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Mac Matte Blush Raizin Review, Swatches, FOTD & Dupes, Indian Makeup & Beauty Blog, MAC Blushes

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)

Maybelline White Super Fresh Compact Powder Shell Review, FOTD

Maybelline White Super Fresh Compact Powder Shell Review, FOTD

Hi guys,

I have been using this Maybelline White Super Fresh with Pure Perlite 12 Hour Whitening + Perfecting Compact Powder (wow, that’s quite a mouthful) since the past 2-3 days and here is my review..

What the Company claims: How does White Super Fresh stand out compared to all you other compact powders?

– It lasts up to 12 hours.
– No dabbing, washing or touch-ups necessary.
– Keeps you fresh and fair throughout the day.
– Absorbs sweat and doesn’t let your skin get patchy.
–  Available in 3 shades for your skin tone: Pearl (Light to Medium), Shell (Medium) & Coral (Medium to Dark).
– Priced at Rs.150.
– Has Pure Perlite and UV Filters
– Dermatologist tested and suitable for everyday use

Here is my review on Youtube too..

It comes in this white compact packaging with a mirror and a sponge. The sponge has a rubber finish on one side, so it can only be used through the one cotton side.

I have the shade Shell which is meant for medium skin tones. I am glad that it has yellow undertones, by the name ‘White’ going on the compact I was not very sure. But thankfully it matches me perfectly and does not give a whitish cast.

It has a soft floral smell which is quite pleasing. The packaging is sturdy enough and the mirror and sponge make it very travel friendly. It gives light to medium coverage which is buildable i.e one swipe will give you light coverage and going over 2-3 times will give you medium coverage. But it won’t hide your acne scars or dark circles which means you will need a separate concealer for that.

And even though I use a rich moisturiser, it does accentuate my dry patches. The powder is very finely milled and smooth but it not very creamy, though it it not very dry and powdery kinds too, somewhere in between.

Coming to the staying power and no touch up claim, it does stay put thoughout the day but I need to touch up my oily T-zone once after 5-6 hours as it gets slightly shiny. One slight touch up and I am good to go through the day. If you have dry skin, you won’t need any touch ups and if you have oily skin, one touch up and you will be sorted. It does the mattifying job amazingly well and oil does stay away from your skin through the day.

It blends seamlessly and merges with your skin tone and it actually keeps the skin looking fresh throughout the day.

The only con I would say is it doesn’t have sunscreen protection, but then we don’t rely on compact powders for sunscreen protection anyway. Also I am not sure how the other two shades are and if the darkest shade Coral is a match enough for all skin tones, but I believe 4-5 shades could have been better. I am not very pleased with the ‘Whitening’ claim too.

Here is the shade ‘Shell’ on me, I only have this compact ON and no other base..

The best part is the price and quantity, at Rs.150/- and 8g of product, it is by far one of the most economical compact powders right now.

Overall, I would say it’s a very nice budget compact and perfect for oily to combination skin. It does it’s job of keeping oil at bay very well. If you have dry skin, you will need a rich moisturiser with this. Highly recommended!

Rating:

Quality: 4/5
Value for money: 4.5/5
Availability: 4/5

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Would I buy it again: Yes

Have you checked out or tried the new Maybelline White Super Fresh Compact Powder yet?

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review

Grid Solution CC Cushion SPF 50 PA+++ Review & Giveaway

Grid Solution CC Cushion SPF 50 PA+++ Review & Giveaway

Hi guys,

I had received this Grid Solution CC Cushion quite some time ago but did not get the time to use it thoroughly for review and hence the delay in the review. Now that I have used it enough, here is the review.

What the Company claims: Grid solution is an exciting and revolutionary all in one cc cushion.That does not require the use for foundation, primer or powder setting, grid solution provides all this in one application.
Our new technology allows your skin to glow and breath and provides coverage to all skin complexions from light, medium to tanned skin,
Containing superior antioxidant and sun protection against UVA and UVB of SPF 50 PA +++,
Grid solution is also 100% waterproof, anti allergy, spots and blackheads and provides instant hydration.
This formula fills in micro lines and ensures a smooth and even appearance. and the non-absorbing puff applicator cools and soothes the skin for a refreshing finish every time.

Ingredients:

MRP: $31 for 13g (Buy HERE)

It is made in Korea and comes in this black round packaging. I really liked the packaging, it is sturdy and smooth and the quality is good, it is not like those cheap plastic outer we usually see. Also it is travel friendly. It comes with a mirror, sponge and the cushion. The concept is quite similar to the Lancome Miracle Cushion but that of course has many shades and a bit higher coverage.

The top compartment has the sponge with a grip hold on the top. The white compartment to house the sponge has enough distance between the sponge and there is a tiny plastic separator so the compartment will never touch the cushion.

The cushion was covered with a plastic wrap and on lifting it, it was perfect and neat. No mess up there. You get the product on pressing the sponge on the cushion 1-2 times, I don’t cover my entire sponge with the product but just one side as I won’t be going all over the face at once but build it slowly. I need to go about pressing 2-3 times since I just use one side and it is enough to cover my entire face.

The liquid is quite thin and comes out easily on the sponge, also it blends seamlessly on the face. Always go pat pat and never drag coz dragging will only remove the product. It is quite hydrating and takes care of dry patches also anywhere on the skin, does not accentuate them at all.

But it is slightly rich and gives that shine on the face, hence needs a compact powder on the top or else you might end up looking like an oil slick.

The best part about this cushion is the SPF, it has amazing sun protection with an high PA, you will not need any separate sunscreen when using this. Coming to the disadvantage, it is only available in one shade. The shade appeared a bit lighter to me on swatching but it oxidized over the day and by the time I removed it, my normal skin was lighter and this was darker.

It claims to be 100% water proof, so you can even use it while swimming for sun protection. Also they claim it acts as a primer and fills in lines giving the skin a smoother appearance. It does to certain extent, have to agree.

Also if you read the ingredients above, it has olive oil and aloe vera extracts which makes it rich and moisturising plus rose, jasmine, daffodil, clover, honeysuckle and other fruit and flower extracts. So it is skin care + sunscreen + some coverage.

Fortunately the shade more or less works for me, but I do need a compact on the top. I suggest using your shade of foundation or compact or a BB cream on top of it to match your skin tone. Also the coverage is very light, so you would need a separate concealer for your problem areas.

I have worn only the Grid Solution CC Cushion here for my base and nothing else. See the shine on the face, definitely needs a compact on top. Also the coverage is very low, so it only evens out the skin tones, but would not hide scars or dark circles.

I also got the five face masks shown above with the Cushion, they are so amazing! I tried the Milk one and loved my skin post the mask.

I am giving away one Grid Solution CC Cushion and these 5 face masks to one lucky winner. All the rules in the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The giveaway starts today and ends after 10 days on 24th October, 2015. It is open internationally.

Good Luck 🙂

Johara Cosmetics (Colors) Makeup Reviews, Swatches, FOTD

Johara Cosmetics (Colors) Makeup Reviews, Swatches, FOTD

Hi guys,

Today I am reviewing some makeup items from Johara Cosmetics. Let me tell you a little about Johara Cosmetics at first..

About the brand: Johara Cosmetics is a part of the Sabinsa and Sami Group. Johara® is the culmination of this on-going effort in Research and Development for more than two and half decades and over 120 scientists diligently focusing their efforts towards creating effective and safe products.

The company has a state-of-the-art R & D Center and six cutting-edge manufacturing units, adhering to the strictest quality and safety standards, ensuring that the highest quality of products are being manufactured.

Today, the Sabinsa and Sami Group holds a strong intellectual property portfolio with 90+ US and International Patents to its credit, including worldwide awards and recognitions. Our cosmeceuticals are derived from natural botanical sources to meet the changing skin care needs of the modern women. We ensure that our ingredients offer a safe and natural approach to enhance beauty and health. Check out more HERE

So as the brand claims suggests, Johara Cosmetics are made from the best of the ingredients and are all safe and natural adhering to their quality standards.

They have Skin Care, Body Care (i.e. Bathing Bar and Body Mist) and Colors which is all about makeup but no foundation or base makeup yet, I hope they launch those soon.

For now, I am reviewing the lipstick, eyeliner, kajal and nail color.

Johara® Crème Rich Lip Color

Johara® Crème Rich Lip Color glides on for show-stopping, saturated rich creamy color finish. Rare Ricin oil and Vitamin E act to hydrate and nourish your lips. Choose from 12 delectable shades and true-wearing color that dazzles at the workplace or party. Long-wearing, smooth and lustrous, our lipsticks make you want to get more than one shade!

More To Love: Parabens free, Lanoline free, Mineral Oil free, Nano-ingredient free

Shades Available: 12

MRP: Rs.395/- for 4.5g

I have the shade Pink Flash. To start with the packaging, it comes in this complete silver outer packaging with golden interior. I like the packaging, also the quantity of 4.5g is very good for a lipstick.

Pink Flash is a pretty coral pink color. The texture is creamy and the finish is glossy, you get opaque coverage in 2 swipes so the pigmentation is quite decent too. The staying power is average, it stays for 3-4 hours with light snacking and drinks but leaves behind a pretty stain which stays for another 1-2 hours. Only glitch is it fades from the center first when you eat or drink.

Overall, I like the color and the finish is pretty good for everyday use. But if you want matte or long staying lipstick, then this is not for you. At Rs.395, it is quite good for the quantity and quality.

Johara® Pro Shine Nail color

Dress up your nails in a stroke of Johara® Pro Shine Nail colors. The formulae are long lasting, quick-drying, and apply evenly, while high-quality pigments ensure eye-catching ultra-shine. The special design brush helps to achieve an even application of colors. Choose from 14 ProShine youthful shades to pep up your look every day.

Shades Available: 14

MRP: Rs.250/- for 10ml

I have the shade Ocean Green. I like that the bottle is not very huge for 10ml quantity. Pigmentation is good, you get perfect coverage in two coats.

Ocean Green is perfect sea green which looks kind of mint but is not exactly mint.

I do not agree with the quick drying and long lasting claim here. It took quite long to dry on nails and chipped from the front in 3 days.

The shades available are less and also the price is a little higher for a nail paint, not very happy with this.

Johara Deep Impact Kajal

Use Johara Deep Impact Kajal for mesmerizingly beautiful eyes. This creamy Kajal gives you deep coverage and effortlessly glides on in one easy stroke. Smudge-proof and easy to blend, it is also moisturizing and light-wearing. Let this super-creamy kajal be the secret behind your expressive eyes.

Free of volatiles, parabens and preservatives.

Lasts upto 10 hours

Easy to apply

Water-proof

Dermatologically approved

Ophthalmologically approved

Suitable for contact lens wearers

MRP: Rs.325/- for 0.35g

It comes in this sleek, black packaging and is in retractable form. The moment I swatched it, I was blown away by the creaminess and pigmentation. It glides like butter and is intense jet black! It is everything a kajal should be! No kajal/kohl stays long on me coz of my watery eyes. This one stayed for around 7-8 hours, though it has slightly faded but was still there.

I am super impressed with this kajal, best at this price point in the longest time I have tried. Highly recommend this!

Johara Expert Pen Eyeliner 

Put an expert to line the windows to your soul. Johara Expert Pen Eyeliner has a unique pen formula that gives you oh-so-smooth and precise application, creating a highly pig­mented, intense black line, that is quick-drying and non-feathering.

The inno­vative tip applicator provide ultimate control without skipping, so what you get is pure drama for your eyes.

Free of parabens and formaldehyde compounds

Lasts upto 12 hrs & more

Water-resistant

Quick drying

Dermatologically approved

Ophthalmologically approved

Suitable for contact lens wearers

MRP: Rs.575/- for 1ml

I love using pen eyeliners, coz they are super easy and convenient to use. This Johara Expert Pen Eyeliner looks exactly like a black pen. The tip is thick and stiff, it is easy to work around with. Again the pigmentation is mind blowing, super rich and dark black.

The tip being thick, you won’t get a thin line or a small, thin wing. But if you are someone who always prefer a thick eyeliner, then this is perfect for you and will make your life super easy.

I am mostly into thin, defined lines. I rarely go thick on the eyes, but when I do, I will only reach for this. With thinner tips, you have to go over again and again to create thickness. With this liner, one stroke and you will be sorted.

I definitely recommend this if you love thick eyeliner on your eyes. you will surely love this to bits.

I have used the Kajal, Eyeliner and the lipstick here..

You can buy the products from Johara Cosmetics website, I have linked above. It will route you through Sami Direct. They also have skincare and I am currently trying out their Night Cream which I will be reviewing soon.

Have you heard of Johara Cosmetics? What do you think of these products?

P.S: PR Samples. Honest Review.

Colorbar Kiss Proof Lip Stain Mauve Dusk Review, Swatches, FOTD

Colorbar Kiss Proof Lip Stain Mauve Dusk Review, Swatches, FOTD

What the Company claims: Revolutionary unique No-Transfer Lip stain formula glides on flawlessly and delivers impressively long-lasting, velvety color that will not transfer and stay all day long.

The weightlessness of the formula will provide you with all-day comfort – wear lip makeup and a flawless look.

Features and Benefits:

No -Transfer liquid lip stain
Weightless on application
Long Lasting
Matte finish with creamy application
Enriched with Vitamin E providing antioxidant properties
Color does not bleed on lips
Preservative free

Shades Available: 8

Ingredients:

MRP: Rs.900/- for 6.5ml

To start with the packaging, I love the silver steel gloss like tube but it is see through in the middle where brand name goes and you can see the shade from the see through.

The doe foot applicator is perfect for application, even on the sharp edges and for defining the cupid’s bow. It is thick, pigmented cream in texture but settles within a minute to smudge proof, matte color.

I love the fact that it is comfortable on the lips and not at all drying. I have dry lips and I have a tough time with matte lipsticks usually, but this by far has been the most comfortable matte lip stain for me.

The pigmentation is so amazing that I just need to take the product out once to cover the lips completely. I never have dipped the applicator again for more product and I feel this 6.5 ml tube would last me really, really long.

Coming to the main part for me, the staying power. It stays whole day and survives meals, tea, coffee, everything. It fades a bit by the end of the day but doesn’t budge. Also it comes off easily with a makeup remover.

L- Just Applied, R- Matte within a minute

I have the shade ‘Mauve Dusk’ which is a beautiful mauve dusky rose pink, it looks more pinker in sunlight and more mauve indoors/dim light as you can see in both the pics below.  I absolutely adore this shade and have been wearing this quite often since the time I got this.

Here it is on me..

It is definitely on the expensive side, but I would say the quantity is 6.5ml which is more than the usual 4ml in such matte lip creams/tints. I would have preferred less quantity and less price, which would have made it more economical.

But quality wise, it is just amazing! I highly recommend it!

I just wanted to add something here, I have seen mixed reviews of this lip stain and 2-3 bloggers found it very drying. I am not sure if the formulation is different for different shades, but try it before buying coz Rs.900/- is a lot to invest before trying.

Rating:

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

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Would I buy it again: Yes!

Have you tried the new Colorbar Kiss Proof Lip Stain yet?

Illamasqua Glamore Lipstick Kin Review, Swatches

Illamasqua Glamore Lipstick Kin Review, Swatches

What the Company claims: Colour intense, sophisticated burnished red lipstick enriched with moisturising Vitamin E. Lipstick in Kin provides a long-lasting satin finish in a smooth, hydrating formula that glides onto lips without compromising on colour pay off.

Sophisticated Burnished, Satin Finish

MRP: Rs.2093/- for 4g (Available HERE)

I have tried a few lipsticks from Illamasqua before, also the Glamore ones, see HERE and HERE. This shade ‘Kin’ is from the new Illamasqua Earth Collection.

It has the classic black Illamasqua packaging. The finish is creamy and it is quite pigmented like all other Illamasqua lipsticks, you just need one swipe with this.

The shade Kin is described as burnished red, it is like a light muted wearable berry brown shade. It instantly glams up your face and perfect for night too.

The only thing I did not like much about this lipstick in particular is the staying power, it stayed just 3-4 hours on me and that too without eating or drinking. All other Illamasqua lipsticks have always stayed longer, not sure if it is something with this particular lipstick.

It fades away evenly and easy to carry along and apply. Here it is on me..

The only con I would say is the availability and also Illamasqua lipsticks are a bit pricey. But they have such amazing pigmentation and quality, have always loved all Illamasqua lipsticks, I only wish this one stayed longer though.

Overall, I quite like this shade and the Earth collection is all about ‘Fall’ shades and browns, berries, etc. This shade ‘Kin’ is also fall appropriate. If you are looking for a wearable berry shade which is not too bright or vampy, then this would be perfect. It will work with majority skin tones.

Rating:

Quality: 3.75/5
Value for money: 3.75/5
Availability: 3.5/5

Overall Rating: 3.75/5

Would I buy it again: Not this shade, but would love more of Glamore Lipsticks

Have you tried Illamasqua Glamore Collection Lipsticks? Which is your favorite ?

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review

Maybelline Fashion Brow Duo Shaper Pencil Review

Maybelline Fashion Brow Duo Shaper Pencil Review

Hi guys,

I am so glad that brands in India are coming up with something for eyebrows which was forever ignored until now. I know so many women who make do with either black/brown eye pencil for eye brows. But now no more! We got the Fashion Brow Duo Shaper pencil by none other than Maybelline India.

What the Company claims: The Fashion Brow is the ultimate duo shaper with a natural mineral powder finish on one end and a 0.2mm micro lead tip pencil on the other to give you an ultra-soft precision for perfectly defined eyebrows up to 12 hours. It fixes gaps and blends seamlessly for smooth, stunning brows. If you’re not born with brows that are naturally full and shaped to perfection, Fashion Brow will guarantee you to get the best look for them.

Here’s why you will love it:
– Available in two variants, Brown and Grey.
– Duo shaper with a natural mineral powder finish.
– 0.2mm micro lead tip pencil.
– Double ended eyebrow pencil.
– Perfectly defined eyebrows up to 12 hours.
– Priced at Rs. 245 for 0.61g

I also love the fact that it is everything dual from two shade options i.e. Brown and Grey coz not every woman’s facial hair is of the same color. Brown is what usually works for everyone, but many a times brown looks stark and grey looks more natural. Try out both and what works best for you.

Powder on one side and Pencil on one

Also it has both powder and pencil in one, i.e. one side id mineral powder with a sponge tip applicator and one side is a very fine tip retractable pencil.

Now I have the ‘Brown’ one and the pencil part still looks a bit grey and is not completely brown. The pencil is a bit hard and you have to go with multiple soft strokes to define the shape. I am glad it is not creamier or too pigmented coz then it either melts off if creamy and one goes overboard if too pigmented.

L- Pencil, R- Powder

There is a very thin line between defined brows and artificial looking too much filled bushy brows! It is very easy to make out and the over-filled ones look very bad, trust me! The pencil is quite thin and perfect for defining the shape and adding just the required color. I use the pencil at the front and define the shape and then fill the outer half and the gaps with the powder side.

It stayed on me whole day with minimal fading! I quite like the Fashion Brow Pencil and also it is priced very economically, but the quantity is too less. You will finish the pencil part soon and the powder you just cannot see how much is used/left.

L- Powder, R- Pencil

I am not someone who fills eyebrows everyday or regularly. I have thick brows and I usually skip doing brows, though there are certain gaps I need to fill, but I am usually too lazy. I am glad I can now by carrying just a pencil, since it is very travel friendly too, now you can do your brows anywhere without carrying brow powder/brush, etc.

Here is my Before- After

Before – After

Absolutely love it and recommend it!

Rating:

Quality: 3.75/5
Value for money : 3.75/5
Availability: 4/5

Overall rating: 3.85/5

Have you tried the New Maybelline Fashion Brow Duo Shaper yet?

L’Oreal Paris Mat Magique Compact Powder Review, Swatches, FOTD

L’Oreal Paris Mat Magique Compact Powder Review, Swatches, FOTD

Hi guys,

L’Oreal Paris India is on a roll and launching a lot of new products, the latest being the Mat Magique Compact Powder. Just 2 months ago they launched the Infallible range which had the Infallible 24H Powder Foundation too. And now a new range of compact powders 😀 Well, we are not complaining 😉

What the Company claims: With 5 shades, specially created to suit Indian skin tones, Mat Magique compact blends smoothly into your skin to give an impeccable coverage without looking cakey. At a special price point of just Rs. 399, L’Oréal Paris Mat Magique compact is easy to apply and frees you from touch ups, every time you decide to go out. The new compact from L’Oréal Paris is also enriched with SPF 34 PA+++ to help protect your skin from the sun and make it look blemish free, healthy and radiant all day long.

INNOVATIONS & INGREDIENTS
Mat Magique compact – It’s the Matte that does it all! Infused with Volcanic Perlite Minerals Mat Magique compact lets you stay shine-free, worry-free, and flawless for 12 hours.

MRP: Rs.399/- for 6g

Ingredients:

Shades Available: 5

  • G1 Vanilla Ivory
  • G2 Golden Ivory
  • G7 Golden Amber
  • N2 Nude Vanilla
  • N6 Nude Honey

More details HERE

I have the shades G2 Golden Ivory and N6 Nude Honey which are like the closest match for me, G7 Golden Amber is the darkest shade and N2 Nude Vanilla is the lightest.

At first, I love the transparent and pink round packaging, it looks pretty on your table or in your bag too. The bottom base is also transparent and you have the mirror and a round, white thick sponge in the lower compartment. Now the mirror being in the lower compartment and the product on upper, it would be a bit of a struggle to take the sponge and go up and down again and again. Outside India, it had a rectangular packaging with sponge and powder on each side and mirror on the front.

L- Golden Ivory, R- Nude Honey

I am glad that the shades are all warm and suitable for Indian skin tones! Most of the products including the previous Infallible 24H Powder Foundation were a bit light and gave a strong whitish cast. Thankfully, these ones match Indian skin tones perfectly and do not look white or ghastly at all.

L- Golden Ivory, R- Nude Honey

And SPF34 PA+++ is the highest protection I have seen in a compact powder yet! Kudos to L’Oreal Paris for adding in such high sun protection factor.

Coming to the coverage and staying power, it gives light to medium coverage which is perfect for daily use. It stays on for quite a few hours and absorbs oil and shine for almost 5-6 hours and keeps it at bay, thanks to the Volcanic Perlite Minerals. Post 5-6 hours, you notice a bit of shine but not too much, just a touch up with this and you are again sorted for few hours.

It is not very powdery or not too drying, but it is not creamy either. If you have dry patches on your face and you use this compact without using a moisturiser, then it will cling to the dry patches. But in a hour or two, it won’t feel dry coz it balances with the skin’s natural oils.

The price point of Rs.399/- is amazing!! Absolutely happy with L’Oreal Paris to keep the price low, it is one of their rare 2-3 products that are priced below Rs.500/- 😀

And coming to the shades, I have Golden Ivory and Nude Honey. Golden Ivory is slightly light for me and Nude Honey is slightly dark. But these powders oxidize a little bit during the day and hence Golden Ivory settles to match my skin.

Here are the swatches..

L- Golden Ivory, R- Nude Honey

I am wearing Golden Ivory here.

Wearing Golden Ivory

Overall, I am very happy with these compact powders. They have everything you could ask for in a compact from coverage to staying powder to keeping oil at bay to sun protection to the perfect shades and price. Highly recommend them! And they would work for all skin types.

Rating:

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

Overall rating: 4/5

Have you tried the new L’Oreal Paris Mat Magique All In One Transforming Powders?

Lakme Absolute Matte Lip Pouts Review, Swatches

Lakme Absolute Matte Lip Pouts Review, Swatches

Hi guys,

I mentioned about the launch of the new Lakme Absolute Lip Pouts HERE. They have launches it in 6 matte and 10 creme shades. The matte shades are out already and the creme ones would follow soon.

What the Company claims: Lakme Absolute Lip Pout are a playful take on lip tints with excellent colour pay off. Lip Pout is your go-to lip tint for that effortlessly vibrant and playful look. So play with your pout & experiment with different lip trends.

MRP: Rs.650/- for 3.5g

Shades Available: 6

Tangerine Touch
Scarlet Rose
Magenta Magic
Raving Red
Pink Fantasy
Victorian Rose

Today I am reviewing the shades Tangerine Touch, Pink Fantasy and Raving Red.

On the pencils, they mention ‘Lip Tint’, I guess it is their old product Lakme Absolute Lip Tints which they have now re launched in these matte and glossy Lip Pouts version with a new name.

These come in a lip crayon format and have a twist up mechanism. The outer colors are according to the shades and all have a silver cap. The crayon format is very travel friendly too.

The texture and finish of this is completely matte and it kind of reminds me of the Inglot AMC Lip Pencils. These are decently pigmented but as expected very dry. You will definitely need a lip balm underneath and they are very unforgiving if you have dry lips and will accentuate them. So scrubbing lips is a must with these.

They stay for around 5-6 hours but do not survive meals, thankfully they fade off evenly. I think I expected more in terms of staying power and pigmentation. They transfer 1-2 times at first when they are not set which takes some time.

Pink Fantasy is a blue based rose pink

Tangerine Touch is a bright orange

Raving Red is a pinkish red

L-R: Tangerine Touch, Raving Red, Pink Fantasy

The colors are not something very unique or different, the usual normal basic shades, I feel there should have been 1-2 more shades like mauves, plums or bright Ruby Woo kind of red.

L-R: Pink Fantasy, Raving Red, Tangerine Touch,

I swatched the Pink Fantasy first, hence it looks better on the lips. By the time I swatched Tangerine Touch last, the scraping/removing the previous swatches made lips very dry, hence the Tangerine one looks patchy.

Here are these on me..

L-R: Tangerine Touch, Raving Red, Pink Fantasy

I also like Magenta Magic and Victorian Rose and would love to try those too. I absolutely love matte lipsticks and Pink Fantasy is my favourite out of these three, followed by Tangerine Touch.

I am so glad these are priced at Rs.650/- coz all new Lakme Absolute launches have been priced at around Rs.800 since quite some time.

Overall I would say, I am very happy that Indian companies are coming up with matte lipsticks and these convenient crayon forms. I only expected a bit more in terms of shades and staying power, I hope they come up with more shades. But at least they are priced decently, these are already out in the market and also available online.

Rating:

Quality: 3.75/5
Value for money : 4/5
Availability: 4/5

Overall rating: 3.75/5

Have you checked out the new Lakme Absolute Lip Pouts yet? Your favourite shades?

P.S: PR Samples. Honest Review.

Revlon Nearly Naked Makeup & Pressed Powder Review,Swatches,Demo

Revlon Nearly Naked Makeup & Pressed Powder Review,Swatches,Demo

Revlon recently launched their Nearly Naked Makeup range in Mumbai last month where got to see the products and try them first hand and also we learnt a few things about the ingredients, etc and the celebrity Makeup Artist Bianca Harkopf told us more about the foundation and how she uses it. I have been using the foundation and powder since some time and here are my two cents on it.

Revlon Nearly Naked Makeup

What the Company claims: The ultimate lightweight makeup! Formulated with weightless pigments, this refreshingly light formula melts right in creating a fresh, even complexion. Works in harmony with your skin to cover flaws and perfect tone and texture.

Key features:
Naturally flawless complexion
Creates a fresh, even look and covers flaws
Blends seamlessly with buildable coverage for a natural finish
SPF20
Has green tea, black tea, oatmeal and jojoba oil

MRP: Rs.750/- for 30ml

Shades Available: 3

  • Shell- For light skin tones
  • Fresh Beige- For medium skin tones
  • True Beige- For darker skin tones

I have also recorded a video talking about both the Foundation and Powder and also has a demo.

Revlon Nearly Naked Makeup i.e. the Liquid Foundation comes in a square glass bottle packaging with a white cap, and unfortunately, without a pump. So one has to dispense the product directly from the bottle and it gets very messy and unhygienic and also leads to wastage of product. The glass bottle is also not travel friendly.

It is neither too thick nor too runny and blends easily on the skin. It gives a dewy finish and coverage wise it gives light to medium coverage. As the range goes ‘Nearly Naked’, it is true to its name and gives a nice, even , dewy skin and lets the skin breathe without clogging the pores but yet smoothens out the pores. It is ‘My Skin But Better’ kind of finish.

It stays for about 7-8 hours easily but I need to powder the T-zone and oily skin will need 1-2 touch ups with powder through the day. I love dewy finish and usually skip powders, so I absolutely love the finish of this. If you have heavy dark circles or acne scars, you will need to cover those with a separate concealer.

I have the shades Shell and Fresh Beige here. Fresh Beige is a good match for me.

L: Shell, R: Fresh Beige

I have used only the foundation here in this Before – After pic

Before – After

It has SPF 20, which is an added benefit if you are indoors or forgot using your sunscreen, though SPF 20 is not enough and does not replace your sunscreen. Even though this foundation has SPF, it photographs really well and does not give a whitish cast in pictures. Also it does not oxidize much, but does adjust to your skin tone in some time.

I even skipped the moisturizer and my skin did not feel dry at all, it is quite hydrating. It would work for all skin types with a little touch up for oily skin. Overall, it is perfect for everyday use for light to medium coverage. It is priced very economically and would last quite some time.

Rating:

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

Overall rating: 4/5

Revlon Nearly Naked Pressed Powder

What the Company claims: Makeup so refreshingly light it melts right in, creating a fresh, even look. Our pressed powder blends so seamlessly with such a lightweight feel, you may forget you’re wearing any makeup at all.

• Evens skin tone
• Non-cakey formula provides a shine-free finish
• Available in 3 shades for varying skin tones

MRP: Rs.725/- for 8g

Shades Available: 3

  • Fair
  • Medium
  • Medium Deep

Revlon Nearly Naked Pressed Powder comes in a long, rectangular white packaging. It has a see through round plastic on top where one can see the powder which will not be a very pretty sight once it is half used :/ It has a small rectangular mirror on one side and a tiny rectangular puff on the powder side.

I am not very happy with the packaging, not at all travel friendly and the tiny puff is impossible to use on the entire face unless you spend a lot of time. The classic, round packaging would have still been better!

L- R: Fair, Medium Deep

The texture of this powder is what compensates the packaging. It is soft as butter and super creamy, it does not feel like a powder at all. You will not even get the usual stray powder when you dip a brush in it as it on the creamier side unlike other dry powders.

The coverage is quite light but it does even out the skin tone and mattify the skin. It also smoothens the pores and gives the face a polished look, which is seen in very few powders. My Inglot AMC Pressed Powder was one such creamy powder.

L: Medium Deep, R: Fair

I prefer using a brush as it takes forever with this tiny sponge. I have the shades Fair and Medium Deep. I thought Medium would be a better match for me and Fair will be very light. But since the coverage is not very high, Fair did work well and it did not look very light. I am going to try using the Medium Deep for contouring, would let you know how it works.

At Rs.725/-, this one is priced slightly higher but the quantity and quality is quite good. I would have definitely preferred better packaging though.

Overall I would say if you are looking for a daily use pressed powder but which is not drying and gives a nice, creamy finish and evens out the skin tone or something to set your makeup, you should check the Revlon Nearly Naked Pressed Powder.

To sum it up, I am very happy with both the Foundation and the Powder, only not happy with the packaging and less number of shades. I would say go and try it out at the store and find your perfect match. If you are medium skin toned, then both the Powder and Foundation in Medium & Fresh Beige respectively would work for you.

Rating:

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

Overall rating: 3.75/5

What do you think about the Revlon Nearly Naked Range?