Category Archives: Blush

MAC Sheertone Blush Pink Swoon Review, Swatches, FOTD

MAC Sheertone Blush Pink Swoon Review, Swatches, FOTD

MAC Sheertone Blush Pink Swoon Review, Swatches, FOTD

By Ishleen

Hello gorgeous ladies!

How are the winters going for you? Delhi has started to turn out cold—like really cold! And with cold weather, my skincare regimen goes off the drain—quite literally! No, not because I want to, but because I become too lazy to wake up early in the morning, or take my lazy bum out of the warm blankets at night to undergo a proper cleansing-toning-moisturising routine! And water intake you may ask? Yes, that pretty much is negligible too! Yes, I am that kind of lazy!

But looking at all those wintery-flushed rosy-posy cheeks, I so envy girls with naturally pink looking skins! And this is when the dire need to get some really cheeky-naturally-enamouring blushes comes to play! So if you are anything like me, and you want a pure matte blush which gives your cheeks the look that you would expect to have right after a run in the winter morning, girl, you need Mac Sheertone blush in pink swoon in your life! No kidding here!

The deal with the blush is that I am straight heads over heels in love with this little tub of pink goodness and have no cons to state whatsoever! So I am starting with what I like about the blush and will be explaining each aspect of it on the way! Let us dig in then!

Price: Rs.1450/- for 6g

Packaging and Price: Okay, like all mac powder blushes, this one too comes in a matte black tub with a see through lid and all the details on the back side of the tub! What I personally love about my mac blushes is the way all of them come in this really chic outer cardboard packaging which makes me feel so good about my vanity! Hmm, height of my vanity, I know! But I did spend 1450 bucks for this little tub—a classy packaging is the least I could have wished for! 😉

Shade: How can I even begin expressing the major drool attack I had when I saw this blush at the mac store about 3 months back—but me being the miser me, I needed double-trouble-quadruple assurances about the supposedly pale, cool toned looking blue based pink blush to be suitable for us warm Indian skins! And when I could not find a suitable answer to my anxieties, I had to go on and take the lunge and was I taken for a surprise? Although the blush is undeniably cool toned, blue based candy pink it looks so darn natural on the cheeks that it is hard to believe that I actually have worn a blush, or if I just heard Diljit Dosanjh say my name (fan crush, sorry :p)! Yes, it looks that natural and gives a nice flushed look to your cheeks—especially in these winters! Yum!

Pigmentation and Coverage: Coming from the sheertone range, this is indeed a very sheer-tone blush and if you swipe your finger across the blush pan, you will not find much product upon your fingers! Which trust me girls is the perfect thing for a daily wear blush like this one! It is so sheerly pigmented that there is no chance you can go overboard with this baby! Plus, if you are a newbie who struggles with the clown-cheek look every time you play with your makeup, Pink Swoon is here to stay! And the good part is that it is totally buildable and can be layered up as per your needs and taste!

Texture and Finish: The blush is such a classic example of a matte baby pink blush man, I cannot even tell! Not an ounce of sheen to be seen—just a daily wear mate pink, so undoubtedly it gives a very natural finish to the cheeks! The texture of Pink Swoon like all mac powder blushes is utterly smooth and not at all chalky or excessively powdery! But what I personally love about Pink Swoon is that despite being devoid of any shimmer or glittery sheen, it catches light at all the high points of your face and gives the face a luminosity—a natural radiance, if you know what I mean!

Staying Power: Although the shade is quite light and I use a couple swipes on my NC 39-40 skin for it to show up as a natural swipe—it stays put for quite some time! I mean I have never worn my makeup for more than 7 hours at a stretch and except for a slight fading at the hairline this blush despite being so light stayed for a good 6 hours in direct sunlight! And mind you, I do not wear primer under my makeup generally, so I can just guess how long it would stay if I had a primer on!

So this is pretty much it for the review of this glorious little pinky tub which is a new cult-favourite in my stash and is my daily wear blush! The only thing which I think can be a downer for some that it is not going to show up on skin tones above NC45 or so! But if you can manage to make it work, go grab it ASAP!

Rating- 5/5

Love it!! <3

Editor’s Note: It indeed looks gorgeous Ishleen, especially on you! Loved it.

Have you tried the MAC Pink Swoon Blush Yet? Your favourite blush from MAC? Mine is Bite of an Apple which was a LE

MAC Matte Blush Raizin Review, Swatches, FOTD & Dupes

MAC Matte Blush Raizin Review, Swatches, FOTD & Dupes

Written by Ishleen

Hello sweeties!

So here I am with my very first blush-review on New Love – Makeup! Thanks Bhumika mam, for giving me a chance! :*

Mac blush in Raizin is my second blush, and is perhaps the most impulse purchase till date! I went out to buy a good pair of shoes and got home this rather muddy looking blush (just in the pan) as I wanted a good bronzing powder!

Claiming to be a makeup addict and a beauty blogger for over two and a half years now, I could no more make excuses to avoid blushes just because they can look dominantly clownish if applied improperly! But after having tried my hand on a blush (also from mac) I knew I had to take a step forward with this dark brownish-red blush!

So coming to the main review now, keep on reading to know more!

About Mac Raizin Blush!

Claims: A blush that provides fantastic colour with ease and consistency.Designed by and for professionals, formulated to provide fantastic colour with ease and consistency. Applies evenly, adheres lightly to skin to achieve a natural-looking application of colour that stays put all day.

Dermatologist tested
Non-acnegenic

Directions: Choose appropriate brush and glide brush over the blush. Tap off excess powder and apply blush to skin using sweeping strokes and blend well.

Price: INR 1350 for 6 grams of product

This not so gorgeous looking blush belongs to the Mac permanent collection of blushes. Mac permanent line blushes are available in 5 stunning finishes, and Mac Raizin comes under the Matte finish; so you know it’s bound to be drop-dead pigmented no matter what!

Packaging: The regular line MAC blushes come in a very specific, matte black round casing with a see-through lid! The packaging looks quite sturdy, strong and is indeed very classy to look at! If there is one thing that a mac blush is not—it is flimsy! The lid is very sturdy and spill-proof as it has a click-sound lock mechanism—which is very reliable! One thing which I am not sure if I like or dislike about the MAC blushes is the fact that it does not come with any applicator! I guess that is not much of a con though, because those tiny little brushes which do come with blushes are somewhat useless—at least, most of the times if not always!

Shade: Okay, I’ll be true to you guys! One look at the blush, and I wanted to look away—real bad! But it just struck me that this kind of a shade was such which I could really use as a blush as well as a bronzer! And a double duty product always gets a yes from my brain! 😛

Outside
Indoors

So coming to the real hue, the blush appears to be a rather muddy looking red toned brown in the pan! Really unflattering, even for the most dusky Indian skins if you ask me! But on application, guys take my word for this; it was the most spectacular earthy-toned blush my cheeks had ever adorned! It looked so flattering that I had to pick it up—no second thoughts here! The blush has very beautiful and quite evident red undertones which add to the earthiness in the blush and makes it much more wearable!

Texture: okay all you blush-lover’s; when was the last time any MAC blush disappointed you? I can’t remember any such instance! Just like all iconic blushes from Mac, the texture of Raizin too is silky, almost satiny smooth—not at all chalky or too powdery despite being a powder blush!

Pigmentation and Colour Pay-Off: Coming from the matte collection of finishes—this blush is the not the one to be trusted with mediocre pigmentation! This is crazy pigmented—like insanely pigmented! Talking of the colour pay off—one swipe of my finger, and the earthy reddish brown powder covers up the entire fingertip and does not allow the skin to peep through—yes it is THAT pigmented!

Staying Power: I have never had a problem with the staying power when it comes to Mac—and Mac blushes generally stay put on my oily cheeks for a good 6 hours! Mac raisin is a bit different in this aspect—but different in a good way though! Being on the darker side of the spectrum, it stays on for a tad bit longer duration—it stayed “even” atop my foundation and powder for more than 7-8 hours while fading evenly! And this was without using a primer—I can only guess how much it will stay had I used a primer underneath my base!

My Take on Mac Raizin Blush

I am glad that my impulse purchase did not fail me this time—as it did cost me a lot! 😛 Being an Indian skin type, I know that this blush will work for us desi beauties fantastically! And as it is a powder blush, it did suit my oily, acne prone skin very well! Secondly, like most Indians, I too have very prominent yellow undertones and the red undertones in the blush do help in accentuating my natural skin tone! I just need to dip my brush very lightly in the pan and use it on the apples of my cheeks, blending it towards the hairline during summer months! But I plan to use it in my hollows during the upcoming fall as I like more bronzed kind of a skin in winters!

Do not care to swirl the brush in the pan as the pigmentation is such that the slightest overdoing will offer no scope for forgiveness! All in all if used judiciously, this blush is a go to for Indian skin tones!

Though the most underrated of blushes in the market, this one is the most muted, neutral blush especially for deeper Indian skin tones! And if you are fair to medium, or have skin similar to mine, more power to you as this particular blush will double up as both a blush and a matte powder bronzer which is very flattering!

Pros:

  • Silky-smooth texture
  • Matte brown with red undertones
  • Tremendously pigmented
  • Long-staying
  • Fades out evenly
  • Classy packaging
  • Can double up as a bronzing powder
  • Easily blendable

Cons:

  • Can be a bit expensive for some
  • Will look ruddy on very pale skin tones
  • Does not come with an applicator

Will I recommend?

If you have a native Indian kind of warm skin with yellow undertones—man, go for it! This will give you the most natural earthy kind of warm glow you could only think of! A very wearable blush especially for the deeper skins! Do not let the pan frighten you with its muddy brown appearance—it’s red undertones are indeed very flattering for the Indian skin!

Rating: 4.3/5

Editor’s note: Thanks Ishleen for this lovely review, the blush is perfect for deeper skin tones.

Dupe Alert: Few dupes of MAC Raizin blush are La Femme Blush in Sienna, NYX Cream Blush in Tan (Milani Sunset Beach is said to be a dupe but it is slightly on the orangey side)

October ‘Get Set To Celebrate’ Fab Bag Review

October ‘Get Set To Celebrate’ Fab Bag Review

Fab Bag is a monthly subscription bag where you get 4 (sometimes a 5th bonus) products.

Read my previous Fab Bag reviews:

October month of Fab Bag is the ‘Get Set To Celebrate’ Festive edition since Navratri and Durga Puja are around the corner.

MRP: Rs.699/- for 1 month

It’s a very cute potli type vertical bag this time, quite similar to the mobile pouch which was IN trend some time back, this is perfect to carry some cash, a lipstick and your cell phone during weddings, etc. I love the pink and red color blocking too and the button closure.

They have introduced the brands ‘Spa Ceylon’ and ‘Palmers’ this month. I had received a mail last month end, that I can select any one makeup product of my choice this month. I like the concept and it was quite interesting. I chose the Makeup Revolution Vivid Blush Lacquer in Heart as I had not tried the Makeup Revolution blushes yet.

So I received a full sized Makeup Revolution Blush which is priced at Rs.750/-, now this price varies from importer to importer, but currently it is priced at 750 everywhere.

Products I received:

  • Makeup Revolution Vivid Blush Lacquer in Heart- Full size (Rs.750/-)
  • Nyassa Oceana Foaming Face Scrub- 30g (Rs.900/- for 200g)
  • Spa Ceylon Green Mint Cooling Foot Scrub- 50g (Rs.1100/- for 300ml)
  • Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Lotion -50ml (Rs.545/- for 400ml)

All the brands this month are good. I wanted to try something from Spa Ceylon so I am glad I got a product but I would have chosen the Jasmine Face Mask given an option coz I more into face masks than foot scrubs. I have tried the Palmer’s Cocoa butter body lotion before (Read review HERE), this cute bottle is perfect for travel and I would keep it for that.

Overall I would say it’s a nice bag with nice brands, you get products worth around Rs.1100/- for a bag worth Rs.700/-, it’s a bit of a luck game here, if you get 1-2 different products, the value of the bag changes. But worth a try.

You can book your bag HERE

What do you think about the October Fab Bag? What products did you receive?

Starlooks Looksbook Mini August Resort Edition: Unboxing & Makeup Look

Starlooks Looksbook Mini August Resort Edition: Unboxing & Makeup Look

Hi guys,

So I received the August Looksbook Mini box a few days ago coz of the Indian post, but anyhoo I came up with this look with the box.

Let me start with telling you a bit about Starlooks Looksbook..

WHAT IS A LOOKSBOOK® MEMBERSHIP?

Join thousands of makeup lovers across the globe in this revolutionary beauty movement! Today marks the end of spending hundreds of dollars for expensive cosmetics that clutter your purse & makeup drawer – and usually expire before you can finish them!

THE SOLUTION: Each LooksBook® contains fashion-forecasted, PRO Quality, HD, photo-compatible Starlooks color cosmetics, tucked into a convenient and educational “Book”, and is carefully curated to provide a complete “Look”. Let Starlooks be your monthly beauty stylist!

Our LooksBooks, unlike beauty subscription boxes, are NOT comprised of random selections of product. Our Creative Team (a wonderful group of highly trained professionals from the beauty and fashion industry) carefully plans each month based on professional beauty and fashion forecasts, and products are specifically chosen to guarantee that each book’s look is not only fashion forward, but also current in the fashion and beauty industry

MRP: $12

In the Resort Edition, there is a cream water colour eyeshadow, an gold-orange blush and a gold highlighter duo and a pale peach mini lipstick.

The eyeshadow is creamy and blends easily with eyes but it sets super quick and it was a little difficult to blend it quickly, but once set, it doesn’t budge. It’s a light moss green shade with loads of glitter, it shows up like a hint of green with just lots of shimmer. It’s a perfect shade for highlighting the inner corners.

The blush and the highlighter duo are my favourites, love the golden orange blush and it looks beautiful on warmer skin tones like ours, also the gold highlighter is very pretty and perfect for Indian weddings or a night time look.

The lipstick is very light and washes me out completely, it will only work on paler skin tones. I had to use a warmer, brighter orange to balance the color.

This is the look I came up with..

I have also done a video on this on my Youtube..

I think it’s a nice concept of having travel sized or mini makeup products in a kit, I totally agree on not being able to finish up makeup products. This blush-highlighter duo will definitely be a part of my travel kit now onwards. And at $12 monthly, it is pretty reasonable for 3 products.

You can subscribe HERE, they ship using USPS First Class Mail. Currently they don’t have the ‘India’ option but you can mail them at info@starlooks.com and they will figure out the shipping for you.

Do you like the Starlooks Looksbook concept? What do you think of it?

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review

The Nine to 9 April Fab Bag Review

The Nine to 9 April Fab Bag Review

Hey guys,

This month’s Fab Bag is a nice nine to 9 office from day to night look kind of concept. Something which you can keep in your office bag or drawer. Its a leopard print black and white bag.

MRP: Rs.599/- per month (Offers on 6 months and 12 months subscription. Go HERE)

Read my previous March Fab Bag Review HERE.

What do we have in the bag:

  •  Malavara Shower Gel (Rs.300) and Body Lotion (Rs.390/-) in Lime Vetiver- 60ml each
  • City Color Blush Quad in the Shade Coral (Full size)- Rs.500/-
  • Denman Hair Brush – Rs.475/-
  • Chambor Body Mist in Tender Tuberose (10ml)- Rs.595/- for 200ml

My most favourite product out of all these was the Blush Quad in Coral which is a gorgeous mix of peach,pink and beige. How pretty does it look!

I also loved the Denman brush, I thought it might not be that good since it does not have cushion or padding at the base, but it is pretty decent. I would have loved it if it would have been foldable.

The Lime-Vetiver Shower Gel and Body Lotion Duo by Malvara smells really good and is perfect for carrying in your office bag or while you are travelling.

Coming to the Chambor Body Mist, it had all leaked when I got it, so I remain with just 2-3 ml of the product. It smells good and thankfully it was in bubble wrap, so has not leaked out in the bag or mixed with other products.

Overall I would say this month’s bag is totally worth it! The blush quad and hair brush are total value for money. Can’t wait for the May Fab Bag already 😀 These guys are getting better and better each day with the concepts, bags and kind of products. Its a pleasure to receive a bag and unveil it every month and then finding such useful and value for money products worth every penny of the bag!

Have you tried the Fab Bag yet? What did you get in your April Fab Bag?

L’Oreal Paris Lucent Magique Blush Fuchsia Flush Review,Swatches

L’Oreal Paris Lucent Magique Blush Fuchsia Flush Review,Swatches

What the Company claims: – 3 colour pigments give an immediate rosy, healthy glow

– The blush is lightweight to wear and leaves the skin comfortable

– Makes your cheeks looks fuller, more radiant and youthful

Application: – Lucent Magique Blush has a soft texture and is easy to apply

– It is easy to blur and glides softly on the cheeks

Innovation: – Reflecting pigments capture and sculpt the light to give the perfect glow

MRP: Rs.850/-

Shades Available:

  • Fuchsia Flush
  • Sunset Glow
  • Blushing Kiss
  • Duchess Rose

Read more HERE.

L’Oreal Paris Lucent Magique Blush comes in a beautiful gold packaging with a mirror and a small brush. The brush is slightly scratchy but pretty decent for emergency or travelling.

It has three strips of pink with the middle one being the most broad which is a creamy matte rose pink. The top strip is a pale pink and the bottom is a frosty pink. All combined they give a bright pretty fuchsia pink flush as the name suggests.

It also highlights and gives that sheen coz of the shimmer, you do not need a separate highlighter when using this.

The pigmentation on touch is above average, but Do Not go overboard with this, apply it very very sparingly. On the skin, it turns deeper and brighter after some time with the warmth. It stays for a good 5-6 hours before it starts fading off slightly, but it is surely super pigmented and bright when in contact with the skin.

It is smooth in texture and goes on easy. The quantity is super awesome, you would need an entire generation to finish this blush, considering the pigmentation!

For the packaging, quality and quantity, the price is justified. Highly recommend this! Would update this post with an FOTD soon, I could not click a pic in daylight.

Top: Individual, Bottom- Blended

Also, Sunset Glow is one other super pretty shade from this range worth checking out.

Rating:

Quality: 4/5
Value for money : 4/5
Availability: 4/5

Overall rating: 4/5

Would I buy it again: Yes

Have you tried the new L’Oreal Paris Lucent Magique Blush yet ? Your views ?

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review.

Sleek MakeUP Eye & Cheek Palette Review, Swatches

Sleek MakeUP Eye & Cheek Palette Review, Swatches

What the Company claims: Multi-functional palette contains four eyeshadows and two blushers from our bestselling i-Divine and Blush range. Eye & Cheek Palette provides all of your colour essentials in one convenient compact.

These velvety smooth eyeshadows and blushers are highly pigmented and long-lasting, making blending and defining simple.

Each palette contains complementary neutral and bold shades suited to all skin tones.

Packaged in a handy travel sized compact, with magnetic snap-shut mechanism and also includes a large mirror and two essential brushes for effortless application.

Dancing Til Dusk includes velvety browns and shimmering fawns from our Au Naturel i-Divine palette. With radiant Blush shades Mirrored Pink, an iridescent soft pink and Sahara, a matte, dark coral, for a sophisticated finish.

How to: Eyeshadow: Use the mini eyeshadow applicator to sweep the lighter shades all over the eye lid. Blend well, as this acts as a base for deeper shades. Then apply the medium or dark shades across the crease to define eyes

Blush: Using the mini blusher brush included, sweep onto the apples of the cheeks

Comes in 2 variants- Dancing Till Dusk and See You At Midnight

MRP: $14.99

Dancing Till Dusk is the one I am reviewing today. It is more on the warm side while See You At Midnight is more on the cooler side.

Dancing Till Dusk has the blushes Mirrored Pink and Sahara and the eyeshadows from the Au Naturel Palette.

See You at Midnight combines deep blue and pearlescent purple eyeshadows from our Vintage Romance i-Divine Palette. Along with Blush in Pomegranate, a golden berry hue and Antique,a shimmery dusky rose, for a captivating look.

It comes in a small rectangular black packaging and has a mirror and a small double sided applicator and a small brush.

Shades:

Eyeshadows:

Satin finish champagne shade (Beautiful!)

Matte taupe (For the crease)

Matte beige n*de (Almost skin color, perfect for blending and brow bone)

Medium brown with gold shimmer

Blushes:

Mirrored Pink – A soft, romantic satin finish bright pink. Very bridal for fair skin tones.

Sahara: Matte peachy coral. Super pretty on warm skin tones <3

I would recommend See You At Midnight for darker/deeper skin tones coz the shades would show up on them well and Dancing Till Dusk for both but especially for warm skin tones. I am glad I got the Dancing Till Dusk coz I am totally a warm person and love neutrals/warms in eye shadows and peachy, natural blushes. Also, warm shades look beautiful on our Indian skin tones.

Its a perfect daytime palette with a brown, taupe, champagne, a shade for blending and a nice peach blush. Mirrored Pink looks a little bright though but looks nice when blended if you want to turn a day time look to a night time look. Its travel friendly and carry one and you are sorted kind of a palette. Highly recommended!

You can buy it HERE

Have you checked out the Sleek MakeUP Eye & Cheek Palette ? Which do you like more ?

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review

Everyday Skincare & Makeup Products on a Budget

Everyday Skincare & Makeup Products on a Budget

Hey everyone,

So as many of you know that I am nominated for the Elle Beauty Awards ‘Blogger of the Year’ 2014, we had an interesting challenge in round 2.

We had to buy skincare and makeup products which we use on an everyday basis i.e our ‘daily’ ‘face’ stuff within the budget of Rs.5000/-

And since we had to buy only from Jabong and from the brands available on the site, it added up to the challenge 🙂

This is the perfect kit for you, if you are in college and surviving on pocket money and don’t have big bucks to spend on luxury products. Spending big bucks is not even required actually, you can create a nice kit for yourself within this budget.

For brides to be, this also makes a part of my Bridal Diaries. If you are someone who was never into skincare and makeup, then this kit would work for you too. Or if you want to buy stuff for your trousseau within the budget of Rs.5000/-

I  have linked products to their reviews which I have already reviewed on my blog before or have given my 2 cents here on products I have used, but not reviewed yet.

So here we go..

1. Ponds White beauty Naturals Spot Less lightening Cream- Rs199 for 50g

Reason: Super light in texture with no greasiness. Has camellia (Green Tea) leaf extract, niacinmide and tocopheryl acetate which help in fading spots and regeneration of skin cells. Added bonus: SPF (titanium dioxide aluminum hydroxide stearic acid). This can be your perfect affordable daily moisturizer.

2. VICHY Normaderm 3-In-1 Cleanser – Rs.450/- for 50ml

Reason: A unique combination of Salicylic acid, Glycolic acid and 25% Clay with a soothing agent. Use it as a cleanser/face wash or a scrub or apply a thin layer as a mask. The blend of salicylic acid and clay is perfect for oily skin and prevents from breakouts. Glycolic acid helps in mild exfoliation. I won’t recommend it using everyday. For everyday use, a mild cleanser like the Auravedic Saffron Almond one we selected, is good. But its perfect to use for a weekly scrub/face pack. It dries quickly too, not taking too much of your time. If you use it weekly, its going to last long and turns economical for its multiple uses.

3. VLCC Lip Balm Strawberry- Rs.125 for 10g

Reason : Heals chapped lips. Smells nice (Strawberry fragrance). Gives a pretty pink tint.Added bonus: SPF10

4. L’Oreal Paris Uv Perfect Aqua Essence Sunscreen Moisturiser- Rs.475/- fro 30ml (Review HERE)

Reason: A Sunscreen with good SPF protection is a must. Whether you are in your teens or in your 30’s, you need to protect your skin from the sun’s rays. L’Oreal Paris UV Perfect Aqua Essence has SPF 30 PA+++ UVB UVA protection with a PPD of 15.5. It also has Advanced Mexoryl XL Filters (only found in L’Oreal Paris sunscreens- this and Vichy Capital Soleil which is on the expensive side) that protect against broad spectrum UVA/UVB rays, Adenosine that repairs deep skin damage and fights wrinkles, and Vitamin E that helps fight against free radicals and external stress. It also hydrates and moisturizes the skin. Best part: It somewhat protects skin from tanning too.

5. Forest Essentials Facial Tonic Pure Rose Water Facial Mist- Rs.575 for 100ml

Reason: Natural toner. 100% Steam Distilled Rose Water. Alcohol based toners rip the moisture from the skin. One should go for alcohol free toners as much as possible. It cools, soothes and moisturizes the skin. You can also carry it along in your bag. (You need one in the Mumbai heat especially in summers!)

6.Biotique Bio Almond Oil Soothing Face Eye Make Up Cleanser – Rs.149 for 120 Ml

Reason: It’s a blend of almond, castor, sunflower and few other oils. Oils are always the best makeup remover one can use. It melts off toughest of your waterproof mascara. No stinging or burning. One of the pretty decent and affordable makeup removers in the market.

7. Maybelline Colossal Kajal 12 Hour Smudge Resistant – Rs. 175 (Review HERE)

Reason: One of the deepest and most pigmented rich black kajals in India right now. It stays whole day and hardly smudges. I recommend this to everyone all the time. Does’nt even hurt the pocket at 175. Best budget buy for college girls too. I guess most of us love our kajal and lip balms and swear by it everyday whether you in college or working. This is definitely a must have!

8. Maybelline Vex Falsies Waterproof Mascara- Rs.425

Reason: Who has the time and patience to apply falsies and remove them everyday ?! But we still want those fluttery, long lashes right ? Well, look no further. Maybelline Falsies Mascara is the answer. With 2 coats of this, you get a false lash effect! I mean it. Do try it for yourself. And at 425 if you get killer long lashes, it does not hurt, right ? :p

9. Maybelline Hyper Sharp Liner- Rs.425 (Review HERE)

Reason : No reasons are enough for this baby. Its my favourite liner ever. Pigmented. Stays long. Perfect stiff tip. And the hypersharp tip gives the thinnest most defined lines to more thicker wings. It also does not dry up quickly and works as good as new for a long long time.

10. Maybelline Color Sensational Mirrored Mauve High Shine Lip Gloss- Rs.350 for 5ml (Review HERE and HERE)

Reason: Pigmented, High shine, Affordable, Good qty, Non Shimmery, Prettiest Nude Mauve shade ever. This is bang on for your everyday wear whether for work or a day out with your girlfriends.

11.Maybelline Cheeky Glow Blush- Fresh Coral- Rs.275 (Review HERE)

Reason: If you have to include one affordable blush in your kit, it has to be Maybelline Cheeky Glow. Its matte, smooth, pigmented and long staying. 7g of quantity would last for a long time. Fresh Coral is a warm coral pink and gives that ‘just out of the gym’ healthy pink flush. One of the best budget blushes in India.

12. Street Wear Color Rich Perfection Compact Powder- Rs.160 for 7g

Reason: Cute packaging again. Provides medium coverage and controls oil and shine. Thoughtful hygienic packaging, the separator in between prevents the foam applicator from getting dirty. No more expectations at this price and quantity. Again a perfect budget everyday compact.

13. Street Wear Color Rich 11-Pink Passion Lipstick- Rs.180 for 4.2g

Reason : Street Wear has nailed it with this latest Color Rich Range and these Ultra Moist lipsticks are the best in the collection. Cute packaging. Semi matte texture, Long staying power, Economical price and quantity. A perfect bright pink shade to perk up your evenings or weekends. Psstt: It’s a dupe of MAC Flat Out Fabulous 😀 I am sure you want this in your kit! Plus it won’t pinch your pocket.

14. Ponds White Beauty Blemish Balm Cream- Rs.125/- for 18G

Reason: A BB Cream that also acts as a moisturizer and sunscreen and gives amazing coverage! Gimme! I use it everyday. Its one of my favourite BB creams out of the lot in the market right now. It has Vitamin B3, Vitamin E and Allantoin which helps against pigmentation and heals the old scars/spots faster. Has SPF30PA++. The shade suits me perfectly and the coverage is medium, more than any other BB creams. Stays put the whole day. The silicones in it make it work as an eye shadow primer too!! Beat that. And all for this price is fantastic.

15. & 16. Auravedic Revitalizing Face Care- Rs.325 for a combo of 2 products (Pulpy Saffron Almond Face wash and Pure Aloe Vera Gel) (Review HERE and HERE)

Reason: Both the products separately cost you a little more, so buying a combo means savings 😉 The Radiance by Nature is one of the best face washes I have personally tried and recommend. Its made up of natural ingredients and a blend of essential oils. No SLS or parabens. Chemical and color free. Cleanses skin well leaving no dryness or stretchiness. There is a neem and tea tree variant for oily skin and a rose and saffron variant for dry skin. And 50g lasts really long. Total value for money.

Pure Aloe Vera Gel is packed with green tea and pomegranate extracts and a blend of essential oils again like lemon, avocado, grapeseed, olive. Its super cooling and gel like in texture. Smells amazing. Keep it in the fridge in the summers and apply it whenever your skin feels dehydrated or thirsty. I am sure you will love this refreshing cold aloe gel in the harsh summers. No preservatives and chemicals. Also recommended to be used as a hair styling/shaving gel. I personally use it post waxing/threading coz it instantly soothes and reduces the redness on the skin. Quite a multi tasker this is!

17. Auravedic Almond & Grapeseed Night Repair Cream- Rs.350 for 100g

Reason: Skin cells are the most active and repair itself during the night time. The whole regeneration of new skin cells takes place during night. A rich, heavy night cream with some essential nutrients is a must have. It nourishes your skin inside out and also helps delay signs of ageing. This rich night cream has almond butter, grapefruit oil and few other essential oils. Auravedic has no SLS,parabens or chemicals. And you need just a tiny bit, so 100g would last you really long. But investing in a good night cream is a must. It is as important as a sunscreen.

18. Star’s Cosmetics Bronze-2 Pressed Eye Shadow Rs.195/- for 1.66G

Reason: Even if you are not a daily eyeshadow person, you need one bronze/gold shadow in your kit. Indian weddings are when you will need it the most. Or just smoke it out with a black kohl base for a night out. Instant glam!

Overall View: I think it was an interesting challenge. I included everything necessary from skin care to makeup used in day to day life. (and covering weekends/occasions too) A total of 18 products,and also saved on some bucks (Though 27 :D)

Skin care: Face wash, Toner ( Facial Mist), Moisturizer, Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Makeup Remover, Night Cream, 3 in 1 (Cleanser, Scrub, Mask) for your weekly pampering, Pure Aloe Vera Gel for shaving/post waxing,etc.

Makeup: BB Cream, Compact Powder, Lipstick, Lip Gloss, Blush, Kohl Pencil, Liquid Pen Eyeliner, Mascara, Eye shadow.

I have not included nail paints, shower gel,shampoo, conditioner, hair serum/oils coz it was ‘daily face’. You need to add those too which will be another 750 bucks approximately.

I hope you liked my kit. If you did, I would love for you to vote for me HERE. Just click on the heart under my name ‘Bhumika Thakkar’ and it will turn red 🙂 Or you can tweet to @elleindia with the hashtag #EBA2014. Thanks in advance.

 What all would you include in your kit within the budget of Rs.5000 ?

Revlon India Introduces Cheek Boutique

Revlon India Introduces Cheek Boutique- New Powder Blush and Highlighting Palette

A collection of blush, bronzers and highlighters for perfect pops of color!

Revlon, The Color Authority, is bringing big news to the blush category with the launch of what we are calling our ‘Cheek Boutique,’ offering three new ways to enhance your cheek bones and play up your beauty look. Step inside the dressing room and try on any of these new beautiful shades!

Revlon Powder Blush is an ultra-soft, silky powder blush that adds a natural flush of color to you cheeks.

The Revlon Highlighting Palette is a captivating brick highlighter. The sophisticated palette has complimentary shimmer shades that blend to enhance complexion for a natural sun-kissed look.

Revlon Powder Blush

·         4 NEW SHADES: Naughty Nude, Classy Coral, Haute Pink, Wine Not

·         SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: Rs.550/-

Revlon Highlighting Palette

o   3 NEW SHADES: Peach Glow, Rose Glow, Bronze Glow

o   SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: Rs.950/-

I am loving the looks of the highlighting palette..I anyways lovee highlighters. Also, have never tried a Revlon blush yet..and both look interesting enough.

Have you guys seen the new Revlon Blush and Highlighting Palettes ? Excited to try ?

Illamasqua Velvet Blusher Flirtatious Review, Swatches

Illamasqua Velvet Blusher Flirtatious Review, Swatches

What the Company claims: New for Summer 2014, create a flush of intense colour with this long-lasting, matte blusher in Flirtatious. The lightweight cream texture delivers a velvet soft cream to powder finish. Apply to the apples of the cheek, or across cheekbones to enhance and define. Build and blend with fingers or an Illamasqua brush for added colour-intensity.

MRP: £21.50 for 5 g / 0.18 OZ (Approx. Rs.2200/-)

Flirtatious is a lightweight velvet soft powder which delivers a matte finish. Apply to enhance your cheekbones, use over foundation for impact.

Key Benefits:
1. Blends effortlessly
2. Velvet soft powder matte finish.

Application: Build and blend with fingers or an Illamasqua brush.

It comes in the trademark Illamasqua packaging. Looking at it first, I could’nt make out its a cream finish coz it looked just like powder.

Its a cream to powder finish. As soon as you blend it, the color is completely dry and matte and stays put throughout the day.

This is not those creamy, melt in your face or give a soft, dewy look kinda blush. Its matte and looks as good as any powder finish blush.

Flirtatious is a perfect peachy, pink shade. It gives that nice, healthy glow to the cheeks. This is one shade and finish, which would work for all skin tones and on all skin types, be it oily or dry.

I am in love with it..and eyeing more from this Velvet Blusher range. Other shades available in the Velvet Blusher range are Conviction, Sleek and Peaked.

Unblended- Blended

Pros:

1. Love the Illamasqua packaging.

2. Beautifully pigmented.

3. Matte finish.

4. Once blended, stays put throughout the day.

5. Perfect texture and works on all skin types.

6. Shade gives a nice healthy, peachy pink flush and would work on all skin tones.

7. Blends easily.

Cons:

1. Expensive.

2. Available online. You can buy it HERE.

Overall, I would say, I love this new Velvet Blusher range and their finish. And also all the 4 shades which are a part of this range look amazing. I think these are just perfect. Highly recommend them.

Rating:

Quality: 5/5
Value for money: 4/5
Availability: 3.5/5

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Would I buy it again: Yes

Have you checked out the new Illamasqua Velvet Blushers ?

 P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review.