MAC Archie's Girls Collection Photos & Swatches

 ♪ ♫ Sugar, ah honey honey....

       You are my candy girl.....

      And you've got me wanting you.... ♪ ♫

Even an elderly man who passed by the MAC store couldn't help singing along to the song. Then the girl standing next to me also sang quietly. I....did I sing?....I don't know. I think I was too busy swatching....Okay, I'm lying! I mixed up the lyrics in my head and before I could sing along, the chorus was over. 

Weather is still rainy today, but just a little less gloomy. I'm glad the pics didn't turn out too bad. Enjoy the pics & swatches!

Most Popular Beauty Products Right Now

These are only some of the most popular products right now. By that, I mean they're the most raved about products, and they're on every, say, 10 beauty blogger's & vlogger's  'Favorites' or 'Holygrail' list.

I wanted to add more in this collage, but I just couldn't remember any other products. It's like my mind wanted to hide them from me. No, I don't believe in all that 'ignorance is bliss' nonsense.

• Ben Nye Banana Luxury Powder (Price- Rs.400+) ~ It became an instant internet sensation when every makeup enthusiast saw Kim K's makeup artist used it to set her concealer under her eyes. He highlighted & contoured her face (not an out of the ordinary technique if you're familiar with Kevyn Aucoin's work). Now everybody on Youtube is using this powder, and contouring & highlighting like Kim K & pretend it's their original idea *sigh*.  I'm drawn to the yellow-ish shade because I used to love using a yellow Kryolan Loose Powder (do try that one if other powders make you look ashy). Btw, Inglot also have similar yellow-ish/peachy loose powders. 

• Seche Vite Top Coat (Price- Rs.500+) ~ Is it the world's finest top coat? Many beauty & nail polish junkies seem to think so. I think I want this the least out of all these products..... but I want to try it.

• La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo (Rs.950-1000 in India) ~ Since last year, I'd been looking for it & still have not got it. I've been seeing it everywhere! It's very popular in the UK. When I moved here, I started reading a few UK beauty blogs, and almost all of them are raving about this. They say it really does help clear out pimples & blemishes. I NEED IT! Always 'Out Of Stock' in Boots, btw. I have to get it online.

• Bioderma Crealine H2O (Around Rs.900 for a 500ml bottle) ~ Gentle cleanser/makeup remover. This baby has put this French brand on the map! Is it oil? Is it water? Is it oily water? I gotz to know!

• MAC Candy Yum Yum Lipstick (Price- Rs.990) ~ This bright neon pink matte lippie was a limited edition item which came out with the Quite Cute Collection in 2011. By popular demand, it is now part of the permanent line. Woohoo! I'm happy even though I got it in 2011, and have done a look with it here & swatched it here. 

• Beauty Blender Sponge (Price- around Rs.980) ~ Dampen it.... bounce it.....roll it....dab it....that's how you use it to blend face products with it for a flawless finish. It has a suede texture and its unique curves fit the contours of your face. So darn pricey for a sponge BUT everybody loves it, wants it. I want to squeeze - no, pinch - it.

• Moroccan Oil (Price- Rs.2000+) ~ This is old news, but I have not mentioned it before, so I will now. It is Moroccan Argan Oil for hair. It not only claims to make your hair healthier, it claims to reduce drying time as well. I hadn't even heard of argan oil until this came along, and now all hair care brands have copied it. BUT original is original &  first is first, okay? Nobody will care if you & I are the next people to climb Mount Everest. But good God, look at that price!

♥ 

Yes, I MUST have ALL of them! Follow the herd to greener prettier pastures.

You joining, or are you already there?

 ♥ Cynthia Z *.* 

 

November Makeup & Beauty Haul ~ Rimmel, Maybelline, L'oreal, Collection, MUA, Etc

These are most of the makeup & beauty products that I got this month, apart from the  MAC Collection & some little things that I forgot to put in these photos. Loving some of them, hating some of them.....I've included mini thoughts on a few of them here, in case they are in your wishlist.

MAC Holiday Collection Haul, Photos & Swatches

What I wore to go buy these: Mint dress, black leather jacket, black tights, black shoes, mint bow bag, mint nail polish.

What I bought: All mint-cum-black packaging [I got the pink kit a few days later, like a sensible woman.]

SA (Sales Assistant): "So, you like green, huh?"
Me: "I guess so. Look at me!"
SA: *LOL*

Later at the cash counter:

SA: "I'll give you a green shopping bag." (the silk bag with zig-zag print & bow detail.)
Me: "Oh, thanks! Err...actually, I wouldn't mind the pink one, since everything else I got is green."
SA: "Oh, alright!" *took out pink bag and put it in the MAC bag* [Wrong choice! My head screamed at me.]
Me: "Umm, sorry to trouble you, but now I want the green one."
SA: "Okay, no problem! *LOL*",  then she said to another SA: "She likes green!", and they both laughed. 

Such nice & friendly makeup store SA's here! 

Last Minute Diwali Makeup Shopping Guide

Need a guide for your last minute Diwali makeup Shopping? Here, I've selected some products that you might like. All my favorites, all affordable, all available in India.

Face:

• Foundation: Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation - For almost flawless looking skin.
• Concealer: Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Concealer. To brighten up your under eye areas, and somewhat conceal any blemishes.
• Powder: The Body Shop Loose Powder. A more affordable option is Maybelline Dream Matte Powder]

Maybelline New York Dream Cluster Review, Photos & Swatches

"Look Like A Dream"

I want that. You want that. The dream being: flawless, glowy, goddess skin. The Maybelline New York Dream range of 5 products promise to help you achieve somewhat close to that by making your skin look matte, airbrushed, poreless & gorgeously luminous skin!

For real, or is it just another dream? Let's have a look! 

• Maybelline Dream Matte Powder
• Maybelline DreamLumi Touch Concealer
• Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse Airbrush Foundation ~ I have been using & loving shade 4 & have reviewed it here
•  Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation
• Maybelline Dream Touch Blush 05 

Bourjois Flower Perfection Foundation & Loose Powder Review

I'm feeling nervous about this review. Because, I have mixed feelings about both the products. I don't believe in mixed feelings & in-between. Especially in relationships- "I don't know whether I like him or not." Wth is that?! Either you like, or you don't like. But ya, not everything is that black and white, is it? I still don't know whether I like that Virat Kohli (Indian cricketer) or not.

Bourjois Flower Perfection Youth Extension Foundation: With Wild Azalea & SPF 15. Promises velvety smooth finish for up to 16 hours.

Coverage- Medium to heavy.

Finish- Very Matte. 

Awesome packaging! Has a built-in smoothing sponge applicator that, I feel, would have been more user-friendly if it there's a tiny handle at the back (like a door). Especially if you keep long nails, it's difficult to hold it and apply without scratching your face.It smells nice & flowery. Although this is shade 53, which is the same as my Healthy Mix Foundation, it turns out out lighter (whitish) on me. It does not photograph well. I wore it in a recent look & my skin looked so patchy, I had to adjust the lighting a lot. Skin doesn't look naturally flawless, it emphasizes the tiny bumps on my nose and under eye areas, it looks like it sits on my face mocking its flaws. Keep in mind that I have oily skin, and this still made it look flaky in some areas. Having said all that, I could still use it....hopefully. 

Bourjois Flower Perfection Foundation Beige Claire #53

Pond's Dreamflower Talc For Summer

One thing I can't live without in summers is talcum powder. I sprinkle some on my underarms & neck after showers religiously. I'm currently using Pond's Magic, the purple one with the butterflies, and I love it! It smells so pretty & keeps me feeling fresh all day.

Pond's Talc range offers 4 variants:

• Pond's Dreamflower Fragrant Talc

• Pond's Magic Fragrant Talc with Acacia Honey

• Pond's Oil Control with Orange Peel Extract & Sun Protection TPI-60
• Pond's Sandal Radiance Talc with Natural Sunscreen 

 

 

Brand Of The Month ~ Bourjois

You know I love Bourjois. My good friend even jokes about my obsession with it. I think I've said "It's a brand that rarely disappoints me" before? Okay, maybe I'm making that up, coz déjà vu happens to me a lot! That feeling that I'd already done/said stuff before happens so frequently, it freaks me out sometimes (like MPD does). Anyways, I am putting Bourjois in the spotlight as:

'Brand Of The Month' 

Simply because I'm loving so many products from the brand these days. Below are some of them:

Bourjois Effet Smoky Eyeliner Pencils in Sparkling Mocha & Sparkling Emerald. Price- Rs.385 each

Sparkling Mocha, Sparkling Emerald (Aren't they gorgeous?!!) If you aren't familiar with these- they are soft pencils which can be smudged easily. I've done a review a long time back here

New Launches India ~ Maybelline & Bourjois

Just a quick post to let you know that some new temptations are in the Indian market now:

Maybelline Color Sensational Color Sensational High Shine Lipsticks ~ Just 4-5 shades were there at the store- mostly plummy-browny shades, but there's one pretty & summery & juicy coral shade- Coral Lustre, which I got. Price- Rs.399. Pic below but it looks prettier  here in my hand =)

Coral Lustre #840

Maybelline Clear Glow BB Cream & Clear Glow Compact Powder Review

Have you seen how Maybelline India advertised the Clear Glow BB Cream?

"The answer to WTF"

First time I saw it, I thought it means something else. You know what. Of course, it didn't make any sense.

But they actually mean "Women Take Forever". The answer to women take forever.

I think it's pretty clever. 

About Maybelline BB Cream: 

They decided to call it  Bright Benefit cream, instead of Blemish Balm. Claims to provide 8 benefits: 

• Instantly brightens : Brightens skin to one tone lighter.
• Protects with SPF 21/ PA+++ : Has a smooth, light & non-greasy texture.
• Evens tone : Hides imperfections & corrects uneven skin tone.
• Hydrates : Moisturises all day(8 hours).
• Conceals : Perfectly conceals flaws, blemishes & redness.
• Smoothes : Instantly makes skin softer & smoother.
• Mattifies : Controls shine all day.
• Freshens : Resists sweat & sebum for 5 hours.

Available in 3 shades: Nude, Radiance, Natural.

Revlon Colorstay Aqua Mineral Finishing Powder Review

Have you ever used a cooling powder that is not Dermicool? I have been using one- Revlon Revlon Colorstay Aqua Mineral Finishing Powder.  It's a cool/wet powder, which is somewhat similar to the MAC Magically Cool Liquid Powder.

About:

NEW ColorStay Aqua Mineral Finishing powder is a translucent mineral finishing powder that delivers a burst of hydrating coconut water and an instant cooling sensation upon application. This revolutionary mineral finisher sets foundation and minimizes the look of pores and fine lines, leaving skin even and smooth. Specially formulated longwearing ColorStay technology provides a shine-free soft matte finish that lasts all day. Best of all, this weightless loose powder keeps skin looking healthy and flawless. 

• Instant hydration with coconut water
• Sets makeup for a shine-free finish
• Wears all day
• Soft matte formula made with water, not oil., so there’s no shine
• SPF 13
• Wear alone or with Colorstay Aqua Mineral Makeup
• Available in 4 shades: Translucent, Translucent Light, Translucent Light Medium, Translucent Medium.

Here, I am showing you Translucent Light, which is just right for my skin tone. 

Products For DIY Bridal Makeup

Hey everyone,

I know my Bridal Series is hanging in limbo. It's going to come to an abrupt end since I've got so many things to do before Christmas + I'm leaving for vacay right after that. But I want to do a couple more posts to end the series properly. Fingers crossed!

Below are the makeup products I'd use on my wedding day- if I were doing my own makeup. I'd be wearing a pink lehnga with gold embellishments, so I picked the colors accordingly:

Face:

• Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Oil Free
• Make Up For Ever HD Foundation
• YSL Touche Eclat to brighten up the undereye areas
• MAC Studio Finish Concealer to conceal blemishes
• MAC Chromagraphic Pencil for spot concealing
• The Body Shop Loose Powder
• MAC Sculp & Shape Powder to contour & highlight
• Benefit Bella Bamba
• Benefit Hoola 
• MAC Fleur Power Blush
• MAC Fix+ Finishing Spray to set makeup. For me, this works best at this time of year when my skin is drier.

Other long-wear foundations:

Revlon Colorstay Foundation, MAC Pro Longwear Foundation, MAC Studio Sculp Foundation. 

Other Blush suggestions: Colorbar Peachy Rose & Just Earth, MAC Dollymix, MAC Peaches, Nars Orgasm, Benefit Coralista, Bourjois Lilas D'or, Lakme Earth Rose Trio Blush, Lakme Cheek Artist Kiss Of A Rose (Visit the Blush Bar for swatches)

Majolica Majorca Pressed Pore Cover Powder Review

Majolica Majorca Pressed Pore Cover Powder is another cutie from the brand's Sugary Trap Collection.

The pressed powder is enclosed in a mint green compact case with a pretty 3D design on top.

Revlon India Launches PhotoReady Range

Revlon’s new PhotoReady collection is a revolutionary product line that uses photochromatic pigments to blend, reflect and diffuse light to provide full, yet undetectable coverage. It is designed to perform under harsh lighting and high definition conditions.

Indoors, outdoors and everywhere in between, the PhotoReady line of makeup, powder compact makeup and concealer provides poreless, airbrushed skin in any light.  The professionally designed formula and shades are tested under the harshest lights and high-definition camera lens, resulting in the appearance of flawless skin whether under indoor fluorescent lighting or full outdoor sunlight.

It contains photochromatic pigments that blend and reflect light to help erase every flaw. The light-diffusing formula gives complete yet virtually undetectable coverage, while also preventing further sun damage with SPF 20 for makeup, compact makeup & concealer and SPF 14 for Powder.

Bourjois Bio Detox Powder + Fast & Perfect Rotating Mascara

There's more to come from my all-time favorite brand, Bourjois. First is an addition to the Bio-Detox family, that already consists of a foundation & concealer, Bio-detox Organic Perfecting Powder. I've tested some samples of Bio Detox Foundation, but I didn't like it enough to buy it yet (I prefer to test foundations in summer), and plus, I want to check out the Healthy Mix Serum/Gel Foundation first and then decide which one to buy. I hope people who lol when I say I'm a sensible shopper are reading this.

What it is:

This powder is formulated with 100% natural ingredients. It mattifies the complexion, imperfections are erased, and pores are refined.

Its formula is enriched with plant chlorophyll oxygenating and anti-pollution and purifies the skin contains flaxseed powder to absorb shine without clogging pores

Its ultra fine texture, micronized, guarantees a perfect and natural results with no thickness.

The panoramic mirror, rotate 360 degrees, provides optimal application

- Formula is non-comedogenic, non-occlusive, non-drying

- Contains purifying Moringa Seeds

- Dermatologically tested

Available in 6 shades ~ 51, 52, 54, 55, 56, 57

Say whaaat??! Rotating Mascara?! That's right, Bourjois Fast & Perfect Mascara is a self- rotating mascara that claims to give false lash effect in 30 seconds.  Its high volume resistance formula respects sensitive eyes, contains natural waxes, a complex derivative of jojoba oil and vitamin E. 

Remember I mentioned my favorite way of applying mascara here ? Well, if I get my hands on this mascara, maybe I wouldn't have to work so hard on my lashes anymore! :)

You don't have to say anything anymore, Bourjois. I'm already sold. Both times. Bourjois India better get these here fast!

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

Change Of a Lipstick : 2 Everyday Looks

These are my 2 favorite everyday looks. Same makeup in both, except for the lips. See how a lipstick can change your whole look!

In both looks: 

Face ~ Revlon Colorstay Mineral Mousse, Body Shop Loose Powder, Mac Chromagraphic Pencil to conceal blemishes, YSL Touche Eclat under my eyes, brow bone, Sides of the nose & chin

Cheeks ~  Mac Peaches Blush applied below the apples of the cheeks and blended up to the hairline

Eyes: UDPP to prime. I just used MAC Satin Taupe eyeshadow all over my lids & lower lash line, then I applied a dark brown eyeshadow from the Bourjois Smoky Eyes Trio Nude Ingenue on the outer corners of my lids and outer half of my lower lash line. Bourjois Smoky Eyes Pencil in Smoked Brown to line my upper lash line and then I used the brush to smudge it. I did the same on my lower lash line. To tightline upper lash line, I used IN2IT Gel Liner Pencil. Then I applied 3 coats of Maybelline The Colossal Volum' Express Mascara on top & bottom lashes.

*(Click on links for swatches & reviews)

Note: The Revlon Colorstay Mineral Mousse 030 Light is a tad lighter than my skin tone, coz they were selling only two (TWO!) shades here, and the other one was too dark for me. So my point is, it's going to look a little whitish in flash photography (it was a gloomy day), especially since it has SPF.  

Look 1:

Classic & simple. Goes really well with a white coat. Here, I used MAC Patisserie Lipstick

Valentine's Day Look & Outfit

I hope you all had a lovely Valentine's day. I had fun, although the sudden change of weather here in Delhi spoiled my 'pink' plans a little bit. Anyways, on to my V-Day look....

Makeup:

Face- MUFE HD Foundation, Body Shop Loose Face Powder, YSL Touche Eclat

Cheeks- Inglot Cream Blush #84, Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Rose to highlight cheekbones

Lips- MUFE Rouge Artist Intense #32

Eyes- UDPP, Nyx Jumbo Pencil Milk as base, Shimmery white eyeshadow all over lids & inner corners, Pink & Blue eyeshadows from LA Colors Circus palette , MAC Petrol Blue Pearlglide Intense Eye Liner, Revlon Beyond Natural Long Volumizing Eyelashes

Romantic Look Of The Day

I'm wearing this look today & think it looks 'romantic'. Though I'm feeling far from romantic hehe...

I'll do a breakdown of this look in case you're thinking about wearing a similar look...and hey, Valentine's Day is right around the corner! ♥

Face:

Mac Prep+Prime Line Filler as base

Revlon Colorstay Mineral Mousse Foundation

The Body Shop Loose Face Powder

Mac Cremeblend Blush in So Sweet, So Easy

New Bourjois Healthy Mix Range

Looks like Bourjois has come up with some new products carrying the Healthy Mix tag:

• Healthy Mix Serum - A gel foundation
• Healthy Mix Bonne Mine Loose Powder ~ Matte finish powder made with 96.8% natural formula
• Kabuki Brush ~ With goat hair

 Healthy Mix Loose powder is available in 2 shades: 51 For Fair to Medium Skin & 56 For Dark and Tanned Skin

My Healthy Mix Foundation is almost over, so I guess I better wait for the gel one now.

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^