Tag Archives: Sanchita

Top 10 Kylie Jenner Lip Shades & Dupes In India, Indian Makeup Blog, Indian Beauty Blog

Top 10 Kylie Jenner Lip Shades & Dupes In India

Top 10 Kylie Jenner Lip Shades & Dupes In India

By Sanchita

Very recently Kylie Jenner has introduced the personalized Lip kit of hers and the colors are oh-so-amazing! She has been famous for her gorgeous plush pout and it is a brand in itself. Some of the colors are so amazing that you just can’t stop staring at it. Kylie revels that the secret behind her pretty pout is the definition i.e. the lining of lips with a similar colored lip liner with that of the lipstick. She vowed that it makes a radical difference when we use the lip liner with lipstick. Now that we are so smitten with her amazing lips, let us see the possible dupes we can find in India to imitate the pout we have been gushing about.

1. Maroon Lips

Kylie doesn’t shy away from dark lips and I have to admit, the colors are quite unconventional. The color on her lips is stark maroon with a hint of brown undertones. Generally maroons always have a reddish undertones, something like MAC Diva but this one is the different one. For this, I found Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick Matte – Wine Not is the perfect choice. It is matte, similar to that of the picture and gives a nice definition to the lips.

2. Red Lips

Red hot lips is the favorite for very women and Kylie carries it off like a diva. The perfect choice for the color she is wearing would be MAC Ruby Woo, SUGAR Cosmetics Matte As Hell Crayon Scarlet O’Hara and Colorbar Deep Matte Lip Crème Deep Red. All three shades are readily available in the Indian market, they are gorgeous pigmented, matte and brightens up the face like nothing else. Make sure to line the lips with a red lip liner for the perfect pout.

3. Nude Lips

Kylie rocks the neutral lip colors like no other celebrity. She can do minimal eye and lips at the same time and she kill it. My perfect pick for the nude lips, comparable to what she is wearing on the picture would be Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick Undressed and MAC Yash Lipstick. If you are slightly dusky or with medium complexion, try the Colorbar Take me as I am Lip Color Bare Dare Pink. In this color she has a slight sheen on the lips so I am guessing it is a satin finish lipstick. You can dab a thin layer of lip balm to get the sheen on the lips.

4. Soft Pink Lips

A nice everyday muted pink lips. This is a great color even wearable in office. For Indian skin tones, the color would be very close to Chambor Powder Matte Lipstick Desert Rose and Tom Ford Indian Rose. Both the color are matte in texture and all you need is a muted pink lip liner like Colorbar Lip Definer Splendid Pink to line and fill the lips. Then apply the lip color and voila! You are done. Pair it up with a soft kohl look or neutral eyes.

5. Vampy Lips

This one is surely not for faint hearted. A plum black vampy ombre lips is the perfect one for the fall/winter look. For this lip color, you need a darkish maroon lip liner like MAC Nightmoth Lip Pencil or NYX lip liner Currant to line and fill the lips leaving out the centre part of lower lips. Then apply MAC Prince Noir Lipstick, NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Copenhagen or Revlon Super Lustrous – Black Cherry along the lips leaving the centre part of lower lips. Use a brush to merge the color to have that ombre effect.

6. Tea Rose Lips

This is absolutely my favorite one among all her looks. The lipstick gives a soft rosy/tea rose pink touch to the lips and it is up to you whether to wear it as matte or satin finish. You can wear the color literally for anything and everything and you would still look gorgeous. My favorite picks are Estee Lauder Pure Color Lipstick Rose Tea, Faces Canada I Do #11 Ultime Pro Velvet Matte, L’Oreal Color Riche Natural Lipstick in Velvet Rose. You can also wear it as a soft wash of color on the lips. Also, Chambor Powder Matte Lipstick in Sugar Pink is a very close dupe of this color and looks great on Indian skin.

7. Glossy Brown Nude Lips

A nude glossy brown with smoky look is the terrific combination. I loved how Kylie carried off the soft black-brown smoky eyes, flawless base with a slight wash of earthy blush on cheeks and the glossy nude brown lips. For the lips, the only thing I came close to is the MAC Half ‘n Half Amplified Creme Lipstick. It gives a smooth shine to the lips and extremely long wearing.

8. Dark Brown Lips

I really had a tough time finding a dupe of this one. The color is a pure dark brown color with no undertones whatsoever. Generally a brown always comes with an undertone to suit the complexion but the one Kylie is wearing is totally unconventional. Thanks to the humongous range of MAC lipsticks, I found that MAC Antique Velvet and MAC Lady Mystery are the closest dupe for this one. The color is so loud in itself that the cheeks and eyes has to be kept very minimal.

9. Signature Kylie Jenner Lip Color

The ultimate lip color for which we applause her like a diva. For the lip liner part, I would advise to go for the Colorbar Lip Pencil Nude Pink. Then apply the Colorbar Deep Matte Lip Crème – Deep Earth or MAC Velvet Teddy Lipstick and dab a thin layer of lip balm. This is the lip color you can wear anytime of the day and still look gorgeous. The color is such that it would suit each and every Indian skin tones. A totally bang on color!

10. Earthy Mauve Lips

The last one is the stark matte earthy mauve lip color. Also, a great color for the fair to medium skin tones. For this, first you need something that resembles MAC Whirl lip liner to line and fill the lip completely. Next, apply the MAC Twig Lipstick all over the lips. Blot it with a tissue and dust some translucent powder on top of it. This will give a stunning matte finish to the lips and also make it long lasting.

Editor’s note: Those are some fabulous dupes Sanchita. I would like to recommend a few Kylie Jenner shades in general: Maybelline Lip Gradation in Mauve, Colorbar Kiss Proof Lip stain in Mauve Dusk and Haute Latte, Colorbar Deep Matte Lip Cream in Deep Cocoa, Miss Claire Soft Matte Lip Cream in 09, 17 and 17A, Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm in Sultry. I know there are still many but could only think of these few for now 😀 I will update this post whenever I come across more Kylie Jenner dupes, so keep a check on this post.

Do you like Kylie Jenner’s lip shades? Also add your dupes in the comments below.

Image Source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Coloressence Mesmerizing Lip Color Moods in Maroon Review, Swatches

Coloressence Mesmerizing Lip Color Moods in Maroon Review, Swatches

By Sanchita

INTRODUCTION – Hello everyone! No matter how many lip colors you have in your kitty, you are always looking for an exceptional shade which will give us the desired oomph factor. The same applies for me too! There is one particular shade I have been eyeing on is the MAC Diva which is an exquisite shade for Indian skin tone. However, with MAC hiking the price tag I was little skeptical to buy a lipstick which I will be wearing once in a blue moon! Surprisingly, I stumbled into a very close shade of MAC Diva with a price tag less than 200bucks! The color looks stunning and a great option if you are looking for a close dupe. Let’s see the product in detail.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION – This moisture rich lip color nourishes and protects your lips from dryness. The unique coriander and basil extract with SPF-15 gives you a full coverage look with satin, smooth finish, and long wear texture. It is available in 29 shades.

PRICE – 175 INR for 4g

MY REVIEW

Packaging – The Coloressence Mesmerizing Lip Colors comes in a sleek matte black bullet packaging with an opaque body. There is a nice silver ring around the body and the brand name is engraved in silver while the shade name is written at the bottom. The packaging overall is simple, neat and sturdy. It doesn’t look anything like low-priced or inefficient and also compact enough to carry in your bag or purse while travelling.

Shade – it is a beautiful deep wine red with a subtle plum undertone to it. It also has fine golden shimmer but it is close to indistinguishable while application on the lips or even in the swatches. The color is no doubt a bold and intense color for the fall season and looks gorgeous on any Indian skin tone or complexion. If you are slightly unconvinced with the ox blood lips yet wants to have an attempt at it, try this color. Also, it will be an excellent choice for brides as well.

Texture – the texture of the lip color is satin which is neither completely matte nor glossy. The presence of almond oil and vitamin E ensure the smooth gliding of the color onto the lips and it doesn’t tug or pull at all. The texture has the tendency to dry out (not like patchy lips) and hence be sure to apply lip balm underneath. It has a slight smell to it but it fades off within 5-6mins of the application. However, since it is a bold lip color it is strongly advisable to exfoliate the lips well before applying.

Finish – the finish is satin moist which goes on to comfortable matte look with the passage of hours. It also has a nice sheen to it due to the presence of gold flickers which is only visible after it wears of or while you are trying to remove it. The color looks striking despite the presence of and the hardly accentuates to fine lines. It does transfer a lot to cups and spoons in case you have not worn it like matte. To make it matte, simply blot with a tissue and dust some translucent powder on top. The lip color has SPF 15 which protects the lips from sun rays during daytime.

Pigmentation – the pigmentation is unbelievingly great! Single swipe give you the best desired color on the lips and I use 2 swipes to give a neat and presentable look to the lips. It is capable to hide any kind of pigmented layer on the lips and concealing them prior application with a concealer isn’t required at all. It applies without any patchy or uneven way and doesn’t bleed at all. Even then, I use a lip liner because it is such a bold color that a single stray line would be very noticeable.

Staying Power – the staying power is again commendable. It stayed on the lips for a good 4-5hours with very minimal fading because I munched on some snacks. It cannot survive heavy meals and you definitely require a nice layering or touch ups after that. It takes a long time to fade off completely but I have never experienced any patchy residual layer with this lip color. The color also does not stain the lips and all you need is a good makeup remover or coconut oil to take off the color at the end of the day.
Dupe – I found MAC Diva and L’Oréal Collections Star Pure Reds Lipstick in Pure Garnet is the closest dupe for this color. While Diva and Pure Garnet has very strong reddish or maroon undertones, completely matte and devoid of any shimmer, this lip color from Coloressence has a slight plum undertones, satin finish and very fine golden sheen to it.

OVERALL – With such a bold color, satin finish texture and a popular dupe of MAC Diva and Pure Garnet, I would opine that the economical price tag makes it a winner from every perspective.

WHAT I LIKED

Neat, simple and sturdy packaging.
Moods in Maroon is a bold deep wine red with a subtle plum undertone to it. It also has fine golden shimmers but they are totally undetectable.
A great bold red for Indian skin tones and especially for brides.
The color payoff is excellent with a single swipe itself.
It doesn’t look cakey at all.
The presence of almond oil and vitamin E ensure the smooth gliding of the color onto the lips
The finish is satin moist.
It neither accentuates on fine lines nor bleeds without liner.
The lip color has SPF 15.
The staying power is around 4-5hours.
Economical price tag.
A very close (not complete) dupe of MAC Diva and L’Oréal Collections Star Pure Reds Lipstick in Pure Garnet.

WHAT I DISLIKED

May dry out lips if not exfoliated well and moisturized.
Shimmers are unnecessary.
Transfers a lot if not worn matte.

RATING – 4.7/5

RECOMMENDATION – this is definitely a highly suggested color because the quality as well as the color is a stand out surprise for me! Given the fact that it is such a great and economical dupe of two famous lips colors, surely give this a try.

Editor’s Note: I absolutely love how it looks on you! I would check out the other 28 shades too.

Have you tried the Coloressence Mesmerizing Lip Color yet?

DIY Anti-Tan Face Pack For Oily Skin

DIY Anti-Tan Face Pack For Oily Skin

By Sanchita

Hello everyone. I am back with a DIY this time which, I am sure, would be very useful to all the oily skin types in the upcoming scorch summer. The thing is, when we go out in the sun, our skin produces extra melanin to protect the internal layers of the skin and thus we end up with deeper complexions i.e. tan. The tan is unescapable and no matter what product we apply or the protection we take – we always end up with a discolored complexion after a day’s turmoil. With sun tan comes the pigmentation and early signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles that contributes to the dullness of our whole outlook. Due to my acne prone oily skin, I always stay away from chemical laden face pack and instead make my own with the help of certain ingredients easily available anywhere. This face pack has helped to restore my skin’s complexion and texture for all these years and I cannot simply live without it. So, here’s the ingredients and steps listed below to make the Anti-Tan face pack for oily skin.

INGREDIENTS

Besan (Bengal Gram)
Fuller’s Earth (Multani Mitti) (BUY HERE)
Sandalwood Powder (even sandalwood paste would work) (BUY HERE)
Rose Water
Clean bowl and spoon.

STEPS

1. In a clean bowl, add 1tbsp. of Besan.

2. Add, 1tbsp. of Multani Mitti to the mixture.

3. Next, add ½ tbsp. of sandalwood powder (or 1tbsp. of sandalwood paste).

4. With the help of a spoon, add all these dry ingredients thoroughly.

5. Pour the rose water, 1tbsp. at a time to get the medium consistency of a face pack.

6. Leave the face pack for about 30-40mins and rinse with cold water. Pat the skin dry.

BENEFITS

Besan (Bengal Gram) – A common household ingredient that contributes to the healthy texture of the skin. It has the ability to naturally cleanse the skin and remove every layer of impurities from the pores and also tightening them to a large extent. It is also a very gentle exfoliator for oily skin which can’t resist harsh scrubs. Most importantly, it helps is removing the tan, brightening the skin and also helps in eliminating acne and sudden breakouts.

Fuller’s Earth (Multani Mitti) – This is the Holy Grail for every girl with oily skin. Apply any face pack with multani mitti will not only make your skin oil free but also prevents the acne as well. It diminishes every layer of discolorations, pigmentation, scars and blemishes on the face with regular usage. It is further known to improve the elasticity of the skin, thereby reducing the signs like fine lines, wrinkles, etc.

Sandalwood Powder – This is one gorgeous ingredient that contributes to skin lightening by removing every ounce of impurities from the skin. I am not saying it will make you ‘fairer’ (because that never happens) but it will make you fall in love with your complexion. It enhances the skin’s texture to a large extent. The ant-tan properties soothes sun burns and removes it and also the antibacterial properties works on acne prone skin like a miracle. It tightens the drooping skin tissues with the intention of providing a youthful appearance to the skin.

Rose Water – when nothing works on your skin, rose water is the best astringent to go for. The product revitalizes aging skin and keeps fine lines and wrinkles at bay. Maintaining the skin’s pH balance, it hydrates, refreshes and moisturizes the skin, thereby making it smooth. The antioxidant properties of rose water help to strengthen skin cells and restore skin tissues.
So, definitely try this out and let me know how this worked for your stubborn acne prone oily skin.

Editor’s Note: I absolutely swear by multani mitti and sandalwood powder, loved this DIY Sanchita.

Have you tried this at home DIY to remove your tan yet?

Top 10 Neutral Eye Shadow Palettes in India, Prices, Buy Online

Top 10 Neutral Eye Shadow Palettes in India, Prices, Buy Online

By Sanchita

Neutral eye makeup are the ‘in’ thing now and no matter it is daytime makeup look or night one, neutral eye always turns out to be the glamorous one. Improvising with neutral look is the safest choice if you are unable to decide the look you want. On Indian skin, the neutral look suits the best with pale browns, taupe, soft copper and bronze. Just add a dash of winged liner and a rocking lip color, which would give you a simple yet stunning look. These kind of looks can hardly be creates with one of two colors and you need a proper palette at your disposal. Hence, I thought of doing an affordable list of best Neutral Eye Shadow Palette in India. These brands are readily available in various e-commerce sites or retailed easily in the market. So, let’s take a look at the list.

1. Maybelline The Nudes – 899 INR (BUY HERE)

No matter what makeup it is, Maybelline will always top the list for me. The Nudes palette is has 12shades of various neutrals like browns, grey, bronze, and taupe with few matte and shimmery highlighters for various looks. It is perfect for both warm and cool skin tones and a number of looks can be created with this one. The texture is soft and the pigmentation is also good for daily wear. This is surely a great neutral palette for the price tag.

2. Urban Decay Naked – (Approx. 5000 INR)

The ultimate madness for neutrals started with the UD palettes and honestly, I can never decide which one to choose between the three. UD Naked palettes are legendary! Each of them is gorgeous to the core and undeniably amazing. Each palettes consists 12 colors and best for creating any neutral or soft smoky look. The texture is just like butter and highly pigmented. It is very easy to blend and layer and known for its outstanding quality. The staying power and finish is also commendable. Although the price is high but totally worth it.

3. Makeup Revolution Iconic 2 Palette – 1050 INR (BUY HERE for 790)

The Iconic range of Makeup Revolution is the dupe of UD palettes and are easily available in India as well. UD costs a bomb and hence when we want an affordable dupe, Makeup Revolution is the best deal we can get. Among all the Iconic and Iconic Pro, my favorite for neutrals will be the Iconic 2 which is the dupe of UD Naked 2. The combination of colors are very pretty with bronze, soft browns, grey, black and shimmery highlighters. It is a perfect daytime palettes and readily available on discounts as well.

4. MUA Heaven and Earth Palette – 1050 INR

One of the best neutral brown palettes I have used so far! Though most of the shades are shimmery finish but they look exceptionally natural on the eyelids. Most of the colors are warm toned and especially suit the Indian skin tones. The texture is very soft and pretty blend-able. The pigmentation is also good and you can layer it very nicely if you want that intense look. MUA also has the palette “Undress Me Too” (Review & Swatches HERE) which is another great palette for cool toned and grey colors. P.S: While Heaven and Earth is Urban Decay Naked Dupe, the Undress Me Too is Urban Decay Naked 2 Dupe

5. L’Oreal Paris Color Riche La Palette – 1399 INR (BUY HERE for 1119)

The Color Riche La Palette from L’Oreal Paris comes in a sturdy black casing with a double tip sponge applicator and an in-built mirror. It is a very recent launch in India and is available in 2 shades – Beige and Rose. The colors are very similar but has slight changes in them. The Beige one is lighter than the Rose. In my opinion, the Rose will be a perfect choice for the Indian skin tones with a handful of deep colors and various neutrals to choose from.

6. Sleek MakeUP I-Divine Makeup Au Naturel Palette – 1500 INR

This is a brand I surely want to be officially available in India! Their quality is impeccable and the price is comparatively affordable even after shipping and taxes. The texture is soft and creamy powdery and has very less fall out issues. The pigmentation is as gorgeous as it can get with single swipe itself! Their i-divine palettes are incredibly good and when it comes to neutrals, there are two best of the best – Au Naturel and Oh So Special. Au Naturel has beautiful peaches and deep browns and a jet matte black for night time look. Overall, it is a highly recommended one. (All Sleek MakeUP Review and Swatches HERE)

7. Makeup Revolution I Heart Chocolate – 1550 INR (Available on Nykaa)

The ‘Chocolate’ series of Makeup Revolution is worth all the attention is has. These are the dupes of the high end Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette. Of course, Too Faced is high priced and often out of stock. However, the Makeup Revolution one is available and the quality is definite worth talking about. The blend of browns, burgundy, deep chocolate, beige and pearly highlighters is just as craving as a chocolate bar. The pigmentation is very good and a lot of day and night time looks can be easily created with this. P.S: I have the Too Faced Palette and I know how exactly similar this is, at 1/4th the price, this is definitely a must have!

8. Freedom Pro 12 Stunning Smokes – 1200 INR (Available on Nykaa)

Freedom is another London Based makeup brand and becoming very prominent in the beauty market in India. Their Pro 12 palettes are excessively popular with various mattes, nudes, shimmery and deep colors. The best neutral palette is the Stunning Smokes which has 12 gorgeous mixture of mattes and shimmery colors. The colors are so pigmented that even the lighter ones shows up pretty well on the lids and the texture is also a total winner.

9. FACES Glam On Color Perfect Eyeshadow Smokey – 599 INR

A quad of 4 shimmery beautiful colors – bronze, plum, taupe and a pearly highlighter with an affordable price tag is surely worth trying. The packaging is sturdy and compact which comes with a mirror and an applicator. The texture is soft with a decent saturation of color. It works well even without primers and will suit the cool and neutral skin tones very well.

10. Coastal Scents Revealed 2 Palette – 2300 INR

This is the closest dupe of the renowned Urban Decay Naked 2 and Naked 3. There are 20 colors in this palettes, consisting of various shimmery and matte peach, browns, burgundy and taupe. The texture is very soft and blends profusely on the lids. The pigmentation is also good and helps you the layer the deeper color easily. It has a very good staying power of 5-6hours without primer and the palette, overall, is a great value for money.

Editor’s Note: I love the Sleek MakeUP Oh So Special palette, it’s my favourite. And also the Too Faced Chocolate bar Palette, the Makeup Revolution I Heart Chocolate is an exact dupe shade to shade, another must have! I want to try the Coastal Scents Revealed 2. This is a very useful compilation Sanchita.

Tell us your favourite neutral eyeshadow palette in India, in the comments below.

Lakme 9 to 5 Lip Color Pink Bureau Review, Swatches

Lakme 9 to 5 Lip Color Pink Bureau Review, Swatches

By Sanchita

INTRODUCTION

It is all about matte now-a-days. Although I am a big fan of chubby lip colors and the ultra-matte liquid lipsticks, I always find my way back to lipstick bullets when I am heading out to college. For daytime, I always stick to the mundane soft pink lip colors and Lakme 9 to 5 is the apt range for this. They have around 38 shades of various browns, reds and pinks to offer. I have used 2-3colors from this range few years back and was pretty impressed. This year I picked a beautiful pink color for daytime called Pink Bureau. Here’s my review on the product.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION – Lakmé Nine to Five brings you a range of 38 shades that sit on your lips all day long. Enriched with Vitamin E; it conditions your lips & softens them with wheat germ oil. So, perk those soft, smooth lips with a touch of matte.

PRICE – 400 INR

MY REVIEW

Packaging – The first and foremost reason I am attracted to this range of lip colors is their gorgeous packaging. The rose gold colored lipstick bullets is something like a beautiful possession in my handbag. Kudos to Lakme for blending two beautiful things women adore – rose and gold. The lipstick comes in a light weight rose gold body with the twist open function. It shuts really tight and hence easy to travel with. The lipstick is further encased in a cardboard box of tea rose color.

Shade – The shade is a soft rose pink with micro golden shimmer particles. The color has a natural warmth to it and is specifically tailored to suit each and every complexion. For fair skin tones, it will comes out as a lively pink (not loud though), for medium to dusky skin it will appear as nice soft coral pink while for deeper complexions, it will be an MLBB pink. The gold shimmers are not very visible but their presence gives a duo chrome touch to the lips under sunlight.

Pigmentation – The pigmentation is really great. With single swipe you can get an opaque layer. It successfully hides and conceal every blemishes and discolorations on lips and you won’t even need a lip concealer underneath. It applies evenly on the lips and there isn’t any patchy layer at all. The color doesn’t bleed at all and you won’t even require a lip liner underneath to bring out the dynamism of the lipstick.

Texture – Texture wise, I would call it powdery matte. The texture reminds me so much of the beloved Chambor Powder Matte I have used before and glides on the lips with a velvet touch. Although there are shimmers but it doesn’t feel even tad bit abrasive at all. Now, the downside is it feels dry. It isn’t very forgiving at all if you have dry lips. So make sure you have exfoliated and well-nourished the lips with a nice and hydrated lip balm underneath. Also, the texture is smooth but if you try to go more than two coats, you will realize that lipsticks can look super cakey.

Finish – the finish is soft matte from the very beginning. I wouldn’t call it as dry as lip creams but the enriching presence of Vitamin E gives a nourished look. However, do not expect it to hydrate your lips at all. The gold shimmers starts being prominent once the color loses it vivacity with the passage of time. It won’t look gaudy but slightly shiny. The lipstick also transfer a lot to cups and spoons while eating.

Staying Power – the staying is definite not 9 to 5 as claims but it does survives around 4-5hours easily. It can subsist even after small snacks or brunch but definitely not a full course meal. After meal, you would need a slight retouch by dabbing the color onto the lips. It fades off leaving a trail of pinkish golden hue to the lips and I realized there isn’t any patchiness even though the lip color felt dry. For the price, I think they have beautiful texture and staying power.

OVERALL – the Lakme 9 to 5 Lipstick Pink Bureau is a gorgeous and muted pink to worn at any time and it gives a soft touch of pink during daytime. It has a wonderful powder matte texture with amazing pigmentation and fairly long staying power.

WHAT I LIKED

  • Gorgeous rose gold packaging.
  • Lakme 9 to 5 Lipstick Pink Bureau is a soft rose pink with micro golden shimmer particles.
  • It will suit each and every complexions.
  • A single swipe of the lipstick gives a proper saturated color.
  • It has powdery matte texture.
  • The color doesn’t bleed at all.
  • Soft matte finish for a daytime lip color.
  • It does survives around 4-5hours easily.
  • It fades off with an even pink hue to the lips.
  • Reasonably priced.

WHAT I DISLIKED

  • Formula is drying and unforgiving for dry lips.
  • It may look cakey if too many layers are applied.
  • The shimmer becomes prominent once the color starts fading.

RATING – 4/5

RECOMMENDATION – with 38 shades to choose from, the Lakme 9 to 5 range of Lipsticks surely deserves recommendation. The price are perfect and often on discounts. The colors are soft and perfect for daytime and the texture and finish are on point. I would highly recommend this color as well as the range for the versatility of soft daytime shades.

Editor’s Note: Totally agree on the gorgeous packaging, I have no idea why they have added gold shimmer to the beautiful matte pinks. I have the shade Peony Goal which is again a beautiful nude pink but even that has shimmer, I do not like shimmer in my lipsticks.

DIY Facial Serum for Night

DIY Facial Serum for Night

By Sanchita

To begin with, I have extremely sensitive, acne prone, oily skin that is always on the verge of breakouts. Due to this reason, I avoid moisturizers (except for aloe vera gel) all my life. However, as I am approaching towards late 20s, I have been noticing that the texture of the skin looks very unhealthy and that natural glow is missing somewhere. Hence, I wanted something to rejuvenate and nourish the skin. After searching high and low for all the ingredients that works on acne prone skin without giving much trouble, I made this night serum for myself and to my surprise, I did work! I have been using it past a month and thankfully I observed some good changes in my skin. Firstly, it never broke me out and also nourished the skin. Secondly, it hydrates the skin throughout the night with getting oily or greasy. So, here goes the night elixir for acne prone skin.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Aloe Vera Gel – you can either take it directly from the plants and blend it smooth to have the gel consistency or simple buy one!
  • Jojoba Oil – Works wonder for oily acne prone skin. You can also substitute it for Avocado OR Almond Oil for preference.
  • Rose Water – either homemade or store-bought will work.
  • Vitamin E Capsule – easily available across the counter otherwise you can also opt for Vitamin E oil.
  • Sanitized Bowl – since it is a face product, it is better to have a sanitized place to start with and then transfer it to a dropper bottle or any container.

STEPS

Step 1
  • Add 1 tbsp. of rose water in the bowl.
Step 2
  • Next, add 2 tbsp. of aloe vera gel. Mix it thoroughly as both the ingredients have different consistencies and takes effort to blend well. You can also add 1 tbsp. if you want a runny consistency but I wanted sort of a slightly thicker one, so I added 2 tbsp.
Step 3
  • Add 2-3 drops of Jojoba Oil and again blend it in.
Step 4
  • Lastly, take out 1-2 Vitamin E Capsules and poke them to take out the oil. Add the mixture very comprehensively unless you see a uniform consistency without any lumps.
Final outcome
  • And Voila! You night serum is ready!

TIP: Do not make it in a large quantity because it is handmade and hence, the preservatives are missing. Make it enough for a week or two at the most.

FOR DRY SKIN – Since dry skin or mature skin needs more than just aloe vera gel, they can use shea butter or cocoa butter instead of aloe vera gel. They can also incorporate the essential oils like Almond, Rosehip, Grapeseed, etc. as per their own preference.

BENEFITS OF THE INGREDIENTS –

  • Vitamin E – Vitamin E is the main ingredient I would vouch for. It has excellent properties to revive and renew the skin cells at night. It treats the scars and marks on the skin due to ageing or acne. Being a great moisturizer, it nourishes the skin well without making it greasy or clog the pores when applied. It soothes and treats the sun burns and regular tanning of the skin. Most prominently, it make collagen that decreases the rate of aging signs like wrinkles, fine lines, etc.
  • Aloe Vera Gel – this is the HG for every oily skin. Seldom moisturizers suit us and we always find our way back to this. Aloe Vera, known as “plant of immortality”, it has numerous benefits for skin. It moisturizes the skin, heals the scars and soothes the skin from acne and nourishes without any greasy layer which gets absorbed in a jiffy. It also lightens skin pigmentation and slows down the ageing sign.
  • Jojoba Oil – it is known to fight wrinkles, stretch marks and cellulite. With high amount of ceramides which cover skin cells, it hydrates and nourishes the skin like no other. Oily skin doesn’t go well with other oils but this is an exception. It is so light weight and gets blended very easily. It also has anti-bacterial properties that treats acne and allergies.
  • Rose Water – the beauty of rose water in indefinite. From toner to face packs, makeup setting spray to hydration – it can do everything. It treats acne, soothes the skin from sun burns, refreshes and invigorates and has many anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties for sensitive skin.

Do let me know how you liked the DIY.

Editor’s Note: I swear by Vitamin E capsules, but they are so sticky and messy while applying. I guess the mix of rose water and aloe vera gel will make applying Vitamin E easier. Also I am all for essential oils, I love using them. Definitely trying this Sanchita.

Top 12 Best & Affordable Eye Shadows in India

Top 12 Best & Affordable Eye Shadows in India

By Sanchita

Hello everyone! I am a complete eye shadow junkie. Palettes are my favorites and I swear by Rimmel and Sleek Makeup for eye shadows. Now-a-days eye makeup looks are the biggest ‘in’ thing and we love to add the dash of eye to brighten up the entire makeup look. The whole aura of any eye makeup look – be it a smoky and sultry or simple neutral eye makeup, you need some really good pigmented eye shadows. In my opinion, the Indian market really lacks budget friendly pigmented eye shadows. Be it palette or mono pans, whichever decent product is there, it is priced very high. There is another thing I noticed is that the shades are very repetitive and mattes are almost missing. Nevertheless, today I have compiled the top 12 eye shadows available in India (online and retail) which are pretty economical.

1. Rimmel London ScandalEyes Eyeshadow Stick – 415 INR

These are my favorite eye shadow sticks and I love the kind of colors they. From matte browns to beige and deep blues and greens – they have it all. It comes in a chubby fat sharpenable pencils. The texture is so smooth that it glides like a dream and blends very easily. Pigmentation is top notch and single swipe gives you the saturated color. It gives you enough time to smudge and set the color and then doesn’t budge at all. It is thoroughly water proof and smudge proof as well. The colors, when set properly, hardly creases (after 9-10hours) and can also be used a base for powder eye shadow. For the price, they are a steal. (P.S: Bronze is my Favourite!)

2. Makeup Revolution Single Eyeshadow – 295 INR (BUY HERE for 234)

Makeup Revolution has been one phenomenal budget friendly brand and has got popular among various bloggers. A lot of e-commerce sites have been stocking their mono eyeshadows and palettes and we love the variety they have. The mono eye shadows and pigments in particular are very convenient to use. They are richly pigmented, blends really well and doesn’t crease much on the lids. These are appropriate for creating various makeup looks and lasts longer on the lids without fading off.

3. NYX Single Eyeshadow – (300-400 INR)

They have a variety of matte, pearl, shimmers and duo chrome eye shadows to choose from. There are numerous colors and quite some popular ones as well. The packaging is sturdy and great for travelling. The texture is good and gives a nice color pay off. From shimmers to matte and neon, you will get every possible color. These are ideal for beginners and they perform wonderfully. You can also try the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencils (Review HERE) which are equally raved among beauty bloggers. (P.S: Absolutely love ‘Yogurt’, works amazing to highlight inner corners and brow bone. The shade ‘Milk’ acts as a perfect eyeshadow base for lighter shadows)

4. Inglot Single Eye shadow single – 550 INR (They have raised the price to 550 INR, also they discontinued the round refills which were a bit cheaper. Now they only have square ones) (Some available on Nykaa & on MajorBrands HERE)

When Inglot was available online, I couldn’t be happier about it. The only reason was to shop eyeshadows. They have an amazing collection of eyeshadow pans and most of them are great dupes for MAC (MAC eyeshadows costs a bomb!). The Inglot Freedom System palette is also available which enables you to choose the perfect color combination palette you want in your life. They have pearl, shimmery as well as matte finish and more than 400 shades to choose from. The texture is wonderful to blend in and pigmentation is top notch. They hardly crease and stay put the whole day. You can also try their rainbow pans (consisting of three hues of a same color)

5. Coloressence Single Eye Shadow – 170 to 200 INR (BUY HERE)

Coloressence is quite a well-known brand in the market and they have some really good products. One of them is the mono eyeshadow collection which comes in a durable black casing. The numbers of colors in this range is slightly low comparatively but the quality is surely great to work with. They have pearly and satin matte collection and some of the very famous are the gold, burgundy, blue, black and brown. These are soft in texture and I found pigmentation is superb with one swipe.

6. Colorbar Emphaseyes Eyeshadows (Available in 27 shades and priced at Rs.550/-) and Emphaseyes Baked Eyeshadows (Available in 10 shades and priced at Rs.599/-)

Versatility of Colorbar is surely enthralling. All the finishes from matte to pearly to high shimmer available in both the ranges and hence you can create a lot eye makeup looks with these. With a proper blend of ingredients, the texture is satin smooth and a commendable pay off for your eyes. The baked eyeshadow can also be applied wet which gives an insane color pay off and rich effect to the eyes. The fall out issues are minimal and the long lasting formula makes these totally a winner.

7. Revlon Colorstay Shadow Links Eye Shadow- INR 195 (BUY HERE for 165) (Review & Swatches HERE)

If you are a beginner or want to create your own customized palette without bankrupting, this is the one for you. You can buy any desirable shade from the collection of 15 available shades and attached with one another to create the exact palette you want. The texture is smooth and really workable. Again some of them are super pigmented and nice, plus pretty economical. Definitely check out the shades Bhumika has swatched and the Copper and Gold shade is what she swears by!

8. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Mono Eyeshadows – INR 525 (Review & Swatches HERE and HERE)

With a small tub packaging, these mono eyeshadows from L’Oréal are incredibly good. It has the velvet powdery texture and soft and silky formula which glide on the lids like a dream. The pigmentation is very good and it gives a rich satin look to the eyelids. The staying power of 8-9hrs is truly praiseworthy and hardly creases even without primer. Most of the shades have metallic effect and the sheen is gorgeous for very occasion. This is one of the best quality eyeshadow available in India with such reasonable price tag. Bhumika has already reviewed the Endless Chocolate which is a stunning brown for warm skin tones. (P.S: Also love All Night Blue which is the most gorgeous blue eyeshadow in my stash)

9. MUA Makeup Academy Single Eyeshadow – 431 INR

MUA makes some really eyeshadows and be the palette or singles, each of them were great. The single eyeshadows, available in 34 amazing shades with a wide range of mattes and pearly touches, helps you creating a variety of looks for both day and night. The texture is extremely soft and super blendable and the color payoff is pretty impressive. The matte black (20) is greatly pigmented rich matte black for the smoky looks while the brown (19) can be used for neutrals and crease effect.

10. Freedom Makeup London Mono Eyeshadow – 350 INR

Very recently I bought few shades from their collection and I have to agree, they are great value for money. Comes in small round packaging, there are available in mattes, pearly (glided collection) and also certain base shades. The base shades are perfect for creating an even canvas or simple winged liner look. All the shades are well pigmented with soft textures, smooth and easy to apply for an everyday look.

11. Oriflame The One Cream Eyeshadow – 449 INR (Review & Swatches HERE)

Cream eye shadows are so beautiful and easy to work with that you won’t know until you use one! The Oriflame The One Cream Eyeshadows are available with a very reasonable price tag and definitely check out the swatches done by Bhumika. The color payoff is extremely rich, intense and creamy and the texture is so forgiving that anyone will find it easy to work with. Bhumika feels that these are just perfect to use when you are in a hurry, just blend, layer and set and you are good to go for the day.

12. Deborah Milano 24Ore Velvet Eye Shadow – 395 INR

Deborah Milano has some pretty beautiful shadows available in singles, duos and quad. Thse eyeshadows have a satin soft texture and gives a beautiful finish to the eye makeup looks. The pigmentation is worth talking about and when you use the eyeshadows in the wet form, you would notice the thrilling intensity of it. All the shades are so beautifully matches with the Indian skin tones is that, one wouldn’t be enough for you at all. It stays fairly long even without primer and dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested.

Editor’s Note: I love this list, have quite a few from the above. Absolutely love the Oriflame Cream one and the L’Oreal Infallible Monos. I used to love the Maybelline Color Tattoo, sadly they are discontinued now but I still have and love the Bad to the Bronze and Pomegranate Punk.

Which is your favourite eyeshadow? From this list?

Why Is Mauritius An Ideal Honeymoon Destination?

Why Is Mauritius An Ideal Honeymoon Destination?

By Sanchita

Introduction

You have often heard about the saying ‘Travel is about gorgeous feeling of teetering in the unknown’. And, when it is the Paradise Island to spend the honeymoon with your beloved, you can imagine the gorgeousness of the travelogue. Mauritius a multiethnic island located on the east of Madagascar, is also the land of pristine white sand beaches with a stunning horizon of a blue sky that no brush can transform into a canvas, the legendary sunsets, and crystal blue lagoons with beautiful coral reefs. It is irrefutably the best destination for newlyweds for their honeymoon. The aura of tropical climate, indulging spas, exotic food and cultures, romantic walk to isles, the scenic beauty of the land will be an unforgettable memory, to be cherished till the end of time. So, let’s embark the journey of Mauritius and see why it is an ideal honeymoon destination.

Places to visit

  • Mauritius Botanical Garden

Located near Port Louis, it is considered one of must-visit places of Mauritius. It is the oldest botanical garden in the Southern Hemisphere and was built in 1767! From the gigantic water lilies, auspicious spice garden to the exceptional varieties of palm trees around the Indian Ocean, this Mauritius Botanical Garden (also known as Pamplemousses Garden) is beautiful in its own delicate way.

  • Île aux Cerfs Island 

A beautiful picturesque which is known as the deer island, is dotted with remarkable white sandy beaches, lagoon, magnificent view and the majestic houses the Bernard Langer golf course. Île aux Cerfs Island is the perfect place for invigorating the mind and soul with the beauty of the scenery around. There are also various fun activities around this 100 hectares of land. Do try the parasailing to unveil the beauty of the place from the bird’s view.

  • Grand Bassin Sacred Lake 

An extinct volcano, Grand Basin is now a lake in the mountains about 1700 feet above the sea level. It is considered another tourist attraction and also a pilgrimage place. Beside the beautiful lake, situated a temple with a 33mts high statue of Lord Shiva. There is a beautiful and uniqueness of the place which makes it an ideal destination of sacredness and mysticism.

  • Trou aux Cerfs

High extinct volcano located in Curepipe, Mauritius, Trou aux Cerfs is a 605 m high. It is one of the best attractions of Curepipe which allows you a spectacular view of the Island itself. This dormant volcano was active until 600,000 to 700,000 years ago and now the crater has a beautiful lake. The beauty of the place cannot be described and is a must visit of all time.

  • Ile aux Aigrettes

Ile aux Aigrettes is a tiny coral island dotted with rare and endangered natural species. It is breathtaking conservation site where you will get to see the most beautiful and rare birds like kestrel, the Green Gecko Phelsuma, etc. At the end of the Ile aux Aigrettes Island, you will be able to rediscover some of the extinct species of the Mascarene Islands in our museum.

  • Waterfalls of Mauritius

The most distinguished waterfalls of Mauritius are Chamarel waterfalls, Alexandra waterfalls, Exil waterfalls and Rochester waterfalls. The Rochester Falls, located between St Félix and Soulliac, crosses through sugarcane fields. It is the wildest waterfall in Mauritius. The abundance of fresh water crashing the old rocks from 10mts high, the setting is beauty in itself. The sound of the water crashing on the rocks and the beauty of the scenario is surely worth watching. There is a place to walk along the river bed for the romantic walk. Chamarel waterfalls is an impressive waterfall of 127m height. It also follows a road until you reach the Colored Earth of Chamarel. Due to different chemical reactions the earth has 7 different colors. It almost looks like moonscape. The Alexandra Fallsis a 105ft waterfall located on the Hay River in the Northwest Territories which is also the 3rd highest in the NWT.

Ideal for honeymoon

The scenic beauty and charisma of the Island, makes it a perfect destination for honeymoon or to propose your beloved. The allure of the white sand, the sunset, the long romantic walks and reminiscing the memories of the relationship will bring the hearts closer than you think. For couples, the foremost thing is to enjoy the beauty of the sunset on Sunset Catamaran Cruise from the South east coast of Mauritius along the east coast. From the slow setting of the sun behind the mountains, the beauty of the sky while altering colors and the reflection on the water is beyond blissful. For the adventurous couple, there are various wild sanctuary and natural reserves to explore and get to know the beautiful yet endangered wildlife.

Mauritius is also famous for shopping arena where everything from ship models and jewelry to Asian handicrafts, clothes, etc. are available. The place is also dotted with various spas and resorts providing the Indian, African, Chinese and European therapeutic traditions. So while you sip on the margarita or a wild berry daiquiri, indulge yourself and enjoy the blissfulness for a while.

It makes for a perfect honeymoon destination, you can either plan the entire trip yourself or choose any of the Mauritius Honeymoon Packages.

Things to do in Mauritius

  • Drive around. The beauty of this island is inexpressible and the only way to explore it is to drive through it. You can easily rent a car and explore the streets and the ethnicity of the place.
  • Walk through the sugarcane fields in the inland area. The place is very airy with a subtle climate and walking through the fields is nothing but a pure ecstasy! You can also visit the visit L’Aventure Du Sucre – a sugar museum with its own sugarcane fields.
  • The beaches. A heaven of white sand, sun and loads of memories. The top spots are the Belle Mare Beach, the hidden La Cuvette beach in the north, and the rugged beaches of the South, especially Le Morne. Sip on your favorite drink and enjoy the heavenly place.
  • Water sports is another great attraction for tourists. The sports includes the exciting snorkeling, exotic deep-sea diving, deep-sea fishing, thrilling parasailing and the fun of scuba diving. There is also a chance of undersea walking where one is on hold meters below the sea with an eyeshade to provide a continuous supply of oxygen.
  • Visiting the Eureka House is another exciting thing to do in Mauritius. It is a unique Creole house built in 1830 situated by the river of Moka. It is a sophisticated Créole house originally owned by British and French aristocrats in the 19th century. It is well known to be one of the largest houses on the island, with 109 doors and windows. Provides an intriguing glimpse into colonial life and has various antique photos and a beautiful garden worth visiting among other thing.

Mauritius Cuisine

Having a diverse population and a distinguished travel spot, the Mauritius cuisine is delicious. It has mostly the spicy taste of Indian, Creole, African and Chinese cuisine. The curry is the famous and a must try for every foodies. Along with that you can also try the rice, roti, niouk nien (dumplings) or mine-frit (Chinese fried noodles.). Cari poule (usually chicken curry) is accessible in most restaurants and street sellers. For curry, they mostly use tomatoes, garlic, ginger, turmeric and curry leaves.

Gateau piment or chilli cakes, is one of the famous snacks of the locals, is made with split peas (dhal or dholl), they also contain red or green chillies, coriander, onions and cumin. They are golden brown in color and deep fried. Salads are enormously popular in Mauritius. From the fruit salad to Millionaire salad, you have it all. The Millionaire salad is made from salad leaves and a palm tree heart, a vegetable taken from the inner core of definite palm trees. The dressing has oysters, shrimp, crayfish, prawns, smoked marlin and crabs. Therefore, the beautiful fusion of various cuisines is incredibly good.

Conclusion

The place is indeed called a paradise or something even better. Be it for a romantic destination with sapphire waters and alluring white sand of the beaches or simply adventurous journey among the craters, lakes, garden, forest, sanctuary – it is worthwhile to visit it once at least. The uniqueness of the place is the best attraction and the beauty is endless.

Mauritius is definitely on my bucket list, what about you?

P.S: Pics from Google

Top 10 Foundations for Oily Skin in India, Prices, Buy Online

Top 10 Foundations for Oily Skin in India, Prices, Buy Online

By Sanchita

Summer is almost here and it is just a matter of a month now. With summer, comes back the oiliness, greasy feel and of course, the infamous breakouts. Therefore, the oily skinned beauties are always in hunt of oil-free foundation that would not only keep the oiliness at bay but also stay long. The oil secretion increases with the passage of time and the foundation along with the blush and bronzers also starts melting down, creating a big mess. Hence, choose the foundation very cautiously. With so new launched every month and the discontinuity of several products, it is very difficult to choose one product. Therefore, I have compiled the 10 best foundations for oil free look with various coverage. Let’s take a look at it.

1. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation – 525 INR (BUY HERE for 417) (Review coming soon)

The newest baby from the Maybelline. The brand is exceptional well in bringing out great products at a very budget friendly price tag. The foundation comes in 6 shades and most of them are warm toned, will specifically suit the Indian skin tones. They provide a medium to buildable coverage (bit not heavy) and gives a satin-matte finish. It makes the pores look slightly blurry and soft and has a very good oil control factor. For the price, it is wonderful choice for oil skin.

2. Lakme Absolute Mattreal Skin Natural Mousse – 725 INR (BUY HERE)

Another great foundation for oily skin from the very own desi brand Lakme. It is has the light whipped mousse texture, as the name suggest and blends on the skin like anything. The texture is so good that even a beginner would have no issues with the product. The coverage is sheer to medium with a soft matte finish and the presence of silicones aids in smoothening the pores. It looks just like your skin and great for everyday use.

3. MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 – (APPROX. 1800 INR)

One of the popular and remarkable foundation of all times, is the MAC Studio Fix Fluid. MAC can provide you the best shade card and seldom people go wrong with the shades. The foundation has light weight silky texture, blends really smoothly and has a very good coverage. It also has certain special skin-conditioning ingredients yet looks completely matte. It absorbs and disperse oil and gives an airbrushes look to the skin. The wear time long and considered the best foundation for brides.

4. L’Oreal Paris Infallible Reno Liquid Foundation- 1325 INR (BUY HERE for 1126) (Review and Swatches HERE)

Bhumika has already tried, tested and reviewed the foundation and she believes it is a great foundation for oily skin. It has 11 shades with adequate warm and cool tones. The texture is nice to work and it is advisable by her to blend in with a damp brush or sponge. It feels completely matte on the skin, there is no shininess or dewiness with it. It gives a nice medium to heavy coverage without blocking the pores at all. It has SPF 18 but it doesn’t gives any whitish cast and also photographs well.

5. Bourjois Happy Light foundation – (APPROX. 1600 INR)

A light foundation tailored for the oily skin. It blends into the skin just like a natural coating with an airbrushed touch to it. It feels extremely light to wear it and doesn’t suffocate the pores at all. There isn’t any issue of breakouts and the foundation has several warm shades for the Indian skin. It gives a moderate to buildable coverage but won’t work much on stubborn acne marks. It has a soft dewy finish but not oily at all. It has an excellent wear time of 8-9hours.

6. L’Oréal Paris Nude Magic Liquid Powder Foundation – 899 INR (BUY HERE for 872)

A great liquid powder foundation for oily skin that works perfect for regular usage. It has a light and runny consistency that blends into the skin within no time, even with fingers! It gives a soft matte yet not a dull finish to the skin and spears very lightweight. It has sheer to buildable coverage and wont accentuates to fine lines and dry patches. It doesn’t oxidizes underneath a sunscreen and has a staying power of 5-6 hours.

7. Chambor Sheer Delight Ultra Matt Oil Free Foundation – 845 INR (BUY HERE)

This is something you won’t ever regret of buying. Considered one of the best foundations for oily skin, this one gives a sheer to medium coverage and looks ultra-smooth. Although the finish is matte, it provides a kind of healthy glow to the skin in no time. It is heat and sweat proof for a certain period of time and doesn’t oxidize. It is an ideal foundation for office wear and has a very good wear time of around 8-9 hours with minimal blotting.

8. Clinique Stay-Matte Oil-Free Makeup – (Approx. 2300 INR)

Every product of Clinique is tailored for specific skin type and this matte foundation works incredibly well on oily skin. It has a gel-cream texture and available in 13 shades, from where you’re to get your match. The product blends in as easily as possible without any cakey or uneven finish. It is matte and also aids in controlling oil and shine on the face. It suits sensitive skin and there isn’t any issues about breakouts. The product also photographs very well in flash.

9. Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup – 3000 INR

Many bloggers consider it their HG foundation and surely it has too many reason for it. it comes in 30 shades and has a petite packaging. It has a medium consistency liquid texture that blends generously and then sets into a matte finish. Despite having an SPF it photographs really well and hence, will work great for brides. It stays on the face for around 8-9hours without melting down or oxidizing. It gives a medium to buildable coverage and feels almost weightless. Although the price is slightly high, but you won’t mind splurging on this at all.

10. Revlon Colorstay Makeup 24 Hour Combination/Oily Skin Foundation – 974 INR (BUY HERE for 895)

Revlon has some very good range of foundations and Colorstay is one of them. It has a light and water proof texture that blends seamlessly with damp brush or sponge and gives a soft matte finish to the skin. This foundation has two variants – one for dry skin while the other for Combination/Oily Skin. This is another great choice for problematic skin and gives a medium to heavy coverage. It photographs exceptionally well and doesn’t oxidize. It is available in shades and perfect for Indian skin tones.

Editor’s Note: Again a super helpful and nice compilation Sanchita. I have combination skin and love the L’Oreal Infallible. Currently trying the Maybelline Fit Me one which is also the cheapest in this list, super economical!

P.S: I just realized this is our 2000th post 😀

Which is your favourite foundation? Your suggestion for foundation for oily skin? Leave them in the comments below.

Top 10 Matte Red Lipsticks for Indian Skin, Prices, Buy Online

Top 10 Matte Red Lipsticks for Indian Skin, Prices, Buy Online

By Sanchita

I am sure all of us are aware of the saying that, red lipstick is to women what sports cars are for men. Definition of red lipstick is different to every woman. To me, it symbolizes power. Every woman (must) have a red lipstick in her stash. It has the power to glam up any look and instantly brightens up the face like anything. It adds a sophisticated touch to every look and the beauty of it is undeniable. It has the panache and classiness of a confident woman, playfulness of carefree little girl inside every one of us and bold and fierceness to rule the world. From Hollywood to Bollywood, we have seen and admired the Divas sporting the dashing and gorgeous red lips all you have to do is choose the right kind of ‘red’ and see how it rocks your world.

So, to lessen down the burden of hunting the best ‘red’ for those sexy pouts, here’s the list of top 10 red lipstick for Indian skin tones.

Mostly all shades are matte and long staying, click on the links to read reviews or see swatches or click on ‘Buy here’ to buy it online and some at amazing deals.

1. MAC RUBY WOO – 1450 INR

This is, by far, the best of the best red you can choose with your eyes closed. The mystery behind this one is still undiscovered that how a single shade of red can look ‘drop-dead’ gorgeous irrespective of every skin tone and complexion. When in doubt, choose Ruby Woo because it can never disappoint you, like ever! It has a rich and intense matte texture but glides on the lips like velvet. The price might haunt you for some time but once you wear it, you can never go back to another red.

2. SUGAR MATTE AS HELL SCARLET O’HARA – 799 INR (BUY HERE) (Read Review of the Range HERE)

The brand brought forward four signature matte lip crayons and trust me, it was a heart wrenching condition to choose one. The Scarlet O’Hara is the ‘on-the-face’ bright shade of red, perfect to make you look like a diva! The shade is like a rockstar which has all the ability to take all the limelight alone. When you’re wearing this, make sure to keep the other makeup minimal. The staying power is phenomenal and an excellent choice for the brides.

3. FACES ULTIME PRO MATTE LIP PENCIL MIDNIGHT ROSE – 799 INR (BUY HERE) (Review and Swatches HERE)

They are reds that make you look like stunning and there are the ones which are bright and eventful. Well, the Midnight Rose is something which gives you the power and confidence like no other. It slightly a darkened maroon red lip color, with gorgeous color pay off and simply an epitome of awesomeness. The texture is creamy smooth with a velvet matte finish. It doesn’t budge a bit and stay put literally the whole day. It is a must-have and highly recommend color of 2015!

4. LOREAL LINCOLN ROSE – 925 INR (BUY HERE for 799) (Review and Swatches HERE)

The shade was an instant hit when Aishwarya Rai Bachchan wore it to Cannes. The packaging is gorgeous and so is the shade. It is pink based red which is moderately bright and perfect for both day and night time. The texture is comfortably creamy and settles into a matte finish and wears a long time. It is leaves behind a sweet trail red on the lips after being faded. The color is extremely sweet and feminine and if you are not comfortable with ultra-bright and hot reds, you can go for this.

5. REVLON MATTE REALLY RED – 599 INR

The Matte range of Revlon has some seriously gorgeous reds that have been continuing till today since 1951. The Really Red is a blue based bright tomato red that has the hint of rich and intense color. It is one of the rarest blue-based red that look flattering of warm Indian skin tones and another bridal red. The texture is like a creamy comfortable matte and extremely easy on dry and parched lips. A classy shade of red with a great wear time.

6. LAKME 9 TO 5 MATTE LIP COLOR -RED COAT – 450 INR (BUY HEREfor 365)

This red lipstick from the 9 to 5 range of Lakme is a pretty semi-bright deep blue-based red. It has no shimmers or glitter speckles and tailored for an alluring matte finish. It is, again, a pretty bridal red for matte lovers and looks pretty good on fair to dusky skin tones. However, the darker complexions with warm undertones might not be able to pull it off very well. This is like a classic red lipstick from the 90s and still beautiful.

7. DEBORAH ATOMIC RED MATTE LIPSTICK – #05 – 625 INR

Deborah Milano Rosetto Atomic Red Mat 05 is a deep cherry red that gives a powder matte finish, very close to the Chambor Powder Matte range. The color has a neutral undertone and a gorgeous choice for any occasion. It is very close color to the reputable MAC Ruby Woo (not a dupe!). It doesn’t feel uncomfortable on lips or accentuates to fine lines as well. The color fades off leaving a reddish tint on the lips.

8. COLORBAR VELVET MATTE LIPSTICK, HOT HOT HOT – 325 INR (BUY HERE)

This is best budget friendly red you can have in your life. It is bright and bold true red with no undertones at all. It has a creamy-matte finish and elusive silver packaging. In fact, this is one of the hot selling Reds of the brands and you can also try out the Hearts and Tarts as well. The versatility of the color is that it is tailored for every complexion and very easy to pull off even though it is bright and audacious.

9. CHAMBOR POWDER MATTE LIPSTICK RUBIS ROUGE – 645 INR (BUY HERE)

This is an all-time-favorite red with neutral undertones. In fact, I would go on call it a classic red as this is a sort of color a girl would love to wear endlessly. The texture is a winner with its powder matte finish and a single swipe or two of the color will give some gorgeous pout you have to waiting for. If there’s any no.2 red lipstick in my collection after Ruby Woo, it will be Rubis Rouge.

10. COLORBAR 001 BRICK RED ULTIMATE 8HRS STAY LIPSTICK – 900 INR (BUY HERE)

The color is a vibrant red with slightly blue undertones. However, the color is so stunning that will flatter no matter what skin tone or complexion you have. The magnificent semi-glossy texture with a promising wear time of 8hrs, the color is a stunner in its own way. It is extremely lightweight and doesn’t bleed at all. Hence, you does need a primer or lip liner underneath. It is rich and pigmented and has absolutely nothing to complain about.

Bonus 11: L’Oreal Paris Pure Red Lipstick in Freida’s Pure Rouge – INR 995 (BUY HERE for 746) (Review & Swatches HERE)

Again a beautiful, universally flattering red which will work on majority skin tones. It instantly brightens up your face while Aishwarya’s Pure Brick is more of a warm brick brown, Pure Rouge is the only shade from the entire Pure Reds Range that is a true, deep, pure red!

Editor’s Note: Wow, that was quite a list!! Loving every shade here. I only own Ruby Woo, Pure Rouge and Midnight Rose from the above :/ But absolutely love Ruby Woo and suggest each and everyone to own that shade! Revlon Really Red has been on my wishlist since years, always forget or it’s OOS. Few I would like to add to this list are L’Oreal Paris Infallible Lipsticks in Ravishing Red and Refined Ruby (Not Matte but long staying), Maybelline 14H SuperStay Lipstick in Non Stop Red (INR 575- BUY HERE for 460) and Diana of London 2000 Kisses Lipstick in Red Nature.

Which is your favourite red lipstick? Is it from this list?