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?

Boxing Day Fling

How was ur Xmas eve? Shopping? Hauls? Gifts? I know I am kinda late, but better late than never! So, I am here to present to you what I got for Boxing Day, which was 26th of December...

Bobbled Pintail Comb
The Body Shop Cheek n Eye palette, Nutmeg n Vanilla lip balm
Playboy lipsticks, eyeshadow duos, blushes
Zara Weekend bag, Black handbag

I am sure my blog deserves "Most Pathetic Presentation" award, but what to do? I am trying my best to avoid headaches taking pics and posting! Seriously girls, its hell lotta work!

Playboy Cosmetics are about to disappear from the aisles forever, if I heard it right! Rush to your local Superdrug to grab these! You have to try these! Dont go by the packaging! Not this time, at least!

P.S: You all know, I review each and every product including the prices, so there is no point in saying "I am not paid to do this." Of course, I was neither paid nor got these for free! I wish somebody did, though!

Cory Walia

Fashion Moksh had a chat with Cory Walia aka Karamjit Singh Walia, ace Indian makeup artist. Here are some of the key excerpts!

Which is the time-tested, faithful and a must-have makeup tool?

Eyelash curler

Which complexion is more exciting and challenging?

I must confess that I'm very excited by deeper and darker skin tones. I love working with them because with very little makeup there is a zing factor. Like Sheetal Malhar, many really really dusky girls. Something happens with my make up on that face. That really excites me. I'm passionate about dark skin. Also in this country, I'm against fairness creams, complexion enhancement creams and whitening system. And so I always feel that you know women with the darker complexion and darker skin tones in India are not given a fair chance, if you forgive the expression. I make it a point actually when I'm choosing somebody from the audience at the seminar or the demonstration to pull out the darkest person and then do the look on them and people are just shocked. I like that. I like to show off like that.

Who would you rate the most beautiful person?

I think I would rate as a most beautiful person someone with an inner strength that comes out in her face and someone who doesn't require my help at all. Some one like Aung San Suu Kyi of Myanmar, the leader who was jailed in her house for some years. Or Medha Patkar. Or I think without makeup Smita Patil, that's one face which I would have loved to have worked on because I know it would take only small tichkies to do it. But basically she didn't require make-up and I have seen movies in which she has been putting up extra makeup. She always looked not as good as when she is without makeup. So, yeah, I think they are the most beautiful women. Where the inner shakti comes out through the eyes and in the face, actually main adhura rah jata hun because I don't have any work to do.

What's the current trend?

The current trend is extreme glamour in the most natural manner. So it should not look painted. Your skin should look like skin yet your eyes should be extenuated fairly strongly, your lips should not leap off the crease of your face but should look full and sensuous and expressive. And it's all about very good looking skin basically. Then your eyeliner, kajal, eye shadows. These things are just accessories. But basically current trend at the moment is all about beautiful skin and there is makeup available that gives the illusion, but there are also products available that actually help you to make reality of beautiful skin. They are just there to help you to make that reality instantly. Beautiful eye shadows and eye liners and eye pencils in lots of jewel tones, mauve, lilac, certain shades of coral , rust for Indian skin tones, shades of green, deeper greens combined with blacks and browns are looking very nice. And on lips also it's a lot about a smooth creamy texture, not too glossy, not too matt not too pouty, not too much.

Which products you recommend for the masses which are trendy yet affordable?

I would say the color liquid eye liner, kajal pencils, other eye liner pencils, lip pencils and lip balm. A combination of lip balm and full lip pencil to outline and fill in it is long lasting and it looks very nice and gives the correct effect because of the heat and the humidity of the current climate. I would say that compact, a good oil absorbing compact, water proof mascara.

Your advice to upcoming makeup artists?

Be sincere to your job. Be sincere to your profession. Be humble and keep learning on a daily basis, even after you are established. It's not about money as much as it's about integrity. Keep innovating and use yourself as your benchmarking, keep trying to be better, compete with yourself at every level and be hygienic. Don't eat onions and garlic. Don't smoke. If your dental hygiene is not good you maybe a very good makeup artist, but there will always be bitching about you behind your back. Always be aware of that dental and personal hygiene is very important for a makeup artist.

(Courtesy: Fashion Moksh)

Blistex Daily Lip Conditioner

Have you ever tried Blistex Daily Lip Conditioner (DLC)? This is my first pot and I am liking it so far! Still, quite sceptical about the collagen factor! I am all ears if somebody could help me on this issue coz end of the day, I dont want any animal stuff in/on my mouth claiming that I am a vegetarian...you know what I mean!

Claims: Blistex DLC contains Aloe vera, vitamins & Collagen for healthy lips everyday. This particular version is recommendable for dry and sun-damaged lips!

The skin on the lips is unlike any other. The outer layer aka stratum corneum is extremely thin or completely absent in most people. It has fewer different glands from ordinary skin and almost no melanin, which is the natural pigment in the skin that helps screen out the sun's harmful rays. Lips are also so prominent and exposed that they receive the full brunt of environmental exposure - sun, wind and cold. Even indoors, parching from central heating or air conditioning systems can cause dry lips. Dry lips can also be caused by illness as people tend to breathe through their mouth when they have cold or flu. Smoking, eating strongly flavoured or spicy food will damage the mucous membrane of the lips.

Due to the lack of melanin, lips dont tan, but they can easily burn. Even if you dont notice your lips being burnt by the sun, damage can still occur with the underlying layers being harmed. It is not just on hot & sunny days that lips must be protected. The harmful UVA rays remain at constant levels throughout the year including the winter months. Even on cloudy days, harmful UVB rays can still penetrate and damage the skin. The snow can be even worse for lips than the sun. Beach sand and water reflects less than 20 percent of the sun's rays whereas snow reflects a punishing 80 percent. The higher up the slopes you go, the less air there is to screen the sun's rays.

Ingredients: Petrolatum, Lanolin, Candelilla cera, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Tocopheryl acetate, 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor, Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Aroma, Theobroma Cacao Seed butter, Aloe Barbadensis leaf extract, cetyl alcohol, menthol, cera microcristallina, isostearoyl hydrolyzed collagen, camphor, sodium saccharin, thymol, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate. FYI, its a Proctor & Gamble make.

First impression: You might not like the first sniff coz it makes you kinda dizzy. Especially if you are anti-hospital person like me. I hate hospital and its family! Okee...this looks like a potted medicine, more or less smells like the lighter version of Vicks Vaporub (India)! If you are sensitive to that scent, better stay away! This 7 ml jar normally retails for somewhere around 2.50 pounds, but I got this for 50 pence in a sale!

The formulation is kinda thick and darker compared to Carmex! Provided, its tasty! Have you ever tasted Indian version of Maybelline's Shiny-licious gloss ? That was how Blistex felt exactly on my lips! I felt the need to reapply Carmex, but thats not the case with Blistex DLC. I applied a couple of times one day, my lips were REALLY SOFT & SMOOTH!

Carmex feels like ice the moment it touches your lips, but Blistex is not so minty! Flavor-wise and fragrance-wise! Its kinda cool, but not as cool as Carmex! Somewhere in the background, Blistex has kinda sweet  chocolatey scent!

Recently, there was heavy snow and sudden fall in temperature, like it was -9 C at my place. Imagine the condition of lips exposed to terrible snow! There could not be a better time try and find Blistex! My lips were looking their best after a long time! Looking forward to try other versions of Blistex, as well! Carmex-lovers, you can still give Blistex a try! I could not decipher the language on the packaging, but the website says it has SPF 15! Another bonus, yoohoo!

Tips to avoid dry lips: Keep rooms as humidified as possible to help avoid dry lips. Even plants and cut flowers will add to the moisture balance. In extreme winds or cold, wrap the lower part of your face in a scarf for extra warmth and lip protection. Apply lip balm with SPF at least 30 minutes before going into the sun and reapply frequently.

Methylbenzylidene camphor - Organic camphor derivative that is used in the cosmetic industry for its ability to protect the skin against UV, specifically UV B radiation. As such, it is used in sunscreen lotions and other skincare products claiming a SPF value.

Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate - Used in products applied to the skin to absorb, reflect or scatter UV rays. It protects skin from sunburn and other damaging effects of the sun. Also protects cosmetics and personal care products from deterioration caused by UV rays and allows them to last longer in high UV conditions.

Cocoyl hydrolyzed soy protein / Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed soy protein - Texturizing. Kindly check soyinfo.com to know more about this product! It might help you!

Theobroma Cacao seed butter - Temporarily protects injured or exposed skin from harmful or annoying stimuli and may provide relief to the skin. Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter also slows the loss of water from the skin by forming a barrier on the skin's surface.

Isostearoyl hydrolyzed collagen - Semisynthetic compound derived from animal proteins. Acts as emollient and moisturiser.

Sodium saccharin - Artificial sweetener. Claim, saccharin is 300 times sweeter than sugar.

(Courtesy: Blistex, soyinfo.com)

Claire's time ;)

I totally forget my age, thanks to Claire's! This is the only place where I can look at things the whole day without getting bugged! I actually went back for a hair band I was kinda lemming since my first tiara-band! I went for the tan brown, but guess what! I ended up buying a black one instead :) Still, I love the tan brown one so it might find its place safe in my blog, one fine day!

This is it!!!! Black band, which retails for 4.50 pounds! As you see, its black silk kinda fabric layered with polka-dotted fabric. It has some black plastic detailing towards the side, which is really fun! Will surely post a pic (me wearing the band) in a couple of days, so kindly bear with me as you always did!!!

Hope y'all like it as much as I do...

Happy Holidays

Today has been the best day of December uiiiiiii.....surprise over surprise! I wish you and your family a merry christmas and prosperous 2010! I wish all your dreams come true, of course the good ones! I have so many resolutions for the coming year! Do you have any?

(Courtesy: http://www.internationaldesigns.biz/)

Tag: 8 Most Worn Things

If you dont know what this tag is really about, nee bother! You are given a set of questions to answer! If you are kind enough and have some time to kill, you could include pictures as well! Okee, here we go!!

1. Most worn lipstick/gloss? This was originally most worn lipstick, but somebody included gloss! Why not include lip balm/conditioner as well?

Lipstick: L'Oreal Color Riche Star Secrets Aishwarya Beige #708, the most deceiving shade!

Lipgloss: L'oreal Glam Shine Blush #155 Plum Blush, the one below!

Lip balm: Vaseline Rosy Lips

2. Most worn earrings? Traditional 7-stone studs, but mine are actually nose pins!

3. Most worn shirt? @ Republic sale for 10 pounds, which originally retails for 19.99 pounds!

4. Most worn nailpolish? #065 Cozy Rosy from Color Bar. Bought this for 65 INR 2 years back, so not sure of the current tag! Do they still make this? I would love a backup!

5. Most worn shoes? UK, Skechers trainers, irrespective of season! Retails for about 40 pounds!

6. Most worn hair product? Other than shampoo and conditioner? GHD thermal protector before I straighten my hair! Retails for about 10 pounds, but was a freebie!

7. Most worn perfume? I keep changing between Davidoff Cool Water and Calvin Klein Euphoria!

8. Most worn handbag/purse? Gifted by DH, Republic Floral Spotty slouch, retails for 19.99 pounds!

P.S: I dont claim the rights to some photographs! Do let me know if you own those! Thanq!

Seacret From Dead Sea

How could I forget to introduce my bestie; body lotion from SEACRET!!! If you are wondering what SEACRET really is; SEACRET SPA has this unique collection of skin care and spa products with nutrients essential to the health of your skin and body. Minerals such as Magnesium, Bromine, Potassium, Calcium, Sodium, Zinc, Sulfur, Iodine, Strontium, Boron and Iron have been scientifically proven to contribute measurably to feeling and looking your best. This is the magic of minerals!

Skin cells are in constant communication and the essential link in this communication process is minerals. These minerals are also known to help relieve different skin ailments such as psoriasis, eczema, acne, wrinkles, arthritis, joint inflammations, muscle stiffness, itching skin as well as facilitate the skin’s recovery from minor abrasions and injuries while they help ward off aging.

The lowest point on the face of the earth, the Dead Sea, is some 1,300 feet (400 meters) below sea level. The Dead Sea overflows with abundant life-supporting matter. This natural therapeutic storehouse is rich in minerals. In fact, its waters contain the highest concentration of minerals (32%) to be found anywhere in the world. This mineral concentration is 10 times higher than that of any other ocean. Cleopatra was known to nurture her beauty there from time to time.....

Their collection of skin and spa products are extracted from the ancient and some say mystical, salts and minerals found only in one place on earth, the Dead Sea. Their products are manufactured in Israel. We can buy Seacret products from Seacretspa.com or from hundreds of exclusive locations in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Israel. Boo...hooo...what about India? What if I run out of this? By the way, I bought mine from the SEACRET kiosk at the local mall!

This was actually from the Nail & Body Care Kit which includes a buffing block, nail file, body lotion and nourishing cuticle oil. It was in a promotion for 20 pounds i.e. 1600 INR :) Have I gone a little overboard? I simply could not resist the fragrance of the body lotion and the fell flat!

Ignore the messy packaging! Battered to death!! The packaging was typical and it was a 200-ml (6.8 fluid ounces). I felt somehow the opening of the tube was way too big for the product, so the product freely flows without any efforts like you dont even have to squeeze the tube! Great in one way, but there is a chance of spill and leak which I hate! I know I complain too much, but that's how I waste a lot without my knowledge :( I would like to reiterate the above-said: do not apply this product liberally. This is not a product where you can act liberal!!!At least for the price tag!

The fragrance is amazing and it makes me feel like I am in a garden full of exotic heavenly-smelling flowers. A peanut size of product is more than enough to serve the purpose of hydration as this formula is a bit heavy and thick comparitively. Consistency is like regular moisturizer, white in color! Will post a pic, if you wish!

It soaks easily into the skin so fast it does not even leave a hint of sheen to the skin. I hate that greasy look with the other moisturizers, but this is different. No more greasy looks...

To be honest, I dont know how long this stays. I dont mind as long as I smell heavenly! This also comes in different flavours like Cucumber & Melon, Vanilla & Cocunut and finally Ocean. I was planning to buy Vanilla & Coconut, but as I said, I could not resist the fragrance of Wild Kiwi. It definitely does not smell like kiwi, but something "very" unexplainable. This product works its best after a shower.

I have not tried the remaining products other than the body lotion and the buffing block. I thought each of them did deserve a special review as such.

For me, this product is just HEAVEN IN A TUBE!!!!!!!!

(Courtesy: Seacretspa.com)

Vaseline Rosy Lips

Here comes my favorite Vaseline Rosy Lips, a lip therapy (petroleum jelly) with rose and almond oil. What it does; gently tints and cares for your pout. The packaging is tin/pot. I feel lip balm in a tin/pot has that vintage kinda look, which I love a lot! It retails for 1.50 pounds, but the price range is different at other stores like Tesco retails for 1.46, Boots for 2, Bodycare for 1.22...so on!!!

To be honest, this is my second pot. The first one was snatched away by my li'l sister...ahh! It is 20g, but you get so much of product that lasts ages and ages! I can tell you that I am absolutely hooked to this since! I was able to sell quite a bunch of them :) I dont work for Vaseline, , by the way!

I love this so far and this does what it is supposed to do! I know I can talk nonstop about this product, but in brief.....this is like "canned roses". I think the most appealing part of this is the irresistable color. Pink is staple for girls and so is Vaseline rosy lips. I am not that fond of pink, but there are a few shades of pink I adore!

I was never ever tempted to buy the basic version of Vaseline, but I fell for the pink! Very girly!!! Somehow, it's not sticky, but very moisturizing! The consistency of the product is kinda gel with oil base provided with the hint of tint, which is very very subtle. Staying power is moderate, which I really dont mind as I love to reapply this. It smells good like roses, but on the stronger end. I find it doing the work of both lip balm and gloss, which is very recommendable. Though the tint fades away, lips are still moisturized and that's what we all look for in any lip product. I can say for sure that the tint fades very evenly.

Personally, I found no downside, whateva! Whatelse do you expect from a product as good as Vaseline to do? Especially for that price, who can complain? This is the most strongest version of Rose Water, so you are being warned. Fragrances normally "make" or "break" the buy! So, watch out! I dont find it very over-powering, though. As we all know, almond oil is well-known for its moisturizing tendency and is helps in nourishing. Anything floral or fruity is okay for me!

The product appears pigmented, which it is not exactly the same! Its very sheer. I wish it was much more pigmented than it appears! As I see, there is nothing like SPF in this which helps in protecting the lips from sun, but can be excused!

I love this product so much that I wish to have it everywhere I go!!! This certainly has got that ooomph! My li'l sis literally digs into the tin and I saw half of the product gone in a couple of days.....sisters are little devils!

If you really want the purpose to be served and something economic, definitely Vaseline Rosy Lips is the one for you! I tried many other balms and especially lip treatments and therapies but nothing seems to do the job as Vaseline does, especially for that price range! I dont say that this IS the one, but this is one of the best! If I have to carry something which moisturizes my lips and gives that hint of tint, I will surely go for this without any second thoughts. I definitely recommend this to my folks!

This is a real big saver for me and I am surely gonna get my hands on few more tins! I cant imagine somebody snatching this again! I am not even sure if this is available in India. I wanna scream that my race for lip treatment ends here with Vaseline Rosy Lips, but I am wicked!!!

The ingredients; Petrolatum, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil (sweet almond), Aroma and Linalool. This is Norway make by Unilever.

FYI: There is a clear distinction between the oil extracted from seeds of Prunus dulcis (sweet) and Prunus amara (bitter). The bitter almond oil cannot be used in cosmetics as it contains traces of amygdalin, another form of cyanide. This is however not present in sweet almond oil.

Sweet almond oil is easily absorbed into the skin, it doesn't leave it feeling greasy or tacky. It is used to soften the skin and to promote a clear, young looking complexion. It is a greatly nourishing and protecting oil and is ideal for chapped and irritated skin.

Sweet almond oil is obtained from the dried kernels of the almond tree. It is an excellent emollient, softening and soothing to the skin. It also helps to balance the loss and absorption of moisture, making it particularly effective for chapped and irritated skin, soothing it while nourishing and protecting.
(Courtesy: http://www.dermaxime.com/)

Maybelline Moisture Extreme #39 Natural Rosewood/ Bois De Rose Naturel

Finally, the suspense unfolds! I was holding on for quite a while to open the packaging! This is some strange color! For some reason, I believe the formulation and shades of the lipsticks here are totally different compared to what we get in India! You know what I mean! Most of the shades do not suit Indian tones. I am talking about the dark to wheatish tones, by the way! They might look familiar in the packaging, but swatch it! SHOCKER!!! You might not like it!

Today, I present you Maybelline Moisture Extreme deeply moisturizing lip color in #39 Natural Rosewood/ Bois De Rose Naturel.

Claims: Enriched with the deeply moisturizing power of a lip balm, Moisture Extreme leaves lips blissfully smooth and soft. Lips so deeply moisturized; color that comes alive, reds pop, pinks blossom, plums go richer. Anti-feathering. With an SPF 15, Moisture Extreme helps protect against the damaging effects of UV rays.

I am really sorry if I have confused you all! I finally found out this shade in the Moisture Extreme Naked Beige Collection, which is the beige packaging. The formula is smoooooth and soft; it glides on like butter!!!

Naked Beige Claims: No pearls. No glitters. No shimmers. You cant go wrong because nude lips suit every outfit. The formula is enriched with jojoba oil & shea butter. This one has Moisture Lock Gel system. It has non-feathering technology. This color in particular suits medium skin tones. Staying power is above average, not so sticky!

Strange thing I noticed about this shade in particular, it smells like Galia melon! I dont know if thats the same case with Naked Beige collection, but this one smell real melon! Very fresh, fruity and summery! I am not quite sure if I like this color, so I might give it some time!

I find some yellow/gold flecks in this, may be I am too conscious! This is very unusual on the lips, but on swatch it looks familiar! Looks like it has some pinky mauve undertones, but I am really not able to decipher what is this in real! Trying to give u a better swatch, but in vain!