Out of Curiosity : Which is your favorite makeup brand??

Maybelline used to be my favorite makeup brand. If u ever spotted me in a beauty shop it would have been at the Maybelline counter ;) But these days I am gravitating towards other brands like Inglot and Revlon.Now I can safely call Inglot as my favorite brand courtesy their blushes and lipsticks. The quality they offer for reasonable prices is just amazing :)

So what is ur go to brand for makeup ?? Stop reading and start clicking ;)

Which is Your favorite Makeup Brand??

Random Post of the Week ! Wink Wink ;)

Impulsive post :P Wat are u guys upto?? How is the week treating u?? I started d week with loads of shopping for clothes including a brand new track suit :D Weightloss is exhilarating na??

Excitement has come down considerably as I have more to go :\ And am bit confused nw. Figuring out will take time. Hopefully not too long. Otherwise the RED denims I have been lusting after for like 2 months will vanish off the shelves and haunt me forever!

On other events I have finished 3 of the books that I gt as a part of my book haul   :)

Liked only the James Patterson one. Stephanie Plum was def not to my liking.

Just started on The Krishna Key by Ashwin Sanghi :)

So which book are u currently reading??

Skincare : Aroma Magic Rose Oil Review!

Adding essential oil to ur skincare aids in the improvement of the overall texture and health of the skin :)

I have been using the Aroma Magic Rose Oil for more than an year now.

• The oil is housed in a translucent brown glass bottle.Little heavy and since it is a glass bottle not travel friendly at all.
• Price point : Rs.220 for 15 ml.It would last u a month with everyday usage.
• The oil is colorless and has a redolent concentrated rose fragrance.
• Since it is an essential oil it is to ONLY used along with a carrier oil like olive/almond oil.Do not use it directly on ur skin. 
• Frequent usage of the oil imparts a glow to the skin. My skin looks well nourished and healthy :)

 

• Few benefits of rose oil :

               ~ Has astringent qualities i.e. helps in shrinking large pores.
               ~ Is anti bacterial : helps against skin infections.
               ~ Soothes the skin and helps fight acne.
               ~ Provides rich nourishment to the skin.

• Various ways to wean this into ur skincare regime  :

             ~ U can use the rose oil mixed with moisturizer/night cream for skin conditioning.
             ~ With olive/almond oil for a deep massage once/twice a week based on ur skin preferences.
             ~ Mixed with ur face masks.
             ~ In Aromatherapy. I just pour 2/3 drops of the oil in hot water before bath. Very relaxing :D
             ~ Mix it with few drops of water and dab it onto ur pulse points for instant perfume ;) 

VERDICT:

Currently on my 3rd bottle. Do I need to say more?? It will suit both dry skin and oily skin. I love using it as part of my facial routines :)

Lipstick Love : Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in Soft Rose Review and Swatches!

Like I always mention I keep the best things to the last ;) 

So I am reviewing the third (hopefully not the last) lipstick that I own from the Revlon Colorburst range :) U can read the reviews of the other 2 lipsticks here and here. I am not gonna talk about the packaging.

• Revlon Colorburst lipstick in Soft Rose is the prettiest lipstick shade that I have come across! It is beautiful blend of pink and red that will look reddish pink on ur pretty lips ;)
• The texture is creamy and u need to exfoliate ur lips before application.Glides like butter on the lips.

• Pigementation is okayish. If u have pigemented lips u will need 2 to 3 swipes.
• The finish is semi matte.
• Does not settle into fine lines.

Under direct sunlight

• The lipstick is neither moisturizing nor drying despite being creamy in texture. I definitely need a lip balm underneath.
• The lasting power is low.Stayed on for only 2 hrs after which it vanished without a trace :(
• The price point is a major con. Rs.620/- for 3.7 g. 
• This shade will look lovely on fair/medium skin :)

VERDICT:

It is such a gorgeous shade! I think 2013 is going to lucky for me in terms of makeup ;) Soft rose paired Inglot Coral pink blush (32) can brighten anyone's day :)

Also Check out :

Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in Rosy Nude Review and Swatches!
Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in Peach Review and Swatches!
My Favorite Everyday Wear Lipsticks!  

Skincare: Vedic Line Sunscreen Gel Review!

Sunscreen is a very critical step in your skincare routine provided u have one ;)

It helps prevent pigmentation,sun spots,tanning and slows down aging.Most importantly, it reduces the risk of skin cancer :)

• The Sunscreen gel comes in an orangish yellow tub.The cap screws shut tightly :) Travel friendly but not hygienic.
• The sunscreen as mentioned is a creme gel.Sinks in instantly like a gel and is moisturizing like a cream :) The moisturization is obviously not as good as a proper moisturizer.

• I have never used a sunscreen that does not sweat under the hot humid Chennai Sun.And boy was I glad that this gel did not let me down :) It does not stain/melt off/make me sweat!
• Does not give a whitish cast.
• Gives a cooling sensation on application that lasts a few seconds.
• Since it gets absorbed I am not sure about it being waterproof.
• I can easily give this 5 out of 5 for the above pros but wait there is more!
• It is PARABEN FREE! and has natural ingredients.

• Neutrogena costs 150 bucks for 30 ml while u get 65 ml for 210/-with this.
• But the SPF is only 30. I just wish they had provided higher SPF like our Neutrogena that provides 50 + SPF :\

VERDICT:

This is one sunscreen that both dry and oily skin can easily take a liking to :) I think I will repurchase this for the coming summers (I am already dreading those months! )
 

DISCLAIMER:

Product sent by brand for consideration.I swear to God that my opinions are honest ;) 


Also Check out :

Vedic Line Moisturizer in Fig and Honey review! 
Vedic Line Moisturizer in Sandalwood and Turmeric review!
My tryst with Sunscreens!

Sale Alert : 26% off on Inglot Cosmetics at majorbrands.in!

Inglot cosmetics are at sale on majorbrands.in. U can avail a 26% off if you shop between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. today i.e. 26th Jan 2013 :)

So wat r u waiting for?? Grab sum Inglot stuff !

Skincare: Olay Natural White Review and Swatches!

Olay has been my HG moisturizer for a lot of summers :)

I did not buy it for the fairness claims which is of course a marketing gimmick! Any skincare u wanna sell tag it with these words : Lightens,fairness,white skin tone and lo it will sell like a hot cake!

I had actually forgotten my moisturizer on a 2 day trip silly me! I went to a nearby pharmacy and the sachet caught my eye.Grabbed 2 sachets immediately. I am more than happy about the "forgot moisturizer" incident ;)

• The 20 g tube is priced at Rs.99.
• The cream is pinkish white in color.
• The texture is soft and buttery.

• Does not give whitish cast and gets absorbed instantly into my dry skin.
• Does not make my skin greasy/oily and keeps it hydrated for long hours.
• Skin does look brighter (not lighter) with continued usage.
• Though it claims to provide UV protection,the SPF content has not been specified.Hence,I do not trust it for the sunscreen properties.

• This is a through and through dry skin moisturizer. My friend who has combination skin found it greasy.Hence oily and combination skin ladies may find it thick despite the "non-greasy formula" claims.
• May not hydrate the dry skin enough during the winters.

VERDICT:

If u have dry skin and need a well hydrating moisturizer, u need to give this a whirl ;) It brings my dry skin to life in the summers ;)

Fitter Me: It's Fiber tym!

Fitter me series will feature every thursday! Oh it's friday today?? never mind ;)

Want to lose weight but unable to control the hunger pangs??

What u need to add in your diet : FIBERS !

• Fiber is the good,dependable and resilient soldier that helps u fight weight gain :)
• There are 2 types of fiber : Soluble one that dissolves in water and Insoluble one that does not.
• So how can fiber help u lose weight ?? And which fiber should I include in my diet??

        Well The answer is both.

          The insoluble fiber cannot be digested.It passes through the digestive system thereby slowing down the digestive process.This aids in a prolonged feeling of fullness.Hence u will consume lesser amount of food and cut down on snacks.

            If u r on diet,u cut down a lot of food (unwanted hopefully) from ur daily intake.This might lead to constipation.The Soluble form of fiber helps avoid the constipation troubles by making the excreta softer and easier to send out.

• After a lot of research I also learnt that the carcinogens,fat and bad bacteria stick to the insoluble fiber as it passes through the digestive and excretory system.Thereby it helps with lowering cholesterol and risk of gastric diseases :)
• Some of the known sources of fiber are : 

1. Whole grains 
2. Brown Rice 
3. Legumes
4. Vegetables like Cabbage,Cauliflower,Spinach,beans and mushrooms
5. Oats : Oats has a high amt of soluble fiber in it. But it is also high in Carbohydrates. If u avoid other forms of carbs then feel free to indulge in oats :)

Personally I take Fiber supplements once a day (Nutrilite Fiber) and include greens in my diet at least once in 2 days :)
 Plus I eat only whole grain products like whole wheat bread and multi grain roti :)

And please stay away from Maida/All purpose flour! It is the worst kind of food u can provide ur body with.

Sale Alert : Lakme Cosmetics on Discount in Big Bazaar!

So yesterday I visited the Big bazaar and found that they have a sale on Lakme Cosmetics - 15% off :)

 

Yaay! And there are great discounts on most of the stuff like furniture,clothing and other household stuff :)
The offer gets over by 26th Jan 2013 :)

Lipstick Love: Revlon Colorburst Lipstick In Rosy Nude Review and swatches!

I am in a Lipstick frenzy these days! I do like Colorful makeup but let's say it is hard to wear in the place I live ;) So I stick to neutrals :) 

Revlon Colorburst Lipstick In Rosy Nude is one such versatile shade that would make you look polished under most occasions :) 

The Colorburst range from Revlon is nothing unfamiliar :) Moving on to the review :)

• The packaging is sleek with a checkered pattern on the lipstick case :)
• The price is Rs. 610/- for 3.7 g.Definitely on the higher side.It used to sell for 550 bucks when I purchased the (in)famous Peach in 2011.
• The shade Rosy Nude (065) is a warm Pinkish Brown shade.It looks MLBB on my lips.

  

• The shade is lighter and has more brown in it compared to the Lakme Rose Kissed Lipstick.The latter I feel would be more apt for the fair and medium skin color while the Rosy Nude would suit a wider range of skin colors :)
• The texture is buttery soft.Glides smoothly even on chapped lips.But since it is creamy more than a swipe will accentuate the dry flakes.

• The finish is between creamy-glossy.
• The Pigmentation I would rate 4.5 out of 5. Well pigmented and 2 swipes would be enough to cover all discolorations.
• The lipstick is neither moisturizing nor drying.
• Even after being so creamy it does not bleed.
• The staying power is low.Lasts for only 2 hours on my lips.
• Does not leave behind any tint.It vanishes from the lips *poof* 

VERDICT:
It may seem like a lot of cons but the color is a must have :) It has the quality of making you look sophisticated.Neutrals like this can be worn anywhere and with most looks :) One of the best neutral shades in the market :) I reckon u grab this before they *discontinue* it ahem ahem! Revlon is becoming my favorite Lipstick brand ;)

Also Check out :

My Favorite Everyday Wear Lipsticks! 
Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in Peach Review and Swatches!

Swatch Call : Maybelline 24HR Color Tattoo Swatches!

I have got some more swatch posts coming up :)

Sorry No Swatch for Audacious Asphalt! :(

I own Bad to the Bronze. Planning to get Audacious Asphalt and fierce and Tangy :)

So which ones do you own and which is ur fav ?? :)

Lipstick Love : Colorbar Velvet matte Lipstick in Obsessed Orange Review and Swatches!

Finally! Yay I possess the ever elusive Obsessed Orange shade from the Colorbar Velvet Matte Range! :D

And I wanted to flaunt it through a review ;)

• The packaging is pretty good.Cylindrical case with the lipstick color displayed at the end of the tube.
• Sturdy and Travel friendly.
• The shade is a Fanta Orange. A color tailor made for the warm undertones.
• The texture I felt is softer and creamier than the other Colorbar lipsticks I own from the range.
• Settles into fine lines but does not look obvious.

• Formula is drying since it is matte.Dry lips need a good prep consisting of exfoliation and good dose of moisturization before application.
• Finish is as mentioned matte.True matte lipstick.
• Single swipe provides medium coverage.For a tint, pat on the color with ur ring finger :)
• Lasted for about 4 hours on me.I needed numerous applications of lip balm the whole time.
• The tint it leaves behind on my lips is uneven.
• Priced at Rs.250/.

• The Inglot 37 lipstick (orange) leaner more towards red while this one is plain orange.IMO these 2 shades are very different.Personally I like the Inglot one :)
• The Obsessed orange shade does not look popping on me but if u r dusky it would certainly look like an explosion of orange color in a good way of course :)

Check out :

Colorbar Velvet matte Lipstick in Rum raisin Review and Swatches! 
Colorbar Velvet matte Lipstick in Oh My Magenta Review and Swatches!
Colorbar True Gloss in Vintage Rose Review and Swatches!

VERDICT:
Well, if it is possible to have orange lips naturally then this might be my "that" orange shade ;) But the fact that I am not a fan of matte lipsticks extends to this one too despite the color.

Swatch Call : Colorbar True Gloss Range Swatches!

I know this is pretty late if not lame to post the swatches of the True Glosses from Colorbar but I am hoping these will b useful for the the night birds who order cosmetics online when excited/depressed or out of plain boredom ;)

So here we go :)

Close ups:

All the shots were taken under store lights

I didn't expect Nectar orange to have such a strong red undertone.
Coral Craving and Pink stain are on my wishlist ;) 

So which one is ur fav??

U can read my review on Vintage rose here :

Colorbar True GLoss Vintage Rose Review and Swatches!

If u want to see the swatches of any other range do mention in the comments or drop me a mail :) I will do my best to get the swatches for you ;)
 

Skincare Tip of the Week #6

Yes this feature still exists :P And Will be updated regularly every Saturday as I had decided initially :)

Moving on to the tips :

• Dark Circles: For dark circles, apply a paste of cucumber seeds and curd. Cucumber seeds is a great source of Silica.And u guys would have known silica is essential for skin's elasticity.Hence applying the paste to ur face helps in maintaining youthful skin :)
• Tanned/Discolored Lips: f ur lips have become tanned and discolored due to sun/usage of cheap makeup U can treat it by mashing boiled beetroots and applying the paste on ur lips (overnight).
• Quick Facial :If u r someone who never has time for facials and the like before parties/outings ,freeze orange/strawberry juice into ice cubes beforehand.Rub the cubes all over face and neck for a quick brightening treatment :) The ice cubes shrink your pores making the skin look smoother and the nutrients from the juice rejuvenate ur face! 

**UPDATE**
I forgot to mention that you r nt supposed to use the ice cubes directly over ur face.Wrap it in a cloth preferably cotton and then press and dab on your skin :)

Image Source: Google