July Fab Bag 2015 - Review

Hi Everyone,

Feels great to be back to blogging! My Sis was here from Mumbai and the quality time we spent together talking about food, movies, family & just about everything under the sun, made me completely oblivious to the fact that I hadn't blogged in a while! It's like she brought along a small part of my childhood along with her. She left a couple of days ago and I suddenly realized I had all this pent up "writing energy" that I need to pour out on paper, well in this case my little blog! ;-)

So coming back to the topic, I received my July Fab Bag sometime ago and started using the products right away. I was excited from the time they released sneak-peeks of this month's bag, on all social media. The theme this month is 'Red Carpet' and the bag is a golden, blingy, clutch-like beauty. Its got tic-tac buttons (lol sorry that's what we called them when we were kids!) to close the clutch. The buttons open to reveal a zipper in the fold, which then opens up to show the contents of the bag.

Let's see what I got in the bag this month, along with a quick review of what I think about it -

1. Eye Told You So! Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in 01 Black Swan by Sugar -

I really liked the formula of this liner! Not only is it very pigmented but it also dries quickly to a sexy, matte black finish. The felt tip of the liner is neither too stiff nor extremely flexible; its just right for making wings, flicks, cat eyes or whatever rocks one's boat! Really like this one...

2. Vana Vidhi Luxury Shimmer Sunscreen -

While I'm happy that this sunscreen is 100% paraben-free, 100% vegan & is made of 10 natural and essential oils, I don't tend to use this too often. Mainly, due to the 'shimmer' factor - I don't like shimmery products during the day. Also, I don't know what the shimmer particles are made up of. I have used this a couple of time and I find it strictly okay :-)

3. Bella Pierre Cosmetics Mineral Lipstick in Ruby -

This lipstick got me very excited...lately any Red Lipstick tends to have that effect on me! :-P The lipstick is nice and creamy but not to the extent that it will bleed or feather out on your lips. Its a beautiful shade of red with slight orange undertones. It has a lovely formula but a very sheer finish & I need at least 2-3 swipes to get full colour payoff. It lasts on my lips for just about 3 hrs or so and fades away quickly. The lipstick leaves back a light stain on the lips, but its too light to leave it at that; I need a quick touch up for sure to get it back to its full glory! lol 'full glory' eh? wow I really seem to like red lipsticks, don't I? ;-)

4. Ayorma Spa Daily Scrub & Face Wash - 

These a chotu-sample size products that are really nice. I have tried these out & they've now found a place in my handbag because of their tiny, travel-friendly size. They leave my skin feeling nice, smooth and refreshed. I don't know about the others who have received these, but I am a little put off by the strong fragrance of these. 

Here's a simple, yet classic "Red Lips & Eyeliner" look I created using the Bella Pierre Mineral Lipstick (Ruby) & the Eye Told You So! eyeliner by Sugar: 

Overall, I'm quite happy with the bag this month. I really liked most of the products & I'm definitely going to find use for the blingy clutch that they all came in, on special evenings and family functions. 

Have you subscribed to a subscription box? Which one do you like? What are your thoughts on this month's FabBag if you have received one? Please leave your comments below to share your thoughts with me :-)

Until the next post, Ciao!!!

Kate Moss Lipstick & Stay Matte Powder by Rimmel London - Review

Hi Everyone,

Sometimes I feel there should an award of some kind, a medal maybe for finding the best products from a mile-high vertical display, in less than 10 mins...now that is major achievement!! LOL 

I'm here today to review two lil budget beauty finds, that were 'quick-buys' (ahem...7mins flat! Do I hear applause?) from a Rimmel counter in the Parcos store at Orion Mall. I'm going to make these reviews short & sweet, well... at least here's hoping...

1. Rimmel London Lasting Finish by Kate Moss No.29 (Black Packaging) - 

Price: 275/- for 4g

Packaging: 
The lipstick comes in a matte black body which is really sleek and classy. The cap has Kate Moss' signature on it in red. The shade and number are mentioned on the bottom of the tube. It's a slight bummer that one wouldn't be able to tell the shade by merely looking at the tube, I mean what if you owned more than one?

Shade: 
No.29 (yes :-( no name!) is a Deep Purple with strong Pink undertones in it (or maybe Deep Pink with Purple undertones in it...I dunno!!!). If you know me, you'll know I love anything Purple but strangely I don't have a lot of purple shades in my stash of lipsticks. I had swatched "Shameless" from the Revlon Matte Balm range and found it didn't suit me at all. When I saw Rimmel No.29, I knew I'd found the right 'Orchid-y Purple' for myself. The price tag didn't hurt either! ;-) I'm loving this one on me!! 

Hand swatch in Natural Light

Hand swatch under florescent tube

Pigmentation & Texture: 
The lipstick is quite pigmented although you WILL need 2 swipes to cover your natural lip colour. Its a slightly frosty finish lipstick, but don't let that scare you though, even that slight frostiness disappears in a couple of minutes of application & leaves behind a beautiful colour. The texture is creamy and absolutely easy to apply; the lipstick glides on smoothly. It had a lovely formula and doesn't need a liner underneath it. 

Lip swatches in Natural Light

Wear-time: This lipstick lasts on me for a good 4-5 hrs. Fades a little, but evenly, post meals and drinks so you don't need to rush for a touch-up. It's got good staining powder and stains the lips well. 

I love the shade and bought this purely for the colour, maybe if I'd have spent more time to look for a similar shade in an absolutely matte finish, I'd have found it in the red packaging Kate Moss range. I'm not complaining, I love this and I work with it by 'turning it into matte'! Read how I turn some of my non-matte colours into matte ones & also increase staying power this way - HERE.

2. Rimmel London Stay Matte Long Lasting Pressed Powder (005 Silky Beige):

I hit pan on my current compact powder & wanted to try out a different one this time, so I bought the 'famed' Stay Matte Pressed Powder :-) I wish I had got it in summers to test it out better, but it's working well for for me nonetheless.

Price: Rs.250/- 

Shade: 005 Silky Beige

Pigmentation & Texture: The powder does have a slight shade to it, but nothing that will alter the shade of my foundation/BB cream that I wear underneath it. I have also tried this out without a base or concealer & even though it gives me slight coverage, I'm still happy with it because it keeps me matte for a long time. 

Wear-time: It keeps my T-zone oil free for more than 5/6 hrs. I may sweat during this time, but this lil piece of magic ensures that I don't get oily. I know it looks a bit chalky in the pic, but it doesnt look that way on the skin. I love that it takes care of the shine very effectively as per the claims!! I only wish it came with a mirror for on-the-go touch ups. 

Hope these quick (yeah right!!) reviews helped in some way! Do try out these products if you like them & if you have anything else from this range, then let me know your thoughts in the comments section below. If you wish to read about my other Rimmel London Lipsticks, click HERE.

Until the next post, Ciao!!!

June 2015 Fab Bag - Review

Hi Everyone!

I know I'm pretty late on this post..the post was ready but due to lack of time, I wasn't able to click good pictures of the products. So now that everything's ready, here goes...

Today, I’m going to review the Fab Bag for the month of June 2015. I rcvd this on 25^th June, which is very late in the month and that’s one grouse I’ve always had with the Team.. Delayed Deliveries!! Anyway, let’s take a look at the goodies and see if they’re as exciting as the rest of the months.

The June Fabbag is deep brown with a hint of purple in it. Unlike the other months, the bag is shaped differently. It’s shorter, bulkier and more rectangular in shape. The theme for June was ‘Take Charge’ & the goodies were quite interesting - 

Cuccio Nail Colour : Fountain of Versailles

1.       Cuccio Nail Colour in the shade Fountain of Versailles – A unique deep metallic teal shade that can adds a punch to those evenings out! But it's really beautiful & you can easily rock this during the day as well. I'm very happy to experiment with it, because it’s not something I’d normally pick up for myself.

Cuccio Naturale Hydrating Butter (Pomegranate & Fig)

2.       Cuccio Naturale Hydrating Butter (Pomegranate & Fig) – This lil sample is ‘heaven in a tube’! I’d jump up and buy the full-size product for myself, if it weren’t for its price (Rs.2970/- for 240gm). I currently use this every day after I cleanse my face. It leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth, without the oiliness. It’s a welcome change from my normal moisturizer.

Ananda in the Himalayas Light Moisturiser with Sandalwood & Rose

3.       Ananda in the Himalayas Light Moisturiser with Sandalwood & Rose – I know this product is being loved by one & all, but for me, this one doesn’t work. The cream is meant for dry skin & tends to leave my combination skin, all oily and sticky. Not a fan of this one! Team Fabbag, wish you had read my preferences well, before adding this to my bag :-( Smells nice though, true to its name, of Sandalwood and Roses. I tried it twice on the face and didn’t like it, now planning to use this on elbows and knees, maybe I’d make my peace with this product. 

Votre Fresh Cooling Sun Protection Mist with SPF 25 **Broad Spectrum**

4.       Votre Fresh Cooling Sun Protection Mist with SPF 25 **Broad Spectrum** - I’m on the fence about this spray. I have used this many a times since I received it in the Fab Bag, but I can't tell if its working on not. Also, my silly mind keeps telling me, it’s a spray! What if it doesn’t cover certain areas of your face? Use a Sunscreen, a cream instead!! So I’m still experimenting with this one & I’m kinda sure I won't repurchase it. 

P.S. - Neutrogena Lovers, there’s a lot of lovely things being said about the Spray-on Sunscreen :-) Plz tell me how you like it, so I can give that one a try sometime!

Perfume Sample by All Good Scents (Fragrance – Smooth)

5.       Perfume Sample by All Good Scents (Fragrance – Smooth) – Bonus product for Father’s Day - I have loved Brute…yes Brute, the "Manly Man’s perfume" from the 80's, ever since I was a lil kid. Dad used to wear Brute & the fragrance always made me miss him, whenever he was away from home, on work. Maybe that’s why I have always liked Men’s fragrances. I liked this one too…it’s strong enough to last for a while, but not like the ones that are so overpowering, they makes you cringe in disgust..lol..!!

The products are really interesting.. I really like some; on the fence about some & the rest are nothing great…good mix eh? The one thing that I’m slightly bummed about is the Bag itself..maybe it was made keeping the ‘Father’s Day’ theme in mind, but I wish it was more colorful & fun like the other bags of 2015. Hoping the bag looks more interesting in July! ;-)

Until the next post, Ciao!!

Deepika Padukone inspired Makeup Look from "Piku"

Hi Everyone,

Today I'm here to share my version of the 'Deepika Padukone inspired' makeup look from her movie 'Piku'. I haven't watched the movie yet, but I really liked her simple yet striking look. I have tried to re-create a similar look because this look is not only simple & easy to create, but it also enhances your eyes and can be easily sported by someone who wears glasses(like ahem...yours truly!). Read on to see how I recreated this look - 

1. Face - I used the Lakme Absolute Mousse in shade 'Golden Ivory' to create a natural & clean base. To conceal under-eye circles, I used the Derma Color Camouflage creme. To mattify and set the base, I used the Blue Heaven Artisto Compact all over the face. To replicate a natural blush, I used 'Peach Affair' blush from the Lakme 9 to 5 range.

2. Eyes - To avoid creasing & to create a base for the eye shadow, I applied some of my concealer to the eyelids. Once this was done, I dusted 'Creamy Cinnamon' blush by Maybelline Cheeky Glow on the eyelids (this is actually a blush, but a very versatile colour that I sometimes use as an eye shadow as well...I love products that can multi-task for me!). I lined the upper & lower lash lines with the Lotus Color Kick Kajal (Read review HERE). A simple VOV black eye shadow was used to smudge these lines out; this way the kajal doesn't run/smudge when your skin gets oily or sweaty. Smudging also increases the intensity of the eye look. For thicker looking eye brows like Deepika, I simply used the same kajal to fill out the sparse areas in my brows.

3. Lips - I used the Maybelline Colorsensational Lipstick in 'Bronze Orange' on the lips. Try to stick to a neutral colour, so that the whole focus in on your eyes. 

I didn't own a black bindi, so I used my kajal to make one hehehe...and voila! your Piku-inspired makeup look is ready! Hope you enjoyed this look! Do try and recreate this sometime & enjoy the compliments that follow! Mine came from the Husband, who saw this and went, "Hey, you look so nice...very Bengali!!" Given that he had no idea I was creating a Piku-inspired look, that's a compliment now, isn't it?! **wink wink**

P.S. - You don't have to use the products I've used. Try & experiment with different products or better still, use the ones you have at hand :-)

Until the next post, Ciao!!

Lakme Insta Light Instant Glow Creme - Review

Hi Everyone!

Today, I'm doing a quick review on a new product in the Lakme 9 to 5 range - the "Insta Light Instant Glow Creme".

What is it? 
Brand claims it to be - "...a unique glow creme,that gives you an instant glow.With luminising pearls and mineral powder you get an instant skin glow styled by an expert, everyday."

How does it work? 
It's a slightly pinkish cream that you apply to your face, just like a regular moisturiser. It promises to give an instant glow for everyday wear.

My experience with it: ...has been great!!
I could definitely notice a subtle, luminous glow on my face (unlike the more obvious glow of a Highlighter) & most importantly, this cream kept my face absolutely matte for over 4.5 hrs!! Yes, I would definitely recommend it for those, struggling with oily skins this summer! 

I tried using this on its own and then under my BB cream; both the times, I felt that the mattifying effect lasted for a long time. I did sweat, thanks to the humid weather, but then the skin remained non-oily for most of the time I was wearing this. The packaging states that it has Sunscreen in it, but fails to mention the SPF content. 

Overall, I think it's a lovely product for oily skins, to add a nice, matte glow to your face; with or without foundation/BB cream etc. With a price tag of Rs.79/- for a 20 gm tube, do give this a try this summer!

Who should give this cream a miss?
If you have dry skin, stay away from this product as it will further make your skin dry. It does not have a moisturizing effect. Also, it's not something that will conceal imperfections on your face. So if you're looking for that, then you'd rather go in for good BB cream or Foundation :-) 

Hope this mini-review gave you some information about the "Lakme 9 to 5 Insta Light Instant Glow Creme". If you've tried it, then let me know your thoughts in the comments section :-) Leaving you with swatches ... Until the next post, Ciao!!

Swatches - 

Swatch of the cream - unblended

Blended :-) visible difference, right?