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3/12/15

LOTD: MAC Relentlessly Red Retro Matte Lipstick


I was making breakfast one morning.
Eggs, bread, stir-fried mushrooms, chai-style tea (by chai-style, I just mean more milk, 2 types of tea leaves & boiled in a saucepan.)
Multitasked by making 3 of them at once on our 3 burner stove.
Left Burner - Bread (I like to fry it lightly in olive oil & pretend it's homemade garlic bread.)
Middle Burner - Onions, garlic & green chillies (For the mushrooms I'd be adding afterwards.)
Right Burner - The chai-style tea.
Oh, I forgot to mention the eggs were already boiled- not too runny, not too hard. Perfect.
Things were going well. I just had to add the mushrooms & finish making the tea.
I'll be able to sit down, and my son would squeal ecstatically while he watched me eat. That's what he does these days.
Then it happened!
I added the first scoop of tea leaves to the onion/garlic/green chillies pan instead!
I can't even.......
Yes, I chopped & made a fresh batch after the accident, coz the mushrooms weren't added yet.
But still, I haven't forgiven myself. Such an idiot!

Later that same day, I put a big bow on my head to make myself feel better.

And a brand new red lipstick.....

MAC Relentlessly Red from the Retro Matte Collection.

It got this lippie last year, but didn't start wearing it until last month. I'm loving it like all the other Retro Matte Lipsticks I have. At first, I thought it'd be too similar to MAC All Fired Up, but they're completely different.

Price ~ Rs.990 - Rs.1450 (Old price - New price)

2/27/15

Spring Is Coming! OOTD


Just a quick OOTD - SELFIE Style =) 

{Hence, blurry pics!)

I've been covering myself in tights...and tall boots....and overcoats for so long that it feels so good to dress light again! And also feel a lil' lighter again!


Forever 21 Daisy Shorts (LOVE!)
Nichii Top (Old)
Yellow Flats (Shown here)



Thanks For Reading, all!

Happy Friday & See you again soon! :*)


P.S. Yes, I had to suck in my tummy for these pics! ;p



L♥ve,


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2/24/15

Red Lipstick Hides Dark Under Eye Circles?!

First off, I want to say this is not my idea. Credit goes to a Youtuber - Deepica Mutyala - a girl who's probably made all pricey "Dark Circle Correctors" obsolete. Her makeup tip of using RED LIPSTICK to mask dark undereye circles (and prevent them from showing through concealers) had everybody talking - because it sounds ridiculous! That is, until you see her demonstration. I'll attach her video below.
So, after I watched her video, I really wanted to try it on myself. I straight away tried the trick with a coral lipstick, because I knew red would not work on my skin tone. But just to put the original tip to the test, I also tried a red lipstick, and it did ended up looking too pink & didn't brighten up my under eye areas like the coral one. I guess red lipstick works best on deeper skin tones.
This is the 2nd time I did this. The 1st time, I was blown away by the difference it made. Something about the lipstick that made the result look almost airbrushed (especially from afar, and not so up-close like you'll see mine below... hehe!)
 I did a step-by-step to show you how I did it:
Step 1: I applied the coral lipstick straight from the tube. Just a swipe. I'm still not sure how much I need really =D
Step 2: I dotted concealer on top of the coral lipstick. That is a lil' too much, and I had to blend the extra downwards around my cheeks too.
Step 3: Blended them together with a blending brush. I find fingers or a sponge blend them better than a brush like this.
Step 4 (not shown): Set with loose powder. In the AFTER pic, I hadn't used powder yet.

I'll agree I didn't have serious dark under eye circles to begin with, but see how it concealed those little sun spots/freckles. Next, I'm gonna try different red/coral lipsticks (probably matte ones) on other spots and blemishes, and see how much they'll be concealed.
***I forgot to mention the staying power when I published this post: The concealer holds on really well to the lipstick, and they both set well on to the skin. I guess it's the wax in the lipstick. Once blended seamlessly, they don't crease & settle into fine lines. Especially after powder, the coverage is budge-proof!

Coral Lipstick ~ Bourjois Shine Edition Lipstick #20 1,2,3 Soleil ~ Swatched here

Concealer ~ Maybelline Fit Me Concealer #20

Powder ~ The Body Shop Loose Powder #01

Brushes ~ Sigma E25 to blend concealer & Real Techniques Setting Brush to apply powder.



Deepica's video:



Lovely girl! I think this beauty hack has changed many people's lives. Not to mention saved us some money too!


What do you all think? Have you tried this trick & found it helpful? 

Do share which lipsticks you have used with all of us! =)


Have a great week all....

Until next time......


2/21/15

Floral Print Mirror Compact & Eyelash Curler


Handbag, 
Luggage, 
Wallet,
Shoes,
Head Band,
Dress,
Lingerie,
 Bedding, 
Curtains, 
Chair,
Cushion covers.....


I want all of those in this same exact print, please!

2/19/15

Pink Glam Eyes & Lips Combination

You know that feeling when you finish watching the finale of a TV series? Like something died inside you? Ya, that's the feeling I'm feeling these days - after I finished watching The Missing. It's such a brilliant show with an ending that still haunts me days later. Do watch it if you're into mystery.

So....if you're wondering what makeup I wore on Valentine's Day, this is it. I didn't get time to click photos that day, so I recreated the look. Well.... just eyes & lips, because a full LOTD with presentable hair is almost impossible for me to do these days! Even on V-Day, I had to put my son on a chair opposite me while I did my hair! He stopped crying & watched  =D

2/15/15

Charles & Keith Heels ~ Total Steal!


Happy Sunday, all! I hope you had a lovely Valentine's Day yesterday. Me, I went out shopping with my boys for a few hours.

I just realized this is CZloves' very first blog post of 2015. I don't know where January went!

I got these Charles & Keith Tri-Colour Ankle Strap Heels on SALE in November or December last year, and thought I'd share, because I see they're still available online for those interested.

I just LOVE the design - very out-of-the-box!

2/10/15

Bio Oil ~ Does It Really Work For Stretch Marks & Scars?

Since last year, I've received a ton of questions regarding stretch marks, so I thought I'd do a post on it. Stretch marks are the #1 skin concern during pregnancy (More than weight gain even, at least for me. And yes, I still can't fit into most of my old clothes! More on that in another post.), because they are, in most cases, invincible (Unlike some political parties who lost the state elections today.) Once they've marked their territory on your body, they become a permanent reminder that prevention really is better than cure.
I have a vivid memory of a person I know always scratching herself when she was pregnant. The scratch marks on her stomach and - I won't write the b-word - chest area were red & bloody! I asked her why, because I didn't know about these things called 'Stretch Marks' back then. She had this relaxed smile on her face, and said, "It's sooo satisfying to scratch until my skin bleeds." Ya, it's quite psycho. But I've been there - with mosquito bites.
I used only Bio Oil all through my pregnancy, and I'd been using it on old stretch marks and scars for years before. I won't bore you by making you read a lot, and get right to the point(s)!
First thing, I got no stretch marks on my tummy after pregnancy. Zero. Thank Goodness Bio Oil!

When did I start to apply? I found out I was pregnant in February '14, and I started using it religiously after showers around the last couple of weeks in March. So, there wasn't much itching, and I didn't feel my skin stretching & losing its elasticity during those 9 months. I think you can start with any other dry skin lotion in the beginning. You're good as long as you keep your skin moisturized.

How much to apply, where, when? All around my tummy, yes, but I also applied it on my lower back, hips and derriere. Basically, where you're most likely to expand during pregnancy. I apply after showers, and sometimes before bedtime. Generously.
How many bottles I used during the Pregnancy? As you can see, I'd been using five 60ml bottles. There was a 6th older bottle that I'd discarded.

Does Bio Oil remove old stretch marks? Not completely even after years. I have a few, and with time, Bio Oil has made them less noticeable and less "wormy" looking. I'd say it flattened them. Stretch marks during the early stage are red, and they turn white as they become more permanent. Get them while they're young!

Does Bio Oil remove scars? Again, it helps flatten and lighten some scars. Like keloids. I got my belly button pierced - twice! My body rejected it both times. Now the scar is half the regret it used to be because of my committed relationship with Bio Oil.

Did I mention this post is not sponsored by Bio Oil? Even though I kinda wish it was. Maybe, a lifetime supply?
Price of Bio Oil in India: Rs.450 for 60ml.





I think that's all. I hope I've answered the questions you asked and had in mind. If you have any other that I forgot to mention, feel free to ask!

Good Luck to all the lades who are expecting....shoo stretch marks!


Until next time.......




1/31/15

Makeup Today ~ Gradient Lips

Gradient lips are not everyone's cup of tea, but I am obsessed with them at the moment. I've been doing them with red and fuchsia and rosy pink. Today, I decided to go with beige/nude.....

Face ~ L'Oreal Magic Nude Foundation 320 Natural Beige, Maybelline Fit Me Concealer, Laura Mercier Loose Powder.


Eyes ~ MAC Paint Pot Layin' Low as a base, Inglot Eye Shadow #341 on the lids, Urban Decay Tease & Blackout from Naked 2 Palette on the crease, Colorbay Just Smoky Kajal ,Just Black to line waterline Maybelline Colossal Liner, Maybelline Big Eye Mascara, on top & bottom lashes, Ardell False Lashes.

Brows ~ MAC Fluidline Gelcreme in Dirty Blonde

Lips ~ MAC Enchanted One Lipstick from Alluring Aquatic Collection mixed with Bourjois Happy Light Concealer #21 Ivoire, then I used Bourjois Smoky Effect Black Pencil to outline.


Have a fantastic weekend, everyone!

Sorry I can't write much today....because Baby CZ is crying and wants attention! =D

If you're looking for nice thriller/horror movies, I liked Before I Go To Sleep (Read the book too!) & Jessabelle.



1/27/15

Beauty Haul ~ New, Old & Favorites


FRIENDS S04E24:

Priest: "Repeat after me, 'I, Ross.'"
Ross: "I, Ross."
Priest: "Take thee, Emily."
Ross: "Take thee, Rachel."

Now that's an old & my most favorite TV show twist ever! I realize it's so random, but I watched it again recently, and I think it's absolutely genius! =D

Now on to my 1st Beauty Haul of 2015.....
......and I like all the products already.....

1/22/15

OUTSTANDING Beauty Products Of 2014

Hi, Everyone! =) Please don't hate me for being away for 3 weeks! I was in my hometown for 2 weeks.... then I got the flu when I got back. I couldn't wait to come back here & wish you all A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR. I hope 2015 will bring you all the things you wish & pray for! BIG Hugs<3

Let's rewind to year 2014 a little & take a look at the beauty products that really stood out. There were so many great products that came to mind, but I carefully selected only products that I really really LOVED using - most of them everyday. I excluded "fancy" products, and put in more "practical" products for every budget.....

1. MAC Fluidline Brow Gelcreme, Rs.1150 ~ Best.Brow.Product.Ever! It defines & sets brows, it's waterproof and makes brows look really well-groomed. My shade is Dirty Blonde. Available in 2 more shades - Redhead & Deep Dark Brunette. Price: Rs.1100.
2. Inglot Nail Enamel #356 ~ Most-used nail paint of 2014. I just love this color on both my toes and fingers. I felt safe using it during my pregnancy months too, coz it does not contain toluene, formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) or camphor. Swatched here. Price: Rs.600.
3. Maybelline Colossal Volum' Express Mascara (Waterproof) ~ The most memorable  mascara of 2014. When you layer it 3-4 times, your lashes could be mistaken for falsies! Price: Rs.350.
4. Colorbar Just Smoky Kajal in Just Black ~ So black, so soft, so overused by moi. More pics & swatched here. Price: Rs.650.
5. Street Wear Color Rich Compact Powder ~ This has made its way into my handbag. I love how non-powdery & lightweight it is for a pressed powder. My shade is Neutral - Swatched here. Price: Rs.170.
6. Revlon Super Lustrous Matte Lipstick in Mauve It Over ~ When I bought this, I didn't think much of it. Little did I know it was going to be my favorite matte nude lipstick. I wore it here. Price: Rs.764 from UK.
7. Clinique Cheek Pop Blush in Peach Pop ~ It's perfection! I use a small stippling brush so that I don't mess up the design too soon. Will post swatches of it sometime. Price: Rs.2100 (You might get it cheaper online!)
8. Nivea Fruity Shine Watermelon ~ Smells and looks yummy. The shade is a really pretty raspberry pink. I couldn't show you coz I'd used it all up! Price: Rs.140.
9. L'Oreal True Match Foundation ~ Fail-proof base for me. My shade is Golden Beige. See how it transforms my skin here. Price: Rs.995.
10. MAC Paint Pot in Constructivist ~ After over 2 years, it's still one of my most favorite cream eyeshadows. I know it's been featured too many times on here, but I used it almost daily last year. It's my too-lazy-to-do-eye-makeup go-to product. Swatched here. Price: Rs.1100 (Probably more now that MAC has hiked up their prices.)
11. Vaseline Total Moisture Lotion ~ After Baby CZ arrived, both Mr.CZ's and my hands became so dry/rough/cracked like sandpaper because of a hand sanitizer we kept using like overly-cautious first-time parents that we were. So much so that they actually hurt...no, stung! We tried this out and.... we were healed!!! Price: Rs.60/100ml.
12. Olay Total Effects Day Cream Normal ~ I took a break from this for a few months, and that's all it took for me to realize how much this cream suits my skin (Combination). It really does even out the skin's texture & minimizes pores, like it claims. Price: Rs.349/20g (travel-size)
13. Bio Oil ~ Believe the hype, people! ZERO stretch marks after pregnancy! A detailed post is coming soon. Price: 450/60ml
14. L'Oreal Elnett Satin Hairspray ~ Curling hair without this is a waste of time! I say this because I had to live without it for a while - after returning to India, coz it's not easily available here. You can find it in some Beauty Salons (some that have it actually refuse to sell it! =\ ). I got it from Bella Madonna Salon. Price: Rs.575/500ml.
15. Sunsilk Natural Recharge Strong & Abundant Conditioner ~ With Ginseng Root & Oil, and it's Paraben-free. I've used both the shampoo & conditioner from this range, but weirdly, I find that this conditioner works better with other shampoos. Price: Rs.144/180ml.



Hope you enjoyed my first blog post of 2015.

Would love it if you too shared at least 1 OUTSTANDING product that you discovered in 2014.


Good Day, Everyone. 

Talk again shortly.


P.S. Baby CZ is doing well. He's growing up so fast...the buttons on his onesies keep popping! =D


12/26/14

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Hey,Everyone! Just wanted to wish you all a Merry MERRY Christmas! Hope you had a lovely & blessed day with your loved ones. Sharing a few family pics we clicked today. Most of them came out a lil' blurry, coz it was a quick photo session after a long day of lunch & fun with the family.
Bubbles was very sleepy here, so he wasn't in the mood to smile (he looks depressed actually.... haha!) He smiles & tries to talk now! =D


12/17/14

MAC Lady Danger Lipstick ~ LOTD, Swatches

Hello, Everyone! How have you all been? It seems like I haven't done a post like this in sooo long! This is my first LOTD after childbirth and, as you can see, the little one woke up from his afternoon nap. He was actually fussing there. Face/Neck scratching & hair pulling.....Ahh, where are those mittens?!!! And I had to wipe off that lipstick fast fast, because......
MAC Lady Danger Lipstick (Matte) ~ Described as Vivid bright coral-red. I got MAC Lady Danger mainly because I wanted an orange version of MAC Ruby Woo, my most favorite red lipstick EVER, and the vivid coral is punctuated by just the right amount of red to make it exactly what I had in mind. Well, almost exactly what I had in mind.....


12/12/14

NEW! Lakmé Lip Love Lip Care

In the world of lip care, finding the perfect balance between colour and care is often a difficult one. While lip balms moisturize your lips, you still need a lipstick to add that dash of colour. Lakmé now brings together these two attributes in one amazing product- the first ever dual-core lip balm stick – Lakmé Lip Love Lip Care. The launch of this brand new lip care innovation by Lakmé comes along with the announcement of Shraddha Kapoor joining the Lakmé family. 

“Lakmé Lip Love lip care is a fantastic innovation by Lakmé and is sure to become my beauty staple as it offers a perfect balance of colour and care. I am thrilled to be associated with this iconic brand that offers world class beauty innovations to the contemporary Indian woman.” said Shraddha Kapoor.

These sticks are available in four lovable variants – Cherry, Strawberry, Peach and Vanilla which come in attractive packs (3.8gm) and are priced at INR 200/-