RARE BEAUTY Haul

Location: Sephora, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Customers flock only to one makeup counter:

RARE BEAUTY

Some too young to be wearing makeup - a few were with their parents.

Some old enough to be wearing makeup, but didn't really look the types who were into makeup.

These were not makeup junkies, these were Selena Gomez's fans.

 They rummaged through the drawers & made sure everything good SOLD OUT.

All the liquid blushes were SOLD OUT, except for 2 darkest shades.

All the Lip Oils were SOLD OUT.

I managed to get some practical face products for myself:

Ecotools 360 Ultimate Blend Makeup Brush Kit

The EcoTools 360 Ultimate Blend Makeup Brush Set is designed with 3 densely packed, domed makeup brush heads for quick makeup application and a perfectly blended finish. 

• The EcoTools 360 Ultimate Blend Makeup Brush Set Includes: 3 densely packed, domed brushes for quick application and perfectly blended finishes.

• Ultimate Buff makeup brush helps achieve a streak-free base by buffing on cream or powder foundation.

• Ultimate Pop makeup brush blends cream or powder blush and bronzer for a sculpted, airbrushed finish.

• Ultimate Cover makeup brush applies concealer or highlighter to apples of cheeks, bridge of the nose, and arch of brows for added definition.

• Pair makeup brushes with cream and sticks makeup formulas to achieve the best results

• Beautifully soft bristles, for gentle makeup application.

• Handcrafted with eco-friendly materials and lightweight wood-plastic composite handles

• Made with synthetic Taklon bristles.

• Cruelty-Free and Vegan - EcoTools products are never tested on animals.

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna ~ Haul

As you all know, Rihanna launched her most-awaited beauty brand last year. FENTY, as in Robyn Rihanna Fenty. If you didn't know that, it's alright, I didn't know it either. 

In Rachel Green's words, I thought she was just Rihanna.... you know, like Moses.

To be honest, the products didn't really appeal to me when I first saw them. Maybe I had just grown up a bit more, and wasn't going crazy over every new launch & getting sucked into every new hype, you know. But when I saw them at Sephora (Bangkok), I felt kind of obligated to get something, mainly because I love her music so much..... I felt I had to pick up at least 1 product. Well, one thing led to another... and this is what I ended up with!

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!

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!

Best Makeup Brush Washing Mat

I spied with my little eye this round yellow wafer-textured thingy at a home store, I didn't know what it was. I started thinking....

What's this? Round....silicone...more weighty than I thought...I feel like I need it...Rs.250....yup, I do need it. But for what? Oh, there's a picture on the back! Okay, basically, to keep hot pans and baking dishes. That I don't need. Why don't I bake anymore? Hmmm...put it back in the hook...moving on.... we need a saucepan with a lid for making popcorn...but a light pan, so it's easier to shake-shake- shake....why don't they make enough light or pastel cooking pots and pans in this country??! Also, Floral. Vintage floral, not big big sunflowery jhatak floral. Then I'll spend more time in the kitchen! Like Bree Van de Kamp...I'll bake something French, something I can't pronounce yet... coomberfroofrount...and wear a matching floral apron....and I'll ---- 

MAKEUP BRUSH WASHING MAT!

And I ran back to one of the best things I ever discovered ;p

It's amazing, you guys! I won't have pruned fingers after washing makeup brushes anymore, and I'm actually excited to wash them more often now! Plus, the brushes come out cleaner than when I'm only using my palms.

Brands had come out with gloves and fancy mats for makeup brush washing, but those came with hefty price tags. For me, this mat is best and all I'll ever need!

How I use it: I place it in the sink, let some water fill up in those little squares, squirt some Johnson's baby shampoo, and then swirl my brushes on it. Saves so much time! I also rinse them the same way with just water. After I'm done, I rinse the mat and shake off all the water from it, and place my brushes on it for drying.

Price: Rs.250 / $4 (ONLY)

(Have you seen the Sigma mat for $32?!)

From: Lifestyle Home Centre.

If you can only buy them online, I've searched for similar ones and linked them below:

Rectangular mat ~ here

Square mat ~ here

Round mat (my favs) ~ here

♥

What do you think about this? NEED it or not?

Talk again soon & Happy Friday! =)

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Secret Brush

Oval makeup brushes.

 Once frowned upon. Howww???, they did that hand gesture. Toothbrush, they mocked.

Yes, I was one of they. Until I decided to try of of said toothbrushes....

 The Etude House My Beauty Tool Secret Brush 121 Skin

What it is: It's s synthetic brush for applying cream products, as well as powder products - no hard rules here.

What I LOVE about it: The brush blends base products effortlessly. The sponge is like a polishing tool, because my skin looks like polished wood - what I mean is 'sheen' - after I give it a good buff with this & it makes all my pores non-existent.

 The only complaint I have is that when I'm using the sponge, it sometimes comes off because it doesn't fit into the handle tightly enough. 

Real Techniques Limited Edition Eyelining Set | Deal Of The Day

Deal Of The Day

Just wanted to post this for all those who'd be interested in what I think is a pretty good deal on these Real Techniques 'Collector's Edition' brushes. 

This set come with 4 kinds of eyeliner brushes brushes & a little pouch too!

MRP: Rs.2999

Sale Price: Rs.709

Although I bought it for Rs.829 over a week ago =\

HoT NeW THiNG: Real Techniques Bold Metals Brushes In India!

HoT NeW THiNG

New Product Releases & Previews

Every Thursday 

 (For your weekend shopping list ;))

******

Real Techniques Bold Metals Collection has made an appearance in India - finally - at a reasonable price!

I've not stopped thinking about these rose gold beauties since the time they were launched

There are 3 types of brushes in the RT Bold Metals Collection ~ Gold brushes for base products, Rose Gold brushes for finishing products, and Silver brushes for eye products. I got only the Rose Gold ones, of course =D

300 Tapered Blush Brush & 301 Flat Contour Brush

Purple Glitter Eye Makeup Tutorial

Pink Glitter 'Vs' Purple Glitter = Purple got the most votes (here). So here is the tutorial....finally!

I apologize for the delay. This is the 2nd time I did this pictorial - because I didn't like the first one too much & also, I kept searching for my Inglot Duraline to use with the glitter, hoping I'd find it, only to realize I'd sold it off in a Blog Sale! So I had to go old school, so as not to delay it any further.

STEP 1: After priming lids with an eyeshadow primer, apply purple eyeshadow on lids up to your crease line.

STEP 2: Also apply purple e/s on outer half of lower lash line.

STEP 3: Take some pink e/s on a blending brush, and sweep it along the edges of the purple e/s in a window wiper motion. Run the brush along the purple line on lower lash line as well. Blending tutorial here.

STEP 4: With a pointy pencil brush, apply a brown e/s on the outer V of upper lid.

STEP 5: Shade inside the V. Take more brown e/s to intensify the color.

STEP 6: With the same pencil brush, take a lilttle bit of matte black e/s, and make a V along the inner edges of the previous brown e/s. Just a little to define the crease line a little bit more (especially if you don't have a deep crease line), coz we don't black to overpower the other colors.

STEP 7: It should look something like that.

Just Kohl Pencil Smoky Eye Makeup ~ Step-By-Step Tutorial

I've gotten quite a few requests to do a very simple look with no eyeshadow, and with a minimum number of products. So here it is!

(This is also how I start off most of my smoky eye makeup looks, whether I'm using a kohl pencil or a cream eyeshadow.)

1. When using a smudgy kohl pencil, do prime lids with an eyeshadow primer first to prevent creasing. Line outer half of top & bottom lash line. Create a wing at the corner by joining both lines. I used brown, but you can use black or any other color. The kohl just has to be one with a blendable velvety texture.

2. Line inner half of top lash line. It doesn't have to look even and neat, coz you'll be smudging it out.

3. Tightline the inner rim of top lash line right at the base of lashes and fill in any gaps.

4. Now it's time to smudge. With a fairly stiff smudger brush, start smudging the edges of the kohl to diffuse the color. *Your brush should touch ONLY the top edges of the line you've drawn, and try not to go near the roots of your lashes.

5. Gradually move the brush up to the crease line. Work with your eye shape. I have hooded lids, so I go up to where my crease is supposed to be.

6. Also smudge the lower lash line. I didn't all the way in, coz I didn't want my eyes to look smaller.

7. It should look something like that once you're done smudging.

8. A fluffy blending brush will blur out any harsh lines and correct unevenness.

9. Curl lashes & apply mascara on top and bottom lashes....and you're DONE!

More: Dab a shimmery eyeshadow on the center of your lids with your pinky finger. You could also apply a black liquid or gel liner, depending on the look you're going for. You can do anything now that you've achieved the base of any smoky eye.

*(As always, please excuse any errors in the explanations! I usually have to come back and edit.)

I used only 6 products for this look:

Too Faced Shadow Insurance Primer ~ Not shown

Bourjois Kohl & Contour Eye Pencil Brun Design ~ LOVE! Product Of The Week (look on the right sidebar of this blog)

Colorbar Smokin' Eyes Smudger Brush

Shu Uemura Gold Eyelash Curler

L'Oreal Miss Manga Mega Volume Mascara

♥

I hope you found this tutorial helpful & I will be posting the other promised Glitter Tutorial next week!

Btw, did you How I Met Your Mother fans watch the series finale? I watched it last week.

I still can't decide whether I liked the end or not, but I'm not disappointed & angry with it, like a lot of people are =D

A FB status: "I will never forgive them for how they ended HIMYM! I want to cry!!! T_T"

I wonder whom she wanted to cry for.

So! Another tv show is g-o-n-e *sighs* 

At least there's still Game Of Thrones!

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Current Beauty Favorites

Hi! If you're not following me on Instagram or my personal Facebook Page, it may seem I've been gone from the blog for a long time, and you don't know the happy news yet. Which is, we have found an apartment & we are moving in probably next week. I'm super excited, because I can't wait for life to start....and have all my things set up properly. That white fluffy things is a new rug for my dressing room.

Now let's talk favorites! Starting from the tall ones back there:

Palmolive Thermal Spa Mineral Massage Body Wash, Rs.135 ~ With thermal salts & white clay. This has got to be of my most favorite body washes. I've gone through 2 bottles since I got back to India. I just love that it smells like a holiday by the beach.

Vaseline Healthy White Complete 10 Lightening & Anti-Aging Body Lotion, Rs.175 ~ I went through many bottle of the original Healthy White Body Lotion, mainly coz I liked the smell so much. This one is a slightly more moisturizing version with anti-aging benefits, but smells the same.

Pond's Dreamflower Talcum Powder, Rs.49 ~ I previously used the purple one, which lasted forever! I decided to try this pink one, and it smells lovely, although I like the fragrance of the purple one a little bit more.

MAC Brush Cleanser, Rs.650 ~ A brush cleanser is a must-have. I was using one by Stage Cosmetics (Malaysian brand), which lasted for a long long time! There was still some left in the bottle when I discarded it in Scotland. I had to turn to MAC when I got back, because again, there's not many available here in India. It works well & cleans even the dirtiest brush in a jiffy.

H&M Makeup Brushes ~ Rose Gold & Fabulous!

I'm not that interested in Gold. I'm talking about Real Gold. Yes, I don't mind wearing it and all, but I don't have to have it, and I know nothing about it...carats-carrots and all that. But sometimes I find myself in the middle of a discussion about Midas's doom:

• "Invest in gold. Gold is a great investment!"

• "Buy gold biscuits from Thailand. They're cheap."

• "Now there's import charge on gold in India, so it costs more."

I avoid saying anything ignorant, and just nod wisely like I understand egg-jackly what they're talking about, but in my head: Shoes and makeup are also great investments, I think....Gold biscuits? Like those square chocolates in golden wrapping? Same size as Parle-G biscuits, I'm guessing....Yup, import charge on MAC cosmetics too....Umm, I don't really understand this import business....Lananana-nana....kthush!

But artificial gold stuff are a different story. Now those I find very attractive, especially when they come in the form of accessories & beauty tools, e.g. gold makeup brushes like these H&M ones that I'm so happy I spotted some days before I left UK.....

 

New Year Makeup Haul | A New Blog In The Making!

Hello Lovelies, HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope 2014 will be very very nice to all of us!  A million Thank Yous to all of you for reading my blog, and being so supportive. I couldn't have asked for better readers! ♥

We went out partying with friends last night, came home a little after 12:30 am. That's quite early, but we started at around 7:30 pm. Didn't get time to click my outfit, but I will re-wear it some day. You should have seen me run around looking for a skirt & then get ready like a hurricane! So exhausting. So much hype around NYE, then you look back and wonder why you even bothered so much.

The Last Haul in 2013:

MAC ProLongwear Blush Rosy Outlook & Paint Pot Layin' Low ~ I went to MAC in Glasgow, and picked up these two. No more MAC now until Delhi.

Sleek Makeup Blush Life's A Peach ~ I forgot I use to own Pan Tao, and was glad they're not the same.

Collection Lasting Colour Black Gel Liner ~ Comes with a tiny brush. It's creamy and pigmented so far. I had to get this yesterday, coz I'd left my Bourjois Liner Feutre Felt Liner open for a night and it dried up! >.<

Tangle Teezer Compact Styler Gold ~ A revolutionary detangling hair brush that won't tug on your hair. I LOVE! Believe the hype.

Eco Tools Sponge Applicator ~  Makeup sponge on a stick! I saw it in Boots and immediately picked it up. Yet to try it out, but I really hope I'll like it. I love the packaging with snap button. This has made me really notice Eco Tools.

Primark Egg Makeup Sponge ~ This is so cheap I had to get it.

Real Techniques Setting Brush ~ I just got this along with my LRP Effaclar Duo from Escentual last time, coz it was on sale. I like to use it to set powder in little nooks on my face, like undereyes. 

Flutter...Flutter...Butterflies Everywhere.....

11th September: I posted about 'Flutter' here.

8th October: I got a tweet- "@CZloves the butterflies brushes u r talking about from @superdrug  reduced to 6 pounds!!" from Preethi. (Thank you!)

11th October: I fluttered my wings and landed in Superdrug.

14th October: Present day. Look......

 

Look.......

To Buy OR Not To Buy? Butterfly Pink Makeup Brushes

You know I'm a sucker for cute & whimsical packaging. So when I saw these, it was instant attraction. Pink brushes with white stripes  on the handle & a butterfly printed pouch with  a birdcage zipper. Ooh, and that outer BOX! I'm not sure about the quality/softness of those brushes, but how bad can they be? I could do with another powder brush, and that tiny lip brush. 

This brand is called Flutter (cute!). They have a range of beauty accessories & tools at Superdrug

Price of this brush set: £9 | Rs.900. 

Now for the important question:

Buy or Don't buy?  

How To: Intense Smudge Proof Black Kohl Liner

So many people have complained to me about their kajals & kohls smudging, so I thought I'd post this quick & simple mini tuto to show how I do mine.

Products Used:

• Bourjois Effet Smoky Pencil in Intense Black 
• Bourjois Intense Eyeshadow #10 
• MAC 266 Angled Liner Brush.

Life With & Without Face Powders ~ A Guide

How I Fell In Love With Powder:
I had this flatmate/friend in college. She had a dusky skin tone, and her skin was flawless! Smooth and spotless, albeit major dark circles around her eyes. She loved taking care of her skin. Even before brushing her teeth in the morning, she would make a paste of besan (gramflour) and grounded nuts to wash & exfoliate her face with. I'd never have the energy for such things that early. Her mom would send her these containers of powdered nuts mixed with other powdered stuff specially made for her skin. Read between the lines here. So this girl used to put on a Lakmé Compact Powder when she went out - the puraana (old) one that came in a green packaging - and her skin would look even more flawless! I could stare at her skin for hours. I was a simple eyeliner & lipstick gal then, and that's when I decided to try out powders.

And.... a perpetual habit was born.

I've never talked about powders before, so I thought I'd do it today. Below are some of the powders I have with me right now, and I'll just talk through them and let you know my favorite and the not-so-favorite kinds, for your reference:

Loose Powders:

• Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder ~ If you feel this powder, you'll fall in love instantly. It will haunt you, until you go back to the store to buy it. That's what happened to me in Kuala Lumpur. It makes skin feel like silk. It's white because it's meant to suit all skin tones. The reason why I don't use it much is because if you use too much, it'll definitely show patches of white, especially in photos. Let's not forget it's rumored to have caused a lot of makeup mishaps for many celebs

• NARS Loose Powder in Beach ~ It's a nice setting powder, but I wouldn't buy it again.

• The Body Shop Loose Face Powder in 01 ~ This is my 2nd container, so you can imagine how much I like it. I always seem to go back to it.

• I couldn't find my Maybelline Dream Matte Powder (pics here), which is a pretty good handbag compact

• Also, MAC Blot Powder (pics here), which I'd somewhat forgotten I have until now, this moment! =\

Compact Powders:

• Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Sandstorm 004 ~ It's a nice inexpensive drugstore compact, but it's not as silky as I'd like it to be.

• MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Light Medium ~ I like this one when I'm not wearing foundation, and I want a little bit of coverage.

• Lakmé Perfect Radiance Intense Whitening Compact in Ivory Fair 01 ~ This is too yellow for my skin tone. It's also heavier than most of the compacts I've used. I was quite disappointed with it.

• Majolica Majorca Pressed Pore Powder ~ This was from a Limited Edition collection. It's my current handbag compact powder. Just a translucent compact powder. More pics and swatch here

Compact 'Vs' Loose Powders ~ I personally prefer Loose Powders, because they feel lighter and look more natural over foundation. I only use compacts for touch-ups, when I'm out.

THE BEST Loose Powder I've Ever Used: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Powder. It costs around Rs.2600, and I get why it's won most beauty awards. It contains the finest French cashmere talc, hence very smooth and lightweight. A mini version came with the Undercover Pot that I have, and I've already used up the powder before the duo concealers. It's been on my wishlist for years.

Best Way To Apply Face Powders: I prefer using a fluffy powder brush when using both loose & compact powders, because I only want a thin veil to set my foundation. When I use a powder puff, I dust off excess with a brush- preferably a soft synthetic one, like the Too Faced Powder Pouf Brush.

Picking Powder Shades: My skin has a golden undertone, so I like using powders with some yellow in them, and I avoid pinkish-looking ones. I usually go for 'Translucent' (transparent) or natural beige shades. If you have a neutral skin tone, pick beige shades. You could always mix 2 powders, if you can't find the right match. Kryolan makes a yellow loose powder that suits most skin tones, and can be mixed with beige & tan powders.

Life Without Powders: One weekend at the in-laws, I noticed that I didn't pack my The Body Shop Loose Powder + I'd also switched handbags and left my makeup pouch where my compact was at home. I felt a very withdrawal symptom kind of feeling. Clean & Clear Oil Blotting Sheets to the rescue, thankfully.

If you don't want to wear foundation, but want your skin to look radiant and fresh, try powders and see the difference!

Hope you found this post helpful. Would love to know which powders you love.

Favorite Makeup Products June '13

Hello! I feel like I haven't blogged for weeks, and it's only been 2 days! But, somehow, June seems to have gone by so whoosh whoosh, just like us unstable Geminis. I hope July will go slowly & calmly, like Cancerians, some of my favorite people! ;)

So.....here are the standout makeup products I've been loving last month.

• Sleek Makeup i-Divine Candy Palette ~ I've been mixing these bright candy colors together and wearing it over a black base. My favorite color is the 3rd pink on the bottom row- Aniseed. Swatches here

• Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation ~ It really is PERFECT! I'm so addicted to it that I put it on even when I don't have the energy to do makeup. I personally think it is better than both Healthy Mix & Revlon Colorstay foundations.

• Maybelline 24hr Color Tattoo in Timeless Black ~ This is the black base I've wearing under bright colors from the i-Candy Palette up there. I love how versatile a black color tattoo is. Must-have if you love doing smoky eyes.

• Brown Eyebrow Pencil ~ I got this from Daiso Japan store in Dubai. I. My brows are not very behaved these days, so I need a pencil to discipline them. Oh, and it's got a heart on ze cap =)

• Bourjois Bronzing Primer ~ This is genius! These days, I've been sculpting my face with it, and it looks more natural than a contouring/bronzing powder. I've swatched it here

• Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids in Shocking Coral ~ I absolutely love the color, but it tastes a little bit bitter =[

• Bourjois Color Boost Peach On the Beach ~ This crayon is now flat because I've worn it so much. I wore in a look here

•  Bourjois So Laque Rose Imaginaire #62 ~ I just adore this, it's my favorite kind of pink for nails Swatch here

•  Real Techniques Blush Brush ~ I needed a dense blush brush for my light-colored blushes & a powder brush that's not rounded/too fluffy, and gave this a try. It does both jobs nicely.

• Real Techniques Expert face Brush ~ I wanted to see what the big deal with this brush was. It was always Out Of Stock in Superdrug (where it's cheapest), and one day I got it from Boots. It's smaller than all my other buffing brushes, and gives my foundation an airbrush finish. I love that these brushes can stand up on their own because of the flat base.

• MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft And Gentle ~ I was hardly a highlighter gal, but this has made me want to explore more. It's my favorite out of all the highlighters I've used. I wear it on my cheekbones over Bourjois Bronzing Primer and a peachy blush.

♥

I also enjoyed watching this girly, funny, musical, feel-good movie - Pitch Perfect....

You might like it too!

Heart-Shaped Makeup Brushes, Anyone?

Hope you all had a good weekend. I watched a romantic movie 'Like Crazy' & a thriller psycho movie 'No One Lives', cooked black bean sauce, did some online shopping, etc etc....  and I stumbled upon these heart-shaped brushes. Oh-my-heart, I'm smitten and can't stop looking at them!

The one up there is from Ebay. Just search 'heart shaped blush brush' 

Source

Source

I think I want to get some. Or maybe I could DIY? Let's see, which brush do I hate? Nah, ♥ shape will only look good on pink bristles, so I have to get pink brushes first. Oh no, not the one on the header!

Want to see heart-shaped lipstick & blush? Please go here