Beauty updates on the blog!

I am going to start reviewing and sharing my experience of skincare products and make up that works for me.( like there isn't enough?). Well...I read and follow a lot of makeup tutorials on Youtube and follow a select beauty bloggers and often have my own recommendations to add or suggest...so I decided why not do it on my own blog, apart from the general updates or thoughts I share personally. After all, I did write one before.

Since you all know already, I used to live in Paris before moving back to India...I was in make up ( very chic I might add!) haven and the interesting art caught on! While L'oreal was a drugstore brand there, it is a high-end brand in India, especially price-wise. 

Anyway, I love a red lip like most chic women do...and it really does require a lot of confidence and self assurance to carry it off (IMHO). I had been eyeing the L'oreal Pure red lipstick series and after a lot of analysis, over-thinking and reading reviews online, I zeroed in on "Pure Rouge"....i think it is the one on Frieda Pinto.

It definitely packs a punch and can be super matte and stays long without creasing or fading away. Worth the wait and the buy! ( Worn it a couple of times with a saree as well as western outfits)...remember to focus on the lips alone...don't pack on everywhere else...let's keep everything else subtle.

I learnt this tip online that you can make any lipstick matte by brushing on talcum powder or translucent powder by holding a tissue on top of your lip and then add another coat. That's it - its there to stay and is matte! 

Another makeup thingy that I love is the highlighter - it's the perfect camouflage for tired skin and can totally fake the "glow" seem super real! So yet again after much deliberation I bought this highlighter-cum-blush palette from a UK brand called MUA ( Make Up Academy)! 

It is supposed to be a blush palette. However, it has blushes, bronzer, gold highlighter, peach-rose highlighter and it is replete. You have this palette, a lipstick and eyeliner - you are good to go!

It blends really well with your skin, is not over-the-top yet effective and subtle. Loved the outcome at the price point it is available! Great product.

Skincare:What has worked for me!

Wish all you readers a very happy, prosperous, healthy and a successful new year 2015. For a change, this year I begin with a post related to beauty, skincare specifically.

I was not blessed with great skin. I used to have a bit of acne in my teens due to PCOD and hormonal imbalances. Gradually, it began to improve as we moved cities and later countries. The levels of pollution definitely has a direct impact on your skin.

Having Baby Girl has not only helped me get fitter, she has also made it possible to get rid of my hormonal imbalances. Touchwood. So I try to care for my skin and spend about 5-10 mins before going to bed and it has helped a great deal. Here's what I do:

Moisturize

I live in a hilly region and the climate is extremely dry. So from someone with oily skin, i now have very dry skin. In fact, during winter, I have dark patches near the lips or eyebrows - it is that dry. So I moisturize regularly throughout the day. It helps a great deal.

Night Cream

I have to admit, I have started using a night cream very recently, after the dark patch episode. I was mortified initially and desperately began to seek a solution for the same, when I read on a beauty blog that using a night cream can be amazing for dry skin especially. So I went ahead and bought the Olay Special Effects Night Cream though its a tad expensive. I must admit that the jar lasts for a long period though.

In just about a couple of days, the dark patches and bruises just disappeared. Its an amazing product and i strongly recommend it. When I wake up in the morning, my skin is plump and looks very healthy and well rested.

Rose water spray

This is my very own idea before this gulabari came along, anyway! I buy regular rose water from the grocery store and fill up a spritzer and spray it on my face - whether I am wearing make up or just moisturizer.

The most important and obvious change or routine that is a must is to remove all makeup. Never go to bed with makeup on, it is the worst thing you can do to your skin. 

Novel Concept - The Glossybox!

I happened to read on another blog about the Glossybox concept and I went here to find out what its all about! I think its a fantastic idea and I just can't get over how cool it is!

Briefly ( if you are lazy to go check the link!), its a free mail order service, where they send you 5 luxury high-end cosmetics and beauty products in a miniature size to test and check if it works for you. You have to pay a 10£ subscription every month and can even unsubscribe if you are not interested after some time or for a particular month.

Honestly, I think its a fantastic deal coz I saw some videos on youtube and the sizes were not miniature at all. I don't know about others, but I sure think it works for me...hell, you could win me over with the packaging alone! :) Even someone gives me gifts, I am more interested in the wrapping than the gift itself! I know, how child-like am I?

The glossybox concept is being introduced in Europe ( launched in UK already)...and coming to France ( yaaayyyyy!!! I can't wait!)...its a similar version of the Birchbox in the U.S. ( read about it here).

It feels great that the customers are valued and their opinions matter. It also makes sense to try something out before you actually buy the full-size product, especially when it is something expensive. How many of us really use an entire product?

We all know, MAC cosmetics are comparatively pricey as compared to its contemporaries. However, I save up to buy their stuff coz they are just fantastic, quality make up and last for a long time. It is indeed, a good investment in the long run! I can't wait for the glossybox to be launched in France now! Others living in U.K, go on and try it out!

Here is a lovely little video explaining the scheme :)
http://www.glossybox.co.uk/how-it-works