My Casual Black Tights For Winter

Remember in Sex And The City when Carrie ran out of ideas, and thought about writing about her sock drawer - "Men as socks"?

Well... me, I would've thought about my tights drawer - "Men as tights". 

Like her, I don't know where I'd go with that.

(...and I'm afraid the one-liner in my head right now sounds kinda sexist.)

If you're interested to peek into a corner of said tights drawer, then here are my casual/everyday black tights this winter:

1. Velvet Plush Black Tights, Primark ~ Before leaving UK, I made it a point to get these. They're the warmest tights out there, and obviously quite thick.

2. Woolen Semi-Sheer Black Tights, Forever New ~ Semi-sheer with a cable knit type of pattern. Kind of an itchy material this, but they're warm.

3. Shimmery Tights, H&M ~ If disco pants look hideous on you, then shimmery tights could be an alternative =D

4. Sheer Polka Dot Black Tights, H&M ~  My moderately "dressy"-slash-casual tights. Every girl should own a pair of polka-dotted tights, I think :)

5. Fleece-Lined Black Tights, Primark ~ These are the best for any kind of winter, since you can wear them under jeans as well + they double up as socks.

6. 40 Denier Tights, H&M ~ Must-have tights for me. They're plain, between opaque & sheer, and go with everything. These came in a pack of 2.

 ♡

Couldn't post for 2 days, because I'm out of town & busy.

Will make up that. 

Speak again shortly.

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Cute Toddler Things

The first time Ziizayne asked me to buy this panda set at a store, I told him they're all broken & I'd search online instead. To him, this "ONLINE" is a magical place.

To me, it's where the discounts are (read: Firstcry)

Skip Hop Panda Plate, Bowl, Spoon & Fork Set 

(Don't you just LOVE Skip Hop stuff? So many animals to choose from!)

Mothercare Car Embossed Sweater

Hot Wheels 50th Anniversary Volkswagen Beetle Checkmate Pawn.

If you're interested in the sweet props ~ Alpenliebe Strawberry & Soulfull Multigrain Loopies... and another Hot Wheels car just like that 😋

Hot Wheels 50th Anniversary Volkswagen Beetle Checkmate Pawn

↑↑↑

Bought this for myself, because he didn't want to buy it (twice!) But now he wants it.

I gave it to him - in exchange for a Hot Wheels Minion Car ;p

♥

Happy Weekend, Everyone!

*This is a scheduled post, as I'm travelling today. 

Speak again on Monday.*

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Colorbar 1001 Nail Polishes ~ HAUL

Colorbar launched 1001 new nail polishes recently & I'm going C-R-A-Z-Y! 

I'm having trouble picking shades, even though the New U stores I went to didn't stock all 1001 shades. 

With Keratin & Almond Oil, and the formula is paraben-free. 

I picked up 2 shades one time, then I went back to get more...but then I didn't have enough time to pick carefully. So I managed to pick only 3 more. 

Sister's Secret #607 - Lilac

Pretty Face #822 ~ Rose pink

Lemonade # 1080 ~ Lemon yellow

Invisible #835 ~ Cool Nude

Salt & Pepper #1302 Arteffects ~ Baby blue with navy flecks

I'd already worn Sister's Secret and Salt & Pepper, and they're both great! The consistency is just right, nice brush, streak-free application & they don't chip easily either.

I wanna be in a room with ALL 1001 shades, and pick 20 more! =D

Price: Rs.199 

(THANK YOU, Colorbar! For keeping it under 200 bucks.)

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LOTD: M I G R A I N E

12:07 am:

I swallow the tiny orange pill. Migraine, the neurologist had named the bastard on the

 right side of my head, after probing me with questions about my personal life & lifestyle. He had his hand under his chin & made eye contact. I had my hand on my Michael Kors 'Cynthia' satchel & made up some lies about my daily routine. 

What a dull suburban existence I painted for him. If he only knew....

1:45 am:

I'm staring at a meme of a cat clawing at a donut from 

a distance & then withdrawing, like it's an explosive. 

[Caption: 'Me on a diet']

I imagine myself at ZARA doing the same when I see another winter jacket I don't really need. 

The pill should make me drowsy by now. My head throbs & my right eye twitches. 

I shut my eyes. 

2:20 am:

I'm running my fingers on a thick vein that's popped up on my forehead.

It feels like a worm, eww! Was Monica's Thanksgiving vein like this? 

Arghh! Useless pill! 1 week & nothing!

 I'll call the Doctor tomorrow.....

*Oh, c'mon! You don't need a CT Scan! Don't treat me like your fucking enemy! 

I'm your friend & I'm here to tell you something 

that's already in your head. You know something. 

What is it? I will not leave until you see it! 

OPEN YOUR EYES! OPEN YOUR EYES, GODDAMNIT!!!*

3:43 am:

I'm sweating. My eyes & pillow are wet. I can't move. 

I saw. On the ceiling. Faces...images....answers.

Like iron on quicksand, I sink into slumber in seconds. 

11:16 am:

I toss 7 tiny orange pills I no longer need in the bin. Tricyclic Antidepressants, Google informs. 

For treatment of Migraines, Depression & Bedwetting. 

10-year-old CZ finally gets an explanation for the humiliating recurrent bedwetting. 

What child can link susu on the bed to depression? I forgive her now.

Past & Present mysteries. Unraveled.

Follow your heart, they say. But your head.... your head will always 

give you more than you bargained for - if you'd only listen to what it has to say. 

*************

Top: ZARA

Jeans: Aeropostle

Hairband: Forever 21

Lipstick: Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored.

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BEST BEAUTY PRODUCTS

Did you know SHALLOTS are just frickin' ONIONS?

Until recently, I always thought they were....like....seafood. 

I made this connection in my own head:

SHALLOTS = SHALLOW

I thought they came in a shallow shell type thingy.

Like oysters.

That's just one filler thought in my head - when I'm not thinking about beauty products & opening Myntra app again to check "What's New" & other complicated life stuff.

So, here are the BEST BEAUTY PRODUCTS I've used lately. I planned to say 2018, but it's kinda late now. I threw in 17 random products in here, although the are A LOT more which are for other posts.

1.  It's Skin Green Tea Watery Emulsion ~ At one point, I was doing everything for my skin, and yet it's somewhat dry & flaky from time to time, especially with makeup on. This was the only product that solved that problem. So, if you have super dry skin, an emulsion might be the answer.  | Price: Rs.990.

2. L'Oreal Liss Unlimited Pro Keratin Smoothing Cream ~  I've stopped using serums on my hair, because I realized they dry out my strands after a day or two. This is perfect, because it works as a leave-in conditioner & heat protectant + reduce the static on my hair these days. It also has silver shimmer for some glam. | Price: Rs.510.

3. COLORBAR Nude It Rose Clay Mask ~ I will talk about this in detail in another post. For now, I'll just say this is exactly how I imagined a pink rose mask would be like. It comes with a very nice tiny brush too. | Price: Rs.450

4. YOKO Salt Spa Scrubs ~ I got 2 of these - Yogurt Milk & Aloe Vera. Both have collagen & Vitamins, etc. I've used the Yogurt one more, and it has managed to lighten underarms + prevented allergies that I often get. If your skin is highly sensitive & prone to heat rashes & what not, try using a salt scrub....because now I believe salt does kill all bacteria (.....and eels too, did you know that?!) In India, you'll find these online & some pharmacies that stock imported stuff. | Price: Rs.250

5. Makeup Revolution Luxury Banana Powder ~ I was on the fence with this one. To be honest, that's mainly because I hadn't used the coveted Ben Nye Banana Powder yet, and I don't value dupes & copies as much. But it just kept creeping up in my makeup routine, brightening & setting everything nicely. I already got my money's worth & can't fault it. | Price: Rs.850.

6. MAYBELLINE Total Temptation Mascara (Waterproof) ~ Got this because Maybelline Falsies Mascara was out of stock, and it's just as good - albeit a little dry. I'd still pick Falsies mascara over it, but in case they've discontinued it..... | Price: Rs.525.

7. FENTY BEAUTY Match Stix Matte Skinstick Bamboo ~ The most non-cakey stick base product I've ever used. It blends so well, and the coverage is buildable, so it works likes a concealer & an all-over base. Other Fenty Beauty products posted here. | Price: 

8. FOREVER 21 Sharpener ~ This heart-shaped sharpener has 2 sharpeners - small for eye pencils & big for crayon pencils. | Price: Can't remember, maybe Rs.150

9. INNISFREE Skinny Longlongcara ~ It's a mascara with a very skinny brush, that you can use for lashes & brows. There are a few more variants of tiny mascaras like this at Innisfree, like one with a curved brush. Mascara-ing my bottom lashes is problemo no mo.

10. LAKME Kareena Kapoor Khan Absolute Eye Definer Onyx~ No need for Urban Decay eye pencils, this is THE kohl pencil to own. It is so silky & black & doesn't smudge (much) | Price: Rs.900

11. DUO Eyelash Adhesive (Dark Tone) ~ This is only for Rs.225-250, so I don't know if it's an original product or China-made. Okay, let's face it, probably China-made. I got it from a beauty store in GK M-Block Market, Delhi. I love it because it sticks my false lashes well + it doesn't hurt when I take them off.

12. Peri Pera Sugar Twinkle Liquid Shadow #002 Candy Cane  ~ Superfine glitter in a bottle. I WANT MORE! One from every brand that makes them.

13. FENTY BEAUTY Kabuki Brush ~ What sets this apart from all my past kabuki brushes is, it's stubby & dense but still fans out, which makes blending quick & effortless.

14. VASELINE Cocoa Glow Moisturising Cream ~ Body Butters are forgotten now. It's thick & creamy & whipped-dessert-like.... every time I use it, I actually say, "Mmm, yummy." | Price: Rs.230

15. MAYBELLINE Master Chrome Highlighter Molten Rose Gold ~ It's okay if I don't get to use any other highlighter in this life time. I'm super content with this one. More so than MAC Soft & Gentle MSF. | Price: Rs.550

16. COSLUXE Tap Sheer Better Concealer #02 Walnut ~ BEST HIGH COVERAGE CONCEALER. It is a matte-finish thick-ish concealer, which covers dark spots/patches & stays put amazingly well. You can just apply & tap, tap, tap. Cosluxe is a Thai brand. This concealer wasn't even expensive. I imagine the famous Tarte Shape Tape Concealer to be like this, but that's just in my head. Let me get my hands on that to prove my instinct right - one hopes.

17. VICTORIA'S SECRET Eau So Sexy Rollerball Perfume ~ Lastly, a perfume I overlooked at first because I was too in love with Bombshell. And yes, it does smell kinda sexy.

*I'm sorry, I can't remember the prices of some products.* 

 ♡

That's it for today. I might do a WORST PRODUCTS post too, but.... I don't know..... I'm working on being a kinder person this year.... hahah!

HAPPY 2019, EVERYONE! 

Speak to you EVERYDAY starting today =)

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Revlon Zinnia

When I was in school, I found on the last page of my Dictionary what I thought was the most beautiful word ~ “Zinnia”. 

It’s a type of flower, I learnt. 

I’d always go back to look at the word, as if I was afraid it wasn’t real & disappear, or something! Zinnia.... Zinnia.... Zinnia.... Zinnia-na. 

ZiNNiANA (pronounced: Zinni-yah-nah) was gonna be the name of my future daughter, I decided. 

Just a backstory of how I named the daughter I never had. 

Cute Decor Pieces ~ HOME

The Wishing Chair Pink Car Vase, Rs.350 ~ Available on their website HERE

(Wild Flowers Bouquet bought separately. Available HERE)

Forever 21 Smiling Cat Soap Dish, Rs.399 ~ Available on their website HERE

The Wishing Chair 2 Tier Jewelry Stand, Rs.600 ~ HERE but Out Of Stock

Forever 21 Faux Fur Heart Pillow, Rs.899 ~ Available HERE

This one's just a prop, but if you're interested....

Daiso Japan Princess Rose Stand Mirror ~  Got it from Bangkok 2 years ago. Found it on a website HERE

 ♥

Happy Saturday! :)

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Wet n Wild Pro Brush Line is GORGEOUS!

So, I dropped by a Nykaa On Trend store one day, just timepass-ing because I was waiting for my chai order at Chaayos, and saw some of these Wet n Wild brushes. I thought:

They are so gorgeous!

Rose gold, but more pastel pink.

I must have them!!!

Uff, such dirty/scratched outer packaging!

Ooh, but look at them, all shiny inside!

Okay, maybe just buy them. You'll throw away the boxes anyway.

No, search online. Tip-top, clean/brand new packaging & maybe discounts too.

Get out of the store now.

Maybe just the Highlighti.....

NO!

Don't look directly at that SA near the door.

Look at your phone, and pretend you have to rush somewhere.

I mean, why? Why can't I just browse a store for 15 mins & not buy anything???

"Yes, hello.....?", I spoke into my phone that didn't even ring & walked out of the store.

There are 10 brushes in the Wet n Wild Pro Brush Line, and I only picked 3 for now to try out the quality.... and to stare at them as much as I want.

These brushes  are cruelty-free & vegan. The bristles are synthetic, and so very soft!

Veet Sensitive Touch Electric Trimmer Review

You know what's the equivalent of a Fidget Spinner in my world? (Basically, what I find relaxing & calming.)

I like to sit down on my couch, inspect my hair ends, and cut the split ends with mini eyebrow scissors. The scissors would always hurt & leave red marks on my fingers during & after. Now, instead of painful scissors, I use the NEW Veet Sensitive Touch Electric Trimmer. Because it's electronic, it feels like I'm sawing my split ends. Very satisfying!

But that's not what it's meant for, really.

What it is: An Electric Trimmer specially tailored to gently trim and precisely shape your delicate body parts, such as face, bikini and underarms.

It is also Waterproof & can be used in the shower.

*This is a NEW version, another one was launched some time back.

Accessories included: 

- 2-sided Precision Adjustable Head: 16 mm & 6 mm for optimal eyebrow shaping. 

- Comb Attachment: To uniform hair to 2 different lengths - 2 mm & 4 mm.

- Horizontal Trimming Head: 20 mm. You can use this to fully trim your bikini area & underarms. 

- 2 Comb Attachments: 2 mm & 4 mm, for trimming bikini.

- Cleaning Brush: To dust off hair that gets stuck in the trimmers. 

- Beauty Pouch: To compactly store everything especially while travelling. 

- AA battery.

Best Things I Bought Lately

By "best", I just mean money well spent. Because they're pretty.... and girly....

and they simply bring a sort of..... custom-made joy to my life =D

H&M Vintage Pink Faux Fur Jacket: From the kids' section, for 8-10 yrs old! ;p

One size up would've been more my size, but that was no longer available.

I was shopping with my Mom at H&M, basically I needed some jumpers for Zii. We went our separate ways at the store. I spotted these pink faux fur coats that don't look like they're for kids in one corner. My Mom found me while I was trying them on in front of a mirror at the back of the store, and she was like, "All this time I thought you were shopping for your child, but here you are. You are not only a shopaholic, you are a holic.". I tried one similar coat from the Women's section, in a Size 6, just to compare, but it didn't sit as well as this one on my petite frame + the sleeves were too long. Now I know where to go for coats from now on...hehe!

(You can have a better look at it here)

La Senza Bralette ~ I have a thing for bralettes, if you haven't noticed it yet, and I was psyched to find a pink lacy one. Most of the lacy ones I see are always black. I find bralettes without any straps and hooks more comfortable to wear under body-hugging sweaters and winter clothes (Actually, I hate bra straps altogether!) This comes with matching knickers.

Herbal Essences Ignite My Colour Dry Shampoo ~  It doesn't leave any white powdery residue & it  smells like roses + adds some volume. I found this at a chemist shop for Rs.760.

It's Skin Caviar Double Effect Serum ~ Product of the week! I was hooked from the first time I used it. Price: Rs.2300

The Life Changing Magic Of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo: I spoke about this book in this post, and I finally got it. I've yet to finish reading the whole book, and I want to do a proper review to let you guys know if it really is life-changing. But I learnt one very useful tip: To fold your clothes vertically, so everything is laid out for you, and you don't have to dig for anything. Wait, I will come back and talk more about this in another post.

ZARA Sock-Style Over The Knee Boots ~  It's hard to find OTK boots in India, and next to impossible if your feet are tiny. When I saw some on Zara website, I ordered 2 pairs. Both Size UK 2. I posted a short video of me unboxing this pair (etc) on Instagram. In case you're not on social media, I'll attach it here.....

A post shared by Cynthia Zacharica (@czloves) on Jan 1, 2018 at 11:55pm PST

♥

Hope you're all having a good week!

Speak again soon :* :*

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My TOP 17 Beauty Products 2017

HAPPY NEW YEAR, Everyone! =)

It took me a while to get into blogging mode, and after having trouble trying to decide which was gonna be my 1st post of the year, I'm going with the kind I personally like to have a look at on other blogs.....

Here are my TOP 17 Beauty Products of 2017. Stuff that I'll still be using this year.....

 ~ Makeup ~

1. MAC Face and Body Foundation: Pure Love for it! If you have never found a lightweight sheer coverage foundation that somehow blurs out your spots and makes your skin look more healthy, this is it. My shade is C2.

(Price: Rs.2500)

2. Smashbox Photofinish Primer Water: You know a primer is good when your makeup is recyclable the next day *insert see-no-evil monkey emoji here*. It was the holidays & freezing cold! I didn't want to love this, because it's expensive, but when my base looks more flawless with it.... 

(Price: Rs.2900)

3. L'Oreal Infallible Silkissime Eye Liner: The only black kohl I used all year. It's very black & super soft & long-lasting.

(Price: 575)

4. L'Oreal Le Matte Lip Pen 102 She's So Matte: This was my most favorite lipstick in 2017. It's very comfortable & just that kind of wearable pinky-nude. For more photos, please go here.

(Price: 750)

5. Deborah Milano Fluid Velvet Mat Lipstick 01 Antique Rose: My most used liquid lipstick last year, more often as a base under She's So Matte up there.

(Price: Rs.850)

6. Maybelline The Falsies Waterproof Mascara: I bought 3 of these in 2017 alone, and I can say it's the best Maybelline Mascara for thin lashes.

(Price: 550)

NEW! Maybelline Master Flush Creator

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

Gingham Pants & Favorite Sunglasses {OOTD}

I took these pants into the trial room with me, fully prepared to see they'd look totally hideous on me - like most woven & non-stretchy pants. You don't know how many cute floral woven pants I've had to walk away from, because they just never sit well - there's always a disagreement between the waist, thigh, crotch & behind areas. I'd always try 25 & 26 - and I mean 3-5 times each. By the time I left the trial rooms, I used to feel like fainting! 

But these! The specs are just perfect + the flare & slits at the bottom make them heels-friendly, and the zipper & bow at the waist!

 Next summer, I'm buying floral fabric & taking it to a tailor along with these pants. Cut & make egg-jackly like them, I'll tell him.

The Best Inexpensive Foundation Brush!

Beauty Blender Sponge: Rs.1900

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush: Rs.850-1100

Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki Brush: Rs.1615

Facial Cleansing Brush: Rs.399

That's right, it's a Forever 21 Facial Cleansing Brush!

It's soft.

It's dense.

It's flat.

It works like a charm!

Confessions From A Beauty Salon

"Spread your legs.", she said, and we both burst out laughing.

She, amused.

Me, red-faced. 

Though it's not my first time.

******

Okay, we'll get to that later in the blog post. 

 I have been meaning to do this post for quite some time, just because I feel like not many people 

talk about salon services in detail. Most of the time, I never get a satisfying review 

or information on certain services/products that I'm curious about. 

So, I'm just gonna ramble about the things I've gotten done on myself, just to put it out there.

I say ramble, because this is a very hotchpotch blog post. Most of the photos are old. I had to search for them in my emails and computer, because I always had to clear out my phone's storage space (damn iphone!)

Anyway.....

One Word: Rica 

I can't get enough of their White Chocolate Wax!

Ever since I started choosing this over the regular wax, my hair has been growing at a much slower pace, become softer, and my underarm hair have definitely lessened. 

This is the Rica Aloe Vera one, which I prefer lately, 

coz my legs are very easily agitated these days.

***ALWAYS TELL THE BEAUTY THERAPIST NOT TO MAKE THE WAX TOO HOT BEFOREHAND.***

Doesn't matter how reputed the salon is or how experienced the person waxing your body/facial hair is. If the wax feels too hot, it is too hot and it will burn your skin....and like in one of my underarm waxing sesh, it will peel the skin off! (Which healed, thankfully!)

Price: Rs.1799 for full body. Depends on the salon.

*