Small note and thank you!!

Hi Friends,

Thanks for reading my posts and seeing my videos (amateur ones) and it has been fun for the last 2-3 months. Now the times change again. I will be heading off to work and will find less or absolutely no time to write anything. But that doesn't mean the "blog" is dead.

I promise to write posts and do some eye makeup looks and videos as and when time permits (I am lucky to get 2 offs in a week)................Do drop in to see and read time to time and please send me any queries if you have....


Thanks and Cya

Till then,


Ciao

Concealer Application

My "hybrid" way of applying concealer. I have used Clinique All About Eyes Concealer which I love the most.

This method could go with any concealer formula. Its just about blending it to flawlessness.

Hope you like the video.

Do Subscribe and comment!

Till then,

CIAO

Strength and Weaknesses!!

This philosophical lemma does not direct towards freedom fighting or anti-corruption. I hate corruption and strive for its uprooting from the root. But this article is corruption free (but does using cheats) while doing makeup.

Thousands of millions of products are available and we purchase teeny weeny amounts of them. Those limited edition MAC pigments make us go crazy and I don't deny going myself too. We have piles of makeup that cannot be used due to many reasons like: -

1. Heavy texture
2. Wrong color
3. Bad color payoff
4. Too bright
5. Too dull
6. Impulsive purchase
7. Madness and maniac purchasing of branded makeup ("materialistic" world like America of getting artificial happiness by buying branded stuff)
8. And so many more

But nonetheless we are humans and we often do mistakes. The best part of doing a mistake is to rectify it and I thought and compiled few shortcuts and beauty tips that could do wonders to your normal makeup routine. I want to thank from my heart these people from Youtube for my inspirations (I havent copied much of their stuff) Dustin Hunter, Pixiwoo, Enkoremakeup, Petrilude, Michelle Phan, Bryanboy, Pursebuzz, Eve Pearl and  Allthatglitters1....they have amazing tips to share and I love them for that.

So what is it all about??

• We go wrong with the foundation almost always. It not only is light but looks ghostly and cakey. FIXER If the foundation has SPF apply it directly over your moisturizer. The foundation would darken a bit due to oxidation and give you almost the perfect color if you havent gone too wrong with the coloring. Otherwise always use a primer. For this method you would like to invest in an inexpensive primer like Oriflame's Face Primer (also can be used on eyes and is pure silicones and nothing else) as you may need lot of it. Apply primer over entire face (make sure it is transparent, non shimmery and fluid in texture as opposed to creamy) and pat with fingers. Mix a bit of primer into light foundation and apply sheer layer over the entire face. Dust with little darker than foundation shade of powder and it gives you the exact color. This method is not fail proof though.
• Smoky eyes can give you an animalistic edge. That beautiful animal is "Racoon" or "Panda" if you like China. You suffer major fall outs due to many reasons including not dusting off the excess eyeshadow from the brush or applying product in dry lids (without a primer) and so many. Everyone cannot afford "eye shields" especially those who need to do makeup everyday. For such major fall outs I suggest applying foundation after doing eye makeup. Dab some extra face primer in the under eye area and wipe it off with tissue. Generally all the eyeshadow fall outs get washed off.
• If you have used foundation and you had eyeshadow fall outs, then with a damp brush just brush them off. I suggest using fluffy brushes like MAC 217 to do so.
• Some makeup products act like erasers if used with sponges. Especially makeup primers and liquid foundations. But the bad thing is they can also move the concealer from its place so I always try to apply concealer before the foundation. For those who didn't know, the composition of makeup remover is similar to foundation or primer (they all have silicones especially waterproof products) and that why it is easy to remove them off.
• Did your blush shout "Loud"?? Either dab in translucent powder (it is a cliche) or something that I learnt, spray a Face Mist like MAC fix + spray over a clean duo fibre brush from any brand and gently swirl over the excess blush. Blush gets diluted and also you get an additional dewy finish.
• Concealers scare us. It caused "Reverse Panda Eyes Syndrome" when gone wrong. I liked this trick which is a hybrid of what two schools of thought use. I apply concealer with a flat synthetic concealer brush to load the color and then blend it with MAC 217 brush in small stippling strokes. I tried it out yesterday actually and it went wonderfully.
• Have small lashes? Sometimes mascara may not promise you. I found out individual lashes and "demi-lashes" which are so amazing and can enliven your eye makeup.
• Have a shimmery gloss that is driving you crzay with bits of sparkle everywhere. You can tone down the gloss by adding a normal lip balm or clear shiny gloss. It looks more tamed and nice. Same thing goes with really dark glosses. We need to dilute them and they go great.
• This is not a solution but a tip! Your face and eyes are precious. So please invest in good quality foundations, powders and mascaras as they can not only make a big difference but also can cause major problems if gone wrong.

Hope you find this article nice....There are more to come but I couldn't fit it in one post...

Do keep reading..

Till then,

Ciao

Tale of Teal.......

I must say, I never imagined this look to come like this. It is intermix of Teal with Grey and Silver. It may not be your usual eyeshadow color but I believe that eyes do not fail to mesmerize with makeup like this too. An very unusual makeup combination which somehow worked really nicely. I was inspired by a ray of moonlight falling on dark blue sea in midnight........the ripples and waves and all. (

TIP: - Keeping "Grey" as common, you can adjust amount of Teal pigment while mixing going from light to dark according to skin tones. For my medium toned skin, I mixed equal amount of teal and grey (on the eye lids).

Lets see how to do this look!

FACE

• Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation
• Bourjois Anticernes Pinceau Brush Concealer
• Kryolan Loose Powder in TL14
• MAC Mineralize Blush in Gleeful that is described as dirty blue pink with gold pearl

LIPS

• Clinique Long last lipstick in Violet Berry

EYES

For aesthetic terms, I would call this eye makeup is "Ballet of eyeshadows" and the techinique as "Shadow Overdance."

• Start with Benefit Lemonaid Eye lid correcting primer from the lash line to the crease diffusing it outwards.
• Apply Clarins Mystery Grey all over the lid, blending it into the crease with dome shaped brush. This eyeshadow becomes your base eyeshadow. I love the multi colored sparkle in this eyeshadow.
• With MAC 217 gently dust, MAC Pigment in Teal over the entire lid adjusting the intensity. I suggest begin with less product and make layers.
• On the outer corners apply MAC Cloudburst eyeshadow just to create some shading and line the eyes with it.
• Apply teal grey on lower lids also.
• In the inner corners and on the brow bone highlight with Stila Kitten which you can find on clicking it,online. I also added some teal over Kitten eyeshadow for continuity.
• Apply 2-3 coats of Clinique High impact mascara in Black.
• Comb the brows with a brow brush.

Some more pics.

Do let me know, if you liked the look. You can create this look from 120 color eyeshadow palette 2nd edition of BH cosmetics also (I have ordered mine but not received it yet).

Till then,


Ciao

Full on foundation

This is a simple foundation tutorial that I did. Hope you like it!




Please subscribe and comment. Do read my articles on foundations for better knowledge about foundations, their formulas and everything else!

Thanks


Till then,

Ciao

Some LOOKS..........

These are some pictures that I took from my newly purchased Canon Ixus 220 HS digital camera, which I badly needed as my old one was really getting haggered. The new Ixus one is one of the latest additions to Canon's sleek credit card size camera range and is fantastic to shoot movies in HD. (Though I am looking for perfect backgrounds now) but end up doing a good job with them.

Here are few pics from my Carribean Jungles theme ( Breakup of the look will come later though, consdier this a sneak peak)

Let me know if the resolution looks right and the makeup looks good. Or I should brighten up the picture??


Till then,


Ciao

Silver, Gold and Roses...

I am a big fan of rosy glowing complexions rather than peaches and oranges (of course it changes with trends) and I invest in all the possible products that have rosy hues.

This look in metallics VS roses and is very dramatic and flattering. Lets see how to do this look.

FACE

• Stila One Step Foundation (bought from www.strawberrynet.com) 
• Kryolan Loose Powder in TL 14 for matte effect. Matte skin goes very very with metallics as it accentuates the metal powders by absorbing light whilst the powders reflect light.

LIPS

• Shiseido The Makeup Lipgloss in Chianti Rose
• For more coverage you can apply Raspberry from Clarins Joli Rouge,

EYES

Eyes are the focal point of this look.

• Apply Benefit Lemonaid Primer
• Top it with MAC Paint Pot in Vintage Selection for a bit of rosy color to peep through.
• I have used Mineralize eyeshadows which were limited editions so let me suggest some dupes from the main line of MAC. 
• For Silvery pink effect, with a damp flat brush, apply MAC pigment in Pink Opal on the entire lid.
• Just a touch of nude brown eyeshadow like Wedge in the crease.
• Keep the brow bone bare to focus only on the eyelids. You can dust some of your iridescent blush in that area in case you want a completed look.
• On the lower lid, with a damp flat brush to accentuate the color, apply MAC AmberLights eyeshadow.
• To create multi dimensional effects I have used chunky silver glimmer on the upper lids (from Blue Sorcery) and chunky gold glimmer on the lower lids (Limited Edition MAC Reflets from Makeup Art Cosmetics Collection)
• Apply lots of volumizing mascara. I chose Clinique High Impact Mascara in Black and applied 4-5 coats.

Here are few more pics.

This may not be your everyday look but its fun to create one. Hope you like it. Do let me know!!

Till then,

Ciao

Easy Smokey Eyes.wmv

I was very skeptical about doing a video as I am not very photogenic and I hate my receding hair line. But I mustered the strength to do one to help my friends learn the superb art of makeup. I hope this excuse suffices.

For the look, it was inspired by Karen Elson from the video The Ghost Who Walks. Karen is one of the most famous supermodels hailing from England and now is super duper singer with her debut album. This makeup look has a universal language and is easy for anyone and everyone to do.

The products that I used are: -

1. Smashbox Photofinish Primer Light

2. Max Factor Second Skin Foundation

3. Clinique All About Eyes Concealer

4. Kryolan Loose Powder TL4

5. CK by Calvin Klein blush in Foolish

6. MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in Smooth Merge

7. Benefit Lemonaid Lid Correcting Primer

8. Bourjois Effet Smoky in Ultra Black

9. Lancome Color Focus eyeshadow in Black Strass (LE)

10. MAC Mineralize Eyeshadow in Inter-view

11. Stila eyeshadow Kitten

12. EuroParis False Lashes

13. MAC Pigment in Tan

14. Bourjois Volume Glamour MAXX mascara

15. Oriflame Savannah Lipstick

16. Bourjois La Creme Lipgloss in Peach

I hope you enjoyed this look.

Due to certain privacy settings this video may not be available to watch at times. In case that happens please mail me at neerajnavare@yahoo.com for the link. Also for future videos please "Subscribe"and also drop in your YOU TUBE ID for private screening of videos before broadcasting as I need your honest opinions.

Thanks,

Till then,

Ciao

Periwinkle meadows......

This look as an "elfin" touch to it, something like Lord Of the Rings...Its a pristine look inspired from periwinkle flowers and fresh green meadows.

The look does remind of blooming spring but is very universally flattering and can be sported with a punky edge for parties, little more dressy for special occasions or simply playful sometimes to work or college. The purple has dull grey undertone to it so that the green sparkles into life from within the color. It complicated.....Lets get to the look.


FACE

Flawless skin achieved with,

• Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation
• Clarins Intant Light Perfect Touch concealer pen
• Kryolan Loose Powder in TL4 and TL14
• MAC Mineralize Blush in Warm Soul for sheer kiss of the sun.

LIPS

• Clinique High Impact Lipstick in Nude Beach

EYES

• Start with concealer on the lids for hiding any flaws.
• Apply MAC Paint Pot in Dangerous Cuvee starting from the eye lids to crease. The frosty steel silver must peek through the pompous purple.
• I used MAC Limited Edition eyeshadow in Marvel all over the lid and blended in the crease.
• Highlighted the brow bone with Stila Kitten subtly and combed the brows.
• On the bulge of the eye ball (of course after closing eyes) I applied MAC pigment in Old Gold as I love the duo chrome green and antique gold. 
• The lower lid is just the reflection of upper lid.
• Trace the waterlines with charcoal pencil like Clinique's Blackened Pewter.
• Apply dollops of Estee Lauder Sumptuous Volumising Mascara for luscious on the go lashes.
• Don't forget to highlight the inner corners with Stila Kitten.

Some more pictures....

Hope you enjoy this look.....write me and lemme know. Soon will have a mega-giveaway so be ready to participate. I would put it down as a video.

Till then,


Ciao

Summer monochromes

Monochromatic makeup can look really glamorous. This doesn't mean that we use only one color entirely, it is about using a color family. I have used products with red undertones for cheeks, lips and eyes. You can create these looks with browns, beiges, peaches, reds, plums, pinks, purples, fuchsias etc and still look amazing.

Monochromatic makeup maybe one color family but it also is gradation of textures. So play with texture and explore the creative side.

Camera Used: - Canon Ixus 220 HS

Please don't mind the video quality as I am trying my best to get the lights and everything sorted out.

Products used: -

1, Smashbox Photofinish Light Primer

2. MAC eyeshadows in Smut, Nylon, Sable and Glamour Check

3. Clinique Eyeshadow Twiglet

4. Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara

5. Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation

6. Benefit Boing Industrial Strength Concealer

7. Kryolan TL 14

8. Shiseido Accentuating Blush in Glistening Brown

9. MAC Mineralize blush in Merrily

10. Loreal Color Riche Lipstick in Copper Honey

Do let me know....

Till then,

Ciao

My Favorite Mascaras

I have done a similar post before with the topmost mascaras of 2010 but I not only wanted to update the list but also highlight my favorite mascaras from various brands that I really love, adore and recommend.

WHAT DOES A MASCARA DO?

I believe mascara was an utmost beauty innovation that not only highlights or dramatizes the eyes but also makes you look awake and well-rested. Its an instant modifier and mascara has the capacity to take a makeup look to a newer level. Recently mascaras were omitted from certain fashion shows marking the absence of mascara as a trend for the season but when you are an Indian with beautiful eyes (not biased with others) you'd prefer using mascara as an ornament or as famously said "Lash Furniture."

Black mascaras have the highest impact and add depth to makeup where as colored mascaras are for a playful effect as well as they are used for certain color corrections and enhancements. I have not much liked the concept of colored mascaras though I would suggest trying if you have a penchant for them and if that glams up your evening.

How did I rate the mascaras?

• On the effects that they promise
• On the ingredients of course and how lash-friendly they are
• On how the lashes look in one coat and then in several coats
• On long does it stay throughout the day
• On how easy is it to clean the mascara while makeup removal

THE MASCARAS I LOVE (only 10, if its a small number as I can remember at least 100)


The mascaras I love are essentially black mascaras unless specified and I love them for the finish they give me. I hope you have seen my videos and this is the secret behind my lashes.

So let the count down begin..........Btw just because I gave it no.10 doesn't mean it is bad. These are top 10 of my favorite mascaras so do judge them fairly.


10. MAC Opulash Mascara

Big fatty wand mascara creates perfectly groomed lashes in form of tubes. I find it more of lengthening and curling than volumizing which is what it is supposed to do as well. I would recommend this mascara to any one who has good lashes and wants them bolder.

9. Christian Dior Extase Mascara

This is mascara made for the ultra-rich sector of the society. The formula and brush is true to its price and this mascara has never failed me. Uber voluminous lashes and ultra sophisticated results is its USP. I gave it lesser ranking only because of the price factor which is whopping Rs.1950

8. Bourjois Volumizer Mascara

What a mascara though inspired from MAC Haute and Naughty lashes and sporting 2 in 1 brush. This mascara is a boon for ladies with long thin lashes. The wet formula coats each and every lash and amplifies to the fullest with their 2 step approach. Its not for smaller lashes as the formula can make them too droopy and downward turned.

7. Max Factor Xperience Mascara

With beewax put in it, expect weightlessness of wings for ready to fly away effect. The lashes are batty and feathery but absolutely no trace of feeling of weighed down by the mascara.

6. L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes Mascara

A choice of novices and pros alike, this mascara creates voluminous lashes effortlessly. The lashes are shiny, glossy and darkest of the blacks. The mascara wand can be a bit tricky to use as it is a bit big and the mascara tends to get all over the eye lids in first couple of uses.


5. Clinique Lash Power Mascara 

Adding length to lashes especially when they are short and pokey straight can be painless, with this mascara. Lashes are so black and curled, that it completely justifies its name.

4. Bourjois Volume Glamour MAXX mascara

Big bold lashes is what I get with this brush. It adds just enough oomph in one coat and the next coats are just couture-like lashes. What I love is how dramatic your lashes look in just few coats.

3. Estee Lauder Double Wear Mascara

Long luscious lashes that stay longer and look beautiful for the whole day is this mascara's USP. It looks fresh all day long and there is hardly any fall outs (at least for first 10 hrs approx.)

2. Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara

Its best for volume, curl and length and you have seen it many a times in my tutorials for how dramatic it looks. What more to say?

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
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1. Clinique High Impact Mascara

The predecessor of the curling mascara, this mascara gives all what I said above in just one flick of brush. Really it makes mascara application so easy with no oddly designed brush, no out-of-the-world promises and a great mascara for starters who find mascara as a weapon of mass destruction.




These are my all time favorite mascaras and I tend to re-purchase them again and again.

Do share your favorite mascaras too....

Till then,



Ciao

Simply Dramatic

Simple Easy Makeup can look dramatic if done rightly. Its clean, understated and yet on your face.

Products used: -

1. Cleanser, Exfoliator and Moisturizer from Clinique
2. Smashbox Photofinish Light Primer
3. Ben Nye Matte Cream Foundation and Concealer
4. Kryolan Loose Powder TL 14
5. MAC Paint Pot in Vintage Selection
6. Stila Eyeshadow Kitten
7. Benefit Hoola Bronzer
8. Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara
9. MAC Bite of an Apple Blush
10. MAC Mineralize Duo blush in Hanging Loose
11. Lancome Juicy Tubes in Paris Shine
12. Clinique Long last lipstick in Party red
13. YSL Golden Gloss 020
14. MAC Eyeshadow in Shock-a-holic
15. NYX Studio Liner in Extreme Purple


Brushes used: -

1. Dior Foundation Brush
2. Estee Lauder Concealer Brush
3.Lancome Large Powder Brush
4. Clinique Blush Brush
5. MAC 217 eyeshadow brush


Lemme know how it went!! I require your feedbacks to continue making videos.

Till then,


Ciao

All Occasion Makeup

Hi All,

This is my second video. Its all about "All Occasion Makeup". Something easy to pull out when you dont have enough makeup options or have a makeup block. Sorry I had to repost it again due to some issues.


Products used: -

1. Clinique Cleanser, Clarifying lotion and Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
2. Skin79 Diamond BB Cream
3. Clinique Moisture Sheer Tint SPF 15
4. Clinique All About Eyes Concealer
5. Clinique Blended Loose Powder
6. Bourjois Effet Smoky in Ultra Black
7. Estee Lauder Double wear mascara
8. Stila Illuminating Finishing Powder in Bronze
9. Clinique Full Potential Lips in Crushed Opal

Brushes Used: -

1. Sigma makeup Sigmax brush
2. Estee Lauder Concealer Brush
3. Ben Nye eye liner brush
4. Clinique Blush Brush

Please lemme know and put in your pictures too.


Till then,


Ciao

Small note...........

Hi,

Due to some copyright issues I am re-posting the last video. You will not be able to see the old video as I would be deleting this post in sometime.
I am going to post it again with no audio as I don't want to take copyright risks.

Sorry for this post. Cya soon.

Till then,

Ciao

All Occasion Makeup

Hi All,

This is my second video. Its all about "All Occasion Makeup". Something easy to pull out when you dont have enough makeup options or have a makeup block.

Products used: -

1. Clinique Cleanser, Clarifying lotion and Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel

2. Skin79 Diamond BB Cream

3. Clinique Moisture Sheer Tint SPF 15

4. Clinique All About Eyes Concealer

5. Clinique Blended Loose Powder

6. Bourjois Effet Smoky in Ultra Black

7. Estee Lauder Double wear mascara

8. Stila Illuminating Finishing Powder in Bronze

9. Clinique Full Potential Lips in Crushed Opal

Brushes Used: -

1. Sigma makeup Sigmax brush

2. Estee Lauder Concealer Brush

3. Ben Nye eye liner brush

4. Clinique Blush Brush

Please lemme know and put in your pictures too.

Till then,

Ciao

My First YT video!!

Since the day I started my blog, I wished I could do some videos on YT too....But I was scared, nervous and demotivated. After seeing Dustin Hunter and Enkore Makeup, I realised that if you have people who appreciate your effort you should work and do things for them while facing criticism from the morons who find what they do morally correct.

This video is a compilation of some released and unreleased makeups. Hope you like it.

In future I would also be doing tutorials and videos on makeup applications. Just need your support and motivation to keep me moving.





Lemme know how you found this video.

Till then,


Ciao

Anime eyes GONE WILD!! BREAK UP

Anime are Japanese cartoons and somehow they are the source of inspiration for so many makeup artists for their vivid styles aka "glamorous cartoons". Its all about pushing the boundaries, bold and weird drawn on lashes etc. Since I desperately waiting for my dear friend to help me with the faux lashes, this is unfortunately without one.

I love to get inspired and MICHELLE PHAN helps me out indirectly through her wonderful posts. So if yo want to do this Anime gone wild look, keep reading.......


FACE

You need effortless yet ethereal complexion. That spells "inner glow".

• Lancome Teint Miracle Foundation
• YSL Touche Eclat
• Shiseido Translucent Setting Powder
• Shiseido Accentuating Stick in S5 Rose Flush
• MAC Mineralize Blush in Hanging Loose (Lavender Shimmer - turns towards silvery halo)

LIPS

I opted for stained lips with Shiseido Accentuating Stick itself. All emphasis was on eyes.

EYES

 This looks crazy but with proper colored contact lenses (which I find scary) and wig probably in the same color as the contact lenses would give amazing effects.

• MAC Mineralize Eyeshadow in Girlish Romp. I applied the dirty violet all over the lid.
• Clinique Brush on cream liner in True Black was used to draw fake lashes that looked like sun rays, line the upper lid and then combed through the brows.
• Putting anything stick on the brows makes pigments and glitters stick better. For something gross you can use "non toxic" glue and stick on glitter. I preferred using gel liner. Pianted MAC Violet pigment through brows.
• Add Bourjois Volumizer mascara. Big mistake that I did not curl my eyelashes and they look like disaster. Dont worry I would be posting a better version of this look soon.

Have you tried something out of the world? Do share your link if you have and I would love to see it too.

Till then,

Ciao

Anime eyes GONE WILD!!

This is just a crazy look from those funny Japanese characters. Since it was a trial, I did not put in much of an effort.

Please give me suggestions!!

Till then,


Ciao

Wide eyed Metallics!

Metallics have always had a place in my creativity and vanity and will remain. I love the scintillating effect that they impart on eyes and how they open them up. I must add that sometimes its better to skip "liners" and bring life to a look. I don't deny that I haven't used pencil liners in most of the published looks, but I make sure that it is barely visible as too much definition can kill the aura of the look. Overtly coated voluminous lashes take the liner's place giving  "tight lined" look but opens up eyes really well.

Anyways here is another weird combination of bright silver and bronze. I have used my Dior 5 coleur palette in this look called "Tropical Lights", which was purchased in impulse and rarely used. Its got some wonderful looking bronzes and greens making the palette as wonderful as any other Dior palette. I don't strongly recommend it though. Looking forward to buy "Girlactik Beauty" cosmetics,an American prestige cosmetic brand which has some of the best glitters and shimmers in the market and soon shall put my reviews too.

Lets get the look.

FACE

• Clinique Even Better Makeup SPF 15
• Clinique All About Eyes concealer
• Clinique Blended Loose Powder
• Clinique Fresh bloom All Over Color in Almond Blossom for cheeks. It gives picture perfect metallic radiance to the skin with minimal chances of going OTT

LIPS

Keep the lips clear and neutral with just clear balm. This adds youthfulness to the look.

EYES

• MAC Paint Pot in Dangerous Cuvee on the lids blended and diffused into crease.Rim the lids thinly with brown eye pencil or bronze eye pencil for subtle definitions.
• Take the taupey-silver eyeshadow from Dior paletter (in between) and apply it all over the lid with a flat brush.
• Apply the bronze eyeshadow in crease and outer corners.
• Take the pale silvery green (which looks like bright silver only in camera with 0.1% hint of light green) to apply in inner corners.
• Smoke out silvery taupe on lower lids blending it into bronze towards outer corners.
• Highlight the brow bone with silvery pink from the quint.
• Add dollops of Dior Extase volumizing mascara and comb brows with brow gel.

Hope you enjoyed it!!

Till then,

Ciao

My Mineralize Makeup Magic!!

Since some years I have been smitten and fortunate enough to collect MAC Mineralize Eyeshadows. Of course this was done after a lot of internet research and not impulse purchase so I dont own each and every one. But these are some of the eyeshadows I like for pigmentation and glitter and often use it in my tutorials.
Just sharing some pictures of my rare mineral(ize) treasure....Its a bit heavy on downloading.!!

PS:  Please click on each picture to see the colors. I put them through Windows Live Writer and they look pathetic here.













Till then,


Ciao

VOGUE BEAUTY AWARDS.....De-tangled

The August Vogue India Issue celebrates the VOGUE Beauty Awards which were judged by some of the stalwarts in the beauty industry, fashion industry and so called PAGE 3 alike. Some of them not having expertise in any of the beauty fields also had graced the judge's chair with their connections and keenly examined the products giving a thought to the overall appeal of the product.

Since some of the products that won the awards were not launches of 2011, this beauty awards were overall a mish mash of old and new, heard and unheard, mass and class brands and I am not totally convinced with verdict of the judges.

PROS

• Some of the old industry staples were honored in right manner.
• Products were given priority in all the sections of the society i.e from mass to class.

CONS

• Most of the judges were repeat judges of last year with a conical vision towards understanding of the products and formulas.
• I wish a cosmeceutical chemist would also have been in the panel to judge the formula and what science went behind it.
• Most categories were ignored with less emphasis on formula categories like liquid blush Vs Cream blush Vs Powder blush.
• Some of products won awards when others would have deserved better. For eg. Dior Extase Mascara and YSL Singulier mascara along with MAC Opulash which wasn't even mentioned.

There are many more things to talk from the reader point of view which wont be recognized by Vogue India, unfortunately as they are keen enough to get inspirations from their foreign siblings but forget the verdicts given by their targeted consumers (we readers). Glamour in beauty world of India may have wider horizons but is run by handful of beauty experts who are narrow minded and do not encourage newer talents. Vogue India has never conducted any awards for upcoming makeup brands and makeup artists (most of the retail brands here dont even hire qualified and technically advanced makeup artists) to celebrate beauty talent and the consumers are into supermarket skin care brands with minimal awareness of whats new in the industry.

I know the words are harsh, but this is reality. I have no problems with ongoing beauty scene in India as I keep myself and my blog updated to whatever happens in the international beauty world and even if I don't discuss it openly I am aware of newer lines and updates which sets my vision for makeup and skin care apart from others. So anyone feeling agitated about all this written in my articles should choose to ignore it as they ignore their skin care regimen and beauty rituals. Those who honor will know what I am talking about.

My vision for India's beauty circle is mix of modernist and extremist so I am responsible for my reviews and I love to keep myself updated and the trust that my friends have on me and my suggestions.

Here is a list of the much coveted Vogue Beauty Awards with my inputs in colors and suggestion wherever I felt like giving.

Vogue Beauty Awards 2011- Makeup

Best Concealer- 

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Concealer. Wonderful concealer. I totally agree on this one.

Best Eyeshadow Palette-

 Estee Lauder Pure Color Eyeshadow Palette- Surreal Violet & Givenchy 9 Colors Eyeshadw , Tempting Chocolate I totally disagree as these palettes are super expensive, absolutely mediocre textures and color payoff and they look really bad overall. I would have loved to see Lancome, MAC, Chanel, Dior and YSL as major contenders of eyeshadows with my verdict towards the Dior palette.

Best Mascara-

 Loreal Paris Volume Million Lashes I am in a fix over this one as I own one and love it a lot. But what about Bourjois Volumizer, Dior Extase, Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara, MAC Opulash, Shiseido Perfect Mascara and Estee Lauder Double Wear mascara or Sumptous Volume Extreme mascara. they are truly winners in their own ways and I dont believe in the fact that a petty award would not recognize them.

Best Kohl Pencil- 

Lakme 9 to 5 Kohl Ultimate I absolutely disagree as the formula is average and bit scary seeing relation of Lakme and our precious eyes. My contenders would be Chambor, MAC, Inglot, 

Bourjois, Revlon and Clarins.

Best Eyeliner- 

MAC Siahi Fluidline and L'oreal Gel liner They deserve though I never liked Siahi myself. I prefer they should have given awards to what is the Permanent Line of MAC than limited edition. Loreal Carbon black would have been better.

Best Blush- 

Deborah Milano Hi Tech Blush Rose Pesca Never heard of and Deborah is rocking in Delhi with no exposure in Mumbai. Where is MAC gone?? Chanel, Dior, Clinique??

Best Lipstick-

 MAC Mehr Good one but again I support the permanent line.

Best Foundation-

MAC STudio Fix Powder plus foundation NC 43 Better formulas in the market.

Best Lipgloss-

 Bourjois Paris Effet 3D Lip Gloss Brun Rose Academic Beautiful color.

Best Nail Polish- 

Dior  Vernis Gris Montaigne, Chanel Le Vernix Black Pearl I wonder if this award was of any significance owing to limited availability of these colors.

Vogue Beauty Awards 2011-Haircare

Not my expertise so I reserve my comments.

Best Conditioner(Colored or damaged hair) :

 L'oreal Total Repair 5 , Kiehls Sunflower Color Preserving Deep Recovery Pack

Best Conditioner (Normal Hair) : 

Kerastase Chronologiste Essential Restorative Concentrate

Best Shampoo(Colored or Damaged Hair) : 

Loreal Professional Vitamino Color , The Bodyhop Rainforest Radiance Shampoo

Best Shampoo (Normal Hair) :

Kiehl's Amino Acid Shampoo with Pure Coconut Oil, Garnier Fructis 2 in 1 Shampoo with Nutritive Fuit Oils 

Vogue Beauty Awards 2011-  SKINCARE  

Best make-up remover 

Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing Gel

Estée Lauder  Take It Away Total Makeup Remover

I like my staples, Clinique Take the day off for lids,lashed and lips and Neutrogena Oil free eye makeup remover.

Best moisturiser (day) 

L’Oréal Paris  Hydra Fresh All Day Hydration Aqua- Essence

Dior Hydra Life Pro-Youth Protective Creme SPF 15

There are really good. But there are better ones to try.

Best moisturiser (night) 

Forest Essentials Night Treatment Cream Sandalwood & Saffron

Neutrogena Light Night Cream

Clinique Youth Surge is an amazing night time moisturizer and so is Givenchy No Surgetics. Since Elizabeth Arden had already won last year I would not feel bad that it didn't get this year.

Best sunscreen 

Lancôme UV Expert High Potency Active Protection SPF 50

Where are my favorites from Clinique. The award winner wouldn't even be my last purchase.

Best serum

La Prairie Cellular Radiance Concentrate Pure Gold

Its tad expensive but I have seen so many actresses and rich ladies using it. Pure Gold is funny as the Gold molecules impart surface radiance without any proven anti-ageing action. I feel funny that even the judges fell for luxury ignoring practicality.

Best eye cream 

REN Active 7 Radiant Eye Gel

Clinique All About Eyes 

The latter is my favorite and I am happy Clinique won an award on this.

Best hyper pigmentation cream/serum 

Elizabeth Arden Prevage White Concentrated Brightening Serum

Kèraskin Esthetics Blanc Harmoniste Whitening Cellular Serum

My contenders would be Clinique Even Better, Estee Lauder Cyberwhite and Lancome Blanc Expert. Elizabeth Arden did not crack the lightening code fairly. Also I wonder how the award winning products were judged, formula? Texture? Result?

Best Moisturiser (Day)

La Prairie Anti-Aging Day Cream SPF 30

Its pathetically expensive anti ageing product with lot of product hype and super luxury texture.

Best moisturiser (Night) 

La Prairie Anti-Aging Night Cream

Chanel Sublimage La Crème

Anti ageing regimen in India aka highly expensive creams. So not true.

Best sunscreen 

Shiseido Urban Environment UV Protection Cream SPF 50

Neutrogena Age Shield Sunblock SPF 30

Good ones.

Best serum

Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate

Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle and UV Damage Corrector

I am impressed. The result was unbiased.

Best eye cream - Anti ageing

Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lift Age-Correcting Eye Creme

La Prairie Cellular Radiance Eye Cream

OK!!

Best cellulite buster 

Comfort Zone Body Strategist + Remodeller

Cellulite Visible Remodelling Double Action Cream

Dior Svelte Reversal Body Contouring and Firming Concentrate

Hope you enjoyed this. Lets have our own Blogger's choice awards.

Till then,

Ciao

Essential Brushes for EYE MAKEUP

Eye makeup is one of the key points in doing makeup and so important are the tools required to do so. Though I believe "fingers" are the best brushes, the areas where fingers do not reach is where you want to use a real brush.  That does not mean you have to own all the possible brushes that are launched in the market. Just a few essentials and your work is done.

Here are some of the essential brushes you must own. I do have lots and lots of eye brushes, but these are the ones I commonly use for tutorials and makeup jobs. I will be putting the entire line of my brushes though but these are some of the basic ones one must have (bought over time and not at once).

ESSENTIAL BRUSHES

1. Concealer Brush Flat 
2. Concealer Brush Tapered 
3. Large Shader Brush
4. Medium Flat Brush
5. Small Flat Brush
6. Large Crease Brush
7. Medium Crease Brush
8. Small Crease Brush
9. Small Dome Brush
10. Medium Dome Brush

You can also buy yourself Sigma brush set as they have all the essential brushes you would need as a starter.

Here are some more pics of my brushes. I essentially dont own many MAC brushes as I do have other options and I always go by the quality and not the brand name. Have a look!!

Hope you like my brushes.Do let me know........

Till then,


Ciao