Sigma Makeup Brushes Review

I've been using the Sigma Professional Makeup Brushes for 8 months now. I've washed them many many times and have used them everyday, so this review is long overdue. Sorry to those who asked me to review them since then.

Almost all of these brushes have different names & numbering now, which I'll write in brackets.

Face Brushes: (top to bottom):

• SS150 (F30) Large Powder Brush ~ For powder application. It's very soft. But it sheds a little, although it's not really an issue for me. Hey! The hair on my head sheds everyday so... =D. 
• SS187 (F50) Duo Fibre Brush ~ For Foundation, powder, blush. I can't live without this. The cons about this it's not as stiff as I'd like it to be. It splays way too much sometimes. BLEEDS while washing & sheds a little too, so I have to remove pieces of bristles every time I use it.
• SS166 (F40) Large Angled Contour ~ I don't really like this for contouring, coz it's a little too soft, but I like to use it for applying blush.
• SS190 (F60) Foundation Brush ~ This is a good foundation brush, but I've used a Vega one that is as good too. 
• SS194 (F70) Concealer Brush (6th from top in the pic down there)* ~ Not bad, but I prefer using my fingers to this or the SS224 (E40) below.

Eye Brushes (top to bottom):

• SS224 (E40) Tapered Blending ~ This is one of the best. Great for blending eyeshadows & for applying and blending concealer too.
• SS239 (E60) Large Shader ~ I use it for cream eyeshadows. It is a must-have brush if you like to use pigments and glitter.
• SS219 (E30) Pencil ~ Too soft to be called a pencil brush. It's great for applying shadow right on the crease, and defining the outer V
• SS275 (E70) Medium Angled Shading ~ This is a must-have for doing smoky eyes, specially is you're a novice at applying eyeshadow, coz it makes it easier for you to shape your eyes.
• SS230 (E55) Eye Shading ~ This is great if you want to pack on color on your lids coz it picks up a lot of eyeshadow. I use it for blending too.
• Concealer brush* 
• SS209 (E05) Eyeliner ~ I don't like this at all! It's too thick for applying eyeliner
• SS266 (E65) Small Angle ~ This is a nice angled brush for applying gel/cream eyeliners, but it's hard to get a thin line and to wing at the corners with it. I use it mostly for tightlining. I'm positive you'll find a better one out there.

F80 Flat Top Kabuki Brush ~ This is my favorite brush of all. I use it for almost everything! Foundation, powder, blush (powder/cream), bronzers. I wouldn't mind using it to apply my moisturizer too if it's clean =D. It's super dense and gives a flawww....less finish. If you're on a budget and can get only ONE Face Brush, get this one.

Since I ordered twice, I got 2 SS217 for FREE! :)

These are two of the most useful freebies I've ever received. My makeup routine is incomplete without them. Amazing blending brushes, and you can use them to smoothly apply all over color. Plus, like like that they're short, which makes them very easy to handle.

Bottomline ~ I really recommend the Sigma Professional Brushes. Well, just the ones I really like & my must-haves :)

I hope you found this review useful if you're thinking about ordering these brushes. In case I missed to mention something, feel free to ask me any questions. About prices, please visit the Sigma website.

To see my review on the Sigma Princess Grace Kabuki Brush, please click HERE

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

Thistle On My Nails

Just because summer is over doesn't mean that pastels are out. This week I'm wearing Elianto Nail Color named Thistle. Don't worry it doesn't prick ;)

It's a nice lilac shade, which I'd never worn before. And no, it's NOT pink! =D

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

For The Love Of Bows ~ Shoes & Belt

Okay, here's my first post dedicated to bows. You know I heart them! =)

These are one of the pairs I got when I was on vacay, and I love them so much! Yes, because of the bows, of course! A tad loose but nothing Dr.Scholl's can't fix hehe...

Actually, the bows don't look bluish grey at all! It's just on camera. Their color is almost exactly like the shoes.

I was at a department store & I accidentally found a belt that matches the shoes :)

Do you like bows as much as I do? Would you like to see more of my bow-obsessed stuff? =D


♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

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 ^.^

Benefit Coralista Vs Sugarbomb

I've been meaning to post this for a while now. Best of the two ~ Coralista OR Sugarbomb?

Most of you know how much I love my Coralista, right? It conquered Nars Orgasm too in my book of 'Battles of the Beauties' =D

Then along came Sugarbomb, and oh-my-god I was so obsessed with it! Even Twitter has some record of my craving for it =D

Okay, fast forward....

I was holding Sugarbomb in my hand at a Benefit counter in KL, and I remember thinking to myself: "Umm...so this is Sugarbomb. Hah."

The compulsive shopper in me was like, "Oh, would you stop that and just take it home! =["

I told the very helpful SA there that I already have Coralista and would just like to see if they're similar. SA immediately said they are very similar, so no point in me getting Sugarbomb too. Now that's a good SA!

But me, still not convinced swatched and tried both blushes only to see that they are in fact very very similar (to a guy: SAME) but...

Coralista looked better. The coral in it just came out more beautifully, whereas Sugarbomb looked a tad too glowy/shimmery and somehow the coral didn't show up like I wanted it to.  

I'm not saying I don't like Sugarbomb. I'd probably love it if there wasn't a Coralista, but not in this lifetime. 

I feel that Sugarbomb is like a younger sister who tries to outdo the already popular & more talented elder one with bolder ways but fail (think ~ Dannii Minogue, Shamita Shetty, Riya Sen, Tanisha Mukherjee.)

I think Coralista is better so much that, even if I had finished it or hit pan, I'd still pick it over Sugarbomb. Nuff said.

P.S: This is just my personal opinion, so you don't have to agree with me. To each her own. Peace! ;)

♥ 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 ^.^

The Magic Of A Compressed Face Mask

I tried one of the compressed face masks for the first time today and OMG I love it! I've gotten so lazy about using masks and taking extra care of my skin lately, but this has made me realize that these extra things are actually FUN + they nourish & can do about 50-60% of the repair work that your skin needs.

Remember I  got these Japanese-made compressed cotton face masks....

I used the PINK heart-shaped one

Out of the wrapper

Dabur Gulabari Rose Water in a bowl

It just pouff-ed up into a double heart. I poured a bit more rose water on it....

.... and swirled the bowl around so the mask got wet completely. Then I opened the mask gently....

Voila!

Now meet the squirrel...

No smiling! (Oh, and must get nose strips!)

I left the mask on until it dried a bit. I noticed my pores, which looked gigantic earlier, took a hike after this.

I used ice cold rose water. Next I'll use green tea. Can't wait!

*You can also use cotton pads as face masks. Just dip some in rose water/green tea/whatever, stretch them a little, and stick them to your forehead, cheeks, chin & nose. Let's say, 3:3+3:1:1 if you're using square ones.

By the way, I'm giving away a pack of the heart-shaped compressed masks in IVC Facebook page (here) if you want them :)

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

Lakme Fruit Moisture Winter Skincare Range

Click HERE for Review

Could Lakme's niche be skincare?

It sure looks like it, since it's skincare products are rarely disappointing and every new range from the Fruit Blast to the Perfect Radiance have attracted a lot of attention. The most drool-worthy for me is this new winter range ~ Fruit Moisture.

1. Lakmé Fruit Moisture Peach and Plum Daily Glow Moisturiser with Sunscreens

Enhance your skin’s natural radiance with this 12 hour intense moisturiser. Every drop is infused with Peaches and Plums that soften your skin, giving you a radiant glow. While the added sunscreen gives your skin sun protection to let you enjoy your day. 

55ml: Rs. 75/-

100ml: Rs. 130/-  

200ml: Rs. 210/-

2. Lakmé Fruit Moisture Honey & Avocado Winter Perfect Day Crème with SPF 9  

This finely crafted moisturiser deeply conditions dry skin and even repairs skin damage caused by the harsh winter. The soothing blend of Honey and Avocado help restore skin’s moisture, giving you soft and radiant skin. So indulge in this day crème with SPF 9 that will not only protect your skin but will also let you enjoy the winter sun.

50 gm: Rs. 150/-

3. Lakmé Fruit Moisture Honey & Avocado Winter Perfect Day Lotion with SPF

This deep penetrating 12 hour hydrating moisturiser is packed with the richness of Honey and Avocado, leaving your skin soft and nourished. With added SPF, it even protects the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. So moisturise and protect your skin with this delicious and soothing lotion, perfect for daytime.

55ml: Rs.75/-

100ml: Rs.130/- 

200ml: Rs.210/-

4. Lakmé Fruit Moisture Strawberry, Kiwi & Passion Fruit Skin Renewal Night Crème

Envelope your skin with the luscious blend of Strawberry, Kiwi and Passion Fruit extracts, rich in fruit vitamins and antioxidants that condition and clear away signs of tired dull skin. This wonderfully textured moisturizer renews and nourishes your skin while you’re asleep so that you wake up to skin renewed with life each morning.

50gm:Rs. 125/- 

So which one looks the most tempting to you? I am getting the Honey & Avocado Day Cream & Strawberry, Kiwi and Passion Fruit Night Creme

Does anyone else suddenly feel like having a bowl of fruits after seeing all this? ;p

REVIEW HERE

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

Vanity Moments (Video)

Just a short video of my 'Vanity Moments' hehe...with a bit of fussiness about Kungpao Chicken in between ;)

I know you do it too! ;)

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

IVC Facebook Page GIVEAWAY! (India ONLY)

Just letting you all know that I'm hosting a spontaneous Giveaway on IVC Facebook page open to only readers and followers in India.

Please go HERE for details.

Hope to see you there! :)

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

Read My Lips OR The Newspaper?

Today's newspaper highlight : 8 Bollywood babes looking cute in 'Being Human' tanks in different colors, whereas their 'middleman' Salman Khan looks like their flamboyant uncle in red pants, white t-shirt, a black vest , and sunglasses! 

Anyways, if the real newspapers bore you, how about a newspaper print lipstick? Today I'm wearing TheBalm 'Read My Lips' Lipstick. It is actually a newspaper print packaging, which was what drew me to this lipstick in the first place. Smooth, good quality paper, which can only be ruined if you mishandle it yourself (klutzes be extra careful! ;) )

I got Wanted, which is described as a 'Strawberry Red'

It looks like a statement 'in-your-face' kinda red, but I was pleasantly surprised that it turned out much subtler on the lips. Especially if you apply it minimally, it looks like a lip tint, without the dryness, because it's loaded with vitamins A&E, olive oil & jojoba oil. It feels like a lip balm.

This is a red lipstick you don't need to wait for a special occasion to wear, coz it's versatile. You can play it up or tone it down according to your mood and outfit. I like it a lot.

I bought it for about Rs.800.

Rating ~ ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.5/5

*Always keep the lipstick in the box it came in to prevent any damage to the paper packaging.

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

A Birthday Wish For Rekha & Tips To Get Her Look (For Halloween?)

♥ ~ Happy Birthday Rekha ~ ♥

"No one can know the real Rekha, because the real Rekha lies somewhere in her fantasy" ~ Simi Garewal.

Today is our very own Indian beauty icon, Rekha's birthday. She turns 56 today, but the diva in her has not withered at all.
She's glamorous, classy and always very composed. Her tactfulness when talking about the difficult life she's had is admirable.
My favorite movie of hers is 'Khoon Bhari Maang' among some others too :)

To read more about her life, click here

Here is my attempt ((in a jiffy) to look A BIT like her...

Here's another one. Same makeup and everything except for a few changes here and there. Although I should have applied a bit more brown eyeshadow on my bottom lash line. Used sindoor for the first time in my life, and it got SO messy I couldn't shape it on the hairline and it smudged on my nose too =D

*The nose ring is a sticker =D

Make-up Tips To Look Like Rekha:

• Unique brows. Her brows are never over-tweezed or rounded. They are almost straight with just a slight arch.
• Feline eyes ~ White eyeliner on waterline, Black eyeliner on top lash line, falsies, contact lenses sometimes (Grey, hazel)
• Pouty Lips. Almost always with dark lips: Red, brown, burgundy, her lips always stand out. Use a lip liner and line a little outside your lips to make them appear fuller.
• Beauty spot. Her most famous trademark on her left upper lip, although sometimes it is seen on the right side. I used L'oreal Super Liner Carbon Gloss coz it has a stiff pointy brush for control, and then I patted a bit of medium brown matte eyeshadow on top.

Are there any Rekha fans out there? Do drop your own birthday wishes to her below.

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^