L'oreal Infallible Pro Matte Foundation - A Review!

When I first saw the world raving about the L'oreal Infallible Pro Matte Foundation, I didn't want to touch it with a bargepole. With my skin being mostly dry, anything matte can be entirely unforgiving and cling to texture ad dry patches. But with every new review, my curiosity level was out of hand. Finally, i just gave in and bought ordered it on Amazon. I've been using it on and off for a good 2 months now and I really think I can talk about it in depth.
I have the shade 108 Caramel Beige and I have to say it's a spot on colour match. And what's better is it's a wonderful yellow based foundation. I always have a problem with foundations when they aren't too yellow, but this one is just perfect! In terms of texture, it's similar to a thick cream and is very pigmented. A little goes a long way with this one.
I like applying it either with my fingers as a light layer to even out my skintone on low maintenance makeup days or with a beauty blender on days when I want more coverage.
While yes, it does have a tendency to cling to dry patches on my skin - I always make sure to double moisturise these days. So it doesn't sit as heavy as it would if I didn't double moisturise.
In terms of longetivity, it's pretty good. I find that it fades pretty fast around my T-Zone which is the oiliest part of my face (Something I find a bit strange for a matte foundation). Around 5-6 hours and it fades considerably - but this depends on the primer underneath it.

As a whole, I would say this is a good solid foundation, in terms of it's coverage, colour match and staying power. While it didn't knock my socks off or even come close to my now favourite NARS Sheer Glow, it's a very good daytime alternative.

Have you tried this foundation? What do you think?

P.S. I know I've been irregular when it comes to blogging, but part of my 2016 resolution is to be more regular and blog more often. Also, incase you guys didn't know, I got engaged to my boyfriend on the 22nd of December, 2015. We're going to be getting married this year, so a little side project is going to be makeup for my wedding, what to use etc. Would you be interested in that journey with me? 

The Palette That Beats Them All!

Freshly Toasted in the crease, Bitter Start to highlight the brow bone, Delicate Acidity and Warm Tones layered on the eyelid. Beans are white on the lashline

A hefty claim right? But this is coming from a girl who hates most premade palettes. I hate when I don't use something, which is why I just stay away from palettes in general. Quads, I can handle. And all the palettes that are hyped I see myself using 5-6 of the pans at the most, and I simple can't justify buying it... until I saw this. I saw it mentioned by a couple of people on YouTube... a quick check of Temptalia's review and I was sold. This is also rather special to me because the boy bought it for me *grins*, but I digress.
The Zoeva Cocoa Blend Palette is most certainly me in a palette. It's incredibly warm toned, with a good range of both matte and shimmers. There is not a single eyeshadow I haven't used and loved. ]
A little technical information for you - each pan is the same size as a standard MAC pan and contains 1.5 grams of product (same as a MAC pan) so you're getting 15 grams of product. For 17.50 Euros (INR 1300 + shipping) you get 10 eyeshadows. When I bought it, inclusive of Shipping it cost me INR 2000, so each eyeshadow cost me INR 200. In my opinion, STEAL.
For one the packaging is ultra cute - not too OTT and totally functional. I love how slim it is... and the cardboard makes it perfect for travelling. Definitely a win for me.
In terms of pigmentation and colour pay off, it is insane. Every colour is buttery and pigmented and makes me want to own more of their eyeshadow formulation.
Bitterstart is a matte warm cream shade.
Sweeter End is a shimmery pale pinky gold - very similar to MAC's All That Glitter eyeshadow.
Warm Tones is a cranberry pinky red colour.
Subtle Blend is a warm bronze. It's similar to MAC's Bronze, but not as red.
Beans are White is a cool toned matte brown shade. NARS Coconut Grove is very similar. This one was a bit dry, but makes for an excellent brow or liner shadow.
Pure Ganache is a gorgeous slightly orange toned gold. It's warmer than MAC Woodwinked, but not as orange as MAC Amber Lights. It's actually a prefect mixture of the two.
Substitute for Love is a warm orangey brown with a hint of shimmer running through it, but it doesn't translate on the eyelid. It is almost an exact dupe of MAC Texture.
Freshly Toasted is a matte red brown. Similar to Makeup Geek's Cocoa Bear, but richer.
Infusion is deep brown-black with golden shimmer running through it. NARS Cordura is very similar, but is cooler.
Delicate Acidity is a cool toned taupey purple brown. I don't own anything like this and cannot stop using it.

As you can see, if you like warm shadows you need it. I haven't stopped using it since I got it, and I doubt I will. Without a doubt, favorite palette, ever!

What do you think?

Brightening with bareMinerals

Primers. I've never really believed in them, simple reason being I don't believe in them prolonging the wear time of your makeup. Yes, I believe the oil control ones prevent the skin from eating the makeup up, by creating a barrier. But I see that happening only in that particular case.
What I do think primers do very well is correct/brighten or create a smooth base for your products. I had previously used the MUFE Primer, which I didn't love, but used up anyway because it did brighten my face and lessen the angry purple of my acne scars.
This time, I saw the bareMinerals Prime Time Brightening Foundation Primer on strawberrynet for INR 1290 and thought for the price I really needed to give it a go!
It's a peachish liquid that has a siliconey smooth texture to it. It also has a golden sheen does wonders in brightening my face. The texture also helps in filling in the texture left on my skin due to breakouts and blemishes... it smoothes over my face very easily - one pump being more than enough and doesn't form little balls if I try and work it into my skin (always a plus).
It doesn't prolong the wear of my foundation in anyway, and I'm not particularly oily to talk about oil control, but it keeps my base looking fresh for however long I choose to wear it - preventing fading.
It also does add a little brightness to my face - and glow, which my dry skin could really do with.
I'm going to continue using it to see how much of a difference it really makes and I shall report back... for now, I like it. I can see the difference in my foundation on days I use it as opposed to the days I won't.

And for the price, I would surely make sure I have it at all times.

Have you tried this? What do you think?

A Colourpop Gush

After all the gush and hype surrounding Colourpop Cosmetics, I've been dying to get my hands on some of the products - so much so, I had dreams about it.... creepy, I know.

So with my recent Sephora purchases, I also snuck in a cheeky little Colourpop haul, consisting of a few things for mum and ofcourse, me.

Without looking up swatches or reviews, I just decided to get 2 of the lippie stix and eyeshadows that appealed to me just by description.

What really caught my eye about the brand was the eyeshadows that looked ridiculously pigmented and a lot of people claimed they lasted forever even on non primed lids, which made me even more curious.

Colourpop Super Shock Shadow in Game Face is a very 'me' colour - a coppery orangey Metallic bronze colour which you know I'll wear a ton. (Centre of the eyelid in the picture)

Colourpop Super Shock Shadow in On the Rocks which looked like a good standard bronze - but holy hell this one made my jaw drop. What I thought was just a simple bronze I would wear everyday turned out to be a complex and shimmery - almost glittery eyeshadow that looks mighty interesting on the lids but not OTT, y'know? It has purple and gold sparke in it that just makes it shine so different in different light - It's a one stop lid colour that makes it look like I've made a lot more effort than I have - and I love those colours!

As for formula - I feel like they're inbetween a cream and powder - almost mousse like. You have to use your fingers with these, which I don't really have a problem with, but it makes me wonder how I'd use their matte shadows in the crease. But since I don't have any of their mattes, I won't worry about it too much. 

As for the longetivity... wait for it... it lasted a good 5 hours on my oily eyelids without a primer... and almost 12 with a primer - the longest any eyeshadow has lasted on me. Further more, it just doesn't fade! It's still just as vibrant as it was when I applied it... MIND BLOWN. 

As you can tell, I love these... and I've already got my next set in my basket to be bought. Heh.

A part of my wishes I could depot these though, because if I could.. my kit will have NOTHING but Colourpopr Eyeshadows.

The Colourpop Lippie Stix in Brinx (a 90's brown with a peachyundertone on me) and Lumiere (A plumish natural lip colour) are slowly becoming my go - to lip colours. Though they are matte, I find them creamy and moisturising and just like the lipstick hella' long lasting.

You guys know how iffy I usually am with lip products, but these make me want to put on lipstick everyday... especially Brinx, since it has this ability to brighten my face, and make me look so put together and grown up - it's my "I'm a Makeup Artist who knows her shit" lippie.

(Next on my wishlist is Tootsie - a grey-beige that seems to be all the rage - hey! That rhymed.)

At $5 for a product, this brand is very quickly becoming a favorite of mine... I have this strange feeling I'm going to be placing another massive order soon! Ahh Colourpop, if you ever read this, I love your products, I love how affordable they are - and the quality is just beyond fantastic. I cannot wait to own more stuff! 

What are your thoughts on colourpop?

That Perfecting Powder feat. Hourglass

It's about time right? I've been lusting after these for close to two years now...
The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders have been ever so hyped. Light semi-sheen inducing powders that mattify and set liquid product but still give you a lit from within glow that doesn't look fake or cakey is a bit of a large claim isn't it? Hence my curiosity. Whilst I had the opportunity to try these when I was in the UK, at that pricetag, I had to choose between the Hourglass Powder and food... ofcourse the latter won.
Recently, I placed a little Sephora order when my best friend was coming back from the states, most of it for my kit, but I got this and one other thing for myself.
After uhmming and aarrhing, I chose the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light as it was supposed to blur imperfections and give your skin a slight glow... and boy does it deliver!
I use it to set the concealwe under my eyes, centre of my forehead, all over my nose and my chin... and you can see the difference it makes before and after in the pictures.

It lasts all day long and genuinely makes me feel so much more confident in my own skin. I have to say I LOVE this.
Also, let us take a minute to appreciate that sexy packaging, because it ticks every single box for me.
So much so that it's very quickly moving into 'holy grail' product territory.
Even though I'm not much of a blush girl... I have my eye on Mood Exposure... maybe even the bronzers... I need help.

What are your thoughts?

theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer - #highlightonfleek

Let us take a moment here and just look at that beautiful highlight... yes?
I know I'm late jumping on the bandwagon, but ohmigodgivememorehighlighters! I've always been one for cream highlights because they look more natural, but ever since strobing has become more popular, I can't help but want to layer them.. enter theBalm's Mary Lou-Manizer. First of all - the name? THE NAME. I love it. Quirky is something I can identify with - and this just makes me happy.
Secondly, the packaging - I'm more of a black and metallic girl when it comes to Makeup packaging, but this is so classy and funky that I can't help but lurrrvve it.
Thirdly, Strawberrynet.com was on a huge sale and I snagged this lovely gem for a steal of INR 1400. Seriously.
Now, the actual product. It's a light golden finely milled powder with shimmer. It doesn't have any chunky glitter in it, but I still think it could have been smaller shimmer, y'know? But it doesn't bother me all that much.
Now this thing is pigmented as hell. You can really get a stripe of highlight on your cheeks if you aren't careful, so I apple this with my fingers an work it into my skin, giving me a subtle sheen. It wears roughly 5-6 hours on me before fading, which isn't bad at all.
It doesn't emphasise my textures skin, instead it gives me a bit of a soft focus glow... which I absolutely adore.
On days I'm feeling particularly dull, I dab this over my MAC Lustre Drops and it creates such a gorgeous glow... I can't get enough.
I may be needing a few more highlighters soon...

Have you tried this? What are your thoughts?

P.S. Incase you guys didn't know, I write a bimonthly column for The Hindu Metro Plus - all about makeup, you can find the articles here (Iupdate as they come out). Take a read and let me know!

My Lips in a Tube - MAC Twig!

You probably know the drill by now, I don't post often enough, i apologize and promise to be more regular - when I do post, I get all sad because there aren't any comments and sigh like a loser. But I'll stop. Because really, I write this blog for me and to share my love of makeup with other people.

Today's post isn't all that new or original, but it's a new find I'm in love with. I've been into the whole nude lip trend offlate - I'm all about 'em sultry bronzey eyes and nude lips (pretty much my staple makeup).. so imagine my surprise when I realized I only had one nudeish colour. Off to MAC I went, hoping to pick up Mehr, which seemed like the kind of pinkey nude I would like... but along the way, I met MAC's Twig... and it was love at first swatch.
MAC describes it as a "soft muted brownish-pink" which is pretty spot on in my opinion. It is literally the colour of my lips. So when I wear this, they look all even and pretty. Being a Satin Finish, it's comfortable to wear, but I like to put on my lipstick, blot it, put it on again, blot it and repeat a few times to it really settles and forms a nice little stain. It lasts about 3 hours on me and an extra 3 as a stain.

FYI, It costs INR 1495 (Yes, my wallet cries)

What do you think?

Embracing the Cool Tones

Honestly, I'm not a cool toned girl. Don't get me wrong, I think so many warm toned women can pull off the cool tones effortlessly. The cool taupes, silvers, greys and blues... I never really thought I could until I found this little gem while looking for something other than what is now my signature bronzey eye.
This little Wet n' Wild Trio in Silent Treatment that Aditi sent me during our exchange was rediscovered over the last month, and I've got to say, I LOVE IT.
I know people always go on and on about the quality of these shadows for the price... and I'm rather late on the bandwagon, but holy smokes!
Buttery, silky and easy to blend, why don't I own more?

In terms of colours, I really think the 'Browbone' colour reminds me a lot of MAC's All that Glitters, while the 'Eyelid' colour so is similar to MAC's Satin Taupe. If those two have been on your wishlist and you have access to this brand, getittttt!
Rest of the face consists of MAC Prolongwear Concealer in NC 42 to hide the scars and the dark circles, Chanel Loose Powder to Set it in place, Bobbi Brown Bronzer in Dark on the cheeks and MAC's Rebel blotted out on the lips. 

I'm SO in love with this little trio that I am not totally okay with embracing the cool tones on my own face! Bring on the silvers.. heh.

What are your thoughts?

P.S. Does anyone know where I can get some Colourpop Cosmetics? Etsy Seller? Amazon/ebay seller who doesn't charge a boatload in shipping? Hook me up, people!

The Foundation that isn't.

This is probably the base product I forget about most easily. For some reason, MAC Face and Body never really is my first choice on myself because it requires me to conceal a lot more than a fuller coverage foundation, but if you want your foundation to look more skin like, and you don't have too much to conceal, this is the answer to your prayers.

Firstly, it is more on the dewy side - so those of you looking for a matte foundation may want to skip this one (unless you powder the crap out of it). It gives you a very light coverage that is build able, and tends to stay put. A little note - it also happens to be water proof.
However, the application with this foundation is what can make or break it.
If you buff it on with a brush, chances are it won't really do much to your skin, probably won't stay put either.
If you use a sponge, since it is water based - the sponge will soak up most of the product.
I would suggest using your fingers in circular motions, once it becomes slightly paste like, give it a moment and let it set. Once it does that, it will not budge.
I've used this on the face and the body and it gives the most luminescent complexion, giving the skin the illusion of being healthy and plump.

I would say it is better for dry skins because of how water based it is, but you never know, it could work on some oily skins as well. Makeup totally depends on the person, not the product.

FYI, I use a C3 around the centre of my face and a C5 around the perimeters to give myself a very highlighted base... followed by a shit ton of concealer.

All in all, I would say if you're a makeup lover, Face and Body should definitely be a part of your collection.

Do you own this? What are your thoughts?

The Base Everyone Talks About

The Makeup Forever HD Foundation has got non stop rave reviews in the beauty community. It has also been featured on most 'Holy Grail' product lists that I've seen. Naturally, I've been curious.
While I was here, since it was only available in Mumbai and Delhi and it costs INR 3600, I kept my distance. But then, I decided to add it to my kit.
I have it in three shades, and 153 is the perfect match for me - its so wonderfully yellow (dare I say, almost as perfect as my Armani LSF) and I have used it on every kind of skin you can think of. I've found it sits best on oily/combination skin, but on my mildly dehydrated and acne prone skin, it sinks in and gives me a very natural looking finish.
The coverage of this thing is phenomenal. The picture above is me wearing only the foundation wearing no concealer whatsoever. So you can see how well it covers all my scarring.
In terms of longevity, it wears so well, I find that it looks even better after a few hours - which I didn't think was possible.


Overall, I love it. I love it so so so much that I didn't think it was possible. Infact, this may be rivaling my favorite Armani LSF.

Have you tried this? What are your thoughts?

P.S. This will be a part of a series I've been creating on my blog called 'The Foundation Files'. Anything base related will be found here = )

Charlotte Tilbury - The Dolce Vita Palette

One of the only things I knew before I even went to the UK was that I was going to come back owning this particular palette by Charlotte Tilbury. If you happen to be living under a rock for the last few years, Charlotte Tilbury is very talented and very well known makeup artist, who recently came out with her own brand of makeup. Luxurious packaging, incredibly creative concepts and flawless products were a given with her vast expertise in the industry... and every single review has been positive. So obviously, I needed to own something from her range. I visted her counter about a dozen times, I kid you not. And very single time, I swatched this palette. Eventually, I just gave in and bought myself this palette for my birthday. After using it a fair bit (read: it has not left my lids) I thought I'd post about it.

For starters, it looks beautiful, doesn't it? The Dolce Vita as a look is inspired by likes of Sophia Loren, Penelope Cruz and Monika Bellucci, emphasizing the on copper smokey eyes and a nudeish pink lip.
And this palette most certainly gives you the vibe.
The four colours (on me - a pearly white, a copper red, a medium-dark brown with golden shimmer and a bronze glitter) compliment eachother perfectly. They blend together seamlessly, so much so that I barely used my blending brush - a first, I must admit!
I really put this palette to the test by wearing it on a night out. Put it on at 6:30, and at 4:30 am it will still intact. Pretty impressive, non?

If I could change one thing about it, it would be the light highlight shade which I think is a bit too cool on me, but considering this is supposed to flatter a variety of skintones, its more a personal thing than something wrong with the palette.

The verdict? I could not be happier with the palette I picked (The Golden Goddess was the other option) and in the future, when I make decent money (lots of money) i would like to include a bunch of her products in my kit, because they really are a pleasure to work with.

FYI, this palette costs GBP 38.

Have you tried this? What are your thoughts?

I'm BACK! + theBalm Tinted Moistureiser Review!

Guess who? Yep! After almost 2 months, I'm back!

Quick little story for ya - I moved to London, which most of you know, to start studying makeup for film, television, fashion and theatre. So far there has been a lot of hair, which I love, surprisingly, but also tons and tons of makeup, which I will post about soon. But somehow along the way, I lost interest in the makeup/blogging world. You see, when you're dealing with actual makeup for Television and Film and even everyday life on a day to day basis, it really makes you rethink this whole beauty blogging world. Because a lot of the people seem to be here for to make money and push products for the sake of it, and to me, that took the fun out of blogging... because, there really is no miracle foundation that will fix every problem you have or that one primer that will fill out your pores, its a combination of things, its always going to be, and there is no wonder product no matter how good the very edited campaign pictures may look or the blogger/ article may claim... but now that I've had some time to think about it, I still want the world to know my take on the product, so I'm back.. with a cheeky little review. I know, Shock horror! I maybe a bit slow getting back into things, but if you're still reading after this break, thank you, and stay tuned!

So, imagine my surprise when my flatmate walks into my room one day and thrusts a box at me and says "its too light for me, you try it". Ofcourse I had no idea what she was talking about. theBalm is not a company I'm very familiar with.. I know of their highlighters and eyeshadow palettes, but bases? I never even thought to try them. But here I was, holding a shiney new tube of theBalm Shelter tinted moisturizer SPF 18 in Medium/Dark which I naturally slapped on almost instantly. Fair warning, for everyone who is yellow undertoned, this looks scarily pink when you first apply it onto your face. Heck, it made me look very grey - which considering is the general colour of winter, not a good look, BUT after a few minutes, it sunk in and started looking pretty good, even if I say so myself. In terms of coverage it a light to medium, good enough to cover my hyper pigmentation, but not great with my acne scarring, so naturally, if you have spots and scars like me you'll need concealer over it. But I just add a bit of my MAC Studio Fix Powder over it to cover those nasty scars, and I, pretty much good to go.
Its glowey, so if you're looking for something matte - stay far far away, but it lasts pretty much all day long and makes me feel like I have nothing on (go figure - tinted moisturizer). So I would say, though I didn't pay for it initially, I would definitely be repurchasing this.

FYI, it costs GBP 17.50 and can be found at feel unique that ships internationally!

Have you heard of/tried this? What are your thoughts? 

A Foundation Conundrum

The Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation is supposed to be a gel based foundation with a light-medium coverage that goes over areas of texture and colour and glide over it, while providing radiance and hydrating your skin. Atleast it claims to do all of that.
After using this for close to a month, I've been debating on writing a post about it, because honestly, I don't know what I feel about it. Hence, the conundrum.
For starters, I find it doesn't really glide over my skin the way I presumed something that claimed it was 'gel based' would. It was streaky and patchy, and I really needed to buff it in to stop that from happening.
Secondly, since I needed to buff it into areas where I had texture and pigmentation, I couldn't really build it up to anything more than a light layer - which is great if you have perfect skin, with my skin however, NOPE. Just doesn't work. So it was a bit of a fail on the coverage front.
Third, I found that it just sat on my skin, without sinking in, adding to my need to buff it or use a sponge - which honestly speaking is a huge bother in the morning when I'd rather just sleep that extra ten minutes I take to get this to sink into my skin. Ugh.

But, all is not lost. I really do like how radiant my skin looks when I wear it. And it stays put all day long without much fading. Also, colour match (I have 55) is pretty decent as far as budget foundations are concerned.

So... have you had this problem? Not sure if you like or dislike a product? Well, join the club, and help me make a decision! 

The Tool You Don't Need, But Need.

Yep, I had to talk about the Real Techniques Miracle Sponge that I got a few weeks ago (my first day here!)
Lets start with all the hype that surrounds these sponges... the original Beauty Blender made a wave in the Makeup world and is still a favorite among Youtubers all over the world. Though I was tempted, the cost made sure I would never give into said temptation. However, with Real Techniques came out with their own brushes, at a remarkable decent price, my curiosity soared again.. but I didn't have access to it... until recently.
I have to admit its a strange little tool which practically becomes twice its original size when its run under water... but I think I like it.
Now, nothing will beat my Buffing Brushes (Real Techniques, and more recently Zoeva) but this little orange blob does have its uses.
You see, once you've buffed that foundation into your face, followed by concealer and whatever else you'd like to add .. and things are starting to look a bit heavy, the same orange blob can save you from becoming cake face.
I use it just after foundation to smooth things over with the flat side and pat in twice the amount of concealer (I have very dark circles)  with the pointed edge. It manages to keep my skin more hydrated (possibly the water) while keeping it look so natural and skinlike (see picture above as reference).

So, this is my verdict.. I love it.. for days I have time for this extra step, otherwise, I can manage without it - but I would prefer to have it.

What about you? And what are your plans for the weekend?

A Brow Game Changer

If you're a regular around this part of the web, you know how much I talk about this product, so much so that I don't ever wear a full face of makeup without using this. Infact ever since I've found it I haven't had the itch to try anything else that does something similar/same thing.
The Anastasia Beverly Hills DipBrow Pomade in Black Brown is so right for the eyebrows, its almost scary. Its a gel - moussey texture that is so insanely pigmented that I would advice you to proceed with caution.
Its a long wearing water proof product that can guarantee perfect everybrows all day long. It keeps the hair in place, its a cool toned dark brown which is a great match for my natural hair colour and it has yet to fail me. It truly is one of my favorite products that I feel doesn't get much of chance to shine. Hence this post.

For the record, I got mine from Cult Beauty where they give you free international shipping with your first order... just sayin'.

Have you tried this? What are your thoughts?  

A New Base Love

You know how I've always wanted to try the NARS Sheer Glow Foundation? Well, I never did because I could never figure out what I shade I would be or how to get it shipped to me because of how expensive it was! Well, imagine my utter surprise and glee to see that our Makeup Kit for school included 4 shades of this foundation. I was even more surprised to see that both Barcelona and Syracuse (the two shades of foundation I was confused between) were a part of the 4 we were given.
I'm currently inbetween the two, but if I were to buy myself one of them, right now, I'd lean towards Syracuse, but come winter I'll be using Barcelona.

The foundation has a medium coverage with a satin finish. It isn't dewy, it isn't shiney, its just.. as the name suggest a glow.
I've been using it everyday for 2 weeks now. On various skintones and types and I thought I would give you a round up of this little wonder.
It costs GBP 31 (Around INR 3000). The range of colours is ridiculously large and has both warm and cool undertones.
The coverage is medium, but buildable to full, which I have done, and it never goes cakey or thick looking. It really sinks well into the skin without emphasizing texture of settling into lines.
No matter what your skin type is, it seems to last fairly long and doesn't fade till the 8 hour mark, which is great in a foundation.
It doesn't have SPF to it photographs like a dream, which is always a good thing!

I have to say, I am very impressed by this, and by the looks of it, it may become a kit staple for me.
Have you tried this? What do you think?

P.S Keep your eyes peeled for a quick 'what I've learnt so far' post!

The 'Holy Grail' Base Product

I'm not entire sure how many times I've mentioned this foundation while running this blog, but I'm guessing atleast once a week? Its probably my most mentioned product in my time writing this blog... yes, you guessed right - the Chanel Vita Lumier Aqua is what I could consider my 'holy grail' foundation. Bear in mind, there is no other product I consider holy grail uptil now, its a big deal people.
To put it simply, it is very easily the base I realize I cannot live without. Now that I'm onto my second bottle of this stuff, let me give you a full indepth review of this wondrous product.
For starters, Its Chanel, which by default makes it a luxury item that may make you tear upon hearing the price (INR 3000 *sob*). But its everything you'd want from a foundation that you shell out a boat load of money for.
The smell? Like Roses, classic Chanel.
The packaging? Travel friendly, light and simple.
The coverage? Light-medium to medium full if you want to build it up, never cakey or heavy looking, sinks in like a dream and looks gorgeous. FYI, its water based so you have to give it a good ol' shake before using it.
The colour match? I'm B50 which matches me as well as one foundation can, but the shade range is a little bit more on the smaller side.
The finish? Like skin, but healthy and glowy and beautiful!
How long does it last? Well, despite using it about 3 times a week on average, I've used the same bottle for over a year, so if you really think about it, its really worth the money you pay. Also, the pigment is so great that a little really does go a long way.
On the skin, it lasts all day on me, no problem at all.

Its lightweight, its easy to use and blend, stays put all day long and looks lovely on my acne prone dry skin. Honestly speaking, there is nothing I don't like about this foundation, I would say... RUN to your local Chanel store and try it. It will be love at first whiff/usage, I assure you.

That Effortless Foundation

Do you find liquid foundations to be a bit of a pain? Not worth the effort it takes to buff in into the skin? Don't like the feeling? Not easy for on-the-go?
Whatever your gripe maybe with regular liquid foundations, this product is basically the answer to them all!
I completely forgot I even owned it until my recent Project 10 Pan - but once I started using I wondered what made me forget about it to begin with. Its everything you need for a quick 'sweep and go', also, you chuck it into your bags and you've got touch ups throughout the day covered.
The MAC Studio Fix Powder + Foundation is finely milled and silky soft with a matte finish, but after about 10 minutes your natural skin does come through. I use it with an Illuminating Primer or my Strobe Cream, and with both, it works wonderfully. It works really well on people with oily skin, because it stays put. And on someone with Dehydrated Combination Skin like myself, it manages to glide over my dry patches without emphasizing them or getting stuck around them.
Its a medium coverage if you use it with a buffing brush - like I do. But it can also be sweeped on with a fluffy brush for just a veil of matte and hardly any coverage at all. If I build it up, it easily goes upto full coverage. Oddly enough, no matter how much I layer - it never looks too matte of cakey or even like I'm wearing full coverage. There's just something about the formula.
The one pictured is NC43.5 which is too dark for me, but I can make it work. I have repurchased it already in NC42 which matches me perfectly. Oh, and for the record, it currently costs INR 1990. (Ugh, stupid price increases)

Do you own this? What are your thoughts?

The Game Changing Blush

Did you ever think you'd see an entire post about a blush? I certainly didn't, but after a sudden increase in the number of coloured cheek products I owned and this post, here we are.
The Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush in Blissful is described as a shimmering peach, however, since Tarte has repackaged their products - this one seems to have been reformulated - or they just forgot the shimmer. Either way, I'm not complaining.
On me, its a beautiful peachy pink matte that isn't overly pigmented. Its a bit on the sheer side, which is always a plus when it comes to blush - less chance of clown cheeks.
When I first apply it (I'm an NC 42 in MAC as reference) it gives me just a hint of colour that I can place even at the hollows my cheek and work upwards; a sculpting blush of sorts, but with added colour, it gives me the most natural looking flush that I cannot describe. I don't blush at all, naturally. However, if I did, I sure as hell hope I looked like this.
The formula is a pleasure to work with, its long wearing and silky.
The only drawback for me, personally is the product becoming a bit hard over time - I've had it for about a month now and I've had to scratch the surface once already - if this is an indicator, I'm slightly worried. However, since everything else about this is so perfect, I can look past it. It has after all made its way into my daily rotation of 'I woke up like 'dis' products.

What do you think of these blushes? 

Almost-Foiled-Eyeshadow-Stick

Let me introduce you a to a product I've had for a while now, and recently rediscovered.
Since the highly metallic - almost foiled eyeshadow is now all the rage, I thought it was an appropriate time to talk about this wonder product.
The Kiko Longlasting Eyeshadow Stick in 6 is an Antique gold that reflects darker in the crease - making it a great single eyeshadow to use all over your lid. The texture is creamy and bendable by both hand and brush, and it goes on opaque at first swipe. It is such intense shimmer on your lids, that it looks like you've used a very glittery eyeshadow without the glitter or the fallout.
Another great thing about this product is how well it stays put. Normally eyeshadows crease on me instantly, but this goes on and stays put for a good 8 hours before it begins to fade.
It makes a wonderful lid colour, but makes an even better inner corner highlight giving you that very bright, very awake look.
Seriously though, look how shineeeeeeeyyy.

Now, the only downside is that it isn't easily available. Europe or UK have Kiko as far I'm aware, and I'd suggest asking someone to get you any shade from this range, its amazing.

Have you tried this? What are your thoughts?