N.Y.C Blushable Crème Stick - Berry Newyorker

Spring is almost here ! As I say this I see beautiful snow flakes falling through my window...

Such an optimist !

When Spring does get here, I've got a little something that will keep you looking fresh and gorgeous - The Blushable Crème Stick ($3.99) from New York Color.

Creamy Natural Goodness

I have been a huge fan of Clinique Blushwear Creme Sticks for ever and the new NYC blush able creme sticks are almost similar except they are a bit more moisturizing and I only pay $3.99 for it - crazy deal, y'all ! The creme sticks have a creamy , oil- free formula that looks uber natural. All I do is dot it on my cheek and blend with my fingers. It stays put for 3 hours or so; at which point I'd like go in for a touch up. I highly recommend these to creme blush novices - its hard to wrong with it.

Though they are blushes, the twist up sticks double up very well as lipsticks ! On my lips they look almost matte though on the cheeks they have a creamy/ silky finish.

Shades

The two shades I tried were South St.Seashell - a perfect peach ( may be a lil darker peach) and Berry Newyorker - a neutral beige. Both shades work great with my NC-40 skin tone. These two shades didn't have any frost or shimmer to it - just creamy colors !

There are plenty more shades to choose from. Next time I'm gonna go looking for some pinky shades - what is spring without some pink to it, right !

Available Shades: Plaza Pink, Big Apple Blush, Urban Spice, South Street Seashell, Mauvin’ Uptown, Berry New Yorker

Have any of you tried these blushable creme sticks ? I'd love to hear which shades you got and how they perform !

myfaceworks Paper Face Masks : Review

I've been saving these for a day when I would need them the most. And when you want something so much, getting it as a reward for good behavior makes you savor it a lot more.

Paper Facial Masks 101

If you've never tried paper facial mask , I highly recommend ones from myfaceworks! They have 12 different types of paper masks , each with its own purpose like brightening, healing, detox-ing and plenty others. The paper facial masks come individually packed. Each one is in the shape of a face with holes cut out around eyes , mouth and flap over the nose. This paper comes soaked in a viscous gel filled with ingredients that are good for your skin. You simple tear open the pack, pull the paper mask over your face and go about doing what you do !

Or you could do what I do :
Pick out a quiet, dark spot in your house.
Play some soothing music.
Cleanse your face
Pull the mask on and relax for 20 minutes.

While you are at it, clear your mind and enjoy the few minutes of alone time. I like to tap my fingers on my forehead, temples and between my brows where we store our stress. I've heard this also helps disperse fluid that get retained around the eyes.

Relaxing & Stress Diffusing Y'all !

The mask has a soothing , cooling effect on my skin which continues for 20 - 30 minutes. After 30 - 40 minutes it slowly starts drying. But before than five minutes into the "experience" you will feel all the stressed muscles on your face relax . I didn't know that my muscles were so tight and so stressed out. It took a relaxing 30 minutes to pull those muscles out and place em where they belong in their non stressed state.

Relaxing and stress diffusing apart - it is a wonderful moisturizer. Even if it does not replace my regular moisturizer on my dry skin I think folks with all kinds of skin will love the way it drenches your skin with a fountain of supple soft skin nourishing goodness ! And bonus - it smells divine !

You & Me - We Need It

After a long day at work with a nagging boss or a coworker who steals your ideas or after a day at the library trying to catch up on classes - you need this to make you feel calm and prepare you to go through with it all over again tomorrow. It never ends, i tell ya !

Or if you are a mother with tiny (or grown up) kids running around trying your patience - you need this to give you a moment of piece. And if that moment comes only at night just before you hit the bed - take it. I swear the mask is truly the most relaxing experience a paper can bring.

MOM Needs It The Most

Mother's day is coming up soon and I am putting together a " Love You, Maa" package for my mom with my sister. This one is on top of my list ! We all know how moms are - stressed out is one word that almost always applies to them !

Smashbox Blush Rush - Chiffon, Paradise, Bare : Review & Swatches

I wanted to show you guys the three Smashbox blushes I've tried and *love* so much. As always Smashbox Blush Rush Blushes are of excellent quality ! Very very finely milled , silky texture, great pigmentation without being overly so. The blushes give a warm soft glow, not glitter what so ever- very glamorous , very Hollywood !

Bare is my top pick for days when I wear red lipsticks or a deep wine / burgundy shades on my lips. Its gives a barely there color but high glowy sheen which I die for. I don't have to mess with highlighters or glittery foundations - this one product gives me everything I need !

Paradise is a warm apricot blush made for gorgeous spring days and Chiffon is a warm shimmery golden pink that every girl dreams of. I love pairing Paradise with a shimmery gloss like Smashbox Lip Gloss - Luster / Stila Kitten Lip glaze or a beige nude lipstick. Chiffon is my favorite blush to pair with any kinda pink / fuchsia / nude lipsticks !

Aveeno Positively Smooth Facial Moisturizer

Traditionally it has always been easy for me to find something to soothe my dry skin during winter months. I try a couple and most often if they are a bit heavy - they keep me happy. And when all else fails I just slather on some olive oil !

Summers have never been easy. And around here Summer starts in April. It gets HOT and I get irritated. To top it all off my skin gets oily and keeps me looking every bit tired as the sun makes me. Finding a moisturizer to soothe my summer skin has been a challenge. But this year I am happy I've found something way before the heat hits !

The Aveeno Positively Smooth Facial Moisturizer is going to keep me happy .

The moisturizer is light, non greasy, non sticky, has a pleasant smell and almost vanishes into my skin. It gives me some moisture and soothes my skin. Aveeno also writes about how this product is suppose to minimize the appearance of unwanted hair but I'm not buying into it, yet. The pump model is great . You can close it so nothing drips off .

Bobbi Brown Natural Finish Long Lasting Foundation SPF 15

Available in 20 Shades.Perfect for oily and normal/combination skin.
Offers...
Balancing
This oil-free formula hydrates and controls shine where you need it. Sponge-like powders
absorb excess oil on the surface of the skin, while emollients lock in moisture to ensure
skin stays perfectly balanced.
All Day Wear
Transfer-resistant formula helps create a barrier against heat and humidity for 8 hours of
wear. Even in the most humid climates, makeup stays in place.
Natural, Soft-Matte Finish
This new formula contains an oil-free emulsion system that delivers a blend of finely milled
pigments, spherical powders, and mica for natural-looking coverage.

Smashbox Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder : Review

A few weeks back I received this wonderful email from reader Reehana. She introduced me to some of her makeup favorites and among them was the Smashbox Halo Hydrating Powder. I've been a big fan of the product since December. But before I tell ya why I love it, listen to what Rehaana had to say ...

"Smashbox halo powder is another miracle worker for me. Give it a few minutes to settle into your skin and it makes your face just glow. I don't have great skin but this stuff works so well for me that people (by people I mean overly nosey aunties who like to invade your personal space and loudly ask you awkward questions in large crowds) have been accusing me of having the "pregnancy glow." I suppose it doesn't help that I recently got married so everyone is already checking their watches, lol. Aaaah, desis..."

LOL !

I got a sample of the powder along with the Perfect Complexion kit (Medium) that was released during Christmas last year.

Can ya believe its February already ! Time is doing more than flying...

My Thoughts

If you

hate the heavy feeling of makeup,
or are new to makeup
or hate the white cast that come from most translucent powders...

you have got to try the Halo powder . Its lighter than feather and vanishes onto your skin leaving behind a softly iridescent finished face. I use it over my liquid foundation in place of translucent powder. Given how sheer it is , I may not recommend it for coverage as such. But if you have fairly clear face and just need a finishing touch grab this pronto !

I've worn this on days when my skin was super dry and drenched with moisturizer and loved the semi matte, barely there coverage. I also use it to set my concealer, where a powder as light as this is perfect coz it doesn't alter the texture around the eyes. Some powders suck up all the moisture and make my eye area dry and flaky.

The design is a hit with me. I am the worst when it comes to storing loose powders but find pressed powders too heavy for a light makeup kinda days. So, this built in shaver has my heart.

More On The Product

The product is said to be great on mature skin. Some statistics mentioned on their site are : after 10 minutes there is a 33% decrease in the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes. And after 6 weeks of use, there is a 67% decrease in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles overall.

The formulation consists of pure gold, 48 minerals, 11 amino acids and a powerful peptide that are said to deliver powerful anti-aging benefits while their patented hydration system continuously revitalizes skin for a brighter, more radiant complexion all day.

The Halo powders are all Oil-free, Talc-free, and Paraben-free & come with a custom Kabuki brush and a sample of the Photo Finish Foundation Primer.

Overall though I cant say much on the anti aging benefits, I love it for it does !

In Other News

Did you have a good Valentines day ? Relaxed and pumped up to start the week ?

I had one of the greatest times ! Will put up some pics soon but lemme tell you this - I almost touched a giraffe , got face to face with a zebra, got scared $hit by an antelope and five feet away from a leopards ! One of the most surreal experiences a city girl can have !

I am in love with this song by Lady Antebellum ...yay for country singers !



Love,
Indian Girl

Smashbox Heartbreaker Collection Spring 2010 - Baked Fusion Soft Lights - Starlights : Review & Swatches

Anybody check out the new Heartbreaker Collection from Smashbox yet ?

The one word that keeps coming to me is : FUN !

And loads of it. The flirty pinks, juicy lip glosses, bright eye shadows - all super fun ! They are perfect for the upcoming Valentine's day as they are for a bright and sunny spring !

Oh Spring...
Doesn't seem so far away, anymore !


The -is it there? Naa, it not !- look

One, if you haven't tried the Fusion Soft Lights / baked Fusion Soft Lights products from Smashbox - I'd recommend you swatch them at Sephora on your next trip. I've had their Fusion Soft Lights in Dusk for a while now and its been my default everyday highlighter. Nobody will ever know you have a highlighting product on - its subtle and almost like a soft sheen ! We can of course build up the sheen to a full on highlighter but I prefer the - is it there? Naa, it not ! look.

Starlight - Its Pink & Natural !

The new Baked Fusion Soft Lights in Starlight($30) is no different in its glow - very soft, natural and subtle. For this picture below I layered it more than a couple of times so you can see the pink. Just so very romantic without being the cheesy regular pink. The softness comes from the mixture of shades - all combining forces to create a gorgeous wash of color. And the uses are very many !
Its a great product for light to medium skin tones to use as a blush ! For medium - medium dark / deeper skin tones, I'd say this would be more of a subtle highlighter than a pink blush - the color may not show up so much.

Have you tried Soft lights ? I hear Kim Kardashian is a big fan of these !


Love,
Indian Girl

This article contains a sample product sent for consideration by PR. For more details on the disclosure policy please refer to it at the bottom of the page.

St. Tropez Radiance Mousse : Review & Swatches : Easy Highlighter

For over a month now I've been using this product almost everyday. If it means anything I even wore it on my birthday. I dab it on top of every blush and use it on my bare face even. Its just so easy to work with.

The St. Tropez Radiance Mousse is a bronzy peach mousse that can be used to highlight your cheeks, shoulders, décolletage, the front of the legs - anywhere, to give a light shimmer effect. The product has sheer to medium pigmentation and comes in a whipped mousse like texture which is what makes it so easy to work.


I'm really not much of a décolletage person.
Not to be confused with no décolletage person.
Wait, that's not coming out right...

I'm really not much of a décolletage highlighting person.
That doesn't sound right either...

This is a family fun blog so lets forget the whole décolletage talk.

I'm a highlighted glowy cheeks person and keep this mousse right on top of my makeup cabinet so I can reach for it all the time. All I need is one dot on either cheeks and Dab it using my finger tips.

Do not use a brush. I repeat Houston - DO NOT use a brush.
Everything will be ruined . A dot and a clean finger is all you need.



The best part is the value - For $35 you get 41 grams of product. In other words for $35 you get almost six MAC Cream Blushes ($18.50 for 6 grams) !

You do the math.
Not really.
I've already done it for you.

Its Wednesday and I've got a giveaway coming up soon. Are you ready ?

I said - ARE YOU READY ????

Love,
Indian Girl

This article contains a sample product sent for consideration by PR. For more details on the disclosure policy please refer to it at the bottom of the page.

Illamasqua Bronzing Duo - Glint & Writhe , Blush - Create : Review & Swatches

I talked about a bronzer / blush combo that I've been crazy about all week ! And this is it folks.

This is it.

Its the Illamasqua Bronzing Duo - Glint & Writhe paired with Illamasqua blush - Create.

Create is a beautiful honey beige. I had no idea how to describe the color ! So, I went on Sephora and they called it honey beige. Come to think of it ...Create is a warm deep beige !


This is a shade that naturally contours without meaning to. It is what I call a super shade - will look brilliant on everybody, blondes, brunettes & goddesses with raven hair. Personally I am glad to be moving away from the regular often repeated peach, apricots, pinks and rose shades. Honey Beige is my new IT shade.

Vampie Alert !

The winter has made my skin very pale. Very very pale. Almost vampire like. I scare myself at night, I kid you not. I look like all the life blood has been sucked out of me. So I need this, I need Create to bring back life onto my face. I am also taking some iron supplements but that is no fun.

With my Smashbox Blush Brush I apply Create along my cheekbone. Not on the apples of my a cheeks. Along the cheek bone.

That's not all. I'm not done yet

I then take my Clinique fluffy blush and apply the darker shade of the bronzing duo under the cheek bone. Follow with the lighter shade on the apples of my cheeks.

And then just throw a bit of both along the hair line on my forehead.


The last time I got this excited over a bronzer, was for the one from Bobbi brown. However, I find the Illamasqua duo a lot more easier to apply . It is a more versatile shade and gives me the glow as oppose to the bronzing that my Bobbi Brown Bronzer does. This is my quick fix to liven a dead face. And it has a partner in crime.

The effect - bronze goddess with killer cheeks / cheekbones. All this with hardly any effort on contouring, highlighting and special products.

Now you know why I went to bed dreaming of it and woke up excited to be able to wear it.

Makeup Math

The Illamasqua bronzing duo is 4grams of each color , total 8 grams for $28. The Bobbi brown bronzer is 9 grams of product for $33.

The Illamasqua blush is 4.5 grams for $23. MAC powder blushes are $18 for 6 grams of product. Bobbi Brown Blushes are 3.7 grams for $22.


Celebrity Inspirations


This is exactly what the combo of Create + Glint & Writhe does to me. The shade on Kim K is not ordinary peach. It is honey beige. Gorgeous ! Also this is how I am working the blush these days ! Very sexy !


Kate Moss too ! Her blush is honey beige ! See how it contours her cheeks without meaning to ? That's what I'm talking about !

In Other News...

I am planning on opening a new segment on AIMB.

Though I would die without a bronzer, the one makeup product I always have on is a lipstick. Sometimes lip gloss or lip balm but essentially I always have a lip product on. So I am thinking about doing a Daily Lip Look. Just posting what ever I have on, that day and you guys can share with me what you have on ! May be even send in pictures !

Who is up for this ? Am I setting myself up for too much ? I know it will be fun and it'll help us put an effort into digging out the sleeping shades and putting them to good use. New lip combos will be made....

Also what should we call this segment ?

Help me out here, will ya ?

Love,
Indian Girl

The Body Shop Holiday Makeup Collection 2009 - Eye & Cheek Palette : Review & Swatches

Hello Ladies !

Hope you had a good night's sleep.

That's exactly what I hope. Because I did not until 2 AM. My neighbors lost their clock and forgot the concept of Inside Voices - hence the above. But we wont talk about that....


Lets talk about happy things like this little makeup palette that comes packaged like a jewelry box. I know this because my mom has a set of pearls that came in a similar casing. Anything that comes in a jewelery like casing makes the best gift ! It has four eyeshadow ( frosty lilac , frosty purple, gray, shimmery black) and a pretty rose blush. The palette was for $26 but is now listed for $13 on The Body Shop site !!! At $13 its a great bargain ! You'll see why ....



The Eye & Cheek Palette is cute and is about the size of your hand. A great one to pick up and drop into your purse for a touch up later. However given the shades, I don't see one dropping it into my purse unless....

Unless you have a dinner date .

A dinner date with a tall man.

A dinner date with a tall handsome man.

A dinner date with a tall handsome man with dimples.

A dinner date with a tall handsome man with dimples and you know you will be late at work and will not have time to get back home and dress up. Then. Then I see you dropping this kit into your purse along with a nude lip gloss.

Tall handsome man with dimples loves smokey eyes and nude lips ! Its a scientifically proven fact.

Good move dropping the kit into your purse ! And, Good luck on the hot date !

Love,
Indian Girl

This article contains a sample product sent for consideration by PR. For more details on the disclosure policy please refer to it at the bottom of the page.

Vitamin E Oil + Green Tea = Super Soft Skin

I've had this bottle of Vitamin E Oil for a while now. I've used it on and off but because it feels so heavy on my face I never got to religiously using it.

A couple of days back I took it out again. The thing is this - I'm off coffee. No coffee since four days. Not a diet, its a just - like - that thingy.

Its like this - I ran out of milk and coffee and haven't made the trip to the grocers yet. And since I cant have coffee anytime after early morning I don't get to it the rest of the day. Because I'm off coffee and I still need something hot in the morning, I started on green tea - Lipton Green Tea with Mandarin . This one is pretty good. I don't mind the taste at all.


From all the left over tea bags I collected, I decided to do the Green tea face mask. Except this time I added Vitamin E oil to the tea leaves. The tea leaves ended up being too big to stick to my face . So I squeezed the leaves to get all the juice outta them and patted it all over my face with the Vitamin E Oil. Kept this on for 30 minutes. Then I wet my hand with warm water and massaged my face for a bit . Next in the shower I let the hot water on my face and did not use any cleanser.

Once I was out, I could feel the joy that comes from a super soft face.

This can be done with any oil. My best friend uses Baby Oil. I wanna use up the Vitamin E Oil I had . Plus its known to be a good nutrient for the skin, right ? The Green Tea hopefully did its part and added the anti oxidants !

Moral Of The Story : Oil + Water = Soft Well Moisturized Skin

Oil on its own , on dry skin doesn't get absorbed well and feels heavy. But with a bit of warm water , it gets absorbed well, feels lighter and the results are blog worthy !

I will be visiting a Asian store this weekend. Anybody tried the powdered green tea ? I've heard it makes for a great face mask. Any ideas on what else I can pick up from there, beauty wise ? I know I need Oyster & Fish sauce.

Love,
Indian Girl

Avon U By Ungaro Color Collection : Review & Swatches

Hiya Ladies !

Happy December ! Gosh I missed y'all ! I missed writing. Just a whole lotta missing happening .

As promised its Avon's turn today . Every now and then I try something from Avon and I'm reminded about how terribly underrated the brand is. When I was younger, to me Avon was not cool. But not anymore, I think they make some great stuff in makeup and skincare !


The U by Ungaro for Avon Lipstick in Glam is a Fuchsia pink - absolutely fabulous texture and finish. I have a lot of mauve tones in my lips naturally so the lipstick comes off looking a lot more fuchsia on me. But if you have pale lips or lips with more red in it , this one will turn into a pretty pink. Add a winter hat and you'll be cutest little thing on your street !


The Face Shimmer Powder is actually blush. A hot pink center surrounded by a nude mauve powder. Check that color out in action ! Personally I am feeling this on tanned/Medium / medium Dark / Dark skin tones. It might be a bit much on lighter skin tones unless you have a feather light hand. Blending the two shades makes for a very easy blush color.


The hot pink is too pretty for words. It has me all giggly like I was sitting at The Rodeo looking at TX /Oklahoma cowboys in their firm fitting wranglers and cowboy hats battling it out in the ring.

I'd do anything for that sight...Gosh, the wranglers...

The Eyeshadow in Glam is a golden champagne color that fits perfectly into the collection ( I watch Project Runway, okay.). Except the texture is terribly crumbly and glittery. I used it as an all over color on my eyes three days back and I can still see huge chunks of glitter at random spots on my face.

Not a good look even in a glitter friendly state like TX.

If you plan on checking these out a good order to follow would be - lipstick - blush - eyeshadow or just lipstick - blush.

In Other News...

Thank you for sharing all your songs ! I'm gonna share mine now. Its a ridiculously cute song . The singer of this song tweeted about her new song and that's how I caught on to it !

Gist of the song : Nerd boy likes the popular girl at school. He sings about his love but reminds himself that they are too different so love is impossible.



Bit cheesy. But hey Cheese is good and yummy !

Love,
Indian Girl

This article contains a sample product sent for consideration by PR. For more details on the disclosure policy please refer to it at the bottom of the page.

RAW Minerals Discovery Kit. : Review. Everything You Need But Do You Really Need Everything ? And A 50 % Discount Offer !!!

Hiya Ladies !

This morning I set out writing a post on Boys but then I got into other things and never finished it. I then figured we need a dose of it on any given day. So I'll be sure to post it on Wednesday - just when you need it the most.

Or I .

Instead lemme get to a story on foundation. I thought it would be a great followup, now that we have shared a few tips on how to apply foundation better.


I've been testing out the RAW Minerals Discovery Kit for a while now. I used it for a couple of weeks, took a break during the dry skin period and went back on it once my skin was back to normal. Been back on it for a couple of weeks now and its all been good !

The RAW Minerals Discovery Kit comes with 7 items

Two Different Foundation Shades
Mineral Glow
Active Veil SPF 18
Concealer Brush
Multi tasking Retractable Brush
Maximum Coverage ( Flat Top) Foundation brush

The Foundations

I went with the Medium Kit. The kit came with two foundation - L3 and M1.

M1 is just the perfect shade that matches my skin tone. Especially my chin which is notorious for being a shade darker than rest of my face. I love the choice of having two foundations. We can either mix the two together to make a suitable shade or you do what I do. I use M1 on my whole face and then dust L3 lightly on the center of my face. My eyes, extending it to the top my cheekbones , nose and center of the chin. The result is the JLO like effect. The one where she looks bright and awake !

I love the foundation a bit more than my Clinique powder foundation. Its like adding a dose of Vitamin C to my face. Just pumps it up, infuses it with energy and warmth. I find most powder foundations dull and anything but exciting. This one is different. Mostly because it doesn't cake up in four hours to make me look like a cracked doll. What you see at the beginning of the day is almost exactly what you will look like after eight hours. That, that to me is magical !

PS : Ignore the fact that I just called myself a doll ! Good God what have I come to !

L to R : Nekkid skin, One layer of M1 , Two layers of M1 + bronzing powder

The Others

The Flat Top Brush is very good at laying the foundation and blending it into the skin. It feels light and stays on for hours. I do use a primer underneath (Smashbox Photofinish Oil Free Primer). Personally I think a primer is necessary for powder foundations. Just as much as bread is to a good sandwich.

The Mineral Glow is a bronzing powder and is just as good as the foundations. You know I cannot live without bronzers and my light olive oil mayo. But that's another story for another time.

The Active Veil is a setting powder with SPF 18. Though the power of powder SPF's is debatable, I would any day choose one with it than one without it. It being SPF. Though the powder looks white-ish, it is a translucent powder and doesn't make skin look any bit lighter.

But Then....

Yeah there are a few but thens...

The retractable brush is not great. The retractable part is great . The brush part is not. I would have loved it if they use the same material they used to make the flat top brush. Now that one is fab !

You order online so there isn't a chance to try it out forehand.

You must have a good understanding of what your skin tone is. Most of us have an idea. It could be the wrong idea. Just saying...

I lucked out when I ordered Medium. The photos on their site helped me. But mostly its the several foundation runs I've done in the past years to Sephora and Nordstrom that have given me a good understanding of my skin tone. I strongly suggest spending the rest of the weekends this year at Nordstrom . Its a good lesson to learn.

It comes in a sifter jar. I dislike sifter jars with a passion.

And then there is the question of what if ? What if you didn't want the other shade ? Just the one shade is working wonders - I'd rather have two of this one ! Not possible.

The kit costs $180.
It is all natural, mostly organic product. Still $180 ?

Each foundation box contains 2g (0.07 oz) of product. We get two of these foundations in the kit. If bought individually each costs $30. Though it is an all natural mostly organic product, I am not sold on the price. My Clinique Super Balanced Makeup Mineral Foundation has 17 grams (0.63 oz) of product and costs $34.50. And it comes with a futuristic grinder that shaves the right amount of foundation for me.

Told you, I love gadgets !!

But Just For You Offer

The folks at RAW Minerals have a wonderful offer for AIMB readers. You can now order the kit for $90 . That is a 50% discount ! Not 10 or 15 or even 20. A full 50 percent !!

And...FREE shipping too !

All you have to do is use the promotion code DISCOVERY50 during check out. There is no minimum amount of purchase required for this code. You can order anything and use the code for it.

This essentially brings down the average price of each product in the kit form $25.71 to $12.85. And if we get only the foundation, it will be for $15. And $15 only. Yay for free shipping !

Offer ends on 12/31/2009

Dinner Table Conversation

The kit was sent to AIMB to be considered for a post. I have been sent a few mineral foundations from different brands in the past but they never made it because they weren't fun or exciting. This one was fun and hence I write about about it.

You can now give it a go at $90 but what about later ? Later when you are as addicted to it as I am, would you pay $30 to get 2 grams of your foundation fix ? Just something to think about when you're having lunch this afternoon. Or dinner. Its a great topic for dinner table conversation !

I think so.

Which reminds me, I need FOOD now .

Love,
Indian Girl

Sally Hansen Natural Beauty 5 Minute Face Kit : Review

Its the Holidays !

Well, technically not yet but we're almost there ! I know we're almost there because it smells like cinnamon and other holiday spices around my apartment building. I get out and I'm like...

Oh No You Didn't. Oh No. They bust out their Holiday home fragrances, man !

I don't have the holiday fragrances yet. So, I am busting out the value kits. Today its Sally Hansen Natural Beauty 's turn with their 5 Minute Face Kit. I have loved this brand since it came into being a couple of years back. Almost everything has worked well for me and the price is almost always right.


This 5 Minute Face Kit has gotten me more excited than the bulls at the Rodeo !

I said bulls not cowboys. Nothing is more exciting than cowboys. *Drools* TX cowboys !

The Kit has 5 items. A minute per item. And they come in three shades - Light, Medium and Dark. Each kit has products that should help enhance features of skin tone in that range.

Luminizing Face Primer
Concealer
Blush
Eyeshadow Trio
Lip gloss

The primer is brilliant stuff ! It is a bit shimmery but all shimmer is forgiven during winter. So I say, Go for it. Thelma. Go for it !

Concealer , I'll write a lot about it soon.

The eyeshadow I have talked about them here. Almost a year back ! But they are still making them good !
The lip gloss in Sparkling Champagne is perfect for light - medium skin tones. A beautiful flesh toned shade with a hint of shimmer. Some of my other favorite shades are here with swatches .The blush ( Cherub) is a peachy pink "I-am-an-angel. Don't believe me ? Look at my cheeks " kinda color. That is the exact description that would be on he box had I made it.

But wait. So you think they put a items in a kit call it 5 minute kit and I'll get excited over it ?

No. Absolutely not. Check out the receipt below to know the most exciting part about the kit and the deal I've set up for y'all !


Its worth $45 but the CVS guy knows you read AIMB and he'll give it to you for $12.99. Just for you ! No Jokes. All true story.

Okay I had nothing to do with the deal. But if you give it a try, it'll still $12.99. AIMB reader or not !

Love,
Indian Girl

Kenzo Cream With A Sheen : Review. For a Luminous Pearly Sheen On Your Skin !

Ladies, I'd like to divide y'all into two groups now. But you will divide into three.

I'd like all my lovely ladies with oily skin AKA the oilies to come to my right.

The rest stay where you are. I'll get back to you later.

Now oilies, run. Run as far as you can. Run like the devil herself is chasing you.
This devil ain't wearing no Prada. She is wearing comfortable Nikes with Foot petals in it for extreme comfort.

So. Run.
Faster. Faster. Faster.

Okay so now that we've sent away the oilies. I'd like my girls with dry skin to my left.
Lets call us - The Dryers. This story is for you.

I once had a dryer write to me asking what she can do to make her skin look oily. We all know what that meant. We want that sheen that comes naturally on oily skin.We don't want the parched lifeless look.

Thanks to some bad acne , four weeks back and some very good anti acne products that dried the living hell out of those pimples - I was left with super dry skin on my face.

Why the acne ? Chocolates.

Worse they weren't even good chocolates. I ate them because I had them.
Okay they weren't even chocolates . They were semi sweet chocolate chips.
Bad bad bad.

But no matter what the folks at Pro Active say, I still believe stress + chocolates = acne.

To add moisture back into my face and get rid of the lifelessness I started using Kenzo - Cream With A Sheen. It is a super hydrating product that also gives an overall luminous glow to your skin. I apply the cream and all I see is cream. But in a couple of minutes I notice the pearly glare all over my face. It is not shimmery, it is a sheen - like they say. Like the sheen on top of a pearl. And then I wait a couple more minutes and let out an Aaah...!

The same Aaah...! you let out after water reaches your dry throat.

The moisture hits your skin like the water from a sprinkler hits the earth on a dry hot Teaaaxan summer day.

However, use very little. I cannot assume that same beautiful result will come from adding loads of it. Loads of it and the devil will be chasing you too. In Nikes nonetheless !

Absolutely wonderful product that will break your bank at $58. But will leave you with the most beautiful, angel like, illuminated , luxurious feeling skin in the world !

I'm not done yet. I said I'll divide you into two groups but you'll become three. You did ! The third group - combis . Thank you for your patience. You know where your skin is at. Follow the path to breaking your bank err...luminous skin or run away if you've got the oilies.

Love,
Indian Girl

Estee Lauder Holiday 2009 Ultimate Red Collection - Opulent Shimmer Powder : Review & Swatches

The New Ultimate Red Collection from Estee Lauder is a brilliant mix of golds and striking reds packaged in the most beautiful golden compacts. It spells luxury and sophistication, all the way. The collection has 2 sets of eyeshadow quads, four lipsticks, four lip glosses, couple of eyeliners and the Opulent Shimmer Powder .



The Opulent Shimmer Powder ($32) is one my most favorite pieces of makeup - ever. Makes me feel like Middle Eastern royalty with the glistening golden shimmer shine glistening on my cheeks. It is a huge compact and if you plan on using the shimmer powder only on your face , it is going to last a long long time. It can also be used to highlight your shoulders and Décolletage!

If you want to get just one piece from this entire collection I would recommend this one. Especially if you are a bride - nothing spells out glamour and sophistication like this on your D-Day ! It is obvious shimmer without being too obvious or glittery. Some might say its too much for everyday - I don't. A little shimmer here and there makes me a very happy girl !

Using a fan brush lightly dust the shimmer powder along your eye bone - The C area on the outer corner of your eye to the top of your cheeks. Stand back and check out the even more gorgeous you ! Personally I would love any product from this collection as a holiday gift and something tells me I am not the only one hoping to get one !

And with this I plan to claim my Makeup Blog title back !

Love,
Indian Girl

Two Easy Ways To Get Rid Of Blackheads, Completely.

Listen up listen up. So, a couple of weeks back your girl here was down with a terrible case of blocked nose. I couldn't breathe, couldn't sleep and had a constant case of the puffy. So I took my momma's advice and gave myself a steaming session. Inhaling steam saved me from all the pain that comes with the blockage high up and gave me a clear, blackhead free nose !!!

A facial is almost always accompanied by a steaming session. But really we don't need no fancy steam generators. All we need is a pot, water and a blanket.

Boil 6 cups of water in a pot - not to a full boil , a semi boil is enough. Place the pot on a mat the floor. Kneel down above it , bend, huddle into the blanket and here comes the fun part...

Breathe in...
Breathe out...
Breathe in...
Breathe out...
Breathe in...
Breathe out...

Oh wait we are talking blackheads not blockage, right.

Its still the same process. I almost had you there didn't I !

Breathe in...
Breathe out...

After a good 6-8 minutes , when you can handle no more breathing under the tent and the water has gone cold. Get out and run to the bathroom.

Don't walk or your pores will close and this method will not work on closed pores. Don't blame me later.

Run. Grab a blackhead removing strip and place it on your nose. Your nose is already wet on the surface from the steam condensation.

I know my science, okay.

After 10 minutes , pull the strip out and you'll notice a nose clearer than January Jones's.


If you don't have a pot, water or this thing called time go for a warming mask. Lots of clay masks have this warming property. I like the Biore Warming Anti Blackhead Cleanser ($6.99). This one warms up the second it touches the water on your skin and its anti blackhead. Hates them just as much as you do. Apply it all over your face , concentrating on the nose.

It is the matters of the nose that we have congregated here for.

Wash it off after one hot minute with warm - tolerably hot water. Again immediately grab a blackhead removing step and continue with process same as above.

I prefer the steaming method because its not just the nose but my face that gets a boost from it.

Try it. Its so much fun to huddle up and so much more fun to be blackhead free.

Take that January Jones.

Love,
Indian Girl
PS : I know you girls know all this, but something tells me I should put this in - Be careful with the hot water and steam. Keep your face at least 15 - 20 inches away from the surface of hot water. Again, I know my science , okay. Hot water is like ..hot. Really. Pinky swear.

Reader Contribution : Sunitha's Get Even Skin Tone Routine

After reading the post on Frieda Pinto ('s chin) lovely reader & fellow beauty junkie Sunitha wrote to me with her remedy for it ! Sunitha had a somewhat similar issue with her whole face being about 2-3 shades darker than the neck. She started this routine about 3-4 months ago and has seen a lot of improvement.

In Sunitha's words " am happy to say that my face now looks like it belongs on my body."

This is what Sunitha's program. A big thank you to Sunitha for sharing this with us. I am sure many of us will benefit from this.

" Skin Type : normal/combination

AM : Wash face with Pears or Margo soap
Rose water as toner
Fragrance free moisturizer + sunblock


PM : Wash face with Pears or Margo soap
Rose water as toner
Bliss peeling groovy serum
Organic rose hip oil /organic aloe vera ( I alternate every other night between them and I buy Aubrey Organics brand from whole foods)

First and foremost I switched to fragrance free skincare. Fragrance can react for some people with UV rays to cause hyper pigmentation.

Switching to fragrance free was the biggest help for me but the other two products that helped me are the Bliss serum and the rose hip oil which seems to be a key ingredient in many moisturizers and anti aging products. "

Love,
Indian Girl

Biore Even Smoother Microderm Exfoliator : Review - Its The Refinery !

I have forever, for oh so long, for years together been a big fan of Apricot Scrubs. More specifically The St. Ives Apricot Scrub. It has been my in-shower, twice a week exfoliation guru. A couple of weeks back, I finished another tube of it . So I did what I always do and got my a$$ to the drugstore to replace the irreplaceable Apricot Scrub.

Stop here. When did the Apricot Scrub start costing $7. Where the days when I bought my scrub for $3 or $5 ? I want those days back.

This raise in cost pissed me off and I went about looking for other alternatives. And then my eyes fell on the Biore Even Smoother Microderm Exfoliator. I grabbed it and ran.

Ran before the Apricot scrub could see me and give me the sad look. A look of betrayal.

The Biore Even Smoother Microderm Exfoliator wasn't any cheaper at $ 14.99 but I told myself - I'd rather pay double the double for a new thing than pay double the old for the same old thing.

Or something like that.

What The New Boy Did

The Microderm exfoliator refines your skin. Trust me. It does not just exfoliate. It eliminates dead skin and leaves your skin feeling shiny. Not the oily shiny but the shine that comes from silky soft skin. I was flabbergasted at the results. My skin is almost reflecting light. Its that smooth ! Where has this been ? Why hasn't anybody told me about it. Why arnt the blogs buzzing about this drugstore gem ??

Why ? Why ? Why ?

Is it worth the $14.99 ? Was it a good substitution for my Apricot Scrub ?

Yes and yes ! Though I terribly miss the lovely scent of the apricot scrub, I love the change. I think it is good to change up your routine once in a while. Even if it is once in a long while. We are talking four years or more, people.

However I do have a couple of things to add. The Biore exfoliator has really teeny tiny micro beads and plenty of them. So I'd be gentle with the scrubbing. Even more so if you have sensitive skin. Something about scratching the surface of the skin.

On my nose however I gave it a good scrub to get rid of black heads, white heads and gunk in general. It worked very well ! I needed very little for one use so I am sure it will last a while. Also I plan on using it only twice a week in the shower given the refining effect. I don't want to peel off way too much.

Price - $14.99
Purchase - CVS, Walgreens
Purpose - Exfoliating and Refining Face Scrub with Micro beads
Position

In Other News...

Hilarious Story !

So remember when I showed you how I keep my shower product free and instead keep them in a product bin next to the shower ?

The closet in my bathroom suddenly got infested with ants . So, the pest control guy came over to destroy the ants and clean up the mess. After he sprayed the pesticide, killed the pests, he gathered the ants onto a pan and dumped it into - you guessed it - into my PRODUCT BIN !!!!!!!!!

Hahaha. I was too shocked and too overcome with laughter to say anything. I am still smiling thing about it....

Love,
Indian Girl

LORAC Secrets Of A Hollywood Starlet Kit : Review & Swatches; I'm Addicted And I Dont Want To Be Saved

This is it people. This is what I have been A.D.D.I.C.T.E.D to for over a week now.

I've been using it every single day, every time I go out , every time I ran to the grocers and every time I went out for dinner. Just plain - All The Time !


The Secrets Of A Hollywood Starlet Kit from LORAC has everything I need for a pretty face of makeup and almost every product is drop dead gorgeous. What the almost means - you'll know soon.

The Kit is essentially a purple faux croc leather bag / clutch with

Starry-Eyed Baked Eye Shadow Trio in Starlet ($24)
Baked Matte Satin Blush in Velvet Rope ($24)
Couture Shine Liquid Lipstick in Glam ($22)
Lotsa Lash fiber mascara in Black ($19.50)
LORAC’s exclusive shadow/liner brush (priceless, as in the price isn't stated on the site)

Starry-Eyed Baked Eye Shadow Trio in Starlet

This is to eye makeup what butter is to Paula Dean.


The Starlet Trio consists of a champagne pink shade, a purple taupe and a deep purple. Each one can be used as an all over color or a highlight, all over shade and eyeliner respectively.

All I did for this look is to take the darkest shade, load it once on the shadow brush that came with the kit and gently pat if all over my eye. Next I gently added just a hint of the purple taupe shade in the center of the lid. That's it. All that color came from just one swipe. They are so darn pigmented ! And the texture is buttery too. Just glides on your skin leaving a sexy satin finish. The trio is available on its on too for $24 each. Like I said before these are some THE BEST shadows I have ever used !


But you wait, don't go ordering the shadow now. You'll regret it once I tell you how much the kit costs.

Baked Matte Satin Blush in Velvet Rope

O my geez Louise wont you look at that !


(The flash washes the color, man. Damn the flash.)

Its a matte satin ! A matte with a satin finish. Not a boring powdery dry matte one !

Velvet Rope is a one of a kind, universally flattering rose pink. The intensity can be easily increased with just a couple of layers for a flawless pink cheek look !

And if you saw my love, you'll love him too. And I love him. A love like ours could never die..
( Adapted from Beatles - And I Love her)

Yup, still talking about the blush.

I think.

Couture Shine Liquid Lipstick in Glam



Liquid lipstick in a glossy formula. Not sticky, not heavy, great when layered over a nude lipstick and super glamorous on its own. It smells like Milo ( the drink you drank when you were younger, remember ?) Its not bad at all, but just thought I throw it in .

On its own its a delicate shimmery nude - rose. The big fat gloss comes with a tiny brush. Girls like my sister who are blessed with ultra cute thin lips will love this one !

Lotsa Lash fiber mascara in Black

Va-va- voom volume ! The mascara literally adds a million more lashes to my natural twenty seven. Despite the volume, the mascara feels fairly light-weight and doesn't pull my lashes down. Super exciting ! But, there was a little fall out. Three of those million and twenty seven to be precise. They did go away with a brush of my finger but there still was fall out within two hours of applying the mascara. And that is not very exciting.

This is the only product that I may not miss if its gone or lost or thrown away by mistake.

Drumroll Please

Unlike most things that are bright and beautiful in the makeup world, the most exciting thing about this kit is its cost. The nifty little thing costs only $ 42 !!!!!!!!!!!!!! The real value though is over $145 !

Its not often that I get this excited about something. But there is something about finding a deal this good that gives me this intense joy. It makes me wanna build a bonfire and dance around it.

Now you go check this out while I get started on the bon fire ! If you get it lemme know. I'll have you flown over and we can all dance around the fire.

Just kidding

I think.

Price - $42
Purchase - Ulta, Ulta.com
Purpose - Makeup Kit
Position Love,
Indian Girl