Search This Blog

3/22/19

Saying Goodbye To Expired Makeup



When it's time. It's time.

Every Makeup Hoarder's nightmare, and I'm living it right now.

All these have been with me for over 5 years or more now. I've valued them & treated them with respect (and extreme care!)


These are about 80% of the make-up I have to let go of. There are still some in some boxes that I need to sort out. I don't touch them anymore, and now they're just there occupying all the space.

All MAC Lipsticks will go to the Back To Mac program, so at least I'll get some free lipsticks to replace a few.



NO, I won't give EXPIRED stuff away to other people.


YES, it hurts.


I'll be fine.




Facebook | Bloglovin' |  Instagram


3/21/19

I Lilac You

Lilac.

I Lilac it too much right now. It will make all my decisions this year.

Featured Products:


COLab Unicorn Dry Shampoo

MAC  Mineralize Blush Sakura (Quite Cute Collection)

Etude House Dreaming Swan Eye & Cheek Blusher #4 Releve Purple.

Etude House Minnie Touch Blusher from XOXO Minnie Collection - More pictures here.

Inglot Eyeshadow 493 Shine. More pics here.

Colorbar Nail 'Sister's Secret' (more pics here)

Deborah Milano Fluid Velvet Liquid Mat #14 'Peonia'

Etam top



I pictured this post differently, with a lot of amazing  LILAC things I don't have with me yet.
But I couldn't wait any longer, and picked stuff from my stash.

Another one is coming.....


Btw, did you notice I changed the blog color too? =D


HAPPY HOLI, EVERYONE! 



Facebook | Bloglovin' |  Instagram

3/20/19

The Only Lip Balms I Need


These are the only lip balms I've been using since 2018.....


Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Lip Balm (Original) SPF 15 : So so surprised how good this one is! I love the curved shape made to fit lip shape. I wear matte liquid lipsticks all day, and this heals my super dry (and sometimes, tortured) lips overnight. 
Price: Rs.130.


Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Lip Moisturizer SPF 15:  If I had to pick one clear & simple lip balm I'd go back to, I guess I'd currently pick this. It does what its made for. I think this is my 2nd tube, if I remember correctly.
Price: Rs.164


Jub Jub Lip Balms: If I'm in the mood for flavored tinted lip balms, I use these eos dupes I found at a store in MBK Mall, Bangkok. They are very good, and maybe I like them better than the eos ones.
Price: Rs.345, each (approx.)

I got all 3 on the top shelf ~ Strawberry Cheesecake (which I'd finished), Hokkaido Melon, Berry Blossom.



Now, Skincare & Lips. DONE! 

The Hair loss post many of you are waiting for is coming shortly.


Will be back later with another post....





3/13/19

I Used Only Korean Skincare Products For 3 Years


~ I recently had to wish for a pimple, just so I'd be able to test the CosRX Acne Pimple Master Patch. What I'm saying is, I haven't had any serious, hi-fi pimples for the past 3 years
(Just 1 time: I was at a Watson's in Bangkok in May 2018, and I saw this Garnier Sakura White Serum. It was pink & pretty, so I bought a sample-sized tube. I applied it on my face that night, and next morning I woke up with a big cystic pimple on my forehead.)

~ I was gonna get fillers on 2 deep frown lines on my forehead. Now they look ironed out. Though I started making a conscious effort not to frown so much & wear sunglasses whenever I'm out, I know it's hugely due to the extra products I was using.

~ Pitted scars are smaller & those tiny white bumps under eyes (milia seeds) are gone.

~ Skin texture is smoother & more polished than when it was in my early 20's.

~ As for dark spots, lighter sun spots are gone. But deeply-embedded pigmentation patches have not changed much. However, I must say that I haven't used many heavy-duty Korean"Whitening" products yet.

*******

Those are some of the results I got from using only Korean Skincare products consistently for the past 3, or so, years.

I came across a quote, which says: "Don't sell a product, sell an experience."
My mind instantly traveled to all my Korean Skincare Products, because each and every product I've used have been an experience.

I started in 2015, and then it slowly became my BIGGEST OBSESSION. If I'm not using a K-Beauty product yet, I'm reading about it & researching the benefits of its ingredients.

Products I've used. *Derma Roller is another story.*

*Earlier products*


The K-Beauty 10 Step Routine (My Way):


STEP 1: DOUBLE CLEANSING. Using a cleansing oil/balm & then a foam/gel cleanser.

STEP 2: SCRUB or PEELING GEL
(Only 1-2 times a week)

STEP 3: TONER. 

STEP 4: EYE CREAM.

STEP 5: SHEET MASK 
(Only 1-3 times a month)

STEP 6: ESSENCE

STEP 7: SERUM/AMPOULE
(I never skip this step.)

STEP 8: MOISTURIZER or EMULSION

STEP 9: SUNBLOCK
(Only during day time)

STEP 10: SLEEPING MASK or NIGHT TREATMENT. 

*You skip STEP 10 during the day & STEP 9 at night.


To simplify it, here are the products I'm currently using most of the time.....


1. Double Cleansing: Banila Co Zero Cleansing Balm to remove makeup. Foam cleansers I've been using are: The Face Shop Rice Water Bright, Innisfree Volcanic Pore Cleanser & It's Skin Mangowhite Cleansing Foam.

2. Peeling Gel: It's Skin Mangowhite Peeling Gel (My favorite so far)

3. Toner: Son & Park Beauty Water.

4. Eye Cream: Etude House Pink Vital Water Eye Serum

5. Sheet Mask (not shown): Not a necessity for me, really. Though I've used most of the Innisfree ones.

6. Essence (not shown): I was using Innisfree Soybean Essence.

7.  Serum/Ampoule: It's Skin Caviar Serum (which I LOVE & will repurchase) or Klaire's Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop.

8. Moisturizer: Etude House Pink Vital Water Cream. I need a moisturizer when I'm using a whitening serum, which is usually watery. But if I'm using a Snail serum/ampoule, which is slimy in texture, I skip moisturizer. This all also depends on the weather.

9. Sunblock: Innisfree Daily UV Essence Water Base SPF 50+ PA+++. This is not my favorite. I like Missha one. I prefer sunblocks in essence form

10. Sleeping Mask: Laneige Water Sleeping Mask. 
My absolute favorite skincare product of all time.


Do I do this full 9-10 step routine everyday? Yes, only at night. Then, in the morning, I use only foam cleanser---till Step 9. But, of course, I sleep with my makeup on quite often too. So the routine is done in the morning.

I had gotten bored of using the same products, coz they really do last a while! So I recently got some of the popular Korean skincare products right now:


Yes Style Haul:


Secret Key Lemon Sparkling Peeling Gel

Dear Klaires Freshly Juiced Serum Vitamin C & Centella Asiatica Extracts

Etude House Lash Serum

Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Borabit Ampoule

Koelf Ruby Bulgarian Rose Hydro Gel Eye Patch

Nacific Phyto Niacin Whitening Essence

Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm

Son & Park Beauty Water

Skin & Lab Pink Clay Facial Mask

CosRX Acne Pimple Master Patch (Mentioned at the start of this post)

Klaire's Gentle Black Cleansing Puff (FREE with purchase, with a sheet mask)

*Yes Style shipped my package from Singapore & I did not have to pay Customs charges, coz they*


********

Myntra Haul:


The Face Shop Chia Seed Hydrating Facial Toner

The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Lotion

*Myntra was selling The Face Shop products at discounted prices - upto 30% off.*

*******



This is a topic that shall continue. This post has been sitting in my drafts for over a year, and I will click publish NOW, whether it's good/informative enough or not.

In the next posts, I'll list down The BEST MUST-TRY Korean Skincare Products I've tried so far, and in another, I'll share my weekly/monthly routines and how I rotate between ALL the products - because I'm about to buy more ;p

This. 
This is where I'll try everything, if I could. 
This is where I'm going ALL IN.




3/12/19

5 Girly Perfumes For Spring


5 Things:

 1. Spring Cleaning is #1 this month. Thinking about redecorating my dressing room too - some florals, some color....hope I don't get bored when I don't find what I want.

2. Two songs at the top of my playlist: WAR:Jay Sean & All I Got:Said The Sky & Kwesi.

3.  My help left on 3rd March for her village, and she'll be back till May. She's the best & doesn't talk much, and I don't know how I'll man--- well, I got another temp today..... but I miss my original one already! Sometimes, I feel like just ringing her in Bengal, and....I don't know.

4. Four More Shots Please on Prime. India's SATC, ladies! ;)

5. Five Girly Perfumes I selected for spring, during this "Spring Cleaning" phase of mine......
(Only 1 of them was gifted by a man. Others, by myself for myself.)


Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream

Bulgari Rose Goldea

Dolce & Gabbana Dolce (More pics here)

Victoria's Secret Bombshell

Hugo Boss Ma Vie






3/6/19

Terminal 3 Haul


Imagine forgetting your airport haul bag, above the sink, in an airport washroom.
Then you're running towards the boarding gate, because it's the FINAL CALL (...as yoozh).
Halfway, you realize the bag is not in your hand, and you're left with 2 choices:
Run back to the washroom, which would take about 2 minutes - OR - continue running to the plane & secretly shed some tears during the journey.
It took me 5 seconds to have a very small heart attack & turn back.......



Satya Paul Wallet ~ Because instant attraction.

Accessorize Sunglasses ~ Because I forgot to carry sunglasses.

Rage Chocolate ~ Because of the packaging. (Actually from the landing airport, not T3)



Just a quick post, as I'm still out of town.

Speak again soon!





2/27/19

My Casual Black Tights For Winter


Remember in Sex And The City when Carrie ran out of ideas, and thought about writing about her sock drawer - "Men as socks"?

Well... me, I would've thought about my tights drawer - "Men as tights"

Like her, I don't know where I'd go with that.
(...and I'm afraid the one-liner in my head right now sounds kinda sexist.)

If you're interested to peek into a corner of said tights drawer, then here are my casual/everyday black tights this winter:


1. Velvet Plush Black Tights, Primark ~ Before leaving UK, I made it a point to get these. They're the warmest tights out there, and obviously quite thick.

2. Woolen Semi-Sheer Black Tights, Forever New ~ Semi-sheer with a cable knit type of pattern. Kind of an itchy material this, but they're warm.

3. Shimmery Tights, H&M ~ If disco pants look hideous on you, then shimmery tights could be an alternative =D

4. Sheer Polka Dot Black Tights, H&M ~  My moderately "dressy"-slash-casual tights. Every girl should own a pair of polka-dotted tights, I think :)

5. Fleece-Lined Black Tights, Primark ~ These are the best for any kind of winter, since you can wear them under jeans as well + they double up as socks.

6. 40 Denier Tights, H&M ~ Must-have tights for me. They're plain, between opaque & sheer, and go with everything. These came in a pack of 2.


 


Couldn't post for 2 days, because I'm out of town & busy.
Will make up that. 


Speak again shortly.



2/23/19

Cute Toddler Things


The first time Ziizayne asked me to buy this panda set at a store, I told him they're all broken & I'd search online instead. To him, this "ONLINE" is a magical place.
To me, it's where the discounts are (read: Firstcry)


Skip Hop Panda Plate, Bowl, Spoon & Fork Set 
(Don't you just LOVE Skip Hop stuff? So many animals to choose from!)

Mothercare Car Embossed Sweater

Hot Wheels 50th Anniversary Volkswagen Beetle Checkmate Pawn.

If you're interested in the sweet props ~ Alpenliebe Strawberry & Soulfull Multigrain Loopies... and another Hot Wheels car just like that 😋

Hot Wheels 50th Anniversary Volkswagen Beetle Checkmate Pawn
↑↑↑

Bought this for myself, because he didn't want to buy it (twice!) But now he wants it.
I gave it to him - in exchange for a Hot Wheels Minion Car ;p




Happy Weekend, Everyone!



*This is a scheduled post, as I'm travelling today. 
Speak again on Monday.*




2/22/19

Colorbar 1001 Nail Polishes ~ HAUL


Colorbar launched 1001 new nail polishes recently & I'm going C-R-A-Z-Y! 
I'm having trouble picking shades, even though the New U stores I went to didn't stock all 1001 shades. 

With Keratin & Almond Oil, and the formula is paraben-free. 

I picked up 2 shades one time, then I went back to get more...but then I didn't have enough time to pick carefully. So I managed to pick only 3 more. 


Sister's Secret #607 - Lilac
Pretty Face #822 ~ Rose pink
Lemonade # 1080 ~ Lemon yellow
Invisible #835 ~ Cool Nude
Salt & Pepper #1302 Arteffects ~ Baby blue with navy flecks



I'd already worn Sister's Secret and Salt & Pepper, and they're both great! The consistency is just right, nice brush, streak-free application & they don't chip easily either.

I wanna be in a room with ALL 1001 shades, and pick 20 more! =D



Price: Rs.199 
(THANK YOU, Colorbar! For keeping it under 200 bucks.)





2/20/19

LOTD: M I G R A I N E

12:07 am:

I swallow the tiny orange pill. Migraine, the neurologist had named the bastard on the
 right side of my head, after probing me with questions about my personal life & lifestyle. He had his hand under his chin & made eye contact. I had my hand on my Michael Kors 'Cynthia' satchel & made up some lies about my daily routine. 
What a dull suburban existence I painted for him. If he only knew....

1:45 am:

I'm staring at a meme of a cat clawing at a donut from 
a distance & then withdrawing, like it's an explosive. 
[Caption: 'Me on a diet']
I imagine myself at ZARA doing the same when I see another winter jacket I don't really need. 
The pill should make me drowsy by now. My head throbs & my right eye twitches. 
I shut my eyes. 

2:20 am:

I'm running my fingers on a thick vein that's popped up on my forehead.
It feels like a worm, eww! Was Monica's Thanksgiving vein like this? 
Arghh! Useless pill! 1 week & nothing!
 I'll call the Doctor tomorrow.....

*Oh, c'mon! You don't need a CT Scan! Don't treat me like your fucking enemy! 
I'm your friend & I'm here to tell you something 
that's already in your head. You know something. 
What is it? I will not leave until you see it! 
OPEN YOUR EYES! OPEN YOUR EYES, GODDAMNIT!!!*

3:43 am:

I'm sweating. My eyes & pillow are wet. I can't move. 
I saw. On the ceiling. Faces...images....answers.
Like iron on quicksand, I sink into slumber in seconds. 

11:16 am:

I toss 7 tiny orange pills I no longer need in the bin. Tricyclic Antidepressants, Google informs. 
For treatment of Migraines, Depression & Bedwetting. 
10-year-old CZ finally gets an explanation for the humiliating recurrent bedwetting. 
What child can link susu on the bed to depression? I forgive her now.


Past & Present mysteries. Unraveled.


Follow your heart, they say. But your head.... your head will always 
give you more than you bargained for - if you'd only listen to what it has to say. 


*************



Top: ZARA

Jeans: Aeropostle

Hairband: Forever 21

Lipstick: Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored.





2/19/19

BEST BEAUTY PRODUCTS


Did you know SHALLOTS are just frickin' ONIONS?
Until recently, I always thought they were....like....seafood. 
I made this connection in my own head:
SHALLOTS = SHALLOW
I thought they came in a shallow shell type thingy.
Like oysters.


That's just one filler thought in my head - when I'm not thinking about beauty products & opening Myntra app again to check "What's New" & other complicated life stuff.


So, here are the BEST BEAUTY PRODUCTS I've used lately. I planned to say 2018, but it's kinda late now. I threw in 17 random products in here, although the are A LOT more which are for other posts.


1.  It's Skin Green Tea Watery Emulsion ~ At one point, I was doing everything for my skin, and yet it's somewhat dry & flaky from time to time, especially with makeup on. This was the only product that solved that problem. So, if you have super dry skin, an emulsion might be the answer.  | Price: Rs.990.

2. L'Oreal Liss Unlimited Pro Keratin Smoothing Cream ~  I've stopped using serums on my hair, because I realized they dry out my strands after a day or two. This is perfect, because it works as a leave-in conditioner & heat protectant + reduce the static on my hair these days. It also has silver shimmer for some glam. | Price: Rs.510.

3. COLORBAR Nude It Rose Clay Mask ~ I will talk about this in detail in another post. For now, I'll just say this is exactly how I imagined a pink rose mask would be like. It comes with a very nice tiny brush too. | Price: Rs.450


4. YOKO Salt Spa Scrubs ~ I got 2 of these - Yogurt Milk & Aloe Vera. Both have collagen & Vitamins, etc. I've used the Yogurt one more, and it has managed to lighten underarms + prevented allergies that I often get. If your skin is highly sensitive & prone to heat rashes & what not, try using a salt scrub....because now I believe salt does kill all bacteria (.....and eels too, did you know that?!) In India, you'll find these online & some pharmacies that stock imported stuff. | Price: Rs.250

5. Makeup Revolution Luxury Banana Powder ~ I was on the fence with this one. To be honest, that's mainly because I hadn't used the coveted Ben Nye Banana Powder yet, and I don't value dupes & copies as much. But it just kept creeping up in my makeup routine, brightening & setting everything nicely. I already got my money's worth & can't fault it. | Price: Rs.850.

6. MAYBELLINE Total Temptation Mascara (Waterproof) ~ Got this because Maybelline Falsies Mascara was out of stock, and it's just as good - albeit a little dry. I'd still pick Falsies mascara over it, but in case they've discontinued it..... | Price: Rs.525.

7. FENTY BEAUTY Match Stix Matte Skinstick Bamboo ~ The most non-cakey stick base product I've ever used. It blends so well, and the coverage is buildable, so it works likes a concealer & an all-over base. Other Fenty Beauty products posted here. | Price: 

8. FOREVER 21 Sharpener ~ This heart-shaped sharpener has 2 sharpeners - small for eye pencils & big for crayon pencils. | Price: Can't remember, maybe Rs.150

9. INNISFREE Skinny Longlongcara ~ It's a mascara with a very skinny brush, that you can use for lashes & brows. There are a few more variants of tiny mascaras like this at Innisfree, like one with a curved brush. Mascara-ing my bottom lashes is problemo no mo.

10. LAKME Kareena Kapoor Khan Absolute Eye Definer Onyx~ No need for Urban Decay eye pencils, this is THE kohl pencil to own. It is so silky & black & doesn't smudge (much) | Price: Rs.900

11. DUO Eyelash Adhesive (Dark Tone) ~ This is only for Rs.225-250, so I don't know if it's an original product or China-made. Okay, let's face it, probably China-made. I got it from a beauty store in GK M-Block Market, Delhi. I love it because it sticks my false lashes well + it doesn't hurt when I take them off.

12. Peri Pera Sugar Twinkle Liquid Shadow #002 Candy Cane  ~ Superfine glitter in a bottle. I WANT MORE! One from every brand that makes them.

13. FENTY BEAUTY Kabuki Brush ~ What sets this apart from all my past kabuki brushes is, it's stubby & dense but still fans out, which makes blending quick & effortless.

14. VASELINE Cocoa Glow Moisturising Cream ~ Body Butters are forgotten now. It's thick & creamy & whipped-dessert-like.... every time I use it, I actually say, "Mmm, yummy." | Price: Rs.230

15. MAYBELLINE Master Chrome Highlighter Molten Rose Gold ~ It's okay if I don't get to use any other highlighter in this life time. I'm super content with this one. More so than MAC Soft & Gentle MSF. | Price: Rs.550

16. COSLUXE Tap Sheer Better Concealer #02 Walnut ~ BEST HIGH COVERAGE CONCEALER. It is a matte-finish thick-ish concealer, which covers dark spots/patches & stays put amazingly well. You can just apply & tap, tap, tap. Cosluxe is a Thai brand. This concealer wasn't even expensive. I imagine the famous Tarte Shape Tape Concealer to be like this, but that's just in my head. Let me get my hands on that to prove my instinct right - one hopes.

17. VICTORIA'S SECRET Eau So Sexy Rollerball Perfume ~ Lastly, a perfume I overlooked at first because I was too in love with Bombshell. And yes, it does smell kinda sexy.


*I'm sorry, I can't remember the prices of some products.* 


 


That's it for today. I might do a WORST PRODUCTS post too, but.... I don't know..... I'm working on being a kinder person this year.... hahah!


HAPPY 2019, EVERYONE! 


Speak to you EVERYDAY starting today =)