Saturday, April 30, 2011

ELF Studio Cream Eyeliner in Gunmetal

'Gunmetal' is a metallic blackened grey that looks particularly stunning as an overall lid color. I like to use Gunmetal more as a cream eyeshadow that gives a sheer wash of color rather than an eyeliner. As an eyeliner, it is quite sheer, but buildable. The reflective particles make it a very unique, beautiful shade.


      Single swipe                                         Blended all over the lid with a fluffy brush
I love to use this for a quick smokey eye. Using a blending brush, just apply all over the lid, apply some eyeliner and mascara and you're good to go! If you are using it as an eyeliner, you ll need a good 2-3 coats for the color to show up. Using it over a black eyeliner makes the color appear more vibrant. The staying power is amazing here. I don't even need an eye shadow base and the color stays budge-proof for over 5 hours!For $3, this is one hell of a multi tasker.

Available at Target stores and online at eyeslipsface.com


Have you tried the ELF Studio Cream Eyeliners? Do you use eyeliners as eye shadows? Share your thoughts!

Friday, April 29, 2011

New from Urban Decay - The Urban Bride Kit!

Urban Decay partners with Universal Pictures’ Bridesmaids movie to create a beautiful kit of goodies perfect for any bridesmaid or bride-to-be! Especially if you’re planning on doing your own makeup a la Kate, you better use some long-lasting products!! Artwork completely hand-drawn by one of our amazing in-house artists,the box is meant to be saved to store all your wedding mementos!
Perfect for a bride, bridesmaid, mother-in-law and anyone else who’s making an appearance in the wedding photos, its contents SET THE BAR REALLY HIGH for products designed to WORK OVERTIME. Leave nothing to chance, prime face and eyes for the camera, make lips more luscious and set your look so it lasts until the final guest leaves. Wrapped in pearlized white paper and embossed with a foil lace/flowers/dripping chains design motif, the words “Urban Bride” are featured languidly on the lid as a nod to 19th-century romanticism.  





Open the box to reveal the products in a removable tray graced with lush watercolor roses.  

  • Razor Sharp Ultra-Definition Finishing Powder - 3.75 g mini 
  • Eyeshadow Primer Potion - Full Size
  • Supercurl Curling Mascara 
  • Lip Junkie Lip Gloss in Midnight Cowboy - Travel Size 3.6 ml 
  • All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray - 15 ml spray bottle
  • Marshmallow Sparkling Lickable Body Powder - Travel Size 10g 
Displaying vibrant sweeps of color, this keepsake box can be used to store anything from makeup and jewelry, to photos and personal mementos





Urban Bride ($42) is available at ULTA and select Macy’s. Or, online at Ulta.com, Sephora.com and Urbandecay.com from May1st, 2011.


What do you think of this perfect bridal survival kit?


Official Press Release provided by PR. Please link back if you happen to use images/content. 

Thursday, April 28, 2011

NYX Slim Lip Pencil - Review & Swatches

I am not someone who likes to match my lip liner with every lipstick I wear. I usually tend to have a nude liner that goes well with most of the shades and a couple of darker colors for reds and deeper tones. I was really interested in trying out the NYX Slim Lip Pencils($3.50) after hearing about how creamy they are and how they do a fab job for the price tag.

I picked up the shades 'Coffee' and 'Peekaboo Neutral'. Since I have pigmented lips, both these turn out really natural on me and don't look stark like some liners do. I hate the sharp, defined, almost animated look some liners give. And don't even get me started on lip liners that run a few shades darker than the lipstick!
L-R : Coffee, Peekaboo Neutral
Top to Bottom : Coffee, Peekaboo Neutral

Texture wise, they are very creamy and glide on smoothly. Peekaboo Neutral, as the name suggests is very versatile and my favourite among the two. Coffee is slightly darker but still natural enough to go with certain shades of mauve and darker pink lipsticks. I usually tend to use these for just outlining my lips. As a lipstick, I do find them a bit drying after an hour or so but, when topped off with a gloss, they make lips look full and plump. These liners are easy to sharpen and come in a whopping 60 shades! Even if you want to have one for every lipstick in your collection, it is still easy on the wallet! 

Available at Ulta and online at nyxcosmetics.com

Have you tried NYX Slim Lip Pencils? Do you like lip liners? Do tell!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

MAC Lychee Luxe Lipglass

Lychee Luxe($14.50), part of MAC's permanent line can be described as a pinkish-coral lipgloss with golden shimmer. It does look really bright in the tube but, sheers out quite a bit when applied. The tiny golden shimmer adds a nice dimension to the lips.
I love how this adds a subtle color tint when I want to keep it really simple. At the same time, looks amazing when paired with a variety of other looks. The gold shimmer makes the shade so lust-worthy! If you like MAC's See Sheer lipstick, I would say the color is quite similar in a gloss form, with some golden sheen.If you like corals in general or corals with a touch of pink, you might want to check out Lychee Luxe.
I have no idea why it looks like I have lip gloss only on one half of my upper lip :(
I think i
t's just the lighting !
This is such a versatile shade, perfect for any occasion and one shade I wish MAC never, ever discontinues! Have you tried MAC Lychee Luxe Lipglass?

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

LUSH Tiny Hands Hand Serum

Spring is finally here, which means it’s time to clean out our closets, plant some seeds and start enjoying the outdoors! If your hands are still showing signs of the frigid winter weather, not to worry LUSH is offering a helping hand with our innovative NEW! Tiny Hands Solid Serum. Featuring unique ingredients such as velvety argan oil, soothing marigold petals and ethically sourced shea butter, this solid hand serum will heal the roughest of hands. True to LUSH’s eco-friendly fashion, Tiny Hands requires no packaging and can be stored in a reusable tin, which is perfect for traveling.
Price : $5.95 for 2.1oz
Availability : Tiny Hands Solid Serum is now available in all LUSH stores and online at LUSH.com. 

How cute are these? I've tried the Serum Bars from LUSH and they are amazing! What do you think?

Official Press Release provided by PR. Please link back if you happen to use images/content. 

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Quick Sunday FOTD

Here's a quick Sunday FOTD. 
Face - Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Sand topped off with MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Dark.
Eyes - I kept it very simple with just an all-over the lid sweep of Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in Busy Signal, Palladio Herbal Eye Ink in Black on the upper lash line, MAC Technakohl in 'Photogravure' along the waterline and finished it off by applying a coat of Prestige My Blackest Lashes Mascara.
Cheeks - I did this makeup at 8 in the morning which also gave me a chance to road test Tarte's Amazonian Clay 12h Blush in Blissful on my cheeks(review coming soon!).
Lips - MAC Hug Me Lipstick.

What make-up are you wearing today?

Friday, April 22, 2011

NOTD - ZOYA Meadow

How gorgeous is Zoya Meadow? It's a beautiful medium pink with a golden sheen and has a nice duo chrome finish to it. 
I love how Meadow looks different under different lighting. Sometimes, you can't even see the gold. It's hard to capture that in camera.This shade is very opaque and you can get away with just a single coat but, I applied two here. Drying time was pretty fast and like all Zoya nail polishes, this one is also free of Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP and Camphor.
Do you like Meadow? Is this a shade you would wear all year long? I'd love to know!

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Stila Convertible Color in Lillium

Stila Convertible Color is a dual cheek and lip cream that gives a beautiful natural flush to your cheeks and adds a hint of tint to your lips. I like using this as a cream blush more than a lipstick. It does feel quite dry on my lips but, glides on effortlessly and blends like a dream on the cheeks. Texture-wise, it's not tacky or anything. But, it does leave a dewy finish and I am not sure if oily skinned chicas would prefer it that much. If you have dry skin like me, you'll love it!
'Lillium' is a natural looking light pink with no hint of shimmer. It dries without feeling tacky and gives a rosy glow from within. I like these for the fact that they stay on for a good 5 hours on me with a translucent setting powder on top. Most creamy cheek colors disappear after a couple of hours on me!

And not to mention the super-cute packaging that matches the actual color of the product inside. If you are a cream blush fiend, you need this!

Have you tried Stila Convertible Color? Do you like it as much as I do? What are your favourite two in one cheek and lip products?

Monday, April 18, 2011

Rihanna Rocks An EzFlow and IBD Moon Manicure On American Idol!

For her show stopping performance of “California King Bed” on American Idol, Rihanna decided that she wanted a moon manicure with a just a little drama. So the night before her performance, celebrity manicurist  Kimmie Kyees arrived at Rihanna’s house and went to work. 
She put down a layer of Ez Flow Gelez Buff (a subtle, shimmery nude gel polish) first and then added a vibrant coat of ibd Red Velvet Gelac(deep, shimmery maroon gel polish) on top. Rihanna absolutely loved the shade of red! She exclaimed that it was “gorgeous” when Kimmie opened up the bottle to show her the color. She kept her jewelry and accessories minimal and only wore statement rings to compliment her gel manicure.


Rihanna is a huge fan of gel polish, which Kyees uses on her all the time because it stays flawless for so long! They’re perfect for a girl who is always on the go, just like her.

A little info on EzFlow and IBD.

Ez Flow has been an industry innovator for over twenty years.  Ez Flow was the first to manufacture and distribute the French White Tip and the first to develop and market Colored Acrylics. Known worldwide as a competition brand pushing the envelope of technology and research, Ez Flow is committed to global education and professional development.  Ez Flow is a division of American International Industries. For more information, visit:www.ezflow.com

IBD is committed to supporting today's salon professional and promotes excellence in nail care by offering comprehensive education and training to nail artists. Our educational program is a hands-on training program that enlightens nail professionals with up-to-date techniques, explains the science behind the products and describes ways to build business and profits. Taught by a highly trained ibd educator, each attendee will experience the incredible benefits of using ibd products. No odor and no dust - nail professionals discover the future of nail care in IBD's light activated systems, for a healthier and safer salon environment. For more information, visit: www.ibdbeauty.com

EzFlow and IBD are part of the same leading manufacturer, American International Industries that include product lines such as China glaze, Ardell Lashes and Seche. For more info visit : www.aiibeauty.com.

So, what do you think? Do you like Rihanna's Half Moon Manicure? Have you tried a gel manicure? 

Official Press Release provided by PR. Please link back if you happen to use images/content. 

Saturday, April 16, 2011

MAC Crème In Your Coffee

MAC describes Crème In Your Coffee as a Mid-Tone Pink brown. If you have pigmented lips, this might even turn out to be more mauve than pink or brown on you. Like all MAC Cremesheen lipsticks, this is nicely pigmented and super moisturizing. 
I would like to say it looks great on all skin tones but, medium to dark skin-tones would especially love the versatility of this shade. It's a super pretty, work-safe shade too. 
Crème In Your Coffee is a great pick if you want just a subtle hint of brown peeking though a gorgeous wash of pink. A no-brainer shade that is really nice to have!
Have you tried MAC Crème In Your Coffee?  Do you love it as much as I do? I'd love to know!

Monday, April 11, 2011

Pretty Pink Lips with NYX Round Lipstick in Doll

NYX Round Lipstick in "Doll" is what I reach for when I need a bright pop of pink on my lips, without looking overly done. All NYX round lipsticks pack a lot of pigment and are super creamy. I would say, they are too creamy to even be called a lipstick. The texture is more like a lip cream which also makes them not so long lasting.

Doll can be best described as a bright, rosy pink with no hint of shimmer. A single swipe deposits nice, rich color which is buildable for a brighter look. Doll is a very versatile shade, perfect for any season and super affordable. My only gripe with these lipsticks - the packaging. They kinda seem like cheap quality plastic that could break very easily.
Have you tried NYX round lipsticks? Do you like them? What are your favourite shades?

Friday, April 8, 2011

Crabtree and Evelyn Rosewater Hand Therapy

I've always been a huge fan of Crabtree and Evelyn hand creams. They are luxurious, moisturizing and come in so many different variants. I've previously reviewed the La Source Hand Therapy. I really like it a lot but, I like the Rose Water Hand Therapy a little more than that. I've tried so many other fragrances and I always come back to this one. Initially I wasn't sure if I would want to try anything that was 'Rose' based since most of them have a fake rose fragrance, which is headache inducing, if that makes any sense. Not this one! The smell is really pleasant and has a nice, not very overpowering rose smell. It's definitely not the old lady scent and is totally relaxing and comforting when I massage it in at night. 
Sorry about the pic. The tube has been totally used up. I'll post a better pic when I get the next one.


I love the packaging of these creams. They look very classy and chic. These hand creams in general, absorb really fast leaving hands smooth and silky. The thick, non-greasy texture makes it easy to be used during the day too. For the job it does, I think the price ($6 for 25g ,$12 for 50g, $18 for 100g)  is totally justified. With regular use, I am sure it'll reduce dryness to a nice extent.

Availability at all Crabtree and Evelyn outlets and online.

Have you tried Crabtree and Evelyn Rosewater Hand Therapy? How important is fragrance in a hand cream for you? I'd love to know!

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

NOTD - Sinful Colors Mint Apple

I've previously talked about how Sinful Colors makes affordable, nice quality polishes in very unique shades. Mint Apple is a beautiful shade of wearable green with teeny tiny golden shimmer.


I needed two coats for opacity and the gold in it adds a nice twist making it a wearable shade for me. This would look great on toes and would make for a great Spring/Summer polish.

Have you tried Sinful Colors? Do you like Mint Apple? What is your favourite green nail polish?

Sunday, April 3, 2011

The Body Shop Earth Lovers Lemon & Thyme Shower Gel

The Body Shop recently had a special preview of their Earth Lovers Shower Gel($12) for some of their Love Your Body Members. I was allowed to pick a shower gel of my choice. I picked up Lemon & Thyme. Check out the other scents available here. They are free of Sulphates, Parabens & Colorants. So, here is my quick take on this shower gel.



What I like about this shower gel:
  • Smells true to its scent. Lemon & Thyme smells totally divine in the bottle - very fresh and real. I don't detect any plastick-y/artificial scent.
  • I find most Sulphate-free cleansers have a lathering problem. This colorless gel lathers very well and does not leave a film behind. 
  • Cleanses really well without drying. Depending on the weather, you don't even need a moisturizer afterwards.
  • Packaged really well.
  • Free of Sulphates, Parabens,Colorants and 100% biodegradable.

The not-so-great things about this shower gel:
  • The smell does not linger around for a long time.I am not sure if that's the case for all the scents in the Earth Lovers range. Usually, TBS shower gels have a nice aroma that stays. So, if you are looking for a strong burst of fragrance, this might not be the one for you. The smell is very mild once it lathers.
  • The texture is quite watery.
Overall, I would say it's a great buy especially if it's on sale. If you are looking for a sulphate-free alternative and not particularly looking for a super strong scent, give this a shot. They also have a fragrance-free version. I am pretty keen on trying out the other variants as well.

Available online now and in-stores from April 4th, 2011

What do you think of sulphate-free body cleansers? Are you planning to try this? Let me know your thoughts.