Decoding the Makeup Secrets of Adele, Adele Makeup Artist Tips and Tricks, Makeup Blog

Decoding the Makeup Secrets of Adele

Decoding the Makeup Secrets of Adele

By Sanchita

When I think of Adele the only two things that crosses my mind are the deepest ballads and feline eyeliner. I mean, that is the thickest, precise and deepest eyeliner I have seen. No matter what product I have used so far, I simply couldn’t get that look. Thankfully, a couple of months back Adele’s Makeup artist Michael Ashton, who has been working on the singer’s hair and makeup for nine years shown in a YouTube channel of MUA Lisa Eldridge. There was so much to learn from him and I loved the way he had shown the makeup tutorial. So, gathering the most important points from there, I have decoded the makeup secrets of Adele and here’s what you need to know.

Preparing the Skin

Makeup artist Michael Ashton starts prepping the skin with a damp facial tissue soaked in Bioderma Sensibio H2O to wipe off any layer of residual makeup, dirt, grime etc. He advises to use a facial gel or oil kind of product to plump up the skin and hydrate it well enough for the foundation to look flawless. He used a rose facial oil I believe to plump up the skin and which also gives a natural strobing effect without looking greasy, sticky or oily. His favorite product is Aromessence Rose d’Orient Oil Serum for pre foundation technique.

Eye Makeup

He started with a base product which act as a base for eyeshadow as well as primer. He used the MAC Paint Pot Groundwork all over the lid and then soften the crease using a blending brush. He also applied the same pain pot in the lower lash line to give a shadow sort of. Then used the two lightest shade (a golden bronzy light color) from the Tom Ford Nude Dip Eye Color Quad all over the lid and smoothened the line as well. This gave a nice reflective kind of pale look to the eyes, you can also call it neutral.

Infamous Feline Eyeliner

The secret behind that gorgeous feline liner are the gel liner, eye liner and fine liner brush. He uses the Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink on the back of your hand and then start drawing a line (as close as you can to your lash line) from the middle of your eyes working it outwards, using a very fine liner brush. Then, he makes the feline stroke giving a cat liner effect. He repeated the lines at least 6-7 times which thickened and deepen the color even more. Ashton states that you can use a cotton bud dipped in Bioderma Sensibio H2O to wipe off any mistakes. After the mascara, he goes back to the eyes, this time with liquid eyeliner, that is, MAC Liquidlast Liner Point Black. He said that he uses a liquid liner with a tar consistency and a fine brush to do a final eyeliner swipe. This builds up intensity and gives a nice depth to the eyes as well.

Dramatic Eyelashes

For the lashes, he used a falsies using Duo lash black glue which gives a well-defined matte charcoal finish. He used a gentle upward lifting motion with the fingers to blend in with the natural lashes. Next, he applied the Diorshow Mascara for the upper lashes. For the lower lashes, he used a small fan brush and started from the roots which would give a better smudged kohl effect. He stated that it won’t matter if the mascara goes a little bit onto the waterline as long as it doesn’t sting.

Strong Brow Game

Before stating the eye makeup, he used a spoolie to brush the eye brows. Then used a soft brow pencil to shape and define them. Clean up the top of your brow using a moisturizer on a small concealer brush and swipe it across the brow. To set the pencil he used a light mix of four brown shades – MAC Concrete, Coquette, Corduroy and Wedge and applied as the brow powder.

Foundation

For the foundation he used Estee Lauder – Double Wear Light and mixed the shades 1.0 and 0.5. He used the lighter shade on the T-zone and inner portion of the face while the darker one in the outer perimeter. He specifically stated that the foundation must be applied on the jaw line and below i.e. towards the neck. This will surely give a nice, smooth and even look. He sets everything with a fine milled compact powder. For the under eyes, he uses the Tom Ford Illuminating Highlight Pen and blends it with a brush.

Contour

For the contour also, he uses a powder palette which is the Smashbox Step by Step Contour Kit and mixes the first two colors for the cheek bones. He basically says that a fish face helps to make the contour precise and smooth. He uses an angled blush brush for the contour and applied for the forehead, sides of the nose and jawline. For the blush, he loves the Maybelline cream blush which works really great for blending.

Lip Trick

For the lips, prep and prime the lips with a nourishing lip balm to hydrate the lips well. Then, he used a neutral lip liner to outline and fill the lips slightly. Use a finger to pat and blend the lip liner with the lip balm to give a nice and even neutral look to the lips. Use a shimmery gloss to apply on the centre of the lower and upper lips and blend well. This would give a nice plump effect to the lips naturally.

These are the secrets of Adele’s flawless feline makeup look and I really hope this would help you guys to recreate her looks easily.

Image Sources: 1,2

Editor’s Note: I love Adele’s makeup, especially her winged liner. Nice post Sanchita

Did you always want to know Adele’s makeup secrets? Well they are not a secret anymore 😀

Plum Chamomile & White Tea Sheer Matte Day Cream SPF50 Review

Plum Chamomile & White Tea Sheer Matte Day Cream SPF50 Review

By Sanchita

INTRODUCTION: Plum has recently launched their Chamomile & White Tea range with a toner, moisturizer and day cream. The range is targeted with combination to oily skin with great benefits from the goodness of Chamomile & White Tea. Today I am going to review the Sheer Matte Day Cream which is an amalgamation of moisturizer and sunscreen and will help the skin a lot in this summer and upcoming monsoon. So, let’s see how the Sheer Matte Day Cream has worked for me after trying it for weeks.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION – Exposure to UV rays from sunlight and other oxidative factors can cause premature aging, pigmentation, dullness, and dryness in skin. Antioxidants are an essential part of any skincare regime for younger looking brighter skin. Specially designed with tropical weather in mind, our Chamomile & white tea range combines the soothing properties of chamomile with the potent antioxidant property of white tea. The results: A skincare range that prepares defends and revives skin that’s exposed to the elements.

PRICE – 520 INR for 60ml

Ingredients:

MY REVIEW

The Plum Chamomile & White Tea Sheer Matte Day Cream is housed inside a medium built sleek white cardboard box with all the necessary information printed on it. The Day Cream actually comes in a rather firm white tube with orange accents of the brand name inscribed on it and a translucent flip open cap. Uncapping the tube, you will find an opening to dispense the product and I feel it is perfect to dish out the right amount of product onto the hand. Judging by the packaging, I surely have a strong notion that it will be a great companion while travelling without creating any mess in your pouch or bag. Personally, I have carried it in my handbag for touchups every 2-3hours and it has never failed once. Overall, the packing is well built.

The consistency of the Day Cream is of thick whipped cream with a light texture in it. The flawless bending and application surely owes to this light weight texture despite having thicker consistency. Having said that, you require only a pea sized amount of the cream for the face and neck and you can spare the generous amount for sure. The smell is what surely surprises me with pleasantness and softness. It has a fresh faded smell of artificial flora touch with the blend of Chamomile and after application it disappears, simply leaving behind a trail of freshness.

The color of the Day Cream is white which resembles majority of the sunscreen but I never experienced any whitish layer upon blending. The cream acts both as moisturizer and sunscreen and a lazy girl like me couldn’t ask for more. I happily skip my moisturizer and apply this which generously hydrates and protects my skin from sun. I would say this is a perfect pick for summers and monsoons in a typical tropical climate like in India. Here the humidity rules the day and the lesser quantity of product you slather on the face, better it is for you. Manufactured with a SPF of 50, this is surely an ideal sun protection formula for the skin. However, I am not sure why they didn’t include the PA+ ratings as I am not sure whether it is a broad spectrum or not. The cream needs to be blended thoroughly onto the skin to prevent any whitish layer and surprisingly, if you use the right face wash for you, it will never cling onto the dry patches at all.

Since it claims to be sheer, it won’t contribute much to evening out the skin tone, but surely brighten up the complexion with a radiant glow. I have oily skin which is surely exaggerated in summers. This particular cream is well suited for combination to oily skin but dry skin won’t like it at all. This is because, upon blending the cream settles down and gives a soft matte touch to the skin deprive of any hydration which is ideal for oily skin in summer. I noticed the T-zone getting slightly oily after few hours but the rest of the face stays oil free. Having acne prone skin, I was relieved with the fact that it never broke me out despite applying during hottest and humid temperature. It also doesn’t clog the pores and let the skin breathe on its own.

The best thing about the product is the ingredient list. Firstly it is enriched with the goodness of Chamomile & White Tea. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties which soothes and neutralizes the skin. On the other hand, the White Tea is rich in antioxidants and helps the skin fight oxidative damage that results from sun exposure while Gingko biloba and olive leaf extracts help skin fight free radical damage. The cream is also paraben-free, SLS-free, phthalate-free & vegan and won’t harm the skin in the long run as well.

The tube will last around 2months approximately when used, so to judge the price tag it is surely a bit high priced but rest assured, it is worth the money due to the versatility and ingredients.

OVERALL – The Plum Chamomile & White Tea Sheer Matte Day Cream SPF50 comes in a white flip open tube with a light texture that blends well and protects the skin with its SPF 50 and acts as a moisturizer as well as day cream. I loved the brightening part and it is well suited for combination to oily skin while dry skin may skip this.

WHAT I LIKED

  • It is housed in a white opaque flip open tube and great for travelling.
  • The texture is of the cream is light with thick consistency.
  • It blends really well on skin without any whitish layer.
  • Brightens up the skin little bit.
  • It has a very refreshing smell of Chamomile.
  • Acts as a day cream as well as sunscreen.
  • It has SPF 50
  • Keeps the skin soft, matte and shine free.
  • It is enriched with the goodness of Chamomile & White Tea.
  • The cream is also paraben-free, SLS-free, phthalate-free & vegan.

WHAT I DISLIKED

  • The PA+ is missing.
  • Will not suit dry skin.
  • Slightly pricey.

RATING

Quality: 4.5/5

Value for money: 3/5

Availability: 4/5

Overall rating: 4.5/5

RECOMMENDATION – The Plum Chamomile & White Tea Sheer Matte Day Cream SPF50 is well recommended for combination to oily skin which will keep the skin oil free and hydrated even in summers and doesn’t even break you out.

Editor’s Note: This matte day cream with sunscreen sounds really good. Very detailed review Sanchita

Have you tried the new Plum Chamomile & White Tea Day Cream yet?

Get the Best Household Service Experts from UrbanClap

Get the Best Household Service Experts from UrbanClap

Hi guys,

Today I am talking about one of the household service experts provider UrbanClap, I know there are many out there in the market currently. And also specifically for different sectors like alone for women’s salon services.

As far as the different local services providers I have tried, I can say UrbanClap comes with quality. I have tried their home salon services 1-2 times earlier.

What surprises me is the number of services they have, everything from Wedding Planning to Birthday Party Planning, Fitness, Salon Services, CA Services, Interior Designers, House Cleaning, Repairs,etc. You name it and they have it.

I wish Urbanclap was launched when I got married, booking a mehendi artist, wedding photographer is all super easy now thanks to an app like this. And not only app, even the website is very user friendly, for people who still prefer things the traditional way.

For any service you select, they ask you a few question to shortlist a particular sub-category and then they give you three options: Budget, Experienced and Premium i.e. increasing prices and then it asks for your location and personal details and you can get quotes from various different service providers.

You have the option of whether or not you want to share your phone number with the service providers, in case you do not want to, they can only contact you via the app. I like the fact that they have maintained privacy here.

Also love the fact that you get different budget options and a lot of different service providers within that budget. You can ask for their previous work and also check their ratings on the site/app and then decide which one you would like to go with. Service providers give you the best quote as they are competing with other service providers. So ultimately we get the best price and benefit from it.

I am keen on trying the Health & Wellness category next and would surely update you on how my experience goes 🙂

Overall, I quite like the ease of use of Urbanclap and how convenient it has made to reach the service providers by bridging the gap between service providers and us customers.

Urbanclap is currently present in Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Pune. Also they provide a vast range of 90+ services. They are also available on Android and iOS.

I definitely recommend giving Urbanclap a try. Do let me know your experience in the comments below.

June 2016 My Envy Box Unboxing, Review & 15% off Discount Code

June 2016 My Envy Box Unboxing, Review & 15% off Discount Code

Hi guys,

I got the June My Envy Box right now and the box is so pretty! I just can’t take my eyes off the box, they have a designer who designs boxes each month and I have been noticing fabulous boxes since the past 1-2 months.

I have tons of My Envy Boxes and I had to throw some old, plain ones previously as I was short of space, but I am surely keeping these pretty ones!! I love floral print and this is one of my favourite prints.

MRP: Rs.850/- (Available HERE)

Products I got:

  • O3+ Aloe Derma Hydrating Gel- 50g (Rs.385/-)
  • Herra Protecting Hair Perfume Oudh Inspired- 10ml (Rs.2495/- for 50ml)
  • Votre Purifying Deep Cleansing & Clearing Masque- 50g (Rs.1090/- for 100g)
  • Ck2 Perfume sample Vial
  • L’Occitane Divine Cream- 2 sample sachets

Ok, so it’s kind of a mixed thing this month, there is one full sized product and two deluxe samples and two small sachets.

I quite liked the O3+ Aloe Gel which is full sized. Absolutely loved the Herra Hair Perfume, I sprayed it immediately and it smells divine! Also this 10ml bottle is perfect to carry in your bag.

I love face masks and I don’t think I have come across a good deep cleansing and clearing masque in India yet. The Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay one is on my wish list, but I really liked the sound of this one. Looking forward to trying this one out and it’s 50g i.e. half the size of the product which is pretty decent.

Not really a fan of the perfume sample vial or sachets, so no comments on that. I would appreciate if subscription boxes/bags totally do away with tiny samples and sachets, even considering these two brands among the products in the box is unjustified.

So for me, these three are the main products and the ones I liked and looking forward to try. The value of these products in the box comes to Rs.1175/-

I have a 15% off coupon code for you guys this month too, both on the Beauty & Jewellery Box, it’s ‘NLMBHUMIKA‘. The beauty box post the discount code comes to Rs.722/-.

I would not say this box is a must have, but I liked the three bigger products, if you do not like even one out the three, then skip. If you like these three, then give it a try 🙂

What did you get in your June My Envy Box?

Colorbar Perfect Match BB Beauty Balm Review, Swatches

Colorbar Perfect Match BB Beauty Balm Review, Swatches

By Devika

Hi beautyholics!!!

Hope you all are doing well. Summers are here in full swing and carrying a full coverage makeup base such as a foundation and concealer becomes a task especially for everyday go to looks. One just can’t stand by putting on thick layers of base. But we can’t skip it as we do need a sheer flawless look too. As I was facing hard time in sweaty summer days I decided to give a BB cream a shot and I chose COLORBAR PERFECT MATCH BB BEAUTY BALM (vanilla crème)WITH SPF 20 and how it fared for me let’s find out!!

Price 550 INR for 29 gm (BUY HERE)

Shelf life is of 30 months

Availability: Across all colorbar counters and also online at amazon , flipkart ,nykaa, jabong

Ingredients:

Colorbar Claims: Makeup and skincare come together to create a perfect match! This multi-benefit beauty balm hydrates, smoothes , protects, and corrects skin with sheer coverage in one effortless step. Enhanced with a blend of potent botanicals and antioxidants, the fresh and airy formula boosts luminosity, diminishes the signs of aging and repairs uneven skin tone while protecting it with broad-spectrum sun protection.

Description: Created using ‘Perfect Match’ technology which makes the BB cream adapt to your skin tone and blend perfectly. It provides sheer coverage with radiant glow.

  •  Paraben free, safe for all skin type
  • Contains Apple Extract and Aloe Vera for nourshing, protecting and moisturising skin
  • Contains SPF20 with UVA/UVB filters for broad spectrum sun protection
  • Actives from USA

Packaging is quite simple. It comes in a broad, rectangular, flattened, opaque skin colored, squeeze tube packaging (with product claim printed) with a silver colored rectangular twist off lid with shade name and number labelled. It is enclosed in the typical colorbar silver rectangular cardboard packaging with product claims and ingredients written. It is travel friendly and perfect for carrying to work. Packaging definitely is quite big for the small quantity it carries. The nozzle of the tube and the tube itself becomes dirty and looks gross just in a few days of usage

Shades – Colorbar Perfect Match BB Cream comes in 3 shades Vanilla Creme, Honey Glaze & Cinnamon Swirl. The shade which I own is 001- Vanilla Crème and it is perfect for my medium to fair skin tone. As far as the color is concerned, the shade looks warm when swatched but once applied, it sets into my perfect shade without giving a white cast.

Texture: The formula is creamy, whippy and a pea sized drop is enough for your entire face and goes on smoothly without settling into fine lines. Blends quite well into the skin without leaving white cast behind and gives a beautiful matte finish. The product is enriched with antioxidants and SPF 20 so it is great for everyday use without having to worry about daily use of foundations and concealers. It gives you near flawless coverage. It does not make the skin appear cakey or blotchy; however it dries quickly so you have to be quick with blending. I use my fingers to push the product into the skin. Formula is non greasy, matte and feels comfortable on my oily to combination acne prone skin but for my dry skin ladies I would suggest to use a good moisturizer beneath. I have been using it for quite a long time now and I haven’t faced any breakouts with it.

Pigmentation and coverage: The coverage is more towards the sheer side, perfect for daily usage. It won’t cover up imperfections, but blur them to a certain degree giving a natural look. Those having dark circles might need to use a concealer but I skip it usually. It gives a very natural, glowing look to my face and feels very light on the face. It doesn’t melt with sweat. Well, this cream claims to repair the skin as well, but I didn’t notice any such change in my skin but yes my acne prone skin hasn’t broken out yet. Though it has a SPF of 20 but I do apply a layer of sunscreen as the sun rays are way too sharp these days. It has a fresh fragrance which faints after a while.

Staying power: It lasts on me for good 5 hours, with the T zone getting shiny after about 3 hours so it slides away from there faster, but I top the BB cream with compact on most days, and then I am set for the whole day. On rest of the face it stays on for good 5+ hours

Pros:

  • Easy, convenient packaging
  • Keeps my face oil free for 5-6 hours.
  • Blends effortlessly
  • No parabens.
  • Doesn’t settle in fine lines or pores.
  • Didn’t break me out.
  • Light texture
  • Hides minor imperfections
  • Enriched with SPF 20 and antioxidants.
  • 3 Shades to choose from
  • Easily available.

Cons

  • Won’t conceal acne, blemishes or under eye circles.
  • Dry skinned ladies need to apply a moisturizer beneath it
  • Didn’t repair my skin, unlike its claims.
  • Packaging acquires an old look very quickly
  • Priced on the higher side
  • SPF should have been more than 20
  • Dries quickly so you have to be careful not to take too long for application of the cream.

Overall

I absolutely love the way this Colorbar Perfect Match BB Cream evens out my oily skin and makes it look so matte. This product is suitable for those who doesn’t want to deal with the hassle of putting layers of concealers and foundations every day for causal purposes. Just grab it, dab it and rush to work!!SPF 20 is an added advantage and no breakouts with this one so a big thumbs up. Though Price is the only downside as we know how affordable other BB creams are in market.

Will I buy it again? The coverage of this particular BB Cream for daily wear is beautiful and I really like this product so yes, I will definitely pick this one up again. Give it a try and you will not be disappointed.

Rating: 4/5

Editor’s Note: That’s a very nice and detailed review Devika. This sounds quite good.

Have you tried the Colorbar BB Cream yet?

Maybelline India Vivid Matte Lipstick Vivid2 Neon Pink Review, Swatches, FOTD

Maybelline India Vivid Matte Lipstick Vivid2 Neon Pink Review, Swatches, FOTD

Hey guys,

If you remember the previous post where I swatched all four of the new Maybelline Vivid Matte Lipsticks, go HERE if you still haven’t seen that post. I picked the shade Vivid2 Neon Pink.

Many of you asked me on my Fab Bag video which lipstick I was wearing, it was this.

What the Company claims:  Color Sensational Vivid Matte Lipstick now matte comes alive with Sensational Vivid Mattes. Flaunt bright, vivid shades of matte with Color Sensational Vivid Matte Lipstick. Everyone is bound to pay attention!

How to use product: Apply lipcolor starting in the center of your upper lip. Work from the center to the outer edges of your lip, following the contours of your mouth. Then glide across the entire bottom lip.

Shades:

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

MRP: Rs.475/- for 3.9g (BUY HERE)

Ingredients:

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 semi matte and I found only this shade Neon Pink to be a little more matte and sans shimmer. I love the creamy matte finish, it glides on the lips easily without any tugging.

I am quite impressed with the ingredients, it has jojoba oil, rosa canina fruit oil, honey, etc. and it does feel very comfortable on the lips.

It is super pigmented and two swipes give opaque finish. It is not transfer proof, I did the transfer test in the video if you saw. It does transfer but the color hardly fades and it stays on for a pretty decent time, almost 4-5 hours, even longer without eating or drinking. It does survive light meals but does fade from the center after a complete meal.

Neon Pink is a bright blue based neon barbie pink. It’s not a shade for the faint hearted and it is super bright and bold. It will instantly brighten your face but also this shade is the type that makes your teeth look yellow. So be careful while wearing this.

Overall I quite like this lipstick, I also love the shade Vivid3 Violet Pink and as recommended in the previous post too, both Vivid2 and Vivid3 are worth checking out.

They are already available on Amazon and Nykaa, I have linked above with the price. I would suggest to wait for some days as I am sure they would be 10-15% off on Amazon soon.

Rating:

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

Overall rating: 3.75/5

Have you tried the new Maybelline Vivid Matte Lipsticks yet?

#PatrickCameron & Wella’s Modern Vintage Collection

#PatrickCameron & Wella’s Modern Vintage Collection

Hi guys,

Last week I and a select few bloggers were invited to meet Patrick Cameron, Wella’s Global Ambassador and the world’s leading long hair hairdressing expert. He is called a magician of long hair styling!

Hair styling as a category in India has still not reached its full potential. Styling products are used mainly by stylists at salons and less frequently used at home. Wella Professionals as a brand strives to bridge this gap by providing the consumers and stylists with premium quality products making the art of hairstyling rather convenient.

Wella recently brought down the Global Ambassador Patrick Cameron to educate 1800 hair stylists across three cities in India through grand shows where he exposed them to the various possibilities of hairstyling and his association with Wella. He believes that hairstyling is an expression of individuality and thus cannot take a back seat.

Patrick has spent the last 25 years travelling the world sharing and presenting his show stopping hair styles. During this visit to India, Patrick Cameron showcased his Modern Vintage collection with state of the art styling products from the Wella Professionals portfolio. Modern vintage takes its inspiration from the 1960’s because this era has an enduring influence in fashion, in the balance and the proportions of the way hair is dressed .This legacy is seen across the board from international catwalks to red carpets as well as editorial work.

Acknowledged as a long hair expert, Wella Global Ambassador Patrick Cameron had devised the collection to showcase step-by-step looks and demonstrations to the hairdressers that struggle with styling long hair. These hair shows were held across three major cities in India – Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore where there was a live demonstration of these looks.

We met him a day after his hair show. He was quite happy to see majority of us sport long hair. He also gave us some styling and general hair tips and made us try out some products.

Some things shared by him which I would like to mention here:

  • Indians love oiling the hair, so go ahead and oil your hair. It’s not bad, but you can also use oils/serums/elixirs in between the days when you haven’t oiled.
  • Keep the shampoo a little longer in your hair for it to work and ingredients to penetrate. Don’t wash off immediately.
  • Always use a conditioner/hair mask, that is what will keep the ends/lower half hydrated and shiny
  • One can use a dry shampoo to add some volume/texture to the hair

He is a genius with hair, he looked at few of the bloggers and predicted their personality with the way they carry their hair! He complimented my hair saying they are hydrated and hence shiny. He also explained how if the lower half of the hair is dry, light passes through the hair and they appear dull and rough. And when they are healthy and moisturized, light bounces off the hair and it gives them a shiny appearance.

It was a pleasure meeting him and learning few tips from him, a wonderful experience.

Lotus Herbals Ecostay Super Finish Mousse SPF 20 Review, Swatches, FOTD

Lotus Herbals Ecostay Super Finish Mousse SPF 20 Review, Swatches, FOTD

Hi guys,

I have been trying out the Lotus Herbals Ecostay Super Finish Mousse since the past few weeks and here’s my take on it.

What the Company claims: This feather light oil-free texture won’t feel greasy or heavy delivering all day flawless natural looking matte skin. It will easily hide blemishes and spots on face creating a perfect make-up base.

Special Features:

Unique feather light oil free texture
Super easy to blend & evens out the skin tone
Non-comedogenic – it won’t clog pores and is safe for sensitive skin
Natural matte finish
Waterproof Formula
100% Vegetarian
SPF 20 for UV protection
Enriched with Jojoba extracts – It promotes skin healing, treats acne and acts as a natural moisturizer for the skin

How to Use:
Cleanse your skin.
Apply moisturiser on whole face & neck.
Apply Ecostay Mousse in dots on moisturised skin, blend well in sweeping strokes using fingertips to achieve silk-smooth finish and ultimate coverage.

MRP: Rs.675/- for 15g

Shades:

  • Royal Pearl
  • Bright Angel
  • Royal Ivory

Ingredients: Jojoba extracts

It comes in this very small glass jar, it’s quite tiny than I expected. This is easy to carry even in your sling. It comes with a metallic pink cap, there is no white separator in between though.

The texture is whipped cream/mousse like and it does feel silicony which makes it a good primer that will smoothen out the skin and/or pores. It has a strong floral smell, but does not bother much and goes away in a minute. I am glad it comes with SPF 20.

I have the shade Bright Angel which is the mid shade I believe. It is a little yellow for me, but when blended on the skin, it did not look that yellow and somehow matched the skin.

The finish is completely dry and matte, you do not to top it up with a powder. This is perfect for oily skin, but if you have dry skin, make sure you moisturize heavily, coz otherwise it will accentuate dry patches.

The coverage is light and more like a tinted moisturiser for everyday use. It evens out the skin and covers any redness. You will need a concealer separately for dark circles and acne scars. Here I have used only the mousse and nothing else, and you can see my dark circles and few scars showing through. When using for an occasion, I would advise using this as a base as it makes for a good primer and smoothens out the skin and stays long.

Staying power is pretty decent, you don’t need powder touch ups as it’s matte finish, only the nose/T zone gets a little shiny after the usual 4-5 hours which is what normally happens on any skin.

I wish they had more shades though, only three options are less. Plus the quantity of 15g is also too less for the price, it should have been 30g atleast. Also only jojoba extracts is mentioned, I prefer full ingredient list.

Overall I would say it’s a daily wear mousse which gives light coverage and stays for a decent time. It smoothens the pores and gives a nice, matte look. It’s good for office or college wear and can also work as a primer. I would recommend this for oily skin. And dry skin too, but with a good, heavy moisturiser.

Have you tried the new Lotus Herbals Ecostay Super Finish Mousse yet?

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review.

B-Town Ladies with the Best Airport Style

B-Town Ladies with the Best Airport Style

By Nidhal

Thanks to the outdoor shoot schedules, offshore promotional events or simply travelling to locales which offer moments of respite and tranquillity, airports become more or less the second homes of most B-town celebrities. And given that our Tinseltown celebs swaddle themselves in apparel that makes them the talk of the town (at times, in an unpleasant and unwanted way, unfortunately), keeping an eye of what they wore so as to borrow some practical ideas from those known for re- defining the rules of fashion, becomes pivotal. On that note, let us have a look at the B-town ladies who have the best airport attire 🙂

1. ANUSHKA SHARMA – Blend cuteness, effervescence, chirpiness and truckloads of energy and you will end up with Anushka Sharma. The lady is a livewire! She is often seen swaddled in the most comfy attire when making an appearance on airports. Not only are her clothes chic but also highly practical to borrow for women in the age group of 18-30. She sports denims of all sorts be it- ripped, skinny or colored and teams them with equally comfy tees. At times, she pulls on a jacket/hoodie that goes on not only with the look but also the weather which is highly practical an idea! I am borrowing some ideas, Anushka 🙂

2. DEEPIKA PADUKONE – The dimpled lass whose smile melts you in the twinkling of an eye makes heads turn for obvious reasons whenever she steps on the airport. Seen here is Deepika sporting an on-trend combination of white on denim, a bright lip paired with a black Birkin, knee-length boots, a floppy hat and oversized, sporty frames to accessorise. We are left drooling, Deepika!

3. KRITI SANON – A new kid on the block but a fashionista in the making- this is what comes to my mind as I see Kriti Sanon strut with panache at airports. Her attire too, is predominantly dominated by denims and comfy tees that make for trendy travel attire and who says tees are boring? Have a look at hers!

4. SONAM KAPOOR- One day I would definitely raid her closet! Even you would like to do so, won’t you? When everyone carries off comfy outfits, Sonam actually shows us what truly comfortable attire is. Seen here is Sonam draped in an orange-coloured off-shoulder maxi dress that not only looks trendy but also spells comfort. Given that India is predominantly hot for a major part of the year with even nights being uncomfortably humid at times, this maxi dress would make for a go-to outfit while commuting as it doesn’t stick to one’s body. If accessorised well, it makes for a chic outfit for a date/casual day out with pals.

5. KANGANA RANAUT – Here comes the lady whose clothes never wear her. Instead she wears her clothes with an attitude you cannot help but admire. Kangana Ranaut is seen here making her way out of the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai wearing a maxi dress and a pair of boots with her hair tied in a bun. Perfect wear for women during summers while travelling, isn’t it?

6. ALIA BHATT- All of 21 and a name to reckon with in B-town, the young Bhatt girl is making all the right waves especially when it comes to styling. Alia’s dressing thankfully is reflective of her age. Young, energetic, vibrant and chirpy are the words that will come to your mind if you decide to have a sneak-peek into her style book. Seen here is Alia swaddled in a sky blue crop top, white ripped jeans and stipend shoes.

7. SHRADDHA KAPOOR- If there is anyone who has taught us how to wear casuals and look trendy in it round the clock, it has to be the petite Shraddha Kapoor. Swaddled in a pair of denims and comfy tees from time to time at the airport, Shraddha’s style does not scream for attention but rather comes across as a breath of fresh air reminding one that it is very much possible to enter the good books of the fashion police without robbing an ace designer’s exorbitant couture. Way to go, Shraddha. Keep it coming 🙂

Image Source: 1,2,3,4,5,6

Editor’s Note: All are pretty bang on with their casual looks, I loved Anushka and Shraddha’s all looks.

Which is your favourite look?

Khadi Trifla Powder Review & How to use for Hair

Khadi Trifla Powder Review & How to use for Hair

By Nidhal

The most common and irksome hair woe everyone be it a man or a woman faces today is the dreaded 8-lettered word ‘HAIR FALL’. Didn’t it send shivers down your spine? Its roots (no pun intended) find origin in myriad causes ranging from stress to poor/substandard quality of products used, from bombarding oneself with chemical-laden products to diet deficient in proteins. ‘When everything fails, head to Granny dearest’ is the mantra I espouse and live by both metaphorically and literally.

My grandmother’s pearls of wisdom in the realm of hair care have always had one product since times immemorial. No points for guessing ( for you would have already seen what it is thanks to the title of the post), it is TRIFALA POWDER (also called ‘Triphala’). It is a blend of three herbs- Amlaki (Amla), Haritaki (Harar/Hadad) and Bibhitaaki (Bahera/Baheda). And the three together, pack a punch at so many hair woes that you’d be left wondering why on Earth didn’t you use it before.

Trifla Powder is also excellent for people suffering from constipation, acidity and irregular bowel movements. You just need to have one spoon with water whenever you feel bloated or have irregular bowel movement. Do not have it regularly as the body gets used to it.

I grabbed KHADI TRIFALA powder from a Khadi store in Delhi a few months ago. Today is the time for us to know if it deserves a second try or not 🙂

PRICE- Rs 45/- for 200 g

DIRECTIONS FOR USE- Mix Khadi Trifala powder in the base ingredient. Mix well. Apply on scalp and hair. Rinse with cool water.

INGREDIENTS- Amla, Harar and Bahera

WHAT IT CLAIMS- Trifala is good for constipation and acidity. It regulates bowel movement. (This indicates that the product is edible)

MY EXPERIENCE-

Packed in a simple plastic pack, the packaging of Khadi Trifala powder is way too simplistic in fact, underwhelming. Once cut open, the contents need to be transferred to either a clean container or a zipper pouch. Carrying it while travelling is a hassle both ways. As a result, I think it would be better if Khadi revisits its packaging decision for the current one for this product is disappointing.

Khadi Trifala powder is finely powdered and that makes it a cakewalk to mix it with the base ingredient of one’s choice be it curd, water, raw milk or anything that suits one’s hair type. Since my hair type is dry, I team it up with coconut milk. I suffer from one hair woe and that is why I opt for coconut milk because of its intensely hydrating properties.

I have used the above concoction for a month consistently without fail twice a week and what I noted was an improvement in my mane’s volume, strength and frizz control. It softened and imparted shine/lustre too but that wasn’t as praiseworthy as some of the herbal powders I had used in the past such as-hibiscus powder. It is important, I believe to be realistic. One product cannot be a Hindi film hero who’d bash all the goons to pulp, mouth one-liners that’ll make the audience whistle in awe, rescue his leading lady and basically do everything 😛

This product is no different. When used consistently over a period of time with the right base ingredient, it works wonders in some spheres (say-volume increase, strength, frizz control) but doesn’t perform as well as expected in some (shine and softness). Perhaps, addition of a few more ingredients to the above mix help me achieve my ‘unachieved goals’. All in all, it is a good investment keeping the price and its benefits in mind. Go grab a few packets to treat your mane naturally!

GOOD-

1. Dirt-cheap

2. A single pack will last long. Each pack contains 200 g of Trifala powder which is sufficient to last long.

3. Finely powdered hence, mixing with any base ingredient is cushy.

4. Gives complete volition to the user to mix with whichever base ingredient one wants to say- milk, curd, water, etc.

5. Strengthens hair overtime

6. Removal is easy

7. Other ingredients can be added to the Trifala+ base ingredient mix such as- Reetha powder, shikakai powder, tulsi powder, etc.

8. Makes one’s tresses voluminous

9. Suitable for use by all

10. Natural. No chemicals pumped into it hence, a safe solution to combat hair woes.

BAD-

1. Limited availability. It isn’t easily available online. The only option currently is to visit a Khadi store and grab it.

2. Does not impart as much shine as is expected from Trifala powder (Amla imparts shine)

3. Packaging needs to be improved. The provision of a zipper pack will be better.

4. Does not soften hair much. I have used some herbal powders before and this powder does not soften my tresses as much as those did. That said, it does not even dry my hair too.

RATING-4.5/5

Editor’s Note: Trifla is fabulous, I have had it often as a part of capsules if I suffer from irregular bowel movement. But I have not used it directly as a mask, though a part of hair masks in general. I would surely give this a try Nidhal.

Have you tried using Trifla powder for your hair?