The Indian Make-up Diva

So... I went and got married

2009-10-29T07:40:00.000-07:00

Here's my make-up of the day. I'm a bit lazy to do a complete step by step but i'll post more in the weekend.

Products Used:

Le Blanc de Chanel. The world's most amazing primer for oily skin.
Maybelline Dream Matte Powder
YSL Touche Eclat in no 3
Too Faced Shadow insurance as an eyeshadow primer
Chanel Le Bronze eyeshadow
Smashbox Bliss eyeshadow to highlight
Black Radiance Continuous Creme Eyeliner in black
CoverGirl Lash Blast Waterproof Mascara in black
Chanel Mocha blush
MAC Prep 'n' Prime Lip
Chanel Orientale lipstick
Lancome Sunray lipgloss

Prescriptives Just Kicked the Bucket

2009-09-18T10:59:00.000-07:00

I hope you're wearing waterproof mascara because Estee Lauder has announced that it will cease wholesale distribution of Prescriptives. Reuters reports that:

U.S. cosmetic and fragrance seller Estee Lauder Cos Inc (EL.N) said it would close the global wholesale distribution of its 30-year-old Prescriptives skin-care products brand by Jan. 31, 2010, as the brand's value was no longer viable in the current market environment.

I can't think of anything witty to say as I am a blubbering mess. I get very emotional about make-up. May Prescriptives beautify people in the next world, as it has done to so many in ours.

Shade Spotter: Asin's Eyeshadows

2009-09-18T08:34:00.000-07:00

Here's another quick suggestion for Asin's shadows which she had on at a recent event.

Try patting MAC Honey Lust all over the lid. Follow with MAC Saddle applied very lightly on the outer half of the crease. Finish with MAC Deep Truth blended on the outer 'v' of the lid (this should be no more than 1/4 of the lid). Depending on your skintone, use MAC Shroom (for lighter skintones) or Smashbox Bliss (for darker skintones) as highlight.

image source: www.bollyone.com

Shade Spotter: Priyanka Chopra's Lipstick

2009-09-08T11:58:00.000-07:00

This little new feature is when I am too lazy to do a full-blown breakdown but can give you a great (in my opinion anyway) recommendation for one of the products. Here is the first, that I thought was a lovely look on Priyanka Chopra with what seems to be her go-to lipstick.

A great match would be MAC Brave. If you're around her skin tone, this would be a great lipstick if you're emulating that particular shade.

image source: www.rediff.com

Black Radiance Continuous Creme Eyeliner: I Now Will Stop My Quest for the Perfect Eyeliner

2009-09-08T07:14:00.000-07:00

I mean it (the title that is). It was a long time coming, but this post deserves a throne, a crown, and a scepter too. Not because of any particular writing ability on my part, but because I have found the blackest, most wear-friendly eyeliner that makes a sharpie look like gunmetal gray.

I used to pray fervently to God to grant me: A) the ability to eat unlimited chocolate and not gain weight (God and I tiptoe around this sensitive subject. He laughed at me when I prayed for it, I got mad, and lots of awkwardness later I very generously told him I'd settle for a cornucopia of blush); B) the ability to resist chocolate (see point A); C) unlimited wealth (F.Y.I. God, I'm still waiting on this one); and D) the blackest of all eyeliners that will never smudge and look perfect all day long.

Today, I am writing this because my wish for the perfect eyeliner has finally been answered. I bought the Black Radiance Continuous Creme Eyeliner without any expectations. Gel eyeliners always seem to crumble and flake on me (except maybe the L'Oreal HiP one, but the Black Radiance beats it by far) so I usually stick to my trusted liquid liners. However, this Creme Eyeliner has replaced all of my eyeliners.

The Black Radiance Continuous Creme Eyeliner is a lot more 'gooey' than any other creme or gel liner I've tried. In fact, if you store the bottle at an angle the liner shifts accordingly. To me, however, this is just a minor inconvenience. The liner applies so smoothly and so richly black without tugging the skin on my eyelids. I can get a deep black line, thin or thick, in very few swipes. I don't usually heap this much praise on one product, but this is amongst the smoothest-applying liners I've ever come across.

Like all gel liners you do need to wait for the Continuous Creme Liner to dry, but once it does it wears incredibly. No flaking, no crumbling, and no smudging even on the waterline. Yes, that's right, the waterline. I can line the lower waterline without it budging. It doesn't irritate my eyes while it stays on for deal life. Beyond doubt, this beats out every other eyeliner I've tried so far. And for less than $5, it's pretty tough competition for any upcoming eyeliners.

I tried to avoid this as long as possible, but thank you Huffington Post for making me appreciate Mallika Sherawat

2009-08-14T07:01:00.000-07:00

I know I can be snarky when looking at horrid make-up/styling so I tried to be nice and skip this one. It's not just the outfit, it's the make-up too that's awful (will get into that in a bit). However, the stunt catapulted her into lowlight-infamy and Mallika Sherawat earned herself a full-length post on Huffington Post. And here I was trying to avoid this post for a while.

Let me start off with a confession: I'm a snob about using proper words. People who write me emails that use lingo along the lines of 'c u tonite at da tbl fr dinner' are dead to me. Enter Mallika Sherawat, who foreshadowed her dress with this heinous violation of grammar on Twitter by saying "What shud I wear 2 the Tarantino premiere 2nite? Wud sssomething ssscandalous B appropriate?" At this point I'm willing to settle on 'scandalous' with just one 's' as serpentine drawls just feed my phobia.

The thing that jumped at me when I saw this picture was not the fact that she got invited at all, but that, of all places to sober up an outfit that can only be described as the result of mating between overstretched tentoles and a fishing net, she chose to wear gloves. It dawned to me that while she doesn't want to dress conservatively, even nuns leave their hands bare. Therefore, I can only conclude that it was not an attempt to cover up her hands out of a mistaken sense of modesty but an endeavor to make the outfit more elegant. To which I must congratulat the poor actress, who is truly the pioneer of recession chic among Indian celebrities. I certainly wouldn't have had the guts to wear my formerly goth friend's gloves from her dark period. This period was much like Picasso's blue period, only inifitely less glamorous as the gloves were borrowed from one of her niece's Disney princess outfits and dyed black (true story I swear). Bravo Mallika, bravo. You are an inspiration to us all.

And now for the make-up. First take a good look at the brows.

Our wallet-friendly muse Mallika (OWFMM for short. It's a title. She deserves it) is so trailblazing that I couldn't seem to bring myself to criticize her brows. Their severity is yet another recession-friendly ruse of OWFMM's clever use of sharpies as brow pencils has opened up a while new world of beauty savings for us all.

image sources: www.bandgalorefashionpolice.com, www.bollyadda.com

Cosmedicine Cleanser: Am I Glowing Yet?

2009-08-13T23:47:00.000-07:00

I'm not one for pricey cleansers. La Roche Posay's Effaklar Gel Cleanser makes me bleeds silent blots of crimson blood every time I buy it (but it's so completely worth it). The Cosmedicine line at Sephora always intrigued me because it was developed by a panel of experts who promise "Cosmedicine won't BS you." I'm not sure if their marketing team is that diabolically good or I'm just that susceptible to beauty-speak, but I fell for it. Here's my review of Cosmedicine's Healthy Cleanse cleanser.

I have mixed feelings about the Healthy Cleanse cleanser. Cosmedicine advertises this cleanser as a cleanser, make-up remover, and toner all in one. It retails for $30 and I got mine at Sephora during a promotional event where they sold the full-size for $8. Deal right? Apparently not.

It's not that it's a bad cleanser, but the Healthy Cleanse isn't that great either. Sephora and Cosmedicine list a great number of benefits from this product that I'm not sure the cleanser develops because it's on my face for around a nanosecond. After which it's in the drain. Maybe my sink has been "smoothed, purified, and refined" but my skin hasn't been any different since I started using it.

The cleanser itself is in a pump bottle that dispenses a foam. I work it into my moistened face and try to get a deep clean. Unfortunately, I don't seem to get a real clean feeling from this cleanser and usually have to to wash my face one more time to get my face compeltely clean.

To be fair though, the cleanser hasn't irritated my skin at all and doesn't inflame any angry parts of my skin. This makes it an expensive option for something that I can find for much less. Would I pay $8 for the full-size bottle? I did, and I don't regret it (although I much prefer Olay's gentle cleanser for sensitive skin which retails for around $4). Would I pay $30? Not if there are any more CVS stores left in the world.

image source: www.cosmedicine.com

Unveiling of New Site Postponed

2009-08-06T22:19:00.000-07:00

You might not have figured this out about me, but I suck at fiddling around with website templates. The grand unveiling of my new website is now in the hands of others. Til then, I am not going to hold off posting anymore. Please forgive my absence and I will post all my saved posts daily.

Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation: Lovely for the Chosen Ones

2009-08-06T21:32:00.000-07:00

It's like the make-up gods came to personally make sure my experience with Chanel Vitalumiere foundation would not be repeated. Also, I don't think it's possible to find a match in Laura Mercier's Silk Creme foundation unless you have a whole arsenal of divine beings holding four-leafed clovers. Here's my love-hate relationship with this glorious but exclusive-to-so-few-skintones.

Laura Mercier's Silk Creme foundation is a glorious medium-coverage foundation which can be sheered out or built up very easily depending on the desired coverage. The foundation itself feels so light and it spreads and blends in smoothly.

The finish is the most perfect dewy look I have ever come across (along with Aveda's Inner Light tinted moisturizer) and I can easily add some highlighter and look like I swallowed a soft-focus light and therefore am glowing from within, or I can mat it down with some powder for a sophisticated velvet finish.

The foundation wears really well throughout the day and does't settle into pores thereby avoiding the 'moon craters on earth' look, which is never a favourable light to show oneself in.

By this point, I'm sure you're sick of me waxing poetically enough to make Romeo serenading Juliet look like a mundane text message. However, the foundation has a serious drawback: the colour choices suck to the nth degree. I was lucky enough to find a colour match but if you're darker than me, you are pretty much out of luck.

I think this foundation caters to so few desi skintones that it makes me really disappointed. However, it photographs amazingly and looks flawless. Just make sure you ask a few of those elusive make-up gods to hold a bouquet of four-leafed clovers in trying to find a colour match.

image source: macys.com

Revamping my Site

2009-08-03T13:12:00.000-07:00

Yes, my updates have been even worse than usual and I bet you're wondering what in God's name I'm up to. Well, I'm completely revamping my site. I bought a new template and everything and the revamped site should be up by wednesday. PLEASE wish me well as I am on the brink of various nefarious things as technology is far far far too complex for my addled brain to handle.

Anastasia Brow Pencil: I Think I Hear a Stampede

2009-06-29T08:44:00.000-07:00

Most brow pencils are quite pigmented and they require some finesse so that you don't overdo it. I would know, I have very thick brows which are no-so-thick as they approach my nose. Enhancing my brows there is like walking a thin line between naturally-born female and 'wow, that operation wasn't exactly a success.' I tend to skip enhancing my brows altogether simply because I end up looking so ridiculously severe and angry. Enter Anastasia's wonderful brow pencil.

Because of this pencil, I no longer have to dread being questioned on my femininity or my friendliness. The pencil is hard and waxy and I think this is what keeps my eyebrow hairs in place all day. I also am guessing that this is what also makes the brow pencil a bit sheer, which is exactly the reason it is so perfect.

Brow pencils for people with black hair are usually too severe, too dark, too brown, too gray, etc. Anastaria's brow pencil in Brunette is a perfect natural enhancer to my dark brows. Since the product is sheer, it really gives you the ability to build up to the look you want. Even then, it takes a lot of work to look like your brows are anything but natural with this brow pencil.

The sparse-r area near my nose is a true test to whether a brow pencil is worth its weight in blush. Anastasia's brow pencil has surpassed this test. I can fill in the inner corner of my brows and the result is so unbelievably natural that I went out to get a back-up of this. Oh, and did I mention it lasts all day? Run or stampede your way to get this brow pencil. It's a dark-haired girl's best friend (brow-wise anyway).

Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge Part 2

2009-06-25T19:04:00.000-07:00

Here's a continuation of the Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge tutorial. Hope you like it.

Step 1:

Dab some bronzer onto the pointy side of the Blending Sponge. Don't scoop up too much but I like to apply it from the sponge onto the face rather than dab it on the face and then blend out. For some reason, I find that this gives you a more natural finish and control.

Step 2:

Place the sponge on the apple of the cheek and slowly blend the cheekbone and temple.

Step 3:

With light, fluttery strokes (doesn't this line sound like it came from a Fabio-drenched-drenched-in-oil-and-hair-ablazin'-with-hapless-heroine-in-tow-romance novel?) blend the bronzer all the way into the temple. This is where the shape of the sponge really helps. I love using the slope/point to follow the line of my cheekbone and can really direct where I want to place the bronzer. It also allowes for great precision blending.

Step 4:

With the round side, 'bounce' the sponge over the bronzer. This sheers it out a bit and blends it seamlessly into the skin. If you want to add intensity repeat the process until you get the desired depth.

Final Result:

Ta-dah! Here is the final result.

Using the Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge Part 1

2009-06-18T22:18:00.000-07:00

Here is the promised tutorial on using the Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge. Excuse the stains on mine. No matter what I do, the stains don't ever go out.

Step 1:

Dot foundation on your face. I like to do this because I find that I use less product than if I were to put it ont he back of my hand and then transfer it to my face with a brush or sponge.

Step 2:

Bounce the round side of the blending sponge over the foundation. Keep bouncing it to spread the foundation.

Step 3:

Dot some concealor on problem areas with the pointy side of the sponge.

Step 4:

With the pointy side, blend the cocnealor into the nooks and crannies of the area. I love this side of the sponge as it really lets me get great application on my under-eyes and the sides of my nose.

Step 5:

With the round side, bounde the sponge gently over the concealor to blend it into the foundation.

Work Essentials Part 3: Cheeks

2009-06-07T20:09:00.000-07:00

Now that we're still not up to date with the promised updates (I know they should be here soon. So sorry, been sick and had a sinus infection), I have an update on my work essentials.

Bobbi Brown Pink Truffle Rouge Pot

This is my favourite cream blush of all time. I don't think I can think of any other blush that is as flattering on my nc45 skin as this one. The texture is a little thicker than your average cream blush but it blends out easily. The finish you get is a dewy, this-is-all-part-of-my-natural-skin glow that helps me look less like the groggy undead when I wake up after a sleepless night where the neighbour's car alarm goess off 6 times (This is a true story. I hate my neighbour). The colour is a perfect dusty rose that is both non-offensive and subdued while adding the right amount of colour to brighten the face. The colour can easily be built for extra drama. This is one of the few staples that I think almost all desi women, regardless of skintone, can wear.

MAC Blushbaby

If I had to choose between all my MAC blushes (every time I write something about choosing between my blushes I have to remind myself that this is only hypothetical and it won't really happen), I would choose Blushbaby. This mauvy-rose blsuh is matte and looks uneventful in the pan but once worn gives my cheekbones definition while adding the right hint of colour. It doesn't look the least dull or flat on my cheeks. Do not be afraid of the seemingly unpigmented state of the blush as it has the right balance of colour to enhance my nc45 skintone. All in all, the perfect work neutral.

image source: maccosmetics.com, handbag.com

Parvathy Omanakuttan at Cannes

2009-05-21T21:47:00.000-07:00

I'm not quite sure through which virtues Parvathi Omanakuttan got invited to attend Cannes but she managed to stun the world wearing a gown made out of King Midas's (golden) pet crocodile's hide. If you squint enough, you'll notice that her make-up is also stunning-in a good way. I adore her make-up and think it's perfect for many occasions.

Recommended Products:

Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel
Aveda Inner Light Tinted Moisturizer
Translucent powder of your choice
Make-up Forever Full Cover Concealor
Shiseido Accentuating Stick in Glistening Flush (S3)
Becca cream blush in Terracotta
NARS blush in Dolce Vita
MAC eyebrow pencil in Stud
Urban Decay Primer Potion
MAC eyeshadow in All That Glitters
MAC eyeshadow in Bronze
MAC pencil Technakohl in Graphblack
CoverGirl Volume Exact
Vincent Longo lipstick in Boccacino
MAC Clear Lipglass

Recommended Tools:

Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge for the tinted moisturizer, concealor, blush, and highlighter.
MAC 239 for patting on shadow
MAC 217 for blending and crease shadow
MAC 219 for smudging the eyeliner
MAC 187, 188, or 116 (use a light hand for Dolce Vita with this brush) for blush

Face:
Prep your skin with the Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel (yes I'm actually serious about my claims on this) or a primer of your choice. Then, 'bounce' on the Inner Light tinted moisturizer with the blending sponge. I really like this tinted moisturizer as you need little to get a polished look and it gives you the glow we're after for this look.

Check to see what all problem areas need some extra help and blend in some Full Coverage Concealor with the blending sponge.

Don't apply translucent powder just yet. Apply it only after you're done with the cream blush.

Highlight:
Apply the highlighter after you're done with foundation. Blend out the Glistening Flush accentuating stick with either your fingers or the sponge. Place the highlighter on top of your temples and blend outward. Add a bit to the apple of your cheeks as well. Also apply the Glistening Flush on the browbone, bridge of your nose, and your cupid's bow and blend.

Cheeks:
Add warmth and definition with the Terracotta cream blush placed on the cheekbone and slightly under it. Blend outwards and towards the temple while smoothing out the edges.

Smile and apply the Dolce Vita blush lightly onto the apple of the cheek to give your cheeks a slight, warm pop.

Now apply translucent powder to set the make-up.

Eyes:
Pat on some Primer Potion to prep lids for colour.

Brows:
Parvathy's eyebrows are strong, clean, and dramatic . So pluck away any stray hairs and follow the natural arch of your eyebrows. Next, slightly make the brows thicker (and darker if you're comfortable with it) than you're used to. You don't want to go overboard thickening your eyebrows, just make them a slightly more dramatic version of what you were gifted with. Set with a brow gel if needed.

Eyelid:
Apply All That Glitters to the lid and blend into the crease.

Crease:
Define the outer third of the crease with the Bronze eyeshadow and blend outwards toward the browbone.

Highlight:
I like to keep the browbone highlight subtle for this look so I would leave it with the highlighter we already applied. However, if you want some extra drama, apply the shadow of your choice very lightly to the browbone.

Eyeliner:
Rim the lower lash line and waterline with Graphblack. Line the tip lid from the inner corner to the outer corner. Start with a thin line and gradually thicken the line as you get to the end. Make sure to keep the line thin-medium. Smudge the liner to soften the look and reapply Graphblack on the smudged areas to get soft drama.

Mascara:
Curl lashes and apply Volume Exact generously to create Bambi-lashes. You can apply individual lashes at the outer corner for exagerated drama.

Lips:
Apply the Boccacino lipstick and top off with clear Lipglass for extra shine.

image source: www.rediff.com

A Variation of the Swine Flu? Jessica Biel Complains About Being too Good Looking

2009-05-21T21:25:00.000-07:00

I seem to be swarmed with beauty-news lately (highlights and lowlights following soon and the previously promised posts will be up, I promise again), but this was too hilarious not to post. I recently came across a post where Jessica Biel opened her mouth only to have her wordings become verbal diarrhea when she inserted her foot into her mouth. Here is an excerpt from Jessica Biel's interview in the new Allure magazine:

. . . Biel is so frustrated when she misses out on plum roles that go to Scarlett Johansson and Natalie Portman because directors find her look to be too modern.

"I just want an opportunity," she states in Allure's June issue. "If you don't like the audition, then don't hire me! But if you don't want to even see me -- that's hurtful." Find out what else Jessica has to say about her looks, marriage, and living life under a microscope.

Is being too good-looking really a problem for an actress? "Yeah, it really is a problem. I have to be blunt."

I'm not a doctor, but I know when someone has caught the Evangeline Lily virus where the victim cries themself to sleep out of frustration that they cannot fathom what it is to be ugly like the rest of the world (if at this point you think I'm making this up, google Evangeline Lily and her infamous Elle interview). Seriously, if things get worse doctors might need to deflate Jessica Biel's head!

image source: www.eonline.com

Work Essentials Part 2: Eyes

2009-05-15T07:14:00.000-07:00

In my effort to continue the work essentials I have come to LOVE (yes, that's right. these products make me unleash the power of my caps lock button), here is a list of eye make-up that make the day prettier.

L'Oreal Lineur Intense in Carbon Black

This is such a gem by L'Oreal. My friend calls the depth of the black liquid liner almost 'paint-like' and I can't agree more. It's a rich, intensely black liner that stays on for more than 10 hours. The felt-tip applicator really makes getting control over the liner easy; I can make a thin or a thick line with the least amount of effort possible. It's also extremely gentle on the eyes as I can even tightline my eyes with it. The Lineur Intense is such a great buy that I don't really see the need to purchase the colour equivalent of Lancome's Artliner.

YSL Effet Faux Cils

I tried so hard not to fall in love with this mascara but it's impossible. I've worn enough false lashes in my life to know that no mascara will ever reach such rapunzel-ian lengths, but this mascara is pretty fantastic. With just one swipe, I get thick, long bambi lashes. The formula is very wet in the beginning so be careful as it will smear onto your eyelids when you apply. As the mascara gets older, it seems to clump on me more. However, just wash the wand in hot water and you'll be back to madly in love with this mascara. I mean, it's a deep, glossy black that makes my lashes look divine and doesn't flake or smear all day. What's not to tumble hopelessly in love with?

Covergirl Volume Exact

This is another great, less wallet-intensive love of mine. This gives me great separation, length, and volume. It's not as dramatic as the YSL mascara, but it's a winner in its own right. The wand separates my lashes and emphasizes every one (even the tiny ones on the inner corner). The formula is the right consistency and wears like steel during the day. I like it to its dramatic counter part, Lash Blast, because it doesn't weight down my lashes or make them break off. By far my favourite drugstore mascara.

Bobbi Brown Long Wear Cream Shadow in SandcastleHere's a shocking truth about me that doesn't involve the number of blushes I own: I hate eye-shadow primers. For some reason, they always dry out my very oily eyelids and make me look like I spent years trying to gain wisdom but, alas, only ended up with crepey eyelids from thinking deep thoughts. I like to use a good cream shadow that will hold my eyeshadow in place instead. Bobbi Brown's cream shadow in Sandcastle is a more sophisticated shade of my lids and is a great primer. I pat it on in the morning with my MAC 242 brush or my fingers if I'm feeling lazy and then apply shadow. My eye make-up lasts as long on me as it does when I use Urban Decay's Primer Potion and my eyelids look less like I am trying to recreate a rugged desert landscape.

image sources: www.nordstrom.com, www.sephora.com, www.dugstore.com

Deplorable Article on Aishwarya Rai and Make-up

2009-05-13T14:55:00.000-07:00

In recent beauty related news, I came across an article that churned my stomach. I didn't believe it at first but since it seems to be popping up everywhere, I'm going to rant til my nailpolish chips on this one.

The article in question is on Zeenews stating that "Ageing Aishwarya Rai insecure without make-up." Here's an excerpt from the article:

"The worst nightmare of a beautiful lady is to wake up one fine day and find herself old and haggard. Same goes for gorgeous Aishwarya Rai, who is becoming insecure with age and time. Few years back, the lady ruled supremely and was admired for her flawless beauty. But now she needs her powder and rouge to look beautiful. Recently, the lady had a face-off with director Mani Ratnam over her make-up."

A woman's worst nightmare is getting old and haggard? Really? Because the way I see it you can either get "old and haggard," or, well, not grow any older and celebrate birthdays eternally among the angels. I mean truly, the only logical alternative I can find to ageing is dying. You either live and get older, or die. So now that we have set the bar of beauty to "living" over "corpse,"I think these claims of no make-up are even more ridiculous.

When did an actress who claimed to not wear any make-up actually go bare-faced? There's always some form of foundation, contouring, powder, etc. going on, not to mention the camera filters, lighting and the sorts. I'm finding an increasing number of articles aimed at Aishwarya's age that seem to imply that she is less attractive because she's growing older. I don't ever hold the notion that Bollywood, Hollywood or any other filmdom is not ageist but I can still find it insulting. What do you think of the article?

Work Essentials Part 1: Complexion

2009-05-05T20:53:00.000-07:00

I get asked often to try to veer off from my naturally dramatic tendencies and recommend some make-up that would work well for a conservative office. Here are some essentials that I have found work really well for work.

Monistat Chafing Relief Powder-Gel
When I first started using this my friend couldn't believe I was putting something meant for various other regions (I paraphrased) on my face. However, it's not just meant for places that I used to be too scared to mention by name (still the same it seems). This is a silicone gel to powder that doesn't aggravate my sensitive acne-prone skin. In fact, it mattifies my skin and I often find that this and a bit of pressed powder is enough to give me a polished, clean look. It also is a fabulous primer that makes a noticeable difference with regards to how long my make-up stays on. After a long day, and by that I mean longer than 8 hours, my make-up is still on. My make-up slides on much more smoothly and lasts a very long time. if you've been aching to try a primer like Smashbox's, try this first.

Chanel Poudre Douce in Peche Tendre
My first thought when I heard of this finishing powder was what in God's name is this supposed to do other than make my wallet bleed and cry? Then the make-up artist put the powder on me and I changed my mind. The Poudre Douce powder gives me a soft sheen that isn't exactly in the realm of glowy, but rather a satin sheen that makes my skin look healthy and well rested. The powder is incredibly finely milled and has light diffusing properties. it doesn't provide coverage but because of the light diffusing properties I can wear this and manage to fool people into loving the way my skin looks. When I do wear this over foundation, I get an airbrushed finish with no chalkiness in sight. I'm not sure if Chanel squeezed the essence of endangered dragons at the third full moon every leap year to make this product, but I cannot rave enough about this powder. Everytime I wear this powder I get compliments on my skin. All this without foundation or a powder with coverage.

image source: www.drugstore.com, www.bloomingdales.com

Can I just take a moment to cry?

2009-04-30T22:29:00.000-07:00

I was updating my site with 3 windows of posts I was editing as well as a video tutorial. Blogger sometimes doesnt save my progress and it didn't this time either. I was being a bit cocky and kept putting off my runaround way of saving (creating a new post and pasting the original into it. My computer froze because of the video editing. I lost all my work! Here's mu question to the technologically gifted: any idea how to get the progress back? Sorry for the cry for help but I worked so hard on the posts and it took me forever to get one of them correct. Any and all ideas are appreciated.

Upcoming Posts

2009-04-29T21:04:00.000-07:00

I know I had said I would have tons of updates up today, and I have them all saved. I have a couple of posts on celebrity make-up but I also have this tutorial on the Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge that I want to have up first. hence the delay. It will be up *very* soon (think less than 24 hours).

Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge

2009-04-29T20:44:00.000-07:00

I know I told you earlier that I was kinda sorta attracted to the Beauty Blender sponge and I kinda sorta wanted to get to know it better. But I also told you I was kinda sorta scared to take the plunge. Sounds like a sordid high school romantic movie starring Drew Barrymore as the lead doesn't it? But it's the truth. I couldn't bring myself to actually take the plunge on a sponge since I never use make-up sponges. However, we all know this situation is a brief courting phase between me and the product so fear not. In the mean time, I decided to test the waters with the Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge and I cannot tell you how much I love this thing.

The sponge comes feels a lot more foamy but sturdy than your usual sponge and at first I didn't quite know how the shape of the sponge would work for the contours of the face. However, as it turns out, the middle section is great for control and the two sides are really effective in making my foundation, concealor, and cream blush look flawless.

The rounded edge is meant to be used to 'bounce' the foundation onto the skin. I usually use my trusted MAC 192 or 187 brush but I have to say this sponge beats the two by a long shot. It's quick, easy, and my skin ends up looking completely airbrushed without any streaks. If you dampen the sponge just a little before applying, you can get a sheer veil of foundation that lets your skin shine through.

The pointed edge is perfect for concealor and it is surprisingly easy to apply concealor on the under-eyes and other nooks and crannies of the face. At this point, I was already sold. I didn't need anymore convincing. And then, following along our teen romance I mentioned before, the Blending Sponge developed a crush on me. It applied my cream blush in the most flawless, lit from within way possible.

I was in a hurry and didn't have any of my trusted 73 different blush brushes handy (I do kid about the total number of blush brushes if only slightly) so I applied my cream blush with the conical sode of the sponge and then 'bounced' the rounded side on my blush to soften it up a bit. Here's where my heart stopped. In fact, it's why I couldn't write before today: I have never, ever, EVER (hear that scream?), had my complete face look this good with this little effort.

I will post a tutorial I've been working on with regards to application with the Blending Sponge which I will have up tomorrow. But for now, trust me on this: run-hell fly-to your local Target to get this sponge. It is truly worth it.

image source: www.target.com

Posts coming tomorrow, I promise

2009-04-27T21:16:00.000-07:00

I have been so swamped with work, but I will have tons of updates tomorrow. I will tell you though, I will have a tutorial up with the Sonia Kashuk beauty blender-like sponge. O-M-G, it's amazing, btw. Will have everything up tomorrow, I promise.

Olay ProX Line: Friend to Some Foe to Others

2009-04-12T19:15:00.000-07:00

I recently got the Olay ProX line and I have had some mixed feelings on this one.

The Eye Cream
I actually like this the most out of all of the ProX products that I've tried. It's moisturizing without being greasy, soaks into my skin well, and feels great on my under-eyes. The reason I like it so much is because it keeps my under-eyes looking fresh throughout the day. I can't say I've noticed much of an improvement on my dark circles because, well, not a single product in the world has done anything to clear up my under-eye circles. However, it is a great under-eye cream that works really well under make-up. After a long day, a little bit of this cream really helps in making my under-eyes feel better. I actually really recommend this cream to everyone because it's fairly good at what it's supposed to do.

The Night Cream
This product came so highly recommended in magazines and the ads seemed very promising. I think I even read an article where a dermatologist said she wanted to bathe in this. To be fair the list of ingredients is very impressive and it does sound like it would really help your skin if your skin can tolerate the cream. Here's the bad part: my skin couldn't. I broke out horribly with cystic acne. Here's the worst part: I gave it to a friend and her skin looked amazing with one week's worth of use.

I can't tell you what type of skin she has for comparison because this is the first time she's ever used something other than body lotion for her face. Her skin started to peel after a couple of days but within a week it subsided and her skin looked fresh and dewy. And it continued to do so all the while that I was recovering from my cystic acne. So while this incident could serve as proof that some higher power hates me, I am ambivalent on this product. It seemed to do wonders for my friend but was disastrous to my skin. Proceed with caution and may the beauty gods not hate you.

image source: drugstore.com

A Quick, Low-Key Look. 5 Minutes Tops, I Promise

2009-03-18T09:12:00.000-07:00

I know I was supposed to do a quick look for work but while that's on its way, here's a very quick look that's understated but not too boring I hope. I think it's very appropriate for an everyday look that isn't fussy but still polished.

Also, this pic was taken in India (hence the bindi) where I had my green contacts. After which, I scratched the white of my right-eye, had a doctor tell me 'you can still see right' when I repeatedly told him my vision was strangely clouded by a white haze, and had another doctor try to dig into my eye with a piece of cardboard lying on the floor. Don't worry I went to a hospital afterward and everything turned out OK, but I ditched the contacts because of this incident. And I looked demonic in real life.

Products Used:

Make-up Forever Full Cover Concealor. Read my raves about this stuff, it's amazing.
A random black eyeliner. Any pencil eyeliner will do.
Lancome Definicils mascara
Chanel Tweed Ambre blush
Chanel Great Copper lipstick

Tools Used:

MAC 129 brush to apply blush
Bobbi Brown concealor brush

Step 1:
Apply the Full Cover concealor where needed and blend it into your skin. Make sure the concealor matches your skin colour perfectly. I blended concealor under my eyes and around my nose.

Step 2:
Line your top lid and your lower waterline. Blend the liner on the top lid with a q-tip to create soft definition.

Step 3:
Apply mascara generously on top and bottom lashes.

Step 4:
Smile and apply the Tweed Ambre blush to the apple of your cheeks and blend outward towards the temple. Tweed Ambre is a beautiful amber and coral blush that makes olive and golden undertones glow, so less is more and start off by layering thin layer of blush.

Step 5:
Apply the Great Copper lipstick to complete the look.