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11/6/09

Skinfood Haul

When I saw Skin Food doing the rounds on the net, I didn't see what the big deal was, but now I know why it's being 'ooh-ed' so much. Everything just looks so fresh and delicious, I could buy everything! If only they were cheaper and not to mention available in my country!*sigh*

These are the yummy products I'm using these days. Believe me, they are good enough to eat, literally.



Honey Pot Lip Balm
This is like strawberry jam..mmm


Coffee Milk Nail Balm
Smells like the name and just what my brittle nails and cuticles need


Fresh Fruit Lip & Cheek- Apricot
Looks fab on the cheeks and nice pale lip color that complements smokey eyes. And  it does smell like apricot.


Mushroom BB Cream- #2

This smells like guava, imo. Has SPF 20 PA+, anti-ageing and brightening properties, blends well with my skin tone...what's not to love?

Yeah, that's me alright..I had to crop my legs coz  they're so far apart, I look like a duck... lol  =D




This 'Addict' is addicted to Skin Food :)
What about you?


Cynthia Z  ^.^

11/5/09

Perfumes I'm Loving Right Now

Okay, this is my very first post on perfumes, which I love as much as make-up. I've been obsessively  passionately collecting perfumes for the last 5 years. These two have been on my wishlist for more than a year and they are so worth the wait. Truly in with them *.*

Vera Wang Flower Princess


Marc Jacobs Daisy

Now I can't be poetic in describing perfumes, like their top notes, base notes and the bludilableble.... 

All I can say, in the simplest words, is that both the fragrances are fun, girly, and they lift up my mood just by looking at them. The bottles are just so pretty , which is the reason they made it to my wishlist in the first place.

If these perfumes were women, they would be neither 'loud' nor timid, and never dull.

 Cynthia Z ^.^

11/2/09

Mac Products- The Good, The Bad & The "Ugh!"

This is was requested by Palak, whose head spins every time she's in a Mac store :) 
But I hope others will find it kinda helpful too.
However, this is just my personal opinion girls, so don't fume if I diss any of your favorite Mac products ;)


Few stuff I'm using (and not using) at the moment

~ The Good ~ 
**Shade names are not recommendations btw. Pick shades that suit you.
And please note that I haven't used all of Mac's products, so I've just listed the ones I've actually used.


Face:
  • Studio Touch Up stick Concealer
  • Mineralized Skinfinish Natural
  • Blushcreme - Ladyblush 
  • Prep n Prime transparent loose powder
  • Select Cover concealer- Peach and green (mine are so old now.) I like the non-cakey coverage.
  • Mineralized blushes
Lips:
  • Tinted lip conditioners - Petting Pink, Fuchsia Fix, Hello Kitty Popster, Clear
  • Plushglass - Full for you, Plus luxe 
  • Cremestick lip liner- Creme O'spice
  • Lip liners- I like how long they are
  • Tinted lipglass
  • Marbelized Lipglass- Funky Fusion
  • Lipstick- See Sheer, Hug Me, Sweetie, Lickable, Lustering, Impassioned
  • Slimshine lipstick-Gaily (but finishes very fast coz its very creamy and melty)
  • Lipgelee- Used up Slicked Pink and Dewy Jube
  • Tendertones - Sweet tooth, Honey Bare (temporaries which I think should be permanents)
  • Dazzleglass- Baby Sparks (a bit sticky but brings out a nice pout.)
Eyes
  • Fluidline- Blitz n Glitz
  • Powerpoint eye pencil- Duck (didn't get to use most of it coz it broke mid-way)
  • Eye Pencil- Coffee
  • Shadestick- Beige-ing looks great on the waterline on those days when white liner just doesn't cut it.
  • Technakohl liner
  • Eyeshadows
Brows:
  • Brow set - Clear
  • Eye brows- lingering 
  • Brow Finisher (broke from the base but i still manage to use it. Lasts a long time.)
Multi-use
  • Cream color base- Too Darling (bought this from Hong Kong, but I don't see it on their website. It's similar to Shell, I think.)
Skin Care
  • Lightful Essence
  • Cleanse Off Oil
Brushes: If you don't mind paying around Rs.1000 for a make-up brush, then Mac has the best. I have never bought any brushes from Mac, because I think they're too pricey. But I might buy a stippling brush one day.


~ The Bad and the "Ugh!" ~
      Now here are the Mac products I don't like at all:


      I scooped out the lipsticks into the BS body butter container and returned tubes for 'Back to Mac' ;p


      • Liquidlast Liner- So tacky that it sticks to my lashes making mascara application clumpy, and doesn't apply smoothly (Hate it!)
      • Studio Sculp Concealer- Way to cakey. Reveals more than conceals, in my opinion.
      • Clear lipglass- Sticky sticky sticky on lips. I even tried using it on my lids and I couldn't blink!
      • Pro longwear lip clour- Drying and cracks...and then flakes.
      • Zoom Lash Mascara - Blah!
      • Lipstick- Myth, Bronze Shimmer (just not my shades)
      • Pigments- I have Naked, Fairylite, Black tied and Steel Blue (which I like but hardly use) Previous 3 can't be used on either lip or eye area, so what's the point!!!

      Phew! Okay, that's all I guess. I hope I didn't forget anything.


      7 World Experts Redefine Hair For Indian Women - Sunsilk



      My eyes went straight to this article when I picked up Saturday's Delhi Times.
      Its says that 7 internationally renowned hair experts - Rita Hazan, Yuko Himashita, Jamal Hamadi, Dr. Francesca Fusco, Tom Taw, Ouidad, and Teddy Charles, teamed up with Sunsilk to co-create specialised formulations for different hair types of Indian women. They created formulations like:
      • Lusciously thick and long
      • Hair fall solution
      • Anti-dandruff solution
      • Stunning Black Shine
      • Damage repair reconstruction
      • Dream soft and smooth 


      Out of the 7, the following 3 experts created specific formulations according to their expertise:
      Rita Hazan (Hollywood's most sought after hair colorist) ~~ Vibrant Colour
      Ouidad (considered the "Queen of Curl") ~~ Defined Curls
      Yuko Yamashita (famous for her Japanese hair straightening) ~~ Perfect Straight.
      I don't know about you, but I'm going to get me some Sunsilk this week, 'coz "Life Can't Wait" or more like "I can't wait to go shopping" ;p
      More info coming up after I see the range.

      DBA ^_^

      10/31/09

      Happy Halloween Everyone!


      I was going for the evil look..lol

      I just dressed up for fun earlier and clicked some pics. I feel too lazy to go anywhere, so will just watch a scary movie at home.
      For all of you going out, I wish you have tons  of F-U-N.
      BOO!!!








      Happy Halloween Everyone!

      DBA ^_^


      ♥~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~♥

      10/29/09

      The Brazilian Wax


      This is for all the Brazilian wax virgins out there who are considering getting it done but are afraid you may never come back out of that little room. Believe me, it is worth it! It'll grow back at a much slower pace and a lot sparser and softer too, minus the prickly ingrowns.

      Tips from a first-timer:
      • Pick a reputed place with experienced professionals.
      • Book your appointment on a weekday, when it's not so busy.
      • On D-day, SHOWER before leaving home. If you're going to work first, carry some feminine  wipes to 'freshen up' before the session and wear soft cotton underwear (no G's or thongs and definitely nothing lacy!)
      • You could take a painkiller 15-30 minutes before you reach the place. 
      • Let your beautician know it's your first time.
      • She will ask you whether you want the hard wax or soft wax. Pick the hard wax. It'll cost a little more but will hurt a lot less than with the regular soft wax (used with strips.)
      • You'll also need to decide what type you want- Full, heart, landing strip, and lots more. Nowadays even initials, colored designs and whatnot.
      This video will give you an idea of the procedure with hard wax:



      • It will take about half an hour to 45 minutes
      • Try not to tense up before the 'pulling' and please, there's no need to screeeam on top of your voice.
      • Divert your mind. Think- sitting on a beach sipping margaritas...ballroom dancing with Shah Rukh Khan or Edward Cullen...being in a MAC store. Whatever pumps up your happy hormones.
      • It'll be over before you know it.
      • Treat yourself to your favorite Baskin Robbins ice-cream or anything nice and cold (You'll know why.) And afterwards, maybe a lipstick or lingerie, to reward your bravery.

      Things you might need for after-care: Aloe vera gel, a cooling ice pack, and a gentle lightening scrub (for later.)
      ***Don't do it yourself the first time.
      I got it done at a place called Strip in Singapore
      For girls in India looking for places that provide this service, I wish you the best of luck and please let me know when you find any, coz I'm at my wit's end trying to find one myself. I called some popular beauty salons and most didn't even know what it means.
      Some salons do bikini waxing though (some list as "V"), which doesn't mean a full Brazilian.


      Good luck ladies! =)



      10/28/09

      Garnier Aqua Defense Review



      This range is made with grape water, apple water and natural vitamin E. I think it is Garnier's best so far, in my opinion.
      These are the 3 products I'm using:


      Non stop moisturizing Gel Cream & Non stop intensive moisturizing Essence (It's almost finished T_T )

      These two are quite similar, except that the gel cream is creamier and thicker. But if I had to pick just one out of the two, I'd pick the Essence. I absolutely ♥ it! Here's why-->

      •  It's light juicy texture soothes, cools and hydrates my skin after cleansing like no other product I've used. I can almost hear my skin saying "Thank you" :)
      • Enough said.
      I only hope they launch this range in India too, because the Essence is becoming my holy grail "right after cleansing" product. Actually, I thought of buying two jars of the essence instead of the cream at first, but decided to make a wiser decision. NOT!!!
      Don't get me wrong, the cream is nice too. It's just that I've fallen in ♥ with the essence.



      .
      Eye Roll-on - It feels good to roll a cooling ball around my sensitive eyes that always sting, but that feeling doesn't last for long. I can live without it, to be honest. Because, apart from moisturizing my eyes and cooling them for a minute, I don't see any difference in their appearance.

      ***DO try the Essence girls and boys ('coz it feels good after shaving too.) I bet you'll love it!

      DBA...^_^

      10/27/09

      Scars and Stretch Marks Removal

      Scars and stretch marks are really annoying, aren't they? I haven't met a woman who doesn't have these concerns.
      I'm using some products at the moment, although I've not been using them regularly, to be honest.
      This is not a review. I'm going to start using them religiously and let you know my verdict in a few months time.

      My skin concerns/type: Scar tissue on my belly button from a 2-time piercing I really regret, a few stretch marks on hips, uneven skin tone and occasional dryness.


      Bio Oil- It contains the breakthrough ingredient 'PurCellin oil', which they claim it improves the appearance of scars, stretch marks, uneven skin tone, aging and dry skin. The minute I read people raving about this on the net, I just couldn't wait to try it out. The little bottle is so cute too!
      Price- RM 32.80 (Rs.460.00)







      Mederma Gel- I first tried this between 2006-2007, probably the year it was first advertised in India. I didn't see any improvement of my scars and stretch marks then, even after I'd used up the tube. I bought another tube again 2 months ago, to give it another shot. It is a topical gel formulated with Cepalin, a botanical extract derived from onions. Meant for scars from injuries, surgery, acne; and also stretch marks.
      Price- Rs.500.00

      Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula-  This has been around for a while now but I've never tried it before. Formulated with a combination of cocoa butter, vitamin E, collagen, elastin and shea butter. It is specially meant for preventing and reducing stretch marks.
      These three came in a pack for RM 30.32 (Rs.425.00)







      I can only hope that they won't turn out to be a total waste of money and effort.
      ***We just need to remind ourselves that when it comes to scars, we ought to be more patient than when we're waiting for our nail polish to dry, or during the commercials when watching 'Lost' or 'Desperate Housewives.'

      Good luck meee...!

      **Only Palmer's Cocoa Butter and Mederma are available in India right now.

      DBA...^_^

      10/25/09

      Lucky Number '22' Giveaways!!!

      To all my readers, this is just a very out-of the-blue and impulsive thought ...I've decided to host a giveaway contest just because my followers have reached '22' today. 22 is my lucky number aka my birth date! :)

      Prizes are 2 products I bought, tried once and never used again:


      Practically new!




      The fan blew that missing one out of my hand a min ago. Can't find it! ;p

      1. Bourjois blush #13 Bonne Mine. 
      2. Shu Uemura Flare Eyelashes Under (Black)
      If you want them, simply leave your name and email address in the comments box!
      Winner to be chosen by a lucky draw.
      Open to ALL! Indian and international contestants.
      Closing date for contest: 8th November,'09. 
      Winner will be announced in my blog shortly after.

      DBA...XX.

      10/21/09

      My History With Maybelline

      If you ever had to, which cosmetics brand would you pick to be the last one on earth?
      For me, it's MAYBELLINE, without a doubt. It's affordable, fun, rarely disappoints me and always the first counter I head over to in a department/drug store.
      **(2nd choice- Bourjois, 3rd choice- Mac.)
      I love the history behind the brand as much as I love the products.


      Brief history (Old news to some of you, I bet. But this is my version, so READ PLEASE! =D) :

      Once upon a time, a woman named Maybel Williams, used to stare at herself in the mirror, wishing she had darker and more enticing eyelashes. So, she began using soot from an oil lamp to darken her lashes everyday, especially on days, when she knew, she would be running into "that man" of her dreams.
      Seeing this, her brother Thomas.L.Williams, thought a mixture of coal dust and Vaseline would be better for Maybel to use (What a brother, huh?!)

      I used to apply Vaseline to my lashes when I was younger and now I'm hitting my head thinking, "Why didn't I think of coal dust too!!!" =)

      Then in the year 1915 the brand "Maybelline" was born. The name is a combination of Maybel + Vaseline. (Again, what a brother!)
      The first cake mascara was introduced by Maybelline in 1917 and many formulations followed after.
      From then on, the name Maybelline became synonymous with mascaras and today it is the No.1 mascara brand all over the world. I like to call it "The Queen of Mascaras"
      Today, Maybelline boasts not only of their incomparable mascaras but other innovative cosmetic products as well. One, in particular, took the world by storm- the Dream Matte Mousse Foundation.


      Check out these old Maybelline magazine and newspaper ads I found from the net:




                                                 Kissing Slicks.. LOL :)



      I somehow really want to have the products in the black & white pics. So Vintage!  =)

      My first Maybelline Product:
      Diamond Shine Lip Gloss in some beige-ish shade. I can't even remember the exact name.

      Finished, dried up or given away:
      • Dream Matte Mousse Foundation, blush, bronzer. highlighter.
      • Lash Stylist Mascara
      • Expert Eyes eye pencil-Brownish Black
      • Ever Fresh concealer
      • Shiny-licious 
      • Moisture Extreme lip color- Chestnut, Cranberry
      • Water Shine Lip color- Dragonfly Red
      • Great Lash Mascara (Over-hyped)
      • Sky high Curves Mascara
      • XXL Mascara (don't remember which type)
      • Volume Express Turbo Boost Mascara
      • Lip Smooth(s)
      **Definitely forgetting a few.


      Using right now:
      Face: Angelfit Flawless Affinity Two Way Cake Foundation in #OC1 Light Ochre, Perfect Concealer in #01 Light Beige, Expert Finishing Loose Powder in #02 Natural Beige.

      Eyes: Eyestudio Gel Creamy gel liner (Brown), Long Double Stretch Mascara, Volume' Express Hypercurl Mascara
      Eyebrows: BrowDefinist by Eyestudio in #02 Brown.

      Lips:  Water Shine 3D Collagen Lipstick #402, Watershine Pure #P21, Shine Seduction #130, Moisture Extreme lip color #807 Light Berry.

      Below are pictures from a fun 'Maybelline Make-over and Photoshoot' in Kuala Lumpur...










      Hope you enjoyed reading my looonnngg...post ;)

      See ya.....

      Cynthia Z ^.^

      10/19/09

      Sexy Girl Hair Products


      I'm so..so.. hooked on Japanese and Korean brands these days. I just want to try them ALL! 
      It's like they have some magical powers to tempt us girly girls :)
      Sexy Girl is a Japanese brand which  carries a range of haircare and body care products.
      I'm religiously using two Sexy Girl hair products and I'm dreading the day I finish them up because they're not  available in India :(




      1. Oil Essence Night Repair Leave-in Treatment-- Made with 12 plant-derived oils- jojoba, rice bran, avocado, soybean, camelia, meadow foam, grape seed,  hazelnut, macadamia nut, mango, squalene, olive.
      2. Treatment Water Day & Night Leave-in Treatment-- Not exactly like a drink of water for my porous hair, but it smells nice-sweet, but not overpowering.
      Having very dry and chemically-damaged hair, these really makes my hair more manageable, frizz-free and shiny.

      Bought them both for  RM 46.58 = about Rs.700

      You can check out their cute website here: http://www.sexy-girl.jp/e/product/index.html

      ♥ Cynthia Z *.*

      10/18/09

      Guerlain Rouge G Lipstick Review

      If you read this: http://delhisbeautyaddict.blogspot.com/search/label/Guerlain you'll know how much I've been craving this lipstick. And now I'm holding it! *she grins*
      I got #63 Guilette, which is a vivid golden pink:

















      The lipstick is made with shimmering ruby powder. Honestly, there's nothing extraordinary about it, but nothing to dislike about it either. I think most people (me included) buy it  for the case and don't care much about what's inside.
      The Parisian case is fabulous and quite heavy. If you are a klutzy "dropper" or you just like your stuff to look as good as new always, it's better to keep the case inside the box that comes with it at all times, even in your handbag. You wouldn't want any scratches on the fancy little thing because: (1) The case would still make a cool handbag accessory even after you've used up the lipstick; and (2) It's bloody expensive!!!
      Bought it for RM 158.00 (Rs.2212.00, $45.00)
      Love it, but this is for sure a one-time buy, unless...nah...yeah one-time ;)