Indian Vanity Case

Ooh....A PINK Mascara!

2012-01-30T23:18:00.000+05:30

How often do we see a mascara in a cute pink curvy tube that reminds us of a burlesque dancer?

Bourjois has managed to tempt me again with it's new Volume Glamour Max Definition Mascara.

That brush has 500 bristles or pins that will give voluminous & defined lashes.

WE SO WANT x 500.

♥ Cynthia Z *.*

Lakmé Absolute White Intense Skin Cover SPF 25 Review

2012-01-30T14:25:00.000+05:30

Have you seen the movie "The Skin I Live In"? It's weird, but well-written. Somehow Lakmé Absolute White Intense Skin Cover SPF 25 makes me think of the movie. Skin....Skin. Don't you think that word sounds weird? Rumpelstiltskin. Oh-kay it sounds even weirder now.

What it is:
This ultra light, oil-free, water based formula delivers naturally fair, breathable skin. Its weightless formulation hides pores, fine lines and uneven skin tone to leave skin peachy soft all through the day. It lasts up to 16 hours without fading and has Vitamin B3 and sun protection of SPF 25.

Available in 3 shades: 01 Ivory Fair, 03 Golden Medium, 05 Beige Honey.

I picked 03 Golden Medium. It suits me the best, but is still on the lighter side, although it adapts to my skin tone well & doesn't make me look ghastly. If your skin tone is darker than mine, the darker shade might be a better match.

Finish: Matte

Coverage: Light to Medium
Lasting Power: I don't count the hours, but it does not budge.
Scent: I has a strong citrusy scent- like grapefruit + lemon peel + orange + witch hazel? I don't know. I find it refreshing. It doesn't stay on the skin for long though.

I must say, I am IMPRESSED with this foundation. It is the most lightweight foundation I've ever used. Is it there, is it not there? I imagine a "second skin" foundation to be just like it.

It's as easy to blend as moisturizer (fingers are more than sufficient) & disappears into my skin. It never sits on top and scream "foundation!" Most times I feel like putting on more & more, but my radiant skin stops me from doing so.
It minimizes large pores & evens out my skin tone.
Because it's matte, I don't really need powder on top of it. But I might need some in summer- when my skin is more oily.
Looks good in flash photography. Face doesn't look white.
I'd say if Revlon Colorstay Foundation is your type, then you might like this.
Packaging looks so high-end. Love that it comes with a pump.

Below is 03 swatched and blended on my hand to give you a better idea on the finish & coverage:

See how even it made my skin? It covered the redness & blueness, and made it look less wrinkly.

My absolute favorite from from the Lakmé Absolute range. I think if it was widely available, it'll possibly be a Cult Favorite among makeup lovers. Asians especially (I mean the other Asians, not us Bharatians :)) would go crazy over this, I'm guessing.

For me, Super Hit!

The only thing that bothers me is, the amount. How much is really in that little cylinder inside??? [It's not written anywhere on the bottle.]

Also, I'd like to see the full ingredients list. What exactly is that scent???

Price ~ Rs.575

Rating ~ ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.5/5

♥ Cynthia Z *.*

Purple Lipstick Suggestions ~ From A Reader

2012-01-28T23:57:00.000+05:30

After my Lipsticks That Don't Exist post, I got a very helpful comment from a reader- Perween.

Hey Cynthia, I love going through your blog. You have a great knack for writing that is not only informative but has a wonderful sense of humour. After reading this post I took it upon myself to hunt for a violet lipstick for you. I went to Sephora today and came across these lipsticks that may match the second picture:

MUFE - Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick, Shade #15 - Pearly Violet

Smashbox – Be Legendary Lipstick, Shade – Bold Berry (vivid violet)

Dior – Rouge Dior Lipstick, Shade 786- Mysterious Mauve

Dior – High Fashion Lipstick, Shade 001, Violet Tatoo

Isn't that the sweetest thing?! :) ♥

I couldn't find good photos of all the lippies on Google, so I just put up these to give you all an idea....

I am definitely going to get Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense #15.

Thanks Perween! I really appreciate your very kind & thoughtful effort.

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

Revlon Colorstay Aqua Mineral Finishing Powder Review

2012-01-27T18:22:00.000+05:30

Have you ever used a cooling powder that is not Dermicool? I have been using one- Revlon Revlon Colorstay Aqua Mineral Finishing Powder. It's a cool/wet powder, which is somewhat similar to the MAC Magically Cool Liquid Powder.

About:

NEW ColorStay Aqua Mineral Finishing powder is a translucent mineral finishing powder that delivers a burst of hydrating coconut water and an instant cooling sensation upon application. This revolutionary mineral finisher sets foundation and minimizes the look of pores and fine lines, leaving skin even and smooth. Specially formulated longwearing ColorStay technology provides a shine-free soft matte finish that lasts all day. Best of all, this weightless loose powder keeps skin looking healthy and flawless.

Instant hydration with coconut water
Sets makeup for a shine-free finish
Wears all day
Soft matte formula made with water, not oil., so there’s no shine
SPF 13
Wear alone or with Colorstay Aqua Mineral Makeup
Available in 4 shades: Translucent, Translucent Light, Translucent Light Medium, Translucent Medium.

Here, I am showing you Translucent Light, which is just right for my skin tone.

How To use:

Swirl brush into powder and tap off excess.
Blend powder evenly all over face in short, sweeping strokes.
After use, close lid tightly.

The Good:

It'll make a great summer powder since it's cool & has SPF.
It's weird. It feels like it's wet, but it's not really wet. What? Ooh...okay.
It mattifies my face, minimizes pores, and skin feels smooth.
It has light-medium coverage, so it can be worn alone and still make your skin tone look even.
My skin doesn't get oily for a long time. Though I have not worn it when it's very hot.
Has a very very mild coconut water smell.
Packaging is so cute! I love that they fit a gadget-like brush on the lid.

The Bad:

Can look patchy on top of foundation (especially a creamy one) if not blended properly.
It may not suit dry and flaky skin types.
Accompanying brush, though useful, is too small for proper blending and buffing.
A little too expensive for a drugstore brand. The amount is quite a lot + you get a brush, but still.

Translucent Light

After blending

Overall, I wouldn't say this powder is that amazing, and it will never replace my other regular loose powders. However, if you're into fun gimmicky beauty products, like me, this might be up your alley. And that little brush is one of the cutest things ever! For me personally, the powder is best worn alone. That way, I don't have to worry about it disagreeing with my foundation.

Price ~ Rs.1150 for 9.9g

Rating ~ ♥♥♥♥♥ 3.5/5

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

Disclosure: Product kindly sent by brand for consideration.

GLOSSYBOX To Launch In India

2012-01-27T15:40:00.000+05:30

This just in: GLOSSYBOX is launching in India!

About GLOSSYBOX:

We’re GLOSSYBOX Beauty, an idea born from a team of beauty lovers who got tired of wasting time and money buying the newest beauty products without the opportunity to try them to understand if they are right for us. GLOSSYBOX Beauty has grown to become the world’s leading premium beauty subscription company. We are present in 14 countries on 6 continents, and we are now COMING TO INDIA!

Each month, hundreds of thousands of women around the world eagerly await the delivery of their GLOSSYBOX Beauty to discover amazing new beauty products. We send out a gorgeous box filled with a surprise mix of 5 high-end travel- and full-sized beauty and cosmetic products from world’s top beauty brands. This gives women the chance to experiment with new products in the comfort of their own home.

GLOSSYBOX is set to launch in March, 2012.

Aren't we all excited? :))

♥ Cynthia Z *.*

Illamasqua Sophie-I Collection & Technique: Video Tutorial

2012-01-26T23:47:00.000+05:30

Illamasqua works very closely with the Sophie Lancaster Foundation and the latest collaboration with them has produced the Sophie-I Collection and Technique, now developed further with a look by Creative Director Alex Box.

About Sophie Lancaster: Sophie Lancaster was beaten to death, in 2007, for dressing different (Gothic). Sophie sustained brutal beatings while trying to protect & cradling her boyfriend, who was knocked unconscious. You can read more about the heartbreaking story here

The video below will show you how to create this Sophie-I look above:

Hope you picked up some tips & support the Sophie Lancaster Foundation too.

To purchase the Sophie-I Collection online, you can go here . Illamasqua ships worldwide.

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

Why My Lashes Grew Longer

2012-01-24T19:51:00.000+05:30

My eyelashes grew a tad longer! That much. Okay, I know it may not look like a big deal to some, but for me it's something. I want to say a tad thicker too, but I don't want you to loff.

I started noticing it last month. I'd apply a mascara and think, "It never made them this long before, how come?"

It was kind of easy for me to narrow down the products that may have caused it coz I was stuck in a rut when it came to everyday makeup, I'd use the same stuff every single day.

Here are the possible causes:

Vibrating Mascara: I mainly used Maybelline Pulse Perfection Mascara. I think the vibration is like exercise for the lashes. Think about it, head massages to stimulate hair growth, vibrating mascara to stimulate eyelash growth. If you want your lashes to grow, get any vibrating mascara NOW! Pulse Perfection is not available in India, but you could try Bourjois Fast & Perfect Rotating Mascara OR if you know someone who works at Indira Gandhi International Airport, ask him/her to get it for you coz I bought mine from there.

Lakme Kohl Ultimate: It's the only liner I used to tightline in December. It's so gentle & moisturizing on my eyes, so I guess buttery soft pencils are best for maintaining healthy lashes. Makes sense, right? [I reviewed it here ]

Improper Eye Cleaning: Okay, this may freak people out, but I believe it played some role in it. It's winter, so most nights I felt lazy about washing my face properly. By properly, I mean going through my whole routine of Cleansing Oil, then face wash, then maybe some makeup remover. I'd just do a quick for-the-heck-of-it wash with a face wash, so I never really removed all traces of mascara & liner. This means less rubbing & pressure on the lashes.

No Eyelash Curler: My eyelash curler was always dirty & sticky (with eye products, not something gross), so on most days I'd skip it- instead of cleaning it ;p. I think eyelash curlers give your lashes a lift but they can't be good for lashes in the long run- especially if you have weak ones. Try your eyelash curler on the tips of your hair, and decide for yourself if short and sparse lashes can handle it everyday.

*Some say Vaseline (Petroleum Jelly) also helps eyelashes grow longer. I used it, but not long enough to actually find out if it's true.

If you all have any other tips, please share them with me. I'll try anything! :)

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

Look With Revlon Ruby Colorburst Lipstick

2012-01-23T18:45:00.000+05:30

In my quest to find a deeper red lipppie, I found 2 & one of them is Revlon Colorburst Ruby [The other one is AWESOME! Will show you soon!]

If you're thinking of getting a red lippie- for Valentine's Day maybe- do check out Ruby coz it is gorgeous!

Revlon Colorbust Lipstick Ruby

Comparison: Revlon Colorburst Ruby & True Red

Top: True Red, Bottom: Ruby

Ruby is deeper & has more pink undertones than True Red. I personally like Ruby better.

Price: Rs.580

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5/5

P.S. Reds are quite hard to capture & always look brighter on camera, especially on a winter day in Delhi. I tried my best to show you the actual colors.

So which would you pick? Ruby or True Red?

♥ Cynthia Z *.*

Lakmé Absolute Products Sneak Peek

2012-01-22T18:36:00.000+05:30

I thought I'll let you have a lookie at some products from the highly anticipated Lakmé Absolute Collection.

Here's what I got:

Lakme Absolute White Intense Skin Cover. Rs.575 : Review coming in the next few days.

Lakme Absolute Mattreal Skin Natural Mousse, Rs.467 : Will review this too in a week or so.

Lakme Absolute Moon-Lit Highlighter, Rs.510 : Lovely design. Will show you if it looks as lovely on the face.

Lakme Absolute Matte Lipstick, Rs.318 : I got Grape Blossom. Swatches coming soon.

Lakme Absolute Plump & Shine 3D Glosses, Rs.375 : Review here

Lakme Absolute Fast & Fabulous Nail, Rs.175 : Not shown, Review here

Prices may differ coz I got a discount on them from Lifestyle.

Why I didn't buy the rest of the products from the range:

Sun Kissed Bronzer: Though it looks beautiful in the pan, the pearl finish golden bronzer isn't something I need at the moment. Also, the shade is somewhat similar to Lakme Gold Dust Bronzer

White Intense Concealer Stick: This blends well & has a matte finish. It might be ideal for summers, so I might get it later.

Cheek Chromatic Baked Blush: Just like I'm not a big fan of MAC Mineralize blushes with shimmer (except for the Quite Cute ones), I wasn't tempted to get these. Maybe if they offered more shades....

Baked Chromatic Eyeshadows: I just wish these didn't come in twos. A palette of 6 or more shades would have made me impulsive.

Lip Last: I have not tested these. Somehow they were never at any store. Maybe they aren't launched yet?

Lip Sync 6-in-1 Travel Kit Palette: This lip palette, though cute, is quite similar to the Gypsy Collection Lip Palette & the lippies smell the same.

Flutter Secrets Dramatic Mascara: Umm...can someone review it first?

[Doesn't mean I don't want to own all of them though ;)]

And what have you all bought from the collection?

♥ Cynthia Z *.*

Lakmé Absolute Plump & Shine 3D Glosses Review & Swatches

2012-01-21T00:31:00.000+05:30

"The secret to that juicy pout unravels. This revolutionary 3D lip gloss contains Marine Collagen and high shine pigments to keep lips plump and hydrated all day long." ~ Lakmé

I got 2 shades to try out:

Berryshine ~ A peach with gold shimmer. This is the most attractive out of all the shades in this range. I really love how it looks in the tube! I'd pick it over Nars Orgasm Lip Gloss, any given day.
Candyshine ~ Candy pink with gold & purple shimmer.

These lip glosses look so pretty & tempting in the packaging- especially Berryshine.

The Good:

The colors look the same in the tube & on the lips.
~~Moisturizing~~ Hydrating (read: non-drying)
They do plump up the lips a little.
Not so sticky
Shimmer are not too chunky & don't feel gritty.
Not totally fragrance-free, but the indescribable weird scent is not strong at all.
Packaging is awesome with the metal caps (though one of them is slightly dented- see 1st pic)
Price is okay.

The Bad:

Inside, the gloss sticks to the sides of the tube, so you really have to touch the applicator to the sides to get the desired amount of gloss. This makes the amount look less too. Maybe it's the cold?
Shade name printed on the caps, which will eventually fade.

Upto 6hr claim: It might be possible coz the formula adhere to the lips really well- like a lip tint topped with gloss. Just don't let anything or any food touch your lips.

The caps have reflective design that can be used as a mirrors

Doe Foot Applicator

Swatches: Berryshine, Candyshine

Berryshine

Candyshine

Price: Rs.375 a tube.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 3.7/5 :)

Available in 6 shades.

These glosses aren't at all bad, I've just used better 3D lipglosses (Bourjois). But if you you're a lip gloss fiend, then you might like them more than I do.

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

Maybelline BB Cream Now In India

2012-01-19T15:20:00.000+05:30

This will make all those who've been dying to get their hands on a BB Cream VERY VERY HAPPY!

Maybelline India has launched a BB Cream or Bright Benefit Cream!

It is an 8-in-1 skin perfector. It instantly brightens, Protects with SPF 21/PA+++, Evens tone, Hydrates, Conceals, Smoothes, Mattifies & Freshens.

This instant skin perfecting cream comes in a compact, travel-friendly 18 ml squeeze tube and is available in 3 unique earth shades – Nude, Radiance and Natural.

Price: Rs.199 (Woohoo!)

My thoughts on BB Creams HERE

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

Lipsticks That Don't Exist

2012-01-18T17:37:00.001+05:30

For a while now I have been searching for some lipsticks. I google & google... look at hundreds of swatches and....

I'm furious to find out: They. Don't. Exist.

Grrr.

Let's blame Photoshop.

Yes, I could try to create them by mixing different....I don't even have time to complete that sentence.

So below are those lipsticks:

This Rich Plum: This is supposed to be Maybelline Color Sensational Midnight Plum, but the real thing doesn't look anything like that!

This Purple: Look at that! It's so GORGEOUS! I thought MAC Violetta was going to be like this, but no.

This red: Why does every red lipstick want to be like MAC Russian Red or Ruby Woo???! We want this red & finish egg-jackly. [And zomg I can't stop staring at her!]

If you know some of these DO exist, PLEASE tell me where to go ~~steal, beg for,~~ buy them!

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

Inglot Matte Lip Pencil 28 Swatches & Photos

2012-01-17T18:33:00.001+05:30

I picked up another one of my favorite lip products- Inglot Matte Pencils, and this time its a pink shade!

Shade 28 is a fabulous fuchsia pink with moderate purple undertones, which is prettier than Nicki Minaj's or Lady Gaga's pinks.

Price: Rs.680

Rating ~ ♥♥♥♥♥ 5/5

***For Review & Swatches of 21 (Red) & 16 (Nude), please go HERE

♥ Cynthia Z *.*

Neutral Everyday/Office Makeup Guide (From Unpublished Video)

2012-01-16T10:00:00.001+05:30

Good Morning Everyone!

Hey, I never greeted you that before! I either got up very early (New Year's Resolution) or I scheduled this post last night.

So.... this was supposed to be a video which I filmed last year...in April! Actually, I edited parts of the video but every time my computer would freeze & conk out in the middle, then I went on vacation, then I bought a new laptop, then old laptop couldn't be turned on....I gave up. I have a lot of unedited videos btw >.<

A few days back, I could turn the darn thing on again! I finally transferred all important files, including this one. I decided to put screen shots so my effort wouldn't go wasted. 8 months later!

Let's get started!

Face: Depending on the condition of your skin, use a foundation or tinted moisturizer (or nothing, you lucky lucky woman!) Conceal under eye circles and blemishes. Set everything with powder. Here I used MUFE HD Foundation, MAC Studio Finish Concealer & MAC Chromagraphic Pencil on blemishes, and some Loose Powder I don't remember.

Eyes: Matte eyeshadows are easier to use everyday & are better for the office. I used a very light brown/almost beige eyeshadow all over the lid & a medium brown on the crease & outer V area. Same eyeshadows on the lower lash line. If you don't want to do too much, simply apply one color (medium brown) all over the lids & blend the edges. Next, you can either just tightline and move on to mascara or apply liner on your upper lash line. Somebody requested a smudged eyeliner tutorial (Who was it?) so I wanted to show it here. I used Lotus Kajal and smudged it with a pencil brush dipped in the same medium brown eyeshadow to soften the line & prevent it from smudging on my lids.

After smudging the liner, curl lashes and apply mascara on top & bottom lashes. Skip the bottom lashes if you want to look more awake. If you have sparse brows, define them with a brown eyeshadow for a more natural look.

Blush: Apply blush away from the apples of your cheeks, so that it doesn't look too obvious & in-your-face. Place your brush under your cheekbone as shown, sweep upwards towards the top of your ears & blend in circular/swirling motions. Here I used Colorbar Peachy Rose. Other options: MAC Fleur Power, Colorbar Just Earth, Lakme Kiss Of A Rose Cheek Artist

Lips: Stick to creamy & matte mlbb (my lips but better) shades. Lipglosses are okay too but preferably the creamy kinds without shimmer. Here I used MAC Patisserie. Other options: Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Gloss in Touch Of Toffee, MAC Hug Me, Colorbar Velvet Matte Lipstick in Bare, Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in My Mahogany, and tinted lip balms like Maybelline Lip Smooth Color & Care in Strawberry.

WE'RE DONE!

[And yes, I want that hair back.]

I hope this post was helpful. Have a good week!

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

OVS Industry Tops

2012-01-15T18:20:00.000+05:30

Italian brand- OVS Industry is my newfound love. I visited the store for the first time last month & fell in love with their casual clothes & a jacket which I'm going to buy once it's on sale. Their clothes are young & edgy.....and interesting....and not so expensive.

I only bought these 2 tops. I put pics of me wearing them but they are quite blurry, please excuse.

This is from the Baby Angel Collection (how cute is that!)by Italian designer Elio Fiorucci. I adore it! I love the back, these corset-like tops are my favorite kind. I also wore a similar looking GUESS top here. Available in more colors: black & white, light green & white.... I'm going to get ALL on sale (hope my size will still be available fingers crossed).

Didn't have my eye drops here

I don't have to tell you why I lowwwe this t-shirt. Okay I will. It's ze bow....and ze bling.

In Goa

Prices:

Baby Angel Top: Rs.1200-1300

Lavender Tee: Rs.1200? Sorry, I don't remember. But it was 'Buy 1, Get 1 FREE'- with another tee, not the one on top.

OVS Industry store in Delhi:

Ambience Mall,

Vasant Kunj,

New Delhi.

Have you guys ever shopped from OVS Industry?

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

Disclosure: All items in this post were purchased by me.

WINNER Of IVC Artistic Eye Makeup Contest & Who I Voted For....

2012-01-13T21:04:00.000+05:30

The VOTES are in & it's finally time to announce the WINNER of IVC Artistic Eye Makeup Contest!

The total number of votes is 1608 & finalist with the maximum no. of votes is:

Poison Ivy by Preiti Pri!

CONGRATS! Please email me your mailing address so I can send you the prize asap :)

So who (whom?) did I vote for?

I voted for Party Lanterns by Mara, coz it was my favorite look from the start :)

This post ends the 'Artistic Eye Makeup Contest'. Thank you all for being a part of it!

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

Revlon Colorsilk Luminista Medium Blonde Review & Comparison With Liese Bubble Hair Colour

2012-01-13T15:53:00.001+05:30

I used Revlon Colorsilk Luminista in Medium Blonde 175 in October last year and wanted to post the review ASAP, but then I got busy. I bought it in Singapore as it was on sale.

I was extremely excited to use it! Look how gorgeous that color looks! Of course I knew it was going to be darker on me, duh....that's exactly what I was aiming for- a cool dark blonde (Daydreams: I'd curl my hair & look like a doll or like those pretty Korean girls....hmm....)

Wait for it.

It came with the usual stuff: Color, Developer, After-color Conditioner & Gloves

Hair BEFORE

I applied it and.... Good God, my head felt like it had CHILLY PASTE on it. At first, I was in denial and convinced myself it was actually a "cooling sensation" I'm feeling. NOT! It was not. It's like something frickin' spicy was on my head- Curry + Menthol? Salsa?

Hair AFTER

Me: How is my hair color? [While walking on the street during the day.]

My tactful hubby: Err...Nice. It looks... orange. Nice.

Me: Grrr.

The color looked too brassy especially in the sun. But it did look good only under tube light/blue light, I'll give it that. Obviously I got the color changed at a salon a few weeks later- Loreal Dark Blonde, which is my current hair color & needs to be touched up too.

Below is a comparison with Liese Bubble Hair Color in Chiffon Beige, which I loved.....

L- Liese Chiffon beige, R- Revlon Luminista Medium Blonde

Do you see the obvious difference? Liese Chiffon Beige is a much cooler color and is what Luminista Medium Blonde should also look like AND we can all see which is more shiny & healthy-looking, right?

Conclusion: Luminista is the most disappointing/infuriating at-home hair color I have ever used.

Price ~ Rs.600-700

Rating ~ ♥♥♥♥♥ 2/5

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

"I'll Find You...." : OOTD

2012-01-12T14:05:00.000+05:30

I couldn't decide what to wear with this peach sorbet coat & it's too cold to leave my thighs totally bare. Nah, ~~black or~~ brown tights are too predictable. So, last minute, I thought of these over-the-knee stockings with animal print accents I bought many years ago but never worn (well...maybe once ahem.) I wore them that way & was not appalled. I think they add a little girly to the otherwise man-nish style.

Look at the kid over there. Same-same ;)

Odd Shot. Boots kept slipping down ;p

Peach Sorbet Coat ~ Forever New
Leopard Print Box Clutch ~ Forever New
Brown Suede Boots ~ Hometown
Over-the-knee Stockings ~ La Senza
Peach Buttercup Earrings ~ Forever 21 (came in a set of 5 types)

*More pics of Coat & Clutch HERE

Makeup:
Face : Skin79 BB Cream, Lakme Absolute White Intense Skin Cover (Review coming soon!), The Body Shop Loose Powder [Soft Skin setting on the camera, so all that flawless glow is oh-so-fake ok lol. Please let me enjoy it once in a while ;) ]
Cheeks : The Body Shop Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder & MAC Peaches Blush (falling in love with it all over again!)
Eyes : Urban Decay Naked Palette, Lakme Kohl Ultimate, Kate Lash Base (Fibre), Maybelline Pulse Perfection Mascara.
Lips : Make Up for Ever Rouge Artist Intense #29 & Lakme Absoute Plump & Shine Gloss Berryshine.

Love,

Cynthia Z *.*

Lakmé Absolute Fast & Fabulous Nail Color Purple Plunge

2012-01-10T15:50:00.000+05:30

Meet the NNPOTB (New Nail Polish On the Block, okay?) Lakmé Fast & Fabulous Nail Color, which promises to go from Wet to Set in 40 seconds & boasts of its unique brush for 1 stroke application.

In the pics I had applied 3 coats of the nail color since it's the shimmery kind. Man, did it dry quick! And yes, the brush is thicker than most nail polish brushes and covers the whole nail at once. It was a cakewalk applying Purple Plunge- no streaks, TG! Although it's a shimmery nail color, it doesn't have a gritty feel, it feels smooth. The shade is rather too cold for this season, but it's one of the prettiest shades in the collection & I couldn't resist.

Lakme Fast & Fabulous 12 Purple Plunge

LOVE: the packaging- I love how LAKME is embossed on the cap, the finish, the brush, the packaging again, and the name- Fast & Fabulous ("Coz....baby, I'm fast & fabulous.....err....catch me if you can." Sheesh! Haha...)

DON'T LOVE: I want to say price, but I'm afraid I'll sound cheap (hell, I was robbed recently!). Sigh, will "branded" nail polishes ever be under a 100 bucks ever again?

Price ~ Rs.175

Rating ~ ♥♥♥♥♥ 4/5

Available in 30 shades.

Have you tried Fast & Fabulous yet?

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

New! Bourjois Colorissimo Lip Palettes

2012-01-09T19:08:00.000+05:30

Bourjois Colorissimo Lip Palettes ~ 3 colors, 3 MOMENTS OF THE DAY. Pretty, practical and slim, the Lip Palette Colorissimo is required in all handbags!

Bourjois has created four harmonies, for as many different styles.

Red 01 Collection
02 Roses Muses
03 Roses
04 Nudes Dandy

Do I see drool? ;)

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

TOP 5 Artistic Eye Makeup Looks: VOTE For Your Favorite!

2012-01-09T17:46:00.002+05:30

Revealing the TOP 5 looks of IVC Artistic Eye Makeup Contest. They were picked out by me (and a few of my loved ones) based on ORIGINALITY, CREATIVITY, SKILL & PRESENTATION.

I present to you the TOP 5, in random order:

Tropical Sunset by Ailah

Poison Ivy by Preti Pri

Party Lanterns by Mara

Silver Leaf by Nidhi

Floral Fantasy by Suhani Dubey

Those are the TOP 5 Contestants that I picked out of 25 amazing entries. Now it's time for you to VOTE & help pick only one WINNER! Below is a poll, which will be up for 5 days. Each person is allowed to vote once per day:

Contestant with the maximum number of votes will be the WINNER of IVC Artistic Eye Makeup Contest and will receive the Too Faced Natural Eye Palette.

Happy voting everyone & all the best to the TOP 5 Contestants!

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

All Artistic Eye Makeup Looks In One Place

2012-01-08T22:35:00.001+05:30

Please give it up for all the contestants of the Artistic Eye Makeup Contest ~ 25 entries altogether! TOP 5 Looks will be announced tomorrow! Boy, am I having a tough TOUGH time! I'm staring at my computer screen trying to put only 5 photos in a collage (and listening to Jay Sean)

I just want to say that, you all did a fantastic job creating your own artistic looks. Whatever the results, please know that I appreciate all your efforts & also for simply participating in my small makeup contest. I'm sure all IVC readers enjoyed seeing all the different & unusual eye makeup & picked up some ideas, like I did.

Once again, THANK YOU & GOOD LUCK.

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

Make Up For Ever Mumbai Haul & Swatches

2012-01-07T15:47:00.000+05:30

I was in Mumbai before heading off to Goa so I got a chance to drop by Make Up For Ever in Mumbai. I was so excited! I have been to many MUFE stores before but somehow I was more enthu about going to one in "India" =D

I wanted to buy so many things but when I got there, I was all confused. I wanted to try the Mat Velvet+ Foundation but couldn't find a shade exactly like my MUFE HD Foundation #120 & my most-wanted 12 Flash Color Case wasn't available.

In the end, I ended up buying only 3 things:

Make Up For Ever Star Powders 951 Iridescent Fuchsia & 974 Taupe ~ These are loose shimmery pigments that can be used anywhere on the face & body. I'm going to love Iridescent Fuchsia coz I I always wanted a really pigmented candy pink eyeshadow.
Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Natural N35 ~ This is a sheer & non-opaque version of the MUFE Rouge Artist Intense Lipsticks. They are more natural-looking, hence the name.

Star Powders: 951 Iridescent Fuchsia, 974 Taupe

Swatches:

Star Powders 951, 974 & Rouge Artist Natural N35

Prices:

Make Up For Ever Star Powder 951~ Rs.937 each (Quantity- 2.8g)

Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Natural Lipstick ~ Rs.1090

Have a great 1st weekend of 2012 all :)

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

New Products/Haul ~ Last Pics With My Beloved Stolen Camera

2012-01-05T14:37:00.000+05:30

Hey Everyone,

Happy New Year! I'm back home & getting back to blogging. Hope you all are enjoying the first few days of 2012.

Before I left for my vacation, I clicked some pics of some new products I hauled in December with my Panasonic Lumix, which was stolen along with my handbag in Goa . It was an amazing camera & I loved it so much! I didn't care about the money and everything else in that bag, I just wanted the camera back. I can buy the exact same one but it won't be the same- like the 2nd Hugsy wasn't the same to Joey in Friends.Everybody kept saying "Forget it. It's gone, nothing you can do about it now." What they don't realize is, a little part of me died inside.

Take a look at the last photos I clicked with it.....

In order of appearance:

Max Factor Elixir Lipstick in Eternal Flame, Rs.650-680 (? forgotten) ~ This is one of the most beautiful & best lipsticks out there. You should one.
Bourjois So Laque Beige Glamour, Rs.350 ~ Such a unique shade.
Lancome L'Absolu Nu Lipstick 102, Rs.1580 ~ I wonder why this one doesn't have a rose on the lipstick like all the others. Very moisturizing & lightweight lipstick though.

Yes, I'm going out to buy a new camera now. Have to, otherwise I can't blog or have a normal life ;p

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

Artistic Eye Makeup Contest Entry 25 ~ Floral Fantasy

2012-01-05T00:47:00.000+05:30

"Floral Fantasy"

Contestant: Suhani Dubey

Products Used:

Ben Nye Matte Finish Foundation

Ben Nye Suede Visage Poudre

Urban Decay Primer Potion

Eyeshadow Colours:

Urban Decay Sin, Side Car and Darkhorse from the NAKED Palette

Maybelline Dream Matte Blush in Peach Satin (used as eyeshadow)

Red from VOV Eyeshadow Palette

Blush:

Maybelline Apricot Flush Blush

Eyeliner, Kajal and Mascara:

Maybelline Colossal Kajal

Maybelline The Hyper Curl Volum Mascara Easy Wash

Rhinestones and Eyelash Glue

Fake Lashes

Props:

Real Flowers

Camera: Sony Cybershot 14.1 MP

Photographer: Self

*Thanks for your entry Suhani. Good Luck! :)

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^