Lakmē's newest launches have been on my radar for a while, and these two were on shelves even before the official promos. I'd swatched them at a Lifestyle when I wasn't ready to buy anything ;p
This range is enriched with Jojoba Oil & Vitamin E. They are, as they claim, velvety smooth and blend easily.
Powerplay Velvet Crème Blush: Available in 2 shades - Soft Coral & Pink Rose
Powerplay Velvet Crème Highlighter: Available in 2 shades - Copper Crush & Sultry Gold
I was a bit skeptical about these when I bought them without sampling first, as there were no testers. They hadn't even hit the shelves yet, I saw a box of newly-launched Maybelline products on the floor at New U.... and I sat on my ankles....and then nobody could stop me!!!
Do they look familiar?
MAC Blush Ombre!
About Maybelline Master Flush Creator
A two-tone blush for a gradation flushed look. Pick up color in one swipe, fit brush to cheek curve and apply gradation color in one stroke.
There are 4 shades, and I picked up 2:
Next To Nude ~ My favorite! It's like having my most favorite MAC Cream Soda (Archies Girl Collection) & Benefit Coralista in one pan.
Tickled Pink ~ This pink is like a combination of MAC Pink Swoon & NARS Angelika.
MAC Blush Ombre Ripe Peach (a cult favorite) & Kindergarten Red
Gosh! I am seeing how similar they look only now at this moment! I wanted to compare the textures and feel of the powders, but I don't know where these are atm. You can have a look at them with the MAC Toledo Collection HERE
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 SodaSatin 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*
MAC Isabel & Ruben Toledo Collection launched in India on Friday, 24th April. I had only one product in mind - this Blush Ombre. I've wanted one for a very long time, ever since they were first launched with some old MAC collections. That's why I was waiting for this collection to reach India.
I was so scared that they'd be SOLD OUT before I got to the store (You know how it is with MAC Limited Editions here!), but I was lucky to get the last pieces. LAST pieces! Just hearing those words made me shiver a little bit ;p
I picked up Ripe Peach & Kindergarten Red....
Ripe Peach ~ Light Coral
Kindergarten Red ~ Crimson Into Pale Nude
Both are so so beautiful & I can't wait to wear them!
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!
I love Instagram, and post quite regularly on there. It's like mini blogging, with just photos and less talking. I thought I'd share some of the makeup & beauty pics that I picked out randomly for all of you who don't have an Instagram account.
I'll admit, I'm not much of a Simpsons fan. I found them cute and all, but I never really watched the series. Then I met someone who's hooked to the show - my Mr.CZ. Boy, is he obsessed! Yes, all the DVDs & figurines in the photos are his. I remember he'd start laughing, and tell me about something funny Homer did/said ("Mmm....bacon.")
Even though I would never skip this collection, I'd say he wanted me have it more than I did. So, in a way, they're for him. Which is weird to say because we are not talking to each other right now.... haha! ;p
Anyways, I'll dedicate this post to him.....and all you other Simpsons fans! Hope you'll like the fun pictures, I really enjoyed clicking them. Cartoon makeup collections are so FUN! =D
On the occasion of its 25th anniversary, M·A·C honours the one, the only, THE SIMPSONS. We are celebrating the country’s favourite animated family and its beloved matriarch Marge with a vibrant colour collection that screams That Trillion Dollar Look. Our classic formulas and finishes you love are to blue dye for with an animated twist. All in limited-edition packaging that can only be described in one word: Eeeeexcellent. ~ MAC.
I wish there'd be a new RULE for all beauty stores & brands: If a customer buys more than 5 products at once, they should be packed in a special box - like a present. How fun that would be?! The thrill of buying, and then the thrill of 'unboxing' when you get home. Coz everything looks better in a box - even a plain bar of soap! So, you can imagine my excitement when I was opening this orange box.
Maybelline launched 3 types of these wedding boxes ~ Pink, Coral, & Red, all housing 7 products. I will be showing you the contents of the Red one:
*** AMETHYST'S New Album, eccentric, is out now! Hope you'll go out and BUY it! ;) ***
Welcome
to the first post of a new series I'm doing! Been planning to start
this for over 2 months. This one wasn't supposed to be the 1st look, but
it just happened, since I did the glittery purple eyes, so I went with it. More about the series at the end of this post. For now, I'm a purple-haired Pop + R&B Star named AMETHYST (real name, not just stage name)........
Hi, everyone! Hope you're all doing well. I went to Lifestyle yesterday, and after rounding almost every makeup counter, I ended up in Deborah Milano and I didn't want to move on to another counter....or come back home, for that matter. I was so impressed with the unique products they have launched! In my fantasy land, I walked flew out of the store (glitter wings & tiara, of course!) with more than 10 products. But in my real land, I walked out (like a duck in my ballet flats) with 3.....
"I'm going to MAC for the very first time! What should I buy?"
This is the most common email I get regarding MAC. I never know what to say, because when you don't really know the person asking, it's hard to recommend just a few or one product. Lipstick or Blush? Which color?What if she doesn't wear lipstick? Oh, eyeshadow! But neutrals or bright shades? Brus----pots! Argh, forget it! I won't reply to this email! I don't know anything!
{If you emailed me about this, now you know.}
So today I'll just show you my the MAC products I'd buy all over again - if I had to.
MAC Blushes:
Peaches (Sheertone) ~ If you love peach blushes, this is one to own.
Fleur Power(Satin) ~ It's so strange that this is my most-worn pink blush yet I haven't hit pan until now!
Concealer:
MAC Studio Finish Concealer SPF 35 ~ It's a thick heavy-coverage cream concealer that covers blemishes quite well. I rarely use it anymore, because now I need another shade. This is shade NC35, which still suits my undereye areas.
Powders:
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural (Light Medium) ~ I've hit pan, which means I've been using it more than I realized. It's a compact powder with medium coverage, so you can use it alone.
Highlighter:
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Soft & Gentle ~ The best highlighting powder I've come across. Most are too shimmery, but this has a very fine texture.
Brushes:
MAC 266 Small Angle Brush ~ Love it. Can't live without it. I use it for eyeliner & brows.
MAC 217 Blending Brush ~ The most copied blending brush
MAC 239 Eye Shader Brush ~ I use this to apply lid colors. It delivers both powder & cream e/s well.
I'm also getting the MAC 219 Pencil Brush next.I like that it's stiffer than other pencil brushes I have.
Paintpots: Long-lasting cream eyeshadows you can wear alone or under other eyeshadows
Layin' Low ~ A creamy beige that works great as a primer. Swatched here
Genuine Treasure ~ A gorgeous glittery gold. Limited Edition, but I love it so much I had to incluse it. In case it comes back, do check it out! Swatched here
Constructivist ~ A metallic brown. You wear this, and you don't need any other e/s. It has made it to my most-worn MAC products list. Swatched here
You may have noticed that I'm not so adventurous when it comes to drugstore brands. I mean, the time I was in the UK, when I went to Boots & Superdrug, what did my hauls consist of? Bourjois, Revlon, Maybelline, L'Oreal, Rimmel..... same old, same old. So when I buy more than one product from a new brand, it means I like it.... A LOT!
Yesterday evening, when we were grocery shopping at our local supermarket, I spotted Catrice in one corner of the store, and I didn't want to leave the store anymore! I wanted to buy soooo many things! I was not offended by the prices....oh, and all products have witty shade names!
About Catrice Cosmetics: It's a European brand, that's only sold in some parts of Europe. They're known for good budget-friendly beauty products. If I'm not wrong, it's by the same company behind Essence Cosmetics. That's all I know for now.
Here's what I picked up:
Catrice Made To Stay Long-Lasting Eyeshadow in 070 Mauvie Star ~ It's a shimmery blend of mauve-taupe, quite similar to MAC Frozen Violet Pro Longwear Paintpot. There are about 6-8 gorgeous shades, and it was tough to pick just one. Price: Rs.420.
Catrice Multi Colour Blush inStrawberry Frappucino ~ So Pretty! I've only swatched the tester of this, and it's nice. I wanted a dupe for MAC Cream Soda Blush (Archie's Girls Collection), and I think the 3rd shade in this is quite similar. There's another Brown/Nude kind of shade called Iced Caramel Macchiato that I also liked, and will pick up next time. Price: Rs.480.
Catrice Eyebrow Stylist in 020 Date With Ash-ton ~ An ash brown. I've already worn it, and I think it's gonna be my go-to eyebrow product from now on. Also available in other darker shades. Price: Rs.300
Catrice Welcome To Las Vegas Lashes ~ These are from a Limited Edition Collection called 'Welcome To Las Vegas'. Price: Rs.340.
Today (I posted late, so it's actually yesterday) was Election Day here in Delhi, so I'd gone to vote for the very first time, ever. I've always wanted to vote, but since I'm wasn't from Delhi, where I spent most of my adult life, I couldn't vote here. My voting card was in my hometown, and I was never there. Now that I'm a permanent resident of Delhi, I have a voting card here. With a photo where my face is elongated like a rugby ball, might I add. Before I ramble more, let's hop to the makeup part......
I kept my makeup quite natural-looking with no black liners. I'm always unsure with this kind of light eye makeup, coz I feel incomplete without a black kohl, but it actually suits my light eyes more than black-rimmed eyes (especially during the day & off camera), if I say so myself.
Some people's resolution is to never let Yuvraj Singh bat in such an important match again.
Some people's resolution is to never vote for Congress again.
Mine is simply April Beauty Resolutions with an Apple on the side.
#1Apply Bio Oil everyday ~ To prevent stretch marks. The ultimate test begins now, since I'm in my 2nd trimester. I've started using it religiously for the last 2 weeks. I hate the smell of Palmer's Cocoa Butter, so I'll be sticking to Bio Oil.
#2 Apply a Face Mask at least once a week ~ My skin has been acting out a lot these days, because of the weather & water change. Not just my face, but my legs and arms too. Right now, I'm using Vichy Normaderm 3-in-1 Cleanser+Scrub+Mask, and I'm liking it a lot. Makes my face feel really clean, smooth & oil-free. But I'll soon stock up on natural/herbal masks, like Multani Mitti (fuller's earth), Sandalwood, etc.
#3Use Hair Mask every time ~ When I don't use a hair mask, my hair feels drier, so I've decided to use one every time I wash it. I've been using TRESemmé Anti-Breakage Masque for months now, sometimes mixed with my conditioner to cut down shower time. It works well, makes my hair soft & sleek.
A.Oh, you know, just Layin' Low and paintpotting a Rosy Outlook.
Q.Huh?
A. I mean, I'm just MAC-ing.
Q.Macking?
A.Yup. Just spending the day with MAC.
Q. Who the hell is Mack?!
******
If you giggled at that a little bit, play this song - Return Of The Mack - stand up, hang your hair down, swing your hips & arms from side to side for 1 minute (or more), and then sit down again and continue reading...........
MAC Pro Longwear Blush Rosy Outlook ~ Light Yellow Pink, Matte Finish. Ever since I started getting hooked to MAC Cream Soda Blush, I've had a penchant for light blushers - shades that look kind of faded. So, I was drawn to this blush the moment I laid eyes on it. The texture is soft & smooth, and it colors my cheeks a subtle youthful pink that's always wearable. I prefer dotting & swirling it on my cheeks with my fingers, and then blending with a brush. It does live up to it's 8-hour wear claim, at least in this cold winter.
