A Cynful Fiction

Urban Decay Naked Palette ~ 13 Years Later

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Z) — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 15:01:00 +0000

Remember the days? How mad we all got over this palette? This is what I call a true CULT product.

I saw this relaunch happening the moment I heard Urban Decay was discontinuing their original Naked Eyeshadow Palette in 2018.

(Now we anticipate the return of the Volkswagen Beetle, yeah? Even if only to admire from afar.)

When the buzz in the makeup world was orbiting around the new, reformulated Naked Palette, I had the urge to take out my old palette from a drawer of all expired makeup products that I can't (CANNOT!) throw in the garbage. This is what it looks like now.....

Only 2 shades (Naked, Buck) have been used a lot - I used to use them on my brows too. I did use Toasted & Hustle quite often as well. Gunmetal was barely touched - probably only swatched.

Q: Will I purchase the new reformulated Urban Decay Original Naked Eyeshadow Palette?

A: Nope. I bought them all, and I'm over them now haha....

♡

Post & swatches of of this palette HERE

xo,

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Super/Sunblock MOM

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Z) — Mon, 13 May 2024 11:05:00 +0000

I'm not quite a SuperMom, I'm more of a SunblockMom 😂

All I'm concerned about is applying sunblock on my child. We have a sunblock routine before he goes to school, etc - face, arms, legs.

I've been trying to find the perfect sunblock for him - one that protects & also prevents tanning, because he tans very easily.

When we'd gone to Shillong (scorching hill station sun) one time, he'd come back looking roasted.

We've gone through tubes and tubes from most brands, but none of them have been 10/10. I've recently bought a new one. I'll come back with a post on that.

If you been here since I posted the one on the left 13 years ago - HERE

Above are all pics from last year, in Malaysia. First one in Legoland.

♡

Happy Mother's Day, yesterday & everyday ;)

xo,

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SHOPAHOLIC Diary: Electronics

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Z) — Fri, 10 May 2024 09:18:00 +0000

I don't know why I'm doing this post, really. I just uploaded these pics straight from my phone.

Last week I decided to enter an electronics store to check if they had....umm.... a particular tool, which I got and it's fantastic. I'm not gonna tell you what.

Then I started to wander.....

Usha Janome Marvela Pink Sewing Machine Pink

I was gonna buy this without any hesitation....OMG. Thankfully, only this display piece was available & we never!

It would've been a reckless purchase, but I do need a sewing machine. Have been on my wishlist for ages.

I'm going to stitch a really pretty patchwork duvet cover, alter my jeans, ruffle my cushions. Yes, I am.

If anyone is thinking about buying me a birthday present - hello, please 👆

Havells Kettle Capture Multicook

I don't even know what I'd do with this, but that color! 😍

Garment Steamers: Philips, Usha, Morphy Richards

I badly need one. But I'm hoping to get a cuter one - by that, I mean pink.

Like this fridge.....ahhhh.....

Samsung Bespoke Convertible Side-By-Side Refrigerator

It has auto sensor doors! You just place your hand near the sides of the doors somewhere in the center there, and the doors open and close automatically.

Fun Fact: Electronics brands will come out with better products, in better colours, after you've purchased (settled on) something else - most likely, half-heartedly.

This is the case with the Dyson Airwrap too. That's why I haven't bought one till now. I don't have to tell you what I'm waiting for 😂

♡

In recent times, I've been so stuck on the online segment when it comes to electronics shopping, so it was nice to experience and see things up close & personal.

However, the Wishlist gets longer.......

xo,

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How Many Childhoods Were Ruined.....

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Z) — Thu, 09 May 2024 08:32:00 +0000

A FATHER - who left a scar that'll never fade.

A HUSBAND - who mistreats, beats and cheats.

An UNCLE - who whispered 'our little secret' that's really only his.

A Sir - with bribing candies, grades and praises.

A Priest - with ungodly worship and rituals.

♡

Ask your children questions.

Tell them what's not right.

Protect them from trauma they'll never recover from.

Do what needs to be done: without hesitation, fear, shame.....and heart.

(Some Men. Not intended to be s*xist.)

xo,

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Hello Kitty Earphones ~ The Obsession Continues

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Z) — Sat, 04 May 2024 08:30:00 +0000

I'm in my 40s now, and I'm still obsessed with Sanrio Hello Kitty stuff (oh lord, so much stuff out there!)

I don't care what anybody thinks.

The love you once had for something just doesn't go away, okay.

I saw these earphones and I couldn't pick just one! I couldn't!

So I was gifted all three.

My Melody

Kuromi

Hello Kitty

Now only Cinnamoroll is left - which my son wants for himself 😒

I'll have to hide it!

Btw, Cinnamoroll wasn't there at the store when I got these 3. I saw it months later.

I'm waiting for the right moment to get it. By that, I mean a guilt-free moment.

All from Miniso.

♡

Happy Weekend, everyone!

For more of my Hello Kitty obsession, please go HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE

xo,

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UPGRADE Your Skincare Routine ~ CLEANSING

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Z) — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 13:56:00 +0000

There are a number of changes I've made in my beauty routines - face, body, hair - and ditched some habitual things too, which I regret not doing sooner.

~ CLEANSING ~

Ahh... I wish I'd done this sooner, not when I'm already in my 40s!

The rule is to treat your neck & décolletage area the same as your face, because we want that harmony.

I'm not one to apply makeup on my neck & ears, so this process ensures I won't even need to!

The blue suggests foam. Yes, go wherever I've marked blue. Yes, all those parts also - trust me, it will make a difference.

With the right product, all allergic spots, dryness, pigmentation will be visibly reduced.

What kind of Cleanser?

Pick one that has ingredients that you think will tackle your skin concerns.

PARABEN-FREE, ALCOHOL-FREE & MINERAL OIL-FREE.

I'm loving the Skinfood Rice Daily Brightening Rice Cleansing Foam right now. It is so creamy & non-drying. The ingredients I like in it are Allantoin, Panthenol & Rice extract.

If you're looking for an inexpensive option, I love the Biotique Papaya Deep Cleanse Face Wash.

How To:

- Take a coin-sized amount of facial foam. You can increase the amount as required.

- Add a little water to foam it up.

- Apply foam on dry skin - Face, neck, chest, underarms. If you don't mind your product running out too fast, you can cover your entire arms.

- Leave for 5 mins or more (but don't let it dry), wipe off with a damp washcloth & rinse off with normal-lukewarm water; or like me, just jump in the shower.

- Afterwards, I use the same toner I use for my face, or a body lotion with SPF.

You don't need to do this everyday. I do it once-twice a week.

♡

Hope this tip will do wonders for your skin!

Stay tuned, I have a bathing tip next.

xo,

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April Favourites | 2024

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Z) — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 10:19:00 +0000

Remember MONTHLY FAVOURITES posts? They used to be my favourite :)

Okay! Firstly, my Number One April Favourite is......

Baby Reindeer - on Netflix.

WOW!!! Too good! This is an absolutely brilliant dark comedy TV show. It made me laugh like crazy (the best laughs I've had in a while, really), it made me uneasy & tense & furious, it broke my heart a little - or a lot, I don't know - and it soothed something in me in the end. I'm rewatching it.

WARNING: Disturbing scenes though. It went from hilarious to dark real quick.

On to the beauty products I've been using & loving for months - I thought I'd do products that are easily available in India this time....

{Right →Left}

L’Oreal UV Defender Correct & Protect SPF 50 PA++++ ~ How did this escape my radar??!! It's almost everything I want in a not-Korean sunscreen! It's tinted (which adapts to my skin tone), and if you want to keep hyperpigmentation away, do pick a tinted sunscreen.

Essence It's Brush Hour Precise Face Brush ~ It's fluffy with a tapered end for precise powder application around the eyes.

Schwarzkopf Oil Ultime Rose Finishing Oil ~ It was love at first sight with this beauty. I use it after curling my hair. Smells good!

Revolution Lip Glaze Lip Oil ‘Glam Pink’ ~ I didn't expect much from this, but I am obsessed with it. Has a mild plumping effect & I love the pinkish tone.

Lakmè Cheek Mousse ‘Pink Rose’ ~ What a colour this is! I really wish it came in a different packaging - this black is too ordinary for it.

♡

Keeping the posts texts short for quick publishing.

Until next time......

xo,

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Why Return A ZARA Dress?

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Z) — Sat, 06 Apr 2024 16:06:00 +0000

I rarely return stuff that I purchase online, and that's because it usually takes me 2 weeks to over a month to click checkout after adding them to cart or favourites - which means I only purchase things after they've caused me sleepless nights....and I can't live without them any longer!

Btw, I almost kept this dress, just because I didn't want to go through the return drama with ZARA after they didn't refund my money for months last year - for my son's product, not mine.

Why I returned this dress?

It looks cheap. Gingham print on a such a flimsy polyester fabric is just nah-ah.

The worst part is the even cheaper-looking lining. It's actually in reverse and not stitched on to the seams, which makes it ride up underneath + it sticks to your skin...ugh!

It's just not worth ₹3590! The audacity.

Look at the lining.....

This is Size XS

♡

Phew! Now I'm even more glad I returned it.

xo,

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Matching Skincare To Your Outfit?

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Z) — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 07:17:00 +0000

It's a YES from me!

It somehow re-arranges my scattered thoughts into a right angle. Some people will get it, some won't.

It doesn't happen often, so it's nice when sometimes something gives you a sense of harmony & makes your routine feel a bit unusual and special.

I always do pink colour, so I like that this time it's a springy bright yellow! I mean, how bright is this sweater top?! I was immediately drawn to it at the store - I kept walking away from it, but it kept looking at me!

Skincare ~ Some By Mi Yuja Niacin range

Yuja Niacin Brightening Toner

Yuja Niacin Dark Spot Correcting Stick

Yuja Niacin Sleeping Brightening Sleeping Mask

Denim Jumpsuit ~ Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Short Sleeve Cardigan ~ Forever 21

Handbag ~ Aldo

♡

Can you get lost with this combination?

Wearing blinding yellow & smelling like a citrus fruit.

xo,

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My 10 Eye Makeup Products

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Z) — Sat, 16 Mar 2024 08:48:00 +0000

Here are 10 eye makeup products that I currently use almost everyday, except for the false eyelashes of course.

Please note that these shades are for my light brown eyes & pink-toned hair.

Eyeshadows:

Dasique Shadow Palette #05 Sunset Muhly

Lakme Glitterati Eye Paint Dreamy Rose ~ as a base for glittery shadows sometimes.

Eyeliners:

Lamel Long Lasting Kajal Eye Liner Mocha 406

Maybelline Tattoo Studio Smokey Gel Pencil Black ~ Shown HERE

Silkygirl Wing It Sharp Liner Super Black

Lashes:

Heroine Make Long Up Mascara Super Waterproof 01

Miniso Single False Eyelashes Multi Pack

Brows:

Essence Eyebrow Designer Cool Blonde 13

Kate 3D Eyebrow Color BR-6 Olive Brown

Kate Designing Eyebrow 3D EX-8 Brown Pink

♡

Happy Weekend!

xo,

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Lakmē Sunstick

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Z) — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 14:13:00 +0000

Lakmē is killing it with all these New Launches!!!

This time, it's the kind I have been collecting - a stick product.

About:

9 to 5 Sun Expert Invisible Sunstick

With SPF 50+ PA++++

This sunstick gives sun protection upto 98% UVB rays and glides on in a completely invisible finish.

Matte finish

Suitable for all skin types, dermatologically tested.

It is tinted. Yay! ← For me, this is the USP right here.

Ingredients:

Dimethicone, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, C13-16 Isoparaffin, Polyethylene, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Silica, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Ozokerite, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Titanium Dioxide, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Cetyl Alcohol, Paraffin Wax, Shea Butter, Polymethyl Silsesquioxane, Fragrance, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Alumina, Aluminum Stearate, Microcrystalline Wax, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ci 77492, Ci 77491, Bht, Methicone, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Geraniol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool.

Lakme Sunstick Swatch

The Face Shop The Therapy Vegan Sunscreen Stick 'Vs' Lakme Sunstick

Price: ₹899

Myntra Price: ₹604

₹799 would've been the perfect MRP for this, just saying.

♡

First impression: I really like how it feels on my skin + it smells nice - similar to the Pond's White Beauty products and maybe some other Lakme suncare ones.

It's tinted, but invisible, but also brightens my complexion a bit. I can skip powder with this on.

It's not oily at all, more like a moisturizing matte finish.

The dominating ingredient is Dimethicone, so it is applies very very smoothly & blurs out unevenness. However, in the past, Dimethicone has always caused problems for my skin, so I'll have to wait and see.

Either way, I'm gonna use it all over my arms and legs too this summer!

*(Any important update on this product will be edited here)*

xo,

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Maybelline PLAY Tattoo Liquid Eyeliners

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Z) — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 11:23:00 +0000

Time to PLAY with coloured liquid eyeliners! That too from our favourite drugstore brand with their signature fuss-free 'TATTOO' stamp that you can get really creative with - as I did with my swatches below.

You can also apply them on the tip of your lashes as well, if that's the drama you want....or you accidentally got them on your already mascara-ed lashes.

Here, I have Shake (Lilac) & Punch (Fuchsia Pink)

Shake, Punch

Swatches: Punch, Shake

*(I was gonna draw a flower....then an asterisk....then a star....)

There are 6 shades within this range:

Shades: Ride, Switch, Punch, Shake, Drop, Switch

There's a black shade, but a different red packaging without the PLAY

It's a waterproof formula, but it comes off with just water when you wash it off.

Price: ₹549

Now glitter ones, please Maybelline!

♡

xo,

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Lakme Powerplay Velvet Crème Blush & Highlighter

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Z) — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 09:19:00 +0000

Lakmē's newest launches have been on my radar for a while, and these two were on shelves even before the official promos. I'd swatched them at a Lifestyle when I wasn't ready to buy anything ;p

This range is enriched with Jojoba Oil & Vitamin E. They are, as they claim, velvety smooth and blend easily.

Powerplay Velvet Crème Blush: Available in 2 shades - Soft Coral & Pink Rose

Powerplay Velvet Crème Highlighter: Available in 2 shades - Copper Crush & Sultry Gold

I got Soft Coral & Copper Crush.....

Copper Crush

It is almost a rose gold shade, whose tone is more beige than pink (compared to Maybelline Molten Rose Gold highlighter, which has more pink).

It has very visible silver shimmer after it's blended on the skin - this makes it less than ideal when you're used to that water-like sheen without any hint of something sprinkled that can be dusted off.

Soft Coral

You can use this to camouflage dark circles & pigmentation under your base. I made a post HERE.

Swatches: Copper Crush (Top), Soft Coral (Bottom)

Love the luxe gold packaging with big mirror!

*The only issue with Lakme products I have is, they don't print the Ingredients list anywhere - not on the outer box or the pans or their website.

Price:

Highlighter - ₹625

Blush - ₹599

You'll get them at a discount online.

♡

xo,

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2 0 2 4

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Z) — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 08:27:00 +0000

Wishing you all a very HAPPY & GLOWING 2024!

Finally I unboxed a few new beauty products I'd bought months ago, and.....

....and a new year makeup haul is just waiting to happen!

Saw some products while window shopping last week, and I CAN'T GET THEM OUT OF MY MIND!!!

Featured: Dior Lip Glow Balm 001

♡

xo,

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FRIENDS Lego Set

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Z) — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 14:59:00 +0000

In memory of Matthew Perry, who played Chandler Bing, in FRIENDS.

Gone too, too soon 💔

This LEGO set was built earlier his year, solely by my then 8-year-old son.

These photos have been in my phone since, but didn't think I'd actually post them here.

Until now.

♡

xo,

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The Most Popular Korean Beauty Product

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Z) — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 17:59:00 +0000

So, so popular that they don't need to sell on their own website anymore, it seems. Just straight to Wholesale - bulk sales, bulk profits.

I first spotted this on Korean drama series, 'Love ft Marriage & Divorce' in 2021 - which, by the way, ruined Season 2 (or was it 3?) for me because they changed most of the actors & it felt like a completely different show!

After that, I started seeing it often online. Apparently, it's been featured on many more Korean drama series - the advertisement platform where new beauty products go straight from 0 → HERO.

I'm talking about the Kahi Wrinkle Bounce Multi Balm Stick.....

Yes, it is bigger than a standard lipstick.

Brand Claims:

Wrinkle care / Rejuvenating / Moisturizing / Anti-aging / Intensive wrinkle improvement

- Apply it evenly on dry areas to keep your skin moisturized

- Apply it on dry lips to keep your lips moisturized

- Apply it once to instantly make your skin naturally radiant

- Apply it on split ends of hair as a damage care

Top Ingredients:

1. See wrinkle improvement with only one time use, quickly making it your favorite

Salmon Collagen

Salmon PDRN

Salmon Proteoglycan

2. Immediate and natural glow effect

Fermented oil from jeju lsland is absorbed quickly to skin and reduces the loss of moisture.

Full Ingredients List:

Sunflower Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Candelilla Wax, Shea Butter Sweet Almond Oil, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Seed Oil, Octyldodecanol, Microcrystalline Wax, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Oil Soluble Licorice(Glycyrrhiza) Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Candida/Garcinia Cambogia Ferment, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ Oil, Schizandra Chinensis Fruit Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract, Canola Oil, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract, Carrot Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Tocopherol, Adenosine, Purified Water, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, Beta-carotene, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Soluble Proteoglycan, Sodium DNA, BHT, Fragrance, Benzyl Salicylate, Benzyl Benzoate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxycitronelal, Citronellol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract.

So far, I'm really enjoying this stick. Love how it smells - very luxe: like a flowery oil. Sometimes, like a hair serum, even.

But the scent is very fleeting. And it doesn't taste bitter, in case you're wondering.

The only visible results I've witnessed are on my lips, because it smoothens dry flaky lips overnight.

Its texture is on the stickier side - almost like petroleum jelly, which is why I've avoided using it on my face during summer. But now that winter is near, I'm pretty sure I'm gonna use it all up before next spring.

Will update on any "intensive wrinkle improvement", because I'm gonna buy a lot more of these.

Stick products are so addictive!

Price: $35 (₹2910) - which is super pricey for this, I admit.

BUT I bought it for approx. ₹1300 from Shopee during my last visit to Malaysia.

Stark difference, I know!

♡

xo,

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Summer's End Reverie

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Z) — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 09:03:00 +0000

Feet and ears tucked snugly inside the quilt, instead of out.

An unanticipated sneeze before you've even brushed your teeth.

Sandpaper knuckles.

That in-between emotion that you've yet to name & fittingly stow.

Little notes from Summer - that it has left.

******

Okay, I don't know where I was going with that. These are just impromptu pictures I clicked because I loved the light & shadows in my room that day :)

BUT they are my favourite things......

Etude House Lovely Cookie Blusher OR202 Sweet Coral Candy

Peripera Ink Airy Velvet Peaches Collection #21 Fluffy Peach ~ This is just...WOW!

Fenty Beauty Invisimatte Instant Setting + Blotting Powder

H&M Pink Round Sunglasses

Panda Eyes The Bear Wallet ~ Malaysian brand

Danny Bear Handbag ~ Also from Malaysia

Book: Where Are The Children Now? Mary Higgins Clark

♡

Happy Autumn, everyone!

xo,

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The BEST & Life Changing Nail Product Ever Made!

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Z) — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 18:30:00 +0000

Midnight:

All chores are done. The house is quiet. I'm so tired & sleepy, but I have to paint my nails.

I can't bear to look at all the old, chipped nail polish any longer!

This is the only time I wouldn't have to touch anything and can just sit there waiting for my nails to dry -forever.

Next Morning:

I see a dent, a scratch, a hair mark, fibres, a black spot, a minuscule rock, etc.

All my patience & hard work tainted by something as insignificant as one toenail grazing the other toenail in my sleep.

********

I'm sure this happens to us all. How have we lived like this for years & decades?!

Now, I can tell you we can avoid all that! No more!

Now, your nails can get dry & damage proof in 60 seconds!

Meet:

Essence Nail Art Express Dry Drops

This magic-in-a-bottle comes with a glass pipette dropper, and it's nourished with Vitamin E & Almond Oil. I think I noticed my nails breaking from the nail bed less these days (touchwood!)

Just 1 drop of this potion on my newly-polished nails - after they've dried on their own a bit - and the world is not my enemy anymore!

From: Watsons, Malaysia

Price: RM15 = ₹270 approx

♡

If you're lucky, you'll be able to get your han.....nails on it, because I see it's SOLD OUT in most places online.

xo,

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MINISO Haul ~ August 2023

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Z) — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 09:49:00 +0000

Do we love Miniso, or do we LOVE MINISO?

Miniso India has started keeping interesting stuff again since after Covid time. There was a phase when I was seeing the same things every time I visited their stores. Now the vibe is different - there are new keychains... and dish cleansing sponges.... and cat paw laundry clips I don't need but bought anyway.

We Bare Bears Hook Crochets

We Bare Bears Tissues 3 pack set

Cat Paw Series Laundry Clips

Cleansing Sponge

Dishcloth, set of 4

Acrylic Let's Go On A Safari Keychains x 2

Hello Kitty Keychain

Winnie The Pooh Keychain

Mini Family Toothbrush Set

Vented Hair Brush

Korean Style Golden Silk Rubber Bands 12 pcs

♡

Hope you got a wishlist out of this post ;)

Sorry, I just couldn't be bothered to note down the prices. But they're all under ₹200-₹300

xo,

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RARE BEAUTY Haul

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Z) — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 07:51:00 +0000

Location: Sephora, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Customers flock only to one makeup counter:

RARE BEAUTY

Some too young to be wearing makeup - a few were with their parents.

Some old enough to be wearing makeup, but didn't really look the types who were into makeup.

These were not makeup junkies, these were Selena Gomez's fans.

They rummaged through the drawers & made sure everything good SOLD OUT.

All the liquid blushes were SOLD OUT, except for 2 darkest shades.

All the Lip Oils were SOLD OUT.

I managed to get some practical face products for myself:

- Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer: 20W Light Medium with Warm Undertone

- Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer 'Enlighten'

- Rare Beauty Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter 'Mesmerize'

- Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Brightening Concealer: 190W Light Medium with Warm Medium Undertone.

- Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Concealer Brush

...........

To summarize my thoughts on the products .....

I love everything, particularly the Tinted Moisturizer & both the liquid & powder highlighters are amazing.

The only thing that I think could've been better is the Liquid Concealer applicator - I find it too big and messy. Too much product clings to it, which makes spot concealing difficult and the opening of the bottle just filthy - you should see the testers.

...........

How much more expensive are Rare Beauty products in India than Malaysia?

About ₹1000 more.....

Concealer Brush: ₹1600 'Vs' ₹2400

Illuminator: ₹2200 'Vs' ₹3200

♡

xo,

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Birthday Makeup ~ OUTDATED Products

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Z) — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 07:50:00 +0000

This part of blogging is called backlog.

Let's just get it out of the way before I let it die in my drafts - which I would've done had I not already told my Insta followers that I'd be posting it.

My birthday happened in May. Then I went on vacation and bought so much new beauty products that I didn't want to even look at these outdated products here anymore! The makeup scene is too boring here in India, I wasn't buying new makeup much....and just wasn't inspired to try anything new.

FACE:

Maybelline Fresh Tint #05. Posted HERE

Ecotools Brush: Posted HERE

Kiko Milano Luminous Cushion Concealer 01

Kay Beauty Loose Setting Powder in ‘Banana’: A desperate buy when I went looking for a decent powder at Lifestyle. I find it too 'floury' texture-wise, but I like that it doesn't have too much yellow like other banana powders.

Benefit Galifornia Blush

EYES:

Makeup Revolution Eyeshadow Primer: Very light & ashy. Not worth it.

Colourpop Into the Hue Palette

Kiko Milano Eyeshadow Palette Dolce Diva 02 Sleek Mauve: Crease Brown shade. Posted HERE.

Maybelline Smokey Gel Pencils: Posted HERE

Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Mascara

Hooded Lid De-puffer: Rose Quartz facial roller

LIPS:

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick ‘Skin Tight’ & a bright pink lippie dabbed over it before it set.

Lip liner: 🤐 a secret - posted on @thebeautysecretsociety

♡

Outfit deets & video posted on my Instagram.

OMG! I've finally posted this! Ahhh!

Come back again....coz we'll be moving on to some NEW & FUN stuff....

xo,

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The MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick That I Used Up The Fastest!

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Z) — Tue, 30 May 2023 19:37:00 +0000

By "Fastest", I mean within 2 months! Maybe 1 month, even.

One reason is, it's an everyday pink shade. Plus, it's lightweight and tasty & totally addictive.

I used it as a blush & eyeshadow base quite often, too.

MAC Powder Kiss Lipsticks are my absolute favourite lipsticks; there's nothing I dislike about them - except....EXCEPT their price tag, especially now that it's been hiked to ₹2200 (Launch Price was ₹1650)

So far, I've only used 5 shades -- all bought at launch price upto ₹1850, if I'm not mistaken.

The one I used up is 'Sultriness'. Described as Baby Blue Pink.

It might look a little similar to MAC Matte Lipstick Please Me, but they're very different. Please Me is more cool pink; Sultriness has a hint of peachy tone.

I'm waiting for a chance to repurchase my favourite Powder Kiss Lipstick shades all at once, so I can click pictures & swatch them all together.

But, with that new price tag.....sigh.

Okay, I'll just go get one shade soon, because I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT IT ANY LONGER!!!

♡

If you want to see a lip swatch, I wore it in THIS POST, but mixed with another shade + lip liner.

More MAC Powder Kiss Lipsticks HERE & HERE

xo,

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Maybelline Tattoo Studio Smokey Gel Pencils & Brow Pigment Pencil

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Z) — Tue, 30 May 2023 16:19:00 +0000

These photos were taken 2nd December last year (2022), and even though I'd been using all these products every single day since, they're still not finished today. Like, just a teeny tiny bit left of the black gel pencil & brow pencil.

Love, love love all of them, particularly the Smokey Gel Liner Pencils, which come with a smudger & a hidden sharpener. They're so smooth & intense, and last all day.

Smokey Gel Pencils Smokey Black

Smokey Gel Pencils Smokey Brown

Tattoo Brow Pencil Light Brown

Maybelline Tattoo Studio Smokey Gel Pencils & Brow Pigment Pencil Swatches

Prices:

Maybelline Tattoo Studio Smokey Gel Pencils ~ ₹599

Maybelline Tattoo Studio Brow Pencil ~ ₹549

♡

xo,

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Ecotools 360 Ultimate Blend Makeup Brush Kit

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Z) — Tue, 30 May 2023 08:44:00 +0000

The EcoTools 360 Ultimate Blend Makeup Brush Set is designed with 3 densely packed, domed makeup brush heads for quick makeup application and a perfectly blended finish.

• The EcoTools 360 Ultimate Blend Makeup Brush Set Includes: 3 densely packed, domed brushes for quick application and perfectly blended finishes.

• Ultimate Buff makeup brush helps achieve a streak-free base by buffing on cream or powder foundation.

• Ultimate Pop makeup brush blends cream or powder blush and bronzer for a sculpted, airbrushed finish.

• Ultimate Cover makeup brush applies concealer or highlighter to apples of cheeks, bridge of the nose, and arch of brows for added definition.

• Pair makeup brushes with cream and sticks makeup formulas to achieve the best results

• Beautifully soft bristles, for gentle makeup application.

• Handcrafted with eco-friendly materials and lightweight wood-plastic composite handles

• Made with synthetic Taklon bristles.

• Cruelty-Free and Vegan - EcoTools products are never tested on animals.

Price: ₹2834

From: Boddess Beauty

Okay, so this was an IMPULSE PURCHASE after multiple visits to the passport office. I went to the mall for Kiko Milano, but was closed for renovation (arghhh!), so I ended up at the beauty store nearby. I regretted buying this brush set as soon as I left the store!

However.....

The biggest brush, Ultimate Buff Brush, is amazing! I call it the "tak-tak" brush now. Just a few taps & swirls.... tak-tak....and my base is airbrush blended in seconds.

The other two are also okay for concealer & getting into smaller areas, so all's good in the end.

♡

xo,

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1960's Inspired Outfit ~ What I Wore

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Z) — Tue, 30 May 2023 06:39:00 +0000

What I wore to the Backstreet Boys Concert in Gurgaon.

If, like everyone else, you're thinking how the heck I even dared to wear such heels to an outdoor concert, well.....I'm short, so I was thinking I'd be able to see them on stage better 😂

Btw, this entire outfit was a last-minute purchase, so I settled. Meaning, I could've picked another top for this skort & another colour for the skort, but none was available at the time.

Everybody Zone, Backstreet Boys Concert Wristband.

ZARA Box Pleat Skort

ZARA Ribbed Choker T-shirt

H&M Floral Scarf

H&M Knot-detail Platform-Sandals

H&M Belt

LYN Handbag. Shown HERE.

Marc Jacobs Oh,Lola Perfume. Shown HERE.

Forever New Earrings

Juicy Couture Watch

♡

xo,

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