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Showing posts with label Primers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Primers. Show all posts

4/27/15

The 'Secret' I Add In Foundations


"The best things are discovered by accident."
~ Anonymous.

****

When that quote becomes popular, I'm gonna say "I'm Anonymous! I'M ANONYMOUS!!!" (I my head, I'm running after people who are not listening to me....and then I stumble & fall on my face.)

BUT I probably won't, because it's so.....it's so.....it's so! Let's just leave it at that.

5/6/14

Great Discoveries From Deborah Milano ~ Haul & Swatches

Hi, everyone! Hope you're all doing well. I went to Lifestyle yesterday, and after rounding almost every makeup counter, I ended up in Deborah Milano and I didn't want to move on to another counter....or come back home, for that matter. I was so impressed with the unique products they have launched! In my fantasy land, I walked flew out of the store (glitter wings & tiara, of course!) with more than 10 products. But in my real land, I walked out (like a duck in my ballet flats) with 3.....

3/14/14

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.

1/12/14

Maybelline Baby Skin & Master Kajal Oriental Gold

Here are 2 newly launched Maybelline products that are part of my last UK haul. I thought I'd post quick pics & swatches in between the other last UK activities that have taken a toll on me lately (but packing going well so far)

Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser ~ Lightweight primer for smooth, poreless looking skin. The first ingredient in this is Dimethicone (silicone), which usually breaks my skin out, but I'm thinking about using it minimally only on my large pores near the sides of my nose, fine lines on undereyes and frown lines, so let's see! *fingers crossed* . Price: £5.99 | Rs.607. *Only For Adults! =)
Maybelline Master Kajal Kohl Liner in Oriental Gold ~ Cream-stick liner. I think I'm gonna love this one! It is available in Pitch Black & Lapis Blue as well. Price: £7.99 | Rs.810.
I got them both from Superdrug. Buy 1, Get 2nd half off.
Swatches ~ Baby Skin, Oriental Gold Kajal

1/7/14

MAC Pro Longwear Blush Rosy Outlook | Paintpot Layin' Low

Q.  Hey, whatcha up to?
A.  Oh, you know, just Layin' Low and paintpotting a Rosy Outlook.
Q.  Huh?
A. I mean, I'm just MAC-ing.

Q.  Macking?

A. Yup. Just spending the day with MAC.

Q.  Who the hell is Mack?!


******

If you giggled at that a little bit, play this song - Return Of The Mack - stand up, hang your hair down, swing your hips & arms from side to side for 1 minute (or more), and then sit down again and continue reading...........
MAC Pro Longwear Blush Rosy Outlook ~ Light Yellow Pink, Matte Finish. Ever since I started getting hooked to MAC Cream Soda Blush, I've had a penchant for light blushers - shades that look kind of faded. So, I was drawn to this blush the moment I laid eyes on it. The texture is soft & smooth, and it colors my cheeks a subtle youthful pink that's always wearable. I prefer dotting & swirling it on my cheeks with my fingers, and then blending with a brush. It does live up to it's 8-hour wear claim, at least in this cold winter.
Price ~  £20 | Rs.2046.

10/15/13

Bourjois Happy Light Primer, Foundation, Concealer ~ Disappointing!

You know I love Bourjois, and I'm quite loyal to it. But this time, I have no praises for their new releases ~ Happy Light. I got the Matte Primer, Foundation & Concealer, and they just.don't.work.right.
  
Bourjois Happy Light Serum Primer Matte: There are 2 types of primers- Matte & Luminous. Luminous is for dry skin, Matte for oily skin. In a nutshell, it flakes if applied over a moisturizer and does so even more when I work Happy Light Foundation over it. When worn without a moisturizer, it looks okay and does mattifies my skin, but emphasizes dry areas. The thing that still makes it useable is, it doesn't have that pore-clogging silicone feel and it does minimizes the look of pores & makes skin feel smoother. I may have to find a super special way to wear this to make it work better, Price: £6.99 | Rs.696.

Bourjois Happy Light Foundation #52 Beige Claire: I was confused between 53 and 52. I swatched both on my neck and asked a Superdrug SA which one suited me better. She picked the darker one- 53. I agreed, but then in the end I trusted my own instinct and picked the lighter one. Boy, did I make the right choice! Because this foundation turns darker & orange-ish when you spread it on your skin. It's a very sheer foundation with next to zero coverage, but I expected that. The deal breaker is it turning orange. Price: £7.99 | Rs.794.

Bourjois Happy Light Concealer #21 Ivoire: There were 2 shades available at Superdrug. I picked the one that's more yellow-toned (the other was pinkish). The texture is thick and creamy, so it has a tendency to look cakey if not blended well. The shade is too light for both my undereye areas & spots, but I knew that when I bought it. I will use this to shape and define my brows. Price: £6.99 | Rs.696.

9/27/13

New Bourjois Products @ Introductory Prices

I have to tell you that the Superdrug store I go to all the time has had a makeover, and was looking so swanky with laminate flooring, parallel aisles that look super duper organized. Oh, and new baskets! Small, black with silver handles. It felt like Sephora (Kuala Lumpur). On top of all that, it had my most-awaited new Bourjois products - the Happy Light Primers!

9/24/13

Pond's White Beauty BB Cream ~ Why It Is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!




What do you immediately, almost instinctively, do when you really really like a face cream? Me, I do a few things:
One: I think "Really? Is it as good as I think?"
Two:  I search for the box it came in, so I can read the fine print.
Three: I'll over-use it, daring it to slap my face with a blemish.
If I were still single, I'd probably do the same if I really really like a guy =D {Fine Print = Facebook profile & Google.}
For the past 3 weeks, the product under my 3-step scrutiny is Pond's White Beauty BB+Fairness Cream.
Pond's White Beauty BB+Fairness Cream is formulated with GenWhite Formula enriched with:
Vitamin B3 - Pond’s signature ingredient, helps to reduce and control melanin accumulation on the skin.
Vitamin E – A potent fat soluble anti-oxidant to neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals which can trigger melanin production which leads to darker skin.
Allantoin – Recognized as an anti-inflammatory by US FDA found in the comfrey plant and helps to reduce processes that can lead to increased pigmentation .
Advanced Superior Sunscreen Protection SPF 30 PA++ - Helps to protect against skin tanning and photo ageing.

7/31/13

NEW! L'Oreal Skin Perfection For Pixel-Perfect Skin

Spotted! New L'Oreal skin care range in fuchsia pink-cum-white packaging. Named Skin Perfection, the range claims to Pixel-perfect your skin.
What interested me most was the Magic Touch Blur, a silky pore minimizing primer. I tested it on my hand and it feels different from all the other products like it that I've tried. It was thicker, felt less greasy, and made the back of my hand look smoother and plumped up. What stopped me from getting it was the Dimethicone in it, which breaks out my skin. Although I'm still tempted to try it.
The BB Cream is available in 2 shades- Fair & Medium. I thought it felt similar to the Garnier Original, but it's probably different.
All priced at £8.66 to £11.32 |  Rs.800-900 in Superdrug.



6/4/13

Bourjois Bronzing Primer ~ Incredible!

Bourjois nailed it! This is the first cream bronzer I've ever used, and I don't think I'll want to use any other cream bronzer- or any other primer, for that matter. It's that Incredible!
Bourjois Bronzing Primer has a mousse-like texture, but it feels a little more moist than mousse-to-powder foundations, and more moisturizing than all those silicone-packed clear primers. The first ingredient is Dimethicone, which usually causes my skin to break out (cystic pimples), but even after over-using & over-layering it greedily, I haven't seen any of the dreadful things (touch wood!)
It's made with cocoa beans and orange blossom elixir for radiance and hydration. It smells delicious- like chocolate, and I think a little bit coconutty.
It blends so effortlessly- like whoosh whoosh and it's gone. It does not darken my skin tone or make it look muddy, it only adds a bit of sun-kissed holiday bronze. It evens out the texture of my skin, and makes it feel plumper.
How To Use It: Although it's a primer, I prefer to use it over foundation. I apply with fingers, as well as a contouring brush, like the Sigma F05 (which sheds crazily when used with cream products). I actually want to gift it its own special brush, because it's so good to me. 
[Click to enlarge]
If you were expecting to see a  face swatch, don't worry. I'll probably be wearing it in all my looks from now onwards.... until you get tired of seeing it- just like my The Body Shop Honey Bronzing Powder  =D

Price ~ £6.99 | Rs.607
My Rating ~  ♥♥♥♥♥ 5/5.

I doubt it's been launched in India, but it won't be long.

I'm addicted to it! Really, who needs Nutella?



5/9/13

RAVE! La Roche-Posay Effaclar

I want to RAVE about my La Roche-Posay Effaclar products before I repurchase them. Look how much of that astringent I've used up! The Duo will also be empty in a few days.
Before I started using these 2 products, I was getting pimples frequently, and I thought, 'adult acne'. It was frustrating, and you may have seen me trying my best to conceal one here
[Please Note: Skin care products work differently on everybody, and although these work for me, they may not work for you.]
My Skin Type: Combination, acne-prone, dry patches in some areas.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Lotion Astringent Micro-Exfoliant ~ This is a clarifying lotion. It helps to unblock and reduce the appearance of pore size, due to the combination of cleansing agents and micro-exfoliant LHA (Google LHA to learn about it, okay?) To use: dampen cotton with it, and apply gently to face, avoiding eye contour. I am telling you, this is the stuff to use if you wear foundation regularly and you want your skin to feel super clean. Face wash doesn't really clean your skin properly. It has alcohol, but it does not dry out my skin.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo ~ Described as Corrective & Unclogging Anti-Imperfection Care that reduces the appearance of imperfections and unclogs sebum-blocked pores. This is a light moisturizer, that is not at all greasy. Sometimes, for 2-3 mins after I've applied it, my face starts itching like crazy, but then it stops. Weirdly, this itching happens in UK more, and I don't remember it happening in India. Maybe it's the cold? I don't know.
*Both are Paraben-Free. Please visit the La Roche-Posay website if you need to see the ingredients list.
 
How I Use Them: [Night: Both.]  | [Morning: Just the Effaclar Duo, after I've splashed my face with only water.] 

Why They Are Awesome:
  • For the first time, I got compliments (in my mother tongue) like "Your skin looks watery (meaning:dewy)" when I wasn't wearing any makeup at all!  
  • Almost all the pimple scars from last year are gone.
  • Now I feel okay not putting on foundation when I go out. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying my skin is perfect, I still have other issues to conceal, but it looks healthier. 
  • My face is baby bottom smooth now. I used to feel little invisible bumps on the sides of my face, but now they gone! And yes, they do reduce the appearance of pores.
  • I started using these in February. I have had maybe 3 small/minor breakouts since then (touchwood!)
  • I've ditched night creams, scrubs (I used one recently and my skin couldn't handle it, so I got 2 tiny short-lived pimples). These are the only products I've been using on my skin, apart from cleansing oil, face wash & eye cream.
  • I know it's mainly because of my attire and makeup, but I want to show off that a Scottish guy thought I was 18-19 years old =D (as if!) Oh, it happened at a bar, and he he was quite drunk, haha!

Will They Suit Dry Skin? I think they would, because my dry/flaky patches are almost gone, and my skin actually feels more hydrated from within, rather then oily/combination. I'd suggest you try the astringent, because it exfoliates the rubbish that prevents the skin from glowing.

Prices:
  •  La Roche-Posay Effaclar Lotion Astringent Micro-Exfoliant ~ £9.35 | Rs.776
  •  La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo ~ £11.05 | Rs.918
They are available in India. Check online stores for better deals.

My Rating ~ ♥♥♥♥♥♥ 6/5 

Any skin care products you're loving this much?

P.S. See? None Review wasn't so bad, was it? Although this is an exception, coz it's skin-related ;) 



1/22/13

Most Used Beauty Products ~ January '13

I almost didn't publish this even after I've written everything. I don't know, I'm a very unstable person. I clicked this pic last week, and put my used products...then I realized I'd forgotten to put my shampoo & conditioner, a nail polish....a couple more things. Oh, well.

Anyways, these are my most-used products this month....

  • L'oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil ~  I got sucked into buying this after I saw the ad on tv while watching HIMYM one night (watch it here). It was so enticing, I watched it with my mouth open, and couldn't stop thinking about it until I purchased it (...at the cheapest price, too.) TRUTH: After using it, I found out "Extraordinary" is stretching it a bit. It is  a flowery-smelling hair serum-cum-heat-protector, that has helped the tips of my hair look less brittle, but I don't find it detangling enough. I use it before washing my hair,  before & after blow-drying. I'd still use it, but I sure wouldn't buy it again.



  • Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream ~ Been wearing this almost everyday for over a month now. Not only for review purposes, but because I don't hate it. Review is coming shortly.


  • Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter Candy Apple ~ To be honest, I've been wearing this as a lip balm too just because it's always in the kitchen. Review & Swatches here

  • Max Factor 2000 Calorie Curved Brush Mascara ~ LOVE this. It lengthens, it volumizes, it curls. It is definitely better than the False Lash Effect Mascara.

  • Benefit Benetint Lip & Cheek Stain ~ Product Of The Week! Before, I used to wonder what the big deal is with this lip & cheek tint. Now I get it! It's a rose-tinted stain that makes me look blooming (you know, like youthful sweet 16 type...almost). It makes lips look really kissable. Really, I'd want to kiss my own lips hehe.  You know how some lip tints gather up unevenly where your lips meet? That never happens with Benetint. This is a generous sample size that I got free with Marie Claire mag, but I will definitely buy a full size when it's finished. 

  • Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette ~ I've been using this palette almost everyday  this month. Probably the same neutral look as well. Review & Swatches here


  • The Body Shop Lily Cole Compact Mirror ~ Because I don't have a big mirror for makeup application, I need one I can hold close to me when applying mascara. This is awesome because it's got a magnifying mirror on one side. Btw, The Body Shop UK is putting this & other good stuff on SALE, so do check it out. I've made good use of it myself. My haul here


What are your most-used beauty products this month?

♥ Cynthia Z *.*

10/10/12

The Body Shop All-In-One BB Cream 01 Review [Edited]

Sorry for posting so late! It's almost quarter past 5 pm over here, and I was hesitating to post this. But.....
Since so many of you were waiting eagerly for this review, I put it it at the top of my to-do list. Also, I want you to read it asap, coz I guess most if you ladies must have just gotten your paychecks a few days back & all ready to pounce on all the new beauties on the block ;)
What it is: A white BB Cream that changes color once it touches your skin, and adapts to your skin tone. A little flag next to it in the stores read "No.1 Selling Product in Indonesia". They mean in The Body Shop store, I'm assuming. 
* BB stands for Blemish/Beauty Balm. Please read more about the purpose of BB Creams here
Shade: I am using 01. I picked 02 the first time, coz in my hurry to buy it I just saw 02 & 03, not knowing there's also a shade #01! I reached home, and googled. Found swatches, and saw 02 looked pinker than 01, so I decided to go exchange it while it's still sealed. Unfortunately, 01 wasn't in stock for weeks (even on the day I bought it), so I got my cash back & returned the BB Cream. Long story short: 01 was finally in stock and....and.... I got it for a little bit cheaper than the first time coz  of some discount. Woohoo! 
*All 3 shades are on the pinker side. No yellow undertones, which I prefer. 

6/12/12

Most Used Beauty Products

Yesterday, I had an attack of short attention span (the infamous Gemini vice). I was going to blog about something.... then I decided on something else....then something else.... it was amazing how my mind went from China to Turkey in minutes. I wanted to pull my hair, coz I couldn't settle on a topic, yet I was editing photos & writing like a maniac. Then late at night, I ended up making this collage instead- far far away from China & Turkey.

These are some of my Most Used Products. I've repurchased some & I'm begging a few not to leave me!


2/4/12

Loving MAC Constructivist Paint Pot


I was confused between 2 MAC Paint Pots- Constructivist & Groundwork. I wanted something neutral but one that can still look intense if I want it to. Groundwork looked duller than I expected, and it reminded me of a dark-toned concealer.

So, Constructivist won me over.

About MAC Paint Pot:
A highly pigmented eye colour that goes on creamy but dries to an intense, vibrant finish. Long-wearing, colourfast. Creates seamless coverage without weight or caking. Blends smoothly over the lids. Cream-based, can be mixed with M·A·C shadows and liners.

Constuctivist is described as a metallic brown with red pearl. I love that it can look taupe & the shimmery finish makes it look like I'm wearing at least 2 colors when I'm only wearing it alone. Doesn't crease, doesn't wear off, suits my honey-colored eyes, it's awesome.

12/20/11

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)

11/15/11

Bridal Makeup Products On A Budget (Bridal Series 2011)

Welcome to the Bridal Series 2011! I will be doing a few posts on bridal makeup products and such....and there might be a surprise at the end of the series *wink* Now now don't get any ideas in your head, I don't even know what it is myself haha.

I told you my childhood friend got married, right? I had to buy some makeup products for her last month, but since she is not a makeup junkie, she wanted to keep it simple with just the bare necessities.

About The Bride & Wedding:

  • Type ~ Christian wedding (means minimal/day makeup)
  • Theme ~ Red & Gold
  • Bride's Gown Color ~ Ivory

So, here are all the products I got for her:

Face:
  • Primer ~ Inglot Under Makeup Base. Used as a foundation primer as well as eyeshadow primer.
  • Foundation ~ Colorbar Triple Act Compact. This is a 3-in-1 product with a concealer, foundation & compact. It is awesome! Everyone liked it!
  • Concealer ~ Colorbar Full Cover Concealer
  • Powder ~  Maybelline Whitestay UV Compact in Natural for whole face Fawn for contouring. 

9/7/11

Illamasqua Cream Pigment Androgen Review & Swatches


Androgen is part of Illamasqua's recently launched Theatre Of The Nameless Collection AW11.

About Illamasqua Cream Pigment:
Cream Pigment is an intensely colour-rich, crease resistant, matt formula, available in a variety of shades.
It creates the ultimate in textures on the face, eyes, lips or body. Apply with an Illamasqua brush or simply use your fingers for a buildable, water resistant, highly pigmented finish. Layer under Powder Eye Shadow and Pure Pigment for added intensity.

Color:
Androgen ~ Coral.

8/29/11

Benefit some kind-a gorgeous ~ Foundation Faker


What it is:
This lightweight, translucent, foundation-like product smoothes out imperfections and evens skin tone with a silky, smooth finish that's super natural and super gorgeous.

Shades ~ Lite, Medium & Deep. I got Medium.

How to apply ~ Apply evenly all over face with accompanying sponge or fingertips. I prefer to apply it with fingers, coz I feel the sponge eats up the product too much.


Packaging is like a record. Very cool! :)

8/23/11

BB Creams ~ Skin79 BB Cream & Maybelline Clear Smooth BB Cream + Powder

BB Creams- What's the deal?
BB Creams became cult products when Korean actresses and celebs revealed that BB Cream is the "secret of their beauty". They must have undergone laser treatments and had to use BB Cream during the recovery period.

What is BB Cream?
BB Cream, short of Blemish Balm, was initially used by dermatologists on patients who underwent laser treatment. The cream is meant to protect, soothe and refine highly sensitive skin.


I have used 4 BB Creams so far- Skinfood Mushroom BB Cream (talked about it here), Etude House Mineral BB Cream, Skin79 BB Cream, and Maybelline Clear Smooth BB Cream- with a matching Two-Way Cake Powder.


Skin79 Beblesh Balm ~  Doesn't 'Beblesh' sound like a mistake? Like, they meant to say 'Blemish' but didn't know how to pronounce it right or spell it? I mean, a neighbor in my hometown used to pronounce 'Sandwich': 'Swish' =D
This one has amazing skin softening properties. It plumps up my skin- in a good way. Available in 2 types- Pink Label & Gold Label. If you ask me what's the difference between this and the one in a gold bottle, I'd say they are exactly the same. I tested both and they are ditto. I guess Skin79 just wanted to offer a different colored packaging. Hot pink was my first choice, of course, and I love it! Available in only 1 shade, which is not so light. What's best about it is it doesn't dominate my skin, my skin dominates it.

Price ~ Around Rs.1200.