Sunsilk Keratinology Shampoo, Conditioner, Heat Protectant Spray: Review

Apologies for the late review of these babies. You know I've been so scattered lately. I'll keep it short and to the point:

• Sunsilk  Keratinology Sun Kissed Color Therapy Shampoo, Rs.170 ~ It's a light golden color creamy shampoo that lathers thickly- like no other shampoo I've used. It makes my hair softer, clean, and I experience less hair fall with it. I am loving it a lot, and it has become one of my favorite shampoos.

• Sunsilk  Keratinology Sun Kissed Color Therapy Express Treatment Conditioner, Rs.170 ~ It's not as thick as I'd like it to be. I don't think I'll repurchase this even if I repurchase the Shampoo. I'm not saying it's bad, it's just nothing special. Yes, it conditions hair after shampoo, but it doesn't make it as soft & silky as I want. So-so conditioner for me personally, but it could work better for virgin hair (undamaged, people!)

• Sunsilk  Keratinology Heat Protectant Spray, Rs.400 ~ If you blow dry & iron your hair everytime after shampooing, YOU-NEED-THIS. It makes blow dried hair more bouncy & shiny, adds a little volume & the straightening iron glides on more smoothly. Before, I used to hear a trat-trat hair-against-ceramic plates sound when ironing, but not when I spray some of this before the process. I really saw the difference with & without this spray. Nope, it doesn't make hair greasy, coz it's watery. For me, it was love at first use. Must-have.

L'Oreal Paris - Femina Women Awards 2012

"This March, we’re raising a toast to the women who have inspired us all. The most admired and loved women in art, music, education, business, film and various other fields, will be honored at the first ever L’Oreal Paris - Femina Women Awards in association with Rasvihar. 

The Logo and Trophy for the awards have been inspired by the Tangram: a puzzle made of seven pieces of a square that can be rearranged in an endless array of forms. Perfect, considering we have always celebrated the many and myriad facets of women with our tagline, ‘For All The Women You Are’.

This prestigious award function will be held on 22nd March, 2012 at the ITC Grand Central, Mumbai.

Living up to our tagline ‘For All The Women You Are’ we will commemorate at these awards the bold women who are going out and building a brave new world for themselves." ~ FEMINA.

To read about the Categories, Jury, Schedule, please click on this link- L’Oreal Paris - Femina Women Awards in association with Rasvihar

You readers can also vote for your favorite inspiring people: Readers Choice Awards

♥ Cynthia Z *.*

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter Sweet Tart Review & Swatches

Certain types of men really are.... pigs. They ruin delectable things by naming their objects of lust after them. We have heard Joey's "Grandma's chicken salad" & Ross's "Sweet Potato Pie" in FRIENDS, haven't we? Let's not even talk about hip hop songs.

Tart, for instance, is a cute little word for a small pie, but they had to go and call easy women (or, knockouts they can't have) that. Now I can't name a puppy 'Tart' anymore, can I? (Come here, Tart....Fetch, Tart...Have you been bad, Tart?) See? Ruined.

Revlon named one of their Colorburst Lip Butters, 'Sweet Tart'. Even they couldn't just name it 'Tart', they had to sugarcoat it. I'm guessing.

About Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter: Hydrating mango, shea and coconut butter formula boosts lip moisture by 156%. Pampering gel formula provides super charged hydration and glides on lips buttery smooth. Sheer to medium colour with buttery shine. Available in 20 shades. 

Packaging: Similar to Revlon Colorburst Lipsticks, except the caps are colored transparent plastic, and longer. Cute & fun.

Love: The color- it's a pretty bubblegum pink, which really suits my skin tone. The Texture- not  so buttery, which makes it cling to lips better. It's fragrance-free & tasteless, it cures chapped lips. Finish is glossy & not so sheer- which I prefer, coz otherwise all colors will look the same with tinted lip balms. Lastly, it is like a lipstick...it is better than some lipsticks.

Don't love: The juicy color & shine doesn't last for more than 15-20 mins, although it doesn't leave my lips completely dry & colorless. The balmy feel lasts.

Kryolan Blusher Palette & Lipsticks: Review & Swatches

I hauled a few things from Mumbai, when I was there. [Read between the lines] I've always liked Kryolan products- so professional yet affordable. I really missed buying them since the store I used to go to in South Delhi - Jacko - was shifted to West Delhi, after the whole MCD thing. It took me several days to click photos of everything & put the swatches in one post. I almost didn't do lip swatches of the lippies, but I know you don't like that :)

Kryolan Blusher Palette: Firstly, aren't the Kryolan mask logos engraved on the blushers oh-so-cute? Secondly, they are AWESOME! They are silky & super pigmented, some of the best blushers I've used. Love! Plus I always liked pencil box/tin packaging.

Life Of An Official Beauty Blogger

We pretend to tweet in style

In other words, we are Media-Journalist  *ahem*

2 girls to me in hotel lobby: "Can we have passes for Rocky S show?"

Me: "No.", I pursed my lips & shook my head. Then I realized I sounded like a teacher who's not allowing a student to go pee. "I don't have the passes." I added quickly.

Girl 1: "But you are wearing the LFW badge", she pointed at it.

Me: "Yes, but I don't give out passes", I smiled kindly.

Girl 1: "Oh. So, what are you here?"

Me: "I'm only a blo.... I'm a journalist.", I said seriously, and dialed a number for some over-the-phone last minute shopping.

We are the only tiny/dainty thing in a dress- in a crowd of male media photographers

9 Favorite Nude Lipsticks

My most used lipsticks are nude. I can't get enough of them! Not only are they the safest bet when in a hurry, they complement every eye shadow color. I think they beat girly pink lipsticks, in my life.

Here are 9 of my favorite, most used, nude lippies:

1. Colorbar Velvet Matte Bare
2. MAC Patisserie
3. Maybelline Color Sensational My Mahogany
4. Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Gloss Touch of Toffee ~ Not a lipstick, but it's creamy like one & I'd repurchase it all my life!
5. Inglot Matte Lip Pencil #16 ~ It's not as drying as it looks! I like to wear Touch Of Toffee (above) on top of it.
6. Lakmé Fantasy Collection Enrich Satin #132
7. MAC Hug Me (Please excuse the blurry old pic)
8. Lakmé Lip Love Love Haze
9. Lakmé Aquashine Old Rose ~ Don't have a good pic of this one

Yardley English Lavender Gentle Facial Cleanser Review....and Chocolates!

I wish every face wash came with chocolates on the side! Not that I like chocolates that much, but the box is prettier to look at. I look at this box, and the world seems better (yes, seriously!). Hey, also a nice idea for a present, right? Buy face wash/lipsticks/nail polishes/anything pretty & inexpensive (NO, no socks, pleeease!), a nice box from Archies/Hallmark, some mini chocolates, a bow/ribbon, and ta-da! Yes, let's all do that this year!

*Makes memo in phone: Must buy cute gift boxes* Save.

About Yardley London English Lavender Facial Cleanser

A soap-free preparation with soothing Avocado Oil & English Lavender. It cleanser tenderly & removes make-up and impurities. The nutrient packed Avocado Oil supplements the skin's natural moisture and softness, leaving it clean, hydrated, and delicately fragranced with English Lavender.

Katy Perry Perfume Purr & An Awesome Love Package

I told you I ordered Katy Perry Purr with my UD naked 2 Palette from Amazon, but it got stick in US, because Aramex doesn't ship perfumes, right? If you missed that post, it's here.

Aramex asked if they should "discard" it (yeah, right!) or send it within the US. I didn't know what to do! Then I thought of May, my Twitter friend who sent me all those face masks last year (post here). I asked her if I could get it mailed to her & if she could then mail it to me, and she very kindly agreed. Of course we were worried that USPS will also cause trouble with perfumes, but it got through (just don't write it's perfume!) and I received it a couple days back. Woohoo!

About Katy Perry Purr: Purr by Katy Perry eau de parfum begins with the aroma of peach nectar and forbidden apple, evolves with a distinct floral bouquet of jasmine blossom, Bulgarian rose and vanilla orchid, and slowly reveals accents of creamy sandalwood and musk. Like the singer herself, Purr is playful yet sophisticated. Katy Perry transcends barriers with her music—so does her new fragrance. Price: About $29.00 for 50ml (amazon.com), but I paid some more for Aramex + US to India.

Though I'm not a fan of cats, this kitty IS cute. I just think the cat head/cap is not of good quality. Umm, it's more plasticky than glass-like), and the eyes aren't good, shiny crystals (very cheap-looking). However, it smells fantastic! I think it' the first time I'm more impressed with the smell rather than the bottle. I guess it smells like peach & apple....and jasmine. Yeah, I definitely smell those. There's green bamboo in it too, though I have never smelled a green bamboo. It's more of a sweet scent, and it's a tad stronger than my other floral favorite- Marc Jacobs Daisy. BUT the rest of the bottle is all cute, especially the heart collar with Purr embossed on it. For 1450 rupees ($29), I think it's worth it.

ILLAMASQUA Human Fundamentalism Collection SS12

Human Fundamentalism is an explosion of your alter ego. It’s becoming who you are and not who you’re told to be. Beauty isn’t conformity, but the fundamental human desire to express your inner self on the outside. To rise above mainstream limitations and exist in a world where individuality is received with celebration not derision, and breaking the mould is a sign of strength not instability.

We stand for freedom of expression, embracing our glorious imperfections and showing the world we’re not ordinary but extraordinary, even if society refuses to accept it. We’re beyond conformity. Beyond control. Beyond hiding who we really are. We are not a religion, but the singular opposite. We are Illamasqua.

“Human Fundamentalism is the unique spirit and fundamental human drive for individuality. It’s a belief, a movement and an emotion. A connection with the spirit of the age and its global motifs. You are your own human hybrid, a unique nomad of street cultures and global trends.” — Alex Box, Illamasqua Creative Director.

Get ready for a startling celebration of humanity’s connection with colour. Introducing the Human Fundamentalism collection, where blinding flashes of pigment provide a sharp contrast to neutral tones, creating a saturated palette that catapults your alter ego to new levels of self-expression. Mix contrasting textures to express your true self, spiraling from rich metallic to pale matte shades. This is nonconformity at its most fundamental. At its unpredictable best.

”Human Fundamentalism to me is physical expression of your self-belief, sharing your opinions with colour that shape the narrative of your thoughts and inner self. It is a statement of conviction and colour confidence, it states, this is me and now see what I see, be tinted by how I express colour and behold an oblivion to social convention and constraints.” — David Horne, Illamasqua Director of New Product Development.

Lotus Herbals Gorgeous Natural Diva Kit Review, Swatches & Look

'Diva' can mean 2 different things- one good, one bad. Good: a woman who's glamorous/a good singer. Bad: a woman who's a 'prima donna'- a spoiled, high maintenance, temperamental, and demanding woman who throws a fit if she doesn't get her way. Mariah Carey, for one, is known for her outrageous 'diva' demands. I read an article in a magazine a long time ago, but forgotten what demands exactly. Here's what I found on the net:

 "Mariah Carey is known for her diva behavior. Her diva demands include having a huge entourage, having special people to help her sit if her dress is so gorgeous she doesn't want it to get crushed. Mariah even brings her own toilet roll!

At a Christmas lighting event in London in 2008 Mariah insisted on being surrounded by 20 white kittens and 100 white doves for her appearance with butterfly shaped confetti to be showered on her by the end of her performance."

She also keeps an attendant in her dressing room.....to hand her towels! Then I guess she's both. She earned it, so.....why not, eh?

No white kittens, doves, and towel-handlers, for us lesser mortals. We don't want them, anyway... chi! Says the fox-y lady. Okay, now on to topic of the day- Lotus Herbals Gorgeous Natural Diva kit (Are you also thinking why the 'Natural'?)

The kit contains a base stick, a lipstick & a red nail polish- all for only Rs.499. Here I'm wearing all the products from the kit. 

Eyes: Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette & demi (half) lashes.

Concealer, Blush & Bronzer: MAC Studio Finish Concealer & Chromagraphic Pencil, Laura Mercier Undercover Pot, MAC Fleur Power, The Body Shop Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder.

Bows, Frills, And Fun At Lakmé Absolute Fab Lab

This was my outfit on Day-4 of Lakmé Fashion Week. I also went to one of the main LFW shows (which start late evening when I'm too exhausted to attend them), where the Lakmé Absolute Fab Lab was. You could go and play with all the Absolute products!

TIGI Catwalk Hair Collection For Lakmé Studio ~ Products For Straight, Curly & Voluminous Hair

I had never really paid attention to TIGI products before, until I took a closer look at the Catwalk Collection at Lakmé Studio, Lakmé Fashion Week. The brand has got products for every hair type. I felt like I was living under a rock all that time! Now I've decided that 2012 will be 'Year Of The Hair' for me. Here, I'll be showing all the products from TIGI Catwalk Collection: 

• TIGI Your Highness High Volume Collection: This collection promises to add body, fight frizz and give impeccable body and fullness. Ingredients like Jasmine, Lavender, Wisteria and Violet nourish each strand for soft, touchable hair with incredible volume.
• TIGI Catwalk Curlesque Curl Collection: This Collection invites you to embrace the idea of enhancing natural curls and waves to bring out the very best in your hair. Using advanced marine biology ingredients, a fusion of Kelp, Algae, Cucumber Water, Sea Weed and Sea Fennel form the Catwalk Aquacomplex. Harnessing the power of the ocean, these rich botanicals deliver extraordinary hydration and definition.
• TIGI Catwalk Sleek Mystique Straight Collection: Transform hair into silky, glossy fluid perfection. Inspired by the mysteries of the Orient, Sleek Mystique contains the Catwalk Exotic Infusion of Lychee, Bamboo, Honeysuckle, Dragon Fruit and Rice Bran Oil. This provocative blend smoothes, improves strength and adds divine shine to every hair type creating a sublime canvas. Entice your senses and immerse yourself in pure bliss.

Big Buns & Glam Makeup by Lakmé Studio, Day-5 Lakmé Fashion Week

The last day at LFW Talent Box was all about big buns (up north!). Lakmé Studio created 2 types of buns- side & center. They looked so good that I'm thinking about getting some clip-on extensions & hair stuffing for myself, so I can do one someday. The make-up was nude & peachy & glittery- super pretty!

Look-1: For Priyal Prakash