Sunday 27 September 2015

Festive tutorial with Maybelline Superstay 14hr Lipstick in Timeless Crimson: Gold Eyes with Crimson Lips

Festive tutorial with Maybelline Superstay 14hr Lipstick in Timeless Crimson: Gold Eyes with Crimson Lips

Hi everyone :) 
Today I have a beautiful yet easy festive look with gold eyes and rich crimson lips.
I've used Maybelline Dream Liquid Foundation in Nude Beige 3.5 as the base, topped with a light dusting of Lakme Perfect Radiance Compact in Golden Medium.
For eyes I've used the Oriflame Sand and Green Palette; affordable, not heavily pigmented and shades have fallout, but work very well when wet, which is how I've used it here. I've used the Maybelline Hyperglossy Liner in Black to line my upper lid and have used the Lakme Eyeconic Kajal in Brown to render a softer look to the waterline. I've used the newly released Maybelline FashionBrow Duo Shaper on my brows (very effective on sparse brows; detailed review up soon) and finished with my Chambor Infinite Lengths Mascara.
For lips I've just used The Maybelline Superstay 14hr Crimson Lipstick in Timeless Crimson (dupe for MAC Dubonnet!). I've also used the same lipstick as a light stain.
Products used for the look

Breakdown of the eye makeup:
Guide to Eye Makeup: Step by Step

Step 1: Prep eyes with a light wash of foundation to even out tone and cover pigmentation.
Step 2: Fill in brows with the Maybelline FashionBrow Duo Shaper. Fill in with the liner part and create a softer look with the smudger/powder applicator tip.
Step 3: Apply shade 01 (a pale white gold) to highlight the brow bone.
Step 4: Apply Shade 03(a champagne gold shade) on a wet eyeshadow brush, covering entire lids.
Step 4: Apply the fourth shade from the palette (a shimmery soft brown) on the outer V of the lid and in the crease. Blend well.
Step 5: Apply liner generously. Apply the kajal, lining both the inner lids.
Step 6:  Blend very well for a final time and apply mascara.
Additional Step 7: For smudged eyes in second pic, use a smudger or the pinky finger and run it all over the lined area, just once.
For the blush: (sorry for the hideous first pic!) 
Guide to Applying Blush

Step 1: Apply the lipstick very sparingly all over the cheekbone, going from the highest part of cheekbone, below the centre of the eyeball, towards the temples upward.
Step 2: Using clean fingers, blend, using motions from below the eyes to towards the temples. Repeat and blend very well.
Finish with a dusting of compact powder all over the face.
With a liner brush, line and fill scrubbed and moisturised lips with the lipstick. Wait for a minute and with a lip filler, build up layers with the lipstick. You can also apply the lipstick directly on the lips, and then pat them with a clean tissue paper, and apply again. The process can be repeated once more, to build the colour to the desired intensity.
 
Complete look: In the left: With gloss, In the right: Without gloss
I've worn the lipstick matte in the second pic, while I've applied a clear gloss (Lakme Lip Gloss in Vanilla) for the first picture.
Hope you like it!

Wednesday 23 September 2015

Makeup look inspired by Deepika Padukone in Piku: Kohl rimmed eyes and earthy nude lips


Piku had its Television Release a few days back and since I couldn't catch it on screen (exams!) I was more than happy to watch in on the TV. I loved it, it was so very similar to the relationship I have with my dad: tempestuous but very loving! What caught my eye though was Deepika's strong, simple graceful look.
Deepika Padukone in Piku

Not to say it is very easy and everybody (especially duskier tones) can flaunt it like anything!
Strong brows are a very important part of her look; this trend has been going gaga all over the international runways and celebs aiming for a plump brow. She also had deeply kohl rimmed eyes, paired with an earthy blush and nude lips.
Products used:
Revlon Colorstay liquid foundation with Softflex (new formula!) in Warm Golden
Maybelline Fashion Brow Duo Shaper in Brown
Lakme Eyeconic Kajal in Black.
Chambor Dazzle Eye Pencil in Black
Maybelline The Colossal Liner in Black
Chambor Infinite Lengths Mascara
Maybelline Cheeky Glow blush in Creamy Cinnamon
Maybelline Colorshow Creamy Matte in Peach Personality
Products used for Piku makeup look

This is how it looks on me


The look is easily wearable with any ethnic wear, to the office or to a party too.
It is important to not draw a cat liner or anything dramatic, the kohl must just line the natural shape of the eyes.
If you are not confident with nude lips or just haven't found one that suits you, a brick lipstick, something like Maybelline Colorsensational Lipstick in Bronze Orange will go well too!
So what do you think of the look?

Saturday 19 September 2015

Maybelline Colorsensational Lipstick in 530- Fatal Red.: Review, Swatches and FOTD -- Best true red lipstick on a budget!

Hi everyone :)
Today I'll be reviewing my very first, and perhaps one of my most loved lipsticks ever: Maybelline Colorsensational Lipstick in 530- Fatal Red.

Maybelline Colorsensational Lipstick in 630- Fatal Red: Exterior Packaging
What Maybelline says about the product:

COLOR SENSATIONAL LIP COLOR

Get the perfect pout with Maybelline’s Color Sensational Lip Color.

  • With crisper color and a creamier feel, this lip color looks rich and stunning. Available in 20 different shades, you’ll surely find a lip color to suit every outfit, occasion and look.
  • Here’s why you’ll love it:
  • • Has pure pigments for crisp, rich color
  • • Enriched with honey nectar for a creamier feel
  • • Available in 20 elegant shades

This will be less a review and more of a ode to it, you've been warned!
The lipstick is housed in a metallic case with an outer covering of a color similar to the lipstick. It is pretty helpful to pick one out just seeing the cover.
The lipstick is superbly creamy, smells strongly of coconut and vanilla. It might bother some sensitive sniffers but thankfully the smell goes away in a minute of application. It is very pigmented and goes opaque in one swipe, covering all pigmentation. The creamy texture is very emollient and almost soothes dry lips. However it is VERY transferable. It can stain anything your lips touch. And it also bleeds and feathers, so a lip liner is must. If you don't have a lip liner, one can prep moisturised lips with foundation, let set and then apply the lipstick. It helps against the feathering and bleeding to some extent.
Maybelline Colorsensational Lipstick in 630- Fatal Red Swatches: Left - swiped once, Right: swiped 3 times

Using a lip brush to apply the color over well filled and lined lips gives the best finish and you can also have a choice that way, to whether keep it glossy or apply a bit of powder on top to give a matte look.
The colour: Now this property of the lipstick made me fall head over heels for it. It is the truest red ever, no blue or orange undertones, flattering every skin tone. I have an orange undertone yet orangey reds weren't flattering on me. Pink based reds ended up being too pink and less red and then I stumbled along this one.

Maybelline Colorsensational Lipstick in 630- Fatal Red: Lip Swatch
The colour is very bold and face brightening, and people searching for their first red lipstick, irrespective of skin undertones can definitely try this one out. It is also a very appropriate shade for brides on a budget!
And here's my FOTD using the lipstick, a base ( Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation) and Chambor Dazzle Eye Pencil in Brown
Maybelline Colorsensational Lipstick in 630- Fatal Red: FOTD

Price: INR 375
Verdict: Go for it girls, you wont regret it!)

Saturday 12 September 2015

Lakme 9 to 5 Lip Color Toffee Nexus: Review, Swatches and FOTD!

Hi everyone :)
Today I've a beautiful pinkish brown lipstick to review: Lakme 9 to 5 Lip Color in Toffee Nexus.
The packaging is a metallic rose gold cover housing the lipstick. It is chic and luxurious and reminds one of much higher end lipsticks, such a change for Lakme!
Lakme 9 to 5 Lip Color Toffee Nexus: Outer Packaging

The shade as you can see from the hand swatch is a pale pink with brown tones. It will be a perfect nude shade for light to medium skin tones, duskier tones might washed off with the shade.
Lakme 9 to 5 Lip Color Toffee Nexus:Hand Swatch

However, fret not, dusky beauties, there's still a way out to make the most of this shade....I'll come to that soon.
The texture is creamy, intensely pigmented, best applied with a lip brush and being a nude shade, the pigmentation is medium. It sets to a matte finish and is not too drying or uncomfortable on the lips. However, as with all matte lipsticks, exfoliating them, then moisturizing them with a lip balm, and finally prepping them with a primer gives a flawless finish.
Lakme 9 to 5 Lip Color Toffee Nexus: Lip Swatch

The staying power is the only thing that belies its claim. However being a nude shade, I cant blame it much. It does not stay for the 9-5 as claimed, but only around for 4-5 hours after which it fades without leaving any tint. Removing it is hassle free too, as it doesn't stain the lips.
Now, as promised I will tell another way this lip color gets to use.
Being a matte lipstick, it goes fabulously as a cheek stain. It is the perfect pink shade with a hint of warmth when applied on cheeks. It goes with very well with red lipsticks and nudes, and it can also be used as the perfect long staying base for a brighter blush.
Lakme 9 to 5 Lip Color Toffee Nexus: Stained a cream blush
 And yes, it goes gorgeously on deeper skin tones too!
And here's my FOTD, the lipstick worn matte, with clean lined eyes.
LOTD with Lakme 9 to 5 Lip Color Toffee Nexus: Worn Matte
 Worn with a gloss on top, and highlighted cheekbones ( I've used the lipcolor as a blush here)for a night time look :
LOTD with Lakme 9 to 5 Lip Color Toffee Nexus: Worn as a blush and with gloss on top

Verdict: 4.75/5 (improve the staying power, Lakme, and you've a winner in your hands! 
Price: INR 450

Monday 7 September 2015

Easy Tutorial for Festive Makeup: Gold, Bronze and Coral

Hi everyone :)
The day before yesterday was Janmashtami, and in midst of fasting the whole day and doing a truckload of work for the occasion I did find a little time to make myself up before I sat down for the long puja.
I chose gold and bronze eye shadows and neatly kohl lined eyes to pair up with a peachy blush and coral pink lips coordinating with my yellow dress. The lips were kept matte to not overpower the strong eye look and keep it simple.
So here it goes.
Products used :
For Face:
Maybelline Dream Liquid Foundation in shade 04: Nude Light
Kryolan Dermacolor Camouflage Crème in shade DFD
Lakme Perfect Radiance Compact in shade 03 Golden Medium
Revlon Skinlights Illuminator in Bare Light
For Eyes:
Lakme 9-5 Eye Quartret : Tanjore Rush
MUA Glamour Days Palette (not included in picture)
Maybelline The Colossal Liner in Black
Lakme Eyeconic Kajal in Black
Lakme Eyeconic Mascara
For Cheeks and Lips:
Maybelline Bold Matte Color Sensational Lipstick in MAT03 as a stain and as lipcolor
Maybelline Cheeky Glow in Peachy Sweetie on top of the cheek stain
Festive Makeup with Gold Bronze and Coral: Products Used


Process:
With a concealer brush, put a bit of Kryolan Dermacolor Crème all over my upper and lower eyelids to balance out dark circles. The same process should be applied to conceal all acne spots and scars. Let it set for a minute.
With bare fingers or a brush, apply the Maybelline Dream Liquid Foundation all over the face, neck and exposed chest region. Let it set for a minute and layer if required.
Tight line (line the inner sides of the eye with black kajal) the upper eyelid.
Using a double tipped eye shadow applicator, apply the shade no 1 ( a pale shimmery white shade for highlighting) over the brow bone.
Apply the gold shade from the Lakme Eye Quatret all over the lids.
With the other side of the applicator, apply the bronze shade in the outer V and in the outermost crease in a thin line.
Using a blending brush, blend the two shadows. Line the upper eyelid with Maybelline The Colossal Liner in black and apply mascara in layers, generously on the lashes of the upper eyelid.
Here's what the finished eye makeup should look like :
Festive Makeup with Gold Bronze and Coral: Eye makeup
Festive Makeup with Gold Bronze and Coral: Eye makeup
Line the lower eyelid thinly with a white pigment (I used shade 4 from the MUA palette) and smudge black Kajal on the outer rims of the lower eyelids and finish with mascara.
For the lips, apply the Bold Matte lipstick, wait for it to dry, pat with a tissue and layer on once more. The vibrant coral pink gets the look together and makes it look lighter.
Dab the same lipstick on the cheekbones lightly, and blend with fingers, going vertically from below from the eye (the highest part of the cheekbone) towards the temple.
Apply a powder blush like The Cheeky Glow blush from Maybelline in Peachy Sweetie to help the cheek stain stay longer.
As a final touch, apply the Revlon Skinlights Illuminator in Bare Light on the highest part of the cheekbones, the bridge of nose and on the Cupid's bow of the upper lip. Let it set for a minute.
Finish with applying the Lakme Perfect Radiance Compact on the forehead and in a "W" pattern on the face: From the temple in a single swoop to the T area on the nose, then continue from there to the bridge of the nose, to the other side and in a single swipe, brush powder to the temple. Touch-up with compact where necessary.
Here's the complete look :
Hope you like it :)
Festive Makeup with Gold Bronze and Coral: Finished look

Lakme Invisible Finish Foundation in Shade 04: Review, Swatches, FOTD and a Small Makeover of a very close one!!

Hi everyone :)
I am sorry for not putting a post up for so long. I was down with flu and all I did was snuggle on mom's lap...however these last two days have been brilliant for me.
For one, day before yesterday was my elder sister's birthday and very unlike me, she is the shy one when comes to makeup, unsure of what might flatter her almond complexion, flecked with acne spots and all.
My sister, bare face with a swipe of the lip balm applied on

So this year I gifted her a foundation( she inclined towards cc creams but the sore lack of shades simply made me run) -- The Lakme Invisible Finish Foundation at shade 04. Similarly priced with the cc cream in the same brand but provides more shades, medium coverage and yes, more staying power too. It blends seamlessly, evens out skin tone.
The Lakme Invisible Finish Foundation: Shade 04
 The orangey tones in it cancels the redness out and it stays for at most 3 hours, still keeps you looking flawless for the time.The smell is typical Lakme and I hardly mind, but she did, and she wrinkled her nose about it till it faded away in a minute after application.
The Lakme Invisible Finish Foundation: Shade 04 swatch, unblended
The Lakme Invisible Finish Foundation: Shade 04, swatch blended
I wanted to buy her a lip color, but knowing her well, I decided to go with the Maybelline Color Bloom in Pink Blossom -- a lip balm which would care like a balm, and on a heavier hand would give a pink colorr totally complimenting the skin tone.

The Maybelline Color Bloom Lip Balm in Pink Blossom
Knowing her to be not so good with liners, I decided to gift her a kohl -- The Maybelline Colossal Kajal in black would be easy to apply yet give a polished, glossy look.
While doing her makeup I applied a bit of blush : Maybelline Cheeky Glow in Fresh Coral which gives a healthy flush, easily buildable yet can be applied lightly, very apt for beginners.
The blush faded away after three hours and the foundation stayed an hour more before it disappeared slowly and evenly. The winner was the lip balm however, it stayed strong for five hours, no retouching done!
And here's her transformation from plain Jane to sun kissed prettiness :)

FOTD with The Lakme Invisible Finish Foundation: Shade 04

FOTD with The Lakme Invisible Finish Foundation: Shade 04 t

The coverage, as you can see is light to medium, as it doesnt conceal her acne too well. But the well blended, almost "invisible" finish with little effort is a boon for makeup beginners. Add to that the large number of shades (there are six) and the attractive price point earns it a good recommendation!
Verdict: 3.75/5 (wish it had no smell, a longer staying power and more coverage!)
Price: INR 240

Tuesday 1 September 2015

STREET WEAR COLOR RICH ULTRA MOIST LIPSTICK PINK PERSUASION: REVIEW, SWATCHES, FOTD!

 Hi everyone :)

Today I'll review a gorgeous rose pink that is affordable, and long staying to boot!
Presenting you the Street Wear Color Rich Ultramoist Lipstick in shade PINK PERSUASION.
Street Wear Color Rich Lipstick -- Pink Persuasion

For a very long time I'd heard that Street Wear is the budget line from drugstore brand Revlon.
While Revlon's stellar shade selection and quality are very much present in Street Wear, I do not find any mentions of them in Revlon's official website. Bummer.

Street Wear Color Rich Lipstick -- Pink Persuasion

The lipstick comes in a fun packaging with a dolled up girl on the cover. The top is transparent,the insides of a matte black plastic. I hate the cover though. A portion of the lipstick sticks out and the cover unfailingly nicks the lipstick every single time!
Street Wear Color Rich Lipstick -- Pink Persuasion lipstick bullet

The shade Pink Persuasion is a mix of pink, red and hints of coral. I've never seen a prettier pink. Its a universally flattering shade - whether you've a dusky or fair tone, or somewhere in between, the shade will brighten your face up. People searching for their first pink lipstick, this can definitely be the one you start with -- that's how gorgeous it is.
The color payoff for such a budget lipstick is good enough, slightly sheer in the first swipe, but absolutely opaque in 3-4 swipes. It covers lip pigmentation easily.
Street Wear Color Rich Lipstick -- Pink Persuasion swatches

The texture is creamy, yet sets to a matte finish on the lips. The mild hydration ensures the lipstick doesn't settle in fine lines in the first couple of hours, after which a lip balm might be required to prevent chapped lips.
The staying power is decent too. It stays for around 4 hours with no touch ups and minimal fading. It fades completely after 5 hours leaving no tint.
For the price, they are more than value for money -- the shade selection, color payoff, and staying power make them absolute winners in my book! 
And here's my FOTD with the lipstick:
Products used :
Maybelline BB stick in shade Radience
Maybelline The Colossal Liner
MUA blush in shade 04
Street Wear Color Rich Lipstick -- Pink Persuasion

FOTD with the Street Wear Color Rich Lipstick -- Pink Persuasion   
Verdict : 4.75/5 (bad packaging!)
Price: INR 220