Makeup To Lean On

Do you recall, not long ago
We would walk on the sidewalk
Innocent, remember?
All we did was care for each other

But the night was warm
We were bold and young
All around the wind blows
We would only hold on to let go

Blow a kiss, fire a gun
We need some(one) makeup to lean on
Blow a kiss, fire a gun

All we need is some(body) makeup to lean on.

*****

This blog post has been inspired by a song I'm obsessed with all week....

Lean On - by Major Lazer & DJ Snake.

Tell me you've heard it!

So are there certain makeup products you are almost emotionally attached to? Makeup you instinctively reach for, doesn't matter if you have other new (better even) makeup that are sitting right there. Makeup you can't imagine being without. Yes, you keep them all in one separate area/tray (they are the popular & envied kids on your vanity). Okay, it's time to say the dramatic words - Makeup You Lean On.

Here are mine & yes, they were also in my travel makeup bag.....

Face:

I use L'Oreal Magic Nude Liquid Powder in shade 320 Natural Beige when I want a matte finish. On days when I want a more dewy finish, I use Etude House Snow White Precious Mineral BB Cream in shade W13 (This version is from the Princess Happy Ending Collection)

For a heavier coverage I use both - BB Cream & then the foundation.

To conceal spots under eyes, I use the Revlon Colorstay Concealer in  shade 03 Light Medium

To set everything in place, I apply Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder in shade Translucent. As a finishing touch, and to mattify my oily summer skin further, I pat Street Wear Color Rich Perfection Compact Powder in shade Neutral.

For cheeks, I apply the blush I'm very very attached to - MAC Cream Soda Satin Blush  from the Archie's Girls Collection, which was Limited Edition. I try not to use it all the time, but I can't...I can't stop! It's a pale peach color- swatches here.

Eyes:

For everyday, I do a quick neutral look and usually only contour my hooded crease, so 

Naked Basics Palette is my go-to palette. It has everything I need & the palette is compact and easy to tote around everywhere I go.

To tightline my upper lash line, I use Colorbar Just Smoky Kajal Just Black. If you have small light eyes like mine, a black kohl on the bottom lash line can look too harsh, especially for day time, so I turn to a brown kohl instead - enter Bourjois Kohl Contour in shade 78 Brun Design.

If I feel like lining my upper lash line, I use Maybelline Colossal Liquid Liner, with the 0.4mm precision tip - my absolute favorite! More pics here

Lastly, the one product I could possibly end up in a psych ward without - Mascara! I've been really overworking Maybelline Colossal Waterproof Mascara. Seriously, like, 4-5 coats of it every-time! Do not disturb me when I'm building my lashes! =D

Brows: 

Currently using Rimmel Eye Brow Pencil in shade 002 Hazel &  Inglot Brow Shaping Pencil in shade #63, which is a waxy crayon stick that sets brows in place.

Lips:

Lancome Rouge In Love Lipstick in Rose Boudoir (Swatched here)

Revlon Matte Balm in Elusive mixed with MAC Vegas Volt. The resulting color is a pinky peachy beauty that's between a pink & coral.

If it's red I'm in the mood for, MAC Retro Matte Lipstick All Fired Up is my favorite these days, because it's not too bright.

Revlon Super Lustrous Matte Lipstick in Mauve It Over. Lined with Bourjois Levres Contour Lip Liner in shade #12 Facetieuse. My most-worn matte nude lippie!

I showed you mine, now show me yours....

*Name 3 makeup products you lean on.*

♥

Now bring the beat back!

I have a feeling this is my lose-weight song.

*Puts earphones on....runs to dressing room.....and locks door*

Facebook | Bloglovin' |  Instagram | YouTube | CZloves: Shoes & Life Of A Beauty Blogger

March FAB BAG ~ What I Got.....

"Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself."

~ Coco Chanel.

This is my very first experience with these monthly beauty bags, even though I've always been intrigued and have been thinking about subscribing to one. If you're not familiar with them, they are basically monthly subscription beauty bags - you subscribe, and every month a customized bag of beauty products will arrive at your doorstep. It's quite cool, coz you get to try out & discover different products (sometimes sample size, sometimes FULL SIZE!), and of course, there's the element of surprise! I was very excited to unzip this month's FAB BAG. Here's what I got.....

Etude House Princess Happy Ending Collection Haul & Photos

Etude House meets Disney's Fairytale Princesses - Snow White, Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine. This Limited Edition collection is another one of Etude House's many gorgeous creations. They outer boxes are made like little books....so CUTE! And I have to mention again how awesome the reasonable prices are! Why isn't this brand in India yet???!!!

The only sad thing is, I missed out on the lipsticks because they sold out everywhere. I know I'm still on my Lipstick Ban, but the packaging is too pweety! (Pic below). I also didn't get anything from the Jasmine pieces - a mascara & nail set.

Etude House Princess Happy Ending Belle Rose Cheek Blusher ~ The packaging! ♥_♥

Price (each): $9.26 = Rs.574

I don't know if I'll ever have the heart to touch that design!

New In ~ Skincare, Haircare, Makeup

Last night, we heard a weird siren sound. We thought it's some annoying car alarm (but less annoying than the one in HIMYM - when Lily & Robin were waiting outside the bridal store.) Then we saw red/blue lights flickering through the curtains. I looked out, and saw more than 15 people gathering outside, some men in yellow helmets, and 2 noisy fire trucks right outside the building attached to our building.......

8 Products I'm Obsessed With ATM....

By Obsessed, I mean I'm really really enjoying using them. I reach for them everyday, or every other day. Bath....Skincare....Makeup....

Revlon PhotoReady BB Cream, Kajal, 3D Volume Mascara ~ Photos

Happy Monday, everyone! Hope you had a fun weekend. I have some new products to show you today. Revlon India has added 3 new exciting products to their PhotoReady range - BB Cream, Kajal & Mascara.

Revlon PhotoReady BB Cream in Medium ~  Skin Perfector with SPF 30. A lightweight, multi-benefit Beauty Balm that combines skincare, makeup, and sunscreen into one step. Shades available- Light, Light/Medium, Medium. Price: Rs.550.

Giveaway! WIN L'Oréal Paris True Match BB Cream [India ONLY]

Hey Everyone, 

The lovely people over at  L'Oréal Paris India have sent me their newly launched True Match BB Cream to try out, and they also want to send another one to 1 loyal reader of Indian Vanity Case! 

About L'Oreal Paris True Match BB Cream: True Match BB cream is a smooth milky emulsion with a touch of tint for natural coverage and a luminous satin finish. Available in 3 shades.  

• Powered with SPF 35 PA+++ and Collagen providing 24 hour hydration
• 1st Hyaluronic BB cream: Secures moisture for healthy youthful skin.

If it sounds goody, and you want to try it yourself, why not WIN one here & now?!

• This giveaway is open to Indian Residents Only.
• Closes on 12th October '13.
• It's mandatory that you comment below telling us "What would make a BB cream your true match?"  

• Winner will be picked by moi using random.org, then I'll send over your details to  L'Oréal Paris, and they will ship the prize.

        Enter by filling the Rafflecopter form below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck! =) 

Pond's White Beauty BB Cream ~ Why It Is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

What do you immediately, almost instinctively, do when you really really like a face cream? Me, I do a few things:

One: I think "Really? Is it as good as I think?"

Two:  I search for the box it came in, so I can read the fine print.

Three: I'll over-use it, daring it to slap my face with a blemish.

If I were still single, I'd probably do the same if I really really like a guy =D {Fine Print = Facebook profile & Google.}

For the past 3 weeks, the product under my 3-step scrutiny is Pond's White Beauty BB+Fairness Cream.

Pond's White Beauty BB+Fairness Cream is formulated with GenWhite Formula enriched with:

Vitamin B3 - Pond’s signature ingredient, helps to reduce and control melanin accumulation on the skin.

Vitamin E – A potent fat soluble anti-oxidant to neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals which can trigger melanin production which leads to darker skin.

Allantoin – Recognized as an anti-inflammatory by US FDA found in the comfrey plant and helps to reduce processes that can lead to increased pigmentation .

Advanced Superior Sunscreen Protection SPF 30 PA++ - Helps to protect against skin tanning and photo ageing.

HAUL From India ~ Lakmé, Maybelline, Avon, Pond's + Online Shopping Experience

Only yesterday I told you a package was on its way to me, and today I got it! Woohoo! All thanks to my sis & bro in-law who sent it very quickly. What I did was order them online, and get them shipped to my in-laws' place in New Delhi, and they they mail them to me. It's a 2-3 week process, but it's the only way I get to have the best of both worlds.

NEW! L'Oreal Skin Perfection For Pixel-Perfect Skin

Spotted! New L'Oreal skin care range in fuchsia pink-cum-white packaging. Named Skin Perfection, the range claims to Pixel-perfect your skin.

What interested me most was the Magic Touch Blur, a silky pore minimizing primer. I tested it on my hand and it feels different from all the other products like it that I've tried. It was thicker, felt less greasy, and made the back of my hand look smoother and plumped up. What stopped me from getting it was the Dimethicone in it, which breaks out my skin. Although I'm still tempted to try it.

The BB Cream is available in 2 shades- Fair & Medium. I thought it felt similar to the Garnier Original, but it's probably different.

All priced at £8.66 to £11.32 |  Rs.800-900 in Superdrug.

6 Disappointing Beauty Products

After hopeful & satisfying stories, I bring to you disappointing stories. Since I don't do reviews anymore, I thought I'd just put up good & bad products kind of posts. This one is about 6 products that I wasn't happy with.

***These are products that I personally did not like, and did not work for me. So, if you love them & they work great on you, don't worry & hate me. Every beauty product works differently on everybody =)

1. Garnier BB Cream (India Version) ~ I have proof (pics) that this flakes, and comes out like dead skin when layered and blended. Plus, the texture is too much like a tinted moisturizer. I use the original UK version, and I like it a lot even though it's a tad too oily. But it is soothing and I use it as a primer under foundation & powder, so it works. Garnier BB Creams are confusing, because of the different types, and the one launched in India might be a totally different concoction. I might try the Oil Free version, and see if it's similar to it.

2. MAC Mineralize Rich Lipstick in Style Surge ~ I got this together with MAC Riri Woo, and I quite liked the finish when I tested it on my hand at the store + I found the shape of it very interesting. On my lips, it's not so interesting. The texture is buttery and slippery, so it just sits on top of my lips like it's waiting for me to wipe it off. If not for the heavy price tag (Rs.1680), I would have spared it from this list. I'll stick to the regular MAC lippies from now on.

3. Garnier Moisture Match Mattifying Fresh Cream With Green Tea Extract ~ This is super disappointing. When I apply it, I can feel the beads of silicone that take a while to disappear, like when you rub the dead skin off your lips, and somewhat like when there's lint on your moisturized skin, you know what I mean? I also find it a tad greasy. Such a shame, because I thought it was going to be different-  fresh green tea different, not silicone-packed different. I'll use it on my  legs  feet before bed.

4. Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara (Waterproof) ~ I remember liking this a lot before I started this blog, and it was one of my favorite, and best, mascaras, BUT after trying a few holy grail-good ones recently, it's deficiencies are more noticeable. The huge plastic brush just doesn't work for my thin lashes. I guess this is closure for us. It might not be so bad if you already have full plush lashes, though.

5. Carmex Lip Balm ~ The one in a jar. I realized one day that it's actually drying my lips even more! The ones in squeeze tubes are great, though.

6. L'Oreal Color Riche Le Nail Art Stickers ~ Sigh. When I wore these, I felt like I had claws. I actually scratched myself a few times. The tips bubble and don't really stick to the nail. Maybe there's a better way to stick 'em, but it's like too much work! I'll stick to nail polishes and save time (30-45 mins the first time!) and money. I have not worn the ones shown here, but I wore another set (black with gold bits)  here.

****

That's all for today. You all enjoy your Friday night! Me, no special plans, except watch Game Of Thrones & movies. I hope I find at least one good horror movie to watch. It's hard, because I've watched all of them, and the ones I really really want to watch have not been released yet! =D

 Any disappointing beauty products you encountered recently? Warn me, okay?

NEW! Pond's White Beauty BB + Fairness Cream

Another BB Cream has hit the Indian market, and it seems to have all the benefits & sun protection we'd need during our scorching summers.

First of its kind Pond’s white beauty BB+Fairness Cream that instantly covers spots and lightens skin from within to give you radiant skin all day.

The evolution of BB Cream:
BB cream, also known as Blemish Balm cream, was originally formulated in the 1950s by German dermatologist, Dr. Christine Schrammek, to protect and provide natural light coverage for patients’ sensitive skin, who had just undergone laser treatments and surgery. Recently, it was introduced in South Korea and Japan and it has been named “the secret of Korean actresses” for their fair and flawless skin.

The science behind Pond’s white beauty ™ BB+fairness cream 
With the Pond’s Institute’s dual-acting sophisticated skin lightening GenWhite™ Cover Formula and SPF 30 PA++ advanced sunscreen protection, Pond’s white beauty™ BB+ fairness cream not only improves skin texture and effectively lightens skin from within but also provides Natural looking instant glow for Indian skin. Clinically proven to lighten skin tone and reduce dark spots, GenWhite™ Formula is enriched with a powerful mix of Vitamin B3, Vitamin E, Allantoin and advanced superior sunscreen protection.

• Vitamin B3 - Pond’s signature ingredient, helps to reduce and control melanin accumulation on the skin
• Vitamin E – A potent fat soluble anti-oxidant to neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals which can trigger melanin production which leads to darker skin
• Allantoin – Recognized as an anti-inflammatory by US FDA found in the comfrey plant and helps to reduce processes that can lead to increased pigmentation
• Advanced Superior Sunscreen Protection SPF 30 PA++  SPF 30 PA++ - Helps to protect against skin tanning and photo ageing.

Delhi HAUL! MAC, Deborah Milano, Maybelline, Chambor.....

My first haul in New Delhi. I went to Lifestyle yesterday, and I had to control myself! On the way to Lifestyle, I stopped by MAC just to see which collections are there, and was ecstatic to see a lipstick I wanted but was sold out in UK.

• Chambor Nail Polish in Rush Metal, Rs.270 ~ This looked so gorgeous when the salesman swatched it on his nail...hehe...because I had red nail polish on so =D It's a metallic dull gold shade. Can't wait to wear it!
• Maybelline Colorama Cremoso in Equilibrista, Rs.100 ~ Lilac color. 
• Deborah Milano BB Cream, Rs.350 ~ I've been curious about this BB Cream since somebody mentioned it in our Facebook Page last year here. See, I read all comments =). Wearing it for the first time today, so will let you know what I think. I picked shade 01, and it looks fine on my skin tone. Btw, Bourjois BB Cream also felt good when I tested it, so I might get it next time. Do let me know if you've tried it.

I got 2 freebies with Deborah Milano products (extreme right):

• Deborah Milano Ombretto Mono Hi-Tech Wet & Dry Eye Shadow #4 ~ This is a gorgeous green shade with gold veining (or veins?)
• Debora Milano  Prêt à Porter Nail Enamel in Golden Sultan 04 ~ This is a jhatak gold shade that I wouldn't normally pic, but it's free! =)

• MAC Pink Pigeon Matte Lipstick, Rs.990 ~ From MAC Strength Collection. This was launched with Party Parrot Lipstick (review here) before. Both are re-launched with this collection, so if you missed them last time, RUN!
• Deborah Milano Rossetto Milano Red 2, Rs.650 ~ A nude beige shade. LOVE!
• Deborah Milano Rossetto Milano Red 14, Rs.650 ~ Lilac shade. It's super pigmented and is more intense than MAC Pink Popcorn.
• Deborah Milano Rossetto Shine Creator Lipstick in 10, Rs.625~ These are sheer lipsticks that are quite similar to lip butters. Very nice packaging, and there are a lot of pretty colors in the range.

*I have reviewed & swatched Deborah Milano Rossetto Milano Red #9 here

Makeup Pairing ~ Barbie Pink

Been meaning to do posts on makeup pairing since last year. Like, what to wear with certain colors of eyeshadow, blush, lipsticks, nail polish. I thought it'd be fun! I do enjoy playing matchmaker....but only with beauty products. I have tried doing it with people and...tch...never again.

First up is Barbie Pink. In simpler words, matchy-matchy (you know I like matchy-matchy) and I'll do a contrasting pairing with pink next time.

Face: Cathy Doll BB Cream. I didn't plan to do base products, but the pink packaging matches the theme so =) . I like this BB Cream a lot. It tightens pores and smells really good.

Eyes: INGLOT Eyeshadow #362 (matte). Swatch here

Cheeks: Sleek Makeup Flamingo Blush.

Lips: Maybelline Superstay Lipstick Infinitely Fuchsia. Swatch here

Nails: Maybelline MNY My Varnish #264. Worn here 

Do you like this pairing idea? Let me know which colors you want me to do next. On my list is Green.

Happy Friday, everyone. Hope you have fun plans for the weekend. I'm trying to decide whether I should break my shopping ban today evening. H&M is calling out to me!

[I'm coming! Wait, no! I mean, yes! Ugh, I don't know.... shut up! No, sorry... wait!]

H&M: "Final call. Are you coming or not? Otherwise that blazer will be gone forever!" 

Me: "Umm.... I..... Wait, I know the answer.......I'm......."

♥ Cynthia Z *.*

NEW! Maybelline Clear Glow BB Stick

What's a BB Stick &  how is it different from Maybelline Clear Glow BB Cream?

 Flawless, radiant skin + 12hr shine control + 8 benefits in just 1 step!

1. Mineral clay formula guarantees 12hr shine control.
2. Contains Salicylic acid to manage combination & oily skin.
3. Provides a soft, matte and radiant finish.
4. Sweat-resistant and sebum - resistant formula leaves skin fresh all day.
5. Hides appearance of pores & imperfection.
6. Contains SPF 21/PA+++ that protects skin from sun damage.
7. Instantly evens skin tone.
8. Provides a power-light feel on skin. 

Price: Rs. 250. 

Available in 2 shades: 
1.Radiance
2. Fawn

♥ Cynthia Z *.*

Most Used Beauty Products ~ January '13

I almost didn't publish this even after I've written everything. I don't know, I'm a very unstable person. I clicked this pic last week, and put my used products...then I realized I'd forgotten to put my shampoo & conditioner, a nail polish....a couple more things. Oh, well.

Anyways, these are my most-used products this month....

• L'oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil ~  I got sucked into buying this after I saw the ad on tv while watching HIMYM one night (watch it here). It was so enticing, I watched it with my mouth open, and couldn't stop thinking about it until I purchased it (...at the cheapest price, too.) TRUTH: After using it, I found out "Extraordinary" is stretching it a bit. It is  a flowery-smelling hair serum-cum-heat-protector, that has helped the tips of my hair look less brittle, but I don't find it detangling enough. I use it before washing my hair,  before & after blow-drying. I'd still use it, but I sure wouldn't buy it again.

• MUA Eyeshadow Primer ~ I know I have mentioned it before, but I just wanted to say it will never beat UD Primer Potion & TF Shadow Insurance. It's okay, it just creases after a while.

• Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream ~ Been wearing this almost everyday for over a month now. Not only for review purposes, but because I don't hate it. Review is coming shortly.

• Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter Candy Apple ~ To be honest, I've been wearing this as a lip balm too just because it's always in the kitchen. Review & Swatches here

• Max Factor 2000 Calorie Curved Brush Mascara ~ LOVE this. It lengthens, it volumizes, it curls. It is definitely better than the False Lash Effect Mascara.

• Benefit Benetint Lip & Cheek Stain ~ Product Of The Week! Before, I used to wonder what the big deal is with this lip & cheek tint. Now I get it! It's a rose-tinted stain that makes me look blooming (you know, like youthful sweet 16 type...almost). It makes lips look really kissable. Really, I'd want to kiss my own lips hehe.  You know how some lip tints gather up unevenly where your lips meet? That never happens with Benetint. This is a generous sample size that I got free with Marie Claire mag, but I will definitely buy a full size when it's finished. 

• Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette ~ I've been using this palette almost everyday  this month. Probably the same neutral look as well. Review & Swatches here

• The Body Shop Lily Cole Compact Mirror ~ Because I don't have a big mirror for makeup application, I need one I can hold close to me when applying mascara. This is awesome because it's got a magnifying mirror on one side. Btw, The Body Shop UK is putting this & other good stuff on SALE, so do check it out. I've made good use of it myself. My haul here

♥

What are your most-used beauty products this month?

♥ Cynthia Z *.*

Outfit Of the Day, Mini Haul & Some Very Thoughtful Gifts From The Man

One: Posing in that position (maybe 7 times to get it right) will make your thigh muscles very angry at you. Going down the stairs was a pain even after 2 days! >.<

Two: I ended up sitting in most of the pics because the camera kept cutting my head off.

Three: Please excuse the messy background. We always think about tidying it up, but it's always raining & wet. Sheesh, I didn't even notice that stick branch on the ground until I was editing these pics.

Garnier BB Cream In India!

Garnier has launched its very popular BB Cream in India! I know so many of you have been dying to try it out.

About: Tired of lugging around a hundred different products for your skin or having to pick and prioritize the products most important to you? Leave it all behind as Garnier introduces the BB cream, Beauty Benefit Cream - an all in one daily moisturiser which is the perfect solution to all your skin care problems.  Everything you need for instantly perfect looking skin is now in one cream. The Garnier BB Cream is a miracle skin perfector that gives you perfect skin – instantly!

Infused with the goodness of Vitamin C, Almond extracts and Brightening Minerals, the Garnier BB cream gives you a deeply moisturised and visibly radiant perfect look. Being an all in one skin care product the BB cream gives multiple skin care benefits like:

• Moisturisation  for  up to 8 hours
• Healthy glow
• Zero imperfections
• Sun protection with SPF 24
• Lasting Fairness

New Bourjois Products

Let's take a look at the new goodies from our favorite innovative & fun brand, Bourjois!

Bourjois Rouge Edition Lipsticks: Available in 18 shades. Looks like almost every wearable color is there, even clear! The packaging looks similar to that of Faces Canada Moisture Rich Lipsticks. Ooh, 4th & 7th from top row and last one from bottom row are waving at me. Helllooo....see you soon! 

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.