August Favorites '13

I can't even begin to understand why this year is on fast-forward. C'mon Universe, whats going on?

I've been LOVING the very natural barely-there make up, so these are my top picks for the month!

MAC Face and Body Foundation in C5

Talked about my love for it here. And I'm not sure what to add to that except you need to try it to believe it. 

Bobbi Brown Corrector in Dark Bisque

This will be my third one. It eliminates dark circles, blends into the skin and stays put even after getting soaked and walking in pouring rain for 15 odd minutes (true story). 

NARS Cordura Duo

Okay, I think I've mentioned this waaaay too many times already, but its just the PERFECT everyday duo. Its just a few shades darker than my skintone, and the darker colour is perfect for a subtle smokey eye and a little crease definition. My love affair with NARS continues...

Rimmel Scandaleyes Shadow Stick in Bulletproof Beige and Bad Girl Bonze

As far as drugstore products go, I really feel Rimmel's been kicking it out of the park. I don't need to introduce you to the chubby stick/crayon universe. But these bad boys from rimmel are affordable and gorgeously pigmented. They make for great bases as well as just an all over lid colour when you're in a hurry. FYI, I got these on ASOS, on sale. I'm going to try to get my hands on their shadow paints next.

MAC Velvet Teddy Lipstick

Like I said.. barely there. Velvet Teddy is a retro matte lipstick, described as a "deep tone beige" its the most perfect nude for darker-warmer complexions. Seen here.

Real Technique Setting Brush

A multi-tasker. It fits perfectly under the eye to set your concealer/corrector. It also works wonderfully if you want to blend out your eyeshadows. 

Real Technique Deluxe Crease Brush

I use this only with my BB Corrector. I can't even... 

It places concealer in all the right places and blends it out so effortlessly. Le sigh.

The Body Shop Peppermint Intensive Foot Rescue

Let me just take a minute here and tell you, this stuff smells amazing. Like spearmint only better. And its just one of those smells that linger. *takes another whiff*

I have very oily skin, with dry extremities. Nose, fingers, toes. This stuff really helps with my dry toes and fingers. Its also really good for elbows and knees.

Only thing you need to be careful of is that its so intense, its greasy. Don't wear ballet flats after putting this on, or walk barefoot, or move in general. (my behind will never be the same after the fall this caused me)

And thats a wrap!

What were your favorites?

Night Out #3

When I go out with my family, I like to keep things simple. However, I do think that going out for dinner is a good place to really bring on the pretty glowey face. I also did something I've never done before. Use Bronzer, Blush and Highlight. 

I'm a bronzer kinda gal, I like my definition and I like my tan. But on occasion, I like the whole rosy cheek thing too. I hardly very use highlighter, its just something I don't think my face needs (being an oilmine and all) but the combination of these three products is clearly a winner. *insert thumbs up*

I started off with the Chanel's Vita Lumier Aqua Foundation all over, followed by my Bobbi Brown Corrector in Dark Bisque under my eyes to eliminate those pesky dark circles. I then contoured my cheeks with my NARS Casino Bronzer, a staple my face welcomes.
For Blush I used NARS Taj Mahal, a gorgeous burnt orange blush with a nice sheen to it. I blended that from the apples of my cheeks into my bronzer. I then used my MAC Lusture Drops in Sun Rush over the top and dabbed it with my finger.
Since the cheeks were so heavy, I decided to go with a light dusting of MAC's Woodwinked on my eyelids and blended it out ever so slightly with MAC's Amber Lights.. sticking to the same golden-orange tones. Winged Liner using Maybelline's Gel eyeliner finished the eyes (I just wasn't feeling the mascara). I filled in the gaps of my brows using Coconut Grove by NARS.
For lips, I went nude with MAC's Velvet Teddy.
I powdered my T-zone with the Bourjois Heathly Balance Powder and done!

Earrings - Aldo
Cuff - Forever New

Do you prefer this narrative over just a list of products?
I hope you enjoyed this post!

NEW IN - August Edition

So in the last month, as you can see, I got some stuff.
My bestfriend/sister/soulmate got me some NARS stuff I've been wanting from Singapore. :)
Also, while my father was in Europe this month, I asked him to pick up a few things for my mom and I. So this is my loot!

Clinique Chubby Stick Shadow Tint for Eyes in Fuller Fudge
Le Blush Creme De Chanel in (62) Presage
Inglot Matte Eyeshadow in 357
NARS Casino Bronzer (repurchase)
NARS Cordura Eyeshadow Duo

This is a collective of the month, I've been using the NARS and Inglot products for well over 2 weeks now. The blush and shadow tint I got today, which FINALLY allowed me to do this post.
(I maaaay be a tiny bit sneaky and get the Estee Lauder Stay on Shadow Paint in Chained too, pretty soon, as my dad was supposed to get it for me, but it was out of stock everywhere. Hopefully I find it here!)

What did you get this month?

The Evening Portion - Feelin' Blue

This week, I decided to go with something a bit more bold. I'm a neutral girl though and through, but it doesn't hurt to switch it up just a little bit. 

Products Used.

Urban Decay Primer Potion

MAC Fluideline in Siahi

Inglot 428 Pearl Eyeshadow

Inglot 441 Pearl Eyeshadow

Inglot 413 Pearl Eyeshadow

MAC Woodwinked Eyeshaodw

Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner

Rimmel Scandaleyes Show Off Mascara

I'm particularly happy with the outcome of this. So out of my comfort zone, but still a bit unique. 

What are your thoughts?

A choice of Hues - Red

On this wonderful Saturday morning, I thought I would share with you my favorite red products.

NARS Exhibit A Blush
Described as a "matte red blush", all you need is one verrry light touch of the product in the pan, and both your cheeks are done. It might look intimidating in the pan, but it blends like a dream, imparting the most natural "flush". It reads more as an oragey-red in photographs but let me assure you, this is RED.

Colourbar Nail Lacquer in 83, All Fired Up 2
I've tried OPI, Essie and even China Glaze, but somehow I still favor colourbar over them. Its lasts the longest of all the nail paints I've tried (4 days without chipping, record). Its matte (as in no shimmer), giving it an unfair advantage in my books (quelle surprise) and goes on opaque in one quote. If you love red, consider buying this. Even if you don't, consider it nevertheless.

MAC Ruby Woo Lipstick
Ruby Woo is a retro matte "blue-red" lipstick from MAC (Do you see a trend here?). I think this really favors all skintones, on me, I prefer this over Russian Red. When it comes to lipstick, I'm a nude/natural or red lips kinda girl. I don't believe in middle ground. Seen here.

I think I have another red lipstick, but two red lip products seemed redundant.
Whats your favorite red product?

Lets Talk - Bases

When I sometimes hear my friends talk about foundations, I'm puzzled. From "It clogs pores and makes you breakout" to "why would you want a layer of goo on your face", I'm pretty sure I've heard it all. I understand the idea of foundation can be a bit daunting, especially when you see it caked on the face, making the person almost seem like they're sporting a mask. But with a little research and some consideration, I believe any complexion, skintype and foundationphobe can find the right foundation.
These are some of my favourites and errors. (From right - left)

MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC43.5
My first ever foundation. First bought it when I was 19 when I was MUCH more tanned than I am now. Its supposed to suit oily skin, and has medium - full coverage in my opinion. When I first put this on, I thought.. "WOW", keep in mind this was before I really got into make up, blogs, youtube etc. It evened out my face beautifully and almost did look flawless. However, it doesn't wear very well, slips and slides on me and has horrible flashback (thank you SPF). It also somehow felt heavy on my skin. Something I hadn't really realized till I got myself my next foundation.
(I JUST finished my second bottle of it, and I will not be repurchasing this)

Chanel Vita Lumier Aqua in B60
This was a purchase made mostly because of the many rave reviews it got on youtube. It was also the first of many such purchases (whoops). As the name suggests this is a water-based foundation, so give it a good old shake and it goes on like a dream. It honestly feels like I'm washing my face. It is fragranced, but it has the most addictive smell - so good. It's light with light - medium coverage, more medium than light and imparts this most subtle yet natural looking glow. Oh boy. Is this a beauty or what. The colour watch is perfect, not to yellow (which I feel is the case with MAC foundations), and works perfectly with my non-tanned skin. Will I be repurchasing this? Hell yeah!

MAC Face and Body in C5
It is the best foundation I have tried till date. Its everything that the Chanel foundation is, only lighter. Its also the most beautifully buildable foundation I have ever used. The colourmatch again, is perfect. It leaves my skin feeling refreshed and light and lovely. Oh boy. I have a major crush on this foundation. Will I be repurchasing this? YES. In the larger size.

Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation in Toast
I bought this on ebay, after using the websites shade matching thingamajig. It's a bit too yellow for me, its also WAAAY to dark now. It was fine when I was a bit more tanned, but now it just looks so wrong. Its also very light coverage, so sheering it out is not an option really.
I have major problems with this one. Colour, Consistency, Coverage. All three just don't seem to work. I really liked it at first. I even sort of raved about it in a post, but after using it now for 6 months, and once both the Vitalumier Aqua and the Face and Body came into my life, using this became unbearable.
Will I be repurchasing this? Nope. I'm not sure what to do with what I have even.

So there you go, my two scents. Next on my wishlist? Nars Sheer Mat, Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk/Maestro and Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundations.

The Evening Portion - Expensive Pink

Among the my many many eyeshadows I own (Its an addiction people) one that often gets neglected is MAC's Expensive Pink. Everytime I wear it, I fall in love with it but then I forget about it. Something needs to be done about my memory..

Products Used

Urban Decay Primer Potion

MAC Expensive Pink Eyeshadow

Inglot 450 Pearl Eyeshadow

Urban Decay Hustle Eyeshadow

Maybelline Gel Liner in Black

Rimmel Scandaleyes Show Off Mascara

Dreamy Prawns a.k.a Mallu Prawns

If you're a seafood lover, living in Chennai, and haven't been to The Marina, I'd say you're living under a rock. I would also urge you to go there, now.

Before you do though, I'm talking about the Restaurant and not the beach. Just to be clear.

Starting from the Calamari to the Fish Lasooni, the Fish satay, even the biriyani, you would be doing yourself, your taste buds and the rest of your life a favour by going there.

What really took my fancy though was their Jumbo prawns/medium prawns tawa fry - mallu style. 

If you like coconut (really, who doesn't? If you don't, you're lying to yourself) and curry leaves, and prawns, THIS IS FOR YOU. 

I loved these prawns so much I had dreams about them. No, I kid you not. So one fine Sunday afternoon, when the sun was shining (smouldering) and the prawns were fresh, a jobless 21 year old decided to try and recreate this marvellous dish. 

As it turned out, its really easy.

The Players. 

1 onion and 2 tomatoes, cut, sauteed and ground to a paste.

Paste of half a coconut

Cut slivers of coconut.

About one table spoon of fresh garlic and ginger paste

Curry Leaves. The more, the merrier. 

Fresh Coconut Oil

Salt, chilli powder and turmeric (all to taste)

1/2 kg Prawns (Medium) Shell free and deveined. 

If you're a herbivore - replace prawns with raw bananas, and contemplate eating prawns while you're at it.

Add about 2 tablespoons of oil and one table spoon of ghee, add the ginger, garlic and a handful of curry leaves (you can be as generous as your palette allows you to be) and saute them until goldenish, add half the quantity of coconut paste and half the onion tomato paste. 

Mix, crank up the heat and wait till it turns an orange-red colour - think Merida from Brave. No? Not there yet? Add salt, turmeric and chilli powder as per your preference. Now, we're talking.

Now add the rest of the coconut paste and tomato paste, and let it cook.. all over again. At this point you could add more seasoning, if need be. Throw in the prawns, you could gently place them too, I just prefer throwing things, makes me feel in control. 

While the prawns are simmering - if they aren't, add some water and let them simmer - toast more curry leaves and the coconut slivers in fresh coconut oil. The smell that fills your house despite the many exhaust fans will be to die for. The minute they've toasted, add them to your (hopefully) cooked prawns (the gravy should have reached Adison from Grey's Anatomy's red, y'know? Don't lie, ofcourse you do). Let it simmer for a last minute or two, and you're done. Congratulate self and dig in! 

So, will you be trying it? You should. 

A choice of Hues - Blue

Though its widely known that the colour green compliments brown/dark brown eyes, I personally prefer Blue. I do love green, but somehow I feel blue brings out the tan in my skin.

MAC Cromographic Pencil in Hi-Def Cyan
This is a BRIGHT blue, and not the most subtle of blue options available out there. I like to use it on my water line paired with a neutral eye and lips.

Chambor Dazzle Eye Pencil in 104 Teal Dazzle
This is incredibly long wearing, even on my oily eyelids. Its a rich blue colour, and completely opaque. It makes for a great eyeshadow base aswell!

Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Tenacious Teal
I think the colour tattoos have been talked about to death. But here are my two cents - I own four of them, and the crease on me, which really really sucks! But the variety of colour is amazing, especially for the price. This makes the most beautiful base for a smokey eye.

MAC Fluideline in Siahi
This was Limited Edition with the Mickey Contracter Collection. But  it has got to be the MOST beautiful blue out there. Its not quite opaque, and can be easily blended. If it ever comes back in another collection, buy it, you're life is incomplete without it. Kapish?

Inglot 413 Pearl Eyeshadow
Its a light blue with an almost silver-green sheen to it. It shows up on my skin beautifully, and really compliments it.

Inglot 428 Pearl Eyeshadow
You miiight notice a pattern in my choice of blue? Teals and dark blues? This fits perfectly into both categories. Try it, you'll love it.

And thats all folks!
I shall be back soonly with another one of these colour coded posts. Until then!

The Evening Portion - Colourin'

I think the evening portion is going to become a regular feature on this blog, and I'm really excited about the posts I have lined up for this. Just FYI, I post every Tuesday. :)

As much as I love my neutrals, I really do love some colour as well. This one is easy enough, you don't have to go the whole hog with full on coloured eyeshadow, this is a subtle way. 

Products Used. 

MAC Groundwork Paintpot

NARS Coconut Grove Eyeshadow

Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Painted Purple. 

Inglot 438 Pearl Eyeshadow

Inglot 372 Matte Eyeshadow

Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner

Rimmel Scandaleyes Show Off Mascara 

FOTD #4 - The Coral Lip.

Nude lips - natural lips, thats what I go for. But a girl can switch things up once in a while right? When I do, its either a peach-coral lip, or a red.
This post features a few newer products I acquired recently, I will elaborate another time.

Products used
MAC Face and Body Foundation in C5
Bobbi Brown Corrector in Dark Bisque
Nars Casino Bronzer (YES ITS BACK!)
Urban Decay Primer Potion
Nars Cordura Eyeshadow Duo
Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Liner in Black
OCC Lip Tar (Not sure of the colour)

Have you tried any of these products?

Bag Love.

Meet my everyday bag. She's pretty badass. A combination of faux suede and leather, she goes with everthing and adds a little somethin' somethin' to anything.

I got her on ebay, from here.
If she looks familiar, this is very similar to Alexander Wang's Kristen Tote. For a fraction of the price.
Buy her, she will make your life complete. I promise.

Happy Saturday!

The Evening Portion - Neutral fun.

The Evening Portion is going to be a series of eye make up looks that you could wear as the name suggests on an evening out. Now, I would wear a lot of them even during the day, but thats a personal choice.

I hope you enjoy! 

Products Used

• Urban Decay Primer Potion
• MAC Groundwork Paintpot
• Urban Decay Buck Eyeshadow
• MAC Club Eyeshadow
• Nars Coconut Grove
• Inglot S06 Eyeshadow (I think)
• Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner
• Rimmel ScandalEyes Show Off Mascara

Bits and Bobs.

I've had a slightly unhealthy obsession with skulls for as long as I've known.
And with skulls, spikes. I guess its just always drawn me in. Skulls. Spikes. Studs.
They add that little twist to an otherwise normal outfit, and in my case giving it a much needed funk and edge. You see, I hate ordinary. I don't like usual. So I try my best to stay far far away from both these things.
And every little detail matters, every little detail either adds.

Just my two scents for the day.

I've been meaning to put up styling/outfit posts, however, I'm still very unsure.
What do you think?