Category Archives: MAC Dupes

New Lakme Absolute Illuminating Eyeshadow Palettes Royal Persia, French Rose Review, Swatches

New Lakme Absolute Illuminating Eyeshadow Palettes Royal Persia, French Rose Review, Swatches

New Lakme Absolute Illuminating Eyeshadow Palettes Royal Persia, French Rose Review, Swatches

Hi guys,

In my previous post on the Lakme Absolute x Sabyasachi’s ‘Illuminate & Shine’ Collection, I reviewed the new bronzer, highlighter and shimmer brick. (See HERE)

These two eye shadow palettes are also a part of the Limited Edition Sabyasachi Collection.

Lakme already has the day Gold and night Silver palette in this Illuminating Palette range, see the swatches of the Day Palette HERE.

Claims:  They say it’s the eyes that gives you that extra sparkle. So as you prep for your festive looks this year try the new Lakmé Absolute Illuminating Eyeshadow palettes to add to the glam quotient. These limited edition eyeshadows by Sabysachi Mukherjee have 6 versatile colours to play with and create stunning looks that are bound to turn heads.
Whether it’s the lovely plum tones of the Royal Persia palette or the warm earthy shades of the French Rosé palette, these unique shades are absolute must-haves.

Limited edition eye shadow palettes designed by fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee
High intensity powders
6 versatile shades that blend beautifully
Suited for most Indian skin tones

MRP: Rs.995/- each for 7.5g (Buy Royal Persia HERE and French Rose HERE)

Royal Persia has more purple/pink tone shades and French Rose has more warm browns/coppers. From the first look of it, I absolutely love French Rose! The shades are stunning and so apt for the fall/winter/wedding season currently. I can think of 9-10 different eye looks immediately looking at the palette.

French Rose is definitely very versatile and very flattering on Indian skin tones.

Both palettes have the usual packaging with a mirror and a double ended sponge tip applicator.

Honestly except for 1-2 shades, I was not so impressed with the pigmentation of the shadows in the previous day palette. This time I am blown away and how!

I had huge expectations from the palettes as the shades looked really pretty. And I am so glad Lakme has worked on the pigmentation this time, all the shadows are super creamy and buttery and these swatches are just one swipe each!

Top Row:

A coppery bronze, close to MAC’s Amber Lights (Amber Lights is slightly more gold)

A matte plum brown, this was the only shade with little less pigmentation compared to the other 5, but is easily buildable

A satin finish pinky red

Bottom Row:

A matte dark chocolate brown

A satin finish peachy pink, close to MAC’s Expensive Pink (Expensive Pink is a little more pinker)

A matte burnt orange with some gold shimmer

Each and every shade is super pigmented! This palette is a must have for all brides to be, it’s a perfect addition to your trousseau. I will be creating a look with this palette super soon.

Coming to Royal Persia,

Top Row:

A satin finish aqua blue

A matte purple, again the only shade in the palette which is not that pigmented

A matte slate blue

Bottom Row:

A satin finish plum

A satin finish light pink

A satin creamy beige with gold shimmer, very creamy.

This palette has more cool toned and grey based shades, and more on blue and pink lines.

All the shades in both the palettes are very creamy and buildable, except for one shade in both, all are pigmented and blend well into each other.

If you like warm shades, you can go for French Rose and if you like cooler shades, you can pick Royal Persia.

For me personally, I absolutely love French Rose and if I have to recommend one, I would say French Rose 🙂

I hope you liked the review, let me know your favourite in the comments below.

MAC Matte Lipstick Whirl Review, Swatches & Dupe

MAC Matte Lipstick Whirl Review, Swatches & Dupe

By Linda

Hello Ladies,

While I go shopping I make it a point to try various lipsticks but somehow don’t know why I end up purchasing a MAC lipstick only, maybe it’s because of the variety of shades suiting most of the skin tones.

So this review is about another MAC lipstick, from the Matte Lip collection in the shade WHIRL. There is a lip liner also available in the same shade. I found the lip liner to be too dry on my lips as compared to the lipstick. So let’s go ahead with the review.

What MAC Claims and Packaging: Dirty Rose with Matte finish. The lipstick is packed in a Classic MAC matte black and silver lipstick container with the shade mentioned at the bottom.

Price: Rs 1450/- for 3g (I believe it is increased to Rs.1950 now :/)

My take on MAC Whirl Lipstick

MAC claims the shade as dirty rose but in simple words I can say this is a mauve brown neutral shade. The content of brown is little on the higher side so it can tend to look darker under natural light. The texture is creamy on application, glides smoothly to give a matte finish on the lips. This shade would go well on medium skin tones to fair skin tones but I’m really not sure how it would go on dusky to dark skin tones. If you are confused on which lipstick shade to wear, be safe and wear a neutral shade, in such cases I definitely would recommend MAC Whirl.

I’m not happy with the stay power, as after meals, the lipstick completely vanished from my lips. May be prior prepping and a whirl lip liner would help the product to last longer or you got to retouch your lipstick after every meal. You can wear this shade at your work place as well as on any other occasion. It does accentuate the lines on my dry lips.The coverage is good and I mostly wear it without the lip liner as it doesn’t bleed.

TIP: Trying using this shade along with MAC Mehr or MAC Brave, or any lip liner close to old rose shade. I bet the mixtures of colors will give an awesome result.

Definitely there is something about MAC Whirl, as when this shade was launched it was sold out in no time.I got my hands on this almost after a year.

Pros:

  • Best for work place
  • Good coverage
  • Creamy texture
  • Suits most of the skin tones.
  • Glides on smoothly
  • Looks best along with an old rose lip liner or lipstick.

Cons:

  • Poor Staying power
  • A little heavy on the pockets (as many neutral shades are easily available)
  • Might accentuate the lines on the lip (mostly on dry lips)

Rating: 3.5/5

Would I repurchase WHIRL Mac Lipstick? Not so sure, as there are many shades of neutrals in MAC, would like to try those.

Dupe Alert: Rimmel London Kate Nude Lipstick in 48 is an exact dupe of MAC Whirl! Maybelline Matte Lipstick in Nude Nuance is also a close dupe

Editor’s Note: I quite like the shade, this is really pretty and perfect for all skin tones! MAC Whirl Lip Liner is what Kylie Jenner loves and uses a lot, so it’s always sold out most of the times 😀

Have you tried MAC Whirl Lipstick?

Drugstore Dupes for High End Makeup

Drugstore Dupes for High End Makeup

By Pallavi

Hello Girlies,

Here I am back with yet another post. With the advent of so many online shopping sites at our disposal makeup and skincare has become a rage. We are aware of the best of high end as well as drug store makeup products. Even the brands which are not available in India are on our fingertips. But many of us can’t get access to those brands. So, what to do in that situation?? Worry not here I am with some of the dupes of high end makeup products. These are the products which are not that easily available in India.

So, let’s have a look at the dupe list –

1. Dior Dioshow Mascara (INR 1500) vs L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara (INR 895) –

What’s Similar : Both of them come with a tapered brush which gives an edge to the lashes. They help in separating and elongating the lashes.

What’s Not : Dior mascara comes with a quick dry formulation which turns the lashes thick in some time.

2. Benefit High Beam (INR 2665) vs E.L.F. Essential Shimmering Facial Whip (INR 85) –

What’s Similar : Both of these highlighters have a gorgeous, pink sheen which gives a very younger looking dewy skin.

What’s Not : The E.L.F facial whip comes in a tube packaging which is very easy to use. But the finish of the E.L.F. one is very shimmery which is not perfect for day time usage.

3. Urban Decay Naked Eye Shadow Palette (INR 4900) vs MUA Undressed Palette (INR 840)

What’s Similar : Both of them have highly pigmented 10 metallic and 2 matte shades.

What’s Not : MUA shades are slightly chalky. Also, the UD brush applicator is from cruelty free collection; whereas the MUA brush looks pretty cheap.

4. MAC Prep &  Prime (INR 3200) vs Rimmel Stay Matte Primer (INR 1250)

What’s Similar : Both come in similar matte finish which helps the makeup stay longer. Also, they form a smooth base for the skin in order to prep it with the foundation after that.

What’s Not : MAC Prep & Prime stays on for much longer than the Rimmel one. But the Rimmel one is a bit more moisturising than the MAC one. MAC one is meant only for the oily skinned beauties.

5. MAC Ruby Woo (INR 1500) vs Rimmel Kate Matte lipstick in Kiss of life 111 (INR 500)

What’s Similar : Both are deep red with blue undertones in them.

What’s Not : RUBY WOO is very matte with slightly drying formula whereas Rimmel one is a bit moisturising. Also, once ruby woo sets it is impossible to smear.

6. YSL Touché Eclat (INR 2130) vs Maybelline Dreamy Touch Lumi Concealer (INR 475)

What’s Similar : Both come in the form of a pen packaging. The formula is creamy which targets to brighten the under eye area.

What’s Not : YSL has a huge shade option of 10 whereas Maybelline has only 3 shade options. Also, touché éclat has limited coverage as compared to the Maybelline one.

7. Smashbox Photofinish Primer (INR 5625) vs NYX Studio Perfect Photo Loving Primer (INR 2450)

What’s Similar : Both help in minimizing the appearance of pores and filling them. This makes the makeup look refined and smooth. Even the ingredient list of both of them are somewhat identical.

What’s Not : The Smashbox one makes face greasy after some time. Whereas the NYX one ensures that your makeup stays perfect even by the end of the day.

8.  Beautyblender (INR 1999) vs Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge (INR 380)

What’s Similar : Both of them are designed in an ergonomic manner to give your foundation a much more even finish.

What’s Not : The Real Techniques one has flat end which makes the application around the eye area easier. Whereas the beautyblender blends foundation way better and quicker that the other one.

9. MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation (INR 2800) vs Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder (INR 195)

What’s Similar : Both of them are so finely milled that excess product also will not make your face look ashy or powdery.

What’s Not : Rimmel one is a bit drying as compared to the MAC one. In winters you cannot use the Rimmel one even with a moisturiser underneath as it will accentuate your pores and cause dry flakes on your face.

10. MoroccanOil Treatment (INR 2160) vs Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil (INR 675)

What’s Similar : Both of them have similar ingredient list and thus the formula is similar.

What’s Not : The MoroccanOil Treatment is more moisturising for dry hair. It imparts shine and lustre much more than the Organix One.

These were my list of high end makeup dupes. Let me know if you like the post in the comments down below. Also, let me know any other high end dupes you have come across in your makeup journey.

Editor’s Note: That was a very nice list Pallavi. I would like to add two more. Sleek MakeUP Blush in Rose Gold and Makeup Geek Blush in Romance are the dupes of Nars Orgasm Blush! And the Maybelline Gel Liner Black has the exact same formula at less than quarter the price of Bobbi Brown Gel liner Black Ink.

Image Source: 1,2,3,4

Do you know of more dupes to be added in the list? Mention them in the comments below.

New Maybelline Vivid Matte Lipsticks India, Price, Shades, Swatches

New Maybelline Vivid Matte Lipsticks India, Price, Shades, Swatches

Hi guys,

So ever since I saw the new Maybelline Vivid Matte Lipsticks on Habbana, about a week ago, I was itching to get my hands on them! Finally I went shopping today and saw them at Lifestyle stores.

First of all, I am not happy with the fact that only 4 shades are launched in India, same as the Rebel Bouquet, Bold Mat and Pink Alert, why only 4-5 shades get launched in India where as US has almost 10-12 in each range :/ So unfair.

They are named Vivid1 to Vivid4 but thankfully they also have names this time!

Shades:

  • Vivid1 Scarlet Red
  • Vivid2 Neon Pink
  • Vivid3 Violet Pink
  • Vivid4 Rosy Orange

MRP: Rs.475/- for 3.9g

It comes in a sheer red cap and black base packaging, all the lipsticks have the same packaging unfortunately, the base is pink and red though shade wise.

The finish is glossy which turns into semi matte exactly like the Bold Mat lipsticks. Also if you notice Vivid 1, 3 and 4 have some shimmer, so the finish is more glossy.

Left to Right: Vivid1,Vivid2,Vivid3,Vivid4

Vivid1 Scarlet Red is a cool toned bright red

Vivid2 Neon Pink is cool toned bright candy pink

Vivid3 Violet Pink is a deeper pink with purple undertones

Vivid4 Rosy Orange is a warm orange red.

Now both Bold Mat and Pink Alert were priced at Rs.375 when they launched, then I believe they increased it to Rs.425. I don’t know why this range is priced at Rs.475/-, coz the qty being same, the price of Rs.400-425 was just perfect for this. Not happy with the additional rise, although not much, Maybelline is supposed to be the most economical brand, and I hope it stays that way.

Vivid2 Neon Pink is I believe the shade named Fuchsia Flash in US (which is supposed to be MAC Candy Yum Yum dupe) and Vivid3 Violet Pink is the shade named Vivid Rose.

I did not find the red and orange to be very different, I liked both the pinks though, both are quite unique and fabulous. I tried both of them on me and picked up one, coz I felt one shade was pretty dupable in my stash.

Guess which one I picked 😀

Have you seen the new Maybelline Vivid Matte Lipsticks yet? Which one did you like?

Studiowest Pure Passion Long Lasting Lipstick 621 Honey Glaze Review, Swatches

Studiowest Pure Passion Long Lasting Lipstick 621 Honey Glaze Review, Swatches

By Simran Bandwar

“If at first you don’t succeed, apply more lipstick!”

Hi everyone!
This is indeed going to be my very first post on New Love-Makeup and i am feeling great to be a part of this little community we got here.

So, i discovered Studiowest products about last year when i was casually walking through a Westside store and i am so glad i found a range which is so affordable and amazing at the same time.

Who doesn’t like makeup which looks good without burning a hole in your pocket?

On my recent web search, i discovered not a lot of reviews are being done on Studiowest products, so i thought why not give the brand the limelight it deserves?

The Studiowest cosmetics are divided into two ranges, Pure Passion and Maya

The Pure Passion range consists of beautiful corals, nudes and warm tone shades whereas the Maya range consists of glitter, dark tones and everything loud.

Pure Passion range can be considered as a range which consists of products which can be used on an everyday basis whereas the Maya range consists of products which can be used during parties or festivals or anytime you are going for that glam doll look.

Packaging: The product is packaged in a matte sleek black tube which is quite appeasing to the eyes. The lipstick bullet is encased in a golden metallic tube which is in perfect combination with the black. The cap is sturdy and travel friendly, you can slip the lipstick in your clutch and you’re ready to take over the world.

Claims: Indulge your lips with this long lasting lipstick. Comfortable and lightweight, it stays on for hours without drying out.

Price: Rs. 450/- for 3.5 gms

My take on Studiowest Pure Passion Long Lasting Lipstick in 621-Honey Glaze:

So, initially i got the lipstick in this shade for my mother because she only wears nude pinks and she wanted a new long lasting lipstick.

The lipstick is in a gorgeous nude mauve pink which can be worn every day. Anyone from fair to medium skin tone can wear this shade, it wouldn’t flatter darker skin tones though. The product sticks to its claim of longetivity since it stays for upto 6-7 hours even after a 3 course meal.  It doesn’t dry out the lips and i love how moisturizing it is.

The product isn’t completely matte, it is more of a moisturising matte or demi matte but i always pat translucent powder on top to turn the lipstick completely matte. I especially love how the lipstick smells, it is just so soothing. Even my mother loves the shade and the lasting power of the lipstick.

Pros of Studiowest Pure Passion Long Lasting Lipstick in 621- Honey Glaze:

Lasting power of the lipstick
Does not dry out the lips
Array of shades available
Moisturises the lips
Value for the money

Cons of Studiowest Pure Passion Long Lasting Lipstick in 621- Honey Glaze:

Only available in Westside stores across the country.

Rating: 4.5/5

Editor’s Note: I agree Simran, some of the shades in the Studiowest Pure Passion Range are really good. I have a few products from Studiowest and some are really good including the Pure Passion Lipstick. This shade is exactly like MAC Cosmo, an affordable dupe!

Have you tried Studiowest Makeup and/or lipsticks?

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)

Revlon Colorburst Lipstick Fuchsia Review, Swatches

Revlon Colorburst Lipstick Fuchsia Review, Swatches – MAC Girl About Town Dupe ?

Ok..now this has a story behind it..I am always into more of neutrals..and get scared with bright shades..but from the time I saw this super HOT pink on Bruna Abdullah in the song Tu Mera Hero from Desi Boys..I wanted this shade !!

The one Bruna wore looked like MAC Girl About Town to me..I searched for all Fuchsias and Hot Pinks..would share all the shades I liked out of those I found,in a separate post later..

After comparing the shades online and checking some reviews, I found Revlon Colorburst Fuchsia is indeed super close to Girl About Town..though Girl About Town is a little more deeper and Revlon Fuchsia is a little more cool toned…but they are quite similar..

1 swipe, 2 swipes

Revlon Colorburst Lipsticks come in a black criss cross pattern packaging with the shade color at the top..they are quite smooth and glide on easily..this bright shade is super pigmented..and in one swipe you get enough color..in two it comes out fully..stays for around 4-5 hours without eating or drinking..feels quite light on the lips..

Revlon Colorburst Fuchsia is a cool toned bright pink shade..it looks amazing both as a stain and full blown..this shade would look great on all skin tones..I have seen dusky girls rock bright shades more..

I love how this shade brightens up the whole face..Also seen HERE

Check out the shade Peach and the complete review for Revlon Colorburst Lipsticks HERE

MRP: Rs.610/- for 3.7g

Now these were priced at 550 when they were launched..then they raised it to 580 and now 610 for the new and hot selling shades..I don’t think they should keep on increasing the prices like that :/

Some shades are available at Rs.499/- on Flipkart..check them HERE

Overall I love this shade ! And surely recommend it..if you love bright pinks, you are going to love this..did I get the shade similar to Bruna..I am not sure..her seems more bright coz of the camera and all..but but I am loving this..and have no regrets..all girls should have a hot pink in their stash 😉

Which Revlon Colorburst Lipsticks do you have ??