Day-time Bronze Makeup Look

Hello Everyone,

Feels awesome to back at my home computer and blog away to glory!! I apologize for being away for this long & want to send my love to everyone who messaged me, wondering where I have been :-) You have been so sweet in your messages, telling me you're missing the blog & asking me to come back soon... I'm doing something right for sure :-) Thank you again for all the love & support..!!

I've been travelling for a month & have been missing my lil blog terribly :-) Now when there's travelling, there HAS to be some shopping right? So you're sure to see some haul posts coming up soon. Since I'm posting today after such a long time, I didnt want to start off with a review, so I'm going to start with something that I love doing more...creating simple, easy to wear looks & sharing it with you guys :-) I was in a mood to wear something subtle on the lips (...for a change LOL you all know I'm crazy about BOLD lip colours...hehehe) & here's what I put together yesterday.


































Let me tell you how I went about it - 

Base:

Derma Color concealer, Rimmel London Stay Matte powder,
Garnier BB Cream & Lakme CC Cream

1. After moisturizing my face, I dabbed on a mix of the Garnier BB Cream & the Lakme CC cream. I've been loving this combo - the Lakme CC cream is great for coverage, while the Garnier BB cream makes it a little more runnier & easy to apply. 

2. I then dabbed on the Derma Color concealer in D65 to the undereye area and around the nose to conceal any redness on my face. If you have dry skin, then you can skip the step, but I finished off the base makeup with my fav Rimmel London Stay Matte powder in 005 Silky Beige, since I have oily skin.

Maybelline Cheeky Glow in Creamy Cinnamon &
Wet 'n' Wild Rose Champagne highlighter

3. Then I applied the Maybelline Cheeky Glow blush in Creamy Cinnamon; this blush is great for everyday wear & I love using it during day-time. Another product that has become a fav since I got it, is the Wet 'n' Wild Fergie Rose Champagne Glow highlighter, which gives the softest glow ever!! This one, you can't go wrong with & will definitely suit light to medium skin tones. I applied this to the high points of my face - cheek bones, bridge of the nose, cupid's bow (right above the upper lip) & chin.

Eyes:

Wet 'n' Wild palette in Comfort Zone

1. I mixed the (left row) 'Definer' & (right row) 'Crease' shades from the Wet 'n' Wild Comfort Zone palette & used them as a wash of bronze on the eyelids, as I wanted a 'one-shadow' look that day. You can use any bronzey, warm shade you like. To brighten up the inner corner of the eyes, I used the (left row) 'Browbone' shade from the same palette.

2. I had a no eyeliner look in mind, so I just lined the lower lashline with the Lakme Eyeconic kajal in Black, to give them some definition.

Lips:

Miss Claire Color Rich lipstick in No.40

I applied the Miss Claire lipstick in no.40 (which I feel is a close dupe for Colorbar Velvet Matte Lipstick in 'Bare'). It's a *ude shade with rosy undertones. I felt it went really well with the overall look. 

Hope you liked this post! Apologies once again, for being away for such a long time...it sure feels great to be back :-)

Until the next post, Ciao!!!

Durga Pooja Makeup Look

Hi Everyone,

Today I'm here to share a makeup look that I created for Durga Pooja. The festive season is a busy time & this look is simple, easy & quick to create if you've not had a chance to plan your look :-) I have kept the focus on the red bindi & red lips, trying to build the rest of the makeup around these signature features. Hope you like it...

Here's how I went about creating this look - 

Base Makeup:

After moisturizing my face, I applied the NYX Photo Loving Primer (purple variant for anti-dullness) & waited for it to settle. Then I used my HG "foundation" the Lakme CC Cream & set it with the Rimmel London Stay Matte powder. I swear I've not been reaching out for foundations at all & I've already gone through almost 10 tubes of the Lakme CC Cream :-P I used the Derma Color Camouflage concealer under my eyes to cover up the dark circles. (PS - Since I had about 20 mins before my lil tornado would get up from his afternoon siesta, I unknowingly missed out on clicking a couple of products. In this pic, the RL Stay Matte Powder :-( )

Eye Makeup:

I primed my eyes with this liquid eyeshadow from the tube; you can skip this step but I wanted some base for my eyeshadow could hold on to. I used the 'pinkish' shade on the right, from the Faces Canada eyeshadow duo & dabbed it in the inner half of my eyelid. On the outer half, I wanted something deeper, so I used the Calvin Klein brown eyeshadow to create a V-shape on the outer half. Went all out with my fav Sugar Cosmetics eyeliner in 'Eye Told You So' to create a winged eye. With the Lakme Eyeconic kohl in Black, I lined the lower lashline & later smugded it out with the same CK eyeshadow so that it doesnt budge. I used the MUA eyebrow pencil in brown to fill out my eyebrows. (Missed out of clicking the Sugar Cosmetics eyeliner, Lakme Eyeconic Kajal & MUA eyebrow pencil... sorry :-( plz dont kill me! You can use any liner, kajal or brow pencil you might have.)

Lips & Cheeks:

I used my one of my favourite red lipsticks, 'Pure Rouge' from the Pure Reds Collection by L'Oreal Paris. This is the famous Freida Pinto shade :-) I applied the Makeup Revolution baked blush in 'Loved Me Best' which has a reddish tone, since I wanted to tie in the bright red bindi & lipstick.

Finishing touches:

I applied a bright red bindi which I was very skeptical about at first. I have a round face already & I didn't know if this would suit me, but when I saw my pictures later, I felt it looked really nice & come on...this look would NEVAAA been complete without the signature red bindi!! It's an absolute MUST & I love it :-) I brought out my festive earrings (they're really heavy & I dont wear them often) to bring the look together. 

I really liked how the look turned out. The red-pink toned makeup, the bindi & the lipstick, the gold from the earrings...everything just seamlessly blended together!! The best part is that you can use the products that you might already have & re-create this look.

Hope you liked this post. What's your favourite feature to play up during Durga Pooja? The eyes, lips, blush or face? Leave me your comments below ... I'd love to know your thoughts :-)

Until the next post...Ciao!!!

Teal Smokey Eyes (Party Makeup look)

Hi Everyone,

Today I'm here to share a 'Teal Smokey Eyes' look that I created recently. I have worked with Blue before, in eyemakeup looks & you can read about one HERE. Since that one was done with pigments & some of you gave me feedback that it was slightly difficult to re-create, I thought why not try something similar with eye shadow. This can be a great look for a party or for a special occasion where your outfit is all black. Your eyes will surely stand out :-)

Here's how I created this look -

1. For the base, I used my all time favourite, Lakme CC Cream in Bronze. To set this, I used the Rimmel London Stay Matte Powder in 005 Sily Beige (read review HERE). Along with the CC cream, the powder too, has become a staple in my kit.

2. Using any black kajal pencil, make a thick line on your upper eyelid (make this where you'd place your liquid eyeliner). Some good kajal options available are the Lakme Eyeconic Kajal in Black, Maybelline Colossal Kajal, Loreal Paris Kajal Magique or the Lotus Herbals ColorKick Kajal (read review HERE). Blend this with your ring finger across the moving part of your eyelid. The ring finger has the least amount of pressure and wont harm the eyes or skin. You can also use a small blending brush if you wish to. This is now the 'base' for the smokey eyes.

Vov black eye shadow, Revlon Shadowlink in Khaki,
Blue shade from BoraBora quad & Lotus Herbals Colorkick Kajal

3. Apply a small amount of green/khaki eyeshadow on inner 2/3rds of your eyelid. Top this off with some blue eye shadow to get a good mix. Since I was aiming for Teal, I mixed these two shadows - Revlon eyeshadow link in Khaki & a Blue eye shadow from the BoraBora quad that I received in my Fabbag (See another look with it HERE). If you wish to keep this all one colour then, apply whichever shade that you want.

4. On the outer 1/3rd of the eyelid, apply a matte black eye shadow. I used my trusty VOV matte eyeshadow in Black. Blend this color inwards, towards the blue shade, till they appear to blend together, dont mix them ;-) just make them look like they come together to blend at one point. Using whatever little black is left on the brush / finger, use this in the crease of your eyelids.

5. Use Kajal again on your lower lashline & smudge this out with the blue to complete the look. To finish off the look, I applied the Calvin Klein Mascara on the lower and upper lashes. Wait, before you judge me, let me clarify that I'm a budget-product junkie & this CK Mascara came to me in a makeup swap lol :-P Moving on...I chose to skip liquid eyeliner that day as I wanted to keep the look undefined, but you can line your eyes if you wish to.

Maybelline Colorsensational lipstick in 405 Yummy Plummy
Sorry, I couldnt seem to find the blush while clicking pics, but you can see it HERE.

6. For blush, I used my current favourite, the Lakme 9 to 5 Blush in Peach Affair. This is a beautiful, peachy blush for fair to medium skin tones & goes with mostly any kind of look. For the lips, I wanted a subtle shade so I used the Maybelline Colorsensational Lipstick in 405 - Yummy Plummy.

Hope you liked this look & will try it out some time :-) I have been playing around with a lot of colours while creating different looks but somehow didn't find the time to share a 'step-by-step' post with you all. I will try to be more regular in doing these kind of posts...pinky promise! Sorry, I have been watching way too much Disney Junior!! ;-)

Until the next post, Ciao!!!

Shimmery Blue eyes and N*de lips (Party Makeup look)

Hi Everyone!

Sorry about the late post, I am guilty for not being as regular with my posts as I’d like to be hehe... I usually write whenever I feel like and whenever I can, but mostly the two don’t happen together. Today was different, I felt that I had to sit myself down and write this post or else I’ll burst!! LOL Has that ever happened with you, that you feel the strongest urge to sit down and just write your heart away? Hey don't worry though, I will try to keep it short, crisp and to-the-point!

Today I will share how I created this 'Shimmery Blue eyes and N*de lips' look. It turned out really well that day and the best part about it was that I hadn’t planned on doing this. It just happened and turned out really great (or so I feel!!).

Here’s how I did it –

• For the Base, I used my trusty Lakme CC Cream and set it with Blue Heaven Compressed Powder for a matte look.

Lakme CC Cream in 'Bronze' & Blue Heaven Compressed Powder

• For the Eyes, I started with using a little foundation as an eye primer and set it with the same powder as mentioned above.
• Next, I took a flat shader eye shadow brush and dampened it by spraying a little water on it. I picked up the Faces Canada Blue Sparkle Dust with this brush and dabbed it all over my eyelid, being careful not to go above the crease. Since the pigment is wet, there is less fallout and the flat shader brush also helps. ('Fallout' is the extra eye shadow that 'falls out' on your cheek during eye makeup). In case, you do have fallout, wipe it off with a baby wipe or a dry brush gently, so that you don't mess up your foundation. Or better still, first finish the eye makeup and then go for foundation!

Faces Canada Sparkle Dust in Blue 

• Once I had the intense blue colour that I was looking for, I waited for it to dry. Taking a little bit of a purple eye shadow, I used this to blend out the harsh edge of the blue shadow on the crease. Since I have hooded eyes, I blended this purple shadow a little above the crease so that its visible when I look straight ahead. (Hooded eyes simply means that when I look straight ahead, there is very little space between the brow bone and eye-lid).
• Once the blue and purple were blended well, I lined my eyes with Elle 18 BlackOut liquid liner and used the Lakme Eyeconic Brown Kajal to line the lower lash line. I lined this only half-way and left the inner corners bare, to open up the eyes.

Maybelline ColorSensational lipstick in 'Bronze Orange'

• For some warmth on the face, I used the Lakme 9 to 5 Blush in Peach Affair. As I wanted the eyes to be in focus, I opted for a n*de shade on the lips. I used Maybelline ColorSensational lipstick in Bronze Orange to finish off the look.

I was always apprehensive of working with pigments but with practice, I've become slightly comfortable with them. I loved this look that I created and was absolutely surprised when it elicited a “WOW!!” from the Husband! Now who doesn’t like that eh? 

Do try out the look with Blue or any another colour of your choice and let me know how it turned out. Do leave me comments in the comments section below!!

Till then, in the words of my toddler, Baa-Byeee!!

Brown Smokey Eyes & Red Lips

Hi Everyone,

Today I’m going to decode one of my all-time favourite looks – 'Brown Smokey Eyes and Red Lips'! 

It's a classic! And of course, my favourite way to hike up the Glam Quotient on any given day! Some might say that this look is best saved for occasions, I say I’d wear this every single day if I could!! LOL Yep, that’s how easy this is to create and that’s how much I adore it! 

Let’s get into the step-by-step process of how I created this look –

1.   For the Base, I used Lakme CC Cream in Bronze. It’s got nice coverage and creates a good base. Next, the Blue Heaven Compact Powder got rid of excess shine on the T-zone. With the Revlon Highlighter palette, I bronzed up my face to add a little colour.

2.   For the Eyes, I lined the upper lash line with the Lotus Herbals Color Kick Kajal (which silly me, forgot to click **sad face**). Now, with the help of a smudging brush or a cue tip (ear bud), I smudged this out all over the moving eyelid, up to the crease. This formed a thin black base for the eye shadow to lay on.

Used these products to create this look.
Missed out on clicking the kajal, my bad! ;-) hehe

3.  With the help of my ring finger, I patted a slightly shimmery brown eye shadow all over the base. I used the Revlon Shadowlink in Java. You could use matte brown too, if you prefer. Try to stay within your crease (the fold of the eyelid). I usually have to take the shadow, a little past the crease, towards the brow-bone so that it shows up on my eyes.

4.  Next, I blended this brown eye shadow into the crease with a simple blending brush (or you can use your pointer finger). I used the ‘windshield wiper’ motions to blend this brown well into the crease, to create a gradient effect. The eye lashes should be the darkest while fading out to a light brown towards the crease (Smokey..remember?) hehe…

5.  For the lower lash line, I wore a simple kajal and again smudged it out with some eye shadow on a cue tip for the smoked out effect. TIP - For an added depth, you could use black eyeliner on top of the lashes again, to ensure they look dark and full. You can also add false lashes if you’re comfortable wearing them.

6.  To finish off the look, wear your favourite lipstick. I wore the Miss Claire Soft Matte Lip cream in No.10 Red for this look.

And there you go! Ready to rock!

I have worn this look with my glasses sometimes and it looks equally good. Since this look plays up the eyes,it brings them out, even from a thick-rimmed frame. Due to the classic tones in the look, it can be worn beautifully with Indian as well as Western outfits.

Hope you like this look! Do try this out sometime and let me know about it in the comments below!

Bye for now!

PURPLE DAY FOR EPILEPSY on March 26th - Purple themed Makeup Look for ChildRaise Trust

Hello Everyone,

Before I begin with the look, let me tell you about the inspiration and thought behind it.

Mrs. Kavita Shanbhag, is a dear friend's Mum, a close family-friend and one of the sweetest, most coolest Pacchis I know (Pacchi is 'Konkani' for Aunt, sorry I have a habit of anglicizing everything!). She's an absolute darling and will always greet you with the sweetest smile and the biggest hug. Even though she's one busy woman, she will exactly remember what was happening with you the last time and check up on you. Having said that, the most strongest aspect of her personality and what I admire about her, is her passion to empower Children with Special abilities. She's the Founder of CHILDRAISE, which is a Cross-Disability Organization committed to the Empowerment of Children with Special needs and Disability Issues. (FB Page - https://www.facebook.com/childraise?ref=br_tf). I wished to show my support for her resolve and absolute dedication to the cause. 

Since I love creating different makeup looks and recently took up 'Guest blogging' for different beauty blogs, I thought, what would be better than creating a Purple-themed makeup look to wear on March 26th, when ChildRaise celebrates Purple Day for Epilepsy! Here's what I created :-) 

Here's how I created this look - 

Base- I used the Lakme CC cream as a base on my face, concentrating on the areas that needed more coverage. I topped that off with the Blue Heaven Artisto Face Stylist Compressed Powder.

Eyes- I used a Lakme Absolute Plump and Shine lipgloss (that I dont use on my lips), as my eyeshadow primer. It helps the eyeshadow last longer. (Read how to use lipgloss as eyeshadow primer - Here). On top of that, I patted the Faces Canada Sparkle Dust in Purple all over the eyelid. To blend this in, I used the MakeUp Academy blush in Blushing Coral Shade 5, as a crease color (You can use any crease colour to blend this in, I wanted the Purple to stand out, so I used Pink). I finished the eyes, with a winged liner which I created using the Maybelline Colossal Liner.

Lips- Since the eyes were to be kept in focus in this look, I kept it simple with a lipgloss that has a soft rose tint to it. For this, I used the Streetwear ColorRich lipgloss in No.6 - Party Melon.

Although, these might seem like too many products, but they just go on, one after the other to create a simple, bright and summery look! 

If you feel a little overwhelmed with these many products, but still wish to sport Purple on March 26th, then apart from your outfit, you can incorporate any one strong element of Purple in your makeup - 

• Faces Canada Sparkle Dust in 'Purple' for your eyes
• Revlon Colorburst Matte LipBalm in the shade 'Shameless' on your lips OR 
• Maybelline ColorShow nail colour in 'Lavender  Lies' or 'BlackCurrant Pop' on your nails.

Have fun! Be Strong! WEAR PURPLE TODAY FOR EPILEPSY!!!

Defined Eyes & Rosey Plum Lips - Makeup Look using March FabBag products

Hi Everyone,

I received my March FabBag yesterday. Tadaaaa! My March FabBag and the lovely products that came in it! Themed for Women's Day, the bag was full of natural products for makeup and skincare. 

I was so excited that I wanted to open up all the products and test them right away. But The Husband said, “Wait! Wouldn’t Baby D wanna “play” with your makeup too? Better wait until he’s off to school and you have your time to experiment with these!”. Now when your Man, holds back your over-excited self to give some great advice like this, you know you’ve married the right guy! Hehehe what say?

I waited and Gosh! It was great; I got plenty of time to create this look (Read - a good 15 mins without my toddler screaming Amma! Amma!). 

Here how I put together this look, with some of the March Fab Bag products, step by step –

1.  I used the InVeda BB cream as a base. It doesn’t give enough coverage per se, actually leaves a slight grey cast when you apply it, but smells divine! I used my Maybelline Dream Lumi Touche Highlighter pen to conceal the undereyes, nose, cupid ’s bow and chin. If you wish, you can skip the highlighting and concealing step.
2. Next I used the SoulTree Kajal in Pure Black to line the waterline. For the upper lashline, I used the Maybelline Collosal Eyeliner which I won in a recent YouTube giveaway. I have close-set eyes and it helps me give them an elongated look.
3. Then I used the Palladio Lipstick in Rosey Plum on my lips. I loved the colour but wasn’t comfortable with gold, frosty finish. So I used my Maybelline Lip balm over the lipstick to give it a glossier look and eliminate the frosty gold finish.
4. After having recently discovered my love for blush, I somehow can’t seem to do without it. I feel I am too pale anyway and with makeup and no blush, I look sick LOL. So I ran my ring-finger over the same lipstick and dabbed some on my cheek bones. Voila! Healthy flush!! **wink wink**

I’m yet to use the Sebastian Professional Hydre Shampoo & the Fashionography earrings from the bag, but I really liked the 3 products that I used viz. InVeda BB cream, SoulTree Kajal and the Palladio Lipstick!

This is a simple look with Defined eyes and Rosey Plum lips. It’s great for parties or special occasions and you can re-create this quick look when you’re pressed for time! 

Simple Makeup without Makeup Brushes

Hi Everyone,

Many of my friends ask me about the brushes that I use to create different looks. I tell them about the ones I have and they seem pretty surprised that I have only a few.

I am no "Makeup Guru" but I can assure you that to create simple, easy and daily wear looks, You dont need to have brushes!!. Yes, now calm down Baalikey and listen...ahem sorry read on! The funda, my friend, is simple - I use my fingers :-) and that works quite well for me. Let me tell you how I created this Green Eyes & Lilac Lips look without the help of Makeup brushes. 

1.  FACE –

a.   After cleansing, I used an oil-free moisturizer on my face to prep up the skin for the base makeup.

b.    Next, I used the warmth of my fingers to blend the Lakme CC Cream (Bronze) into my skin. This has become my absolute favourite for daily wear.

c.    I used the Chambor Radiant Touch Up Concealer on the dark circles under my eyes. Now although this concealer comes with an attached brush tip at the end, I took some product out on the back of my hand and used the ring-finger of the other hand to spread and blend this product under my eyes.

d.    Next, to set the base, I used the Chanel Illuminating Powder. I used this with an old sponge I had. This is the tricky part – applying powder to your face without a brush. You have 2 options – You can either use a sponge / powder puff, or simply use a foundation that sets to a powder finish (Lakme Absolute Mousse is a good foundation that does that).

e.    For blush, I used the Lakme Pure Rouge blush in Peach Affair. I lightly touched the blush palette with the middle 3 fingers of my hand and tapped them on my cheeks, where I wanted the blush to go. I blended the product by swiping in upward motions towards my temples and ears. Another option can be, to use Cheek stains instead of powder blushes.

2.    EYES –

a.    Revlon Shadow Links have small, easy to blend eye shadows that you can buy individually. I used the Khaki Green shade from this range on my eyes. I cleaned my fingers off the residue of the blush and used my ring finger to apply this shadow on my eyelids. Since the ring finger has the least pressure, it’s preferable to use it while swiping/applying the eye shadow. Your eyelids are saved from the tugging and pulling during application.

b.    For the crease area, I used the neutral brown shade from a local brand. I used my pointer finger to take this product & used ‘windshield wiper’ motions in the crease area, to blend the hard edges of the khaki green.

c.    Another tricky part is applying eyeliner without a teeny-tiny brush! No worries, I have a solution to that as well!! Use an eye kohl pencil instead. OK, so you have an eye pencil but it isn't the colour you want on your lash line? Then scribble with it on the back of your hand to make the tip a little blunt, so that you don't poke yourself in the eyes. Once done, dip this pencil into gel eyeliner or liquid eyeliner (of your choice) and slowly line your eyes with it. Remember to stretch a little and hold, from the outer corners of your eyes. I did that and got a nice finish.

3.    LIPS –

a.    The easiest part!! No brush required at all!! **hehehe** Swipe the lipstick bullet on your lips and purse your lips to evenly spread out the colour. With the edge of the bullet, sharpen the corners and outlines of your lips. DONE!!! I have used the Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in the shade 01 Lilac for this step.

Hope this detailed step-by-step post helped some of you out. I’d like to part with my “2-rupees Gyan” (LOL nope I aint a KRK fan!).

1.       Don’t be intimidated by makeup brushes and feel the need to own one for every step of your makeup.

2.       If you still wish to own brushes, get 2  – A good foundation brush for a flawless finish & a good eye shadow blending brush. 

     That’s all you need as Basics, my friend!  CIAO!!!

Plum & Copper Eyes

Hi Everyone,

Creating a new look and playing around with different colours is my thing!

I have worn glasses since the beginning of time and always balanced out my bespectacled face with a bold lip-colour. Not that it isn’t interesting, but I wanted to do something different with my eyes too.

Somewhere last year I began experimenting with eye makeup and gosh! I realized there was so much I could do…with or without glasses on! I will soon be coming up with eye makeup for glass wearers, but read on to see what I did when I was wearing lenses that day. You could definitely rock this look with glasses too!

This is what I did -

1. Once my base was done, I primed my eyes. (Read my post on how to cheat on eye primer with lip gloss, here).
2. I dusted my moving eye-lid area with a Plum shade. I used CoverGirl eyeshadow quad in Dynamite Drama 223.

3. I warmed up my crease area with a Copper shade. I used Revlon Colorstay Shadowlinks eye shadow in Copper.

4. I blended these 2 shades together with an Oriflame eyeshadow brush. I don’t have the blending brush, but this one serves the purpose. Keep blending, until the 2 colours seem to blend seamlessly into one another. 

5. I highlighted my brow bone using a matte White shade from the same CoverGirl quad.Next, I applied my eyeliner using Miss ClaireArtist Pen Eyeliner and winged it out a bit.

6. To finish off the eyes, I used Lakme Eyeconic Kajal in Brown to line the outer 2/3^rd of the eyes and a white eye pencil from a local brand to line the inner 1/3^rd.

Lastly, I used MaybellineColor Sensational Moisture Extreme lipstick in Bronze Orange as my lipstick. It comes off as a beautiful nude on me and remains understated so that the eyes do all the talking!

Hope you guys liked this look! Please do recreate it sometime and send me pictures! Ciao!