Confessions of a Shopaholic

My Giveaway and Victoria's Secret on luxafarianfashion.blogpsot.com

2011-05-30T21:00:00.003+05:30

Old Reviews Latest Updates

2010-11-23T03:03:00.001+05:30

I have realized that the effectiveness of some products fades away with the time and you notice a bit late how some products have proved to be better than what you have thought it was. So here I am gonna touch-base and moving from the "recent" review to the "old" review :

Fashion-and-You : They have become really late in delivering products. Incredible amount of weeks have been taken... it's causing me nausea.

BeYu-Soft-Liner : I still love this eyeliner and my take on buying it again is still "YES". However, most of you would not like that it fades after 4-5 hrs. Its intensity is not the same after 4-5 hours. I think it's always the case with most of the eye products... isn't it!?!

BeYu-Model-Mascara : This product has proved to be better than what i had thought it was. It gives a nice volume and lift to my lashes. It may be the illusion or it may be the effect of this mascara that my lashes appear to be a lil' longer than what they used to be.

Nivea-Pinkish-Boost-With-SPF-15 : Good - it's moisturising. Bad: There are many who do not like the milky tint it has but I like it. This tint fades away in no time.

Maybelline-Ultra-Liner : This eye liner peels off. The best or the worst - You decide.. it doesn't leave its trashes at all. For me it was good, I have stopped using the eyeliner though.

I hope it helps.

xo
Jiya

Elle 18 Products are available in the market

2010-11-17T18:59:00.001+05:30

Hi girlies!! I know we all have been eager to know when and where Elle 18 products are going to be available. Hence, I thought of contacting Elle 18 for the actual date and time if there's any.

As per their remarks:

I know some of you are not from Delhi. So, I am waiting for a reply from them and equally eager to know if Elle 18 products are available in other cities too.

Till then... keep blogging and keep reading.

xo
Jiya

Elle 18 Nail Pops

2010-11-16T23:33:00.002+05:30

EllAnother product, that is my favourite- nail paints.

I picked these colors for you all among others like red, pink, cherry shades.

Price INR 45 = $1

Fashion and You: Pierre Cardin Blushes (and other products)

2010-11-15T22:16:00.001+05:30

I am not a big fan of powder blushes but I liked what Fashion and You has got in Pierre Cardin.

All are for INR 579 = $12.93.

Check out other products here .

Fashion and You: Meylon Blushes (and other products)

2010-11-15T22:02:00.002+05:30

Fashion and You people have got Meylon cosmetics for you. I haven't heard of this cosmetic brand. But if any of you have heard it then you might get your deal.

Their price range is starting from INR 341 = $7.61. They have a vast range of blushes but they all look similar to me with a very little variation. Check yourself out the blushes here:

Did you like any!?!

Check rest of the products here !!

Marie Claire: November 2010 (In pictures)

2010-11-15T04:57:00.006+05:30

Oriflame fans: this is tempting!! Look at the purple color.

They're fearless and they're angry. Worth reading.

Leather straps have taken place of metallic straps. Go for it!!

Stachels!! Still in my wishlist. :(

I wish my teachers taught me this math. I could have never feared M.A.T.H. Everything is drool worthy.

TBS Kajal Baked-To-Last Eye Color in 06. Already introduced in this post

Wearable work look taken from Michael Kors Runway look. My picks were:

A flirt Eye Shadow Palette, Cheek Color in teas Rose (Let's call that blush, cheek color is too heavy for me)

My picks from the lot:

Iraya Nutrifying Skin Food = How tempting that is. Sounds like MUST HAVE.

Fabindia Almond and Semoline Body Scrub. It's in my Need-List and it would be my pick.

A special article on our cover girl.

Money-Issues

Shopping Suggestions from Shoppers Stop

101 Ideas. Not literally but there are style ideas.

And much more!! But everything in there is worth reading. I also received my issue of Elle India November.

Cheerios!!

Jiya

Nail Paints: Tips & Toes (No. 118 Mandate)

2010-11-15T03:36:00.003+05:30

These days I am looking for earthy hues in nail paints and blushes. Thankfully I got to see nail paints from Faces and Tips & Toes that I hadn't seen until this weekend.

Faces- Nail Paints cost from INR 45 to 199 = $1.01 to 4.46. I tried only one earthy shade and I liked but I didn't buy because of the reason I found a nice beige shade in Color Bar and got confused. It happened in Big Bazaar. So if you're planning to buy Faces cosmetics, do check out Big Bazaar if you don't find it at your nearest shop or mall. For the records, I am gonna buy Faces nail paint the next time I'll visit Big Bazaar.

Today, I went to the nearest market for nail paint remover as I realized my old nail paints remover is about to finish. The shop had kept only Tips & Toes nail paints removers and nail paints. So I thought of giving Tips & Toes remover a shot and also decided to buy a nice shade from them.

Tips & Toes- Tips & Toes has three ranges of nail paints starting from INR 40 to INR 85 = $.90 to $1.90. I didn't like any shade in range INR 40. I decided to buy one that I liked - No. 118 Mandate.

Tips & Toes 118 Mandate

INR 65 = $1.46

For a change, I like this earthy shade and gonna wear it the whole week long. I will soon update with its taken in chipping. That's an important update, isn't it!?!

So far...

I like -

* Consistency

* Long brush.

* Creamy finish. I like matte nail paints though.

* Shade IMO girls must have a nice earthy shade in their collection. This is one of them.

* It chipped after 2 days with the amount of work I do - dishes and laundry along with cleaning, bathing etc. So, I am very satisfied with this nail paint quality.

I don't like -

* Thin bristles.

I don't find any problem in applying the nail paint because of the consistency of the nail paint though.

* Shape of bottle.

Dunno why, but I don't like it.

I have been reading Marie Claire November Issue and they have got nice collection in "beauty" and useful readable articles. See my coming post.

P.S. I am feeling very lazy these days, especially when it comes to blogging. Does it happen with you!?!

Jiya

Review: BeYu Soft Liner for eyes and more

2010-11-13T06:20:00.001+05:30

I have already done the review of Review: BeYu Model Mascara and now it's turn of BeYu soft liner for eyes and more. I am loving BeYu mascara and the only reason is that it's light, black, really makes my lashes look longer and I am already over my old mascara. :)

BeYu Soft Liner (No. 651)

Where I bought: A cosmetic store, Lajpat Nagar-IV, New Delhi.

Price: INR475 - $10.64

What it looks like:

Without Flash

With Flash

Buy-Me Factor:

* Nothing mentioned on the product.

Active Ingredients:

* Not mentioned.

Use-Me Tips: * Glide it on your lids and use it like a liner.

* Use it as an eye shadow.

Expires After: Not mentioned.

What I like about it: * I like the dark grey and a subtle hint of shimmer. I see gold and silver shimmer, and it's because of the type of lights around me. Also, it appears just matte grey liner most of the times.

* I like a hint of smokey-eyes-effect and I do it by smudging this eye liner on my lid and under my lower lashes. I like the messy look it gives.

* Honestly speaking, I have always, always wanted a pencil eyeliner like this. I am very happy that I got my hands on it.

* It's creamy but in a good way. I meant it's creamy in texture when I apply but it appears to be matte not glossy.

* Very easy and smooth to sharpen it. I really hate pencil products when I find it difficult to sharpen it.
(For example: I never looked back at the Lakme Pencil Kajal.)

What I don’t like about it: * I guess nothing except that sometimes I notice it on the crease. But only when I have used moisturizer or Vaseline on my lids.
[I really like nude yet shiny lids. (sometimes)]

Indian Beauties can buy it here: Cosmetic stores.

Buy it online here: I have no clue yet! However, check out there website BeYu .

Would I buy it again: Yes!! until I find a replacement for the review. :)

Recommendation: I would recommend it to everyone who likes grey in eye makeup and smokey-eyes. You would ( but we can have different views about the same product as well) love this liner.

*********************************************************************************
Next Review: Aroma Magic Glossy pack

xo
Jiya

Online Shopping: Lotus Herbal kit from Fashion and You

2010-11-13T01:37:00.003+05:30

In my last post , I was blabbing about how I suddenly thought of investing my money in Lotus Herbal body moisturizer with SPF20. I know I can get more options when/if out in the market but I chose Lotus Herbal. Why!?! The need (not want) of a body moisturizer with SPF and destiny of Lotus Herbal (please rewind romantic flick Serendipity) because I noticed their body moisturizers in Marie Claire India November issue and then I noticed them on FashionAndYou with the added products. So I chose this kit:

Why!?! Because my current need list is like this:

1- ~~Body Moisturizer with SPF~~

2- Body Scrub

3- ~~Day Moisturizer with SPF~~

4- ~~Cleansing Milk~~

My next pick could have been:

But it didn't meet the expectation of my Need-List so I dropped the idea.

I am actually trying to learn the shopping principles.

"Get what you Need so that your Wants don't make a whole in your pocket"

What's your current Need-List?

Jiya

Fashion and You: Lotus Herbal Best Bets

2010-11-12T22:50:00.004+05:30

Hi All, I keep checking out Fashion and You best deals. There are many but I have bought 5 times on FNU and never been disappointed. I have received Marie Claire November issue and Lotus Herbal body Moisturizers were everywhere. Yesterday night, while flipping through the pages I decided to buy Lotus Herbal Body moisturizer with SPF 20 and was deciding to hit the market tomorrow. But see what i got!?! I got the whole package of 5 products from Lotus Herbals. Rest of blabbing later: I hope many of you would get benefited if planning to buy something like these:

If you want something then don't wait and score your pick right now!!

http://www.fashionandyou.com/

Happy Shopping.

How does a sunscreen work?

2010-11-12T19:29:00.001+05:30

I asked a question in my last post and that was because of a reason. Recently, I visited a well known parlour in Sector-18, NOIDA. I was getting my clean-up done; in the meanwhile, a lady asked about the best sunscreens and how to apply them. The head of the parlour said you should always apply your sunscreen under your moisturizer. I contradicted by saying that neither (sunscreen and moisturizer) would do their job and it should be done the other way round. Frankly speaking, I had no idea but I used my logical mind because of the studies I had done during my preparation for Medical Exams. But she went on and on about how she has graduated from so and so college abroad, whatever she know is correct etc. One more fact, it's the second time when I got this suggestion by the parlour. But I didn't give this discussion a piece of my anxious mind that time because I hardly cared.

Talking about the recent discussion; yes, I admit my knowledge stumbled a bit because of her position in that parlour, plus knowing her graduation degrees etc I was forced to give it an evening full of questions if she was right or my logic was right. I am glad that you all answered how I thought it to be. It also forced me to do a search on sunscreens and how they work.

How does a sunscreen work!?!

A sunscreen product acts like a very thin bulletproof vest, stopping the Ultraviolet (UV) photons before they can reach the skin and inflict damage. It contains organic sunscreen molecules that absorb UV and inorganic pigments that absorb, scatter and reflect UV. To deliver a high level of protection, a sunscreen product must have sufficient quantities of these protective agents and it must optimally deploy them over the skin's peaks and valleys.

The term SPF that appears on sunscreen labels stands for Sun Protection Factor, but it is really a sunburn protection factor. Products with a higher SPF allow fewer of the photons that produce sunburn to strike the skin. In simple terms, you can view an SPF 10 sunscreen as allowing 10 out of every 100 photons to reach the skin and an SPF 20 product as allowing only 5 out of every 100 photons to reach the skin. Because sunburn is primarily a UVB effect, it is possible for a sunscreen product to deliver high SPF while allowing a significant percentage of the incident UVA photons to reach the skin. To deliver true broad spectrum protection, products must also block a significant fraction of the UVA photons. In the U.S. market, this requires that the products contain significant levels of zinc oxide, avobenzone or titanium dioxide. read more here

A quick experiment on "how sunscreen works" :

Take a day-glow pen and draw a picture on your hand.

Put your hand underneath the UV light. What do you see?

Smear sun cream over half of the picture. on your hand and put your hand back under the UV light. What happens now?

Read here about what happens after putting sunscreen on the picture.

Most of us know how it happens. I am glad that I researched and got the logic.

Have you ever encountered wrong suggestions given by someone in parlour? What was that suggestion?

Questions: Sunscreen Lotion and Sunblock Creams

2010-11-11T22:18:00.003+05:30

?? Do you prefer wearing you Sunscreen/sunblock over your moisturizer or under your moisturizer? Why?

Review: BeYu Model Mascara

2010-11-11T20:21:00.002+05:30

I have been using VOV Mascara for last few months (6 months). I guess the life of Mascaras are pretty much it- 3-6 months. So as it had expired (noy literally), it started getting messier to use. I had known that it's the right time to buy a mascara and I had also sensed an achievement for one promise that I made to myself "I am not gonna buy any cosmetic product until I finish the one I am already using".

I know this promise is not good for a blogger who writes and reviews cosmetic products, but I haven't forgotten that my blog is related to shopping and not only limited to cosmetics.

So, I have used this mascara from BeYu cosmetics for last three weeks and so far so good. It's also a time for a review.

BeYu Model Mascara (No. 50)

Where I bought: A cosmetic store, Lajpat nagar-IV, New Delhi

Price: INR810 - $18.30

What it looks like:

Buy-Me Factor:

* Star Shaped Applicator.

* The conbination of an extraordinary brush and color intensive texture provides you with perfect volume and length.

*Applied several times, your lashes will get seductive finish.

(What is this seductive finish?)

Active Ingredients: Aqua (water), Synthetic Beeswax, Paraffin, Stearic Acid, Acacia, Senegal Gum, Palmitic Acid, Triethanolamine, Gluceryc Stearate, Copernica Cerifera (Carnuba) Wax, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Plybutene, Pryza Sativa Rice( Btan Wax, Talc, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Hydroxyethylcellulose, [+/- may contain Mica, Ci 75470 (Carmine), Ci 77491 (Iron Oxides),Ci 77499 (Iron Oxides), Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide)]

Use-Me Tips: Of course, same as we apply other mascaras.

Expires After: Not mentioned.

What I like about it: * I like its silver packaging.

* It's creamy and light. It's the best part of this mascara.
(I don't like liquid-y mascaras.)

* It does make my small lashes look longer (but not denser) and I like.

Before

After

Pictures don't show the difference (imo) but I do see the difference and a dramatic change in my lashes length.

*Although its creamy yet it doesn't get washed off when I splash water on my face. It doesn't get smudged.

* One sweep of cotton dabbed in milk wipes it off easily. So, taking it off lashes is not a pain.
(Do you realize how contradictory this point is with the former point? )

What I don’t like about it: * Its star shaped wand has not given a big difference . But may be it helps in lashes looking longer due to this. Who knows!?!

Indian Beauties can buy it here: Cosmetic stores.

Buy it online here: ?? However, check out there website here.

Would I buy it again: May be! But I would find some other new mascara to buy before it's finished.

You can give it a try if you want to use BeYu cosmetics. Otherwise, you have more options in the market as well. :) Honest recommendation!!

P.S. I had other options in mascaras (with nice reviews) too. But I chose to buy BeYu because I hadn't seen it on blogopshere yet (call me "naive"), thought it's something new and doing its review would be fun.

Next Review: BeYu Soft Liner in Grey

xo
Jiya

BHCosmetics: Droolworthy Professional Palettes from Eyeshadows to Blushes

2010-11-11T02:37:00.001+05:30

Hi All, I just came across BHCosmetics professional palettes and they have got me drooling. What i am actually interested in is :

Now what I am thinking if I should pay $ 72.26 = INR 3207.6 for these shades. My hand is itching to make the payment. But even then I have got you friends who can help me in this. I have made such payments in the past and have regretted so asking for help.

Plus, I am still in search of Pop-Beauty-Naked-Smolder-Eyeshadow-Palette and will be hunting until I get my hands on it.

So, what do your dearies think?

Also, check out their website BHCosmetics and let me know what you think.

Disclaimer: I have no links with BHCosmetics. I just liked their palette and simply asking for honest opinions.

Hidesign Pink Leather Bags: Limited Edition

2010-11-10T19:05:00.001+05:30

For those who are Hidesign lovers, who are looking for pink bags and people who collect Limited Edition suff:

Enjoy shopping!!

International Giveaaway at Wiseshe.com by Amazing Anamika

2010-11-09T18:59:00.002+05:30

Hi friends, lovely Anamika , a beautiful person and a solution to every problem from WiseShe is hosting a giveaway. You have chances to win Loreal Mineral Blush, Mineral Powder, skin improving Mineral Foundation for you all. For more Click Here .

Anamika's blog is a kind of treasure in itself. This what I feel. You have to visit her blog in case you're still wondering how that is possible!!

Home Remedy: Quickest and Best Tip for Anti-Aging

2010-11-08T22:32:00.002+05:30

Source: Google Images

Source: instyle

I am always in for home remedies. I am a sport for anything like this quick and easy yet very effective. I have just read about it but I can imagine how helpful it is gonna become for most of us who are lazy like me.

Ingredients:

1- Ice Cube Tray
2- Apple Juice

How-to make?

1- Mix 1 cup apple Juice with 1 cup water.
2- Pour it in the ice tray and freeze.

How-to use?

1- Rub it on to your face.
2- Leave it for 10-15 minutes.
3- Wash-off.

What else I learnt?

You can make more ice cubes with watermelon juice, lemon juice, mint juice, rose water, milk, cucumber, oranges and what not! For me the best thing is damn-easy-to-apply.

Would you give it a try?

Pop Beauty: Naked Smolder Eyeshadow

2010-11-08T20:55:00.003+05:30

Pop Beauty Naked Smolder Eye Palette

instyle

I just talked ( about TheBodyShop Kajal ) about how I am into Smokey Eyes make-up. I found something interesting to me. Though I am much of a novice when it comes to make-up and eye shadow palettes hardly attract me wiht their bright hued shadows, this palette has got me drooling. Just look at the colors!!

I am unsure of what you lovely ladies have got to say about this but I'd love to know your take on these colors. Also, if you could suggest me where I can get the same palett in the same brand Pop Beauty or any other brand. I want to own it!! Puhleaaaase!!

Did I say that I missed you all?

Update: Found it here: urbanout.acuitymobile Good for girls in US as they ship only to US.

Mysterious Eyes: Bodyshop Kajal Eyeliner (www.bodyshop.com)

2010-11-08T20:44:00.001+05:30

Kajal from TheBodyShop

instyle

After giving a try to foundation, blush and lip gloss... I have realized that i am more of a smokey eyes, blush and lip balm girl. So while browsing away to break the monotony of my surroundings, I found this collection of Kajals from the Body Shop. I would love love love to give grey and green a shot. They look WOW to me...

Sadly, I have not been able to track it down on the TheBodyShop website yet. I could have been merrier if found on India or US website; where US website has an option of Online Shopping and Indians are asked to browse the website and visit the store (No pun intended).

By the outlook of these kajals, I am not intesrested in Black. Grey looks shimmery with a babby-ish hint of glitters and green reminds me of crayons we used in our childhood. As mentioned in instyle , these kajals will cost us $10 = INR 447.2.

Wishing You All A Happy and Prosperous Diwali and New Year Ahead

2010-11-04T18:54:00.001+05:30

May Goddess Laxmi bring prosperity and Lord Ganesha bring new year ahead filled with auspicious moments. Keep growing with happiness and love along!!

You all are an integarl part of my life.

Love you all.

Loads to share but the right time is missing!!

2010-10-28T02:22:00.001+05:30

Hello sweets, How are you all doing? I am swamped and getting little time to do the blog. But I have loads to share and my hands are itching to do some posts on new BeYu cosmetics and a trip to Lansdown, a beautiful small place in Garhwal.

Unfortunately I am not getting time to read my fav blogs too. But at the same time I am very excited because of the same reason cus a lot of good stuff are in store for me and waiting for me to explore.

I love you all!!

Jiya

Amazing Facts about the beauty rituals of celebrities - Part I

2010-10-21T05:41:00.002+05:30

Did you know...

... that Cleopatra bathed in Donkey's milk?

... that Cindy Crawford takes Vitamin Therapy injections for her wrinkle free face and glowng skin?

... that many Bollywood and Tollywood actors wash their faces with Champagne due to its antioxidants properties and many use coffee and chocolate to work on their cellulite?

... that Goat Intestine's therapy is being used to rejuvenate the skin?

... that Many Hollywood celebrities use Emu (bird) oil for the wrinkles. Emu Oil works wonders on wrinkles.

... that Sophia Loren regularly massages her skin with olive oil?

... that Michelle Yeoh simply rinses her face with lemon juice and water?

... that Shilpa Shetty's gorgeous skin is because of Olive Oil and Coconut Oil together?

... that Yana Gupta swigs gallons of coconut water and she owes it her glowing skin?

That's all for the part I. I'll save some for Part-II

P.S. I am off to bed and won't sleep until I figure it out that this is their skin routine. The key to our happiness is definitely a decent section of natural ingredients. I really don't want to get into what the truth is but reading all this makes me happy. :)

Hope you all enjoyed!!

Source: A TOI article by Purba Dutt

How to exfoliate your face mildly

2010-10-20T05:31:00.001+05:30

Today I wanted to scrub and rub tomato on my face at the same time. I realized that you can use a little scrub on half cut tomato and rub. It won't be too harsh and I liked the after effect, mixed effects of scrub and tomato.

However, a question for experts:

Tomato is used to tighten the pores and scrub is used to remove dust and grime that means it opens the pores. Is it okay to use both at the same time the way I did?

I really want to continue doing this. It didn't feel harsh on my face and easy to apply.

<3<3<3

When Hunk was so scared!!

2010-10-19T19:20:00.001+05:30

This Sunday, on the eve of Dushehra, kids were busy enjoying crackers and Ravana was busy enjoying being centre of attraction. Between all this chaos, Hunk suddenly started scratching the main door and hitting his head. I got so scared and thought that he is angry with me but understood the whole drama was because of crackers and an entry to the house.See this picture how scared he is:

He tried hiding in every nook and corner but sadly he had to settle himself on my bed's corner being the coziest and the fact - there's no corner inside my house where he could hide.

I keep Hunk outside the house because he has ticks, he bites when we try to give him a shower, and bites when we put any spray or powder on to his body. So i had no option but keeping him outside my house i.e. my terrace.

He never misses a single chance to break into the house and for that he would push you as he did with me last night. He is very intelligent and understands only Love. He would never listen to me if I scold him and shout at him. His face expressions tells on my face " You're being rude, and I am not gonna listen to what you're saying".

The funniest thing he does is eating biscuits and breads being inside the house. He wouldn't even look at the biscuits thrown outside the house as he understands that the door will be closed right after he steps outside.

If he is all lovey dovey with me then he can do "this" for hours while I am watching TV or reading:

He would touch my legs with his face and rise his hump and stay in this position until I decide to do something else. This is how he expresses his love for me. He is adorable and I wish I could provide him the care he deserves. I ain't sure why he gets angry and violent when he even sniffs the medication around. My brother has already become a victim of this while he wanted to spray on his ticks.

So I have accepted him the way he is!! Love him the way he is. :)

<3<3<3