We all desire flawless skin. While some beauty products do give us temporary results , I for one tend to stay away from chemicals. I prefer to use enzymes and chemicals present in natural foods to address my skin skin care needs.
One such holy grail product in my vanity is potatoes.
Since potatoes grow easily they are cheap as well as most likely to be organically grown. Potatoes are also packed with nourishing nutrients which can help address skin care needs if used in the proper way. Following is why potatoes are beneficial for the skin.
Potatoes contain potassium which helps to add moisture and hydrate the skin
They contain calcium which helps in healing dry skin
Calcium also helps to protect and renew the top layer of the skin
They contain an enzyme called catecholase which is responsible for reducing acne scars, blemishes and dark spots
They also contain magnesium which helps to fight free radicals which are responsible for causing wrinkles and fine lines
Topical application of potatoes provides some mild bleaching by reducing melanine production.
Below I have mentioned ways in which you can incorporate potatoes in your skin care routine-
1. For removing tan and achieving an even complexion
Cut a potato wedge and rub it in a circular motion all over the face. Let the juice sit for 15 minutes before rinsing it off with cold water. Alternatively, one can grate the potato and squeeze the juice. Apply this juice on the face and let it sit for 15 minutes before washing away with cold water.
The best time to do this is when using potatoes for cooking. This way you do not need to remember and prepare specially.
2. For treating dark circles
Grate about 1 tablespoon of potato. Apply the grated potato on the under eye area. Lay back and relax for 10 minutes. Wash with cold water. Regular application of this helps in lightening the dark circles significantly
3. Face mask for treating age spots and tan removal (dry skin)
Grate one potato and squeeze the juice from the grated potato. Mix one tablespoon of potato juice with two tablespoons of honey to prepare a face mask. Apply this evenly on face and neck. Sit back and relax for 20 minutes. You can combine this with the grated potato eye mask to use the entire potato at one time. Rinse away the mask after 20 minutes with cold water.
4. Face mask for treating age spots and tan removal (oily skin)
Grate one potato and squeeze the juice from the grated potato. Mix one tablespoon of potato juice with 1 tablespoon of fuller’s earth and 1 tablespoon of potato pulp to prepare a face mask. Apply this evenly on face and neck. Sit back and relax for 20 minutes. You can combine this with the grated potato eye mask to use the entire potato at one time. Rinse away the mask after 20 minutes with cold water.
5. Face mask for hyper pigmentation and tan removal
Grate one potato and squeeze the juice from the grated potato. Mix one tablespoon of potato juice with two tablespoons of tomato juice to prepare a face mask. Apply this evenly on face and neck. Sit back and relax for 20 minutes. You can combine this with the grated potato eye mask to use the entire potato at one time. Rinse away the mask after 20 minutes with cold water.
6. Face mask for glowing skin
Mix one tablespoon of potato pulp with one tablespoon of cucumber pulp. Add 1/2 a teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1/2 a teaspoon of lemon juice. Add in a few drops of rose water for toning. Apply this mask for a maximum 10 minutes before rinsing off with cold water.
One important point to keep in mind- After using any treatment with potatoes, avoid direct sun exposure for at least 3-4 hours and always apply sunscreen. ( This is because topical application of potatoes leads to mild bleaching of the skin)
Sugar Never Say Dry Creme Lipsticks 6 New Shades, Swatches
Hi guys,
I had reviewed the Sugar Cosmetics Never Say Dry Creme Lipsticks HERE.
It was launched in 5 shades, and they have added 6 new shades in this range.
Claims: If you want the best of both worlds and love to have it all, then the SUGAR Never Say Dry Crème Lipstick is made just for you! Intensely pigmented and long-wearing with a baby-soft finish, its creamy texture effortlessly straddles the line between glossy and matte for an easy, everyday look. The high-colour payoff formula is loaded with Vitamin E that locks in both colour and moisture. A roll-on wonder that saves you from the hassle of prepping, priming and lining your lips – it’s all you need to quickly go from ‘Goddamn’ to ‘Goddess’. Free of mineral oil, lanoline and parabens. Full of vibrant colour that you’re sure to swoon over – try it out, today!
How to Apply: Starting from the center of your upper lip, gently slide the lipstick outward towards the corners while paying attention to fill in the arches carefully. On the lower lip, start at one edge and follow the natural curve. Use a tissue to blot out any excess product. Reapply for a smoother and longer-lasting finish.
Benefits: The SUGAR Never Say Dry Crème Lipstick has a creamy, feather-light texture that spreads evenly on the lips. It glides on smoothly to create full lips with intense colour and rich coverage. Available in 5 vibrant, highly pigmented shades that are sure to become your everyday favourites.
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These are super pigmented, buttery, moisturizing and very comfortable on the lips. These are not transfer proof and they will transfer, but the pigment doesn’t go away completely. It leaves behind a stain, even after 4-5 hours and a little fading.
Shades launched:
Raisin Helen, Mauve Actually, Jack PeacherA Christmas Carol, The Plum Diary, Red Poet’s Society
· 06 RAISIN HELEN (Rose Brown)
· 07 MAUVE ACTUALLY (Deep Mauve)
· 08 JACK PEACHER (Peachy-Apricot Pink)
· 09 A CHRISTMAS CORAL (Deep Coral with Pink Undertone)
· 10 THE PLUM DIARY (Vibrant Deep Berry)
· 11 RED POET’S SOCIETY (Classic Red)
Here are the swatches, these are just one swipe each.
Raisin Helen, Mauve Actually, Jack Peacher, A Christmas Carol, The Plum Diary, Red Poet’s Society
And the lip swatch video..
My favourite shades are Raisin Helen, Jack Peacher and A Christmas Coral. Let me know your favourite shade in the comments below.
Have you tried the new Sugar Never Say Dry Creme Lipsticks?
Maybelline has launched 10 shades of Inti-Matte Nudes Lipsticks, this range has some beautiful nudes.
Claims: Warm up to the perfect matte nude lip with Maybelline New York Inti-Matte Nude Lipstick. This range comprises of warmer, more sensational nudes for every skin tone. Inti-Matte Nude lipstick features warm, golden pigments that enrich your natural lip color. Pucker up to radiant, confident color that highlights one’s natural beauty with this amazing offering!
Features :
Creamiest matte nude lipsticks.
Features warm, golden pigments to enhance natural lips.
Enriched with sweet Honey nectar.
Available in beautiful warm shades for all skin tones.
Formula of Powder Matte is very comfortable. These are creamy, pigmented and long staying. They don’t transfer much, and stay for about 4-5 hours. You will need to touch up after a full meal, but these are pretty easy to touch up.
Almond Pink is a beautiful pink brown shade, slightly cool toned.
Raw Cocoa is a cool toned milk chocolate brown
Toasted Brown is a peachy brown shade, a good nude for Indian skin tones
Just A Teaser is a light peachy nude, good for pale/fair skin tones
Walnut is a deep cocoa brown
My favourites are Almond Pink, Raw Cocoa and Toasted Brown. Let me know your favourites in the comments below.
I am giving away Almond Pink and Raw Cocoa to one of you on my Youtube, so participate 🙂
Benefit Ready, Set, Brow Gel Review & Drugstore Dupe
By Divi
Hi guys,
As you might know that eyebrows are the most important feature of one’s face. It totally changes your looks and has the most dominant impact. So,today I’m going to review Benefit Ready, Set, Brow! It is a clear brow gel which helps your eyebrow hair to stay in place. Continue reading to know how the product is!
Price: MRP 1800 (approx)/ $24
How To Use: Brush on to brows. Wear alone or to set other brow products.
Claims: Get set for budge-proof brows. This invisible shaping and setting gel holds brow hairs in place and locks on makeup so brows don’t pull a disappearing act. 24-hour staying power,flexible,flake-free formula.Easy to apply,quick to dry. It has custom-molded wand coats from root to tip, shapes and defines.
Ingredients:
Packaging & Texture:
The packaging of the product is really quirky. The carton in which the product comes is peachish-pink in colour and has an animated design and a quirky character is drawn on it which attracts everyone’s attention. The actual product has a silver body which is of plastic. I would have appreciated if it was of metal as it is a high-end brand but nonetheless it is easy to use and convenient. The texture of this product is gooey and gel like. It is not too thick which means it doesn’t feel heavy on the brows. All in all, the texture is pretty good.
Experience:
I’ve had a good time with this product. Although, I do not have much stray brow hair but I use this occasionally to set me brows or when I’m going for a really glam party. I really like the shape of the wand. It helps me in coating the brows properly and I can shape the tail of my brows perfectly. The gel dries quickly after applying and doesn’t flake off. It doesn’t make your eyebrow hair hard or stiff which many other eyebrow gels tend to do. When it comes to its staying power, I have to say that it’s quite good. It does make your eyebrow hair stay in place for 24 hours.
Although, the product does disappear a little bit as time passes by but it does a pretty good job and make the hair stay in place. The gel also comes off easily with a makeup remover, so do not worry about that. I’ll prefer a waterproof makeup remover so there is no damage to the brows while removing the product and also the product doesn’t pluck out your eyebrows or make them shed
Pros:
● Stays for 24 hrs ● Doesn't flake off ● Dries quickly ● Doesn’t damage eyebrows ● Doesn’t make eyebrows hard or stiff ● Eyebrows can be easily shaped ● Easy to use ● Travel friendly ● Shape of wand helps in shaping brows
Cons: ● Expensive ● Available only on sephora
Rating: 4/5
DUPE ALERT: Pixi Beauty Brow Tamer does the exact same job, and is $10. Available at Target and on pixibeauty.com
I reviewed the first part of the Gigi and Maybelline collection before HERE. The collection was launched in two phases in India, the second part came during Valentine’s Day.
I have been using these since quite some time now and here are my thoughts..
Starting with the Tinted Primers,
Claims: Gigi Hadid Tinted Primer gives skin a hint of color and preps your skin for makeup. One of Gigi’s most trusted beauty essentials. Get your face ready for a flawless finish with this limited edition makeup primer – a celeb makeup must have!
How to use: Before applying your foundation, apply primer to the skin using your fingers or a cushioned sponge.
Shades: Light to Medium, Medium to Deep
MRP: Rs.499/-
Now there are varied opinions on how to use this product. It clearly claims to be used as a primer but many Youtubers have found it too dark to use as a primer all over the face and prefer using it as a contouring base. A full coverage foundation would completely hide this contour and nothing would show up. You can use this over the foundation like a cream contour, but again this is actually a primer.
It is very creamy and blends easily though. I agree she definitely had to launch more shades in this primer to cater to all skin tones, from light to dark. At least 2-3 more shades. But from what I believe, this would be the perfect base for paler girls who tan their body and not their face, it would give a natural tan to the face, beneath the foundation.
For people in India, the Light Medium shade would be perfect for NC40-42 and above, the Medium to Dark would be deep for most people in India too.
I do use the Light Medium and it is dark for me, but the foundation balances it. Now this primer is not very pore filling, but it definitely made my makeup last whole day!
I wore this makeup for 11 hours for a wedding, and only touched up once before the reception. The foundation did not fade or settle in fine lines. I was pretty impressed, I feel it helps in controlling the excess oil on the face giving a natural tint to the skin. Even if you don’t wear a liquid foundation on an everyday basis, you can use this primer for an even base.
Claims: Gigi Hadid Liquid Strobe is a cream highlighter that adds radiance and dimension to the face for the ultimate glow. One product, 4 ways! Delivers a gorgeous glow and a luminous effect that looks as if skin is lit from within. Look to strobing makeup for an illuminating effect in an instant.
How to use: Four Ways to glow: Wear alone, mix with primer, mix with foundation or spotlight high points of the face. Step 1. Apply to desired areas of the face. Step 2. Blend with fingertips.
MRP: Rs.650/-
Shades: Gold, Iridescent
These can be MAC Strobe cream dupes, though the tint is different. You can pick Gold if you have yellow undertones and Iridescent if you have pink undertones.These are not highlighting enough, just on it’s own. You can use it as a base for powder highlighter on top.
My favourite way of using this is mixing with foundation, it gives a beautiful glow to your skin. You can also use it all over your face as a base after primer and before foundation, or mixing with your primer. (if you want more glow)
Or mixing with your foundation is the safest bet.
I like mixing a tiny bit of both Gold and Iridescent. These are not very pigmented or shimmery kinds, so even if you add a little extra, there would be nothing obvious on the skin. It just gives a healthy, glowing look to your skin.
Liquid Strobes in Gold, Iridescent, Tinted Primers in Medium to Deep, Light to Medium
I do feel these are a little pricey though, these should also have been priced the same as primers, around 499.
I like the fact that they are not oily or greasy and don’t make your foundation slip or break apart. It blends and merges really well.
I definitely recommend these, especially for days when you feel your skin is looking dull. You can even mix a bit with your tinted moisturizer on a daily basis.
Eye Contour Palettes
Claims: A must have eye contouring palette available in cooler (light skin) and warmer (deep skin) tones. In 4 easy steps you can create a natural contour that defines, deepens and widens to make your eyes look dramatically bigger and brighter.
HOW TO USE :
Step 1. LID: Apply a neutral base all over the eyelid.
Step 2. CREASE: Define the eye crease with a medium tone shade.
Step 3 CONTOUR: Add depth to the outer eye corner and lash line.
Step 4 HIGHLIGHT: Illuminate the brow bone and inner eye corner to create the look of wider eyes.
MRP: Rs.799/-
Eye Contour Palettes are a combination of all matte shades, one cool and one warm. These are one of the best matte eye shadows available in drugstore brands in India. Creating a pigmented shimmer/metallic shadow is pretty easy and most drugstore brands have good metallic shades.
Matte shadows with most drugstore brands are not pigmented enough, powdery, chalky, dry.
These are powdery and have kick back, but they are also super creamy and quite pigmented. The swatches you see are all one swipe each.I love the combination of colours, and I like the concept of having a warm and cool separately. I love both of these, I would say the Cool one is a little more pigmented though. But both are pretty good to work with and blend well.
The only other brand available in India, that makes good matte shadows is PAC Cosmetics.
Warm Eye Contour PaletteCool Eye Contour Palette
I don’t like the sizing of the shadows though, the straight vertical line is tiny for dipping the brush :/ Maybe the qty is decent, but they could have made each shadow broader.
I am not sure if they would be available on discount, since it’s a LE collection but if you see them on discount, then definitely grab them.
Eyeshadow Palettes
Claims: A beautiful six shades palette that is perfect for creating custom eye makeup looks. Has both matte and shimmery shades to easily take you from day to night. Cool Palette : Mauves, Pinks, Golds and Rose Golds. Warm Palette: Nudes, browns and champagne golds.
HOW TO USE :
Step 1. Color the entire eye area.
Step 2. Shade the lid.
Step 3. Contour the crease.
Step 4. Line around eye.
MRP: Rs.799/-
Again beautiful combination of shades. Super creamy, buttery and pigmented. The metallic shades are gorgeous, I didn’t even use a damp brush for it, and yet the pigmentation came out so well.
Warm Eyeshadow PaletteCool Eyeshadow Palette
I love the fact that there are three matte and three metallic shades, you can create a whole look with this palette. It’s very important for an eyeshadow palette to have shades to create one whole look, and it’s very rare to have all the shades for a look in one palette. Usually if it’s all matte or all metallic, or there is no deep shade for smoking out or highlight shade. Both these warm and cool palettes have all shades to create one complete eye look.
The warm one is perfect for creating a look for Indian weddings, which I have done here. Cool one will work for everything, from your brunch to after parties. Cool is slightly more pigmented than Warm, in this too.
I definitely recommend these too.
Here is the look I created using the collection..
My favourite has to be the four eyeshadow palettes, followed by Liquid Strobes.
I got the March Fab Bag today, I didn’t do a detailed video because I am unwell. My nose and eyes are watering continously, I did a quick unboxing video but it is getting stuck on Youtube. I reuploaded, cross checked, it works fine in private mode too, as soon as I made it public, even the 2nd upload is getting stuck. I am sorry, I have no idea what’s wrong :/
I love the cocoa brown eyeliner color, but the swatch just wiped off my hand completely, without any color or pigment behind. It doesn’t set or stay put at all!
I only liked the Sugar product in this month’s bag, I picked the Tweed Taupe shade, there were options to pick one product from multiple Sugar makeup products. I had 9 shades in the 2nd batch of Suede Secret which I am giving away HERE.
So, this shade was missing and now we have all 10, 5 each for one winner.
Overall, the bag is ok. Not that good, only good part is Sugar product of your choice. Honestly I don’t think there is anything game changing in this month’s bag, wish Fab Bag brings good products like it used to earlier. With new subscription boxes coming in almost daily, it’s tough competition out there at the same price.
Let me know what you think of this month’s Fab Bag
PAC Cosmetics Face Care/Eye Care Series, Long Lasting Kohl, HD Powders, New Launches Review
Hi guys,
PAC Cosmetics has launched more products recently and still in the process of launching a few, if you don’t find something shown here online yet, it is coming up in a day or two.
You can check out all PAC Cosmetics review/swatches HERE
This time we have Studio Finish Oil Primer, Cleansing Gel, Total Clean Lip and Eye Makeup Remover, High Definition Powders, Long Lasting Kohl Pencils, Lip Pencils, Smart Tip Liquid Liner and Face Care and Eye Care Brush Series.
PAC Studio Finish Oil Primer
Claims: This studio finish oil primer is infused with jojoba oil which nourishes the skin and also gives a natural shine to the skin. Uses: prep your skin before applying your makeup with PAC studio finish oil primer. Mix some drop with your foundation or concealer for smooth and dewy effect.
The packaging is quite nice, it comes in a twist up dropper form, where you can lock the dropper from the top so that the cap doesn’t open or leak, unless unlocked. But still it is in a glass bottle and you have to be careful with it, if you are travelling with it.
It’s a light oil that gets absorbed easily into the skin, but leaves dewy, glossy skin which is not sticky/greasy. Foundation blends in much smoother on the skin and there are no dry spots/patches where foundation would cling on to the skin. You can either use it as a base or mixed in with the foundation. I definitely recommend it to people with normal to dry skin, oily skin can use it too, it won’t make your skin more oily but you can restrict the drops. You don’t need much anyway, but if you have super oily skin, then I would only recommend mattifying products and not oil based ones.
I am all about that dewy skin and I love using this! And no it doesn’t make your whole face dewy looking, you can powder on top if you prefer a matte look. Like I have an oilier T zone and I powder my T zone and it instantly looks matte.
PAC Cleansing Gel
Claims: Makeup Removal now made easier!! With our Total Cleansing Gel you can remove your makeup without leaving any residue. You simply have to follow the steps below: – Apply a good amount of cleansing gel in the area where the makeup needs to be removed. – Gently massage with the tips of your finger on the area. – Now use a tissue or a cotton pad and swipe of the gel.
This is a light gel with a bluish tint, you need to massage it on your face for about 30-40 seconds and it will melt the base makeup. Then you can simply wipe it off with a cotton round. It doesn’t irritate the skin or leave any greasy residue which happens with oils/balms. It takes off the makeup very gently and easily.
PAC Total Clean Lip & Eye Makeup Remover
Claims: This makeup remover can quickly and effectively remove all stubborn eye and lip makeup. This oil and water emulsion is infused with oils, rice and soy extracts with high-grade solution which is formulated to remove the toughest makeup
This is a bi-phased makeup remover for eyes and lips. Shake it well and take some on a cotton pad. Hold it on the eye for a few seconds for the waterproof makeup to melt down and then gently swipe the cotton pad. You can take off even waterproof mascara in 2-3 swipes. It also works really well on liquid lipsticks, because non-oil based makeup removers/micellar waters do not take off the lipstick pigment/stain from the lips.
I do use oils usually for my lips and eyes, but they are kind of heavy and sometimes blur my vision for a few hours after. I don’t prefer micellar waters for my eyes coz all micellar waters sting my eyes.
This one didn’t sting my eyes, didn’t leave any oily residue, didn’t blur my vision. This is quite good for the price, and I do recommend it, especially if you have sensitive eyes like mine and/or use waterproof makeup
PAC Long Lasting Kohl Pencils
Claims: Its creamy, long-lasting formula delivers intense colour that creates defined eye looks for all-day wear. Its available in 5 different shades. Top Tip- Use it as a kajal as well as an eye liner.
Shades Available: Skin, Coffee Brown, Forest Green, Navy Blue, Black
It’s a sharpenable pencil with a smudger behind. You can use it as an eyeliner, as a kajal on the waterline and even as an eyeshadow base or for soft, day time smokey eyes.
These are super creamy and pigmented, the swatches you see are just one swipe. Do not apply too much pressure or else the nib breaks, they are that creamy. But once set, they don’t smudge or smear much.
Black, Blue, Coffee, Green, Skin
As an eye liner on the top lash line, they stay put pretty much through the day. On the waterline, it does smudge a bit on the outer corners after 4-5 hours, like most pencils.
I love the fact that they have launched a n*de eye pencil shade, Skin, which no other Indian brand has. Lakme had launched the white one, but white looks super stark on most skin tones. This one is also a little light and on the white side, I wish it had more beige, skin like undertones. This shade would work well for fair to medium skin tones but will still be a little stark and not a perfect nude for most Indian skin tones.
I love the Coffee Brown shade, it’s a perfect everyday wear shade. And soft, brown smokey eyes with this pencil can instantly make your eyes look pretty and like you have done an elaborate eye makeup look or put in a lot of efforts 😀 Black is of course a staple for us Indians, black kajal works for all eye looks and tightlining too.
Green and Blue are good for days when you want some pop of colour in your makeup, or as an eye shadow base.
The price point, shades, qty, pigmentation, formula, all is pretty good.
PAC Lip Pencils
Claims: Our creamy lip liners extend the longevity of your lipstick & prevent your lipstick from bleeding or feathering. It’s so easy to use and glides on and sets in a few seconds. You can use our lip liners to also contour your lips to give you a pouty lip!
These are a total value for your buck! They are super long and the qty is 2g! Again sharpenable, but you don’t need to sharpen these often.
Super creamy and glide on well, they do not feel dry on the lips like some lip pencils do. You can either use these just for outling and defining your lips or as an all over colour for the base of the lipstick. If you have pigmented lips or want to wear a sheer/creamy lipstick, then a lip pencil like this will work in bringing out the actual colour of the lipstick and/or not make your lips look bare.
All three shades will work for pretty much all Indian skin tones, but in specific Natural will work for fair to medium skin tones, Coffee for medium to dark and Mauve for all.
I love the formula, the shades, the price point, highly recommend this!
Natural, Coffee, Mauve, Smart Tip Liner
PAC Smart Tip Eyeliner
MRP: Rs.450/-
Matte jet black and a felt tip, two things which I look for in an eyeliner, it has both! It doesn’t bleed, is pigmented, not watery, glides on smooth and stays well through the day.
It’s easy to apply as I prefer a felt tip and comes out a good, rich black in one swipe. I do recommend this, if you are searching for a good, matte liquid liner.
High Definition Powders
Claims: PAC high definition powder is a loose banana powder which has a coarse-grained texture which coats a silky soft feel to the skin and also absorbs oil and gives even matte finish. available in 2 shades.
It’s available in white transparent and yellow banana shade. White is a universal shade and works for everyone, banana is a good match for us with yellow undertones, and especially for setting the concealer to counteract purple undertones under the eyes.
Banana also works better than white, if you are using flash photography.
I love the packaging, it’s a fine sifter at the centre and doesn’t remove excess product. You can directly dip your brush on the sifter and lift the product. The packaging is exactly like the MAC High Definition Powder.
Banana, Transparent
I have tried Colorbar, Faces and a lot of different loose powders, but they are all more like mineral foundations and even though fine, I have never experienced a finer powder like this PAC HD one in any Indian brand. This is perfect for baking under eyes, to set your concealer and to make your contour sharper or cleaner.
I love the packaging, the fine texture, the qty (it will last you really long) and the price point (it is cheaper and better than other Indian brands)
PAC Face Care Series
Claims: This kit comprises of premium quality 5 face brushes. It is ideal for blending, buffing, powder, contouring. These brushes are your ultimate pro face essentials. These brushes come in a handy brush pouch to keep your brushes organised.
Claims: This kit is all you need. PAC Eye Care set comprises of 8 eye brushes which is idea for eye shadow blending, eye shadow application, eyebrow brush, smudger, liner brush. These brushes are a combination of different shape and sizes. Define your creativity with PAC Eye Care series. These brushes comes in a handy brush pouch to keep your brushes organised.
I love the black foldable pouch both the kits come in. Plus the outer black tie-up cloth bag. These kits are not only great for your everyday use, but also when you want to travel with it.
Now I know some of you feel the brush kit is expensive for beginners, but the quality of PAC brushes is pretty much comparable to Real Techniques/Sigma. If you are looking for good quality brushes in India, then these kits are your best bet. If you buy these brushes individually, it will total up to more than the value of this kit, plus you get a pouch handy for travel.
For the face, it has a flat foundation buffing brush, concealer brush, powder brush, blush/highlight brush and a contour brush. You might need 1-2 separate brushes if you like keeping your bronzer/blush/powder/highlight brushes separate. But this is pretty much the basic set you will need for your face.
For the eyes, this is the best kit I have come across and each of the 8 brushes has a separate/specific use and you won’t need any other brush apart from these 8 for a complete eye makeup look. It has a fluffy eyeshadow application brush (Like MAC 217) to apply the shadow, blend in the outer corners or add smokiness to the outer V. A fine eyeliner brush and a dual sided eyebrow brush with an angled brush on one end (for both filling in eyebrows or you can use it for your gel eyeliner) and a spoolie on the other end. A smaller/denser eyeshadow application brush, a big fluffy blending brush, a pencil brush, a shorter stiff brush for smudging lower lash line or glitter application and another eyeshadow application brush.
Pretty much everything you need if you are looking for good eye makeup brushes. If you are not into eye makeup, then you can just get the face series. If you already have basic face brushes and a beauty blender and want to experiment with eye makeup, I will definitely suggest getting the eye series. Beauty blender does a lot of your base work when it comes to face, but for the eyes, good brushes can make or break your eye makeup.
Overall I would say, I am again happy and satisfied with all the new PAC Makeup Launches, nothing has disappointed me from these. Price wise, I know some of you have mentioned PAC prices have increased but when I compare the products with a lot of other brands both Indian and international, it delivers quality at a price lesser than theirs, so I am not complaining. But I do wish they come up with more offers and discounts regularly.
If you are in Mumbai/Delhi/Bangalore/Hyderabad/Ahmadabad, then you can personally visit the store, get your match in foundation/concealer, also they offer 10% discount in stores.
So what did you like from the new launches? Let me know in the comments below.
With all the focus on natural skin care now-a- days, natural skin care brands are cropping up everywhere. Everything from natural powdered face washes to body scrubs is being presented in fancy little jars. Our grandmas are not the only ones promoting these now!
Although these brands do feature promising deals, they do come with a hefty price tag. What if you could make the same concoctions in the comfort of your home without the ugly hole in your precious pair of denims? I am here sharing 4 do-it- yourself miracle powders which you can add to your multani mittis (fullers earth) and besan (bengal gram) and be assured of the purity of it.
I say it’ll do half the good to your skin just because of the psychology (in that being it is 100% pure without any preservatives and additives)
So here we go.
DIY Neem Powder
Grab a handful of neem leaves from a tree near you (they are easy to find, practically planted all over India). Or, if you’d rather not , than you can buy neem leaves easily. Wash them thoroughly with water and pat dry with a kitchen towel. Lay them out in a single file out in the sun for 1-2 days. They will crisp up (meaning all moisture will be soaked out). Now all you need to do is powder them in a food blender and store in an airtight jar.
This one wont get spoiled for years and years (provided you had been patient enough to let the sun do its magic)
Recipe for neem powder face mask:
You will need- 1 tsp besan (powdered bengal gram), 1 tsp neem powder, 1 tsp multani mitti (fuller’s earth) , a pinch of turmeric , 1 tbsp milk, a few drops of rose water
Mix all ingredients thoroughly for a glowing face mask
2. DIY Orange Peel Powder
Eat 3 oranges to get your dose of Vitamin C. Save the peel 😀 Lay them out in the sun to crisp up and shrink ( for all the moisture to be soaked out). Powder them in a food blender and store in an airtight jar.
This too will not get spoiled for years and years. (provided you had been patient enough to let the sun do its magic)
Recipe for orange peel face mask:
You will need- 1 tsp orange peel powder, 1 tsp neem powder, 1 tsp besan/ multani mitti, 1 tbsp milk, a few drops of rose water
Mix all ingredients together for a weekend face mask.
3. DIY Cinnamon Powder
You will need : 4-5 cinnamon sticks, 1 pan
Warm up the pan on a medium flame. Toss in the cinnamon stick and roast them for one to two minutes. Remove pan from heat and let the cinnamon sticks cool down completely. Once cooled completely, powder them in a food blender. Store in an airtight container.
Recipe for cinnamon powder spot treatment
You will need- 1 small pinch cinnamon powder and 1-2 drops honey.
Simply mix the honey and the cinnamon and apply overnight on any upcoming pimples.
4. DIY Oats Powder
You will need a cup of quick cooking oats (I use Quakers quick cooking oats). Roughly blend the oats in a food processor and store in an airtight container.
Recipe for a skin softening and nourishing body soak/ foot soak :
Add a cup of oats to your warm your bath for a body soak. Add a couple of drops of an essential oil. For a foot soak, add 3 tablespoons to warm water and soak feet for 15 minutes. Powdered oats can also be used to replace your face wash. Simply use a tablespoon of powdered oats and work them in a circular motion on your face. Helps to keep skin clear of acne.
Hope you guys find some useful tips and use these homemade powders to create your own luxurious concoctions.
The packaging of all three products is really good. It’s sturdy and well built, palettes come with a mirror and the white gold theme looks nice.
Total Makeover FF Cream
5 in 1 Primer-Concealer-Foundation-Compact with SPF 30 & Skin Tone Corrector Palette
Claims: A 24-hour wear, oil-free foundation and concealer in one that achieves a flawless look that lasts all day.
Our Medium shade palette is suitable for women with a medium-fair/warm-beige to medium-golden/honey complexion. For Warm Skin Tones : skin skews yellow, peachy or golden.
Our dual color correctors make it easy to personalize your correction solution.
Yellow Color Corrector
Neutralize mild redness, rosacea, and blemishes for light and medium skin tones.
Visibly even your skin tone by neutralizing the appearance of discoloration.
Can be added to the foundation cream to match a lighter skin tone base.
Orange Color Corrector
Neutralize (or cancel) dark spots and under-eye circles for medium to deeper skin tones; also neutralizes veins.
Can be added to the foundation cream to match a slighter darker skin tone.
Foundation & Primer
High coverage concealer and easy to apply.
Enhanced Highlighting & Smoothing Effects.
Light Satin Finish with Creamy Texture.
Minimizes pores.
Suitable for all skin types.
Color Correctors: Yellow + Orange
Doesn’t crack, crease or cake.
Sebum Control – absorbs excess oil.
Two universally flattering shades to meet any correction need.
Covers redness, discoloration + imperfections.
Enhanced Properties
Biological Antioxidant Pockets which keep recharging the skin with powerful antioxidants.
Color Correctors enriched with Tropical Oils.
Special Polymers which provide soft focus properties and high oil absorption for sebum control.
Cruelty free, not tested on animals.
Free of nano-ingredients, oil, mineral oil, preservatives and fragrance.
An all-in-one foundation with a long-lasting formula that fuses primer and foundation in one easy step! An amazing combination product for a flawless base that provides sheer to full buildable coverage. It includes a primer that prolongs wear for impeccable results. Also in the palette are two color correctors, yellow and orange, to smooth away small imperfections, uneven skin tone, discolorations and dark circles. Our precisely calibrated advanced European formula allows the product to melt into your skin while highlighting and correcting the complexion all at the same time.
MRP: Rs.1450/- (6.5g+2g+2g)
Shades Available: 3
How to use:
After cleansing and moisturizing your face and neck, use the color correctors to conceal blemishes, pigmentation and redness. Simply dab the correctors in with your fingertips, or use MyGlamm’s Concealer Brush for Total Makeover FF Cream.
Use it sparingly (especially under the eyes, around the mouth, the forehead areas) Go over any areas where you apply the Orange corrector with the Yellow corrector. Use a blending sponge in a patting/stipling motion and blend well.
Use the Yellow corrector to add highlight and contour your complexion. Avoid excess application around eyes or contours of the face. Too much formula accentuates lines and imperfections.
Grab a flat foundation brush, like MyGlamm’s Total Makeover Foundation brush, and apply the FF cream in dabbing motions onto face and neck, starting at the center of the face and blend it out well. Focus on one area at a time. Start where more coverage is needed (typically in the center of the face) and work out toward the edge of the face.
Using a damp makeup blending sponge, similar to MyGlamm’s Beauty Blender, blend the foundation and spread it out evenly onto your face. Blend in a rolling motion and gently press it onto the skin for a weightless and light finish.
Apply a loose translucent powder, try MyGlamm’s Glow to Glamour Fixing Powder, to set your makeup. Focus on areas that tend to get oily, use it on the T-zone, under the eyes and on the chin.
Tap the fixing powder onto your brush and pat the powder onto the skin. Wait a few seconds then lightly brush your face to remove any excess build up.
I have the Medium one which looks slightly darker when first applied but settles to match the skin, pretty much. They definitely need to launch more shades, at least 6! 3 is just not enough to cover all skin tones.
The correctors can be mixed to get a peachy undertone, they do cover up a bit but are not as good in coverage as a concealer should be. You can use them as correctors but the cream is also not high in coverage, so you will need a separate concealer.
Both the correctors and the base cream are quite thick and don’t glide on or blend easily. It takes quite some time to blend it in. Also it goes streaky with a brush, and you need a damp beauty blender to smooth out the streakiness. But if you try to apply it with a blender, I think most of the product will stick to the blender and won’t transfer on the skin. Since this has cream to powder finish and is quite thick, the application is really tricky. I applied it with a brush and then blended it in with a beauty blender, which I feel would be the ideal way to use it. (they mention the same in how to use)
It settles into my pores and doesn’t give a smooth, seamless finish. It did not fill in my pores and they were pretty visible, in fact I feel it accentuated them, which is unlike a liquid foundation. I did not powder my face since it claims to have powder properties too, and it creased in few minutes while I was still doing my makeup! (It claims to be 5 in 1 with built in compact, but do mention to use powder in how to use :/)
It feels slightly tacky and it creases, so it definitely needs a powder on top. Also it not very long lasting and creases on lines. This does photograph well though, I won’t reach for it often because for me it does not replace my regular liquid foundation + concealer. The correctors can be used though, with other foundations as well.
It’s good when you want to wear makeup for a few hours or when you are travelling, and don’t want to carry liquids or something bulky. But you will need to carry a separate brush and blender. I wish it had a small brush included too, with the mirror.
It’s not a practical product for me, if I have to carry this and separate brush and blender and powder. Also it does not fill in pores or conceal well, so separate primer and concealer too. Then how is it multi purpose or helping me in any way?
Not impressed with the Total Makeover FF Cream.
Chisel It Palette in Showstopper
3 in 1 Highlighter + Blush + Bronzer
Claims:Highlighter – Champagne is a golden highlighter Blush – Bohemian is a peach blush Bronzer – Chestnut is a light brown bronzer
A buildable trio that includes a bronzer, blush and highlighter that imparts colour for a naturally flushed look. In varying levels of intensity, taking you from day to night – from an everyday, wearable blush to a dramatic sculpted look or a more intense evening glow.
Benefits
Buildable coverage
Luminous and silky
Lightweight formula blends effortlessly for an even finish
Suits any skin type. Flattering on all skin tones.
Enhanced Properties
Advanced Optical Technology that helps blur imperfections and provide a natural, flattering and radiant glow.
Cruelty free and free of nano-ingredients, parabens, silicon, mineral oil, preservatives andfragrance.
MRP: Rs.1250/-
Shades Available: 2 (Showstopper and Game Face)
I love the bronzer in this palette, it is slightly cool toned and works well as a contour too. It immediately warms up and chisels the face. I also used this same palette for my eyes and it defined my crease really well.
Blush is a pretty peachy pink and gives a nice flush to the cheeks. Highlight I don’t feel is champagne, it’s more white than champagne and this particular one will not work for deeper skin tones and will show as a streak. They claim it be a golden highlighter, but it is white gold and champagne needs more yellow. It’s very subtle and not ultra shimmery as claimed. It’s good for day time use when you want a subtle highlight but isn’t blinding.
Overall it’s a nice palette though, the powders are smooth and pretty pigmented. However, I do feel Sugar and Faces ones are better because they are more affordable too.
Perfect Curves
Claims: An expertly curated collection of hydrating creamy matte lipsticks, these playful pencils give you lipstick and liner in a finish that lasts. Our ultra-smooth cream lipstick delivers intensely saturated color with just one swipe. Designed to define, enhance and shape your lips, Perfect Curves lipsticks are enriched with natural oils to nourish and condition your pout on the go!
Benefits
Matte Finish
Full coverage & Long wearing
Moisturizing & Lightweight
Available in 8 shades
Slim bullet design allows for easy and precise application on the go
Suitable as base coat for lipstick
Available in 8 flattering shades curated for Indian skin tones
Enhanced Properties
Enriched with tropical plant and Argan oil for conditioning, moisturising and nourishing benefits
Free from parabens and preservatives, D5, Mineral Oils, Nano Ingredients
Cruelty free, no animal testing
Note: As this is a Matte Lipstick, if you have dry lips, we recommend you put a lip balm before applying the Matte Lipstick for best results.
MRP: Rs.795/-
Shades Available: 8
This is my favourite product of the three. I love matte lipsticks, this one is super matte but is not cream based like Sugar/Faces/Nykaa lip crayons. It is more of powder matte, hence it does not transfer much and stays put much longer. Even survives meals, unless they are very oily. I love the finish of this, plus it is very moisturizing and comfortable.
Debutante is a nice pinky red shade, a mix of pink and red. I always get asked what lipstick I am wearing, when I have this shade on. Absolutely love and recommend the Perfect Curves, they should launch more shades in this.
You can get Rs.150/- off on your first MyGlamm purchase and also 15% GLAMMpoints. They also have additional offers, as free lipstick above Rs.2000/- etc. So do check out the offers on the website.
I would love to try more products like Glow to Glamour, Stay Defined and eyeshadow palettes. I definitely recommend the Chisel it and Perfect Curves, especially on current offers.
Have you tried MyGlamm products? What do you think?
We are planning to cover more cities, have Chennai today and Hyderabad next. Pune, Chandigarh in the pipeline, let us know if you want us to cover any specific city in the comments below.
Coming to the best bridal makeup artists in Chennai now,
1. Ibrahim – Ibrahim is one of the well-known Bridal MUA from Chennai. He has the ability to create magic with colours and brushes and every client of his is a proof of that. Ibrahim focuses more on highlighting the sharp features and yet keeps the skin natural and glowing. He and his team of bridal makeup artists are well known for exceptional bridal makeup in Chennai. He uses products from the reputed brands like MAC, Makeup Forever, Bobbi Brown, YSL, Dior and Chanel. His complimentary hairdo is also a perfect one. He doesn’t travel to other cities and charges around Rs. 25,000 per function (trial makeup separate).
2. Akriti Sachdev – She is a M.A.C certified professional make-up artist who independently started with ‘Mesmereyes Makeup’ in Chennai. She offers high definition Airbrush Makeup and works mainly on providing a natural, minimal makeup look to all her brides. She has also been trained under Celebrity Makeup Artists like Vidya Tikari in Delhi and Cory Walia in Mumbai. Her eye makeup looks are truly stunning. She charges around Rs.25,000 per function and does travel to other cities.
CONTACT – Address: No: 17, 4th Lane, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600034
Mobile: +917550033425 or email mesmereyesmakeup@gmail.com
3. Noor Ahmed – He has an experience of over 10years in makeup and beauty and specializes in South Indian Bridal makeup mostly. He believes in using very little product to make one look glowing and dewy to highlight the features. He charges around Rs. 30,000 for bridal makeup and Rs. 7,500 for guest makeup. He does not travel to other cities.
CONTACT – Mobile :+91 9382154932, +91 9840579576. E-mail: makeupnoor@gmail.com,
noor@makeupnoor.com
4. G Venkatesh – He is a master artist of making a bride look gorgeous and natural – all at the same time. His hands weave magic through makeup and the radiance and stunning makeup look is simply dazzling. He has a glorious 27 years of experience in bridal makeup. He charges around Rs. 23,500 for bridal makeup, Rs. 23,000 for airbrush (extra) and Rs. 10,000 for guest makeup. The price is inclusive of hair styling, draping, nail polish change and makeup.
5. Siva Kumar – He is one of the leading makeover specialist and bridal makeup artist in Chennai and has an extensive experience in beauty for nearly 2 decades. He has also worked with various celebrities of South India and therefore, a through professional. He also provides free make up trials for brides and his services are
available all over south India. He generally uses the brands like MAC, Bobbi Brown, Chanel, Inglot, Faces and Dior. He charges around Rs. 22,000 for bridal makeup, Rs. 6000 per person for party makeup family and the price is inclusive of hair styling, draping, nail polish change and makeup. He travels to venue but does not offer airbrush makeup.
CONTACT – No 6a/25, Vembuliamman Koil St, Opposite to Vani Vidhyalaya School, Virugambakkam, Chennai – 600078.
Mobile +91 9840242093, 9003037338 makeupsiva@gmail.com
6. Jeya Shreevarshini – She is a certified MUA from Kryolan Makeup Academy, London and has an experience of 9 years. She is great in enhancing the natural beauty and and has worked with various fashion or photography models. She is highly passionate and specialized in fashion, beauty, editorial and Bridal makeup. She charges around Rs. 15,000 per function, travels to the venue and the prices are inclusive of hair styling, draping and makeup. She does not offer airbrush makeup.
7. The Fame Hair and Makeup by Divi Durga – She is a senior makeup artist with an experience of over 7 years. She has worked with various celebrities, performers, individuals, entertainers, or for special events such as weddings or dates. She is open to destination wedding projects and offer airbrush makeup for Rs. 20,000. Her bridal makeup charges are around Rs. 15,000 per function, travels to the venue and the prices are inclusive of hair styling, draping, nail polish change and makeup. She also offers paid trial makeup before the D-day.
CONTACT – Alagiri Nagar Main Road, Vadapalani, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
8. Viji Sarath Look Gorgeous – Viji is a well-known makeup artist from Chennai with an amazing experience of more than 6years. The bridal makeup by Viji is impeccable and makes the bride look stunning. The charge for bridal makeup is Rs. 10,000, for engagement is Rs. 6000 and the price is inclusive of Hair Styling, Draping and Makeup. She doesn’t offer airbrush makeup.
CONTACT – NO: 136 AP AKSHAYA FLATS, THULASINGHAM STREET, PERAMBUR – 600011, Landmark: Opposite To Ewarts School
Email:vijisharathlookgorgeous@gmail.com
9. Prakruthi Ananth – She started off as a freelancer but her talent took her a long way. She is a MAC trained makeup artist and has an experience of more than 7 years. Her bridal makeup is gorgeous and a sheer perfection of radiance and beauty. She charges around Rs. 16,500 for bridal makeup and for airbrush, she charges Rs. 20,000. The prices are inclusive of hair styling, draping, nail polish change and makeup and she travels to the venue.
CONTACT – Email -missprakatwork@gmail.com. Phone – +91-9884843210. Address – Old No. 32 New, No.62 Veerabadran Street, Nungambakkam, Chennai, India
10. Makeup by Kavitha Sekar – Kavitha Sekar is an internationally trained makeup artist with up to date makeup skills and a trained hairstylist. She specializes in bridal makeovers and fashion makeovers. Kavitha has done several brides from South India, North India and Hindu, Christian, and Muslim communities, also have prettified Indian, Asian, and American origins. She charges around Rs. 20,000 for bridal makeup.
