Fall Favorites

Likes:

Avon Imari Skin Softener
Redken Shine Flash
Redken Velvet Whip
Lancome Creme Cleanser
Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk Foundation
Lancome Color Ideal
Givenchy Powder Le Prisme Visage Mat
Giorgio Armani Jacquard Face Palette
Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara
Lancome Teint Miracle
Kat Von D Eyeshadow Palette Ludwig
Lancome Lipstick in All Done Up Cream
Lancome Lipstick in Lucky Kiss
Loreal Color Rouge Lipstick 410 Volcanic


Dislikes:

E.L.F Blush and Contour Powder
Dior Harmonie De Blush

September Haul

Hey All!

I wanted to update you guys on things I have purchased in the last month to month and a half. Once I get this list up there, I will let you know what I think about the various products. So here they are:

SkinCare:

Boschia Illuminizing Black Mask
Lancome Gel Cleanser
Lancome Absolue Volumetry

HairCare:

Redken Shineflash
Redken All Soft Velvet Whip
Redken Extreme Anti Snap
Redken Intense Renewal Mask

Makeup:

Dior Forever Extreme Wear Founation
Armani Lasting Silk Foundation
Dior Harmonie De Bronze Blush
Lancome Artliner
Dior Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
Lancome Le Stylo Liner
Lancome Hypnose Mascara
NYX Lipsticks

I think that about does it. I have already done a review of the Dior foundation on my blog and the Armani foundation on my youtube channel. So please refer to that:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPTwDuenhz8

Stay Tuned for more reviews and miscellaneous discussions!

August Likes and Dislikes!

I apologize for the delay in putting this up, but to find out what made my list for likes and dislikes in August, visit my video link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWRqwt_O5uQ

Foundation Routine

My current foundation routine is now on my Youtube channel:




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ3zd0L6gOk

Kat Von D Eye Shadow Palettes

As an Indian / South Asian Female, I have such difficulty when finding eyeshadow palettes because many things in the market are directed towards fair skin and it is frustrating to find colors that not only match the color of our eyes, but also compliments our skin tones.


So I wanted to do reviews on two palettes that I purchased from Sephora. They are from the Kat Von D collection: Beethoven and Ludwig.


First off, these palette comes with 2 double sided brushes but I don't use these brushes since they don't seem to pack enough pigment because they are on the thinner side. I like to use either sponge applicators or densly packed bristles on eyeshadow brushs.


I apply both of these palettes without an eye primer, but in place of that, I use a concealer. The reason for that is because South Asian women tend to have darker eye lids. So a concealer will wipe out that color and make the eyeshadows true to color as it appears on the back of your hand.


Even without a primer, I don't have any problems with creasing. These are very long wearing eye shadows despite my oily lids. They do not budge off my lids even with intense heat and humidity. Pigmentation is amazing. It has a great color pay off which I have a hard time finding with eyeshadow colors. Both of these palettes has a mix of shimmery and matte colors. Also both come with a matte black and a matte chocolate brown color which I love since if I am packing for travel, I don't have to take too many eyeshadow palettes with me. I will just end up taking one of these and it has enough versatility.


These retail for $34 at Sephora. I was lucky enough to pick them up on sale for $24 a piece so thats $3 a color! I have never faced fall out with these shadows. But make sure, you tap of the excess on your applicator before applying on your lids.


Beethoven:


Swatches:

This is a palette of 8 colors that comprise mainly cool basic colors. These are your essential colors that enhance an everyday look but can also be used as the basis of more extravagant looks for those special occasions.
Swatches:

Ludwig:


Ludwig is by far my favorite palette out of all that I own. These comprise of manily warm basic colors. I use this palette on an everday simple look to just give my eyes a more soft spoken look.


The only problem I really have with these palettes is that I wish there were less shimmery colors and more matte colors. Other than that, I love this brand of eyeshadows since they look lovely on tan skin!

DiorSkin Forever Extreme Wear Foundation

Picture after applying.

Few weeks ago, I went to my local Nordstroms because I wanted to pick up some cosmetic products. After purchasing some products, I asked for a sample of two foundations, one of them being the DiorSkin Forever Extreme Wear Flawless Foundation SPF 25 in shade #40. After trying it under various conditions, here are my thoughts on this:


Cons:
-Price
-Lack of Oil Control


Pros:
-Packaging
-Coverage
-No Oxidation
-Color Selection
-Finish
-Long Wearing
-SPF
-Compatible with Flash Photography


First off, the price of this luxurious foundation is $46. So a little more expensive than the Lancome Teint Idole Ultra for the same size bottle. This is a high price to pay for a foundation, but given the results, I think you will be able to decide if it is worth the splurge for you or not. The only other problem I have with this foundation is the lack of oil control. However, all foundations on my skin do nothing to control my oily skin, but, the DiorSkin Forever Extreme Wear (DSFE) does the best out of all foundations I have tried, to keep the oil off my face for as long as possible. Normally, I have to blot like every 2 hours on a hot summer day. With the DSFE, I can go upto 4 hours without retouching (for me, it is a savior so far). So not a miracle worker by any means, as I would LOVE one in which I can go a whole day without blotting. However, as of now, that seems like an unrealistic expectation.


The packaging is a gorgeous bottle with a saphire blue cover that has stonework accross the border. So for the price, it definitely looks sleek and elegant, as it should. It also comes with a pump which is great to control wastage and bacteria contamination. The coverage is medium buildable. So for the most part, if you have decent skin, you will more than likely not need another concealer except for your normal under eye concealer.


Initially, this color runs lighter than it looks. The color I have looks like 1-2 shades darker than it actually is once blended into the skin. Then, it just becomes part of my skin, while enhancing it. Also, this is the only foundation I have tried so far, that doesn't oxidize on my skin. It stays true to color all day long! This foundation has an SPF  of 25 so its great for summer. Also, unlike most SPF foundations, this one doesn't photography white, so it is perfect for flash photography. This is a perfect summer foundation as it is mattifying and is extremely long wearing. I have ridiculously oily skin, and this keeps the shine on my face to a minimum.


I would rate this as a 4.5 only because of price and that it doesn't stay matte all day so I do have to blot twice during an 8-12 hour day.


Love you all!
Harsimran

An Endless Search for an End to Oily Skin Problems

The last few months of my life has been spent on reading, buying, and trying various skin care products that claim an end to problems for people with oily skin. Over the last month, I have found a few products that are not "miracle worker" by any means, but they assist the solution, which is to mattify.


Here is a list of those products:

Phillips Milk of Magnesia (Original)

Givenchy Tone It True Mattifying Lotion
Givenchy Hydra Sparkling Mattifying Moisturizer
ELF Blotting Paper
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer


1) Phillips Milf of Magnesia is a product raved by many people on Youtube as the ultimate solution to shiny skin. Unfortunately, I did not get those noticeable results. Infact, this did nothing to reduce my shine. Within 2 hours of makuep application, I was oily as can be. I will continue to use this to see if my mind changes, but so far I am not satisfied with this.


2) Givenchy Mattifying Lotion (which is actually a toner) and the Mattifying Moisturizer were designed to work together to increase the mattifyed look. The appeal of my current makeup routine is based off of a good skin prep routine. These two products do wonders for me. Despite the fact that they don't control the oil production of my skin, they do help to control the intensity of that oil for as long as possible. On the pricier side, but totally worth it for me. I use it after cleansing in the morning and night.


3) E.L.F. Blotting Sheets (AKA Shine Erase) are my new love. In an 8-10 hour day, I use 2-3 of these sheets and pat them all over my face. Effect: Instant mattifyer and shine eraser. Retails at $1 and can be bought at some Targets or online at the E.L.F website.


4) Smashbox Primer. Primers are essential to people with oily skin. Dryer skin types can live without it if their face doesn't need too much coverage. This primer doesn't control oil but provides another layer that the oil has to go through to reach the surface of the skin. It also makes my foundation glide onto my skin. Refines the visibility of pores and gives a flawless effect. It also helps makeup stay on face longer so it doesn't just melt off your face during intense heat or with an accumulation of too much oil.


Have a Beautiful Day!!
Harsimran

Lancome Teint Idole Ultra

Immidiately After Application

After two-three hours without touch up

Hello my fellow ladies. Makeup foundation is essential to putting together any look, whether that is for your everday wear or for special occasions. A good or bad foundation can either make or break your look. So, it is very important to try out a few foundations to see which one works with your skin. It's important to have the right tools to tackle any project.

Lancome Teint Idole Ultra:

Cons:

-Price

-Oxidation

-Lack of Oil Control

Pros:

-Packaging

-Coverage

-Color Selection

-Texture

-Finish

-Long Lasting

First off, the price of this luxury brand foundation is $42. Yes, you read correctly. This bottle comes in a glass bottle and holds 1 oz. of product (which is the average size of a liquid foundation). This foundation is ideal for oily skin due to its oil-free formula. This foundation has a tendency to oxidize on my skin (due to the oil production on my face). So, I would suggest to go one shade lighter than your normal color (especially in the summer), after an hour or so of wearing this foundation, it will mix in with the oils on your face and become darker. Since I have really oily skin, this is a common effect of foundations on me. Despite its oil free formula, this product does not help with oil production. If I was wearing this foundation during the day, I would still have to blot my face with blotting paper 2-3 times.

Now the good things...The packaging is very convenient glass bottle with a plastic pump. This ensures less wastage since you only dispense what you need. Also less chances of bacteria buildup since there is minimal contact with air exposure due to the pump. Although the foundation is claimed to be a full coverage, I would have to say that it is medium to full coverage. So, you can decide how much you need and build accordingly. There are 19 shades available with a wide selection from fair to dark and from warm to cool undertones. 


They have a good variety for ethnic skin tones as well as caucasian ones. The texture of this product is not cakey at if applied correctly.  I have noticed that with fingers and brushes, it becomes streaky. I prefer to apply it on my face with a standard foundation brush, then blend it with a beauty blender.   Infact, it looks like your own skin, that has been improved. A little product goes a long ways. Easily blends, but blends quickly, so work with one area at a time. The finish is neither matte or dewy. Rather it is satin, which is right in between. This looks non-greasy but still emphasizes a natural glow from within. 


The foundation claims to be a 14 hour retouch free. That is a pretty bold claim that doesn't quite meet its expectations. It is long wearing (I have worn it up to 10 hours), however, even then, I do have to blot and retouch with powder.

Overall, I would rate this foundation as a 4.0. I love the finish as well as the natural look of this foundation. The downside is definitely the inability to control oil and the fact that it oxidizes. However, paired with a primer, it helps with the oils seeping through. But I could care less than to wear a primer on an everyday basis.