Fabulous Find ~ Accessorize Shape & Brow Kit

"Walk straight to the end of the makeup aisle. Accessorize is in the corner, next to Max Factor, opposite Revlon.", I said over the phone to Mr.CZ. "Okay, do you see a fuchsia pink thing with gold design? It's right on top of the shelf."

One Day Earlier: 

Like a Rani (queen), this royal-looking thing was displayed high up on the Accessorize shelf.  So gorgeous it looked under the store lights! I'd never seen it before, so I assumed it's a new launch. I reached for it, and took a look inside. 3 chocolates of brow powders, tweezers, brush & mirror....wow, it has it all! I did not see the clear brow wax.

I thought "Ooh, looks nice. But no testers....why didn't they keep testers?!! Risk it? Nah, what if the powders are chalky? Remember your disappointment with the Accessorize lipstick? Okay, I'll check out reviews & swatches online, and then come back another day- when I'm back from India. Ya. Bye bye, beautiful!" I got some other stuff and left the store.

Fast forward: Later, I googled...found no reviews on it...couldn't stop thinking about it the whole night! What to do??? I'm supposed to leave for India tomorrow...so you go get it when you come back....NO! I can't, I can't wait that long! Okay calm down, woman! There's only one way you'll get it today.....

Text message to Mr.CZ: "*insert cute name I wouldn't call him in front of other people* you going anywhere near Superdrug?"

This pretty little thing houses 7 things:

• 3 brow powders (light/medium/dark) ~ They are smooth & quite pigmented, although I wish the 2 lighter shades were a little more cool-toned. They referred to the lightest powder as a highlighter, but we can all agree it's too dark for the brow bone. On the brighter side, you could use them all as eyeshadows too.

• Clear brow wax ~ It does hold up long-ish untrimmed brow hairs and gives a defined arch.

• Mini tweezers ~ They do their job fine.

• Mini dual-ended brush ~ Brushes on both ends are the same- angled but a bit to fluffy for eyebrows, I must say.

• Mirror ~  Always a plus.

Featured In COSMOPOLITAN Magazine

And we are blogging from New Delhi again! Still very sleepy and exhausted, but I don't want to sleep! I'm loving the pleasant weather and it's so good to hear the sounds of honking traffic outside. Our neighborhood in Newcastle is on mute compared to the streets in South Delhi.

So on our flights back from UK, my mind was dominated by mainly 2 things:

1. Masala Maggi Noodles ~ Because I've missed it since November. You can get it in the UK, but you have to order it online (3-4 times the price in India) or go to some Indian shops...forget it.
2. Cosmopolitan Magazine March 2013 Issue ~ Because it made one of my teenage dreams come true!

When Cosmo's Features Writer, Priyam Chaturvedi, asked me to create a look and a step-by-step picture & video tutorial based on one of the hottest SS13 Trends, I was more than excited to do it! Her one email put a smiley with two-tone lips on a very un-Christian Grey grey February sky. I think she put this story together brilliantly, and I'm so happy she picked this photo from a few others that I didn't like so much =)

Shoe Shopping Quiz! Which Pair Did I Buy?

One Important TIP before I forget: When you're going shoe shopping in winters, make sure you wear socks & not pantyhose tights/stockings. I had thick tights on under a mini woolen dress, and I had to take them off to try on the shoes. It was awkward, but thankfully there weren't people around to witness me struggle to pull them down without lifting my dress.

So on to some Friday fun! First of all, *jumps and down* Primark Size 3 shoes fit me...well, not all of the size 3's, but these do *jumps higher*

I bought two pairs:

First ~ A black pair in the same design. They're not showing coz they're behind on the other side. 

Second ~ You Guess. It's either Red, Black/ White or Pink/Black. 

Btw, they're for £12 (Rs.980) ONLY! =)

I put this pic up on Instagram (@CZloves) & Twitter, to ask for help while I was in Primark. I just couldn't decide! Seeing what other people would pick really helped, and though I was alone, I felt like I was shopping with friends. Thankooo!

Do comment below with your guess. I'd also love to know which pair YOU would pick for yourself! 

How well do you know your beauty blogger? Don't worry, I won't be upset if you don't get it right. I like all 3 pairs almost equally ;)

Okay, bye bye! I gotta pack & do 20 other things. Talk to again soon....from NEW DELHI! =D

Revlon ColorStay Whipped Crème Foundation Review, Swatches

The first time I saw Revlon Colorstay Whipped Crème Foundation, I thought "Ooh, I want to dip & swirl my finger in it!"

The first time I used it, I was so wowed by it's decadent texture I ended using too much....and my hands were a mess!

About Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Makeup:

A new whipped crème foundation with time-release technology that provides all day flexible wear that won’t cake or flake. The smooth, silky texture of ColorStay Whipped Crème Makeup blends right into your skin, with no heavy or cakey feeling. The formula, containing silk and botanicals, goes on silky smooth with coverage you can build to even out skin tone. Presented in a sleek glass jar, the luxurious crème makeup leaves a soft matte finish that will enhance any complexion. Skin looks flawless with up to 24 hours wear! 

FEATURES & BENEFITS:

• Time release technology balances skin for a continuously flawless look. 
• This next-generation patent-pending whipped crème formula feels lightweight and comfortable, so makeup looks flawless all day, without rubbing off
• Bouncy, whipped formula feels ultra light and silky smooth 
• Soft Matte finish
• Buildable to full coverage
• Wears up to 24hrs
• Fragrance Free
• Oil Free

NEW! Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain & #TwiceAsGood Twitter Giveaway!

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain

Prepare for the perfect kiss from Revlon’s newest lip innovation: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain. Just Kissable is a pampering balm fused with a lightweight lip stain that gives you softer, smoother lips with a perfect flush of color that lasts hour after hour. What’s more it comes in an adorable chubby crayon form – and no sharpener required!

Get ready to fall in love with Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain’s moisturizing formula in 10 vibrant shades that match any look or mood. The smooth gel formula glides on beautifully with a light peppermint fragrance – and the retractable chubby crayon is the perfect accessory for any occasion.

Kissable lips are a pucker away with Revlon’s Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain!

KEY FEATURES & BENEFITS:

• Lightweight Lipstain + Moisturizing balm

• Perfect flush of color lasts hour after hour (3 hours)

• Retractable chubby crayon, no sharpener required 

• Ultra-moisturizing formula glides on for baby soft lips with light peppermint fragrance

• Smooth gel formula gives your lips that shiny kissable look & feel

• Baby soft lips that feel supple, conditioned, moisturized and look fuller 

• 100% of women felt lips were moisturized with a soft stain of color

SHADES:  Honey, Crush, Darling, Cherish, Lovesick, Sweetheart, Smitten, Rendezvous, Romantic, and Adore,

          PRICE: Rs.600. 

Weirdest Japanese Beauty Tools

A few days back Some weeks ago (see how long I've had this in my drafts?), Jay Sean posted a photo of a Japanese beauty tool in Facebook:

He wrote: "so apparently this "invention" is supposed to give you a bigger "smile". First of all, she doesn't seem to be smiling in the slightest. Crying would be a more appropriate description of her face. Secondly- i would argue that this "invention" is goin to be misused to come in handy for "other things." "

Okay, you didn't have to say it out loud, dawg! 

This MOUTH claims to fight wrinkles around your eyes and help shape the overall look of your face.

Then typical me googled more Japanese beauty tools, mainly to laugh at them, and I found a few more weird, but interesting, beauty tools.

Please Note: All pics & descriptions are copied from a website ~ www.japantrendshop.com. 

Searching for that youthful look? Forget expensive surgery or dangerous therapies! Japan has the answer and it is as simple as it is, well, unusual. Just pop the colorful Pupeko gently into your mouth, clench your jaw and breath in and out. This will then start training and tightening your cheek and jaw muscles, helping to offset the signs of aging and bringing a fresher, youthful look back again to your cheeks!

Push up that nose of yours to create the perfect profile with this handy Beauty Lift High Nose, a beauty gadget that applies gentle electric vibrations from the bottom, side and front. Just slip it on and turn on the switch on the front of the frame. While the supports hold your nose in place the buzzing will help shape your nose into just that little bit firmer and higher. All you need is three minutes once a day and you (and everyone else) will soon notice the difference!

LOTD : Daddy's Little Girl.....

Q:  How many stepmothers have you had?

A:  Two.

Q:  What were they like? 

A:  First one put the TCH in the B-word. Second/Present one- I really don't care.

Q:  Do you  love  like your daddy?

A:  Next question, please.

Q.  Okay...err.... what are you wearing in this look?

A:  I'm wearing Veronica's products from MAC Archie's Girls Collection. If you haven't seen the previous photos & swatches post, please go here

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!

MAC Archie's Girls Collection Haul

MAC Archie's Girls Collection launched in UK stores yesterday, and I was so excited to post photos today, but the weather is rainy & very gloomy, so I decided not to click product pics & swatches. Believe me, they turn out so inaccurate, dull & blurry. So I'll post photos tomorrow...no matter what, but let's hope there'll be some sun!

 What I Hauled: 

• Veronica's Blush Pearlmatte Face Powder, £21.50 (Rs.1747)

• Flatter Me Pearlmatte Face Powder, £21.50 (Rs.1747)

• Prom Princess Powder Blush (Veronica), £19 (Rs.1544)

• Cream Soda Powder Blush (Betty), £19 (Rs.1544)

• Daddy's Little Girl Lipstick (Veronica), £15.50 (Rs.1260)

• Ronnie Red Lipstick (Veronica), £15.50 (Rs.1260)

• Betty Bright Lipstick (Betty), £15.50 (Rs.1260)

*Prices: Usually around Rs.150 more than MAC prices in India. 

Etude House Dear My Blooming Lips Talk Lipsticks: Photos, Swatches

If you want proof that time go by too quickly: I unboxed these on 31st October last year, and now I'm posting photos! I sternly told myself:

You cannot click anymore photos until you have posted all the ones in your computer first. Put your camera down I say!

First of all, what a long name! 'Dear My Blooming Lips-talk'. It doesn't even make sense! Well, unless it's a short cryptic love note: 

Dear My,

Blooming Lips Talk.

From,

Your Dear. 

Why do I write these things?! On to the lippies.....

Finish ~ Creamy & doesn't sit well on the lips. I'd say only a little bit less creamy than YSL Rouge Volupte Lipsticks, which I'm not a fan of.

The Good ~ Packaging |  Design  |  Inexpensive for how adorable the packaging is  | Has a mild grapefruit (I think) scent  | You get a lipstick & bow ring, coz those bows can be taken out! Although they're too big for my fingers.

The Bad ~ The texture emphasizes lines & locking lips makes it look patchy  |  Lip swatches below were done on chapped lips, and they didn't look good  |  Weak staying power  | Available only online- for most of us.

Too pweety!

NEW! L'Oreal Mythic Oil Hair Care Range

Discover the legendary Oriental secrets of haircare with Mythic Oil by L’Oreal Professionnel

No one knew this better than the people of the Orient, who transformed this knowledge into legendary traditions. These Oriental haircare secrets, which used to be at the heart of cosmetics for the empresses of the ancient world, are now yours thanks to Mythic Oil by L’Oreal Professionnel.

Mythic Oil, launched globally in 2011, took the haircare world by storm and continues to be the star product of L’Oreal Professionnel. And now, it is set to transform into a total haircare platform, with Rich Oil, Mythic Oil Shampoo, Mythic Oil Masque and Purifying Oils coming to the Indian shores.

Turning sublime haircare gestures into enchanting, indulging moments, Mythic Oil promises you the biggest beauty asset a woman can have – strong, beautiful hair.

Mythic Oil products have proven to be suitable for all hair types from fine to thick; so whatever be your hair type, we have just the right answer for you! Born through the confluence of L’Oreal’s hair expertise and partnerships with leading hairstylists, this is a multi-sensorial haircare experience that brings together ancient rituals and modern technology to appeal to your senses as well as your emotions.

Inspired by the early Oriental rituals of blending oils into concoctions known as ‘Oils of life’, each Mythic Oil product reinvents this tradition just for you. The uses and benefits of the products are as follows-

Rich Oil: Rich Oil is a perfect blend of two essential oils – Rice bran oil and Argan oil. While rice bran oil is known for its intensely moisturizing and regenerative properties, argan oil is known for deeply nourishing and disciplining properties. Together they are mixed in a rich, wrapping texture, which provides rebellious tresses with deep nourishment, anti-frizz protection and makes them soft, smooth, shiny and effortlessly detangled. Rich Oil can be used as both a construction and a finishing product.

Shampoo: Mythic Oil Shampoo is an alliance of Argan oil and Cotton seed oil. The wholesome powers of cotton seed oil have been documented even in early Hindu remedy books, while argan oil has been the guarded beauty secret of European women. They come together to deeply cleanse and rejuvenate your hair. Also, the oily texture of the shampoo lends an opulent shine to your tresses and makes them look alive and radiant.

Masque: The Mythic Oil Masque, like the shampoo, is a brew of argan oil and cottonseed oil. It is to be used as a finishing product, after a nourishing wash with the shampoo, for a comprehensive cleansing experience. Its rich, creamy texture gives a new life to your hair, making it glow like never before.

Purifying Oils:
The Purifying Pre-Shampoo concentrate is a powerful alliance of three essential oils – citrus oil, cypress oil and tea tree oil. As part of the Mythic Oil back bar service, the concentrate offers you an intense and refreshing experience. It treats your scalp with a gentle soothing effect and gives your hair a new vigor.

So the next time you want to pamper yourself with a multi-sensorial, pleasure-driven haircare experience, right from salon backwash to home, ask for Mythic Oil by L’Oreal Professionnel!

*Press Note.

♥ Cynthia Z *.*

I Like Max Factor 2000 Calorie Curved Brush Mascara

Do you watch The Carrie Diaries? Well, little Carrie Bradshaw always has these nice long & separated mascara-ed top & bottom lashes. Whenever I wear Max Factor 2000 Calorie Curved Brush Mascara, I'm reminded of her lashes. Not that mine are as long as hers, but the definition & separation look almost the same. I think if she wore this mascara, they'd look as awesome as they do now.

I like this mascara a lot. It's gives volume & curl with minimal clumps (clumping depend on application & timing between coats). The curved brush seem to stretch my lashes making them appear longer, and it is easy to maneuver but make sure to wipe the tip if you don't want a black dot on your nose bridge when doing bottom lashes. It claims to be smudge-proof, and I have not experienced any smudging. Cleaning it with cleansing oil does take as long as a waterproof mascara. 

2 coats on top lashes, 1 coat on bottom lashes. Any clumpiness you see is only because I was impatient while applying  + my camera makes even the most invisible eyeshadow fallout look giant  =)

Want DIY Ombre Hair & Darker Eyelashes/Brows?

I got these yesterday though I've been tempted to get them since last year. This year is about being adventurous!

 

• L'Oreal Preference Wild Ombres 3, £6 (Rs.500) ~  I got this one instead of  shade 1 or 2 because I don't want any warm/brassy tones on my hair. Comes with a brush for easy application. Seen good results on others, so *fingers crossed*

• Colorsport 30 Day Mascara Eyelash & Brow Dye Kit,  £6.98 (Rs.580) ~ So scared to test this, but worth a shot if you have nothing lashes like mine. You get tiny bottles of solution, color cream and applicator.

 

Got both from Asda. 

Will let you know how both of them fare this weekend or early next week!

♥ Cynthia Z *.*