows looked horrible in pictures. MAC made the best ones out there and that's why I shifted. And then it became an addiction to buy branded stuff from India and http://www.strawberrynet.com/ and I spent some of my earnings on stuff. I particularly liked MAC's LE Cloudburst which has flecks of turquoise blue shimmer though the e/s per se gives a satiny finish. MAC also makes their amazing Paint Pot called Blackground and their Grease paint sticks are good too. So lets see what MAC has to give us in "blacks" eyeshadows………….Carbon (deep matte black), Typographic (Asphalt Black), Knight Divine (Black with silver pearl) and Black Tied (black with silver sparkle). They sell them for Rs.900 each.
2. Lancôme did their Strass Black eyeshadow from the Color Focus Sensational effects eyeshadow which is dark jet black with silver glitter that surprisingly stays on the lid instead of falling off. They sell for Rs.1050

3. Clinique makes Stay matte eyeshadow in "midnight" which is their only matte black and is very dark and intense. The matte texture is not very powder but can be hard to blend if an under-base was not used. The color is buildable and stays put for the whole day. They retail their eyeshadows for Rs.1050

4. Shiseido launched their amazing Luminizing Satin Eye color Trio and Snow Shadow is no exception to one of the rarest purple toned intense blacks in the market. I love the velvety quality of the eyeshadows and their ability to blend and hold onto the lids better. Their price should approx. be Rs.3000 but it isn't declared yet. Shiseido also makes Luminizing Satin eye color in Tar for Rs.1500 which is a matte black with buttery smoothness and is finely milled with micronized titanium di-oxide to remove the ashy-ness of the talc fillers.
5. Clarins is not behind. In the race of an amazing black Clarins has Mono color eyeshadow in "Totally Black" for Rs.820 with an unbelievable texture and very good amount of eyeshadow available at the price we pay. I think it is the cheapest eyeshadow in department store brands with pay off much better than many of the above mentioned brands.
6. Christian Dior came with its quint of Smokey black eyeshadows with silver and grey for Rs.3300 but what blew me away was their 1-color ultra impact eyeshadow Rs.1950 in Flash Black. This is shimmery black with silver flecks with smoothness and payoff that could make Cleopatra take another birth to use it. Dior thanks its JAPANESE SLURRY TECHNOLOGY for the smooth yet buttery texture of their eyeshadows which are soft to glide but very strong on staying put.
7. EsteeLauder Pure Color Eyeshadow do sport a shimmery black but are  to be launched in India.
8. L'Oreal does get their celebrity eyeshadows and PRO collection palettes for Rs.650 and Rs.500 respectively. NYX cosmetics and ColorBar do make decent black eyeshadows and so do Lakme but I was not very satisfied. The Body Shop had one of the most horrendous blacks I ever saw and so does YSL.
9. I await myself on getting a review of Inglot and Makeup Forever as I haven't had a hand on their Blacks. International brands like Smashbox, Stila, Urban Decay, Benefit, Bobbi Brown, NARS, Laura Mercier etc. do make blacks but since they are not available in India and with me my comments remain withheld until I use them.

 

So this was my take on some of the fabulous black eyeshadows in the market. I hope it'd serve as guide to get the best black. Soon I'd be writing about the best blues, purples, golds, silvers and all possible colors.

 

Till then,

 

Ciao