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10/31/12

Unboxing The Lipsticks Of My Dreams! [With BOWS!]

Squeeeeeeal! They're here! They're finally here! The pretty pink lipsticks with bows! In mint condition! No dents or scratches on the lipsticks! [My pet peeve]
  1. Small cardboard box.
  2. FREE gifts- Natural Rich Soo Essence Sheet Masks (Green Tea & Cooling) & a Tootsie Pops orange lollipop!
  3. What's in the bubble bag?
  4. ETUDE HOUSE DEAR MY BLOOMING LIPS-TALK LIPSTICKS! 
Oh-My-Bows!

10/30/12

LOTD ~ Modern Cleopatra

[Letter body taken from TV series 'ROME'. Antony was so devastated, he killed himself after reading it. Truth was, Cleopatra was lying in the letter.]

Some believe that Cleopatra was the original Samantha Jones (Sex And The City). A while back, I took a Facebook quiz- 'Which Shakespearean woman/character are you?' - and I got Cleopatra (hoped for Juliet or Portia, dreaded the Lady Macbeth). That's how I know that. My old favorite tv series 'Rome' portrayed her as an insatiable pharaoh. She had short cropped hair & was addicted to opium. So, I guess the Facebook quiz was right. I'm kidding! My guilty pleasures are way too..... modern.
I guess you know what she used to kill herself? Ya, we won't go there *shudders*

10/29/12

I'm A MAC Lipstick. My Name Is.....

THANK YOU SO MUCH everyone for playing the MAC Lipstick guessing game (here). I know some of you couldn't sleep anymore.... hehe.... so I will reveal the answer a little earlier than I planned. Well, I was gonna include the review & swatches of the lipstick, but editing & re-sizing of photos is going to take some time.
5 clever clever ladies got it right:
  • Idee Fixe
  • Geetz
  • Sophia Jerald
  • Nitisha
  • Kejal 
Woohoo! Well Done! =) 
Yes, it is MAC Peach Blossom Cremesheen + Pearl Lipstick! One of the prettiest lipsticks ever! You'll see.

♥ Cynthia Z *.*

Bourjois Faux & Fabulous Lashes & 2-in-1 Tweezers + Eyelash Applicator Photos

Hope you all had a good weekend! I spent most of mine watching FRIENDS Season 5 - with extended episodes. There's about 3 mins of extra stuff! I've watched it all, like, 20 times, so it feels new again. Btw, UK clocks went back 1 hour since yesterday, so now IST is 5 and 1/2 hours ahead. My laptop clock is still on Indian time (I refuse to change it!), so I always feel like I'm living in 2 time zones. Ironically, that movie 'Back To The Future' is always playing on one boring (read: free) movie channel.
So! I got some of the stuff from my Shopping List on Saturday. First up, the new launches from Bourjois ~ Faux & Fabulous Lashes and 2-in-1 Tweezers & Eyelash Applicator.  
Bourjois Faux & Fabulous Lashes in Lady In Black ~ These are demi lashes with black studs- oh, 'precious gems' - on them, which I think look really fabulous. You can wear them on your top or bottom lash line. Adhesive included & cute pola dotted pink & black packaging. Price: £5.99 (Rs.517) Also available in other designs, please see here

10/27/12

My Shopping List: Hello Kitty Makeup, Lashes, Caviar Nails, Etc

We won't call it the wishlist anymore, okay? We'll call it The Shopping List. You know the overwhelming feeling we feel when shopping? I figured if I note down exactly what I want, I will feel calmer when my brain is hit with temptations all at once.
So here the products I've been eyeing this week and I'm going out to get them today.
Hello Kitty Makeup at Superdrug! I couldn't stop thinking about them ever since I saw them on British Beauty Blog. Oh my bows. Nail polishes, lipsticks, etc. Look at ze lipstick....
Bourjois Faux & Fabulous False Lashes ~ Lady In Black!

10/26/12

I'm A MAC Lipstick. What's My Name?

We have not played this type of game in a long time now. So let's take a break and PLAY!
Name the MAC Lipstick above. 
HINT:  Finish is Cremesheen. 
You know it! =) 
*Obviously, the people who guess right will get 2 extra entries in our next Giveaway - which is happening soon....or....you could just play it for fun! 
[Will reveal the answer along with review & swatches sometime next week.]

***UPDATE: Name revealed here 

♥ Cynthia Z *.*

10/25/12

My Jewelry Holder/Stand Photos

This is the jewelry holder I posted a sneak peek of 2 weeks ago. Boy, hasn't it really been that long? I'm scared this year will end too soon! I'm not ready.
Okay, this thing has made my life so easy...so easy. No more tangled/knotted necklace....no more searching for earrings....no more! This is basically all the jewelry I took with me to England, apart from 2-3 necklaces that are too long to hang. I just hung them very randomly, so I hope it doesn't look too messy to some OCD people here. Yes, you over there! ;)

10/24/12

Schwarzkopf Strait Therapy & L'Oreal Hair Spa Review

So many of you have asked me about hair straightening, so I thought I'd talk about the 2 treatments I got done- Schwarzkopf Strait Therapy (Permanent Hair Straightening) & L'Oreal Hair Spa Treatment.
In these pics, I'd just gone for the L'oreal Hair Spa Treatment at a salon in Delhi a few days before leaving.
*OMG that looped hair is driving my crazy! This is what happens when I'm not in control of the camera.

Schwarzkopf Strait Therapy- This is a permanent straightening procedure which lasts upto 6 months. This is my 3rd time getting it done, I think. I got the Lakmé Hair Serenity, and my hair was calm and manageable. But when I reached my hometown, it became very frizzy because of the humidity there. It would pouf up & wouldn't fall, you know what I mean? So, I went for it. I knew that I'd want to get it done eventually, and it'll cost more in Delhi & UK. I was very happy with the results- straight & heavy hair. BUT it made the ends very very dry & frizzy, they completely lost their elasticity. They would get tangled together which made it impossible to comb through without breakage. So....yes, time for some TLC. Uff, one problem after another!
  • Tip 1: If you don't want your hair to get burnt, tell your stylist not to make the straightening iron too hot, or iron it too much. My friend doesn't let them iron at all, and her hair turned out just fine.
  • Tip 2: Avoid getting it done during monsoon season, because your hair ends will frizz more. That's what I experienced.
Price: Rs.4500. It costs above Rs.7000 in the New Delhi. I know some small salons do it for Rs.2500, but very risky....haha! If you want it done for somewhat FREE (you'd probably have to pay only for the straightening cream), go to a Hair Academy, where students will do it for practice. I've done it on other people while I was studying in one, and they were happy with the results =)

10/23/12

4 Fashion Tights I Fancy

I need more tights or stockings, since I keep seeing holes in all of them. I even cut my nails shorter, but they still keep tearing on me.
Below are the ones I'm eyeing. WANT the first 3, last one not so much but would accept if gifted ;) 
My favorite! (above)

Marc Jacobs Dot Perfume Photos & Review

If you follow my Facebook Page, you'd know this is the last product I got from New Delhi. From Terminal 3 IGI Airport. Before that, I felt sick & dizzy in Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. I don't know if it was the overly milky latte or the moving-away feelings. A few minutes later, I captured this ladybug and felt robust again. They don't call it 'Retail Therapy' for nothing, I tell ya.
Ok, DOT. Oh my bows! It's so cute! No, cute is an understatement. I want to cry every time I look at it. Seriously. A line from a song I love- 'Click Click Click'  by *clears throat* New Kids On The Block goes: "Damn you look so good it hurts me." Now I totally understand what that means. 
See if you understand what I mean....
[*If you spot my reflection anywhere in these pics, I had my hair tied back & a face mask on. Good thing nobody saw me.]
Notes: The exuberant top captivates with a delectable blend of red berries, succulent dragonfruit, and sweet honeysuckle. The lush floral heart of the fragrance blooms with the addictive beautiful jasmine, mingled with energizing notes of coconut water and orange blossom. The scent rounds out with a feminine dry down of creamy vanilla, driftwood, and sensual musks.

10/22/12

Neutrogena Wave Power Cleanser

What do we have here? Something like Clarisonic & Sigma Cleansing & Polishing Tool, but so much cheaper! I thought you might be interested, because I am!
New Neutrogena® Wave Power Cleanser is clinically proven to deliver softer, smoother skin after just one use! At the click of a button, the battery operated facial cleanser delivers 10 times deeper cleansing than conventional manual cleansing. The ergonomically-designed system applicator comes with disposable, one time- use foaming pads that can be refilled.
 The Neutrogena® Wave Power Cleanser has a three way action:
  • Textured foaming pads gently sweep away layers of dead skin cells to reveal noticeably smoother and softer skin
  • Gentle vibrating motion of the system applicator massages skin. You will feel your pores open for deep cleansing
  • Lather removes dirt, oil and makeup while awakening your senses
Now change the way you look at cleansing. Neutrogena® Wave Power Cleanser is simple to use
Step 1- Attach disposable pad
Step 2- Hold it under running water
Step 3- Turn it on and gently massage your face
Step 4- Rinse your face and wipe it clean 

A Lipstick Named 'Satin Bow'

Dear William Shakespeare,
O, pardon me, for doing this:
"What's in a name? That which we call a rose Satin Bow
By any other word name would smell as sweet have me at 'Hello'."

10/20/12

Classical Ballet On My Nails

At first, I pronounced it "Bail Classico". I thought it meant "Basic Classic", or something like that. Hey, don't point & laugh at me! 
I googled the two words only to get those French dashes on top of the e & a (now how do you type those on a laptop?), and the meaning popped up like a slap in the face.
It means 'Classical Ballet', you idiot! And 'Bail'? What the F....rench?! Here, slap your face against my hand, I can't bend my arm from this position. 

10/19/12

Nicki Minaj Inspired Makeup Look

Did you miss the OTT, crazy & fun make-up looks on here? I really missed doing them, and I'm aware they're the reason some people come here. I know, I know... even my Bollywood Babes series is hanging in limbo, just give me some time with that. Right now, I'm in the mood for spontaneity & quirk, maybe coz it's Halloween month! More make-up looks coming up.....very excited about one in particular (I just received some jewelry from Ebay, but I still need a few more items & bangs for my hair to complete the look.) No, two actually. I'm excited about 2 crazy OTT looks! =)
I didn't give this one much thought, and I think I should have polished the eyes a little. Oh-kay, enough babbling. Hope you like!

10/17/12

Tutorial: Eyeshadow Application Using Only Fingers

I know that good make-up brushes are so expensive. I know. I've had my eye on these cute cute makeup brushes for a long long time, but they're just so frickin' pricey! 
So, I thought I'd do a tutorial using only my priceless God-given tools. Hopefully, it'll come in handy to students & those who don't want to waste 'fashion' money on brushes.
I've been wearing this look a lot lately, and it's very very easy to do! Takes me about 2 mins to do everything. Both eyes.

10/16/12

Photo Of The Day: Topshop Make-up

Let's just.... look at them for now.

♥ Cynthia Z *.*

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter Now In India!

They're ( here) there! The much-awaited Revlon Colorburst Lip Butters. They're fun, colorful, fruity, juicy, and inspired by delicious treats! Seriously, you look at them & you'll want to take a bite (not that I've ever done that!)
I'm so excited that they're launched in India!

10/15/12

Leona Lewis Trouble Inspired Trial Make-up Look

"I told you never to get used to me...I stay awake when you fall asleep...I’m a whole lot of trouble....We’re in a whole lot of trouble...I told you you should never follow me...But here we are, and you’re in too deep..." 
I am obsessed with Leona Lewis's newest song- Trouble. I love the video...and her makeup in the video. I tried to copy her look the other day, and this is how it looked. I managed to click only a few okay-ish pics before the battery died + the skies darkened. I decided to put them up, coz the look is flattering on both light & dark skin tones.

Products Used: 
Face: Revlon Colorstay Foundation, Lakmé Absolute White Intense Concealer Stick Light to Medium, The Body Shop Loose Powder 
Eyes: Maybelline On And On Bronze Color Tattoo (bronze), Inglot eyeshadow 417 (olive), Bourjois Intense Eyeshadow 10 (matte black), Inglot #30 shine (cream gold) on inner tear duct areas, Lakmé Eyeconic Kajal, Bourjois Volume Glamour Mascara.
Cheeks: Benefit Coralista & Hoola to contour under cheekbones.
Lips: Bourjois Sweet Kiss Naturel #06 Rose Tendre  & Lakmé Absolute White Intense Concealer Stick Light to Medium dabbed on top to give that pale peachy nude.

WIN L’Oréal Paris Casting Crème Gloss Hair Color [CLOSED]

Hi guys,
This couldn't have come at a better time. I've just colored my hair with L’Oréal Paris Casting Crème Gloss 613 Iced Mocha. It's a light ash brown color. My hair is darker now, and all the brassy tones gone! (Post on my previous hair color here)
 L’Oréal Paris India is running a 'Say Yes To Colour' campaign, which I support. You know I like me my hair colors. They kindly offered me a pack of Casting Crème Gloss to try out, but since I'm here in England & you know it's such a hassle to ship liquid products, I asked them if they'd be interested in sending it to one of my wonderful readers in India, instead. They said YES!

About L’Oréal Paris Casting Crème Gloss Hair Color : It is a semi-permanent hair color that has NO AMMONIA. Lasts for up to 28 shampoos. 
If you want to WIN one for yourself, please read the rules & comment below this post.
Mandatory Rules:

Optional:
  • Follow L’Oréal Paris India on Twitter
  • Follow Indian Vanity Case on Twitter  
  • Tweet this: I want to WIN @In_VanityCase & @LOrealParisIn Casting Crème Gloss Hair Color Giveaway (followed by a link to this post)
Contest closes on 22nd October '12 at 11:00 PM IST.
Open to Indian Residents Only. 
WINNER will be picked via Random.org & will be announced on Indian Vanity Case Facebook Page  shortly after the closing date. Your Casting Crème Gloss will be mailed to you by L’Oréal Paris India.
Since dear dear Rafflecopter isn't working today, we have to do this manually. Please comment below in the order given & fill whichever is applicable:
  • Subscriber/GFC Follower Name:
  • Facebook Profile Name:
  • Twitter profile:
  • Link to your tweet: 
Good Luck, everyone! =)

♥ Cynthia Z *.*

10/13/12

Favorites Oct '12: Magazine Freebies, Eye Shadows, Blush, Jane Norman, Etc.

How's your Saturday going? I woke up after 12 today coz I slept at 4 am in the morning obsessing over some things. Nah, not that. The man was long gone hehe....
Let's talk freebies first! 
Instyle: 4.0ml Benefit Benetint. Now this is a sample! This should last me a long long time. Also available to 'collect' are Cha Cha Tint & Sun Beam . (Posted last month's freebies here)
Marie Claire: 30ml L'Occitane Rose Petals Hand Cream (4 types to choose from!) & 50ml Dove Colour Radiance Express Treatment Conditioner. The conditioner smells incredible! Divine! And that hand cream is my very first L'Occitane product...love the not-so-sickening rose scent.
Yup, I almost fainted seeing the Marie Claire freebies. 

10/11/12

Vaseline Pink Bubbly Limited Edition Lip Therapy Review & Giveaway

Every year Vaseline launches a Limited Edition lip balm. Last year it was Crème Brûlée, this year it's this one right here- Pink Bubbly. How cute is that name?! I adore the packaging too, very lingerie.
Before this was officially launched, Vaseline held a contest. They sent this tin, but with a plain unbranded lid, to selected UK beauty bloggers, asking them to design the lid & guess the name of the next Limited Edition Lip Therapy. What's most interesting was, they also sent them a few things as clues:
  • A balloon
  • A scented candle 
  • Pink Champagne Truffles in a heart-shaped box
  • A champagne flute
  • Etc.
The Winner + 1 winner's blog reader win a trip to Paris! 
So cool, right? I would have loved to design that tin, and I wouldn't have done it for Paris =)

10/10/12

The Body Shop All-In-One BB Cream 01 Review [Edited]

Sorry for posting so late! It's almost quarter past 5 pm over here, and I was hesitating to post this. But.....
Since so many of you were waiting eagerly for this review, I put it it at the top of my to-do list. Also, I want you to read it asap, coz I guess most if you ladies must have just gotten your paychecks a few days back & all ready to pounce on all the new beauties on the block ;)
What it is: A white BB Cream that changes color once it touches your skin, and adapts to your skin tone. A little flag next to it in the stores read "No.1 Selling Product in Indonesia". They mean in The Body Shop store, I'm assuming. 
* BB stands for Blemish/Beauty Balm. Please read more about the purpose of BB Creams here
Shade: I am using 01. I picked 02 the first time, coz in my hurry to buy it I just saw 02 & 03, not knowing there's also a shade #01! I reached home, and googled. Found swatches, and saw 02 looked pinker than 01, so I decided to go exchange it while it's still sealed. Unfortunately, 01 wasn't in stock for weeks (even on the day I bought it), so I got my cash back & returned the BB Cream. Long story short: 01 was finally in stock and....and.... I got it for a little bit cheaper than the first time coz  of some discount. Woohoo! 
*All 3 shades are on the pinker side. No yellow undertones, which I prefer. 

10/9/12

Instagram: My Jewelry Holder

Here's a sneak peek of my new jewelry holder that I'm so in ♥ with.
Exclusive pics only on Instagram: @czloves.

♥ Cynthia Z *.*

Unpublished LOTD ~ 'When I Had It All....'

These photos are from my old laptop. I went through them, and I almost didn't recognize the person in them. Where's that glossy hair?! Btw, it's a variation of Rihanna's Rockstar look posted in 2010 here. I don't know why I didn't put them up.

10/8/12

Maybelline 24HR Color Tattoo Bad To The Bronze Review, Swatches & Comparison With MAC Paintpot

On the HOT SEAT today is Maybelline 24HR Color Tattoo Bad To The Bronze. These MAC Paintpot dupes have been launched in India.... *claps claps & whistles* .... Haven't we all been waiting to pounce on them?
This shade is actually called On & On Bronze in the UK, Bad To The Bronze in US & India. Why this is so baffles me! One make-up company can't be a team? Since they confuse & annoy us, I will annoy them too and say they are both  not good names. I'm actually in a very good mood today =)
I decided to go with the name in India, coz this is an Indian beauty blog after all.
What it is: A gel-cream eyeshadow that claims to last for 24 hours without creasing, smudging or fading.
Bad To The Bronze/On And On Bronze shade: It is a metallic cool bronze color, with a hint of taupe.

10/6/12

MAC Marilyn Monroe Collection Haul & Swatches

Went to MAC in Fenwick (a dept. store like Debenham's) to buy 1 lipstick & 1 blush from the newly-launched Marilyn Monroe Collection.
Selected 1 lipstick- Love Goddess, 1 blush- The Perfect Cheek, False Lashes.
Calculated. Damn this Great British Pound!
Reluctantly put away the False Lashes.
Paid for the other 2 products and left store..... feeling very uneasy.
Stopped about 4 steps away from the entrance.
Stood there for 10 minutes....thinking.... thinking.....staring, but not really looking, at the flowers in a florist shop nearby.
Time to go back..... to MAC, yes.
5 minutes later, paid for (False lashes) (Charmed, I'm Sure) Scarlet Ibis.
Left store..... smiling this time. 
Ooh.... fuchsia pink & yellow carnations!

10/5/12

Revlon Hollywood Lighted Make-up Mirror ~ LOVE!

This is the very very interesting product I mentioned here. The Revlon Hollywood Lighted Make-up Mirror! This is the stuff!
We have only 2 mirrors in this rented house - one in the bathroom over the sink, and one in the bedroom. So, I really really needed a mirror in the other bedroom to do my make-up. I wanted something small, and something that I can carry back to India when the time comes. And this one is perfect, coz it can be folded flat, and weighs 950g. Plus, I didn't have to play handyman, and make holes on the wall.

MAC Indian Lipsticks

MAC presents 4 lipsticks for Indian women!
Lipsticks go lush in full-bodied shades inspired by the sultry tones of India. Be marvelous in Mehr’s rosy mauve, or for a more dramatic look, try Tabla for a rich chocolate brown. Yash is luxurious and chic in a soft sandy neutral and Double Shot promises to keep you savvy in chestnut.
Yash -  Deep neutral (matte)
Mehr  - Dirty blue pink (matte)
Double Shot - Full bodied mocha cream (amplified)
Tabla -  Chocolate brown (amplified