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1/31/12

Lakmé Absolute Mattreal Skin Natural Mousse Foundation: Awesome, BUT....


It kinda looks like Magic 8 Ball, no? Okay, let's pretend it is. "Will the foundation inside make my skin flawless?"

*Shakes ball* [Answer at the end of the post]

What it is:
Lakmé Absolute Mattreal Skin Natural Mousse is a feather light foundation with a mousse to powder finish. It claims to last upto 16 hours & has SPF 8.

Available in 2 shades: Ivory Fair & Beige Honey.

I got Ivory Fair , which pretty much suits my MAC NC 25 skin tone.


Makeup For A Maroon & Silver Saree

This is a reader query. She will be attending an Indian wedding & would be wearing a gorgeous maroon saree with silver embellishments.

She sent me a photo of the saree:


If I'm wearing a saree like that, I am guessing my makeup will be pretty much the same as Vanessa Hudgens' here....


Eyeshadows:
Since the saree is so bling & I'm assuming you'd be wearing some bling jewelry too, I'd want to keep my eyes matte, maybe just a little shimmery color on the center of my lids & inner corners. A simple smokey eye look will suit it well:
  • A matte brown like MAC Espresso + something with a hint of plum-like MAC Sketch- on lids
  • A matte black like MAC Carbon or Bourjois Intense Eyeshadow #10 on the outer V, and blend it with MAC Sketch.
  • A pearly vanilla highlight color on your brow bone & inner tear duct areas.
  • Black pencil liner, like Lakme Kohl Ultimate, smudged on top and bottom lash line
  • Black  mascara. Maybe add some natural-looking false lashes too.

1/30/12

Ooh....A PINK Mascara!


How often do we see a mascara in a cute pink curvy tube that reminds us of a burlesque dancer?

Bourjois has managed to tempt me again with it's new Volume Glamour Max Definition Mascara.

That brush has 500 bristles or pins that will give voluminous & defined lashes.

WE SO WANT x 500. 

♥ Cynthia Z *.*

Lakmé Absolute White Intense Skin Cover SPF 25 Review


Have you seen the movie "The Skin I Live In"? It's weird, but well-written. Somehow Lakmé Absolute White Intense Skin Cover SPF 25 makes me think of the movie. Skin....Skin. Don't you think that word sounds weird? Rumpelstiltskin. Oh-kay it sounds even weirder now.

What it is:
This ultra light, oil-free, water based formula delivers naturally fair, breathable skin. Its weightless formulation hides pores, fine lines and uneven skin tone to leave skin peachy soft all through the day. It lasts up to 16 hours without fading and has Vitamin B3 and sun protection of SPF 25.

Available in 3 shades: 01 Ivory Fair, 03 Golden Medium, 05 Beige Honey.

I picked 03 Golden Medium. It suits me the best, but is still on the lighter side, although it adapts to my skin tone well & doesn't make me look ghastly. If your skin tone is darker than mine, the darker shade might be a better match.

1/28/12

Purple Lipstick Suggestions ~ From A Reader


After my Lipsticks That Don't Exist post, I got a very helpful comment from a reader- Perween.

Hey Cynthia, I love going through your blog. You have a great knack for writing that is not only informative but has a wonderful sense of humour. After reading this post I took it upon myself to hunt for a violet lipstick for you. I went to Sephora today and came across these lipsticks that may match the second picture:
  • MUFE - Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick, Shade #15 - Pearly Violet 
  • Smashbox – Be Legendary Lipstick, Shade – Bold Berry (vivid violet)
  • Dior – Rouge Dior Lipstick, Shade 786- Mysterious Mauve
  • Dior – High Fashion Lipstick, Shade 001, Violet Tatoo

Isn't that the sweetest thing?! :) ♥

I couldn't find good photos of all the lippies on Google, so I just  put up these to give you all an idea....



I am definitely going to get Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense #15.

Thanks Perween! I really appreciate your very kind & thoughtful effort.

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

1/27/12

Revlon Colorstay Aqua Mineral Finishing Powder Review


Have you ever used a cooling powder that is not Dermicool? I have been using one- Revlon Revlon Colorstay Aqua Mineral Finishing Powder.  It's a cool/wet powder, which is somewhat similar to the MAC Magically Cool Liquid Powder.

About:
NEW ColorStay Aqua Mineral Finishing powder is a translucent mineral finishing powder that delivers a burst of hydrating coconut water and an instant cooling sensation upon application. This revolutionary mineral finisher sets foundation and minimizes the look of pores and fine lines, leaving skin even and smooth. Specially formulated longwearing ColorStay technology provides a shine-free soft matte finish that lasts all day. Best of all, this weightless loose powder keeps skin looking healthy and flawless. 

  • Instant hydration with coconut water
  • Sets makeup for a shine-free finish
  • Wears all day
  • Soft matte formula made with water, not oil., so there’s no shine
  • SPF 13
  • Wear alone or with Colorstay Aqua Mineral Makeup
  • Available in 4 shades: Translucent, Translucent Light, Translucent Light Medium, Translucent Medium.
Here, I am showing you Translucent Light, which is just right for my skin tone. 



GLOSSYBOX To Launch In India


This just in: GLOSSYBOX is launching in India!

About GLOSSYBOX:
We’re GLOSSYBOX Beauty, an idea born from a team of beauty lovers who got tired of wasting time and money buying the newest beauty products without the opportunity to try them to understand if they are right for us. GLOSSYBOX Beauty has grown to become the world’s leading premium beauty subscription company. We are present in 14 countries on 6 continents, and we are now COMING TO INDIA!

Each month, hundreds of thousands of women around the world eagerly await the delivery of their GLOSSYBOX Beauty to discover amazing new beauty products. We send out a gorgeous box filled with a surprise mix of 5 high-end travel- and full-sized beauty and cosmetic products from world’s top beauty brands. This gives women the chance to experiment with new products in the comfort of their own home.

GLOSSYBOX is set to launch in March, 2012.

Aren't we all excited? :))

♥ Cynthia Z *.*

1/26/12

Illamasqua Sophie-I Collection & Technique: Video Tutorial

Illamasqua works very closely with the Sophie Lancaster Foundation and the latest collaboration with them has produced the Sophie-I Collection and Technique, now developed further with a look by Creative Director Alex Box.
About Sophie Lancaster: Sophie Lancaster was beaten to death, in 2007, for dressing different (Gothic). Sophie sustained brutal beatings while trying to protect & cradling her boyfriend, who was knocked unconscious. You can read more about the heartbreaking story here

1/24/12

Why My Lashes Grew Longer


My eyelashes grew a tad longer! That much. Okay, I know it may not look like a big deal to some, but for me it's something. I want to say a tad thicker too, but I don't want you to loff.

I started noticing it last month. I'd apply a mascara and think, "It never made them this long before, how come?"

It was kind of easy for me to narrow down the products that may have caused it coz I was stuck in a rut when it came to everyday makeup, I'd use the same stuff every single day.

1/23/12

Look With Revlon Ruby Colorburst Lipstick

In my quest to find a deeper red lipppie, I found 2 & one of them is Revlon Colorburst Ruby [The other one is AWESOME! Will show you soon!] 
If you're thinking of getting a red lippie- for Valentine's Day maybe- do check out Ruby coz it is gorgeous!

1/22/12

Lakmé Absolute Products Sneak Peek

I thought I'll let you have a lookie at some products from the highly anticipated Lakmé Absolute Collection.
Here's what I got:
  •  Lakme Absolute White Intense Skin Cover. Rs.575 : Review coming in the next few days.
  •  Lakme Absolute Mattreal Skin Natural Mousse, Rs.467 : Will review this too in a week or so.
  •  Lakme Absolute Moon-Lit Highlighter, Rs.510 : Lovely design. Will show you if it looks as lovely on the face.
  •  Lakme Absolute Matte Lipstick, Rs.318 : I got Grape Blossom. Swatches coming soon.
  •  Lakme Absolute Plump & Shine 3D Glosses, Rs.375 : Review here
  • Lakme Absolute Fast & Fabulous Nail, Rs.175 :  Not shown, Review here
Prices may differ coz I got a discount on them from Lifestyle.

1/21/12

Lakmé Absolute Plump & Shine 3D Glosses Review & Swatches


"The secret to that juicy pout unravels. This revolutionary 3D lip gloss contains Marine Collagen and high shine pigments to keep lips plump and hydrated all day long." ~ Lakmé

I got 2 shades to try out: 
  • Berryshine ~ A peach with gold shimmer. This is the most attractive out of all the shades in this range. I really love how it looks in the tube! I'd pick it over Nars Orgasm  Lip Gloss, any given day.
  • Candyshine ~ Candy pink with gold & purple shimmer.

These lip glosses look so pretty & tempting in the packaging- especially Berryshine. 

1/19/12

Maybelline BB Cream Now In India


This will make all those who've  been dying to get their hands on a BB Cream VERY VERY HAPPY!

Maybelline India has launched a BB Cream or  Bright Benefit Cream!

It is an 8-in-1 skin perfector. It instantly brightens, Protects with SPF 21/PA+++, Evens tone, Hydrates, Conceals, Smoothes, Mattifies & Freshens.

This instant skin perfecting cream comes in a compact, travel-friendly 18 ml squeeze tube and is available in 3 unique earth shades – Nude, Radiance and Natural.

Price: Rs.199 (Woohoo!)


My thoughts on BB Creams  HERE

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

1/18/12

Lipsticks That Don't Exist

For a while now I have been searching for some lipsticks. I google & google... look at hundreds of swatches and....

I'm furious to find out: They. Don't. Exist.

Grrr.

Let's blame Photoshop.

Yes, I could try to create them by mixing different....I don't even have time to complete that sentence.

So below are those lipsticks:

  • This Rich Plum: This is supposed to be Maybelline Color Sensational Midnight Plum, but the real thing doesn't look anything like that! 

1/17/12

Inglot Matte Lip Pencil 28 Swatches & Photos

I picked up another one of my favorite lip products- Inglot Matte Pencils, and this time its a pink shade!
Shade 28 is a fabulous fuchsia pink with moderate purple undertones, which is prettier than Nicki Minaj's or Lady Gaga's pinks.

1/16/12

Neutral Everyday/Office Makeup Guide (From Unpublished Video)


Good Morning Everyone!

Hey, I never greeted you that before! I either got up very early (New Year's Resolution) or I scheduled this post last night.

So.... this was supposed to be a video which I filmed last year...in April! Actually, I edited parts of the video but every time my computer would freeze & conk out in the middle, then I went on vacation, then I bought a new laptop, then old laptop couldn't be turned on....I gave up. I have a lot of unedited videos btw >.<

A few days back, I could turn the darn thing on again! I finally transferred all important files, including this one. I decided to put screen shots so my effort wouldn't go wasted. 8 months later!

1/15/12

OVS Industry Tops


Italian brand- OVS Industry is my newfound love. I visited the store for the first time last month & fell in love with their casual clothes & a jacket which I'm going to buy once it's on sale. Their clothes are young & edgy.....and interesting....and not so expensive.

I only bought these 2 tops. I put pics of me wearing them but they are quite blurry, please excuse.


This is from the Baby Angel Collection (how cute is that!)by Italian designer Elio Fiorucci. I adore it! I love the back, these corset-like tops are my favorite kind. I also wore a similar looking GUESS top here. Available in more colors: black & white, light green & white.... I'm going to get ALL on sale (hope my size will still be available fingers crossed). 

1/13/12

WINNER Of IVC Artistic Eye Makeup Contest & Who I Voted For....


The VOTES are in & it's finally time to announce the WINNER of IVC Artistic Eye Makeup Contest! 

The total number of votes is 1608 & finalist with the maximum no. of votes is:

Revlon Colorsilk Luminista Medium Blonde Review & Comparison With Liese Bubble Hair Colour

I used Revlon Colorsilk Luminista in Medium Blonde 175 in October last year and wanted to post the review ASAP, but then I got busy. I bought it in Singapore as it was on sale. 

I was extremely excited to use it! Look how gorgeous that color looks! Of course I knew it was going to be darker on me, duh....that's exactly what I was aiming for- a cool dark blonde (Daydreams: I'd curl my hair & look like a doll or like those pretty Korean girls....hmm....)

Wait for it.

1/12/12

"I'll Find You...." : OOTD

I couldn't decide what to wear with this peach sorbet coat & it's too cold to leave my thighs totally bare. Nah, black or brown tights are too predictable. So, last minute, I thought of these over-the-knee stockings with animal print accents I bought many years ago but never worn (well...maybe once ahem.) I wore them that way & was not appalled. I think they add a little girly to the otherwise man-nish style.

1/10/12

Lakmé Absolute Fast & Fabulous Nail Color Purple Plunge


Meet the NNPOTB (New Nail Polish On the Block, okay?Lakmé Fast & Fabulous Nail Color, which promises to go from Wet to Set in 40 seconds & boasts of its unique brush for 1 stroke application.

In the pics I had applied 3 coats of the nail color since it's the shimmery kind. Man, did it dry quick! And yes, the brush is thicker than most nail polish brushes and covers the whole nail at once. It was a cakewalk applying Purple Plunge- no streaks, TG! Although it's a shimmery nail color, it doesn't have a gritty feel, it feels smooth. The shade is rather too cold for this season, but it's one of the prettiest shades in the collection & I couldn't resist.


1/9/12

New! Bourjois Colorissimo Lip Palettes


Bourjois Colorissimo Lip Palettes ~ 3 colors, 3 MOMENTS OF THE DAY. Pretty, practical and slim, the Lip Palette Colorissimo is required in all handbags!

Bourjois has created four harmonies, for as many different styles. 
  • Red 01 Collection
  • 02 Roses Muses
  • 03 Roses  
  • 04 Nudes Dandy

TOP 5 Artistic Eye Makeup Looks: VOTE For Your Favorite!


Revealing the TOP 5 looks of IVC Artistic Eye Makeup Contest. They were picked out by me (and a few of my loved ones) based on ORIGINALITY, CREATIVITY, SKILL & PRESENTATION.

1/8/12

All Artistic Eye Makeup Looks In One Place


Please give it up for all the contestants of the Artistic Eye Makeup Contest ~ 25 entries altogether! TOP 5 Looks will be announced tomorrow! Boy, am I having a tough TOUGH time! I'm staring at my computer screen trying to put only 5 photos in a collage (and listening to Jay Sean)

I just want to say that, you all did a fantastic job creating your own artistic looks. Whatever the results, please know that I appreciate all your efforts & also for simply participating in my small makeup contest. I'm sure all IVC readers enjoyed seeing all the different & unusual eye makeup & picked up some ideas, like I did.

Once again, THANK YOU & GOOD LUCK.

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

1/7/12

Make Up For Ever Mumbai Haul & Swatches


I was in Mumbai before heading off to Goa so I got a chance to drop by Make Up For Ever in Mumbai. I was so excited! I have been to many MUFE stores before but somehow I was more enthu about going to one in "India" =D

I wanted to buy so many things but when I got there, I was all confused. I wanted to try the Mat Velvet+ Foundation but couldn't find a shade exactly like my MUFE HD Foundation #120 & my most-wanted 12 Flash Color Case wasn't available. 



In the end, I ended up buying only 3 things:
  • Make Up For Ever Star Powders 951 Iridescent Fuchsia & 974 Taupe ~ These are loose shimmery pigments that can be used anywhere on the face & body. I'm going to love Iridescent Fuchsia coz I I always wanted a really pigmented candy pink eyeshadow.
  • Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Natural N35 ~ This is a sheer & non-opaque version of the MUFE Rouge Artist Intense Lipsticks. They are more natural-looking, hence the name.

1/5/12

New Products/Haul ~ Last Pics With My Beloved Stolen Camera

Hey Everyone,

Happy New Year! I'm back home & getting back to blogging. Hope you all are enjoying the first few days of 2012.

Before I left for my vacation, I clicked some pics of some new products I hauled in December with my Panasonic Lumix, which was stolen along with my handbag in Goa . It was an amazing camera & I loved it so much! I didn't care about the money and everything else in that bag, I just wanted the camera back. I can buy the exact same one but it won't be the same- like the 2nd Hugsy wasn't the same to Joey in Friends.Everybody kept saying "Forget it. It's gone, nothing you can do about it now." What they don't realize is, a little part of me died inside.

Take a look at the last photos I clicked with it.....


Artistic Eye Makeup Contest Entry 25 ~ Floral Fantasy

"Floral Fantasy"


Contestant: Suhani Dubey

Products Used:
Ben Nye Matte Finish Foundation
Ben Nye Suede Visage Poudre
Urban Decay Primer Potion

Eyeshadow Colours:
Urban Decay Sin, Side Car and Darkhorse from the NAKED Palette
Maybelline Dream Matte Blush in Peach Satin (used as eyeshadow)
Red from VOV Eyeshadow Palette

Blush:
Maybelline Apricot Flush Blush

Eyeliner, Kajal and Mascara:
Maybelline Colossal Kajal
Maybelline The Hyper Curl Volum Mascara Easy Wash

Rhinestones and Eyelash Glue
Fake Lashes

Props:
Real Flowers

Camera: Sony Cybershot 14.1 MP
Photographer: Self


*Thanks for your entry Suhani. Good Luck! :)


♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

Artistic Eye Makeup Contest Entry 24 ~ Indian Tigress

"Indian Tigress"


Contestant: Priyanka Kantak

Products Used:
1.Coastal Scents 88 Color palette
2.Maybelline Hypercurl Volume Express Mascara
3.Lakme Quartet - Tanjore Rush
4.Elle 18 Eye Sparklers - Blue Blast
5.MAC Studio Fix C4
6.L'Oreal True Match Concealer- Neutral 


*Thanks for your entry Priyanka. Good Luck! :)


♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

Artistic Eye Makeup Contest Entry 23 ~ The Lord Of The Rings

"The Lord Of The Rings"


Contestant: Martina Manfredi

Products Used:
Too Faced Shadow Insurance in Candlelight
Essence Gel Eyeliner in 04 "I love NYC"
Essence eyeliner brush
L'Oreal Chrome Intensity Eyeshadow in 186 Timeless Green
Urban Decay 24/7 Shadow Pencil in Clinic
Mac Eyeshadow in Woodwinked
Mac Eyeshadow in Satin Taupe
Sephora Eyeshadow in Universal Beige
Bottega Verde eyepencil in Pure Gold
Maybelline Expert Eyes Crayon Oriental in Starry Green
Essence Liquid Liner in Black
Cargo Triple Action Mascara


*Thanks for your entry Martina. Good Luck! :)

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

Artistic Eye Makeup Contest Entry 22 ~ Party Lanterns

"Party Lanterns"


Contestant: Mara


Products Used:


Face
BRTC – jasmine Water BB Cream
Kryolan – supracolor fondation in 1W
MAC – Fleur Power blush

Eyes
Urban Decay – Primer Potion in Eden
Ben Nye – Royal Purple, Iced gold, Dark Brown eyebrow pencil
Paris Berlin – CR200 kohl pencil, Pink [LU9] brilliant powder, black eyeshadow
Kryolan – Lachsrosa, Gold, SP571,
Make Up For Ever – 07 White Shimmer, 82 Silver Iridescent
MAC – Chrome Yellow eyeshadow, Soft Ochre paint pot
NYX – Crytal glitter liner
Stargazer eyelashes and Max Factor mascara
Rhinestones in clear, light blue, light gold and red.


*Thanks for your entry Mara. Good Luck! :)

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

Artistic Eye Makeup Contest Entry 21 ~ Masked Mystery

"Masked Mystery"


Contestant: Shrutilaya Ramanathan

Products Used:
MAC Prep + Prime Eye.
MAC Indianwood paintpot.
MAC Goldmine Eye Shadow
MAC Rani Eye Shadow (Mickey Contractor collection)
MAC Carbon Eye Shadow
MUFE Aqua Cream in 12
MUFE Aqua Cream in 10
MAC Blacktrack Fluidline.
Ardell Fake Lashes in 105.


*Thanks for your entry Shrutilaya. Good Luck! :)

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

Artistic Eye Makeup Contest Entry 20 ~ New Year's Glow

"New Year's Glow"

Contestant: Elsa

Products Used:
Revlon New Complexion
L’Oreal HIP duo in Showy
Revlon Perle shadow in Glistening Snow
Wet ‘n’ Wild trio in I’m Getting Sunburned
Maybelline Lasting Drama gel eyeliner
L’Oreal Voluminous mascara
Eye primer from Sally Beauty
Clear nail polish mixed with the turquoise pigment from the L’Oreal duo to create an identical, matching nail shade


*Thanks for your entry Elsa. Good Luck! :)

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

Artistic Eye Makeup Contest Entry 19 ~ When The Lightning Strikes

"When The Lightning Strikes"



Contestant: Anshita

Products Used:
Inglot Cream Concealer
Lakme Satin kohl
Lakme Fantasy Shimmer liner midnight moon
Maybelline Colossal Volume Mascara
Lakme Eye Quartet Peacock
Makeup tools and brushes
Random loose blue, green, purple, gold glitter on cheeks


*Thanks for your entry Anshita. Good Luck! :)

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

1/4/12

Artistic Eye Makeup Contest Entry 18 ~ Pretty Neon Glow

"Pretty Neon Glow"


Contestant: Shylaja

Products Used:
-ADS Makeup kit (with brush given in it)
-Eyetex Eye liner
-Markline mascara

*Thanks for your entry Shylaja. Good Luck! :)


♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

Artistic Eye Makeup Contest Entry 17 ~ Mysterious Arabic Peacock Eyes

"Mysterious Arabic Peacock Eyes"

Contestant: Farah Munirah

Products Used:

Face
Laura Mercier Silk Creme Froundation in Medium Beige
MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NC30
MAC Studio fix Powder NC30
MAC Blush in Stunner
MAC Blush in Equilibrium

Lips 
Dior lipstick in Precious Beige

Eyes
Liquid Eyeliner In2it in Black
Brows: MAC eyeshadow in  Embark
The Hypercurl Volum Express Mascara
Romantic Eyeshadow palette from Dubai (below)    
False Lashes found at Jonker Walk 


*Thanks for your entry Farah. Good Luck! :)


♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

Artistic Eye Makeup Contest Entry 16 ~ Poison Ivy

"Poison Ivy"


Contestant: Preiti Pri

Products Used:
BHCosmetics - Eye and Lip Primer
BHCosmetics - 120 Eyeshadow Palette
Lakme Eyeshadow Quartet in Peacock.
NYX Concealer in a Jar
NYX Eyeshadow Base- White
Maxfactor Long Lasting Foundation
Black Gel liner from Inglot
Maybelline Volume XXL Mascara

*Thanks for your entry Preiti. Good Luck! :)

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^