All posts by Bhumika

About Bhumika

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.

MUA Makeup Academy Ultra Fine Loose Setting Powder Review

MUA Makeup Academy Ultra Fine Loose Setting Powder Review

Loose Powder, Makeup, Makeup Academy, Reviews, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

MUA Makeup Academy Ultra Fine Loose Setting Powder Review

By Divi

Hi Guys,

Whenever summers are around the corner we all need something to keep our makeup in place. There are loads of compacts and loose powders available in the market but we always get confused. I’m head over heels with this MUA Loose Powder. Let’s see how the product is!

Price: Rs.360 (approx) or 4 pounds for 18g!

Claims: Weightless,silky smooth loose powder for all skin tones. The delicate, colourless powder applies with an invisible finish over foundation and concealer to set and prolong makeup wear. The lightweight formula creates smooth, radiant skin, blends, effortlessly and removes any excess shine for a professional, even finish.

Ingredients: Silica

Packaging & Texture: The product comes in a small jar. The cover of the jar is of black colour and the jar is transparent. The jar has a plastic lid which has holes in it for the powder to come out which creates a mess sometimes like any other loose powder jar. The plastic lid can be removed as well, if you want to use large quantities of powder. The texture of the powder is very soft and lightweight.

Experience: I just love this loose powder. Although,it isn’t available in India but you can always get them from any instagram store. The powder is very finely milled so it doesn’t look powdery on face at all. But sometimes it tends to dry out my skin because I have combination skin , so my dry areas get a lil bit exaggerated in winters but in summers it works absolutely fine. If you’re from oily skin family, then you’re gonna totally dig it. The finish of the product is super amazing. It removes excess shine from the face and helps the makeup stay for a long time. Whenever I apply this to my undereyes, my concealer stays put longer. It just mattifies and air-brushes the skin.What I usually do is, I use facial oil beneath my foundation and illuminating primer so as to make my base dewy and after that I go with the translucent powder which mattifies the skin so beautifully without making my skin dry or exaggerating the dry patches. After using this powder, my skin looks legit flawless even in from a close-up look.

Pros:

  • Softly milled
  • Flawless finish
  • Affordable
  • Huge qty
  • Not powdery
  • Mattifies

Cons:

  • A bit drying
  • Not available in India

Rating: 4/5

I literally love this product! If you are thinking to buy it, then go for it! It’s worth the money! It does give a little bit of white cast, if flash is used during photography but if you set your face with a mist, you won’t get it much. It’s perfect for baking, and the qty of 18g will last you forever.

Have you tried the MUA Loose Powder yet?

May 2018 Fab Bag Unboxing

Fab Bag, Reviews, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

May 2018 Fab Bag Unboxing

Hi guys,

I just got the May 2018 Fab Bag and did a quick unboxing. The theme for this month is ‘The Beauty Project’ and it’s a perfect summer bag. I love the colour and doodling on it, I wish it was a little thicker and sturdier though. It’s slightly thin and transparent.

Products received:

  • NELF USA Velvet Touch Creamy Matte Lipstick Pink Spice- Rs.799/-
  • NELF USA Professional Eyeliner Blue- Rs.225/-
  • Aroma Magic Sun Block SPF 30 PA++ – Rs.75/- for 20ml
  • Fem De-Tan Orange Peel Creme Bleach- Rs.40/-
  • Imiana House RhoCo 2 in 1 Scrub & Mask- Rs.300 for 25g
  • Tjori Night Skin Repair Elixir- Rs.995/-

Again I had an option to pick one lipstick shade from NELF USA and I chose Pink Spice. I absolutely love this shade, it’s a perfect neutral and the formula is velvet matte, not sheer or glossy or too creamy. I love the formula and shade, it reminds me of the Maybelline Inti-Matte Nude in Almond Pink which is another favourite of mine.

The blue eyeliner was a surprise as I wasn’t expecting two makeup products, it’s pigmented and very pretty. Perfect shade for summer.

Sun Block sample is ideal for travel and I am going to travel soon, so would carry that definitely. Fem De-Tan bleach is a one time use pack and again good for someone like me who doesn’t bleach usually and might try once in a while.

The coffee 2 in 1 scrub & mask and the Tjori Night Skin Repair Elixir look interesting and I am looking forward to trying that.

Total value of the products = Rs.2435/-

I was pretty disappointed with last month’s Fab Bag but absolutely love this month’s bag. All the products are pretty good and useful this time, and mostly full sized. Loved the lipstick shade I chose and the blue eyeliner is very pretty and pigmented, perfect for summers.

I do recommend the May 2018 Fab Bag, what did you get in your bag?

OOTD: Pleated Skirt Love

Fashion, Fashion Trends, OOTD, Shopping, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

OOTD: Pleated Skirt Love

Hi guys,

Thank you for all the love on my previous orange dress OOTD here and on Instagram. I am back again with another OOTD from the same shoot.

I own a few midi skirts, a printed town blue one and a red and white floral one, but I didn’t have a pleated one. Pleated skirts make you look classy and elegant instantly, plus they don’t need ironing often, so are very low maintenance.

I love how romantic an outfit looks, with a pleated skirt. I got this champagne pleated skirt from Lulu & Sky. I love the mesh net at the lower half which plays a peek-a-boo. It adds something extra to the plain pleated skirt, and it was quite a steal during sale.

This black one off shoulder top is from H&M. Again something I bought on sale, when H&M started online in India, they had free shipping and 25% off on first order for the first two weeks.

This black top is very versatile and can be paired with numerous skirts/denims and is a classic piece. Only thing is it’s not cotton, so not for hot summer days.

It hugs the body well and the off shoulder sits well on me. The only issue is, since it’s body hugging, if you wear something tight like the waist band of this skirt, there will be some flab accentuated through the top. But only if you wear it with something that is tight on the waist and back, not something like a jeans or denim skirt i.e. non elastic.

I did have this issue with this pairing as obviously I do have fat and I am not a zero stomach/body fat completely fit person 😀 (yet, wish to be fitter for sure)

But other than that, I love everything about this pairing. Black and champagne work well together and you can make your pleated skirt formal with a formal black top and heels like this or casual with a tee and sneakers. It looks good both ways and I would definitely pair it with sneakers too, stay tuned to my Instagram for more outfit posts and pairings 🙂

I paired the outfit with silver glitter heels. Now these heels are not too high and are comfortable with the apt height and complimented the outfit well.

I could have added something around my neck, but I felt it would a little too much. I would have definitely added something a year or two ago, but I am past that phase now. I love small, delicate accessories/jewellery or nothing at all.

Top: H&M India
Skirt: Lulu & Sky
Heels: Claude Lorrain

On my Lips: Wet N Wild Mega Catsuit Liquid Lipstick Flame of the Game

I hope you liked the outfit, do you like pleated skirts? Let me know your thoughts.

New Metallic Shades – Sugar Smudge Me Not Liquid Lipsticks

Lipsticks, Liquid Lipsticks, Makeup, New Launches, Reviews, Sugar Cosmetics, Swatches, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

New Metallic Shades – Sugar Smudge Me Not Liquid Lipsticks

Hi guys,

Sugar Cosmetics has added 6 new metallic shades to their Smudge Me Not Liquid Lipsticks range.

Their price is Rs.549 instead of the usual Rs.499. The qty is same, 4.5ml

Buy HERE

You can get 10% off on in.sugarcosmetics.com using ‘BTXSUGAR’

Formula is same, they are matte and drying, long staying. Shade 32 is slightly watery though, but it felt the same on the lips. These do need two layers unlike the usual Smudge Me Not Liquid Lipsticks. Since all the shades are very deep and dark, one layer would not cover entire lips and some areas might be left uneven and patchy. Two layers works well and covers lips completely.

All the shades would work for pretty much all skin tones, as all are deep.

Three of the six shades are perfect Indian bridal shades, 31, 32 and 34. They are deep red/brown/burgundy which work well with the red Indian wear. Especially 32 Brass Class is a perfect Indian bridal shade.

L-R: 31.32.33.34.35.36
  • 31 CARMINE SHINE – Metallic Bright Red
  • 32 BRASS CLASS – Deep Bronze Brown
  • 33 AMETHYST TWIST- Metallic Plum
  • 34 MERLOT GLOW – Metallic Burgundy
  • 35 RADIANT CURRANT – Metallic Burnt Blackened Red
  • 36 PINK CLINK Metallic – Rose Gold

I love 32, 33 and 36. Let me know your favourite shades in the comments below 🙂

How and Why PayPal made my Life Easy?

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How and Why PayPal made my Life Easy? How to receive payments easily while freelancing?

Hi guys,

I have been blogging since 8 years now and have my own domain since 6.5-7 years. I shifted to my own server/hosting since more than 3 years now. All payments related to my blog domain/hosting, etc. have been made through PayPal. 

As a freelancer it has become difficult to receive payments and have a trust worthy mode of receiving payments. Many people are now looking at freelancing as a career and many of them seem to be new to taking it up as a career with less than 5 years in experience. A recent study show that 4 in 5 free lancers get international work from US, UK and Australia. It is essential to have a trusted and fast mode of receiving payments especially for work that has been done internationally.

I have been using PayPal since 2011 and I prefer to receive all my international payments through PayPal. If you are a freelancer, you have obviously heard about PayPal and might be using it too. It’s so easy to raise invoices and request payment for your services, on PayPal.

I have my own PayPal.Me link which I share with my clients to get paid. I simply send my PayPal.Me link with the requested amount to get paid. With PayPal making its foray into India, I can now receive payments from both Indian and International customers.

As a freelancer, I can now receive payments in Rupees and 26 other currencies across the globe. With PayPal Seller
Protection Policy, I also feel a lot more secure about doing business with clients who I’ve not met
directly since I can trust PayPal to cover me from online frauds and chargebacks.

One of the things that I really like about PayPal is that I can use it to not only receive payments but also shop across the globe securely. Whether its booking a ticket at BookMyShow for a movie or buying apparels from a relatively unknown international site, I know that with PayPal, my transactions are secure.

I can’t imagine using any other payment method for my international purchases, and I shop internationally a lot!

Irregular payments and lack of payment/frauds are the no. 1 issue freelancers like me face. A platform like PayPal makes sure you get your payments. It’s quick and easy, secure and reliable.

The best thing is it’s quick and easy to set up your PayPal account and link your card/bank to it. PayPal makes it easy for your client to pay you, even if they’ve never met you. I definitely recommend PayPal to everyone whether it’s for buying something or getting paid for your services, I have already helped a few set up their account 😀 So, PayPal has definitely helped me a lot as a freelancer.

If you’re a freelancer, try PayPal and get going. Your clients internationally trust PayPal. So should you. To sign up for a freelancer account, click here

Online Shopping for Men | Tips & Tricks

Fashion, Shopping, , , , , , ,

Online Shopping for Men | Tips & Tricks

By Sanchita

The sharp growth of technology easily enables us to shop at the leisure of our homes and the comfort and convenience we experience in online shopping is beyond what is fathomed. Coupled with the discounts we receive and the amazing logistic services that deliver to our doorstep makes the experience worthwhile. However, a lot of us are still uncomfortable with the pitfalls of shopping online for clothes and therefore are not willing to take a chance. We have listed various ways to make online shopping for men easier for you and thus you can try as many styles as you want.

• SIZE – Size and fit are generally the two most important issues in online shopping. A lot of shopping websites for men provide measurement charts that should be followed. For example, you may be size XL in a brand while size L in another brand. Thus, before adding any product to your cart, go through the chart of the respective brand to avoid any error. You should not always trust model shots or look books available on the website. Treat them as guides to styling rather than fit.

• FABRIC – We are often so blinded by the colour or design and sometimes the discounted price tag that we almost forget to check the fabric. Fabric is also important for your style and comfort. Certain materials shrink and certain loosen post wash. In online shopping for men, they often overlook the fabric.

• SHOP WHAT YOU EXACTLY WANT – Although men will not put that much effort compared to women when it comes to their shopping list, but the list always helps keep in mind what you require. You have to know what you are looking for and therefore make sure you mentally make a list. There are plenty of options for a man out there to shop, and therefore it’s easy to get distracted by the options and availability of the various products.

• STICK TO THE LIST – It is extremely important to stick to the list. We are often swayed by discounts and therefore end up buying what we don’t need. A list of things that you do not require in your wardrobe will help to make the shopping experience better.

• STICK TO YOUR FAVOURITE BRAND – If you are comfortable with a particular brand, always stick to that. This will help you choose the clothes better as you are well aware of the quality of the product. This also helps you to identify the size without any issues.

• RETURN POLICY – This is perhaps one of the most important aspects of online shopping of clothes. Do not throw away the tags and always check the return policy and number of days within which you have to return. If the return policy isn’t clear to you, call up the customer care service and verify the necessary details.

• COMPARING PRICE – There are innumerable online stores for you to check and compare the prices. Always keep a watch for a good deal. Sometimes when you shop for the first time from a website, they provide you with discount coupons so if the same apparel is available elsewhere where you can get a discount, try reaching out for that.

• REVIEWS – Reviews are extremely important. Always check the reviews on the shopping website or on the particular product so that you can have a proper idea of the products you are about to purchase.

P.S.: Images from Google

Catrice Ultimate Lip Color 490 Plum & Base Review, Swatches

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Catrice Ultimate Lip Color 490 Plum & Base Review, Swatches

By Linda

Hey Ladies,

Today’s review is about a lipstick from the Brand CATRICE. This if my first purchase Catrice. There are around 15 shades in Ulimate Lip Color range of lipsticks, suitable for most of the skin tones. I wasn’t sure if I could carry a plum shade, hence decided to give it a try and now it’s in my collection of lipsticks. As I tried on the shade I was amazed with the texture and finish of the product on my lips. So let’s know more about this product.

Claims and Packaging:

  • Highly pigmented lipstick
  • Supple, creamy texture
  • Long-lasting
  • Vegan

The CATRICE Ultimate Lip Color is packed in a Black Shiny lipstick tube container with the shade mentioned on the bottom of the container. It wasn’t packed in any lipstick carton. It is light weight can be easily carried along. The expiry date (36M) and other information is mentioned on the lipstick container. Unfortunately there aren’t any ingredients mentioned on the lipstick container.

Ingredients: Octyldodecanol, pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate, diisostearyl malate, Polybutene, polyethylene, vp/hexadecene copolymer, euphorbia cerifera (candelilla) wax, methoxy peg-17/methoxy peg-11/hdi isocyanurate trimer, Crosspolymer, cera microcristallina (microcrystalline wax), ozokerite, Dicalcium phosphate, lauroyl lysine, argania spinosa kernel oil, tocopheryl Acetate, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, camelina sativa seed oil,
Euterpe oleracea fruit oil, tocopherol, olus oil (vegetable oil), Disteardimonium hectorite, propylene carbonate, silica, mica, tin oxide, citric Acid, aroma (flavor), ci 15850 (red 7 lake), ci 15985 (yellow 6 lake), ci 42090 (blue 1
Lake), ci 77491 (iron oxides), ci 77891 (titanium dioxide).

Price: 2.250 KD (Approx 470 INR) for 3.8g

My take on CATRICE Ultimate Lip Color

This is a plum to mauve kind of a shade with a berry undertone. The lipstick is smooth on application and creamy in texture, without stretching the lips. It’s highly pigmented and the shade can be buildable. A single swipe is enough to evenly transfer the color on to the lips effortlessly. On multiple swipes you can achieve a deep color without looking vampy.

The shape of the bullet is good enough to outline the lips, hence a liner may not be needed. What I like about this product is, it gives a semi-gloss, moisturized finish. I feel my lips are not dried or rather chapped after few hours of application. The coverage is good enough to stain your entire lip. I normally smudge the product on my finger tip and then dab it on my lips to get a stain of the shade on my lips

This shade is ideal for a day time and night/ indoor occasions. I personally feel this shade would look amazing for any indoor events/ black n white photo shoot.

I’m not very happy with the stay power, as you would definitely require a retouch after you eat or drink, as the lipstick would transfer. On several swipes it does stay put but not beyond 4-5 hours but it does stains your lips

I would say this is worth the cost. Suitable for most of the skin tones and matured skin. If you are someone who likes matte lipsticks then this is not for you.

Pros:

  • Budget friendly
  • Good coverage/buildable
  • Creamy texture
  • Shade suits most of the skin tones.
  • Glides on smoothly
  • Does not bleed

Cons:

  • Poor Staying power ( need to reapply)
  • It does transfer on the cups/glasses
  • Not sure about availability in India

Rating: 4/5

Would I repurchase CATRICE Ultimate Lip Color Lipstick? Yes, if you are looking for semi glossy deep berry undertone shade.

OOTD: For The Love of Orange

Bags, Fashion, Fashion Trends, OOTD, Shoes, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

OOTD: For The Love of Orange

Hi guys,

I am doing an outfit post after ages! I didn’t shoot anything new since Sept, almost 5-6 months apart from 1-2 campaigns in between which were not proper outfit shoots as such.

My photographer was busy with weddings and I wasn’t too keen in between. I had a bunch of things to shoot this time from this dress, to shoes and bag. I have also shopped a lot in the past 2-3 months from ShopBop, Zara and online H & M and Lulu & Sky, so expect more shoots and posts 😀

We did three outfits this time, and the first one was this. It’s a little difficult to get the venue and match the availability of photographer, venue and me i.e. on days when I don’t have events, shoots or any family stuff. So shooting 2-3 outfits at one go works best. But after two changes and clicking the third outfit, it gets a bit tiring :p

So anyhoo, coming back to this bright orange dress! I love yellow and orange, they are my favourite colours, apart from red. Anything bright and colourful and I am instantly attracted. I am loving mustard yellow, sunflower yellow, this orange and all sunset hues this summer (in fact, all year round :D)

This orange straight fit dress is from Afamado. It’s neither a shift dress nor a tight bodycon, but a straight, comfortable fit which hugs your body but doesn’t cling it.

Afamado has sizes from S to 6XL, so you can be any size and still you can get the dresses and they even have a ‘Made to Measure’ option where they can customize the outfit for you as per your exact measurements.

When I got this dress initially, it was quite loose and then they altered it for me. I lost some weight and it’s still a little loose, I clipped it from behind so that it gives a better fit 😀 But basically, it’s a boon for people who do not find the correct size in clothes as per their body type or have basic, boring things which they never like.

I love the interesting cold shoulder ruffled sleeves it has. I am not into sleeveless clothing, and this works perfectly for me. It’s not see through or sheer and I didn’t have to layer anything underneath.

Truffle Collection

I paired it with nude bow design shoes from Truffle Collection, these are the most comfortable pair of shoes I own and I have many! I am not comfortable wearing heels for a long period of time, but these I can wear. They are super comfortable and light weight, does not give any shoe bites plus look so cute! They work with everything from dresses to denims.

Loeffler Randall

I chose this colourful Loeffler Randall sling with round pom pom kind of floral work on it. This bag is super cute and colourful and even though the dress is bright, the shoes were nude and the accents of this bag matched the dress well as it had orange too.

Overall I really liked this outfit and how it came through. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below 🙂

Also I am looking for something lemon print, top or dress, do let me know if you find it :p

Dress: Afamado
Shoes: Truffle Collection
Bag: Loeffler Randall
Watch: Daniel Wellington

On my Lips: Maybelline Inti-Matte Nude Lipstick Almond Rose

Location: Hoppipola Khar
Shot by: Ravishing Focus

ShopBop Huge End of Season Sale

Fashion, Fashion Trends, Sale, ShopBop, Shopping, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

ShopBop Huge End of Season Sale

Hi guys,

ShopBop is back with an amazing end of season sale!

·         When: April 10th, 2018 – April 14th, 2018 

·         What: 20% Off Orders Under $500, 25% Off Orders of $500 or More

·         Use Code: EVENT18 at checkout

The sale starts today at 5.30 PM as per IST, since I am a Gold member I got early access and have already placed my order 😀 :happy dance:

I love the fact that they always include ‘Sale’ items on sale, which most websites and brands don’t. This gives us a Sale on Sale, which is an amazing deal and I always make use of that!

I highly recommend getting your designer bags and shoes from ShopBop during this sale time. Over the years, I have got a lot of shoes and bags. I have been investing in good designer outfits and quality pieces now, especially during the sales.

If you like LA based designers and small brands, local boutiques, ShopBop has a lot of them! From Ella Moon to Moon River, Stylekeepers, Susana Monaco.

Free People

Also brands like Free People and Cupcakes and Cashmere which have something for everyone!

I have been getting a lot of dresses and fancy tops and skirts from these brands, if you follow me on Instagram, you must have seen quite a few. The recent ones I am yet to shoot, I am also planning to shoot a collective haul video since some time.

Michael Kors

I highly recommend checking out Michael Kors bags, watches and shoes, Tory Burch, Kate Spade, especially if you want to invest in your first designer bag and don’t have too big a budget for LV’s and Chanel’s. My Michael Kors bags literally last me years and I use them every single day! And they still look good as new.

What is your pick from the sale? Are you eyeing something?

Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick 050 Paradise Review, Swatches

Lipsticks, Reviews, Rimmel London, Swatches, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick 050 Paradise Review, Swatches

By Linda

Hello Ladies,

I’m back with another Rimmel London product review. This seems to be one of my favorite drug store brands since they have high quality products for an affordable price. The varieties of shades are pretty good enough to match most of the skin tones from cool to warm. I’m shade NC 41 and it matched perfectly on my skin. The shade I’m about to review is an earthy peach to brown shade with a slight sheen to it. Some of the earthy shades gives a flat look to our lip or rather makes your lip look thinner, hence we need to top it with a gloss or a lip liner. But in case of this shade it’s a little different as compared to other nude/ earthy shades. Lasting finish lipsticks are available at nykaa .com but I’m not sure if this shade is available in India. Let’s know more..

Claims: Intense long lasting color for up to 8 hours wear
• +25% color impact
• Smooth creamy texture
• All day comfort

Price: 374 INR for 4g

Package, Shade and Texture

This lipstick is packed in a light weight, plastic lipstick container. The shade and the shade number is mentioned at the bottom. There is no other information provided.

The shade is a classic earthy peach/brown with ultra fine shimmer that gives a beautiful sheen on application. It is not intensely pigmented but enough to transfer the shade onto the lips.

It has a smooth creamy texture, very soft on application and moisturizes the lips throughout.

My take on Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick


This shade is more on the warmer side, perfect for all time .I definitely carry this lipstick along with me since it a safe shade, what I mean by safe shade is, if you are not able to makeup your mind as to the shade to apply , then this shade is definitely a saver. You can wear at work/ interview/ wedding /formal /casual functions. I’m in love with this shade. The sheen just gives a chic look , you don’t even need a gloss nor a highlighter to enhance your lips.

It has a slight pleasant fragrance to it but non irritating .A tad bit amount transfer to cups/ glasses but that’s acceptable. (for me at least :D)

I do wear this lipstick along with a lip liner from Rimmel London in the shade Spice, in order to achieve a clean finish. Not highly pigmented as I mentioned. I’m not happy with stay power , it would only last for 3-4 hours if you are not eating and drinking. Retouch is needed. My lips would never dry out on applying this shade. Very comfortable and light on the skin, as it claims.

Pros:

  • Wearable Shade for most skin tones and age groups
  • Creamy texture
  • Glides on smoothly
  • Does not bleed
  • Moisturizes the lips through out
  • Provides slight sheen on application
  • Long lasting.

Cons:

  • Availability in India
  • Poor Staying power, needs retouch

Rating: 4.5/5

Would I repurchase Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick (Shade 050 Paradise)? Definitely Yes