31/12/2016

FABBAG December 2016 - "THE PARTYHOLIC"

Better late than never no? I received this month's Fabbag a few days back. Been meaning to upload it asap but anyways... Been quite a hectic week!

So I quite liked the holographic checks this month. And thank god I received the black one. I didn't like the other colors (based on the few pictures I came across). Yeah for the first bit! So let's dig in...!


The theme- "The Partyholic" is fitting for the last month of the year. And I'm quite happy with the bag this month. Fabbag has included 2 full size products and 2 "very appropriate"deluxe sized samples. 

 
IBA HALAL FOOT MASSAGE CREAM is a well timed product and I welcome it with open arms! I have extremely dry foot and this could be a savior. It has very attractive ingredients like Olive oil, Cocoa butter, Shea Butter, Jasmine. This is a full size product. This will be my first product from this brand and I know I'll use it up within 2 weeks.

NATURAL HAIR MIST seems like an interesting product. A kind I've never used before. Hair mists could be very useful for summers. I haven't opened this one yet and hence don't know how it smells. Although I could not find any ingredients list on this one. I  feel ok about this one. After all, that's the whole concept about subscription boxes is get to try new products.


 
 This is the product I'm most excited about! I love the brand PALMER'S COCOA BUTTER FORMULA. I already use its other products and love them. In a roller form is even better! This one's getting a permanent space in my handbag! Since it's an oil, even 15 ml will last me a long looong time. 




 CITY COLOR BE MATTE LIPSTICK IN PHOEBE was my choice of product this month. I had chosen Briana from the same line last month. But since it was the first time I was quite skeptical about the product. On receiving it, I loved it! So had to order another on from there. The above swatch is just 1 swipe. Super pigmentation, great staying power. Transfers when touched but stays on me for almost 5-6 hours.


Overall, I'm quite happy with this month's fabbag!
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Love,
SS


29/12/2016

Miss Claire Soft Matte Lip Cream - Swatchfest (19 Shades!)


Miss Claire Soft Matte Lip Cream

Can you count those?... done? 
Yes. 19!! 
Call me crazy? Most chances are, not, if you have landed on this page by your own choice. 

But hey, you can call me the crazy lipstick lady and hell, I won't mind. U-Uh. 

So Hey guys! While cleaning my stash I realized I had a boatload of Miss Claire Soft Matte Lip creams and I hadn't updated since my last. I shall not get into the details about the product since I've already mentioned everything HERE. This shall be a picture heavy post so stay tuned.


Miss Claire Soft Matte Lip Cream



Miss Claire Soft Matte Lip Cream Swatches - 1, 3, 5
Miss Claire Soft Matte Lip Cream Swatches - 7, 8,10
Miss Claire Soft Matte Lip Cream Swatches - 11, 12,15A
Miss Claire Soft Matte Lip Cream Swatches - 16A, 17A,18A
Miss Claire Soft Matte Lip Cream Swatches - 30, 31, 35
Miss Claire Soft Matte Lip Cream Swatches - 38, 39,42
Miss Claire Soft Matte Lip Cream Swatches - 47 
 
Comment "Pigtails!" if you made it till here!!
Frankly I'm not overtly happy with the swatches. But all shades do not show true in the same lighting somehow :( Nonetheless, this should give you a fair idea about the shades.

Shade 01: An orange-red shade.

Shade 03: I know this washes me out like a ghost. But I mix this on top of darker shades to either lighten the shade or create an ombre effect (especially with Sugar Vivid Magenta) and Oh my! I love it! Also it mattifies the lipstick just right.

Shade 05: The swatch does not do justice at all. This is an exact dupe of NYX SMLC in Antwerp. It's a beautiful coral, leaning more towards pink. This needs 2-3 layers for an opaque uniform application. Will suit fair skin tones

Shade 07: A purple based fuscia. It's a buildable shade. Love it!

Shade 08: A peachy neutral. Will suit fair to medium skintone.

Shade 10: A true red. Makes my teeth look whiter. Will suit all skin tones.

Shade 11: It's a brighter pink in real life. This shade brightens up the complexion. A great shade for round the year.

Shade 12: A shade deeper and brighter than "shade 07". Another favourite. Purple based lipshades always make the teeth seem whiter and suits indian skin tone beautifully. 

Shade 15A: A pink based nude. Not as pale as the swatch in real. A pretty nude for fair skin. Goes on a little streaky. Needs more coats.

Shade 16A: Light pink with warm undertones.

Shade 17A: A universally flattering shade. It's a pink with slight brown undertones and hence makes for a perfect nude for various skin tones. It shows up different on different people but looks amazing on everyone. A sure keeper.

Shade 18A: A true bright orange. Very difficult to carry. Definitely not for the faint hearted.

Shade 30: A bright peach.

Shade 31: A brown based nude. Needs more coats for an opaque application.

Shade 35: A deep neon-ish pink.

Shade 38: A muted dusty rose shade. My second favourite!

Shade 39: A shade lighter than 38.

Shade 42: This one's my favourite!! It's a beautiful wine shade which suits indian skintone like a charm. Looks more deeper wine than in the swatch. A deep yet not an 'in-your-face' kinda shade. If you want to try a deeper shade but scared it'll look "too much", try this!

Shade 47: Another very in trend shade. It's a muted nude with cool undertones. This shade will go with any make up look or any shade of clothes you wear. This one has a permanent place in my hand bag.

Hope this helps! Since I could not find many swatches for the new shades, only fair I upload them myself.

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Which one's your fave?

Love,
SS

22/12/2016

Maybeline Lash Sensational Mascara

Hey guys!
I don't think I've ever reviewed mascaras before. To update you, I have small asian hooded eyelids with non-existent lashes [I'm not kidding. You'll see the proof in a while.] 
Hence I usually look for lengthening mascaras. Those for volume usually clump my lashes and I do NOT like that look!

My favourite Mascara has been Loreal Million lashes for the length it gives and Maybelline's colossal mascara for the volume it gives and yet does not make the lashes clumpy.

Maybelline has launched the Lash Sensational Mascaras recently in India. But it has been out in the market for quite some time now.
My dear husband was sweet enough to get me these from Thailand before it released here.

Price: Rs.500/-


This has 2 variants. Water resistant and Water proof. 
I usually opt for water proof ones. I do not wear mascara on a daily basis and thanks to Kolkata Weather, waterproof is what I need.

I had heard such good reviews about this one amongst Youtubers that I just HAD to get my hands on these, especially because it was being compared with Benefit's Roller Lash.

First of all, the wand blew my mind. It has a curved wand. The bristles of which are short at the start and get longer gradually. This makes it super easy to get each and every lash and probably discover some more lashes that you never knew existed!

The bristles are quite spaced out because of which it separates the lashes very well. 
The most unique feature about the mascara is that the bottom part of the wand has bristles in shape of a tiny comb. This little comb is sooo amazing for the lower lashes. Also to clear any clumps.




Please excuse the pathetic swatch. But this is to give you an idea, how much of a difference it makes for non-existent lashes like mine. However, 2 coats of this makes my lashes too clumpy and me no likey. I'm almost done with this tube. Initially I thought the formula was too thin and runny. Also it picks up a lot of product. So I'd first swipe off the excess product and then use it and tada!
However I truly fell in love with this mascara after a month when the formula got a tad bit tacky.

  The tube is over 5 months now and has started getting dry. [That could be a reason for the clumps in 2 coats *looks sheepishly*]

Nonetheless, I like just one coat of mascara (any mascara). It gives my lashes a very natural look and more importantly make them visible.

The mascara stays on me for atleast 4-5 hours. After that it flakes a bit. 
Truly waterproof. It needs a good strong makeup remover to come off. Or in my case baby oil does a damn fine job.

This mascara is definitely worth the money. Thankfully it's decently priced. It has the potential of becoming many's HG mascara!
I already have a back up of this. But to be honest I'd rather just keep this wand and rebuy Loreal Million lashes for length and everyday use (It is water resistant not waterproof) and Maybelline Colossal waterproof for more volume.

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It's almost Christmas guys! Do you have any plans?

Love,
SS

20/12/2016

Roots Professional MorocVita Oil

Hey guys!!
 
I've had an eye for THE Moroccan Oil Hair treatment for a verrrry long time now. The mixed review is what has kept me from buying this. And ofcourse the unreal price tag! Moreover I got myself a Moroccan Oil Hair spa in COLORS here in Kolkata, and it was OK-ish. Maybe I had too much expectation but it felt just like the Loreal/Wella ones... So I gave it a rest.

While searching, I found quite a good feedback on the brand- Roots. I have and love their combs, hair brushes and blow dryer. I think they're one of the best quality out there. However using a product is very different than using their tools! 

So my search for a good Argan Oil with minimal harmful chemicals kind of came to a halt when I found this. The little reading, "Derived from Moroccan Argan Tree" already had me sold. And then came the Nykaa sale!!
Since it claims such good things and it was on 50% sale, I just HAD to pick it up.    

Price: Rs.2000/-


Roots Professional Morocvita Oil

Roots Professional Morocvita Oil


Please check the below pic for the ingredients list and all that it claims.


Roots Professional Morocvita Oil

It's not really an oil. DONOT use it as an oil/ overnight treatment but treat this as a serum. The texture is more of a serum which is very light and feels very smoothening on the hair. That is because of the silicone content in the oil. Silicone in skincare and hair care is often spoken unfavourably of BUT...

In fact, silicones are one of the most effective ingredients in skincare and haircare, ofcourse depending on what you are actually aiming for.

Dimethicones being water insoluble forms a protective layer on the hair, and does not let the moisture (or humidity) pass through, hence giving the hair a shine and smoothening effect.

Since it helps retain the moisture already present in the hair, it also conditions the hair.

Products containing silicones are mostly good for conditioning and controlling frizz, which is exactly what I need. 

Add caption

Like I mentioned, this is more of a serum rather than an oil. 
I use it-
  1.   After washing my hair to smoothen and control frizz. 
  2.  As a heat protectant. 
  3.  Apply 2 drops of it on dry hair (once everyday, even if I have not washed my hair) whenever I leave  home during the day since it also claims to protect against UV rays.

Lets just say, this is my new love! I use it as my serum, heat protectant, SPF for my hair, frizz controller or on days when I feel my hair is looking dull.

My hair is loving the oil [serum]. It is extremely lightweight and doesnot weigh down the hair.
It controls my frizz and makes it look visibly smoother and shinier. I also like the light fragrance. And it is going to last me forever!

But the bottle is So. Damn. Heavy. I cannot travel with it at all. The bottle is quite hefty and made of glass. The pump is very convenient though. But the cap on it is very loose. [That just could be my piece] But because of that it keeps slipping from my hand. I'm too scared I'll drop it someday [Being the butterfingers that I am!]. 

I know I can transfer some in a containier while travelling, but I'm much too lazy for that. Also it is quite tedious and time consuming. Needless to say - Messy!

A must buy for those who have dry, damaged and frizzy hair. Especially at half the price!!

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Love,
SS

02/12/2016

Top 10 Nude Lip Favourites [Roundup'16]

I'm obsessed with lippies. I usually steer clear from foundations on a daily basis. I'm mostly kohl and a lipstick kinda girl. 
However currently, I'm  loving a no eye kohl/liner look with a dash of blush, mascara and lipstick! 

So I was re-arranging my stash the other day and I realized I have way too many nudes (which means no buying new ones!!)  So, I had to jot down my favourite Nude lipsticks in my stash. Hope this helps you incase you are looking for a nude lippie.

So in no real order or rhyme, here goes:

 
L-R: Lakme 9to5 Coffee Command, Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick 19, Revlon Rosy Nude, Maybelline Warm Me Up, StudioWest Honey Glaze 


In sunlight
In shade


Lakme 9to5 Coffee Command
Price: Rs.320/-
A warm brown with peach undertone. It has a powdery matte finish. This is the closest dupe I've found to the famous 'My Mahogany' which has been discontinued for quite a while now.

Rimmel KateMoss 19: 
Price: Rs.215/-
 A perfect brownish nude with rose undertones. This is my MLBB shade. I have pigmented lips and this covers the pigmentation in 1 swipe itself. It is creamy in texture. It loses the creaminess in a while but it stays for almost 4 hours on me without eating. 
Fades evenly.


Revlon ColorBurst Lipcolor in Rosy Nude
Price: Rs.580 /- 
True to it's name, it is a rosy nude shade. It is almost similar to Rimmel 19, just slightly more peachy. On my lips they look the same. This is more creamy and more moisturising than Rimmel. Has a smoother finish. Even if you have chapped dry lips, this will make it look luscious and flawless. Great for winters especially if you can't bear to wear another super dry matte liquid lipstick!

Maybelline Warm Me Up
Price: Rs.386/-
It does not show up as pink as the swatch but it is definitely a pinky nude. I feel this will suit only fair skinned girls coz' if not worn right or when I'm a little tanned this washes me out. 
PS: A very close dupe to MAC Brave.

StudioWest Honey Glaze:
 Price: Rs.450/-
 One of my favorite nude. Just the right blend of brown and peach. Brightens the face. Opaque in 1 swipe. Creamy in texture. Stays for almost 4-5 hours. I love this range from StudioWest (WestSide Cosmetics).





Fave Nudes: Swatches in sunlight


Fave Nudes: Swatches in shade


Streetwear color rich ultra moist lipstick in Berry dreamy:
 I love this streetwear lipstick range. Cute colours, decent stay and best of all... cheap! You can't go wrong with this one. It applies creamy but after a while it turns semi matte.   

Streetwear color rich ultra moist lipstick in Spellbound:
A little darker nude. It has a slight mauve undertones.

Miss Clare Soft Matte Lip Cream in 31
I could go on and on about this... A true peachy nude. This is one of the newer shades released. Love this one. A beautiful nude that'll suit many skin tones. The color looks beautiful on everyone. I also recommend 17A (A more pinkish nude) Powder matte finish. Lasts almost 5-6 hours on me.

Incolor Matte me 415
 I intentionally did not add more super dry matte lippies coz' it's winter and it's always good to give the lips a break and treat them well. However I HAD to add this one solely for the shade. A deep nude with heavy mauve undertones. Shall suit all skin tones. Dries into a super matte formula. Definitely need to exfoliate the lips first. Also can't re-apply over, since it gets all crumbly after 5-6 hours.

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Which is your current fave nude lippie??


With Love,
SS