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Showing posts with label Eyelashes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eyelashes. Show all posts

6/15/19

Why Use An Eyelash Serum?


Apply Castor Oil.
Apply Vaseline.
Apply a mixture of castor, coconut & olive oils.
Eyelash surgery, where they'd sew individual hair on your eyelids.
....................
....................

I've read every article on eyelash thickening tips, but never tried any. I have never even seen Castor Oil in real life, but I swear I've been meaning to get it for my lashes since I was 18 years old!

I've only tried using Vaseline, which did improve the density of my lashes, but it always made my vision blurry when it got inside my eyes.....

....and now, I'm finally using the Etude House My Lash Serum....


This lash serum seem to be very popular, and it's one product with a lot more good reviews than bad ones. I think it's because it's not an overpriced eyelash product, that arouses high expectations. Everybody can try it, and keep buying it - like a convenience store lip balm.


Ingredients (taken from Etude House website)Water (Aqua), Butylene Glycol, ethanol, glycerin, phenoxyethanol, polyacrylic acid, tromethamine, blood not -32, blood not -6, disodium this dithiol this (???), dangyak extract, carbonate, biotin, sodium hyaluronidase, Maltodextrin, Ginseng Extract, Ethylhexyl Glycerin, iris extract, Aloe Vera leaf extract, Yellow No. 4.

*I see no Parabens on this list, whereas I've seen some sites list the common parabens. So, I really don't know.

4/11/19

Eyelash Extensions | Best & Worst Places In Delhi


First time I got Eyelash Extensions, I had to walk with bloodshot watery eyes to a nearby supermarket to get eye drops. The glue stung badly & the lashes pricked every time I opened my eyes..... it was h-o-r-r-i-b-l-e! This was in MBK Mall, Bangkok, done by a girl who was in awe of my "V-shaped jawline", which is a sought-after facial feature for a lot of the girls there, she told me. I guess that compliment was the consolation prize I got from that experience, because I used to think my jawline was "too pointy"
Anyway, read what happens next in the 'How To Remove Eyelash Extensions If You Don't Like Them?' section  below.....

I've gotten eyelash extensions 3 times so far, and here's all I can say about them.....


Types Of Eyelash Extensions:

Human ~ Most expensive. They may seem like the best choice, but if you want falsies-looking lashes, human hair isn't gonna look like that, unless they stack a lot of them.

Mink ~ Less expensive than human hair, and like false eyelashes.

Silk ~  They look like mink, but are softer & silkier. They might look too glossy & not natural-looking.

Synthetic Acrylic ~  These are the cheapest, and feel more plasticky. However, there are variants of this type too, they have made some with a more natural/softer feel.

Which is right for you?
You have to pick the type which your natural lashes can hold/support. This is why the acrylic ones are the cheapest & heaviest

*In these pics, I have some American acrylic ones which have an upward curl, so they didn't droop.


Application Time:

No longer than 1 hour, from an expert. 


Price Of Eyelash Extensions In Delhi: 

Rs.3500-4500+ depending on the type of lashes you pick. 
In Nova Lash, it costs Rs.7000+


Pros Of Eyelash Extensions:

~ You don't need mascara anymore. You can't even apply mascara, for that matter.

~ If long & thick lashes make up about 70% of your glam quotient, then you can save so much time applying makeup.

~ Well...you wake up looking glam always & photos are almost always good 👸

~ You have falsies on all.the.time. without any worries of them coming off from either or both ends... argh! Mine's always the inner corners, and they'd just hang loose or pop up...ugh!

~ If you have hooded lids like me, they give your eyes a lift & your lids don't look as heavy/droopy.


Cons Of Eyelash Extensions:


~ You can't wash you eyes properly. I still splashed water, though, but I couldn't rub... or wipe them dry properly. It's a kind of a stressful time every time I cleaned my face, tbh.

~ Applying eyeshadows can be a bit difficult if you have a small lid space, because your extensions are always in the way.

~ You can't get hot/warm water on them because of the glue, so showering your head is a challenge. I shampoo my head upside down using a bucket & a mug instead of the shower.

~ I have to be careful applying eye cream & all my other skincare products as well, coz you can't get any emollients/oils on them. I hated not being able to properly use my Korean Cleansing Balms/Oils.

~ They can make your eyes look too spidery & unnatural if you aren't wearing any eye makeup. One might think they won't need makeup anymore & just look the prettiest without any effort, but most would still need some, just to balance out the look - like mascara on bottom lashes & some eyeshadow here and there.

~ Real lashes might fall off with the extensions, or break into half. BUT they do grow back - I know this, coz they did after I lost almost all my left eye's lashes after the first Bangkok experience 😒.

~ Like nail extensions, there's a possibility of infections if not done hygienically, or your eyes react badly to the glue used.

~ Lastly, can you cry? Hahaha....nope! 
Yes, some do come off  along with tears.


How Long Do Eyelash Extensions Last For? 

In tip top condition, 2 months. They start really falling off after 1.5 months. I got them done in October last year, and they still looked fine in December.
You can get them touched-up every 3 weeks, or so. They can just replace the fallen ones.


How To Remove Eyelash Extensions If You Don't Like Them?

Use oil, like a cleansing oil or olive oil. Soak some on cotton pads, and press them over your lashes. Let the oil sink in, before trying to pull out the extensions. Do it patiently, so you don't end up pulling out your real lashes. But you probably will pull out your real lashes, especially if you're born with thin/weak lashes. 
This is how I did it after the 1st experience - I woke up in the middle of the night, around 2:30 am, BECAUSE I JUST COULDN'T TAKE THE TORTURE ANYMORE!!!


My Advice: 

Always get the "classic" or "natural" ones the first time, just so they don't feel too heavy. If they feel pokey, let the beautician know immediately. You shouldn't feel any pricks even while they're being done, because there should be a distance of 1/2 to 1 mm away from your eyelids. 
The 1st time in Bangkok, I asked for the "Barbie Doll Style", and came out looking like a sulky child who lost her Barbie Doll 😂



BEST Eyelash Extension in Delhi: 

THE LASH ROOM, Greater Kailash 1, M-Block Market. 
It's a very small place in the lower ground floor. Literally a room. My experience there was a breeze -I didn't feel any discomfort, it didn't take long, and I was very happy with how they looked & how long they lasted.  
*Please keep in mind that it also depends on the person doing it. The guy who did mine was a PRO.



WORST Eyelash Extension in Delhi: 

LEYAN Beauty Lounge, Saket.
The most arrogant woman did my extensions there. She kept telling her assistant how time-consuming it was, the glue was all hard & difficult to work with, The worst thing was they used a tape much like sellotape on my undereye area & my eyebrows, and when they peeled it off my skin.... you can imagine. Really, WORST unprofessional service! 
The guy from The Lash Room also said what a bad job it was when I showed him a picture of my previous lash extensions. 



Will I get Eyelash Extensions again? 

Maybe, maybe not. I want to, but I also don't want to, mainly coz my natural lashes just grew back fully recently, after my last extensions about 4 months ago.
Btw, I'm really liking the Maybelline Total Temptation Mascara right now- it seems it works better after a month or so (like most mascaras, I've noticed)



Hope this post was helpful to you gals considering getting Eyelash Extensions

If you have any other places you'd like to recommend, please share!

Until next time.....



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3/13/19

I Used Only Korean Skincare Products For 3 Years


~ I recently had to wish for a pimple, just so I'd be able to test the CosRX Acne Pimple Master Patch. What I'm saying is, I haven't had any serious, hi-fi pimples for the past 3 years
(Just 1 time: I was at a Watson's in Bangkok in May 2018, and I saw this Garnier Sakura White Serum. It was pink & pretty, so I bought a sample-sized tube. I applied it on my face that night, and next morning I woke up with a big cystic pimple on my forehead.)

~ I was gonna get fillers on 2 deep frown lines on my forehead. Now they look ironed out. Though I started making a conscious effort not to frown so much & wear sunglasses whenever I'm out, I know it's hugely due to the extra products I was using.

~ Pitted scars are smaller & those tiny white bumps under eyes (milia seeds) are gone.

~ Skin texture is smoother & more polished than when it was in my early 20's.

~ As for dark spots, lighter sun spots are gone. But deeply-embedded pigmentation patches have not changed much. However, I must say that I haven't used many heavy-duty Korean"Whitening" products yet.

*******

Those are some of the results I got from using only Korean Skincare products consistently for the past 3, or so, years.

I came across a quote, which says: "Don't sell a product, sell an experience."
My mind instantly traveled to all my Korean Skincare Products, because each and every product I've used have been an experience.

I started in 2015, and then it slowly became my BIGGEST OBSESSION. If I'm not using a K-Beauty product yet, I'm reading about it & researching the benefits of its ingredients.

Products I've used. *Derma Roller is another story.*

*Earlier products*


The K-Beauty 10 Step Routine (My Way):


STEP 1: DOUBLE CLEANSING. Using a cleansing oil/balm & then a foam/gel cleanser.

STEP 2: SCRUB or PEELING GEL
(Only 1-2 times a week)

STEP 3: TONER. 

STEP 4: EYE CREAM.

STEP 5: SHEET MASK 
(Only 1-3 times a month)

STEP 6: ESSENCE

STEP 7: SERUM/AMPOULE
(I never skip this step.)

STEP 8: MOISTURIZER or EMULSION

STEP 9: SUNBLOCK
(Only during day time)

STEP 10: SLEEPING MASK or NIGHT TREATMENT. 

*You skip STEP 10 during the day & STEP 9 at night.


To simplify it, here are the products I'm currently using most of the time.....


1. Double Cleansing: Banila Co Zero Cleansing Balm to remove makeup. Foam cleansers I've been using are: The Face Shop Rice Water Bright, Innisfree Volcanic Pore Cleanser & It's Skin Mangowhite Cleansing Foam.

2. Peeling Gel: It's Skin Mangowhite Peeling Gel (My favorite so far)

3. Toner: Son & Park Beauty Water.

4. Eye Cream: Etude House Pink Vital Water Eye Serum

5. Sheet Mask (not shown): Not a necessity for me, really. Though I've used most of the Innisfree ones.

6. Essence (not shown): I was using Innisfree Soybean Essence.

7.  Serum/Ampoule: It's Skin Caviar Serum (which I LOVE & will repurchase) or Klaire's Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop.

8. Moisturizer: Etude House Pink Vital Water Cream. I need a moisturizer when I'm using a whitening serum, which is usually watery. But if I'm using a Snail serum/ampoule, which is slimy in texture, I skip moisturizer. This all also depends on the weather.

9. Sunblock: Innisfree Daily UV Essence Water Base SPF 50+ PA+++. This is not my favorite. I like Missha one. I prefer sunblocks in essence form

10. Sleeping Mask: Laneige Water Sleeping Mask. 
My absolute favorite skincare product of all time.


Do I do this full 9-10 step routine everyday? Yes, only at night. Then, in the morning, I use only foam cleanser---till Step 9. But, of course, I sleep with my makeup on quite often too. So the routine is done in the morning.

I had gotten bored of using the same products, coz they really do last a while! So I recently got some of the popular Korean skincare products right now:


Yes Style Haul:


Secret Key Lemon Sparkling Peeling Gel

Dear Klaires Freshly Juiced Serum Vitamin C & Centella Asiatica Extracts

Etude House Lash Serum

Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Borabit Ampoule

Koelf Ruby Bulgarian Rose Hydro Gel Eye Patch

Nacific Phyto Niacin Whitening Essence

Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm

Son & Park Beauty Water

Skin & Lab Pink Clay Facial Mask

CosRX Acne Pimple Master Patch (Mentioned at the start of this post)

Klaire's Gentle Black Cleansing Puff (FREE with purchase, with a sheet mask)

*Yes Style shipped my package from Singapore & I did not have to pay Customs charges, coz they*


********

Myntra Haul:


The Face Shop Chia Seed Hydrating Facial Toner

The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Lotion

*Myntra was selling The Face Shop products at discounted prices - upto 30% off.*

*******



This is a topic that shall continue. This post has been sitting in my drafts for over a year, and I will click publish NOW, whether it's good/informative enough or not.

In the next posts, I'll list down The BEST MUST-TRY Korean Skincare Products I've tried so far, and in another, I'll share my weekly/monthly routines and how I rotate between ALL the products - because I'm about to buy more ;p

This. 
This is where I'll try everything, if I could. 
This is where I'm going ALL IN.




5/4/16

The Power Of Mascara....


What's the one thing I'd change about my face?
Eyelashes. 
Everyday I wish I'd wake up one morning with the lashes of my dreams - thick, dark,doll-like. 
But I wake up with pronounced puffy, honey-colored eyes that look jaundice-like without an umbrella of prominent lashes.  
That 13 Going On 30 (movie) wishing dust - I WANT!


Describe my eyelashes in 20 words or less?
They're so thin & nondescript, it's like the split ends from my hair fell down on my lash line. 


How many mascaras am I currently using/trying?
6. I feel I can now stop looking for THE ONE. I feel I can now stick to 1. But I don't know which one.


Mascaras I keep going back to?
1. Maybelline Volum Express the Colossal Mascara ~ It adds length and thickness, but still separates the lashes.
2. Maybelline The Falsies Mascara ~ The first time I tried it, I didn't like it so much. But after a few weeks to a month, when the formula becomes drier and thicker, I was hooked! 
3. Max Factor 2000 Calorie Curved Brush Mascara~ See a post on it here. I'd buy it again, but it's not available here.


How much time do I spend applying my mascara everyday?
3/4th of my total makeup application time. Apply, wiggle....wiggle...wiggle....comb through clumps. Repeat. 4 time. 


Any special techniques?
Of course! I stand in the bathroom and make the Scream (movie) mask face . Bathroom - because there are no fans & air conditioners in there. Air dries up the mascara too fast & ruins the layering process. Scream mask face - to keep the tops of my cheek bones away from the wet wand.


What's the craziest thing I'd do for thicker, longer lashes?
I'd steal them from my own son, who has my dream long, wispy lashes. Itsy bitsy spider climbed up the water....SWAP! I love him so, sooo....much!


Have I considered that surgery where they stitch individual hairs to the eyeli....?
HELL, NO!!! Please. *Shivers*


Have I considered eyelash extensions?
Now that I've been thinking about for quite some time. I'm finally doing it this year. Soon! I can't use mascaras anymore after that, not on extensions.

Meanwhile.... 

2/21/15

Floral Print Mirror Compact & Eyelash Curler


Handbag, 
Luggage, 
Wallet,
Shoes,
Head Band,
Dress,
Lingerie,
 Bedding, 
Curtains, 
Chair,
Cushion covers.....


I want all of those in this same exact print, please!

8/19/14

Eyelash Extensions, Anyone?


I had a plan when I was staying above Select City Walk Mall 2 weeks ago - during our mini Babymoon vacay:

I'll go to the Eyelash Extensions Salon right after breakfast, as soon as it opens. 
Puffy eyes....
Absolutely no makeup....
I'll wear goggles sunglasses.
Inside the mall?
Yes, so what?!
Maybe I'll tie a scarf on my head.


I'd googled and found out there is a place that does Eyelash Extensions here in Delhi......

1/7/14

L'Oreal Miss Manga Mega Volume Mascara ~ First Try.....

L'Oreal Miss Manga Mega Volume Mascara ~ A newly-launched mascara that promises you big Manga lashes. The formula is made up of enlarging collagen spheres that work perfectly in conjunction with the 360° flexible cone shaped brush to amplify upper lashes and reveal lower lashes. This exclusive formula also contains a trilogy of polymers for absolute hold and staying power.
What is Manga? Manga are comics created in Japan. You know those black & white cartoon sketches of boys and girls with the big sad eyes and pointy bangs and....you know what, you should just google images for a better explanation =D
The brush does take getting used to when doing upper lashes because it's thicker on one end, but the tapered conical end does help get the little corner lashes and is the right size and shape for working on bottom lashes.

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.

4/14/13

Celebratory And Crazy Artistic EOTD After Apartment Hunting

We got back late from Dundee on Friday night. Yesterday was supposed to be a day to rest with only Grey's Anatomy, but somehow I ended up doing this look- not just eyes, a whole complete look, which I will post shortly.
*It's okay if you don't like it. Even Mr.CZ found me very scary-looking =D
I guess I felt inspired, coz we finally found an apartment we liked in Dundee, Scotland. Btw, we'll only be there for 6 months.
[To be continued...]
Products Used:
  • Minty green + turquoise eyeshadows from MUA Poptastic Palette. SORRY I WENT FOR THIS COLOR AGAIN! I DON'T KNOW WHY!
  • Urban Decay Blackout (black) on bottom lash line & corners of top lid.
  • Black and silver glitter is Collection Glam Crystals Dazzling Gel Liner in Rock Chick.
  • Lakme Kohl Ultimate to tightline & to smudge on bottom lash line. 
  • Max Factor 2000 Calorie Curved Brush Mascara on top & bottom lashes. Review here.
  • Demi Lashes are Bourjois Faux & Fabulous Lashes Lady In Black. Shown here
  • Eyebrows:  Urban Decay Blackout (black) &the same glitter gel liner on top. 



So.... The Story of  our 2-day apartment hunting: 
Day 1:
We were supposed to view one apartment. We met the agent in front of the door....she lead us inside and it was one of the most dingy walkways I'd ever seen! Red door, grey cemented walls & floor, dirty stairs.... Mr.CZ & I looked at each other with horror. As we started ascending the dirty stairs, the agent stopped walking, turned to us, and said, "There's a nice apartment on X street. Would you like to have a look at that one?"
We: "YES! Is it better than this?"
Agent: "Yes, much better. It's a brand new apartment. Nobody's ever lived there. This one *she scrunched up her nose*", then she lead us back out into the street without showing us the apartment at the top of those dreadful stairs. 
We reached X Street. I noticed a book store, a takeout restaurant named Curry-something & a nice bakery. We're going inside a door next to the bakery. Ooh, apartment is above the bakery! 
It was an odd-looking (read: down-market) walkway. There was a small messy garden with a clothes line,  and 3-4 black garbage bins in the corner. First impression was a put-off, third rate. Then we reached the stairway with minty green walls...and we stopped outside a metallic door.
We got inside, and OMG it's a brand new 3 bedroom apartment, and it's very nicely done up! Grey carpeted floors, L-shaped couch in kitchen-slash-living room,  multi-colored cushions, fun colored lamps. It had all the amenities & white goods. The bedrooms were awesome with the same type of decor as in the living room. 
1 of the extra bedrooms looked like this

We fell in love (mainly coz everything's new), and immediately wanted to take it. It's so meant to be, we I thought. Agent informed us there were a couple of interested students who viewed it earlier that day too, but they want couple tenants for the place. Okay, now we must take it asap! Long story short, we had to wait till the next day to know if the owner of the place, who's all the way in Hong Kong, will agree to 6 months. [We cancelled rest of the viewings that evening.]
Mr.CZ was uneasy that whole night coz he really wanted the place. I played the calm-whatever-happens wife, but ya, I couldn't stop thinking about the colored lamps & cushions & contemporary kitchen.

3/5/13

Want DIY Ombre Hair & Darker Eyelashes/Brows?

I got these yesterday though I've been tempted to get them since last year. This year is about being adventurous!
 
  • L'Oreal Preference Wild Ombres 3, £6 (Rs.500) ~  I got this one instead of  shade 1 or 2 because I don't want any warm/brassy tones on my hair. Comes with a brush for easy application. Seen good results on others, so *fingers crossed*

  • Colorsport 30 Day Mascara Eyelash & Brow Dye Kit,  £6.98 (Rs.580) ~ So scared to test this, but worth a shot if you have nothing lashes like mine. You get tiny bottles of solution, color cream and applicator.
 
Got both from Asda

Will let you know how both of them fare this weekend or early next week!



♥ Cynthia Z *.*