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Showing posts with label Benefit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Benefit. Show all posts

5/30/16

Birthday Confessions & Haul


Today's NOT my birthday. It came & went a week ago, but I couldn't find the time to get this post up then. Now I'm doing the usual should I/shouldn't I post thing.....and then I post it.

Let's start with the good stuff... 

....and you will see I went a lil' crazy with the liquid lipsticks....


Starting from the top, clockwise:

Benefit They're Real Mascara Mini ~ Oh my God! I'm doomed, because I will need the full-sized tube. This mini version is around  Rs.800 & the full sized tube is Rs.2400 or so. It is fantastic - long, fluttery & separated lashes like no other mascara I've tried before. (From Sephora)

MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour in Personal Statement (Shocking Pink), Rich & Restless (Mid tone pinky salmon) & Lady Be Good (Warm Mid-tone Nude) ~ Out of stock. Always out of stock. It's a miracle few shades were restocked on my birthday! 

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Bellisissima (Pale Neutral Pink), Patina (Dusty Rose) & Fiore (Hot Pink) ~ LOVE these! (From Sephora)

Chambor Extreme Wear Transfer Proof Liquid Lipstick in 461 (Coral) & 431 (Red) ~ I like the first one I got #403, so I couldn't resist getting a coral & a red. I think I'm done now ;p

MAC Face & Body Foundation in C2 ~ It's time to try out a MAC Foundation for realz. Another product that was OOS for months! I mean my shade C2.

Givenchy Prisme Libre Mat-Finish & Enhanced Radiance Loose Powder 4 in 1 Harmony ~ My favorite & the most pricey (Rs.4000). This has been on my wishlist since last year. There are 4 powders in this - beige, yellow, peach, bronze. (From Sephora)

7/28/14

Perfect Liquid Highlighter ~ Affordable & Benefit High Beam Dupe!

Ooh, like Benefit High Beam!
That's my first thought when I chanced on this amazing highlighter ~ Faces Metaliglow Highlighter in shade #02. It's the type of highlighter that you can go overboard with and it still won't make you look like a disco ball - because there are no chunky shiny particles in it. It's just p-e-r-f-e-c-t for every day & every occasion, because it subtly illuminates skin. Really, it was such a pleasant surprise that I liked it A LOT from the very first time it grazed my cheek bones!

How To Use: Apply 3-4 dots on top of your cheekbones, blend them & then dust some loose powder on top. Apply some on your brow bones, nose bridge & cupid's bow too if you want to enhance them.

Faces Metaliglow 02 Swatch ~ I think this shade is called Pink Pearl. It does have a pinkish tint, which disappears when you blend it out.

4/24/14

Maybelline Lip Polish | LOTD

There are simple rules with some things I put in/on my mouth:
Cheese shouldn't smell too cheesy (or worse, like butter!)

 Egg shouldn't smell too eggy (I currently eat only Keggs. The others, I feel, smell like a farm....or feathers!)

Prawns shouldn't smell like seafood. 

Milk shouldn't smell like a cow (....and sometimes like a medicated cow!)

Lip Gloss shouldn't feel too glossy......

Maybelline Lip Polish: The shade I have is Glam 9, a rosy pink, that you know is my weakness when it comes to lippies. The color is very similar to YSL Rouge Volupte Shine Lipstick Pink In Paris. The texture is thick and creamy, which makes the gloss quite opaque. What's great about it is, it's as if it irons itself, because it looks more smooth and polished after it's sat on your lips for 5-10 mins.
Lasting Power: Man, is it super long-lasting! One February day, I'd worn it for hours, then I took a nap & when I woke up, it still looked the same!
Scented/Sticky? Unscented. It is non-sticky, and feels like a lip balm.
Packaging: Very cute! The tube is the same size as a lipstick, and the inner tube (or whatever) is shaped like a lipstick!
Features via Maybelline:
• Has pure, saturated color pigments that provide deep intense color
• Acts as a moisturizing liquid conditioning balm
• Gives a soft cushiony feel to the lips
• Features a built-in glossy top-coat that makes lips look fuller
• Comes with a specially designed leaf-shaped applicator for quick, precise application.

11/17/13

Too Many Cuties.....

TOO MANY! E-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e I turn there's something cute....and pretty....and dreamy....and unaffordable.

Bourjois Glamour Perfumes ~ Good Gawd! I wouldn't know which one to choose! Chic, Lovely, Excessive, Fantasy....probably Lovely....no, Fantasy....maybe Excessive...Chic too....ahhhh.... leave me alone!
Benefit Lolli Tint ~ A lollipop pink lip & cheek tint, like the Benetint.

10/9/13

Benefit Rockateur Box O' Powder Photos, Swatches


Do you remember The Rock? How he made raising one eyebrow so hip? I tried and I tried and tried some more, but I was never able to raise only one eyebrow. My college friend could do it perfectly, which made me even more displeased with my stubborn forehead. Even now I can't do it. I'm holding a mirror and doing it right now. I always feel I've nailed it, but when I look in the mirror ^_^
The Rock we'll be talking about today might also make you want to raise one eyebrow.....

9/18/13

Mini Vacation Pics & Haul

So last Thursday we'd gone for a mini vacation to Edinburgh, mainly for Mr.CZ's birthday. We stayed there for 3 days, and came back on Sunday. Too short, but we made the most of it, and had fun. 
These are most of the things I hauled:
Benefit Rockateur Blush ~ Rose gold blush. Can't wait to try it on my face. £23.50 | Rs.2362.
Shu Uemura 24K Gold Eyelash Curler (Limited Edition) ~ I wanted to try a new curler. I'd left the original silver one in India, and decided to get this gold one because it looks so beautiful. £20 | Rs.2010.
Soap & Glory Hand Food Mini Hand Cream ~ Wanted to see what the big deal is. I like it so far. £2.50 | Rs.250. 
Balmi Raspberry Lip Balm ~  These used to be round like the eos Lip Balms (pics here), but they changed it to square (I smell a lawsuit =D). £4.99 | Rs.500.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Astringent Lotion ~ Repurchase. It's a toner, and I missed not having it. Post on it here. £8.25 | Rs.828. 
MAC Retro Matte Lipsticks ~ Already posted photos here.
Warehouse Coral Pink Clutch Bag ~ On Sale! Got it for £10 | Rs.1004. Original Price: £24 | Rs.2410.
New Look Leather Biker Jacket ~ I'm wearing it in pics below. £39.99 | Rs.4017.

8/10/13

Blushes I LOVE ~ To The Moon And Back!

"Mamma never loved her much, and Daddy never keeps in touch. 
That's why she shies away from human affection." 
~ To The Moon And Back, Savage Garden.
Presenting the only blushes I really use & am very attached to....
[Clockwise starting from the leopard print box]: 
Benefit Coralista ~ If you've been reading my blog forever, you must know how much I love this blush. This is the one blush I want to repurchase even though the first one is not even close to finishing. If it wasn't so darn pricey, I'd go buy a new box just to look at & smell (because it is scented, and mine has lost it). You should have seen the husband's face when I said this =D . Price ~ £23.50 in UK = Rs.2218.
MAC Bite Of An Apple (Matte) ~ Bite.Of.An.Apple. Say it slowly, and you'll feel a little wicked, like Snow White's Evil Queen herself. But there's nothing evil about the blush shade, it's one of the most amazing coral blushes I've ever seen. This is a Limited Edition that came out with MAC Venomous Villains Collection. Price: Rs.1210.
MAC Fleur Power (Satin) ~ This is my oldest most-used blush. It's my go-to blush when I'm confused what to use. It sits in that perfect place between pink & coral, and that's what makes it so reachable. Price: Rs.1150.
Lakmé Cheek Chromatic Baked Blush in Day Blushes ~ Swatches below will prove how it holds its own beside Benefit & MAC. More photos & I wore it here. Price: Rs.550.
MAC Cream Soda Betty Blush (Satin) ~ It may look too pale, but it shows up beautifully when applied. Medium peach when layered. Also a Limited Edition that came out with MAC Archie's Girls CollectionPrice: Rs.1544.

8/2/13

NEW! Benefit Rockateur Blush

I like to collect these Benefit Boxed Powders (see my collection here), and after a long time I'm liking a new addition - Rockateur
"A rose gold blush that gives a famously provocative flush."


Price ~ £23.50  | Rs.2168.
Launching in UK on August 22nd '13. 
I can imagine myself at Debenhams... awaiting its arrival... garland in hands.

In India, Benefit is available at Sephora, Select Citywalk Mall, New Delhi.

 You like?





1/30/13

MeMeMe Blush Me Blushers ~ Rouge & Coral

I don't know what I was thinking when I bought these, coz the shades are so similar. I tried to return them the next day, but Superdrug doesn't take back makeup products (that's what the manager said). I should have mentioned that they're brand new & unused....sheesh! There's a pink shade that I would have liked, but it may have not been available that day....I don't know....it was my 1st time in Superdrug, so maybe I was a lil' crazy =D
MeMeMe blushers are compared to Benefit Boxed Powders, because the packaging is practically the same. They are really nice & pigmented blushers that blend smoothly & don't wear off easily.

1/22/13

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.



  • 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 *.*

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*

10/13/12

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. 

9/26/12

FREE Clinique Products With Instyle Magazine & Next Month's Free Gifts Are....

Monday Evening, 24th September '12, Newcastle Upon Tyne:  It rained the whole frickin' day, the internet hadn't been activated yet, I was feeling out of sorts. I just wanted to curl up on the couch with some random show on British tv & a cup of Tetley. BUT we had to make a trip to Sainsbury's (supermarket) to buy some necessary groceries. On the way, my right hand was almost frozen, because both Mr.CZ & I had to hold the edges of the umbrella, so the wind wouldn't blow it into a Y shape. If not for Instyle, some cute table mats & a pack of chilli powder (authentically Indian, mind you), it wouldn't have been worth it.
The magazine section is near the entrance, so that's where I ended up first. Hello, Instyle magazine! Olivia Palermo on the cover. A pretty thing, but who is she? I've seen her somewhere. One evidently famous celeb I do not know. Ooh! FREE Clinique products!
Price: £3.80 (Rs.330)
It took me a while to notice that they had a different free product on each issue: Repairwear Laser Focus Serum, High Impact Mascara, Long Last Gloss Wear, Turnaround Overnight Radiance Moisturizer. 'Collect All 4 Amazing Products' they say. Yeah, right. The tactics these people! I picked the moisturizer, coz I really needed one =)

7/11/12

3rd Year Blog Anniversary Giveaway ~ Win Urban Decay Naked Palette & MORE! 3 WINNERS! (Open Worldwide)

Hey everyone, my baby is about to turn 3 years old - on 13th August, and I wanted to celebrate it with a Giveaway, of course. It's a little early, but I had to start it NOW, as I'll be busy travelling & whatnot in August.
I'll be picking 3 WINNERS! There are exciting prizes to win - ALL BRAND NEW IN BOX, and as promised, I got the coveted Urban Decay NAKED Palette from Sephora US. I hope you like the other prizes too! =)
1st PRIZE: Urban Decay NAKED Palette (Review & Swatches here)

2nd PRIZE: NYX Trio Eyeshadow in Pink Purple Prune | Maybelline-HyperCurl Mascara, Black Crayon Liner, Dream Mousse Blush in Soft Plum. In a black INGLOT Mesh Make-up Pouch (I added the bow myself ;))

3rd PRIZE: Benefit Dandelion Wishes (pics here), Maybelline Lip Smooth Color Bloom Peach Blossom, Mini Urban Decay Primer Potion Sin, Sigma Travel Size E25 Brush, Urban Decay  Eyeshadow & Primer Potion samples


This is a giveaway for readers of this blog, so if you'd like to participate, you have to be a follower or subscriber. Please fill in the Rafflecopter form below for your entry to be considered valid:



-  Giveaway Open worldwide
-  Ends on 20th August, 2012 at 12:01 am EST.
-  Winners will be picked randomly using random.org, and will be announced shortly after end date.


Good Luck, everyone!

Thank You for all the support & encouragement you given my blog - and nonsense - over the years =)
Lots of L♥VE to you all! 

♥ Cynthia Z *.*

6/23/12

Benefit Dandelion Wishes ~ FREE Gift From Sephora

The Urban Decay NAKED Palette for one of you lovely readers reached my home from Sephora & this came FREE with it! A mini Benefit Dandelion Powder (I have reviewed it here) & mini Dandelion Lip Gloss. So cute! Sephora offers other products too here
Benefit just launched lip glosses to match all their boxed powders. I'm not tempted to get any of them, coz I rarely use lip glosses, but when I get one cutie for free, wheeee.....!

9/13/11

The Orgasm & Coralista Look-Alikes (Blushers)


I was organizing my blushes, and thought it'd be fun to compile my shimmery peachy-coral blushers. I hope the photos & swatches will be helpful. Enjoy!

8/29/11

Benefit some kind-a gorgeous ~ Foundation Faker


What it is:
This lightweight, translucent, foundation-like product smoothes out imperfections and evens skin tone with a silky, smooth finish that's super natural and super gorgeous.

Shades ~ Lite, Medium & Deep. I got Medium.

How to apply ~ Apply evenly all over face with accompanying sponge or fingertips. I prefer to apply it with fingers, coz I feel the sponge eats up the product too much.


Packaging is like a record. Very cool! :)

6/24/11

Benefit Box O' Powders ~ Bella Bamba, Coralista, Dandelion, Thrrrob & Hoola


Benefit Box O' Powders are what put Benefit Cosmetics on the map. The cardboard packaging is still one of my favorites. So different and....out of the box.
I thought it would release more happy hormones if I put them all together in one post. 


Boxes of Bella Bamba & Hoola are different, they are flip top with mirrors, whereas the others are removable covers without mirrors. I prefer the removable ones, coz I'm afraid I'll rip out the flip ones since they have some magnetic thing that pulls down the cover every time- very annoying.

6/4/11

Vacation HAUL

Hi guys, apologies for the lack of posts, but I'm happy to say that I'm back in Bharat. Very happy to be back! Honestly I got tired of shopping (really!) It was, like, "Shop woman, shop, or you'll miss out on something! Go into Sephora again now! It doesn't matter that you went there yesterday and the day before that. Go!"

Okay, some of you have been waiting for a big haul post, so here it is:



Blushes: Benefit- Bella Bamba, Dandelion, Hoola. Bobbi Brown Cabo Coral Pot Rouge, Lancome Butterflies Fever Blush, Baviphat California Scandal Multi Action Color Balm (2 shades), Majolica Majorca blushes (2 shades), Etude House Angel Kiss Lip & cheek color, Top Shop Cream Blush

4/18/11

Benefit Posietint

Benefit Posietint has been on my wishlist since it was launched. It looked so pweety and reminds me of a nursery rhyme- "Ring a ring of Roses, A pocket full of Posies", except I used to say 'poses' instead of 'posies' as a kid, if I remember correctly. Honestly I got the nursery rhymes mixed up here and almost wrote "Rosie Posie Pudding and Pie."  Okay, I'm confused again, so let's move on....


Described as a poppy-pink, it can be used lip & cheek stain. The first thing I noticed is it's not drying at all. on my lips, although it dries to a matte finish, it doesn't make them feel parched.

It's easy to blend on my cheeks and looks very natural. The color is buildable though- the more you dot on, the more intense the color.