ELF complexion brush vs. MAC 134

I got a few questions asking if the ELF complexion brush was similar to MAC 134. While the general shape is similar, the MAC brush is way more fluffier and is wider. Nevertheless, the ELF brush is quite soft, and can be used to apply loose powder on the face quite effectively. But I have been spoiled rotten by the MAC brush - it's so luxuriousness :) Since it's so expensive, I will be carrying my ELF one when I travel..

Hope this helps!





Top: ELF Complexion Brush, Bottom MAC 134

Review: Fresh Rose Mask

What it is:
A hydrating and toning gel mask that contains real rose petals.

What it is formulated to do:
Rose Face Mask is a hydrating and toning gel mask that restores suppleness and radiance to the skin. The first-of-its-kindformula contains real rose petals that literally melt into your skin. The formula contains 50% pure rose floral water and is enriched with cucumber extract, rose oil, aloe vera, and porphyridium cruentum (a "smart" algae that seeks out the areas of your skin that needs moisture the most).

What else you need to know:
This innovative mask, formulated with real rose petals, was certainly an industry first. In fact, when Lev Glazman, co-founder and Director of R&D, initially briefed his team of chemists on the project he was told it couldn't done. After months of research and lab experiments, Rose Face Mask formula was approved and launched in 2001.


My review:
Fresh Rose Mask is bloody expensive! 3.4oz retails for $55. The jar is massive and it should last for at least 6 months if I use it weekly.

As soon as you open the jar, you are enveloped in a soft rose fragrance tempered with cucumber. It is truly fresh!! You can see rose petals suspended in the mask. The texture is like a gel, and the mask when applied is translucent. The color is brown.

I cleanse my skin, dry it and then apply a thin layer of the mask. On my tanned skin, I cant even see the mask. My first thought is how cooling, and soothing it feels. The fragrance is truly luxurious, reminds me of a spa. I leave the mask on for 10 mins and wash it off with warm water.

Results: OMG!! This mask is a god sent for folks with dry flakey skin. I had recently tried an at home microdermabrasion product, and it scrapped my skin OUCH, and left black marks. You know the type you get when you scrape your knee... I had to cover it with 5 layers of concealer and foundation..but I digress. This mask hydrated my skin so much that when I gently rubbed the towel over those scabs, they came off immediately. Halleluiah!!

Overall, if you can shell out the money, I would highly recommend this mask. You must at least get a sample from sephora and give it a try. Let me know what you think. I just know you will love it!!

What are your favorite hydrating masks?

Review: Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment

From sephora.com
What it is:
A rich, velvety balm that dramatically helps repair damaged hair.

What it does:
This now legendary, cult classic features Ojon oil, nature's golden elixir, in its purest, most powerful form. After just one treatment, this rich, velvety balm dramatically helps repair damaged hair and increases strength against breakage. A must-have for lifeless, dull, brittle, frizzy, flyaway, or unmanageable hair, this product restores vibrant health to even the most deeply damaged hair.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Phthalates
- Triclosan

What else you need to know:
This balm is scented with the creamy, sweet aroma of Tonka Bean, Vetiver, and Benjoin.

Research results:
In a dry combing study using shampoo and Restorative Hair Treatment, participants saw 64% improvement in the condition of dry, damaged hair after just one treatment.


My review:
This mask is not cheap. 1.5oz costs $19.50, and 3.1oz is $33.

The consistency is like vaseline. But when you rub it between your hands it melts instantly and turns to oil. I apply it generously to my ends and reduce the amount as I move towards the roots.

I leave it overnight as a treatment, and wash my hair the next day. It did not stain my white cotton pillows. The product reminds me of the times when I was young and my mom used to oil my hair. This never worked for me, since the massage caused a LOT of hair fall. So I no longer oil my hair, and use this product instead.

Results are just stunning!! My hair was becoming rather dry (even after religiously applying the One n Only restorative mask weekly). I felt like my hair needed some over night treatment. The next day I wash with One n Only products and my hair is so shiny, and so soft.

The cons, and these are some serious cons with the product: the product really stinks. Not just of tobacco, but like stale tobacco - I smelt like an ashtray all night. The smell goes away when you wash your hair, thank god.

But, the product makes my hair so beautiful, that I endure the smell. Overall, if you can get past the fragrance issue, you will really enjoy this product. I highly recommend it!!

E.L.F Haul, Part 2

Finally here are the closeups of the ELF Studio brushes. They retail for $3 each!!

Top to bottom: concealer brush, angled foundation brush, eyeshadow 'C' brush



Closeups of the brush heads: (left to right) eyeshadow 'C' brush, angled foundation brush, concealer brush



Top to bottom: Contour Brush, Small Smudge Brush, Small Angled Brush, Small Precision Brush


closeups of the brush heads: (left to right) Small Precision Brush, Small Smudge Brush, Small Angled Brush, Contour Brush


Comparing: Small Smudge Brush (left) vs. Small Precision Brush (right)



Top to bottom: Powder, blush, complexion


closeups of complexion, blush and powder brushes

Review: One 'n Only Argan Oil Products

I am not much of a "hair person", but of late as with skincare, I have decided to reduce the sulphate and parabens in my hair products as well. Also, I recently had a brazilian blowout treatment and got highlights which means I also needed a product that would not fade my color.

After trying many many products, I found the best and most affordable sulphate and paraben free shampoo and conditioner; the brand is called One 'n Only Argan Oil and can be purchased from Sally Beauty.


What I like about these products:

•     Free of sulfates, phosphates and parabens


•     Safe for chemically and color-treated hair: 


•     Provides color protection


•     Affordable. All products mentioned below retail for $9.49 ($8.49 with the sally beauty card). Also sally beauty often has 20-25% off sales.

[1] One 'n Only Argan Oil Shampoo
This product does not strip my hair. It adds volume and improves shine and manageability. The argan oil hydrates my hair. I love it so much that I take multiple bottles for my family when I visit India :-)


[2] One 'n Only Argan Oil Conditioner
While I LOVE the shampoo, the conditioner is okay. Not very moisturusing. This I will not repurchase. If you have dry hair skip this and get the mask below.

[3] One 'n Only Argan Oil Restorative Mask:
I use this in the shower once a week as a heavy conditioner. I leave it on for 15 mins while I shave etc. It product claims to: "help improve texture and manageability. Leaves hair looking healthy with incredible shine. Provides color protection and helps reverse damage caused by environmental factors, heat stress, and chemical color treatments" - and it really delivers!!

E.L.F Haul, Part 1

Work is crazy busy, but I did not want you all to wait forever so here is Part 1 of the close up pics. In this post I will be reviewing the products. In Part 2, I will review the brushes.

[1] Makeup Artist Belt: I dont know why I bought this, since I am clearly not a makeup artist. Perhaps my inner child wanted to play "pretend MUA"..lol..anyhoo, the belt is made surprisingly well. The material is thinner than the MAC belt. The belt holds almost 30-35 brushes. One of these days I will fill it up and take some more pictures.



[2] Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder: This duo is touted as the dupe of NARS Oragasm/Laguna duo. I have both of these shades, so in the coming weeks I will compare the ELF one with NARS and let you know what I think.




[3] Eyebrow Kit (in Dark): This shade is perfect for my skintone. I usually use the NYC brow duo, but I LOVE the fact that the wax is also pigmented!! See my post on how I shape my brows if interested.




[4] Complexion Perfection: This is the worst product in this post. Completely skipabble. It leaves a whitish cast on my face:(



[5] Warm Bronzer: This product is lovely!!! It gives my face a warm glow, its not quite a bronzer on me. I was in a hurry so I used the left bottom yellow color as an eyeshadow wash and it really "woke" my eyes up!

Review It Cosmetics: Bye Bye Undereye Concealer

I am completely loving this concealer nowadays. I have reviewed a ton of concealers here (part 1) and here (part 2). This concealer was included in part 2, so please read the details there.

In this post, I am attempting to include pictures to show you the concealing and brightening effect of this product.

With out concealer. I dont have very back dark circles, but I don have some

Undereye area with concealer. I have not yet applied foundation so the forehead etc is looking really dark in comparison.

Do you like this makeup? Check out this post for details.

MAC "Mac me over" Collection!!!!!!!

It's supposed to be released on Aug 25th. These are some things that I am eyeing!

• Social Light, Curvaceous lipgloss


• Butternutty shadestick


• Equilibrium and stunner blushes


• all neutral eyeshadows if they are unique: Moleskin, Creamy Bisque, carbonized, outre


• Avenue, midnight blues fluidline

What are you planning in getting from this collection?

My everyday face

Work is getting really busy so I have created an everyday routine for myself to cut down the time required to "put my face" on every morning:) Here are the steps that I follow. I have added pictures and links to where you can buy them as well. I really hope this helps!

Step 1: Apply Vit. C serum. I use Avalon Organic Botanicals's Vitamin C Vitality Facial Serum. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant which may repair collagen damage and mitigate the effect of free radicals which damage the skin. This really helps the sunscreen to sink in and be effective (from what I have read).


Step 2: Apply sunscreen. I use La Roche Posay's Anthelios XL in SPF 60+


Step 3: Apply eye cream. I use DERMAdoctor's Wrinkle Revenge Eye


Step 4: Apply foundation. I use MAC Full Coverage Foundation in C40. This is a Pro product ()


Step 5: Apply under corrector. I use Bobbi Brown corrector in Dark Peach. If I am really short on time I use Laura Mercier's Secret Camouflage and skip to Step 7 since the BB corrector and concealer routine takes time to apply, blend and set.


See my post on my fav. concealers on tips on how to apply the LM concealer.

Step 6: Apply concealer. I use Make Up Forever's Full Cover Concealer in #10 (Golden Beige) or Lancome's EFFACERNES Waterproof Protective Undereye Concealer in Medium Bisque


Step 7. Apply powder to set undereye concealer. I use Laura Mercier's Secret Brightening Powder #2

Step 8: Apply powder to set the face. I use MUFE HD Microfinish Powder
Why do I use two different powders? The MUFE powder was making my undereyes look rather dull. The LM one really brightens the undereye. I really recommend it!


Step 9: Do my eyes. Most days, MAC Brule all over as a wash. Tete-a-tint on lid, Texture in crease, Brown Down in outer V. Line upper lashline and waterline with MAC Blacktrack. Curl lashes with Shu curler. Apply mascara (current fav. Bare Escentuals Buxom Lash Mascara)

• My matte Neutrals pallet
• Most frequently used MAC eyeshadow

Step 10: Apply blush. I am totally loving the Bobbi Brown Pot rouges.
Here is my post on my BB pot rouges and swatches.

Step 11: Apply any lipstick/lipgloss

and DONE :):)

Was this post helpful? Do we have any products in common?

My most loved and most frequently used MAC eyeshadows

I have found from experience that MY most used is not equal to most loved since my work demands a conservative look.

So here it goes:

My most frequently used MAC eyeshadows: I use these almost everyday from Mon-Fri.

• Brule (I have finally made a dent in this eyeshadow, I have been using it for months!)
  
• Tete-a-tint
• Saddle
• Texture
• Brown Down
• Carbon

My most loved MAC eyeshadows: I use these most often on weekends and for parties etc.

• Satin Taupe
  
• Deep Truth
• Humid
• Goldmine
• Ricepaper
• Shroom
• Embark
• Follie
• Bronze/Romp (you can pick either)
• Twinks
• Woodwinked
  

Fav. eyelash curler and metal lash comber

Here are my fav. products to curl and comb my lashes:

Curler - Shu Umeru Eyelash Curler




Metal Lash Comb - Sephora Brand's Professionnel Platinum Lash & Eyebrow Comb #21



I wait for my lashes to dry before combing them. I also curl my lashes both before and after applying mascara. Again, please remember to let your lashes dry before curling them.

Foundation review, Part 1

I have tried some new foundation products in the last month or so, and here are my thoughts on them

[1] CoverFX Natural FX Water Based Foundation SPF 15 - M60 Cafe au Lait. The coverage is buildable, and the finish looks really natural. The shade M60 was an exact match!

[2] CoverFX Powder FX Mineral Powder Foundation - M60 Cafe au Lait. While this is a powder foundation and for some the coverage it provide may be enough, for me I used it to set the CoverFX liquid foundation. Both when used together result in a flawless skin!! I was amazed.

The only problem is that they made my face rather dry and I got these dry patches around my nose. I *think* this was due to the foundation since I was not trying anything new.

[3] Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer - Almond and Tan. Almond was slightly ashy around my mouth where the skin is a bit darker than the rest of my face. But on my cheeks etc. Almond matched really well. Tan was perfect arounf the mouth area. But over all the coverage was really minimal.

If you want light coverage then I highly recommend this product! It made my face look like dewy and natural.

[4] Laura Mercier Oil Free Foundation - Golden Beige. Again I loved the texture and the finish of this foundation. Even though I applied two layers (I had pumped extra foundation by mistake), it did not look cakey at all. The only problem is that I am not yet sold on the color match. I think Golden Beige is just a bit pink/ashy on me. I will use it for some more time and update this review.

Lakme haul pics and a few swatches

Hi All,

Here are some haul pics and a few swatches of the Lakme Bridal Sutra Collection.

Bridal Sutra 2009

Eye Artist - Outline, define and intensify your eyes in one easy stroke. Bring out the artist in you. Create wings or bold, structured eyes. Eye Artist is a unique foam tip eye liner pen that gives you complete control and precise lining so you can experiment till you get that ultimate, dynamic look.

The color is intense black, the felt tip is nice and thin, and the color stays on all day. I was very impressed!



------------------------------------------------------
Glide On LIPCOLOR - Glide On is a lip pencil that glides on smoothly, stays creamy, and keeps lipstick, gloss, and lip tint from feathering out of bounds. Use it to define your lip-line or fill your lips with a coat of sumptuous color in shades of barely-there nudes to crushed ginger shades.

I got two shades Honey Crush and Rose Shimmer.


Honey Crush on Top, Rose Shimmer in the middle, Just kiss lip and cheek tint on the bottom



Just Kissed CHEEK AND LIP TINT - Just Kissed Cheek and Lip Tint is a revolutionary, new product that adds a pop of color to your cheeks and lips giving a freshly flushed look. The silky gel works into your skin and adapts to your complexion into the shade you blush naturally. Highlight your cheeks with a flush of color for that just-blushed look. Dab evenly on your lips for a berry-kissed look.



The swatch is on the pic on top (with the lip liner).

------------------------------------------------------------
Enrich Matte LIPCOLOR- Enrich Matte is a lip color with super rich moisturisers combined with a silky matte texture to give you a natural, soft look. In delicious shades of nudes, peaches, roses and honey.

I got shade numbers - 662, 525, 526, 264, 127




Swatches below: 662 (top), 525, 526, 264, 127 (bottom)



-------------------------------------------------------------
Pure Rouge BLUSHER Pure Rouge is a pure pressed powder blusher that provides sheer, lightweight application. Color builds lightly layer after layer without heavy coverage. The natural shades delicately highlight the apples of your cheeks and add a warm glow to your complexion.

These are one of my favs, and a big surprise - pigmentation and texture are divine!! I got Honey Bunch(left) and Ginger Surprise (right). Ginger surprise looks a LOT like NARS Orgasm, but much peachier! LOVE LOVE LOVE it!




Next are some products from Bridal Sutra 2008 and from some other lines

Lipstick colors are: (left to right) 157, d117, d653, apple crush, taupe



Liquid eyeliner colors are: (left to right) Olive, Brown Shimmer, Onyx


Some swatches of the eyeliner: (left to right) Olive, Brown Shimmer, Onyx





Last we have Eyepot (cream eyeshadow) in Jade



The color and pigmentation are awesome again, but it creases like hell..this was the only disappointment in the entire haul.

Which are your favorite products?

Which mascara wins?

I tried two Loreal mascaras:
1. Telescopic (regular in gold tube).
2. Volume Shocking

Which one do you like better - or neither?

Picture below - no mascara (sorry no makeup either)



Volume Shocking


Telescopic



Comparison of both - please click to see a larger view


I think Volume Shocking gave slightly longer and fuller lashes, but clumped them like crazy (think Twiggy). What do you guys think?

My top 5 MAC pigments

Hi Makeup Loving Lovelies,

Here are my top five MAC pigments that I use the most:

1. Vanilla (beige gold color) - a must have for highlighting browbone and cheekbones. Love it! I could probably use a whole jar of this pigment.

2. Melon (peachy gold color) - I also use this to highlight cheekbones specially for dramatic and "warm" looks. This is beautiful as a lid color paired with bronzes, browns, teals...

3. Teal (jewel toned peacock green color) - You see me using this color a LOT! I love it as a eyeliner for upper lashline and waterline. Use a little bit of distilled water or MAC Fix+ to add intensity. I also use this as an eyeshadow for evening looks

4. Sweet Sienna (greenish taupe with gold shimmer) - This is a complicated color to explain since on me it totally changes depending on the base and colors that I pair it with. I love pairing it with MAC Smoke and Diamonds, Teal pigment.

5. Gold and Silver (pro colors) - It was tough picking between the two. If you forced me to pick one, I would pick Gold since I use it more than Silver, but I feel like both are such gorgeous and must have colors.

A few other favorites that I dont use very often: Emerald Green, Your Ladyship, Naked.

Where should I buy the pigments?
I usually get them at the MAC store or try your local CCO. The MAC Pro stores are very generous with the samples if you buy a few products from them.

Or you can try - https://www.starsmakeuphaven.com and http://shopcraze.com
(Disclaimer: 1. I am in no shape or form associated with the above websites. 2. I have personally not bought from the above two places and I cant attest to their authenticity, but I hear these two websites are popular among my friends.)

What are you favorite MAC pigments?

How to do beautiful crease work for less?

I do love my MAC brushes #217, #219, #224, #222, and #226 for my crease work, but if you are on a budget do try the Essence of Beauty crease brushes. They are so soft, they dont shed and they pick up and apply color really well. I am very very impressed.

Here are the Essence Of Beauty Crease Brush Duo Eyes brushes that I have tried and recommend for the crease. I bought these from CVS for only $5.49 + taxes.


Product details (source cvs.com):
The Essence of Beauty Crease Duo Brushes will define crease area by creating the perfect contour. Use in crease of eye with any eye shadow. Reusable cosmetic pouch; just cut where perforated. Superior hair quality styled for the discriminating customer. Essence of Beauty's plush cosmetic brushes are made of high quality, authentic hairs and fibers. Buy Essence of Beauty luxurious cosmetic accessories for all the benefits of high-end, department store brands at just the right price.

Review: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid Daily Sunblock SPF 55

Source: Ulta.com

My thoughts:
It is so hard for us dark skintoned ladies to find a sunscreen that has high SPF and does not create a white mask effect. My search is officially over! I am in love with the  Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid Daily Sunblock SPF 55. It retails for approx. $13 at any drugstore (CVS, Walgreens, Rite aid etc.)

It  absorbs very quickly and gives a sheen (not greasy at all, but not completely matte). It's perfect for my dry skin. Foundation goes on so well over this sunscreen and seems to stay on longer, so this sunscreen acts like a primer for me as well. The only negative part is the amount of product/size of the bottle - its quite small, and I am sure I will finish the sunscreen in 2-3 weeks.

Ingredients:
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (10%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (7.5%), Oxybenzone (5%)

Inactive Ingredients: Water, Cetyl Dimethicone, Silica, Styrene/Acrylataes Copolymer, C12 15 Alkyl Benzoate, Pentylene Glycol, Steareth 2, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polyester 7, Chlorphenesin, Bisabolol, Disodium EDTA, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, BHT, Mannan, Xanthan Gum, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Camelia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Diethylhexyl 2 6 Naphthalate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Pantothenic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance (Parfum)

What is your favorite sunscreen for this summer?

Review: DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

Are you lazy like me? lol ..Are you always too tired by the time you come home that even the thought of removing makeup pains you..(like it does me)..

If you answered yes, then I have an easy peesy solution for you - DHC Deep Cleansing Oil.



How do you use this? Take a couple of squirt and massage it on your face. As you gently massage it over your lids, you will notice that even waterproof mascara comes off SUPER easy! Next just wash your face with water. As soon as water comes in contact with the oil, it rinses right off (its like magic:):)

I highly highly recommend this product (specially for folks who have dry skin)! It's a must have for me!