Loving Now - Fancy Packaging, Neutral Lips, Real Techniques and more !

In todays post I am sharing my current favorites.

I have been using the Real Techniques Multi task brush for powdering my face and blending my blush. I have been using the Real Techniques Setting brush for blending the concealer. I love how both these brushes can be used for multiple purposes. They are great quality for the price.

In an attempt to finish the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer, I rediscovered it for good. The shade is a good match for me and its very easy to blend and I have been getting good use of it.

I have been enjoying my current face and eye cream, Dr. Lewinns Reversaderm* and The Body Shop Drops of Youth Eye Concentrate*. I love the packaging of both these creams. The Dr. Lewinns has the super chic pump packaging similar to the Kate Somerville creams, which I oh so love and my skin has been loving this cream so far. The Body Shop eye cream also has fancy yet usable packaging. I love how the metal applicator dispenses and blends the product. It is relaxing to tired eyes and you can almost instantly feel it firming the under eye area. 

Sometime back I bought The Body Shop Satsuma shower gel and I have been hooked since then. If you love citrus fragrances, you gotta try this. I absolutely love the smell, it is so refreshing and perfect for morning showers. This leaves the bathroom smelling good too :)

I have been loving the no fuss neutral lips and have been reaching for MAC See Sheer and Revlon Soft Rose. MAC See Sheer leans towards the peachy side while Revlon Soft rose is more of a dusty rose shade. 

* This product was provided for consideration. However, I was not paid for this post. My reviews/opinions are always honest.

Review - Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner in Blackest Black

The 'Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner' is one of the most popular liquid liners out there and today I am reviewing the same.

The Good 

• Affordable and easily available 
• Fine tip allows for a precise and controlled application
• Good for drawing a thin and clean line
• Brush tip makes it easy to use 
• Highly Pigmented 
• Good for beginners  
• Stays put throughout the day
• Precision tip makes it easy for a winged liner look

The Bad

The only negative is if you like thick eyeliner, then it can take some time with this one, but it's just me being too critical. 

The Price

13.95 AUD

Where to Buy

Priceline, Kmart, Big W, etc.

Have you tried this ? What are your thought ? Which is your favorite eyeliner ?

Review - Maybelline Super Stay 14 Hour Lipstick in Eternal Rose

Today, I am reviewing 'Maybelline Super Stay 14 Hour Lipstick in 'Eternal Rose*'. 

I have to start by saying that I absolutely love the colour of this lipstick. Its a gorgeous bright corally pink colour which brightens up the face, but I totally hate the packaging of this lipstick, it doesn't appeal to me.

I don't think this lipstick lasts14 hours, but does some what last through my working hours. The lipstick from what I have seen, stays on for the first half of the day pretty well, survives the first meal too, but then starts fading over my afternoon cup of coffee.

Let's look at the good and the bad of the lippy.

The Good

• Gorgeous Colour
• Intense Pigmentation 
• Long wear 
• Creamy texture
• Opaque Coverage 
• Affordable and easily available
• Easy to locate packaging

The Bad 

• Ugly Packaging (not a big negative)
• Feels a bit sticky and uncomfortable on lips (most long staying lipsticks do not feel great on the lips)

The Price 
AUD 18.95

Where to Buy
Priceline, Kmart, Target, etc. 

Overall, I think these are good lipsticks with good variety of shades. If you love long staying, pigmented lipsticks and do not mind the slight uncomfortable feel on the lips then definitely give this a try. 


* This product was gifted to me by Myntra.

Review - Maybelline 'The Colossal Kajal' - New 12 hour formula

Today I am reviewing 'The Colossal Kajal' by Maybelline. 

I have been wanting to try this kajal for a while as it is much loved in the Indian beauty blogging sphere. This is the new 12 hour formula launched by Maybelline. I have not tried the old version so cannot compare, but let us see how this one fared. 

The Good

• Smooth and creamy texture - glides on smoothly 
• Lasts long on the lid (12-14 hours)
• Lasts long on the lower lash line also (the above pic is after 12-14 hours of application, with one time touch up to clear the kajal gathered at the corners)
• Twist up pencil - so no wastage of product 
• Stays on the lash line and does not not smear down your lashes 
• Cheap as Chips  

The Bad

• Not available in Australia - I have never seen it here, if anyone has let me know
• Does not stay on the waterline
• The colour could have been more intense
• Gathers up on the outer corner of the eye in 2-3 hours, but not a biggie as you can clean this with a Q-tip. 

The Price
175 INR (approx 3 AUD)

Overall, I would recommend this eyeliner. It is definitely a good budget buy. It is a steal at this price. 

* This product was gifted to me by Myntra.

Review and Swatches - Maybelline Color Tattoo Metal in Electric Blue

I am back !!

Maybelline Color Tattoo Metal were recently launched in Australia. Maybelline Color Tattoos are a cream shadow which are supposed to last like 24 hours.

I love cream shadows as I find them so easy to wear on the rush rush days, which is nearly everyday. Color Tattoos fit the bill as they are pigmented, have a great texture and are affordable. I have the 'Bad To Bronze' from the standard line.

When I picked this up, I had not seen any swatches online, and when I finally swatched this at home, I was a bit disappointed as I don't know why, I had expected it to be more of navy blue. 

Well nonetheless, its a gorgeous blue color. I have done an eye look using this in the past. Click on the pic to see the post. Lets move on with the review. 

The Good

• Multi -use - The product can be used as an eyeshadow base, as an eyeshadow on the lid or in the crease and as a gel eyeliner.
• You can see the color through the packaging, makes it easy to locate the product. 
• Easily available and affordable
• Texture - Smoother than my previous color tattoo

The Bad

• It could have been more pigmented 
• Had a bit of a problem in evenly applying it on my lids.
• I have a general problem with all shadows creasing on me. This is no exception, but this does stay put when used as an eyeliner (for easily 10-12 hours). The creasing is more of a me problem.
• Glass packaging - inconvenient to travel

The Price 

11.95 AUD

Where to Buy

Priceline, Kmart, Big W, etc.

There are some neutral shade in this Metal Range as well, if you are not interested in such a bright shade. 

Have you tried these ? What do you think ?

Manicure Mondays - Shades of Blue

This Monday's Manicure post is with different 'Shades of Blue'. I have used Maybelline Mini Colorama in 'Electric Blue', Maybelline Color Show in 'Blue Freeze' and Loreal Color Riche in 'Rebel Blue' in today's mani. I love blue nail polishes but if I have to pick  one out of these, it will have to be 'Rebel Blue'. 

Hope you like the NOTD. 

Which is your favorite blue ??

NOTD - Maybelline Blue Freeze and Australis Speck-tacular

I have a quick NOTD post today featuring two of the nail polishes that I bought in the Priceline 40% off sale. I am wearing Maybelline NY Color Show in 'Blue Freeze' and Australis  'Speck-tacular'.

Blue Freeze is a gorgeous dark blue, perfect for upcoming colder months ..and OMG OMG Australis  'Speck-tacular' is mindblowingly spectacular .. its a drop dead gorgeous nail polish ..It has colored flecks, red, blue, green and yellow.. I am in total love and wanna wear this as accent nail for all my manis :) .. May be I will do another mani post with macro shots of this polish ..

HAUL TIME : PRICELINE HAUL !! (40% off all cosmetics - Tuesday & Wednesday)

I believe most of my Australian readers will already know that Priceline has a two day 40% sale going on, on all cosmetics (Tuesday & Wednesday). I took adavantage of the sale and indulged in some retail therapy .. Hope you enjoy the pics ..

I got myself Maybelline Color Show in 'Blue Freeze', Rimmel 60 seconds in 'Coralicious', Rimmel Lasting Finish in 'Hot Shot' and Australis Crysta Colour Top Coat in 'Speck-tacular'.

 

Other things I bought were Australis liquid eyeliner, sharpener, Australis eye primer and Australis clear mascara.

Did you take advantage of this sale ?

EOTD - Everyday Work Eyes - Neutrals

Hi guys, 

Today I have a work appropriate EOTD following the eye shadows that I posted  in my previous 'My Work Makeup Lately !'. Hope you enjoy :)

Products used

• Maybelline 'Chai Latte' Eye quad
• Rimmel mono eyeshadow in 'Daisy Chain'
• Maybelline Master Drama Eyestudio in 'Midnight Master'
• Revlon Fabuliner
•  Maybelline Mega Plush Volume Express
• Real Techniques Domed shadow brush& Sigma E25

How to

• Apply Rimmel mono eye shadow in 'Daisy Chain' all over the lid 
• Apply the darkest brown shade from Maybelline 'Chai Latte' Eye quad in the crease and blend well
• Line upper and lower lash line with liner 
• Apply mascara and you are done
  
  
  Hope you liked the look. Which eyeshadows do you wear to work ?

My Work Makeup Lately !

Long time back, Vita from 'Making up 4 my Age' did 'A typical week's worth of makeup?' post and I have been wanting to a similar post since then and finally I have come around to it.. Hope you enjoy it.

I have been mostly grabbing for the following eye shadows lately:

• Wet n Wild trio in 'Silent Treatment' - Love the taupe shade in this trio, perfect for everyday. Review n EOTD HERE.
• Rimmel Mono eyeshadow in 'Daisy Chain' - This was a GWP, its a gorgeous eye shadow, a pinkish lilac shade, lovely texture. Looks good on its own or with a brown or berry shade on the crease. Will do an EOTD soon.  
• Maybelline quad in 'Chai Latte' - Love all the shades in this quad, perfect neutral eyeshadow. Click HERE to check a EOTD using this. 
• MAC Paintpot in 'Indianwood' - I love wearing cream shadows as they are so quick n easy to apply. Click HERE to check EOTD using this paintpot.

When I don't want to fuss over eye shadows, I try to quickly don a put together look by applying eye liners. For a pop of color, I like to apply 'Flirty turquoise' from Colorbar, 'Ransom' from Urban Decay or 'Blue Spark' from Revlon. Have used these colored liners HERE before to create the Rainbow liner look. For a subtle definition, I love wearing this grey shade 'Slate' from Lakme and 'Brown Perfection' from NYX. I always apply liner on my lower lash line n waterline, n my recent love is this Maybelline Master Drama Eye Studio in 'Midnight Master'. Review coming soon. 

I have been enjoying wearing these neutral shades, 'MAC Blushbaby & Tarte Exposed', since I got them. 
Loving wearing Milani 'Luminoso' for a corally glow.

Though summer has long gone and we are having rainy and gloomy days in Sydney, but I have still been enjoying wearing Orange lipsticks. I have enjoyed wearing Revlon lip butter 'Tutti Fruti', Revlon lip balm stains in 'Rendezvous' &  MAC 'See Sheer'. 

For brushes, I have been enjoying Sigma F84 for applying blush and Real Techniques Multi task brush for buffing in the blush. For eye makeup I have been using, MAC 217 and Real Techniques eye brushes. 

What have you been wearing to work lately ? 

EOTD - Everyday Taupes and Review Wet n Wild 'Silent Treatment'

I am back finally !! Last few weeks have been very busy with shifting and packing, unpacking and settling down..my new place is almost settled now and getting better day by day :)

Anyways coming back to today's post, I have an everyday EOTD for you guys, work/school appropriate using 'Wet n Wild' Silent Treatment. After hearing a lot about the brand, I finally got me some of their products to try ..So below is the look ..enjoy ..

 

I have used all three shades here as suggested, taupe on lids, the darkest, very lightly on outer corners and crease and the lightest on brow bone. I lined my eyes with NYX Slide on Pencil in 'Brown Perfection' and applied Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Pencil in 'Perversion' on my waterline. 

 

Products Used for the eye look

Overall Wet n Wild 'Silent Treatment' really justifies all the hype, the shadows are pigmented, smooth and blend like a dream and with a price so reasonable, what's not to love ? The swatches do not do justice, the shades have more complexity and dimension to them, as opposed to seen in the swatches. Its a good every day trio, perfect for easy effortless looks but at the same time can be built up to create a smokey look for the night too ..

 

Silent Treatment Taupe has been compared and supposed to be the dupe for MAC Satin Taupe .. Below are the swatches, of both for you to decide .. I definitely do not think its a dupe as they are quite different, Silent Treatment is lighter as compared to Satin Taupe. I like Silent Treatment better on me ..

Silent Treatment vs MAC Satin Taupe

In Australia, you can buy Wet n Wild from Crush Cosmetics for AUD 9.95. 
Do you have this trio ? Do you like it ?

Review - Maybelline 'Hooked on Pink' Color Sensational

Today's Post is a Review on Maybelline 'Hooked on Pink' Color Sensational lipstick. So without any further ado, lets move on with the swatches, the good and the bad of the product.

Maybelline 'Hooked on Pink'

Swatch

Random pic with Maybelline 'Hooked on Pink' on me

The Good

• Beautiful wearable bright shade
• Affordable and easily available
• Variety of shades available in this range to suit all needs
• Creamy texture, not drying like some pigmented lipsticks     

The Bad

I don't see any cons in the product, but this is the only color I have tried in this range. 

The Price 

AUD 13

Where to buy

Target, Kmart, Priceline, pharmacies

   

I find sporting a bright pink lip (as compared to other colors) difficult and sometimes its hard to find a bright pink shade to suit my complexion. Over all, to me this is a wearable bright pink shade which IMO should suit olive skin tones. This shade packs a punch without looking OTT. 

Which is your favorite bright pink lip ? 

EOTD - Blue & Purple Smokey Eyes

Today's post is Blue and Purple smokey eyes ... I sported this for New Years eve ..though we did not go out anywhere, just had dinner at our friends place but I wanted to do something fancy .. so here it my New Year's EOTD ..

Products Used

• Face of Australia Primer
• Australis True Blue quad
• Urban Decay Book of Shadows IV
• Face of Australia Black Liquid Liner
• Chambor Dazzle Eye pencil purple (not featured in the pic, sorry :(, I forgot)
• Maybelline Colossal Volume Mascara
• Real Techniques base shadow brush, domed shadow brush n Sigma E40

How to

• Prime your lids
• Apply blue shadow (shade no 1) all over the lid 
• Apply purple shadow (shade no 2) on the crease and outer corner and blend well
• Apply light blue (shade no 3) on the inner corner
• Apply purple liner on the lower lashes
• Line your upper lash line 
• Curl your lashes, apply mascara and you are done
  

Hope you liked the look .. :)

The Makeup Brushes I use

I had no makeup brushes two years back, I didn't even know that brushes were required for makeup ;D. Since moving to Sydney, my love for makeup along with my makeup/brush collection has expanded to some extent ..Today's post highlights which brushes I use and for what ..

Foundation
I am not really a foundation person. I only wear foundations for special occasions. I sometimes apply it with my fingers or sometimes I use Sigma F86. Same for the BB cream, I like to blend in with F86 or sometime just with my trusty old fingers. IMO, applying with fingers is the fastest.

Powder
I enjoy wearing Loreal mineral powder foundation and Australis Fresh and Flawless pressed powder. For both,  mineral powder and face powders, I use Models Prefer MPP 100 (This is a local brand available exclusively at Priceline). This is a lovely soft fluffy brush, also works perfectly for buffing in liquid foundation.

Blush
Eco Tools blush brush also reviewed here, is the brush I use for powder blushes. For cream blushes I use F86 (in the first pic) by Sigma since it is good at picking up cream products.

Concealer
I usually apply n blend in my concealer with my fingers and then powder over it with Models Prefer MPP 100. Sometimes I also like to apply powder with smaller fluffy brushes like Sigma E40 (in pic 5).

Contour
I contour very less, but when I do, I use this no name brush from Coastal scents. Its a small tapered brush which is perfect for contouring and then I blend it with any bigger brush.

Lips
I usually apply lipsticks directly from the tube, even the bold and brighter ones, but just in case If i need to use  a brush, I keep a Sigma L05 (which I haven't used even once btw)

Eyes
For eyeshadow, I mainly use the Australis eyeshadow brush, MAC 217, Sigma E25 & E40. I absolutely love MAC 217 and  Sigma E40. I prefer using the fluffy brushes for application as compared to the typical flat shadow brushes.

For eyeliner, I like to use Sigma E05 or even the brushes that come with the Maybelline gel liner. Those brushes work just as well. 

Which are your favorite brushes ?

**This does not include the Real Techniques brushes I just bought, as I am just getting into using them. I will probably do an updated post later in time**