Ecotools Bamboo Powder Brush

I am obsessed with lip products, so majority of my blog is dedicated to those! Here is my first review on Ecotools makeup brush, earth-friendly beauty! New to Ecotools? This is for you, ONLY! I am no big in making things clear, but will surely try my level best!

In 2007, Paris Presents started an internal initiative to make products more earth-friendly! They launched an entire line of bath and cosmetic accessories eco-friendly using sustainable resources that minimize the negative impact on the environment. Bamboo, cruelty-free taklon bristles and recycled/recyclable materials!

EcoTools has joined with "1% For the Planet" to donate 1% of annual sales to environmental organizations that create a healthier place to live! Cruelty-free hair! Vegan! Natural and recycled materials! Reusable storage pouch! Respect for the planet!

This powder brush is ideal for applying powder and setting makeup! It provides a smooth, soft finish and sets your makeup! Glide the brush across pressed or loose powder and tap off any excess! Evenly apply over entire face to create a smooth, soft finish!

The handle is bamboo, of course! The upper and lower parts of the brush sync, which makes the brush very user-friendly! At least, for myself! The bristles are not as fluffy as kabuki, as you can see! This is too big for my face, I feel! It does cover a large surface area, though! What about places like corners of the nose? I use a foundation brush to reach places like corners of the nose, eyes etc! You wouldnt need that, in fact! Just in case, can try using a foundation/concealer brush!

I use nothing, but MAC Studio Fix Powder/Foundation! This brush and MAC SF make a perfect pair! I cant exaggerate more how soft this brush feels! You should feel it for yourself! It distributes the product evenly! Better put it this way! You have control over the product! Only downside? Not downside, in fact! Its difficult to work with the storage pouch! Every time you take the brush out, the zip lock thing seems to hold back some bristles and there is a chance of shredding! Blame the size of the brush? No! Blame the pouch size! Better to store these in a holder whatever your storage solution!

TIP - Take good care of these, they last life long! They collect oil from your face, so wash them after every seventh use! Dry them lying flat! Dried upside down, loosens the glue that holds the bristles in place!

Every purchase, there is a green tip on the pouch! This one says "Find new uses for old things! Wrap gifts in old Sunday comics instead of store-bought wrapping paper!" By the way, it has a number 1200 on the pouch! You wouldnt need that, anyway coz this is the only powder brush from Ecotools! Just in case of reference, might come handy! Retails for 7.50 pounds at your local TESCO or selected Superdrug stores! Never seen them @ Superdrug, though! US, try your local Walmart, Walgreens, Target and Ulta! I find Ecotools expensive in UK!

Ignore the messy bristles!

P.S: I know there are tonnes of MAC-loyal lovelies out there! I dont insist you try these brushes! This is not a paid review, by all means! I am doing it for my pleasure and for blog sake! Nothing like "Hey! Try using eco-friendly brushes and make Earth a better place to live!"

Neutrogena Deep Clean Invigorating Scrub

Neutrogena Deep Clean Invigorating Scrub, otherwise NDCIS! Good old drugstore product I would love to repurchase! I am half way through, already! This review is for those innocent souls new to Neutrogena! This should help you, to some extent!

Claims - Cleanses deep into pores energising microbeads for fresh, invigorated skin! Awaken your skin with NDCIS! Dermatologist tested!

Energising microbeads gently exfoliate, sweeping away pore-clogging feeling as it effortlessly dissolves dirt, oil and makeup! Feel the surge of invigoration from a thorough cleansing that leaves skin feeling fresh and energised!

Cooling menthol gel leaves skin feeling wide awake, clean and revitalised! Energising microbeads awaken skin and sweep away the dead skin cells that can clog pores! Too much of awakening! If you dont want to fall asleep, try Neutrogena!

The most refreshing, by all means! Fragrance-wise! Scrub-wise! Beautiful sheer blue gel with deep blue and white beads! Have you ever tried gel formula scrub? Especially the menthol ones? This one, once you open the lid, you might get the scent of a detergent! In a good way, of course! Something like Surf, I can say! At least, that category! Now, you have an idea of the color, consistency, texture and fragrance?

Hope you can see the blue beads!

You dont have to be liberal with this! Pea-size product is more than enough to get rid of the muck! Now, work the product your way! Wait! Do you have oily or greasy skin? Go according to the package! If you have normal to combination skin, a couple of times a week is more than enough! Depends on your lifestyle, I can say! Working women are mostly exposed to pollution on a daily basis! If you come under that category, can use quite often!

If you skin is supa-dupa sensitive or irritates to the slightest stimulation, better do a patch test! I know this sounds technical, but thats rather better than ending up red-faced! My skin behaves well to most of the skin products, except occasional zits! Damn! Only issue, lip products! Lips are the most battered! Badly beaten to death! Poor pout!

My skin is combination to oily! Still, I find this very drying! Blame the ingredients! On experience, I learned a trick! I combine this scrub with a creamy cleanser! Clinique Rinse-off Foaming Cleanser, for instance! The dryness subsides to some level, I am quite happy!

Apropriate opening to get the right amount!

One more thing! If you are trying this for the first time, your eyes might tend to water! They will, for sure! Blame menthol! Be prepared for tears! Sob - Sob! You skin definitely feels taut, so make sure you moisturize your skin very well after using this! Or else, that might rip off the essential oils of skin! Skin feels fresh! How does it feel when you scrub your skin with brick powder? Just like that! Hey, I never did that! This is how exactly we feel when we use brick powder! I know!

Stats - 150 ml retails for 3.50 pound, sometimes depends on the store!

Life expectancy, 12 long months! It lasts ages, trust me!

Body Shop Lip Gloss Dot

Lip gloss Dot? Must be Lip Gloss Pot, dolls! Today, we have Body Shop lip glosses in shades #1 Ice Shimmer, #3 Hot Pink and #4 Soft Plum! Unfortunately, we missed #2 Candy Pink and #5 Bilberry Juice!

Dermatologically tested!

Gives your lips a natural sheen while conditioning them with an everyday gloss that can be worn alone or over lip color! Moisturizing "Community Trade" marula oil from Namibia leaves lips soft and supple! Passion fruit fragrance adds a refreshingly juicy scent! Organic beeswax moisturizes and helps to condition dry skin, especially on your lips and around the fingernail beds! Acts as a barrier that helps to seal in moisture! Helps to keep product texture consistent when used over time! Vitamin E conditions, nourishes and protects the skin, leaving it soft, smooth and healthy! Organic Virgin/hydrogenated Coconut Oil helps to condition the skin to make you smooth, soft and deliciously scented!

Ingredients - Polybutene, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Beeswax, Polyethylene, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Hydrogenated Coconut Oil, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Silica, Ricinus Communis (Castor Seed) Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Barium Sulfate, Flavor, Propylparaben, Ammonium Glycyrrhizate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool, Citronellol, Geraniol, Eugenol, Citral, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Mica, Titanium Dioxide

Ice Shimmer, Hot Pink, Soft Plum with flash!

Ice Shimmer, Hot Pink, Soft Plum without flash!

Love at first sight, but definitely not at first swipe! Just kiddin'! As you can see, Ice Shimmer is sheer sparkly gloss! Definitely, makes a great top coat! I feel the glitter in Ice Shimmer is kinda chunky compared to the other ones! The level of shimmer and sparkle varies accordingly!

If you remember, I got these in a sale for a pound each! I am not sure of the original price, though! I heard it was 6 pounds, but no confirmation! Will double check with Margaret from Body Shop and let you know ASAP! Why? We definitely dont wanna miss the original price coz thats what makes the purchase FUN! Who can resist the packaging? Definitely not myself! Glamorous packaging! Sleek n shiny! What would you do if you find these for a pound or whatever your currency is?

The colors can be sheer or buildable, depends on how you want them! So convenient! The colors are not very pigmented, so you can use them as a base coat or top coat or as your sole lip color! Hope this makes sense!

Soft Plum (top) & Hot Pink (bottom)

Alright! I deserve the "most pathetic swatches/pictures" award! Hey, why not somebody do that? Winning is my motto, best or worst! I want to WIN! I know, I will surely win this! Please vote for me! Next time, I will do my level best to help you win! Deal? Phew! Feels better!

Excuse me for not describing the shades! On lips, Soft Plum doesnt sparkle as much as Hot Pink! HP has some weird undertones, which makes my teeth look yellow and grubby! I can assure you HP has purple/blue undertones, which help my teeth look YUCK!

If I use the gloss alone, nothing exciting happens! I used Clinique All About Eyes as a lip base and tried the gloss! I know that sounds gross, but it worked! Ahem! I can speak, understand, read and write English! My lips were soft for a reasonable amount of time! Staying power? Definitely doesnt stick on for more than half an hour, which doesnt sound good! My observation! I was wrong in expecting a miracle! Now, I know glosses dont do the dishes!

Only downside, the fragrance! I know people are going gaga over the scent of this! Exclude me! I have never been a fan of fruity flavor, especially the nauseating ones! Indian dolls, ever tried Parle G Poppins? How do they feel? Hard and nauseating! They come in all sorts of fruity flavors! Others, its passion fruit fragrance that adds a refreshingly juicy scent! Yet to be blessed to sniff Passion fruit! God, please help me! I think I am gonna puke! Verdict? I am happy if not for the fragrance!

Time for vital stats! This 6.5 ml or 0.2 OZ or 6.5 g retails for "NOT SURE!" Lets assume 6 pounds, until we have the official confirmation! The life expectancy? Alright! They expire in 36 months! Whoaaa!

Three Musketeers!

For me, these glosses are ego satisfiers! God knows where I picked that word from! I definitely dont want to pass these, especially for the price! Not inspiring, of course! Building your collection? Try these! They look good! They feel good! Expect a typical gloss, nothing more!

You are a Doll

Really? I didnt know! Thanq very much for the sweetest lie! I am tagged by Sonali, again! God, Sonali! How many times did you nominate me? I came to your blog, copy pasted all the possible awards! Did all the tags! Kindly lemme know if I was NOT nominated!

Why two of them? Any ideas? Now, here is your question! "What character from a book/movie are  you most like?" I would relate myself to Daisy from Oswald! Daisy is a yellow/orange/green flower! Free-spirited and energetic! I dont insist you watch this show just to know me! If you watch this religiously, you know what I am talking about! Look at the picture below! You will understand!

Time to tag! I tag everybody! You read this, you are tagged! Wondering why I keep tagging everybody? As mentioned earlier, everybody is unique in their own way! I dont want anybody to feel dejected or given a second priority! I know how it feels! Before, I used to visit each blog and let them know they were nominated! Its really tough, especially when you follow great amount of blogs! Most of them I tagged did not respond! Must be for personal reasons, I guess! Now you know why I tag everybody? Please, do not feel offended! I mean no harm to you! I am just trying to make things easy peasy!

(Courtesy: tvrage.com)

Happy 101

Wondering what that means? Its a tag, girls! You are supposed to list out 7 things that make you happy! What has 101 got to do with 7 things? Whoever made this tag must be obsessed with number 7! Must be their lucky number! Oh dear! What a conclusion! Trying to play Sherlock Holmes! Tagged by? Whoelse would take a chance other than the diva, Sonali?

Believe or not, I didnt read Sonali's response to this tag! If I read, I will surely end up posting relatively similar things! I dont wanna do that! I feel, thats cheating! Of course, we are not punished if we read! Still, thats my opinion! Alright! Here are the 7 things that keep me on cloud nine!

1. My family! We are a close-knit family, very inseperable! I love them to death! The best I could ask for! God bless my happy family! Special mention, my father-in-law! He treats me like a baby! See! I didnt talk about DH! Mean woman! He is the perfect better half! I am blessed for the second time!

2. Honesty! I hate feigning! So far, I managed to get tonnes of enemies successfully coz of that! I dont say that I never lie! I do, but thats just to keep someone happy! I try to explain, but nobody wants to listen! Thats not my fault! I dont deserve them or may be they dont deserve me! As simple as that! People who like drama and hype can stay away from me!

3. Friends! I have 3 great souls to tolerate me, I rant, rave and ramble! They are my besties and will remain so forever! I dont know how they feel about me, but I feel so attached! Special mention, a Rajasthani girl who has always been by my side through worst! In total, 4 great souls!

4. Makeup! Name rings a bell! I cannot exaggerate more on how much I love makeup! I love makeup, thats it!

5. I count my blessings! My positive attitude towards life! Before, "my glass was half empty, but now its half full!"

6. I am a cartoon person! Healthy choice! As mentioned earlier, I love Heidi and Oswald to death! Otherwise, I watch the Barbie series! They keep me HAPPY!

7. Comedy personified would be Divija! People find me funny! I am really glad that I could bring a smile on somebody's face! What will I be doing other than blogging? Giggling! I was christened "giggling monkey" coz I wouldnt stop showing my teeth!

Time to tag! I tag everybody! If you read this, you are tagged! Break the rules! Do the tag! Entertain!

Awards n Tags

Let me be honest! I was tagged by the diva, Sonali, again! But, as usual there is some confusion prevailing! How many awards did I get? What tag am I supposed to do? I assume I was nominated for a couple of awards and am supposed to do a couple of tags! Savvy? Sonali, the next time you tag me, beware! I can take away all the awards from your blog! Copy - paste them in my blog saying that Sonali nominated me! Dolls, please be careful while tagging me! Remember, I warn you! Please tell me that I can understand English or there is a chance of me being kicked out from blogosphere!

Girls, let get to work! The first tag would be Color Tag! Was I really tagged? God knows! You are supposed to feature 7 objects of your favorite color! If you know me??? How would you know me unless I told you? Silly me! I wanna sound very chic, but see what happens! My favorite is BLACK! Why? I am black! My bestie "Shilpa" calls me Black Beauty! I liked that ever since! I miss her so much! I hope she gets to read this! "Monkey, I miss you!" Back to job! Here are the 7 objects of my choice of color, irrespective of size or shape! Trying to sound funny, but in vain!

My latest investment! Bag of the year from Zara! I got this in sale for 30 pounds, which actually retails for 40 pounds! Its textured black! I love this to pieces!

Call it a shrug / cardigan whateva you please! I bought this in sale for 7 pounds @ New Look, which actually retails for 16 pounds! How do I know? I bought a beige one for 16 pounds! Like the silver thread detailing! Can never go wrong with black basics! Turkey-make, FYI!

Wanna tell you something, if you are interested! I normally pair it with a two-toned lace corset from New Look! I no size zero, please! It stretches, so anybody can fit in! I bought the cardigan and corset together!

Name rings a bell! Holy grail ceramic straightener! Went to buy the Limited Edition Precious, but fell for the basic black! Retails for 128 pounds! Real time investment!

My black hair band! Love it! Retails for 4.50 pounds @ Claires!

Bobbi Brown Long-wear gel eyeliner! Who needs an introduction? Retails for 15 pounds!

Black Chiffon saree gifted by mom! Weighs less than a paper! I lost count how many times I wore it! If there is one saree I have to choose for the rest of  my life, this is IT! Love this to death! Love you, maa!

Body Shop Eye n Cheek palette #2 Caramel & Pink! 4 eye colors and a complimentary cheek color! Retails for 12 pounds, but got for 5 pounds in sale!

I thought you would be interested in seeing the colors, so here we are!

Cheating? If I cannot include clothing twice, here is the substitute! Sony Vaio VGN - CR36G/B laptop in matte black!

God, its really tough to find black things around! I have tonnes back in India, but nothing here! Had really tough time finding! Hey, why do you tag me for the toughest? I thought I was really good to you! You know! It took more than a couple of hours to do this tag! Oh God, whats the next tag? Hope it has got nothing to do with pictures! Before, I liked taking pictures a lot! Now, that makes me sick! The very sight of camera gives nausea!!! Thanq Sonali, for burning my calories in a sweetest way possible!

Now, time for revenge! I tag everybody! If you read this, remember, you are tagged! Better dont read, I suggest! muhahahahaa...

Any Ideas?

What do I call it? How do I use it? Wallet? Pouch? Clutch? For summer? Spring? Beach bag? I dont know! All I know, I have an idea how to use this! Promise me you would not end up rolling on the floor! I wanna make this my travel makeup bag! See, I told you! You are laughing :(

To be honest, I am not a coordination person! My accessories and outfit do not go together! I prefer white dress and black accessories, for instance! Well, thats me! Today, I got this bag for 2 pounds :) Look at the colors! Strawberries! LOVE! Its some kinda weave outside, but has a synthetic layering inside! One zipper and mobile pouch! I am not sure how to use this, but! Any ideas?

Body Shop Nutmeg & Vanilla Lip Balm

Today, we have the limited edition Nutmeg and Vanilla lip balm from Body Shop. Retails for 2 pounds for 15 ml / 13 g / 0.45 OZ! Quite bulky! Definitely not designed for your back pocket!

Claims - Nutmeg extract adds a warm, nostalgic fragrance. Community Trade organic beeswax conditions lips and acts as a barrier that seals in moisture. Vitamin E is a natural antioxidant that moisturizes and helps to protect skin against premature aging and environmental aggressors. Lanolin is easily absorbed to moisturize and protect rough, dry skin. Recommendable to keep lips kissably soft with a sweet, moisturizing balm with a delicate shimmer to leave lips feeling soft, smooth and well-protected.

Sweet and indulgent, delicious new Nutmeg and Vanilla range will inspire feelings of warmth and nostalgia. Perfect for the festive party season, this contemporary range is packed with moisturizing Community Trade ingredients.

Beeswax is a Community Trade ingredient from the remote tropical forests of North West Zambia, where the extra income helps more than 3,000 beekeepers preserve their traditional way of life. So, this is their way of Community trade support.

Organic beeswax - Moisturizes and helps condition dry skin, especially on lips and around the fingernail beds. Acts as a barrier that helps to seal the moisture in. Helps to keep product texture consistent when used over time.

Safflower seed oil - Helps moisturize and smooth the skin.

Ingredients - You find on the peel off backside! Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Lanolin, Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax, Beeswax, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Flavor, Silica, Benzyl Benzoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Ammonium Glycyrrhizate, Limonene, Myristica Fragrans (Nutmeg) Extract, Eugenol, Tocopherol, Cinnamyl Alcohol, Cinnamal, Benzyl Salicylate, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Bismuth Oxychloride.

Suitable: Normal skin.

The most adorable tin packaging! Do I need to say more? The most unusual combo anyone could ask for! I always wondered who has the largest collection of lip products in the world, especially lip balm! What possible combinations could they have? Everytime I buy a lip balm, my ego is kinda satisfied! As you can see, its quite bulky! It lasts ages! Especially if you already have a stash full of lip products to finish!

This is my first lip balm from Body Shop! Its transparent with multi-color shimmer! Glides easy on the lips! No heavy formula! Leaves the lips damn glossy! With multi-color shimmer, its a double treat! I use this on lipstick, works wonders! Normally, I use balm under lipstick! This one has shimmer, so there is no point using under lipstick! Right? Great analysis! Brainy lass! I guess it works either ways! Logical, eh!

If shimmer is a big NO - NO, stay away! The fun part, its sweet! I know this sounds gross, but I never tasted nutmeg/Jaiphal! All I can feel is cinnamon/dalchini on my lips coz I know the taste of it! I smell like a SPICE RACK! I dont say the staying power is phenomenal, but quite good! Above average, I can say! Stays put for a couple of hours sans food and drink!

Looks brown in the tin, but its 100% transparent! Most of us, transparent balm is no fun! Still, this is that one thing you should at least give a try! The lid has no threads or doesnt pop up just like that! Meaning, its damn travel-safe! Here is a tip I wanted to share! If you find such tins difficult, turn the lid a full circle and open! This really  helps!

Nutmeg was once considered an abortifacient, but may be safe for culinary use during pregnancy! However, it inhibits prostaglandin production and contains hallucinogens that may affect the fetus if consumed in large quantities! That was a warning!

The Naute Mess Award

Can you please lemme know what on Earth this means? I am a big dumbo, told you already! Why such complicated awards, then? All I know, Karls Lagerfeld playing peekaboo in the picture! Just kidding ;)

The beautiful Stella, a beauty blogger bestowed upon me another complicated award "The Naute Mess Award". This award is a package, by the way! It comes along with a set of 7 questions! In fact, they are 7 facts about yourself! Yes! So, the rules are to write 7 facts about myself! Who would really wanna know about me? Remember, I warn you! You find this DAMN boring! Stay away! Anyway, I have to do this for Stella! So, here we go...

1. I am a happy wife (poor hubby) for over 3 - 1/2 years! Oh yeah, I understand! Yet to be blessed!

2. I am a monkey! You can find me giggling all the time! Wide grin from this corner of the ear to the other! Why lie? Like me or not! I am full of ATTITUDE! Very fussy! Savvy?

3. I am a vegetarian! I can live on eggless cakes and spicy South-Indian food!

4. I hate Idiot Box! Yes, I do! I watch Oswald and Heidi cartoons ONLY! Nostalgic!

5. I am a mad browser! Online 24/7. I love Farmville @ Face Book!

6. Good grace, I managed to have tonnes of enemies! I am really not that bad! People did not give me a fair chance, I guess! I have 3 great souls to tolerate me since I was 13! I cannot afford to lose them, fingers crossed! Lesson learnt? DO NOT TRUST EVERYBODY!

7. I was a school teacher for a couple of years, medical secretary for another couple of years! Multi-talented lass!

Heaven's sake! Next time, better provide the questions! Its really tough! I really dont know what to say! If you want to know something, you better ask! You all know my love for makeup! So, I did not mention that!
Time to nominate! I nominate everybody! Everyone is special in their own way! Nobody should be underestimated! Nobody should feel dejected! I tag all my followers! Another ruby for your tiara! You people deserve this award! Kindly lemme know what on Earth this award means! I would really appreciate any help! Thanq my dear Stella!

Bourjois Effet 3D Lip Gloss

Dolls, dont you think these babies deserve a review? At least a mention? Today, I proudly present to you the Brilliant a Levres 3D lip gloss range from Bourjois! Other lines in Effet 3D range are Effet 3D Cosmic and Effet 3D Max gloss, which was launched recently! Not so recent, of course! 3D Effet gloss is the only Bourjois product I have ever tried! Shame, aye!

Claims - A formula enriched with micro crystalline wax for a deep, voluminous and ultra-shiny result. The specially designed brush applicator delivers ultra-glossy precise results with ease.

Tip from color designer Christophe Durand - Gloss and volume go hand in hand, so think to add a touch to the centre of the lower lip. For a super on-trend vinyl effect, you can apply a colour gloss then add a touch of clear for a sensational 3D smile.

Shade range - Beige elastic #01, Brun galactic #02, Rose idyllic #03, Rose emblematic #04, Rose angelic #05, Rose arctic #15, Beige theoric #16, Transparent oniric #18, Brun poetic #33, Rose Mythic #34, Fleur d'oranger poetic #36, Rose or chic #37, Rose symbolic #42, Rouge classic #43, Cannelle unic #44, Rose lyric #46.

Here, we have 3 shades Rose symbolic #42, Rouge classic #43, Cannelle unic #44! Ok, they might look similar, but you would be surprised to find a subtle variation! Agreed? I find the packaging is unique! Appears to have a heaven lotta product! Product expires in 18 months, which is really sad! What makes me happier? The information given on the packaging! It has a gold-colored lid with the shade number, color and swatch on it! The colour swatch on the cap is true to the colour in the tube, which makes things easier!

The formula was good when I purchased, but became kinda thick later on! Sounds silly? I feel so! I didnt get to use these as I had to finish my other glosses! The formula is non-sticky and moisturizing! I use them as much as I can coz they perform a dual role, gloss as well as moisturizer. It works as a tinted lip treatment for my lips, I can say. The applicator is brush-type. I personally like doe-foot applicators, but I dont find any issues with brush applicator, either. All I do is just dot and spread the color! No efforts!

Staying power? I dont mind as long as the moisturizer stays and the color fades away. The last thing I need on my lips is flakes. This does not happen with these glosses, which is why I like them! The colors I have are sheer pigmented sans shimmer. Coming to the fragrance, I really cant describe! I am 200% sure it has a lingering fragrance! Like a mild aroma! Tried these yet? You know what I am talking about better! I bought these in 3 for 2 i.e. you buy 2 and get 3rd cheapest or equal prodcut for free! I wish I chose different colors! Never mind!

As for the plumping effect, I really dont observe such things! I dont invest in plumpers coz I feel thats a pure marketing strategy! Personally, I dont need a plumper! All I need is soft lips with a hint of tint! Small things really make me happy! Retails for 6.99 pounds! Repurchase! Heavens, YES! I never regret buying these!

Cannelle unic #44, Rouge classic #43, Rose symbolic #42

Swatches - Cannelle unic #44, Rouge classic #43, Rose symbolic #42

Model sports Beige elastic #01

(Courtesy: http://www.bourjois.co.uk/)

Update 2010

Dolls, here is a little update! From now, I am not posting any pictures of my flings! You know what I mean! No more pictures of what I got! Somehow, its more like bragging and nagging rather than sharing! I know many of you must be relieved hearing this!

If you observe, I normally like posting my own pictures! I like to use the pictures of products I buy! I dont like to copy them from websites! The reason, I dont want somebody to think that I am a big time bluff! You know what I mean! People talking, "What if she really didnt buy that? What if she is simply talking about it?" But, I will definitely try to post a swatch or a picture when I do the review!

Still, posting pictures is such a pain in the ***! In fact, I really admire one of my friends Tanveer, a fellow beauty blogger for implementing that in her blog! Posting pictures consumes hell lotta time! Its really irritating, especially when there is no proper light! Talk about seeing sun in UK! If you see him, its like "Who's that?"

Thats the reason I never post any swatches, especially the eye shadows! I have a couple of friends requesting since long time! Girls, this is the reason I dont post them! I want to do something for the day, but it ends up crap! No use trying! So, I just wanted to let you know that you will have complete access to all the swatches once I am back to India, which is by May 2010! Until then, please bear with me!

P.S: Ignore this update!

Fling 3 @ 2010

Finally, got rid of the word! If "haul" makes sense, then "fling" should definitely do! Please ignore if you find it nasty! All I wanted was to get rid of the word "haul!" See! I am still repeating the word! Ok, forget it! Back to work!

Today, I have been to the Body Shop! Couldnt resist! Especially after the bad dream that the stock disappeared! What takes me back to Body Shop is the manager, Margaret aka Love Lady! She keeps calling every customer "Love". I love the sound of it! She is gorgeous and ever-pleasing! She greeted me and was like "Here you are, again!" Then, I bought something! I left to work! I told my manager about the Body Shop sale! She came along! She bought something for herself! Margaret was like "Ok, you are bringing people in." After my experience at MAC, I feel she is not ordinary! She is God-sent! She is really a charm to the store! She has been @ Body Shop for 15 years! OMG! I love Margaret! She is full of energy! No ATTITUDE!

Today, we have 6 eye shadows, 2 lipsticks and a double-end lip gloss! One end is the gloss and the other end, cheek n lip stain! Everything for a pound each! How could I resist? No wonder I keep going back! Provided, my Love Lady @ the store! She kept saying that I was really going on a spree, treating myself with loads of makeup!

Girls, did you know? L'Oreal acquired Body Shop! It was a shocker for me! Margaret came to my rescue today explaining about that in detail! L'Oreal and Body Shop merged and came up with EPISKIN, an alternative approach to animal testing. They create some skin models by producing them on an industrial scale and develop alternative methods! How cool is that? I am really satisfied knowing that finally, there is some alternative to animal testing! L'Oreal has a great team! Body Shop is synonymous to ethical standards! Now, they are working together on something worth-a-mention! Kudos...

(Courtesy: http://www.propertyweek.com/)

Aussie Aussome Volume 2 in 1 Shampoo & Conditioner

My first hair product of the year! My goodness! I finally got rid off my L'Oreal Elvive shampoo! I was literally using this for more an a year! I couldnt take it anymore! Back to job! Today, we have the Aussie Aussome Volume range, which is for fine and limp hair, infused with Custard Apple!

Claims: Forget double-choc ice cream and push-up bras. This is what I call uplift. Fine, limp hair just makes you feel flat. Well say no more! These bottles of goodness containing wonderful things like a dash of Australian hop extract, inject hair with voluptuous volume!

Fine to Voluptuous in next to no time. Flying out the door? Still want to look like a va-va-voom hair goddess? No problem. This 2 in 1 moisturises, conditions and turns up the volume faster than you can say ‘I’m outta here’. Apply to wet hair, rinse, dry and dash. A Custard Apple a day keeps the flatness away. Are your flat, unhappy locks crying out for a little love and attention? This 2in1 formula, blossoming with Australian Custard Apple, is just what the hair doctor ordered. It uplifts tired locks and gives new meaning to the phrase, ‘Fancy a quickie.’

You want volume? You want it fast? Try this cunning concoction, inspired by Australia, with Custard Apple extracts! Its 2 in 1, but the formula is so feather-weight. It wont leave your hair feeling overloaded! Instant uplift for you and your hair! However tasty it sounds, please dont drink Aussome Volume. Its a top hair treat, not a dessert topping! Funny ;)

You see that? 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner formulated for lazy bugs like myself! How do you normally work with the conditioner? I mix conditioner along with shampoo coz it makes task easier and reduces hair fall! I dont know if its the same with you, but when I try to work with the conditioner seperately, hair falls! It tends to break easily! So, I mix both!

Consistency is sheer and light-weight! I hate heavy formulae, especially hair products! I feel hair turns greasy very quick! Soap or shampoo, I LOVE lather! If it doesnt lather enough, I will definitely toss it out! No matter what! This lathers up above average, I feel personally! Fragrance? All I could sense was lime flavor! I am not sure if thats how custard apple smells like! Hair felt light after rinsing! It was straight soft, silky and the best part, no tangles! To be honest, I used it only once! I just wanted to let you know how this felt first! This 300 ml packaging retails for 3.37 pounds, but I got this in a sale for 2 pounds! I am yet to experience the miracle of Aussie Aussome, so looks like we need to give it some time to work on!

Ingredients: Girls, I am listing whatever is essential! So, you dont have to necessarily know all the crap! Ready? Here we go!

Anona cherimola fruit extract - Technically, cherimoya or custard apple! Seed/ leaves are used to get rid of head lice! Its insecticidal and repellent, logic eh! My granny always used that concoction on my hair! Safe as long as you SHUT your eyes! Custard apple powder contains alpha-hydroxy acids, which refines and rejuvenates skin. It is best known for its moisturizing and anti-aging properties, making it perfect for dry or mature skin. It also has exceptional elastase inhibition activity making it suitable for treatments aimed at maintaining the skin’s youthful elasticity!

Foeniculum vulgare seed extract - Technically, fennel! Flavoring agent!

Humulus lupulus extract - Technically, common hop! Imparts flavor, which makes it easy for making natural deodorant. Antimicrobial.

Melissa officinalis leaf extract - Lemon balm. See, I told you! It has citrus background! Flavoring agent! Mild sedative or calming agent! Tannins contribute to antiviral effects! Terpenes add to the soothing effect! Effective at reducing stress! Antibacterial! Contains Eugenol, which kills bacteria! Very popular in aromatherapy! Exceptionally high antioxidant activity! Should be avoided by those on thyroid medication!

Passiflora incarnata flower extract - Technically, Maypop or Purple passion flower! Fresh or dried whole plant is used as a herbal medicine to treat nervous anxiety and insomnia! This link will surely help you! http://www.rain-tree.com/maracuja.htm

P.S: This review was requested by Cynthia, the baby bunny! Haircare and skincare products can be really tricky. They may or may not work the same on you! So, please do not be too ambitious in trying based on one opinion! I am no exception! I dont want you to splurge your hard-earned based on my review! If you dont mind trying, I cannot stop you! All I want, no thrashing if you are not satisfied with the product! Hope you understand my concern! I really appreciate those who acknowledge my hard work, especially the ingredient part! Thanq for being awesome, dolls!

There is more to life than hair, but its a good place to start - Aussie Philosophy.

(Courtesy: http://www.aussiehaircare.co.uk/; http://yourbackyardherbgrowers.com/; flickr)

Fling 2 @ 2010

I hate the word HAUL! Heard enough! Until we coin a new word, please bear with my haul! After a long time like almost 2 weeks, I went to work today! I am a lazy b** when it comes to work, especially winter! I would rather die!

Body Shop has 50% sale! If you are near, please rush immediately before everything is gone! Thats definitely a sale of one kind, massive, I can say! Eye shadow, eye liner, blush, bronzer, lip gloss, lip balm what not! Everything is for just a couple of pounds! I know some of you swear by Body Shop just like me! RUN! Tell me what you got once you are back to normal! I know you would definitely be supa dupa excited seeing the sale! I got 3 lip glosses and a gold eye liner!

Finally, I got rid of L'Oreal Elvive shampoo! Guess what? I branched out to Aussie range and am lovin' it so far! I got the Aussie Aussome Volume 2 in 1 Shampoo n Conditioner and 3 Minute Miracle Luscious Long Deep Treatment.

Here is what I got for myself! I know, just a bunch of things and I call it a haul! Name does ring a bell, duh!Am I disappointing you really? Let me know, so I will definitely change HAUL to something simple! Next time, look out for the new title! Dont miss it!

MAC Lipstick - Plumful

I am really excited about the first review of the year! OMG, Universe is in my favor! Now, we are back to job! Here is MAC lipstick in Plumful # A59! According to MAC, this is blossoming rose-plum (lustre)! It retails for 12.50 pounds!

Lustre is demi-sheer with a hint of gloss, but not as glossy as your regular lip gloss! They are recommendable for wet looking lips! So, do not expect full coverage with lustre finish! As simple as that!

Counter top, this caught my eye! I find Plumful a sheeny shiny sparkling rosy plum! Very innocent-looking! This is neither too dark nor too light! More of a plum with rosy touch! No shimmer! No glitter! No iridescence! Just pure color!

I expected a very sheer color, but was quite surprised by the color payoff! I feel its packed with more color than it appears! It smells like vanilla, must be the ingredients! Glides without effort! Light on lips! I wore this on bare lips! My lips were soft, but not too much! It fades evenly leaving the lips moist! There was a hint of tint after fading!

Can somebody see the purple undertones? Bonus! Makes your teeth look whiter! Plumful kinda blends with my skin tone, at leash it doesnt clash! It can brighten up the face, as well! This is such a sexy and feminine shade! I find it very wearable! I believe this is from their permanent collection, so you dont have to rush!

Repurchase? I am trying to build up my collection, so there is no point in having a backup right now! I dont think thats a good idea!

Deception point! Can you believe its the same Plumful? Looks like bubblegum pink!

Trying to give you a better swatch, but in vain!

Looks like matte finish, eh?

Peekaboo???Can you find something??? What???

TIP: If your lips are naturally pigmented or on the darker side, better stay away from lustre finish! You might find it hard to work with lustre as the color will not show up that easy!

I had a bad experience at MAC! Nothing to do with the SA! Thats the problem, exactly! The store was very busy, too busy to attend! I felt very bad and left! It was like IN and OUT! Considerate DH took me back, trying to cheer me up! This time, I took the initiative! I went to the SA and told I needed some help! Finally, SA came to my rescue! She asked me if I want to try the lipstick! I was like "NO"! I know they sterilize, but still that doesnt please me! I was pretty happy with the swatch!

Do you know? I didnt know this before coz my first MAC purchase was from Dubai Airport! @ MAC, they have a customer database! They take down your surname, first alphabet of your name and your postal address! It makes things easier for the next time! Whoaaa!!!

P.S: This review was requested by Rati, the beauty with brains! MAC gurus, fair amount of my followers are yet to try MAC! This review is dedicated to those innocent darlings! I, myself, am kinda new to MAC! This is my first lipstick from MAC, FYI! Please do not feel offended! Correct me if I am wrong, no hard feelings!

First Fling @ 2010

Dolls, ya'l still in a holiday mood? Please come back! Its over! Now is the time to get back to work! Jus kiddin'! I am seriously expecting some hauls from my dolls. You never disappointed me, so better make them soon before I get sick again!

I am here to grab your attention, at least for a couple of minutes! Here is my first haul of the year! I was really excited about these, so I kinda wanted to share my excitement! Well, this is pretty much what I got!

Bobbi Brown Long Wear gel eyeliner in #1 Black Ink, Clarins Eye Pencil #07 Gold, MAC Lustre lipstick #A59 Plumful, MAC Strobe Liquid Lotion and Nivea creme. For me, the show stealer is Bobbi Brown liner! I heard people rant, rave and ramble about this! Why be exceptional? I am really glad to get hold of the best seller! I love that MAC lipstick! Plumful personified would be Divija Reddy, if that really makes any sense!

C'ya

Happy & Prosperous 2010

My dearest lovelies,

I wish you and your family members a very happy and prosperous 2010! May God bestow you with all the happiness in the world and success in all your future endeavours! Any resolutions? Try and make more friends! Ignore haters, the best punishment you could ever give! Share the love! Make your people happy! Pursue your dreams, better late than never! Never get disappointed! Follow the resolutions! Try to be yourself! Finally, follow my blog for sure!

2009 was really wonderful for me, though I had some ups and downs! I came to know "who is who"! Whom to trust and whom not to! I discovered my true friends! I changed a lot since 2009, but I am still looking forward for miracles to happen! I dont wanna get emotional, which I tend to get often! I dont wanna speak to those who play dead on confrontation!

Uiiiiiiii...I have a plan, as well! I will definitely strive hard for my goal! For me, New Year is the time for resolutions, not celebrations! Its as simple as any other day! But, I love watching other people celebrate! So, I wont be tagged as some "psycho"! Hope you all had enough fun, girls! See you soon with more reviews and hauls!

Through this blog, I met wonderful people! They were all supportive and kind enough to read my stupid reviews and ramblings! God bless you all! I was hurt sometimes, but I dont want the past ruin my present. So, I kinda left it behind!

Girls, I wanna share something with you! I had a target of 40 followers for 2009, but I ended up with 39! Now, I have a target of 150 followers! I achieved so much, but so much left! Do you think I will really reach that figure? Somebody say "YES, YOU WILL!"

By the way, the photography is by Divija Reddy! How do you like it?