Project Curve

Memories Of An Uneventful Afternoon

2018-01-25T18:38:00.000+05:30

Some days you try to get along with the world, and pat yourself on the back for making an effort. On others, you try and end up judging yourself for becoming everything you ever hated. You feel like you will explode by simply being nice, by simply trying to get along, by simply trying to avoid conflict and confrontation. You breathe in, you breathe out. You make poetry with every heart beat that was a bit too loud, a bit too hollow, a bit too rebellious. You survive. One more day; for it to begin again the next.

Dress - H&M

Boots - Street Style Store

Cardigan - Street Shop

Photos c/o - @stootea

When the Road Gets Dark and You Can No Longer See... Have a Little Faith in Me

2017-11-15T19:43:00.001+05:30

I am here to make no promises. I am here to tempt no hearts. There is no illusion that anyone might even be listening anymore. But, hey! Here I am. Calling out into space.

FYI - Still very exhausted, but raring to go one more time.

Dress - Janpath street market, New Delhi

Bag - Lino Perros

Long Cardigan - some online shop

90s style scrunchie on the wrist - It came from where it will go, oblivion

Background - Amber Fort, Jaipur

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Of Last Impressions and Cold Shoulders

2017-02-18T11:00:00.000+05:30

There is a saying that goes "the first impression lasts forever". But, the truth is first impressions are rarely ever right. The memories of last impressions are mostly what we're left behind with. So, make them count. Last impressions.

Location - Taj Mahal, Agra

Cold Shoulder Top - Westside

Dealing with the Dry Skin Season with Himalaya Herbals Winter Care Range

2017-01-24T03:00:00.000+05:30

You know what is the worst part about the winters? Apart from the terribly chilly winds, cold, hard floors, and the lack of sunshine, of course. It's how dry and flaky your skin becomes. I hate heavy creams and moisturisers because they always make me break out. I was in a fix trying to figure out which products to get. I needed something that wouldn't give me pimples, and would moisturise my skin properly at the same time. I got a bunch of products from the Himalaya Herbals winter care range, which are alcohol and paraben-free. I personally love the Strawberry Shine Lip Balm because it's tinted and has staying power; the light and non-greasy Nourishing Skin Cream because it gets absorbed very fast and is not sticky; and the Revitalizing Night Cream and Cocoa Butter Intensive Body Lotion because of how good it smells.

Here are all the products:

All the lotions and creams are light and non-greasy.

Cocoa Butter Intensive Body Lotion (specially formulated for dry skin)

Purpose: Replenishes the lost moisture in dry skin.

Price: Rs.140 for 200ml

Nourishing Body Lotion

Purpose: Restores body's water content.

Price: Rs.140 for 200ml

Soothing Body Lotion

Purpose: Prevents skin from cracking and provides hydration.

Price: Rs.140 for 200ml

Nourishing Skin Cream

Purpose: Protects skin from pollution and dry weather.

Price: Rs.125 for 100ml

Winter Defense Cream

Purpose: Protects skin from environmental damage, repairs and deeply nourishes dry skin.

Price: Rs.125 for 100ml

Revitalizing Night Cream

Purpose: Works overnight with the skin's natural renewal cycle.

Price: Rs.250 for 50g

Clear Complexion Day Cream

Purpose: Clears complexion and gives a radiant glow.

Price: Rs.250 for 50g

Rich Cocoa Butter Body Cream

Purpose: Heals and prevents the skin from drying and cracking, protects skin from pollution-related damage, and its antioxidant properties makes skin more youthful.

Price: Rs.270 for 200ml

The Strawberry and Vanilla Lip Balms are enriched with 100% natural color, Vitamin E, and antioxidants. The best part about these lip balms is that they are free from preservatives, petroleum jelly, mineral oil, and silicone.

Price: Rs.125 for 4.5gm

All these products are available at retail outlets in your city as well as online.

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Review Time: Himalaya Herbals Tan Removal Orange Peel-Off Mask

2016-10-16T21:25:00.000+05:30

It has been 8 months since my last blog post. It somehow doesn't seem that long. That's probably because, for me, time seems to run at its own pace. Sometimes days and weeks blur in my mind. Is it a coping mechanism? I don't know. All I know is that I hate feeling disoriented, but today I woke up at 6:14pm feeling hyper and disoriented; I thought I was back at home for some reason. (I was there for 8 days, till this Thursday.) Everything was dark, and I couldn't find my phone. It scared me, I felt like I will never be able to get back home again. But now, here I am, about to write a review for a tan removal peel-off mask. Not everything has changed. At least, peel-off masks are still fun!

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When the Himalaya Herbals team reached out to me some time in May to review their latest Tan Removal Orange Peel-Off Mask, I readily agreed because I like their range products in general. When they sent a surprise package late in September, I had almost forgotten about it. The package contained a sun hat, a colorful stole, a pair of Rayban wayfarers in addition to the mask. The whole thing set the mood for a beach holiday, which, sadly, I haven't taken in over a year and a half.

Here's a little info about Himalaya Herbals Tan Removal Orange Peel-Off Mask:

It is an effective blend of Orange Peel and Honey which helps reduce skin tan from the very first use. Orange Peel helps control melanin synthesis with the peeling action helping to remove tan. Honey soothes and moisturizes skin.

Key Ingredients:

Orange Peel effectively removes tan the skin tone and can be very beneficial as it eliminates excess facial oil without damaging the skin. The Vitamin C and antioxidants present in Orange Peel work collectively on providing even-textured skin while acting as natural cleansers.
Honey contains superior antibacterial, probiotic, and healing properties and is extremely nourishing and hydrating.

Personal Review: I applied the mask evenly after cleansing my face and neck, avoiding the area around the eyes. It did smell a bit of chemicals at first, but thankfully it didn't stay for long. After about 15-20 minutes, when it dried off, I got to the fun part. I started removing the peel from the bottom of the face since pulling it down may harm the elasticity of your skin. I washed whatever was left behind with water. I did see a difference after the very first use. My face felt clearer, softer, and it felt cooler afterwards. I am not a fan of tanning (my first spa splurge was on a whole body anti-tanning treatment), and I am always looking for lazy ways to take care of it. I am glad Himalaya chose to come out with an anti-tan solution in the fun form of a peel-off mask, to be honest!

Tips: I have been using it once a week as that suits my skin better. I would suggest you do a patch test before using it on your face for the first time. While applying make the edges a bit thicker so that it's easier to peel off.

Himalaya Tan Removal Orange Peel-Off Mask is available in 50gm and 100gm is priced at Rs 70 and Rs. 130 respectively. Available at retail outlets in your city and online.

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A Very Humble Take On The Trailer Of 'Ki and Ka'

2016-02-16T18:30:00.000+05:30

A lot has been said about the new "Ki and Ka" trailer already. It is after all an R Balki film, and he has impressed me with every one of his films, be it the much loved "English Vinglish", or the much lesser appreciated "Shamitabh". And, every publication out there is going gaga over the 'gender bending' fun ride that the trailer of "Ki and Ka" seems to be. But, I am having niggling doubts. Yesterday, my flatmate said that she believes feminists would really love this film. The immediate question that popped up in my head was, "Would an Intersectional feminist love this film though?"

You can watch the trailer here and leave your thoughts for me to ponder upon.

I have learnt that there is a vast divide between feminists of different kind; all don't wear the same feathers. Different people have different agendas in mind when they champion any -ism, as history is there to prove it. The thing is, feminism, a.k.a. gender equality as the lesser of the brave-hearts call it, has now become a jhanda that everyone loves to fly. It is truly a double-edged sword now. On one hand, capitalism is selling the idea of equality in the name of bringing about change. Feminism has now become a viable, saleable commodity now. Well, if it brings about a change for the better, then good for everyone. But is it really being achieved when so many people involved in this selling don't even know that feminism is not about male hating after all? Now, that is a topic that deserves much deeper thought and I need more time to delve into it. I am just trying to analyse the trailer of a film that is trying to tell me that revolutionary change is finally happening in Bollywood where gender bending and gender equality can slowly, but firmly, become a norm, rather than a mere breeze that will be forgotten tomorrow. I mean, this film is being anticipated as a potential game changer for Bollywood; that is big!

via

I am repeating to myself constantly that this is R Balki after all, and that man deserves more faith. But, I cannot shove off the niggling fear in the back of my mind that they (as in big bad world of Bollywood) will screw it up, yet again. First of all, while watching the trailer, things went downhill for me when Arjun Kapoor's character announces he is neither gay, nor looking for a sex change despite the fact that he wants to be a stay-at-home husband. Isn't this statement making it clear that even if now men can stay at home and not want a career, but they must remain affirmatively, heterosexually cis. Then again at the end, he is shown he is beating up a bunch of goons, establishing his normative 'manliness' even more firmly. Even Kareena's character gushes and states, that this display of machismo is making her feel things that she perhaps didn't feel for Arjun's character before when he was doing the more stereotypical 'womanly things' at home.

Is it really gender bending to wear heels, cook, and be a 'house husband', while you pointedly distance yourself from 'those gays and transgenders' for whom it is okay to be feminine, and quite expectedly so? Are you really telling a revolutionary story by simplistically reversing the stereotype that the man always pays the bills, and the wife always depends on the husband for money ghar chalane ke liye?

Is it really gender bending that the career-oriented woman is being attributed the role of the 'man of the house', and the stay-at-home husband wants to be 'the wife' and wear a mangalsutra? How is assigning gender to everyday activities, like cooking and giving long hours to your job, earth shattering or gender bending?

Intersectionality is a real necessity in our society. We can no longer fight for one oppressed section at the cost of another one. We can no longer win cool brownie points by distancing ourselves from other marginalised sections while championing the rights of another.

When I commented a much more condensed version of these very doubts on a Buzzfeed article about the trailer, someone pointed out to me that we have to assume these mindless gags are only there to attract the larger audience, and we better keep our hopes up till the film actually releases. So, till the film releases, I am also keeping my hopes up. Make me happy one more time Balki saab!

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Living In A Trance

2015-10-08T15:17:00.000+05:30

We live in terror that if we ever show our true self, even to the one who has breathed into our skin and left traces in our bloodstream, we would automatically be deemed unloveable. This quote by Marilyn Monroe is so famous- "...if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best."

Sure we would love to practice it for real. But, in truth we refuse to ask for what we think we deserve because we are so terrified of being left all alone. Most days you pretend you are good with it all, your brain dictates you to be more pragmatic. But, certain days when you are already feeling low, you just turn into mush and slowly dissolve into the nothingness deep inside of your hollow heart. Every bit of defensive behaviour is just a way to protect our hearts from being broken again and again. You say things to break off ties, before they can. Decades long friendships come to end, lovers leave, parents die, cousins get too busy- you stood alone to look at the moon even when they were around anyway. You never saw the same things and felt the same things about them anyway.

Tend your bruises in silence, tend them alone. No one else has a magical salve to soothe your burns. We are not faces, we are not bodies; we are just trembling fingers and toes trying to make sense of everything. We are all living inside our own heads, where we are the perpetual victims. Do we ever come out of that trance?

of fires that burn through you

of deliberately unclean shoes

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Coming Up Roses

2015-10-03T15:22:00.000+05:30

Delhi has derailed me. Even now I find very little time for leisure. There is an overabundance of kulcha, chhole bhature, rajma, chhole and chawal everywhere. But everyday we (me and my other Bong-Delhi mates) try to make something for dinner, something that reeks of our home, even if it is the humble muger daal or dim kosha or mangsher jhol. We save just enough energy every night to taste home, once a day.

I feel extremely bad that I took such a long time to finally make this post. Amydus has been kind enough to be patient with me though. They sent this gorgeous lace peplum top as a preview of their then upcoming collection. I was delighted to see how well it fit me. I was told "wow haven't seen you in things like this before." I somehow never tried out peplum before. And I am kinda saving this one, to debut it during Durga Puja. I am growing restless now, to go back home. But, I don't know how strange it would feel to live at home again, right when I have found a rhythm here. We will see. Till then, read about the amazing size range offered by Amydus *here*. Ciao.

You can get the top here - Black Peplum Top (not an affiliate link)

Black Peplum Top - Amydus

Pink Round Glasses - New Market, Calcutta

Belt, Shoes - B.K. Market, Calcutta

Purple Pants - Stolen from sister

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The Concept Of Hierarchies

2015-09-01T16:33:00.000+05:30

pretending to be a Lollywood Hippie

Or as I call it - the battle of the old vs new media platforms.

I am aware of hierarchies. I know they exist in the mind. I also believe they are stupid.

Context - I went for an interview with one of the most hated media houses in Calcutta to please my mother. I was told to let them know, if after the life lesson disguised as an interview, I wanted a different role than the one I had applied for. It astounded me somewhat the arrogance with which he declared this being pretty much the only competent media house in Calcutta, something he rectified soon even though grudgingly. Take your guesses.

We all know about the privilege enjoyed by the old, white, male ones in our society. It is not simply about the colour of ones skin or gender. The old male is generally considered wise. His advice, his decisions are of prime importance. Some people who tend to be working in certain print (news) publishings tend to believe theirs is the most worthy, the only one which matters. To this individual, who is quick to dismiss the "Buzzfeed generation", even blogging seems like a joke. (If it were so, then bloggers would not be getting murdered around the world right now. Just a pointer.). Only certain things - positions, types of work, life choices, etc. are meaningful to them. The attitude is - "I would not have done that."

So, when you encounter such an individual, who is bored out of his wits at an interview session, what should you do?

Well as for me, I listened, albeit skeptically as he gave me life advice to get over my "existential dilemma". He told me if I wanted a career I couldn't expect a cushy life. I have to struggle. I have to make sacrifices. He defended himself by saying he was a good son who visited his old, ailing parents every weekend; the very ones who were supportive of his career ambitions to be chased in a different city. Even a slightly touchy (petty?) comment at the end, "I had my doubts before coming in for this interview," fell on an ear that wasn't really listening. That generation loved telling the young ones how to do things, they never were experts on really listening.

For a while it seemed like pearls of wisdom scattered towards a young newbie in the media industry. And I felt a sense of gratitude towards him at the end of this session. But, as the days rolled past, I couldn't get over the fact that I wasn't really told anything I didn't already know, that I wasn't already mulling over in my head for days. Maybe hearing it from another helped fortify my resolve to stick to Delhi, even though it keeps kicking me in the balls every so often. But, had it been me giving that same advice to someone else, would it still have the same value that it did coming from him? Would he have shared such a private story about his early days, his parents in the very first meeting with a total stranger if he were a she? Would I have been less skeptical about getting lectured if he were a she?

I do not know.

As someone who has been bullshitted by older, 'wiser' men all my life (do I need to add #notallmen here so as to not hurt any egos?), I have a natural tendency to have more faith in the old, 'wise' woman's words. She after all understands the will to fight the traditional, the patriarchal, she understands responsibility in a way a man does not (even now in Indian society). I believe she will wink at me and tell me how to do it like a woman. 'How to conquer the world like a woman' - naani edition. He looked at me like I was a directionless child. But, I am 25; I am a grown woman. Would he have looked down on me the same way if he were a she? And would he have added at the end of his long and elaborate lecture that, "after all women have different pressures from society which I wont (don't) understand," would he...if he were a she?

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Begin Again

2015-08-20T10:37:00.000+05:30

Gurgaon Autowala

No. Enough is enough. I will just shut up and start writing again! I have been feeling miserable about not being able to write about things that matter to me. I have been (what seems to me) shouting hoarse about loving writing opinion pieces about fashion and gender politics. But, what have I done the past few weeks? Just cribbed and moaned that "I don't get a good WiFi connection", "I need to do more fashion posts or no one will be interested", " I don't have any good images." I am just shutting up and letting things happen. Because the value of having a platform to speak out is immense. And I have that platform. I have poured 5 years of my life and opinions into this blog and how dare I let it go to waste! Enough is enough. I will stop making excuses. I will write about everything I have thought I should write about and then didn't these past few weeks. Forgive me, my words, for letting you get trapped like this.

Let's begin again.

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Period Saga: Taboos We Break When We Bleed

2015-06-28T18:23:00.000+05:30

I am a feminist. I have been one my whole life. So, one day I thought why don't I write for a feminist portal (I was already freelancing as a writer full time at this point)? And then I decided to act upon said thought. A few month's back I had pitched this idea to a feminist magazine. They had loved the idea, and I had gone ahead to get the whole photo-essay together within 2-3 days. They really loved it. But, for whatever internal issue the story never landed up on their website. No worries. I had decided even when I started working on the essay, that if it isn't picked up I will not let it go to waste. I had my own blog after all, my own platform. As, most of you know, my shift to Delhi has been full of misadventures. In short, Delhi has not been very kind to me so far. I have been rendered (briefly) homeless, penniless, with all government sanctioned identity proofs stolen. Anyhow, I finally found some time, and clarity of mind to finally blog this photo-essay I had worked hard on. I was very happy with the outcome. Especially because of the amazing responses I got from my friends.

Read on to see what my awesome friends had to say about breaking period taboos.

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We have often wondered if breaking a period taboo actually started a calamity somewhere. Instagram recently drew such a huge backlash that they had to reinstate the photo of artist, Rupi Kaur, who posted a self-portrait of her bleeding during her period. Some have hailed her as a hero, while a few have mentioned that seeing period blood stains are equivalent to and as disgusting as seeing human excrement. Facebook and Instagram (which is owned by Facebook incidentally) have proven time and again that sexist posts are protected under their dubious guidelines as personal opinions, whereas women sharing candid photos of their natural bodies and bodily functions are the actual offenders. Our question is simple – why should a few drops of blood cause so much repulsion? We decided to speak to a few women who have grown up listening to ridiculous period taboos and asked them how they break those taboos when they bleed.

Soumi Paul

I have seen many girls frantically trying to get rid of the red stains on their clothes. But, I have never given it more importance than a mud stain or been ashamed of standing in the metro without trying to cover the stains strategically. During a cultural fest, I had to wear a burlap sack styled into a bandage dress as per the theme. I started chumming and the fact that I was wearing a sanitary napkin underneath was very obvious so, my friends asked me to take it off. Wearing a pad to ensure hygiene is again something I am proud of. I walked the ramp with a slight bulge between my legs despite the attention it drew.

Anupriya Dutta Gupta Sen

We have been brought up on a staple diet of 33 crore Gods & Goddesses from whom we are supposed to stay away on those 5 days of the month. I have always wondered that how come He, who created our body and all the workings in it, be offended by something that is His doing? This particular process of a woman's body is related to her reproductive system and something that is part of the formation of a new life can never be considered a sin, right? In my monotheist mind, God welcomes us in His abode irrespective of whether we are oozing blood or not. I never shy away from going to Him even during those 5 days.

Tanaya Das

As a teenager I was always told women on their periods should not enter temples. Assuming that God exists, how could She be okay with this nonsense? I say She because obviously God is a Woman of Colour, there is no shame talking about our periods and no need to hide that we buy sanitary napkins. So, one day I just decided to go to a temple and I swear Durga Ma in her beautiful saree gleefully winked at me and gave me a discreet thumbs up before schooling her expression for her other devotees.

Sayantani Saha

Growing up, I was taught not to talk about periods to the male species. My cramps were mistaken for all kinds of illnesses. I wanted to scream that I was not ill and shut them up. I did shut them up when I finally grew a brain. I bleed every month like half the population does and I am not ashamed of it. It is a normal bodily function which only signifies that I have a healthy body. Why hush up about it? So, I stopped making excuses and started talking about it. After all, it is only blood and some other tissues! The funny part is the incredulous look on the people's faces when you mention the P-word openly.

Rashmirekha Basu

Durga pujo is the one time in the year when we have to abide by certain traditional norms regardless of our individual convictions. It involves waking up at ungodly hours on Astami to offer anjali to the goddess. When I start my period during that time, I am not allowed to offer anjali. It does not make a difference to me because I am not religious that way, but such discriminations are archaic and are based on vague dictums of religious texts which have a perpetual male bias. For those who regard the anjali with religious fervour, it is grossly unfair to be denied assertion of their faith based on ideas rooted in ill-informed idiocy.

Sohini Biswas

I followed taboos during my periods until I gradually realised how silly they are! I do not hesitate to buy sanitary napkins anymore nor do I feel the need to cover or hide them. We do not hide toilet paper, why pads then? It does not bother me if there is a blood stain on my pyjama. A pad fell out of my bag in front of a male friend once. Instead of panicking, I picked it up normally like I would any other thing that fell out of my bag. Periods are healthy and natural. There is nothing to 'whisper' about it.

Oendrila De

Breaking the taboo regarding menstruation is not about the right to “Instagram” a woman’s stained sheets or abolish toilet walls. For something natural, a woman is ostracized, prevented from sleeping on her bed, and kept from praying. Innumerable women are ashamed of discussing their menstrual pains, which could be signs of severe health problems, like hormonal dysfunctions, cyst, etc. Unhealthy and unhygienic practices percolate from one generation to the other among uninformed, uneducated women because they’re ashamed to learn about it. A woman may or may not feel comfortable discussing her menstrual cycle openly. But the archaic attitude needs to change, for her health’s sake.

Sharmistha Guha Chowdhury

A menstruating woman doesn’t anger God! A woman who is menstruating is going through a natural biological process of her body. Many women feel hesitant to ask their male acquaintances to buy sanitary napkins for them. Why such shame? The sales person at the local store always gives you a look when you ask for napkins. It is like you have asked for a BOMB. Then he wraps it in a piece of paper and puts it in a black plastic bag. Save the extra work. There is no need for it.

Swarnali Biswas

The use of two words in Bengali "shorir kharap" meaning illness is used for menstruation. It exposes the deep-seated taboo surrounding it. I too used to refer to it like that without realising that it happens to every woman and is normal and healthy! I used to be tensed and worried if I had blood stains on my clothes. I felt the need to hide. Nowadays, I consciously tell the shop keeper to not cover my sanitary pads because there is nothing to hide or be ashamed of. It is neither impure nor an illness.

Mahashweta Paul

Every time you ask for sanitary pads at a medical store, they wrap it in newspaper as quickly as they get it off the shelf and put it in a bag. This has always seemed strange to me and for some reason it irritated the hell out of me! Pads are hidden away as if they are used for a 'dirty' purpose. So, one day I asked the man at the counter to just give me a pack without wrapping it. He got the message. It has been a couple of years now and he does not wrap them anymore. Not even for the other ladies.

Malabi Ghosh

Dear patriarchy, we bleed to let you live. Our menstrual blood is way more powerful than your knight’s red chivalry. To you blood is death, to us blood is life. Your successor is born because we menstruate. So, stop being ridiculous, stop stigmatising the stain of life.

Thank you Sayantani for helping me edit this photo-essay, especially on such short notice back then. Lots of mint cocktail loves. :D

Amydus-Brand Love And A Little About My Relocation

2015-06-08T00:22:00.002+05:30

Amydus is a plus-size clothing brand from India, which is catering to the trend savvy curvy fashionistas. They approached me in April and I did a photoshoot with the cool clothes they sent me almost immediately. But, my new job, for which I relocated, got in the way of making the post any sooner than this. So, essentially I have moved to Delhi for a new job in a lifestyle magazine. Yay for me! I am liking the job, and the new experiences. Some of them have been quite daunting. But, I am managing with the help of friends.

This daisy print tunic is something I fell in love with the moment I saw it on their awesome website. And when I got it in the mail, I knew I had to wear it with my tear-drop tights as a short dress, with pop-art eyes! I love the mesh sleeves of this tunic. You can dress it up as a jacket over a simple tee and denims to give that simple outfit a twist. The first time I wore it over a black tee and slouchy pants, and the look was a hit. And, as a 90s alt child, I have a weird fascination for daisy prints. Don't know for sure if tumblr has anything to do with the new found love for daisies though. This tunic made me a very happy girl!

You guys must check out Amydus for their awesome collection of plussize clothing. You can find bottom-wear here up to a size 50". Their top-wear sizes run up to 7 XL. And best thing is, these are not sack like things to cover you up. I personally love their prints and their range of formal shirts as well.

Enjoy a creepy close-up of my face, to see my pop-art eye look. Wanna know how did it?

Daisy Print Tunic - c/o Amydus (click to buy)

Tear-drop Tights - Romwe

Wedge Boots - B.K Market (Calcutta)

Belt - B.K Market (Calcutta)

It hasn't even been a month since I relocated to Delhi from Calcutta, and I have shifted twice already, due to the bad situations I faced in the places I was staying at. It has been almost a month since I even slept properly. I felt like blogging finally, because I am well-rested and well-fed today. Things have been difficult with the housing situation. I sincerely hope and pray things settle down soon enough. Blogging makes me happy. I have come across very helpful people because of my blog. And, I will continue blogging as long as I have hair on my head that I can turn pink occasionally.

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Women In Leadership

2015-04-30T21:34:00.000+05:30

So, I talk about equal opportunity and equal rights quite often on this blog and my other social media channels. I have identified as a feminist ever since I was in school. Feminism is a cool word now. Just look around and see how many mainstream channels are adopting it to sell their products now. It is also deemed a dirty word and many like to stay away from it because some people just have a severely misinformed notion about it. Many of these mainstream channels, which are often misguided in their knowledge, help in fanning such wrong notions. Feminism is not about man-hating. Feminism in fact fights for equality and justice among all genders. Men are expected to be a certain way, and do certain things in this patriarchal society which is often detrimental to their mental and physical health. A society cannot function well when any of the genders suffer. Today feminism is largely about intersectionality as well.

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I have heard a lot of arguments from people (some level headed, some just fizzled down to name calling) who believe all the bad things about feminism. From what I understood every time, these people are either misinformed or talking about personal experiences with the faux-feminists. The faux-feminists are the ones who love shouting "equal rights" without caring to understand the actual meaning. But, I do not understand, why form your opinion about an entire movement that has done so much good (and still is doing so) based on your personal experience with a certain bad egg? If you are a religious person, would you change your opinion about it and God in general just because that one time a holy man was accused of raping women and little boys? Would you stop believing in religion because some people choose to completely twist the holy words and use it to unleash terror in the world?

Feminism is the reason women got the right to be deemed as human beings with rational thoughts. We got the right to vote, to property. And all this culminated into a world where seeing a woman in a leadership position is a possibility. Women have reached the top in almost every field. The situation is not so good in some countries. Women have an amazingly strong support system now all across the globe. There are entrepreneurs who have successfully started their own ventures from their very own homes and gone big. Social media has helped such ventures like it couldn't be imagined before. I can count myself as one such person. I own a website and my words reach out to so many people, all thanks to social media. But, even today jokes about women leaders persist. Stereotypes about women leaders still need to be crushed. If you believe feminism is not necessary in today's world any more, to create a space for women leaders then just head over to this blog to read about Shit People Say to Women Directors.We need to fight for a tomorrow where women do not need to exist through patriarchal bargaining or suffering or unjust name calling.

I teamed up with SheThePeople who are running a contest where you can share your own stories and opinion pieces that revolve around the theme of #EveryWomanIsALeader. Enter to win an all expenses paid trip to an exciting destination. Check out the simple guidelines *here*.

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L'oreal Paris Skin Perfect Expert Skin Care Range Review

2015-04-25T22:13:00.000+05:30

L'oreal Paris India, sent over their recently launched range of Skin Perfect Skin Care Range (20+, 30+, 40+) almost a month ago. But, as you guys know we were busy redoing the whole blog and every scheduled post got delayed. I just had to get the blog makeover out of my system first. Well good thing is that I got to use the product for almost a month before reviewing it for you. I have been using the 20+ cream and will be reviewing it in a subsequent post.

Essentially, each cream in this range is personalised to deal with the specific skin related issues we face at different decades of our lives. Each cream is equipped to give visible results within 4 weeks of use. The superior Vitamin 3x Technology used in this range will help fortify and replenish the vitality of your skin and give you healthy looking skin. Each product comes in 18gm tube form as well as 50gm cream tubs.

Age 20+ is a day cream which is accompanied with a cleansing foam. It has perlite which effects the complexion of the skin and makes it lighter, and salicylic acid that helps keep pimples and acne at bay. Priced at - INR99 for 18gm tube, INR325 for 50gm tub, INR105 for cleanser.

Primary purpose - Anti-Imperfections+Whitening.

Age 30+ is a moisturising cream which is accompanied with a cleansing foam. It contains collagen to combat with fine lines that start appearing in your thirties. Priced at - INR149 for 18gm tube, INR425 for 50gm tub, INR135 for cleanser.

Primary purpose - Anti-Fine Line+Whitening.

Age 40+ helps with the skin problems caused by ageing. It is packed with Pro-Retinol A which helps combat wrinkles and revitalises the skin. Priced at - INR595 for 50gm tub.

Primary purpose - Anti-Ageing+Whitening.

My Thoughts

I am really bad at maintaining a skin care routine. I start enthusiastically, but then I stop after a few days. But, I like using creams that gives my skin a non-zombie appearance before leaving the house. So, BB creams and day cream types are right up my alley. My mother has gorgeous skin even post 50, with just minor fine lines here and there. And all the good features my parents have had me convinced when I was a kid, that I must have been adopted. Coming to the product at hand. These pots are simply designed. The tubs are made of glass with simple golden plastic lids. You can always use the tube versions first for trial purposes. I do find the fact that all of these creams are tagged "whitening" as potentially problematic. But, then again plenty of products in the Indian market are tagged the same to cater to the fair skin obsession of Indians. However, the Age 20+ cream has been a good enough day cream so far. It gives a light sheen to my face. And I quite like the slightly floral smell it has. More about that in a detailed review will be coming up shortly.

If you wish to contribute to the relief funds for the Nepal earthquake then please click *here*
We are praying for those who lost their lives in today's tragedy.

Fringed Kimono

2015-04-21T21:34:00.000+05:30

This is the kimono I got from Dressin. I wrote about them *here*. I have fancied owning a kimono cardigan for a while. Kimonos tend to make me look bulkier. But, I decided it's high time I just got one.

There are a lot of rules for dressing up a woman's body. The rules are more restrictive for fat bodies. The clothing, according to mainstream fashion dictats, should not be too revealing and neither should it be too misshapen/oversized. One runs the risk of exposing fat rolls with revealing clothes, and god forbid anyone sees those. The horror that would unleash, right? *yawns with sarcasm* And clothing that makes you look bulkier is also a complete no-no. Because, God forbid if we look fatter than what we already are!
So, I gave up my inhibitions and wore the kimono in all it's glory. It was too damn hot that day so I had to keep my outfit simple. But, nothing really beats the blue jeans and white tee combo. I got these round sunglasses for just a 100 INR. Well it was a gift. I am on my way to owning a collection that will soon consist of nothing but round sunglasses.

The thing is, the grunge loving bohemian heart of mine loves unironed, oversized clothing. There is a lot of appeal in asymmetric and deconstructed clothing. These design details can make even the simplest of clothes highly interesting. Probably why I am such a fan of Yohji Yamamoto's designs.

Photos c/o - Anupriya DG

Fringe Kimono Cape - c/o Dressin
And this is the pullover I got, but the size being a bit too small I gave it away to a sister of mine - Paris Eiffel Tower Pullover

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Don't You Honey Me

2015-04-16T14:36:00.000+05:30

Terms of endearment. Such a misnomer. They have always made me cringe. I am an Indian, so being called sweetheart, dear, honey, by our parents was not a common thing growing up. These words are, just like plenty of other things, a foreign export. I have nothing against Western concepts being assimilated into our society. Mutual exchange of customs has always been a norm. And globalisation has only helped speed the process. The more we are alike in terms of the good things, the better. The world will be a better place. No, we won't lose our identities if we let go of some of our more backward traditions. Negatives do not define us. Positives do. But, when we are exporting certain cultural things from anywhere in the world, we are also exporting the history associated with them. Nothing really exists without precedence. I am simply tired of reminding people that I do not like being called "dear" and "honey". There even exists a Bengali term of endearment that is spoken with the same tone of faux familiarity and a hint of condescension as these English words. That famous term is "babu". Older people calling me that is fine (does that make me a practitioner of ageism somehow?). But, really when a peer calls me that it's an absolute no-no. Terms of endearment are mostly used by people who tend to habitually use them while talking to pretty much everyone they know. I once knew a girl (who is happily married now) in my UG class who said the word "babu" so often, she once called a professor that, by mistake of course. You get the picture right? If a loved one, in a truly endearing way calls me any of these terms, I will still cringe because of my past and ongoing experience with these words. They all seem seeped in dubious hypocrisy and insincere candour. They try to forge a forced bond of familiarity between the speaker and the one spoken to, no matter whether their encounter lasts 5 minutes or continues sporadically over decades.

I have been trying to find out if my sentiments are echoed around the world or if there is just something wrong with me. I have compiled a list of articles you might be interested in reading on this issue and gain some perspective.

Don't forget to share your thoughts on this.

Bed Head TIGI India

2015-04-14T21:34:00.001+05:30

As of 5th April, 2015, I have officially bid goodbye to good old fly songbird. That doesn't mean I have left behind my free flying days. A name change was needed. I have considered changing the name of the blog ever since it became a fashion and lifestyle blog as opposed to just being a personal blog where I wrote about everything that knocked at my brain. I have always maintained that a blog needs to stick to it's niche(it's very easy to say yes to brands who will pay you or give you lucrative freebies). Quality over quantity, people. And I have stuck to mine and an appropriate name was necessary. I have thought of names for years on and off. I have thought of buying a domain and redesigning the look of the blog on and off. But, always put it off for tomorrow. Always thinking I am still learning how to blog better and making mistakes here and there. This March my blogging journey completed a whole 5 years. And I put my foot down. I had to get my big ass moving and get all the changes done. The new look is simple and clean with a hint of colour and calligraphy, a good combo of everything I love in design, and life in general. Project Curve does not signify only the curves of a body, even though every curve and plane of a woman's body is celebrated here. This is a no body snark, only body love zone. And it will always remain so. But, this curve I speak of, signifies also the curve of life. The journey to anywhere is mired in following a lot bendy roads, there are seldom any straight lanes that take us to our destination. The curves make it fun. I have plans of launching a new segment soon. But, my "soons" are longer than your "soons".

______________________________

How many of you have used and love TIGI products? It is a hugely popular hair product range abroad. When I had just started discovering hair products that can do wonders to my otherwise straight hair, TIGI was one of the first brands I wanted to try. So, when it became available online a few years back (all heavens bless online shopping!) I was a very happy girl. But, I have even better news for all you city dwellers. TIGI will now be available in Calcutta, exclusively in select salons all over the city. Their Bead Head and S-factor ranges are coming to town. I was invited to the product launch event for a one-on-one styling session. I got into a tête–à–tête session with TIGI creative expert, Rohit Solanki as he styled my hair.

Q. What's the difference between the Bed Head and S-factor ranges?
Rohit ~ S-factor is more of a high end, luxury range. Whereas Bed Head is for the young at heart, the more spirited ones.

Q. Which city in India has the more experimental crowd in terms of hair styling?
Rohit ~ Bangalore for sure. It is not like the other cities. It is like a hub.

Q. How would you rate the Calcutta crowd?
Rohit ~ Most people in cities like Calcutta, Chennai and even Delhi love their lengths. They like a particular look. They are much more conservative.

Q. But, would you say the younger generation is moving away from conservative style choices now?
Rohit ~ Definitely. There has been a huge shift in the past few years, the young generation is definitely more aware of international trends. India and China especially are growing markets.

Q. Why are the TIGI products only available at salons?
Rohit ~ Well, the TIGI products are like medicine for your hair and the salon experts are like hair doctors. You should buy the products you need only after you know how to use them.

Q. Okay, I have always wanted to go really short with an asymmetric bob. How short should I go?
Rohit ~ The front layer should touch your shoulders and back should cover your neck. That would create the right frame for your face.
__

Well that's it guys. Hope you got a little insight. Next time you ask your hair stylist to spare your hair length, know that you are just being a true desi.
TIGI Products used on my hair - Hard Head hair spray for strong hold and a subtle shine. Manipulator gunk for texture. And Head Rush mist spray for a sheen. It smelled so exotic.
I loved the glamorous curls. It lasted for a whole day and some more. Almost made me want to go in for a boudoir shoot.

Project Curve

Accessories To Lust Over

2015-04-03T20:53:00.003+05:30

A good piece of accessory is something I can lust over. A piece of clothing may look great on someone I adore, but make me look like a potato. Accessories are definitely more versatile, one-size-fits-all bundles of joy. A single piece of accessory can show off your personality and distinguish between two people wearing the same dress. I have made a lust list for your pleasure. Ogle, enjoy and buy them if you love. They are all from this extremely affordable website called Dresslink. They have a whole range of things from women's wear, kid's wear, bags, shoes as well as DIY decoration items like studs and rivets. I found a Harry Potter themed bracelet and necklace there. That's a definite win in my book.

1. Steampunk Pocket Watch Pendant 2. Statement Layered Necklace 3. Deathly Hallows/Snitch Bracelet 4. Lolita Inspired Heart Shaped Sunglasses (you love, right?) 5. Snitch Shaped Pocket Watch Necklace 6. Floral Snapback

We are moving to a new address. This will effectively be the last post on this blog address. I have spent a good 5 years right here. It's time to move on now. Wish me luck with the transition. And see you on the other side.

Keep track of the blog on the facebook page :)

Project Curve

Sunny Love

2015-03-27T15:22:00.000+05:30

All remnants of any sort of chilliness is gone from the wind. It is officially spring. But, you can feel the buzz of summer right beneath the windowsills. Soon the temperatures will start soaring sky high and we will all end up complaining mercilessly about the sun. All I can do right now, is dream of another city, of a certain warmth that spreads from within and tingles the toes. Why? Because every single day life changes forever, never to return to what it was yesterday. And I feel like I need to rush ahead with it. But, I am someone who is always a pace behind.

Yellow Cardigan - c/o Vero Moda

Backpack - c/o Romwe

Lennon Sunglasses - c/o Firmoo

Anchor Print Palazzo Pants - B.K. Market

Platform Sandals - Street Shop

FlySongbird

Mosaic Art by Vandeepp Kalra

2015-03-22T21:39:00.002+05:30

A couple of posts ago I said I will feature a couple of female artists on this blog as March celebrated as Women's History Month. I am sure you loved learning about designer and entrepreneur Shivani Patel and I am happy to let you know her crowd-funding venture is going well. If you haven't contributed yet then go to my previous post *here* to read up about her eco-friendly range of fabulous designer bags.

I would like to introduce you to the work of mosaic artist Vandeepp Kalra. She delved into the world of mosaic art as a hobby which soon turned into an obsession and then into a full fledged career. Each piece is a beautiful work of art that you have to see with your own eyes. It takes hard work, immense patience and a great amount of passion to create the kind of work that she does. If you think it's too late to find your true calling in life then know that you are not the only one and it isn't too late to start. Vandeepp did her B.A. in Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, while her P.G. degree was in Business Administration. Her education has helped her in developing a sensibility of handling her business with grace and creativity. She is a self taught artist to top all of that.
She sources her materials from United Kingdom, Netherlands and Italy as well as India. Life inspires her mosaic artwork. The way she captures light and movement in her work is commendable. Each work takes one or two months to complete, the process is so labour intensive. She specialises in hand crafting mosaic portraits that flawlessly capture all kinds of silhouettes. Her studio offers product customisations to cater to client's specific needs.
Vandeepp Kalra is poised to shape a mosaic industry in India, which is still not fully exposed to the medium, through her innovative products and excellence in quality. As the only mosaic studio from India, it aims to educate and create awareness about mosaic as an art form and would like to be synonymous with similar artists that are present around the world.

And here is my favourite mosaic art from Vandeepp Kalra's exhibition that I personally got to gawk at the previous day. This Predator poster can become a collector's item for a movie buff.

image c/o Anupriya DG

You can drop in at her studio, located at Wood Street any time and bring home some of her finest pieces or order something one-of-a-kind that can be customised especially for you.

FlySongbird

My DressIn Wish List

2015-03-18T16:07:00.000+05:30

I love a website that offers a range of items that has a little something for everyone. Dressin offers something for the graphic tee lovers as well as the floral lovers. They offer some lovely dresses, tops, bottoms, outerwear and even lingerie at pretty inexpensive prices. And on top of that, they have a super sale going on right now. I recently received a package from them and I can assure you of speedy delivery (ordered with DHL) and decent quality products. Here are some items I really love from their collection. Check out to see if you love something for yourself here. I am sure you will find a great slogan tee or a fabulous party top from here.

1. Sequin Stripe Top 2. Chiffon Gown 3. Long Sleeve Maxi Dress 4. Slogan Pullover Top 5. Floral 2 Piece Dress 6. Floral Skull Top

Don't forget to follow me on Facebook. There is more there, I promise.

FlySongbird

Arture - A Corky Take On Things

2015-03-10T20:04:00.000+05:30

March has been declared Women's History Awareness Month. And to keep in theme I have planned on highlighting a couple of artists who are the best in their respective fields. They are women, they are entrepreneurs and they are unique thinkers. Without further ado let me introduce to you our 1st artist- accessory designer, Shivani Patel who is about to launch an entire collection of wallets and handbags for both men and women that are made out of CORK fabrics!

1. Tell us a little about yourself. What inspired you to become a designer?

~ I was born and brought up in Chennai. Ever since I was a kid, I loved arts and crafts. Also, my father was in the export industry. He was the CEO of a company that dealt with leather goods. In my summer vacations, I used to go with him to the factory and make small bags and pouches for myself out of waste scraps of leather. I even used to make clothes for my Barbies. That’s when my interest began.

2. Why did you go into accessory designing?

~ I have always been crazy about footwear and accessories. Right from the time I was a kid dancing around in my mom’s heels, waiting for the day I would get a pair of my own. And as I mentioned earlier, I used to go to the factory a lot. I became very passionate about footwear, handbags and wallets. That’s how my interest developed and I ended up choosing the Accessory Design course when I was accepted into NIFT.

3. As a woman entrepreneur how has your experience been running your own company so far?

~ It’s been great. I’ve had no difference in my experience due to being a woman. I think it’s important to be confident in yourself. My parents have never treated me any different just because I’m a girl. They always made me believe that I can be anything I want to be, and that’s the attitude I carry with me. It’s easy for people to push you around if you doubt yourself. I do not see myself as inferior, and that gives me the confidence to deal with the world.

4. Why Arture? Why go into eco-friendly designing now?

~ Arture – the name means art+nature. I wanted to create products that are natural and inspired by nature. I also believe that every product is a piece of art. I want Arture to be the canvas of nature. Contemporary, yet taking you back to your roots.
I always felt the lack of products that are eco-friendly yet fashionable and luxurious. A lot of brands do use non-leather materials but these products are usually made of synthetics which are bad for the environment. That isn’t a viable solution. It was these thoughts that led to the formation of Arture, and when I stumbled upon cork and learned about all it’s properties I knew that was the perfect way for Arture to come to life.

5. Tell us about your crowd funding campaign. (Why you are crowd funding rather than say get a loan or investors the traditional way. And tell us how we can help.)

~ My crowdfunding campaign goes live on the 10th of March. The purpose of the campaign is to help me launch Arture in the market. The funds I get will help me purchase all the materials I require, produce my first batch of products and ship them out to all my backers. All the products from my collection are available as perks. People who back me are sure to get whatever products they like from the collections.
I love the transparency of crowdfunding and I love how involved backers get with the project. From a brand’s perspective, we get market validation and we get the direct feedback from the people who are going to be using our products. We get the ability to form a community around our brand. From the consumer’s perspective, they get the chance to back something they truly love and believe in, and they get to be a part of it.

The link is now live - *click to contribute*. You can follow Arture on Facebook or Twitter and we can’t wait to join hands with you on this journey that we are so incredibly excited about!

FlySongbird

Magnum Ice Creams-Royal Experience

2015-02-28T13:52:00.001+05:30

this pic and food styling c/o Anupriya DGs

Belgium chocolate covered Magnum ice creams are a favourite of millions across the globe. 1st March onwards Magnum is officially hitting the stores of Calcutta! This will be a really grand summer for Calcuttans. These ice creams are made with at least 35% cocoa, making them rich in flavour. The Truffle flavour is for the dark chocolate lovers. But, you can pick any of their flavours for a rich royal experience. There is a delicious crackle in every bite, there is no fear of it melting all over your hand as the chocolate coating is ever so generous and there is never a risk of sweetness overload since the inner creamy filling is almost like a palate cleanser.

I was at the launch event where chef Kunal Kapoor hosted a master class. Soha Ali Khan, a self professed Magnum lover since she was a child was there for the launch as well. Many stories were shared about their memories of chocolates and Calcutta. And hence Kunal Kapoor decided to make a dessert with Magnum inspired by Calcutta. He made a Patishapta, which is essentially a crepe that is traditionally filled with kheer, jaggery and coconut. He filled the Magnum Patishapta with crushed chunks of Magnum Classic, berries, nuts and topped it with some sprinkling of khoya kheer, almonds and pistachio. If you follow me on instagram(click to follow if you don't already), you must have seen the delicious dessert in a jar that I was gifted at the event. It was made with Magnum ice cream and once they are officially available at the stores I will try to grab one and recreate the recipe to share it with you guys on the blog.

The 3 flavours of Magnum you can get in stores - Classic, Almond and Chocolate Truffle

Soha Ali Khan and Kunal Kapoor at the photo op

Soha trying her best to help out the chef

The delicious Magnum filled Patishapta

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FlySongbird

How To Survive: Valentine's Day

2015-02-13T15:31:00.000+05:30

This Valentine's day you must be wondering where you can go out to have a lovely lunch or dinner without blowing a giant hole in your pocket. I have a couple of very delicious suggestions for both the romantic and the anti-mush brigade. And both these restaurants are located in the New Market area of Kolkata beside each other. Scoop will be decked up to welcome all the V-day celebrators. They even have a special menu for the lovers which includes items like 100% LOB(a crunchy juicy prawn wrap) and Phata Phati Love(mango juice topped with ice cream and pineapple slices). You can even pick up a goodie basket to surprise your other half with. You get choco chip cookies, strawberry cupcakes, heart shaped candle and a rose in the basket for only INR200. Isn't that a sweet deal?

Now for the anti-mush brigade, I suggest you walk a couple of doors down from Scoop and enter into Spice. It is a new restaurant with the edgiest décor ever. It looks like the insides of a factory that was turned into the hippest eat out zone in town. It is the perfect place to hide from coochie cooing lovers all over the city tomorrow. You can go down with a bunch of buddies as well to enjoy some of the most delicious Thai food with a few giant mugs of beer. You must try their chicken satay that comes with a peanut butter sauce that would leave you craving for more.

Nearest landmark - New Empire

Show some love on V-day. Hit the like button.

FlySongbird

The Ultimate Make-Up Tip For The Non-Enthusiasts

2015-02-09T12:02:00.001+05:30

A lot of people have a lot of opinions about make-up. I personally believe it is up to a particular girl or guy if they want to put on minimal or tonnes of make-up on their faces at any given time of any particular day. Yes, I said guys. Teach yourself about gender roles and patriarchy before you think there is something inherently wrong or funny about guys wearing make-up. Your favourite macho hero from that blockbuster film does it all the time, and no he doesn't do it only for the screen. Human beings have been known to paint their faces to express certain emotions for centuries, so it is not a modern social construct. Anyway I digress, email me for a lengthier chat about such issues if you wish and we shall talk.

So, the ultimate tip from me might seem like something a non-enthusiast would never imagine doing. But, hear me out. Own a few make-up brushes. Not more than, but could be less than 5. This is definitely not for those who hate make-up and do not ever wear it ever. This is for those who like to wear it, maybe occasionally or everyday, but do not consider themselves a pro or a junkie. When you do put on make-up you would like not to look like Joker. But, who am I kidding? Even for that you would need a brush. Knowing how to swipe a make-up brush across your face would change the way you do make-up forever. I do not believe in owning a lot of products unless you are a make-up artist who needs to work on different kind of skin tones and such. I love using each product in more than 1 way so that I can keep my kit fuss free and as downsized as possible.

Concealer Brush - This is the one investment you will never regret. You will get hours worthy flawless coverage if you use a brush to apply your concealer rather than using your fingers. I do the tapping with the fingers thing to apply my concealer on most days. But, when you use your fingers the skin secretes natural oils and make the concealer thinner in consistency and you do not get a long lasting coverage.
Stippling Brush - These type of brushes are made with bristles that consist 2 types of fibres. They are excellent for applying liquid foundations. You will get a perfect airbrushed look if you use this instead of using a make-up sponge. You just need to take a tiny bit of the product and then apply using this brush in tiny circular motions till everything is blended in perfectly.
Flat/Fluffy Eye Shadow Brush - If you want the perfectly blended eye shadow look then you have to use a brush. You cannot rely on those things that are included in the eye shadow packages, at the most you can use those for applying highlighting shadow underneath the brows and at the inner eye corners.
Smudge Brush - Answer honestly-how many times have you dabbed eye shadow on and said, "Oops, too much,"? After you have blended the eye shadow with a fluffy brush you can remove excess shadow with the smudge brush. These are perfect for creating a smokey eye effect as well. I even used mine the other day to apply a deeply pigmented blush to create a blended and soft eye shadow look the other day because I had no pink eye shadows. I have 2 types of black shadow though. Does that surprise anyone?
Blush Brush - These are smaller than the bigger brushes used to apply loose powder. I use mine for both the purposes of applying blush and loose powder. I do have a big ass powder applicator brush but it feels just too big for my face. This one is just the right size to apply loose powder and lock in the make-up after I am done with everything.

Let me know if you have any opinions or queries in the comments below. I am no pro. But, I believe in the power of expression through make-up.

FlySongbird