Bhumika is a Chartered Accountant by profession but a Beauty/Fashion/Lifestyle Blogger by passion..blogging since 10 plus years, isn't that a proof enough ? :D
Her love for lipsticks, accessories, shoes and all things pretty comes across in most of her posts.
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Sugar Blend The Rules Eyeshadow Quads Review, Swatches, Looks
Hi guys,
Sugar Cosmetics just launched 18 eyeshadow quads and two eyeshadow palettes. Each eyeshadow quad is priced at Rs.699/- and the palette at Rs.1599/- (Buy HERE)
GET DISCOUNT USING ‘BTXSUGAR’ on https://in.sugarcosmetics.com
I am talking about the eyeshadow quads here but the palettes also have same shades, most of the quads also have repeated shades. You can pick a quad/palette as per your needs. Palettes are divided into two- day time neutrals/warms/browns and more cool toned/bright/smokey/night time palette.
Coming to the quads:
01 Stronger
02 Believe
03 Escapade
04 Chandelier
05 Irreplacable
06 Disturbia
07 Applause
08 Respect
09 Diamonds
10 Waterfalls
11 Promiscuous
12 Complicated
13 Paparazzi
14 Skyfall
15 Bootylicious
16 Roar
17 Goldeneye
18 Scandalous
I have 04 Chandelier, 05 Irreplaceable, 07 Applause, 08 Respect, 13 Paparazzi, 16 Roar
The packaging is cardboard and super light weight, they do not come with a mirror, just a dual sided sponge tip applicator.
The eyeshadows are super pigmented and buttery, the metallic ones are extremely soft and are best applied with your fingers. Even the matte shades are very pigmented and soft, blend easily and there is no fall out with any shadows.
I am highly impressed with the colours and pigmentation, they have some perfect neutrals to blend in the crease and amazing metallic shades for the lid. All the shades would work well for Indian warm skin tones and most of the shades are also Indian wedding/festive looks appropriate. There are also blues and plums for general wear, night time looks, neutral mattes for office wear, basically a quad for every occasion.
The only problem is repeated shades, I would have preferred launching just palettes or 5-6 quads with different shades. Here you cannot buy 2-3 eyeshadow quad and not have at least one eyeshadow repeated. It doesn’t make sense to have same shades if you want to buy 2-3 quads and like all other shades in the quads. I personally won’t invest in 2 quads even if one eyeshadow is repeated, because I prefer owning different shades. And most of you would think the same.
Best they could do, (or they can still) is to have a separate pan and separate singles to customize and make your own palette. Let the price remain the same.
Each quad is 5g, so each shadow is 1.25g though it looks like a 2g pan width wise, it is not very deep inside. I tried to depot the shadows as I didn’t want to keep the entire eyeshadow quad with repeated shades for 1-2 shades in it. One crumbled and one was dented, so I didn’t. I managed to depot one, and one quad has all same shades, so I am giving away two of the eyeshadow quads on my YouTube channel, join here below.
I created a plum pink smokey eye with Applause and a matte peachy look with 16 Roar using just the two matte shades.
ApplauseTwo Mattes in Roar
Overall I would say I am highly impressed with the quality of the eyeshadows and they are the best available right now for this price, only con would be the combination of shades in the quads. I would recommend getting the daytime palette as it has almost all their best shades and you could make more use of it on an everyday basis.
The Nature’s Co Mandarin Sugar Body Scrub (Rs.425/- for 50g)
Kronokare Bash the Gloss Moisturizing Face Cream (Rs.292/- for 15g)
Bella Voste Ulti-Matte Chubby Stick – Full size (Rs.499/-)
Fadlor Naturalich Exotic Herbal Infusion Shampoo (Rs.100/- for 30ml)
Aroma Treasures Lavender Face Wash (Rs.64/- for 30ml)
I had an option to pick one shade out of 4-5 options for the Bella Voste Chubby Stick, I chose the nude one which is 01 Rose Crush. I expected it to be a rosy brown but it is more of a peachy pink shade. It’s a perfect everyday shade but would work for fair to medium skin tones, as it has less brown.
I do like Kronokare products because they are all natural and free of all chemicals. They keep adding new products and this one sounds really interesting and perfect for oily skin. It’s a light weight face moisturizer for oily to combination skin.
Aroma Treasures does make some good products but I wish they had disclosed all ingredients and not just key ones. I love the lavender scent though, it’s my favourite.
The Nature’s Co Mandarin Sugar Body Scrub is meant for oily skin. It smells so good, it has a fresh and natural orange scent and is very refreshing. It would last 2-3 uses as it is meant for entire body.
And finally Fadlor Naturalich is a new brand, this herbal shampoo sounds decent and I might give it a try during my travel. I prefer carrying such 30ml bottles when I am travelling for a week or less.
Overall I do like the mix of brands and variety of products. Though there is just one full sized product and rest are deluxe sized samples. I am not sure of the Kronokare size, but I would have preferred two full sized products 🙂 This month’s bag is decent I would say.
All New Makeup & Beauty Launches in India, Prices, Shades – Part II
By Sanchita
Beauty products and brands are launching in stores and online left, right and centre and it is tough to keep a tab on them. After I did the Part I, here’s the second part of all the recent new launches and products yet to be launched.
1. L’Oreal Paris Infallible Paints Collection
Loreal Paris India has recently launched their playful, colourful youthful, edgy and fun- Infallible Paints collection that consists of the some amazing products to looks forward to. It has the Infallible Paint Chubby Blush in 3 shades (Priced at Rs. 999). These are super saturated, high impact blush paints to get the natural flush, statement pop of colour or sculpted cheekbone with the buildable cream to powder chubby blush paint. The formula glides on with one stroke application, blends effortlessly and sets to powder for a longer wear. Then, the Infallible Lip Paint Matte is launched in 6 shades (Priced at Rs. 799). These are one stroke lip matte paints with the designer applicator precisely diffuses vibrant full-coverage matte lipstick to lips for comfortable wear. Then is the Infallible Paints Eye Shadow in 7 shades (Priced at Rs. 849). These are long wear liquid eye shadow cream duos with these double-ended cream eyeshadow sticks! Next is the Infallible Lip Paint Lacquer in 4 shades (Priced at Rs. 799). Lastly, are the Infallible Paints Eyeliner in 5 shades (Priced at Rs. 845). These are liquid liners which glide on smoothly and easily with 0.1mm precise felt tip.
2. Maybelline New launches
Maybelline came out with the following launches in the past 2 months –
Maybelline Hyper Ink Liquid Liner in Black, priced at Rs. 425
Maybelline FaceStudio Master Strobing Stick Illuminating Highlighter, priced at Rs.700
Maybelline New York Facestudio Master Strobing Cream, priced at Rs. 700
Maybelline FaceStudio Master Contour, priced at Rs. 999
Maybelline FaceStudio Master Blush Color & Highlight Kit, priced at Rs. 925
Maybelline Color Show Bright Mattes Lipstick, (6sahdes), priced at Rs. 325
Maybelline Colorshow Intense Crayon, priced at Rs. 450
Maybelline Color Jolt Matte Lipsticks, priced at Rs. 450
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer, priced at Rs. 650
Maybelline New York Baby Lips Color Candy Rush Lip Balm, priced at Rs. 190
Maybelline SuperStay 7 Day Gel Nail Polish, priced at Rs. 350
3. Nykaa New Launches
Nykaa went Mega with their new launches. 5 new products were launched along with new shades for the existing range. They launched the Nykaa Get Winged! and Get Inked! Sketch Eyeliner (Priced at Rs. 450). These sketch eyeliners are super long-lasting, smudge-proof formula with innovative, slanted felt tip that gives intense black finish in every stroke. Next is the Nykaa Salon Shine Gel Nail Lacquer (Priced at Rs. 350). These are available in 24 shades. The formula is enriched with light-reflecting pigments that deliver intense shine on application. Nykaa also launched 4 shades of BlendMaster All-Rounder Makeup Perfecting Sponge (Priced at Rs. 425) – one in tear drop shape and the other in the pear shape which are non-disposable, high-definition, latex-free cosmetic sponge applicator that ensures seamless makeup application at all times. Nykaa also launched the SKINgenius Foundation Stick in 6 shades and SKINgenius Sculpting & Hydrating Foundation in 5 shades. Both foundations have light to medium coverage. Nykaa also added few more shades to their existing Paintstix Collection as well as the Nykaa MATTE-ilicious Lip Crayons. Two new compact shades were launched in the range of SKINgenius Skin Perfecting & Hydrating Compact. Nykaa also launched the BlendMaster Oval Brush Set (Priced at Rs. 6190) but the brushes are also available individually. Lastly, they launched the Nykaa eyem24x7 Kajal – Ebony Soul, priced at Rs. 299, Nykaa GLAMOReyes Liquid Eyeliner in 6 shades priced at Rs. 299 and Nykaa BuffMaster Silicone Makeup Brush Cleaner at Rs. 299.
4. Plum Naturstudio All-Day- Wear Kohl Kajals – New Shades and Green Tea Renewed Clarity Night Gel
I already loved the Naturstudio All-Day- Wear Kohl Kajal in Black (their sharpener is amazing!!) and now they have launched more shades called Gemstone Green and Uptown Brown, both are priced at Rs. 495/- each. Coloured eyeliners or kajal are becoming popular day by day and you will love this new launch. These pencils are 100% smudge proof, water-proof and ultra pigmented for stylish all-day wear. Along with that, it is and ophthalmologically tested & approved 100% vegan, rich in Vitamin E for care and protection and not tested on animals. Plum also launched the Green Tea Renewed Clarity Night Gel, priced at Rs. 575. It is best suitable for Normal, oily and combination skin types, even those with acne. It has light gel texture with non-comedogenic ingredients that help skin retain moisture through the night yet soothes the skin. It provides you a balanced hydration.
5. Faces Glam On Velvet Matte Lipstick, Ultime Pro Mystic Kajal, Ultime Pro Liquid Matte Lipsticks and Ultime Pro Matte Lip Crayon (new shades)
Faces came out with their Glam On Velvet Matte Lipstick, priced at Rs. 549 and available in 12 shades. These have the usual twist-up function and give rich, vibrant and long stay colors and enriched with the goodness of Vitamin E. Therefore despite being matte, they are comfortable on dry lips. They also launched the Ultime Pro Mystic Kajal in 4 shades – blue, dark brown, grey and green, priced at Rs. 599. These have a sharpenable body with a smudger tip at the end. The texture is gel-creamy, smooth and glides like a dream. This kajal is insanely pigmented and gives a long wearing bold look. It is also water proof, smudge-proof and dermatologically tested and approved. Faces already had the Ultime Pro Matte Lip Crayon but now they launched few more shades and thus the total number of shades is 25. These are one of the best matte crayons for the price in the market. They have also launched Ultime Pro Liquid Matte Lipsticks in 8 shades.
This is a new launch from Chambor and again a range of eyeliner pencils. These are launched in 8 shades, priced at Rs. 695. These pencils are sharpenable, richly pigmented and glides on smoothly to create sensual eye look and deliver intense definition for hours. Additionally, these are waterproof and smudge-proof and can be easily used on waterline. The Rouge Plump++ Lipsticks are meant to plump up your lips with amazing colour payoff, they are launched in 25 shades.
7. Sugar Cosmetics
Sugar Cosmetics came out with few new launches some time back. In fact, the new launch mania is still on as well. The SUGAR Never Say Dry Crème Lipstick is available in 5 vibrant shades, priced at Rs. 499. These are intensely pigmented and long-wearing with a baby-soft finish; its creamy texture effortlessly straddles the line between glossy and matte for an easy, everyday look. The high-colour payoff formula is loaded with Vitamin E that locks in both colour and moisture. Next is the SUGAR Plush Hour Matte Lipsticks (Rs.499) in 6 shades. These are super pigmented and have a matte finish, comfortable long-lasting wear and paraben free formula. They also launched few new shades in the range of Smudge Me Not Liquid Lipsticks which are, namely – Greige Rage, Don Fawn, Wooed By Nude, Teak Mystique, Blush Rush, Bare Flair, Fiery Berry, Divine Praline, Jet Set Violet and Cocoa Ammo. Apart from that, they launched Arrested For Overstay Waterproof Eyeliner, priced at Rs. 699 and Arch Arrival Brow Definer in two shades, priced at Rs. 699. Sugar also launched three shades called Baby Houseman, Murphy Brown and Violet Crawley in their Matte As Hell Lip Crayons, priced at Rs.799 each. SUGAR is going to launch 18 eyeshadow quads called Blend The Rules Eyeshadow Quad and 2 Palettes
8. PAC Cosmetics
PAC Cosmetics are surely on a roll with new launches as well. Here’s the list of products and information from their Instagram page. (All new launches reviewed on the blog HERE)
PAC HD Foundations (Rs. 795) with 3-4 new shades to the existing range.
PAC Retro Matte Gloss (Rs. 550) with another few more new shades to the existing range of 40 shades.
PAC ‘Slim and Slimmer Mascara’ with dual ended brush which is ultra thin., priced Rs.595
PAC Clean Slate wipes for removing makeup, priced at Rs. 599
PAC eyebrow palette with 12 slots. (Rs.1695)
PAC Micro Finish Makeup Fixer, which is a finishing spray. (price unknown)
3 new eye shadow palettes- Matte, Spark, Sprinkle, priced at Rs.1175 and 1395
An eye shadow primer called PAC Canvas Shadow Primer, Rs.695
Last is the PAC ‘Diamond Powder’ which is loose shimmer/glitter, priced at Rs. 795.
PAC has added 6 new brushes numbered PAC Brush 255 at Rs.645, Brush 256 –Rs.545, Brush 353 Rs.795, Brush 272 at Rs.595, Brush 274 at Rs.595, Brush 258 at Rs.675.
9. Kama Ayurveda Natural Sun Protection SPF21 – Sunscreen with Essential Oils
Kama Ayurveda launched Natural Sun Protection priced at Rs.1350. It is a daily-use sunscreen with all-natural ingredients to give full-spectrum sun protection and a boost of hydration. It is Non-Nano- (Free from the coarser Non-nano particles block sun rays by forming a shield without being absorbed into the bloodstream), safe for children with all Natural With PA++, SPF 21 blocks UVA and UVB sun rays.
10. Colorbar Aquafeel Foundation and Kiss Me Again Lip Tint
Colorbar has come out with ‘Kiss Me Again Lip Tints’ in two shades called Dont Stop and All Yours. These are subtle lip tints with creamy and richly pigmented aqueous solution which is free of harmful chemicals and effortlessly glides over your lips to give you a silky natural tint whilst its formula with Vitamin E leaves you with a lingering sweet taste. Further it is alcohol, paraben, phenoxyethanol and fragrance free. These are priced at Rs. 550. Next is the Colorbar Aquafeel Foundation, priced at Rs. 550 and available in only 3 shades. It is water-based liquid foundation that gives smooth, flawless finish with long-lasting, medium to high coverage and it is paraben-free and fragrance free.
11. Oriflame Pure Skin Face Wash, Face Lotion, Face Toner
Oriflame came out with the Pure Skin Purifying Face Wash Price – Rs.399, Pure Skin Refreshing Face Toner Price – Rs.399 and Pure Skin Mattifying Face Lotion Price – Rs.399. the Pure Skin Purifying Face Wash is an oil-free gel wash featuring natural Pomegranate Extract and Detect Technology featuring Salicylic Acid. It cleanses away impurities and reduces excess shine, leaving skin refreshed and purified. The Pure Skin Refreshing Face Toner removes last traces of impurities after cleansing and helps to leave skin purified and visibly shine-free while the Pure Skin Mattifying Face Lotion is a light-textured, oil-free lotion, formulated with natural guava extract and detect technology featuring salicylic acid as it moisturises, prevents blemishes and instantly reduces excess sebum to control shine.
12. Himalaya Youth Eternity Day Cream, Night Cream and Under Eye Cream
Himalaya Youth Eternity is infused with the restorative and regenerative stem cells of Edelweiss and herbal active extracts of Rose Myrtle, Fire Flame Bush and Cipadessa baccifera. This new collection includes 3 products – Day Cream, Night Cream and Under Eye Cream. Youth Eternity Day Cream (Rs.499 for 50ml) is a light, non-greasy, fast-absorbing day cream with a powerful blend of botanical extracts that reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and re-plump the skin, leaving it looking healthier and younger. Youth Eternity Night Cream (Rs.499 for 50ml) is rich in powerful antioxidants, polyphenols, and anti-aging properties, works overnight to provide intense hydration, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, leaving skin even-toned, healthy, and visibly youthful. Lastly, Youth Eternity Under Eye Cream (Rs.525 for 15ml) gently nourishes and hydrates the tender skin around the eyes, leaving it remarkably bright, healthy, and youthful.
13. NYX Stripped Off Micellar Cleansing Water
NYX is going to launch Stripped Off Micellar Cleansing Water which is to be priced at Rs. 750 for 400ml and to be launched around end of October. It is a light weight micellar water that takes off every layer of makeup, dirt and dust from the face with a refreshing scent and amazing feel. For the price they also gave a good amount of product and something you sure really look forward to.
14. Innisfree ‘Black Green Tea Skin’ Range
The Innisfree Black Green Tea Mask (Price – Rs. 1900 / 80ml) is infused with a special water holding technology which helps by meshing moisture with the skin after application. The mask therefore, helps in the exfoliation of the skin and keeps it fresh, clean, smooth and moisturized. The Black Green Tea Serum (Price – Rs. 3000 / 50ml) has a new essence formula, stabilized with fine particles in turn ensuring all the benefits of antioxidants and moisture to the skin. Lastly, Black Green Tea Cream (Price – Rs. 2700 / 60ml) is rich in texture and is full of nutrients and moisture and consequently glides over the skin forming a coat of moisture while providing paramount nourishment and hydration to keep it moisturized.
15. HUDA BEAUTY
Yes, I saved the best for the last. HUDA BEAUTY is officially coming to India and this is one of the huge news for the beauty industry. The news was confirmed after Huda Kattan’s interview with Vogue India and is also available on their official website. From October 2017, you’ll be able to shop the full Huda Beauty collection online at Nykaa.com. Huda has launched a series of beauty products which are irresistible and now you can get your hands on them without paying huge amounts to the Instagram sellers! HUDA BEUATY has various products like HUDA Beauty Desert Dusk Palette, Liquid Matte Lipsticks, Primer, Faux Filter Foundation, 3D Highlighter Palette, Lip Strobe and Eyelashes. Although the prices are not yet confirmed, hope they would launch every product available on their line including the new launch of Primer and Faux Filter Foundation.
What have you already tried from these and what are you most excited about? I hope Huda Beauty prices match their original prices and are not double of original price like theBalm, etc.
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The formula is super pigmented and matte, you get an intense colour pay off in one swipe. It comes with a sharpener and is easy to sharpen and use, the clean point gives a nice edge to define the lips.
These are not transfer proof, but they stay pretty long. It has stayed on me for 5-6 hours minimum and fades after a full complete meal. It doesn’t vanish completely, but just fades and you can easily reapply it.
12 Baby Houseman is described as Deep Pink. It’s a gorgeous plummy pink, something that will work for all skin tones, even dusky skin tones.
13 Murphy Brown is described as Chocolate Burgundy and it is exactly that. This shade is perfect for fall and again would work for all skin tones.
14 Violet Crawley is described as Smokey Violet. It is a medium violet with grey undertones, not something everyone would like or can carry. This one is also slightly streaky.
Here are the swatches..
L-R: Baby Houseman, Murphy Brown, Violet Crawley
I love 12 and 13, would recommend getting both! 12 Baby Houseman would also work really well with Indian festive looks.
PAC Retro Matte Gloss New Shades 41 to 48 Swatches
Hi guys,
I had reviewed and swatched the PAC Retro Matte Gloss V2.0, the shades from 21 to 40 HERE. PAC has added a lot of new shades in their Retro Matte Gloss collection.
I have 8 of them and here are my thoughts.
Claims:
Lightweight, non-drying formula
Opaque payoff with just one swipe!
Dries down matte right after one swipe!
For best results: Avoid oily food & exfoliate before using liquid lipsticks
They have the same packaging as the V2.0 and the same improved formula which isn’t that drying.
These are super pigmented, you need just one layer with these. The qty is pretty good and better than the usual liquid lipsticks which is around 5ml.
L-R: 41 to 48
They settle to a matte finish within a minute. I prefer using a lip balm underneath and applying it over the lip balm, that way they won’t be completely transfer proof but very, very comfortable. Also my lips are super dry, so this method works well.
All the new shades they have launched are fall/winter appropriate, shades of nudes/berries/warm oranges/pumpkin spice latte 😀
They have names too along with numbers which makes it much easier. I have the shades:
The shade Sandstorm is very similar to the NYX Liquid Suede Lipstick in Sandstorm. My favourites are Rose Tea, Sandstorm and Broken Heart. Rose Tea I absolutely love, this shade would work across all skin tones and I highly recommend it! Sanstorm is a very good nude for medium to deep skin tones and Honey Bun for light skin tones.
The deeper shades would work across all skin tones and are apt for the season. Overall I do love the new shades, the nudes and deep fall shades are different from the usual pinks and reds. Love the shade range this time.
PAC launched a bunch of new things recently, and they are still launching more, hopefully you will see a Part 2 of this post real soon 🙂
Starting with the current launches which are already out on Amazon and PAC website. We have few new brushes, 3 eye shadow palettes, eye brow palette, diamond powders, eyelid primer, makeup setting spray, makeup removing wipes, few new eye lashes, new mascara and 8 new shades in the Retro Matte Gloss.
Now I don’t have the makeup removing wipes and the matte round neutral eye shadow palette, I would be reviewing and swatching those in Part 2.
Let’s start with the eyebrow palette..
Claims:
Designed to attain perfect brows
12 pans divided into half with different colour tones
It has 11 pans with half and half colours and one of wax. You can mix and match and use any colour as per the colour of your hair and skin tone, and customize your perfect eye brow colour. I am not sure if the pans are sold individually because I couldn’t find it online, but all pans can be removed and carried along if required. This palette is perfect for you if you are a makeup artist, it even has blonde shades. However for individuals, I would recommend getting the single pan which I am sure they would retail soon or would be available in stores.
The shades which are absolutely perfect for Indian skin tones and which I recommend are Soft Brown, Auburn, Chocolate, Ash Brown and Dark Brown.
Here are the swatches..
L-R: Chocolate, Auburn, Ash Brown, Dark Brown
Coming to the brushes, PAC has added 6 new brushes and a sharpener for their Concealer Crayons.
They are duo fibre brushes for buffing, and are ideal for foundation and concealer respectively.
PAC Brush 353 – MRP: Rs.795/-
PAC Brush 353
It’s a slanted kabuki brush, super dense and soft. The centre white portion is where you pump out the foundation and then start buffing, it gives a flawless foundation finish. Reminds me of Sigma F80, only that is flat.
PAC Brush 272 is a contouring brush, it blends your contour seamlessly even on the sides of the nose and jaw line. It would work best with cream contour. PAC Brush 274 is an eyeshadow blending brush, it is quite dense and broad, it would blend in your crease shadows quickly and seamlessly. But it is not ideal for detailing or darkening specific outer v as it covers a huge area. It is perfect for crease work.
PAC Brush 258 is the perfect highlighting fan brush, you can highlight specific areas also such as cupid’s bow and top of eye brow, tip of nose, etc., because of it’s size. Love this brush!
Coming to my favourite – eye shadow palettes.
They had launched a 7 shades matte eyeshadow palette previously (Swatch HERE) and I absolutely loved it! This time they have launched three more which look fabulous – Matte, Spark and Sprinkle. I will be reviewing the Spark and Sprinkle.
This palette has 6 shimmery shades in all metallic tones and one matte black shadow. It has ideal lid shades and is a perfect festive/party palette. You can also create metallic smokey eyes with black at the outer V or layering a metallic shadow all over black on the lid. There are numerous ways you can use this palette.
There is dull gold, yellow gold, copper, rose gold, taupe grey, champagne and matte black. All the shadows are highly pigmented and go on smoothly. These are best applied with fingers, you can neaten the edges up with a precision brush though.
Only con for me would be the shades 1 and 2, 3 and 4 look similar, especially on the eyes. I wish there was one true metallic pink and one deep bronze instead. But nonetheless it is still an amazing palette quality wise too.
Granulated particles make its texture very smooth and easy to blend
This is one gorgeous palette, I was stunned looking at the shades and pigmentation. It has 9 metallic/shimmer colourful shades. This palette covers all the shades and you can do a green smokey eye, blue smokey eye, burgundy, purple, gold, copper, all kinds of looks with this. This is the only palette you will need for Indian festive/wedding makeup apart from a few mattes for blending!
It has both warm neutrals like gold/copper/white and colours. We have white gold, copper, yellow gold, rose gold, dull gold, burgundy, lilac, blue and green. Lilac and blue are my absolute favourites.
This palette is a total value for money and an absolute must have!
All the swatches are just one swipe without any primer.
PAC Eye Lashes in No.49- MRP: Rs.175/-
These are lashes for lower lash line, I have never tried lower lashes before but would definitely give this a try. I am glad PAC is launching more styles and different kinds of eye lashes. I hope they launch an eyelash glue soon.
PAC Slim Slimmer Mascara- MRP: Rs.595/-
This is a two way mascara with a slim, slightly curved wand on one side for the top lashes and the slimmer, tiny wand for the lower lashes. I loved the lower lashes slimmer one, the slim top part is good for defining lashes but it doesn’t give me enough volume.
Beneficial vitamins protects skin & makes makeup last long
The spray in this is very fine and even, absolutely love the spray. It has herbal and floral extracts as claimed, ingredients have rosemary, lavender, peppermint, hibiscus, jasmine extracts, etc. It takes away all the powderiness from the face and makes the makeup stay longer. There are not enough makeup setting sprays in India and I do highly recommend this one.
PAC Canvas Shadow Primer – MRP: Rs.695/- (Buy HERE)
Claims:
Create a clean canvas for eye-shadow application
Its lightweight and creamy
Lasts long and enhances looks
It is a tinted eye primer, the tint helps in evening out eyelids and covering the veins, giving a clean canvas to work with. It is creamy and blends nicely, looks and feels like a concealer.
It definitely makes the eye shadows appear brighter and vivid and helps the eye shadows stay longer.
These are shimmery powders/pigments which can be used in multiple ways. They are launched in three shades – Cleopatra, Moon Dust and Crystal.
These are perfect too add shimmer on the eye lids at the centre, or used below the eyes for a music festival look (glitter tears) or mixed with a mixing liquid and used as an eyeliner on the crease for a cut crease look. Cleopatra is white gold, Moon Dust is silver and Crystal is copper gold. I would highly recommend the Crystal one for bridal makeup artists. It will add oomph to your Indian bridal makeup looks.
They have three holes at the centre and a sifter packaging, I just wish the sifter lid would have been a little tight, as it was coming out while I was taking off the tape. I hope they don’t spill or mess around.
These can be used as highlighters but the shimmer is quite chunky and would emphasize your texture, so I wouldn’t recommend using these on the face.
I also have 8 new shades added in the Retro Matte Gloss, I will do a separate post for those tomorrow as this post is already very image heavy and long.
Overall, I am loving all the new launches PAC is coming out with. The palettes and brushes are total value for money, PAC products come with a quality.
Best Bridal Foundations in India, Prices, Buy Online
By Sanchita
Foundation is the most important base for bridal makeup and that is why you have to be extremely careful while choosing a bridal foundation for yourself. A bridal foundation must be medium to high coverage, no flashbacks and must not oxidize, melt or separate along with a long lasting formula. Also, the foundation should be suitable to your skin type, must no look too dewy or too matte and lastly a good shade range to choose from. Although the criterion look huge, we have narrowed down the best bridal foundations in India in both affordable/budget friendly and high end range.
AFFORDABLE/BUDGET FRIENDLY
1. Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation – Price Rs. 550 (BUY HERE)
Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation need no introduction. It is, by far, one of the best foundations in the drugstore category, not only in India but all over the world. Maybelline recently added few more shades and right now the range has around 14 shades to choose from. The foundation has a natural matte finish that adds a certain glow to the skin. It has no SPF and thus never flashbacks in pictures. It contains blurring micro powders that erase pores and absorb oil that gives a natural, seamless finish. It will be suitable for every skin type as well. The coverage is medium to buildable.
2. PAC HD Liquid Foundation – Price Rs. 795 (BUY HERE)
PAC HD Liquid Foundation is another liquid foundation with medium to full coverage and has the proper HD finish with an affordable price tag. The foundation range has 19shades including both cool and warm undertones. It gives you an amazing flawless look and yet looks natural. The foundation never flash-backs and can be used by all skin types. It is extremely long lasting, doesn’t oxidize and thus a perfect pick for the bridal foundation.
3. NYX Professional Makeup Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation – Price Rs. 900 (BUY HERE)
Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation from NYX is a personal favourite and I love how the foundation stays matte yet looks natural on the skin. It gives medium to full coverage and blends on the skin like a dream. This is a perfect bridal foundation for normal to oily skin, if you are getting married in summer. The formula is oil-free and water-based formula and it doesn’t leave behind any whitish cast on the skin. There are 11 shades to choose from.
4. Kryolan TV Paint Stick – Price Rs. 1200 (BUY HERE) Review HERE
Kryolan TV Paint Stick comes in a stick packaging and is available in 250 shades! The product is versatile and can be used as foundation, contour, color corrector, and concealer. It thick but blends into the skin really easily and gives a dewy finish to the skin. It has full coverage and best used for bridal purposes. The foundation doesn’t oxidize at all and photographs really well. The staying power is around 7-8hours and the foundation is a complete value for money.
5. L.A Girl Pro Coverage Illuminating Liquid Foundation – Price Rs. 1250 (BUY HERE)
This foundation is available in 16 shades and the shade card is extremely versatile and impressive. It has a nice texture that blends like a dream and gives smooth illumination look. It is extremely light weight in the skin and is suitable for all skin types. The formula is paraben free formula with added anti-oxidants helps hydrate and improve the skin’s appearance. It gives medium to full coverage and a great foundation for brides. It leaves no whitish cast in photos as well.
6. L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24h Foundation – Price Rs. 1400 (BUY HERE) Review HERE
L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24h Foundation is a great foundation for oily skin. It has 11 shades with adequate warm and cool tones. The texture is nice to work and it is advisable by her to blend in with a damp brush or sponge. It feels completely matte on the skin; there is no shininess or dewiness with it. It gives a nice medium to heavy coverage without blocking the pores at all. It has SPF 18 but it doesn’t give any whitish cast and also photographs well.
HIGH END
7. MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation – Price Rs. 2700 (BUY HERE)
The iconic foundation of all times is MAC Studio Fix Fluid. MAC can provide you the best shade card and seldom people go wrong with the shades. The foundation has light weight silky texture, blends really smoothly and has a very good coverage. It also has certain special skin-conditioning ingredients yet looks completely matte. It absorbs and disperses oil and gives an airbrushes look to the skin. The wear time long and considered the best foundation for brides. If you have dry skin, you can also try out the MAC Mineralize Moisture Foundation or MAC Face and Body
8. Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Foundation – Price Rs. 3600 (BUY HERE)
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Foundation comes in 30 shades and has a petite packaging. It has a medium consistency liquid texture that blends generously and then sets into a matte finish. Despite having an SPF it photographs really well and hence, will work great for brides. It stays on the face for around 8-9hours without melting down or oxidizing. It gives a medium to buildable coverage and feels almost weightless. If you are willing to splurge for your wedding foundation, this is a great pick.
9. Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick – Price Rs. 4100 (BUY HERE)
Apart from MAC, Bobbi Brown is another brand for amazing base products like foundation and concealers. Their finish is seamless and looks just like natural skin. A bridal foundation should be better be creamy so that it lasts long. The Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick available in 24shades that blends into the skin and gives a medium to full coverage. The foundation is creamy yet weightless texture which applies effortlessly. It is formulated with an innovative blend of emollients-like olive extracts and shea butter-help to moisturize skin and light diffusing powders and oil-controlling minerals help perfect the appearance of skin while reducing shine. Thus, it has every property a bride needs on her D-Day.
10. Smashbox Studio Skin 15 Hour Wear Hydrating Foundation – Price Rs. 3300 (BUY HERE)
This foundation is available in 20 shades and gives a Medium-to- full buildable coverage with a natural matte finish. However, it has hydrating and nourishing ingredients and blends effortlessly on the skin. It helps to blur imperfections with light-diffusing spheres and it also sweat-resistant and transfer-proof. It will suit all skin types and stays on the skin for more than 10 hrs. Therefore, it is a good pick for the brides.
Editor’s Note: That’s a fabulous list Sanchita, you have covered all medium to full coverage foundations here which photograph well and are perfect for brides. I would only like to add one, Milani Conceal + Perfect 2 in 1 Foundation + Concealer, even that is super high coverage and good for brides.
Which is your favourite foundation? Definitely get 1-2 of these for your wedding/pre-wedding functions/bridal trousseau
Clear, Glowing Skin for Diwali | Remove Tan & Dead Skin Cells | DIY Natural Skincare
Hi guys,
This is how I prepped my skin today for Diwali, using all natural skincare available at home. So read on to know how to get clear, glowing skin for Diwali
Step 1: Gramflour + Turmeric + Rose Water
For step 1, I take a mix of 1 tbsp gram flour, 1/4 tsp turmeric and 2 tsp rose water. Do not add too much of turmeric as that would stain your skin yellow. Add more rose water if needed.
Gramflour (Besan): – Absorbs Oil – Removes Sun tan – Gently exfoliates – Removes dead skin cells
Rose Water: – Calms and soothes skin – Reduces irritation & redness
Turmeric (Haldi): – Anti Bacterial & Anti Fungal – Prevents acne – shrinks existing acne
The mix of these three is amazing, and is also the ubtan we use for Haldi ceremony in Indian weddings. Apply the mix all over face and neck and keep it for 10-15 minutes till it completely dries. Then damp/wet your hands and scrub the pack. Keep adding water to hands and scrubbing, this will exfoliate the dead skin cells.
I have done a detailed video on how and why I shave my face, linked above. Watch the video for more information, you can obviously skip this step if you don’t shave. You can pluck some stray hairs with a tweezer, if you wish to.
Step 3: Yogurt + Honey
For the final step, I take a mix of 1tbsp yogurt and 1tsp honey and mix it well to form a smooth paste. Apply evenly on face and neck and keep it for 10 minutes before washing off.
Yogurt: – Lactic acid gently exfoliates, natural AHA – Softens the skin – Moisturises & Hydrates – Removes tan & dead skin cells
If you can find raw organic honey, that is even better! If not, honey that is available will do.
That’s it! Easy and quick, with all natural and easily available ingredients. I loved the results and my skin was instantly softer, smoother and hydrated. I could definitely see a visible glow, do try this out and let me know how it works for you.
New Sugar Cosmetics Plush Hour Matte Lipsticks Review, Swatches
Hi guys,
Sugar Cosmetics just launched their Plush Hour Matte Lipsticks, I have been trying them out since about 10 days now and here are my thoughts.
Claims: The most stunning of matte lipsticks is here – the Plush Hour Matte Lipstick! This is the stop-everything, drop-everything and grab that lipstick moment that will forever change how your lips feel. The velvety richness of this lipstick is addictive, and of course, SUGAR’s signature intense pigmentation gives you an opaque coverage in just one swipe. It is the most light and long-lasting lipstick that you can get! These heavy-duty lipsticks are made with high-fusion point waxes, that lock the colour on your lips, through every bite, sip and kiss. It comes packed in a light-weight, air-tight container to save the lipstick from drying out. Chuck the lip liner and the hassle of priming your lips, this is all your lipstick wishes in a cute black tube.
How to apply: Holding the lipstick straight, start from one corner of the lower lip, smoothly gliding towards the other corner. For your upper lip, outline your cupid’s bow and fill the colour from one corner of the lip to the other. Blot on a paper towel and repeat.
Benefits: The SUGAR Plush Hour Matte Lipstick is a feather-light, non-drying and non-feathering formula that easily glides in your lips. The super-matte finish is non-transferable and lasts for verylong. One swipe will cover your lips in opaque, intensely pigmented matte finish.
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Shades Available: 6
It comes in a small square packaging, different than their usual long and slender packaging for lipsticks. It has a waxy formula and a velvet matte finish, they feel better on the lips than the Matte Lip Crayons. They are super light weight and non drying, you don’t feel like you have lipstick on your lips.
They hardly transfer and stay put for 5-6 hours easily, longer without eating. They feel super comfortable on the lips.
Pigmentation is pretty good and you don’t need more than 2 swipes even for most pigmented lips. I found only one shade Berry Boop slightly patchy, rest all were fine.
I love the shade range they have launched, the neutrals in this range are amazing. They will add more shades in the future, but currently loving all the shades they have!
Shades:
Cherry Jane is a cool toned red
Teaker Bell is a brown burgundy
Minnie Mauve is a medium rose mauve
Powerbuff Girls is a muted red toned brown
Berry Boop is a deep berry
Little Bo Peach is a medium peach
They are very economical and I highly recommend these! There is nothing to not like about them. My absolute favourites are Minnie Mauve, Powerbuff Girls and Little Bo Peach. The cool toned red Cherry Jane is stunning too, and perfect for the current festive season!
Which shade did you like? Let me know in the comments below.
Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil, Kiss Kiss Matte Lipstick Review
Hi guys,
Guerlain has relaunched in India and I had attended their event last month. They launched the Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil and the Kiss Kiss Matte Lipsticks. I have been trying them out since quite some time now and here are my thoughts.
About the Abeille Royale Range: Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil offers the skin all the power of Guerlain-exclusive ingredients: Ouessant Black Bee Honey and exclusive Royal Jelly. This revolutionary formula combines the power of a serum, the richness of an oil and the freshness of a lotion. The skin appears instantly smoother, plumper and revitalized. Replenishing micro-drops of oil* are released at the very last minute, leaving the complexion looking radiant. The skin feels incredibly silky and baby-soft to the touch.
Abeille Royale: repair born of science and the bee. In research going back ten years, Guerlain has scientifically proven the effectiveness of bee products in boosting the skin’s repair mechanisms. Abeille Royale offers an advanced solution to effectively combat the visible signs of ageing, namely wrinkles and loss of firmness.
Inspired by the latest discoveries in neuroscience, the new Abeille Royale Repairing Concentrate goes even further and, for the first time, targets the damage suffered by the skin’s nervous system with exposure to UV rays and other external aggressions. So the skin can repair itself more effectively and fully.
Directions for use: Shake the bottle. Take 2-3 drops of the oil. Apply morning and night to the face and neck before the cream, instead of, or before the serum. For greater effectiveness, use the special lifting application technique.
MRP: Rs.6025/- for 30ml
Ingredients:
It was so interesting to know about Island of Ouessant in France and how it is situated in a way that it is far off pollution and diseases and also the wind blows in a way that no polluted air comes on the island. It is a natural habitat for the black bees, one of it’s kind and a unique species. The honey from these black bees is of unraveled purity and that is used by Guerlain in it’s products. If you see the black bee sign on a Guerlain product, it contains this purest honey from those black bees. Guerlain works closely on maintaining and preserving the island and the bees.
The oil comes in a glass bottle with a dropper. It has royal jelly beads settled down and you need to shake the bottle before dispensing the product. The texture is almost like water, it doesn’t feel like an oil at all. It’s more like a watery serum but you can definitely feel the hydration once you use it.
I love how light weight it is, have been using this since the past 3 weeks now and I love how it makes my skin feel. I even got a small pimple in between but this dried and settled the pimple and inflammation. You don’t feel like you have anything on your skin, yet still get the moisture boost. It has slight tackiness and works great as a primer.
I am in love with this light weight watery oil, skin feels softer, smoother, plumped and nourished. Highly recommend this.
Coming to the Kiss Kiss Matte Lipstick.
Claims: Guerlain imagines KissKiss Matte, a hydrating and plumping matte lipstick, intense like a lipstick and comfortable like a balm! The subtle spice extract it contains gives the impression of voluminous lips while the precious oils and the hyaluronic acid smooth and hydrate them. KissKiss Matte offers 9 captivating shades for all special occasions. The iconic packaging is adorned with a golden matte veil.
Ingredients: 1. Imperceptible spice extract giving the illusion of voluminous lips. 2. Precious oils to nourish, smooth and hydrate the lips. 3. The new generation of hyaluronic acid brings volume and curve to the lips.
Directions: KissKiss Matte routine : 1. Apply Liplift primer before lipstick and slightly beyond the lip contour, then blend in with the fingertips. 2. Apply KissKiss Matte directly to the lips for a matte finish and hydrated lips all day long.
MRP: Rs.2775/-
Shades Available: 9
First of all, look at that gorgeous and luxurious packaging. It looks and feels like a bar of gold, it is quite heavy and feels fancy on touch.
A matte lip colour which is hydrating and comfortable, don’t we all need that? They have a mix of reds, nudes, orange and plums.
I have the shade Wild Plum with me. The pigmentation is amazing and it glides on really well. It doesn’t emphasize dry lines or bleed on the lips. It’s pretty easy to use and goes smooth. It does have a little bit of sheen on application but that wears off in a while. The colour settles to a matte one and stays for 4-5 hours without eating or drinking. With eating and drinking, about 2-3 hours but leaves a nice stain behind for few more hours.
Wild Plum is a gorgeous medium mauve plum. I love the colour, pigmentation, formula, packaging, everything about these lipsticks. My favourite out of the lot was Crazy Nude. Highly recommend these too, they are better in terms of quality than Estee Lauder and Bobbi Brown and around similar price point.
Guerlain is available at Shoppers Stop, currently Juhu and Malad. But they are launching it online soon, mostly on Nykaa.
Have you tried Guerlain skincare or makeup? What do you think?
