Loving The Smashbox Superstars

Meet the Smashbox collection of superstar products ~ all in  portable travel sizes to give you a flawless face at home or on the go! 

These are cult favorites and the most popular Smashbox products, which include:

• Bionic Mascara in Jet Black
• Reflection High Shine Lip Gloss
• O-Glow Intuitive Cheek Color
• Photo Finish Foundation Primer
• Fusion Soft Lights in Baked Starburst 

It also comes with a Smashbox make-up artists booklet (which I've misplaced) of very interesting & useful makeup tips! I learnt quite a few things from it =)

I am in love with all these products from the Smashbox TRY ME Vol.2 Superstars, especially the Photo Finish Primer & O-Glow. 

I bought this for about Rs.2430, which I think is not bad for 5 products. Since I've never tried any Smashbox stuff, I'm happy I got this coz I get to try a bunch of products all at once.

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

How To Tightline Your Eyes (tutorial) & The Actress I Learnt it From

Tightlining still confuses people. I still see "What did you mean by tightline??" comments on Youtube and blogs. Tightlining is when you apply eyeliner right onto the base of your upper lash line to give the appearance of thicker lashes and is a method used for most "no-makeup" looks.

I learnt to tightline my eyes back in the year 2000, when the movie 'Jungle' came out (Don't laugh! ;p) You know, the one with Urmila and Fardeen Khan? I loved that movie! I watched it about 4 times back then haha...

So, I was watching it and thought to myself, Urmila has no makeup on (coz she's a hostage in a jungle and all), but her eyes still look dark as though she has eyeliner on. How come?
I went close to the TV and stared at her eyes for a long time.
Ohhh...I get it! They applied eyeliner just on the inside! Yup,"the inside" was my exact thought. I was too much of a novice to think "lash line" and such words at the time.
From then on I started applying eyeliner there. I didn't know the term 'tighlining' until a few years ago.
*Now I don't know if I should send a 'Thank You' note to RGV or Urmila =D

Anyways, here's how I do it....

First, which type of eyeliners to use for tightlining:
Gel, pencil, kajal.
Gel~ With a flat/angled brush
Pencil & Kajal ~ Directly or with a flat/angled brush

~ With Pencil ~

Apply right on the roots of your lashes. You can also coat your lashes with it a little to make your lashes look darker.

~ Using a Brush ~

• Push the brush right onto the base of your lashes. Fill in all the gaps
• Use a Q-tip to wipe off any smudges outside your lash line.
• If you have very thin lashes like mine, apply a coat of not-so-volumizing mascara on your lashes, concentrating on the base. On your lower lashes too if you want.

Optional : 1. Using an eyelash curler before mascara, 2. Putting false lashes (natural looking ones OR individuals), 3. Applying mascara on your bottom lashes.

Don'ts

• Avoid pulling and tugging at your eyes to prevent premature wrinkles and sagging. Instead tilt your head back so you can see the base of your lashes. If it's absolutely necessary for you to lift your lid, then use a Q-tip instead of your fingers. It's gentler for your delicate eye areas. 
• If using a pencil, avoid applying in a haphazard way coz this might break or damage your lashes Use short strokes instead and try to apply in one direction.
• Don't use a liquid eyeliner. It is not safe for the insides of your eyes, and it won't last anyways.

I hope this is a helpful tutorial. Feel free to ask any questions.


♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

Wanted ~ Bourjois Volumizer Mascara

Killer volume, no clumps guaranteed!

Boy, do we want that! Always.

I adore Bourjois for never passing on gimmicky. MAC came out with its Haute & Naughty Mascara, and now it's their turn to try and up the ante with something similar ~ VOLUMIZER Mascara.

It works in 2 steps to build up to 11x more volume, clump-free.

Step 1: For extremely defined lashes with 2x more volume

Step 1+ 2: For dramatic lashes with upto 11x more volume with no clumps. Ultimate show-stopping lashes!

Enriched with fortifying and repairing ceramide, natural waxes and provitamin B5, it is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers (Opthalmologically tested)

To say I want this would be an understatement.

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

Beauty Buys From Malaysia ~ Part 2

Looking less, isn't it? =(  I think I got more shoes, bags, jewelry and clothes this time for a change :)

But 1 more day baby! And duty-free tomorrow *wink wink*

Can't wait to be back in India...I'm dying to eat authentic Indian food!!!

Last year's haul here 

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

Maybelline Hello Kitty Volume Express Cat Eyes Mascara Review

Who likes Hello Kitty? 

I do.... I do!

One of the first things I bought here is the Maybelline Hello Kitty Cat Eyes Mascara. It comes in such a cute packaging...pink with black Hello Kitty prints all over. Me likes!

A comb-like brush for even application. I loved the discontinued Lash Stylist that also had a comb brush, so this is a replacement of that for me.

It gives a decent amount of volume and length

I read this somewhere ~ "No, it's not a mascara for cats" LOL =D

Rating ~ ♥♥♥♥♥

Price ~ RM 29.90 (Rs.450 approx.)

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

Bourjois Elastic Mascara ~ Hit or Miss?

What it claims:

130% more visible length. All the short and fine ones are lengthened to the max and smoothly coated from root to tip thanks to an innovative stretchable formula that form extensions beyond the tip of lashes.

Enriched with hevea from the rubber tree, the formula stretches your lashes upto 130% beyond their natural length.

What's more, this high tolerance formula, enriched with natural waxes is suitable for sensitive eyes and easy to remove with polymers specially selected for their water affinity.

Tips on how to apply this mascara: Apply with large and slow gestures, that follow the lash from root to tip. This makes it possible to stretch the formula beyond the tip of lashes and to spread it evenly, with no clumps or sticky effect.

Price ~ Rs.550

The Brush (How scary-looking is that?!)

Review:

Long story short, I don't like it! 130% bogus. Never have I found a mascara that makes my lashes so uneven. You'll see for yourself in the pics below.

The first time I tried this mascara, a lil' bit got in my eye and "Oh, my eye! My eye!" (Joey Tribbiani moment) It stung real bad! And they said suitable for sensitive eyes =[

Every time the "formula" somehow settles and clumps at the base of my lashes while I'm applying, which makes the whole process very clum(p)sy. 

With Elastic Mascara (2 coats) & Without (bare-ly lashes)

Full-on Unevenness 

Tell me, do you see any increase in length? 

I don't know what else to say, and what to do with it now.

Rating ~ ♥♥♥♥♥

Too harsh? Okay, ♥♥♥♥♥. Nah....forget it. 

Does it even matter? =D

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

Sheer Cover Minerals Photos

This is for all those who've asked me what I think about Sheer Cover. This is my friend's and I have not used it personally, but she does like it a lot. And I must admit, I was quite impressed with the packaging and all the extra free stuff that came along with it, including a compact lipgloss/eyeshadow palette, small kabuki brush in a black satin pouch, etc.

Sheer Cover is quite *hot* in my hometown. Women order it and impatiently wait for its arrival! =D


What people I know who use it have to say about it:

• "It gives a natural look"
• "It covers all dark spots and patches"
• Everything is *sooo* cute! :)

The following photos are of Sheer Cover ~ Medium

New Bourjois Launches India

If you love Bourjois, you gotta love it even more for not taking *too* long to launch their nouveau products in India.

Here are the products that Bourjois will be launching very very soon. And yes, I want them all, so I am VERY excited!

Sweet Kiss Naturel Lipsticks

They will be priced at Rs.600 each

Lakme Summer Collection 2010 ~ Night Fever By Suneet Verma

Lakme Summer 2010 Collection Night Fever aims to provide an enchanting experience for women who enjoy dressing up at night, regardless of the occasion! The colors are deep and dynamic, and the textures are silky and light for that glamorous look.

Enrich Satin Lip Color (Rs.225)

Richly pigmented lip color that feels like a coat of luxurious satin, sunscreen, vitamins and olive extracts leave you with the softest, smoothest lips ever! In indulgent shades of wine, chocolate, burgundy and fuschia.

Bourjois Volume Glamour Utra Care Mascara ~ Review & Swatch

Description:

Ultra volume for sensitive eyes

Its ultra volumising formula coats lashes from root to tip andprotects them against harsh external factors (pollution, rubbing, air conditioning).

Enriched with regenerating and nourishing cotton and sweet almond oils, it has been specially formulated for sensitive eyes.

Its brush that applies so softly thanks to its rounded shape and ultra-soft fibres, gently coats lashes to build volume without clumping.

Result: after only 3 weeks of use, lashes are visually stronger and more resistant, as if nourished from within*

*Clinical test on 22 women with sensitive eyes, of which 7 contact lens wearer

Another Bourjois Haul =)

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation #53

So Delicate Lip Cream ~ Rose Poudre 51 (Rs.575)

I already had 3 of these and I love them so much. When I swatched Rose Poudre at the store, I couldn't believe I chose Rose Veloute (which looks a little dull on me) over it the first time.  

New in Bourjois.....O-M-G!!!

Rose Exclusif Gloss

A transparent lip gloss that changes into your very own pink color once it comes in contact with your lips! Depending on your pH, it can turn to a pale pink to an intense pink.

(Reminds of Too Faced Mood Swing)

Mascara Guard - My first Video

Hi all,

I'm just trying out my Windows Movie Maker, so this video is...well...not great and you'll see some 'klutziness.' Initially, I meant to make it for myself, watch and then delete-delete, but somehow I ended up editing it :)

And yeah, I'm showing my Mascara Guard, which some of you want to know more about. It's not what I would've chosen to demonstrate in my first video. but what the hell.. :D

P.S: That's L'oreal Extra Volume Collagene mascara btw.

Any suggestions for my future videos???

Have a lovely weekend everyone :)

♥ DBA ^_^

Mircoz Lash Lengthening Formula Review

What it says: The Pro-vitamin B enriched formula cares for your lashes, enhancing their natural appearance. It acts as a conditioner that bonds to your lashes, feeding them the nutrients they need to grow long and lustrous.

I used it with Maybelline Volum' Express Hypercurl Mascara (Waterproof)

Left eye- Just two coats of the mascara (Omg! Look how tiny! lol..)

Usage Directions:

1. First apply mascara on lashes
2. Apply Mircoz White Fibre at the tip of lashes
3. Finish by applying mascara. Repeat the steps for more dramatic result.

Pros:

• Gives longer thicker lashes
• Great alternative to falsies
• You can make your lashes as 'long' as you want

Cons:

• Time consuming
• Messy. Fibres get into the eyes and fly all over the face
• Gets a bit clumpy
• My eyes get irritated and itch with it, but they are extremely sensitive to begin with.

Buy again? Nope. Not worth another Rs.1100. I'd rather use falsies or pile on the mascara, and I don't think it'll run out anytime soon anyways.


♥ DBA ^_^

Mascaras

My top 3

1. Bourjois Volume Clubbing Ultra Black Mascara(Rs.450) - This is, by far, the best mascara I've ever used. If you want volume without the clumps, worry about smudges, and have sensitive watery eyes, especially when you're out partying all night, then this is THE ONE. The brush is quite big, so it'll take some practice to manoeuvre with it.

2. Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara(Rs.610) - This mascara really gives the said "false lash effect" and you can layer as many coats as you want when it's still wet. Sometimes it really feels like I've got falsies on when I blink. The brush is easy to handle too

3. Maybelline Lash Stylist Mascara - You can't go wrong with this one because of the comb-like brush and you get just the right amount of volume and length. The comb has quite pointy bristles so you have to be careful not to prick your eyes while applying, as it happened with me many times. Pfff!!! But you'll forget about these occasional pricks once you see the results. When I used this, some people have asked me if I was wearing false lashes. 
***Found out after I had already posted this that it is discontinued T_T

Tip: Always curl your lashes before applying mascara. This makes it easier for you to get the roots and curled lashes appear longer which really opens up the eyes. And if you want to apply more than one coat, don't let your lashes dry before you apply more coats and it's better to do one eye at a time.

 ***I got all these mascaras in waterproof formulas.***