Tools of perfection (face brushes )

Hello Pretties,
Yes yes yes, found guilty as crime. I am writing after a long long time...blame it on the recent job i took... together managing the house and my work is demanding a lot from me ( no complains). The only regret is that I don't get enough time to write as usual. some how with all this, the love of makeup has taken a back seat.. but dear blush I have not forgotten about you, and here I am writing reviews again for my passion and for people it matters to.

So without any further delay lets dive in. A recent call from my little sister inspired me to write about face brushes this time. How often we talk about all glittering things and face products without giving any credit to the tools of perfection, the face brushes. Here are some options to look out for, grab and feel for yourself
 ( that sounds so wrong, anyways ). :)

Before knowing which brushes are the best we must know which ones not to buy strictly.
Worst brushes ever:
wega
colorbar
bare essentials
The market is flooded with cheap options of face brushes but these brushes not only spoil the texture of your expensive products they even spoil your face, resulting in breakouts and uneven application.The bristles are so hard that the majority of products falls off.
So say no no to the above brands of brushes.

Best brands of brushes:
#Real Technique
#Sigma
#Eco tools
The sad part is that these brushes are not available in the Indian retail market, however these are available on flipkart.com and amazon.in...but if you have any friends or family living abroad then try order from U.S or U.K ( afterall what are friends for  :) )!!

Eye brushes:

This eye brushes set is callled the #Real Technique Starter Kit it retails for 1765 rs. on #amazon.in.
It consists of all the imp brushes used to apply shadow and brows.

Face brushes:

This face brushes set is called #Real Technique Core Collection Set it retails for 1599 rs on #amazon.in.
Consisting of a blush brush, face powder blush, contour blush and a concealer brush.

Both the sets are real value for money, comes in a black case which is used for travelling and has a super high end brushes experience. Trust me friends brushes do make a hell lot of difference.

Apart from these the other makeup tools to look out for are:

 #Makeup sponges:
 My friends who enjoy liquid foundations or bb or cc creams , these sponges are miracle for them. its blends into the skin smooth and even. They are available easily everywhere and are washable.

 #Retractable brush:
One retractable brush from ecotools or oriflame giordano.

 #Lip brushes:
Lip brushes from faces canada work good.

 #Clair's sponge brush:
This is available in all clair's stores... its the best brush for liquid foundations and its handle makes it easy to hold and use.

Eye shadow sponges:
Dont underestimate these little things: whenever u get them in your eye shadows collect them...they are very handy while travelling or when u have to apply a lighter eye shadow base.

 #Cotton pads:
Last but not the least the good old cotton pads, a makeup essential.

So this is all for a flawless face. I hope it was useful. Use them, see a difference and don't forget to wash your brushes after every 2 to 3 uses, for better results. Wash them with a mild shampoo and towel dry them..keep them on towel in your room till they dry completely.
stay pretty!!!

TRAVEL BAG ESSENTIALS :)

   SO... all my sistas in travelling pants.. in this blog post i m gonna write about the absolute 2 loves of  my life... no no i am not having an affair ( but i like the way u think). M talking about my love for travelling and beauty essentials while travelling.

Yesss,am basically a Delhi girl :) but i currently live in Chennai..so this arrangement of my life makes me travel too much to and fro (no complain).

Well traveling has become such an imp part of my life but i belive in  DONT TRAVEL LIGHT..TRAVEL BEAUTIFULL...haha. so for all your next travel plans, holidays,weddings, visit...i got few stuff together and tips..hope u enjoy..read on..

So first things first we need  is a travelling cosmetic bag ... there are various cute funky options everywhere. This one is my current traveling pouch which i got from #lifestyle. pretty cool right!!!

FACE BASE:

1. SUNSCREEN: Carry a good SPF sunscreen before stepping out, a healthy skin is  the base for a good makeup. Make sure ur sunblock has SPF and PA++ . I use neutrogena sunblock which has both, it retails for 499 rs.
2. PRIMER: Use a good primer if u know u will stay out till long or use makeup. Primer makes the makeup stay longer with better results closing ur pores. I use the porefessional by benefit, it retails for 2700 rs @ a sephora store. choose your options from sites like #nykaa.com or #fabbag.com.
3. BB CREAM:  Next comes a good bb cream for skin tone perfecting, evens out the skin tone and moisturizes too. I currently use the garnier bb cream, it retails for 199rs for 40g.
4. SETTING POWDER: Seal in the base with a setting powder, matching your skin type. I usually carry my #sephorasculptingdisc which has powder, bronzer and a highlighter all in one. it retails for 1200rs @ sephora stores.

EYES:

1. EYESHADOW PALLET: I carry my too faced boudoir eyes ,eyeshadow pallet and urban decay naked basic pallet for eyes. its small, its compact and definitely travel friendly.(http://prettysouldiary.blogspot.in/2014/07/so-my-dears-there-are-around-zillion.html)
2. A good kajal which does not bleed like the mabelline colossal kajal in black.
3. My recent discovery- palladio herbal mascara for those fluttering lashes to brighten ur eyes while u smile. it retails for 550rs @ fabbag.com (do try).
4. And a good eye liner, for me its NYX super skinny marker.

CHEEKS:

 For cheeks my choice for travelling is NYX BLUSH  in shade cinnamon and BOURJOIS PARIS blush in shade rose de or. Both have very compact small packaging, so easy to just slip in the bag. You can find them @ nykaa.com, amazon.in and even flipkart.com. Bourjois also has its outlet @ westside and lifestyle stores. 

LIPS:

This is really important for all those facebook pics and wats app dp's. My personal favorite lip products to carry while travelling are..

NYX tinted lip balm

Bodyshop lip balm for well moisturized lips always.

Revelon colour burt lip crayons for they are amazingly  long lasting colour on lips and easy to carry.

and NYX matt lip creame in shade LONDON...coz i love matt.

do carry a lip gloss for that extra shine in evenings. (m not a gloss person).

OTHER ESSENTIALS I CAN'T DO WITHOUT:

1. Makeup wipes
2. My roll on perfume
3. Himalaya under eye cream ( u don't want to have puffy eyes in photos right? ).
4. A good hand cream.

 

Make your own list, I hope this was interesting to go through, grab the things which u think might be needed from the post, carry a good book and your stunning smile...n u r good to go PRETTY!!!




 

back to college..

  Once upon a time, back in my college days...no one came to my rescue, nooooo one...with very little knowledge about makeup and stuff..day after day I use to go to college competing with boyz... hahahah!!!
Now that I feel all fancy, thought to share some tips and tricks to make college dayz more happening and fun.

So  I dedicate this post to all my sistas and friendz who feel lost as I use to ... so girlz collect ur pocket money, grab a pen and lets go..

FACE:  No beauty regime is complete with a flawless complexion..and with the pressure to finish college projects, travelling, teachers, fights and all the drama it just gets a little tuff to pamper ourselves.
Trust me your best friend should be a good scrub, a BB creame and a face powder.
Select a scrub for your face type (oily, combination, dry skin), but scrubing once a week is imp.
But not more then once a week cause your skin is still young and soft.

I use a scrub from Soap and Glory which is available only @ Sephora, Delhi., the other good options are Body Shop, Biotique, Clean n Clear and Himalya.
REMEMBER the more natural or organic ur product the lesser the damage.

Every company is coming up with a BB cream or a CC cream...but the best one by far i recommend is the Garnier BB cream, blends into ur skin with no traces of makeup atall..n still hides the spots.

Using a compact powder or a setting powder is not so imp everyday to college but is quite helpfull in special dayz or functions... selecting the correct shade for ur skin type is very imp. I suggest Loreal Paris True Match, it retails for 990rs but last a long way...definitely worth the hype...try it to believe it.

GEMS IN MY BAG:  After u get that clear complexion, its time for everyday makeup..

Start with a good kajal which does not bleed, one such kajal is maybelline collosal, i have been using it since years now and no prob..stays the entire day without giving me a panda eye...u knw what i mean? hehe.

A dash of mascara for those fluttering lashes and my winner is yet again maybelline falsies volume express.

A coloured eyeliner now and den for special occasions, my best is NYX liner pencils,available at sephora stores and beauty sites like fabbag.com, nykaa.com, amazone.in, but there are a number of other brandz too..explore..

For cheeks again not suggested a blush daily to college but if u still want to look ur glowing best try a cream blush such as oriflame liquid cream blush. Try sticking to neutral shades of peaches n coarals..no pinks for day time.

Make sure u have super hydrated lips, u dont want to look flaky and chalky while u talk to cute boyz right?
bodyshop lip balm stick is amazinggggg....u get it in different flavours too. the other amazing option I discovered these dayz is tinted lip balms from NYX. unlike other sheer lip balms it definitely has a bit of tint to it with good hydration, specially for those who like a hint of colour...available @ sephora delhi again, and even websites like nykaa.com.

If u are a fan of lip glosses over ur lip balms then go for " I LOVE" lip glosses from fabbag.com, they are sheer, flavored and absolutely non sticky (hateeee sticky lip glosses). and for those evening out with friendz or movies dab on the lakme absolute lip glosses which have amazing staying time n a bit of colour too.

NAILS: Maybelline colour show nails paints are cute, small, colourfull, glittery and retails for 75rs...create a wardrobe of nail paints and mix n match.

LAST but not the least carry a efficient roll on perfume every time in ur bag for instant freshness anytime.

JUST SAYING: All above suggestions are tried and tested, u r welcome to explore on ur own, but happy if i could help...LOVE, ROCK UR COLLEGE N STAY PRETTY!!MUUUAHHHH..

SEPHORA SCULPTING DISC REVIEW.

   Every time I enter sephora, I get lost to the large make up varieties and it gets difficult to pick and choose, like a child in a candy shop.Still standing at the sephora's own cosmetic counter I looked at this beautiful round disc....and you know the rest of the story.. within no time the disc was in my shopping bag..ahhh!! pleasure.

Introducing my new SEPHORA SCULPTING DISC..

PRICE: It retails for 1200 rs  @ the sephora store delhi. so as compared to other stuff in sephora its kind of affordable.

PRODUCTS:  The disc includes a bronzer, a setting powder and a highlighter. For 3 products in 1 its a pretty good deal I guess.

BRONZER:  For our Indian summery climate bronzer is one must have product in your cosmetic bag..a bronzer gives u that golden sheen which is perfect for our warm skin tone. The sephora bronzer is very pigmented and apt for sculpting the hollows of the cheeks.. The formula easily glides without the feeling of too much product on your face.

POWDER:  Everyone knows the magic of a good setting powder..after a liquid foundation, a setting powder does the job of setting the base of your makeup. Sephora setting powder which is in the center of the disc..has a light creamy texture, hence it blends into the skin well without making the finish very cakeky.
The powder is translucent and hence goes with all skin tones.

HIGHLIGHTER: In my opinion the best part of the sephora sculpting disc is its highlighter. the highlighter can instantly brighten the whole face..but this highlighter in perticular can also be used as a blush. Its breaks away from the pink blushes category and is perfect for evenings out.

Alltogether following are the points which you can think before this beautiful investment.

1. Travel friendly packaging to take along.
2. 3 products in 1 disc, hence no extra clutter.
3. Amazing quality.
4. One stop shop for your make up base...carry this n you are done.
5. Huge mirror, very handy.
6. Good pricing for 3 products.
7. Smell amazing (if that matters).

The disc also has a small manual as to how to use the disc at the back of the disc. very cool.

I hope u found this helpful..but if u gals travel a lot like myself..go grab, u will enjoy it..tks and stay pretty!!!

BLUSH GLORY :)

   

       If anyone is addicted to blushes as i m this is for u, yes friendz i am a self confessed blushaholic. NO SHAME!!!.

This is probably one thing in my cosmetic bag..which instantly has the power to brighten my face and my mood. If all my makeup disapeares, i would just need a kajal n a blush and i am good to go.

So i am intoducing few of my blushes which i absolutely adore and highly recommend.
lets get started...

1.)Toofaced Sweetheart flush blush - shade candy glow:
      This cute little thing took my heart away with its beautiful packaging.
      The shape of the blush quite explains the name itself.
      The blush retails for 30$. It comes in 3 hues of pink as in light pink, peach n deeper pink.
      So the logic is eigher u can use it as a single colour or mix all the shades and get a beautiful pink colour sheen onto ur cheeks.
      Its a backed blush n hence will last forever i guess. The colour is apt for a party or a wedding.
      I call it a naughty baby blush!!

2.)  Loreal bare natural mineral blush - shade soft rose:
      The loreal blush is high on quality as its a mineral blush. Its a powder textured blush and is provided with a blush brush in the packaging itself. The soft rose shade makes it perfect for a day blush.
      It retails around 800 to 900 rs. (different sites different prices). definately for all complexion.
      I sugguest its a must have for all working beaautifuls out there. I call it a decent baby blush. haha!!

     











3.)  Bourjois paris - shade 34 rose d'or:
      The best part of any bourjois blush is its packaging..it come in a little round magnetic pot. Its extremely convinient for travelling.
The blush retails for 710 rs. the blush is not very pigmented and comes with a light sheen, but it blends like a dream.
its not loud or harsh atall.
Since i travel a lot its my all time go to blush. All u girls with fair skin will love it.

I call it easy baby blush!!! :)

4.) Benefit fine one one blush:
     The benefit fine one one is a stick blush. Its available at all sephora stores in Delhi.
     the blush retails for 2300 or 2700 rs ( cant remember, but one of these).
     I am amazed by this blush. Once u open the blush the stick of the blush comes in 3 shades..highlighter,  base and a blush..so basically its a highlighter and a blush in one..hence the name Fine one one.

     The aplication is smooth and leaves ur ckeeks with a flush of glow n shine..if u goin to a party this will surly make heads turn. its a stunner!!!
   I call it a stunning baby!!!.

5.)  Nyx blush - shade cinnamon
      Oops whenever i see this one i melt. Look at the colour.. its so different and breaks away from the   monotony of pink blushes. Not only this,  i suggest its the bestttttttesttttt for us warm skin toned girlz.
      Nyx does amazing job with their blushes. It retails around 530 rs in sephora.

      The blush is highly pigmented and blends into the skin well. Its amazing for summers.
       I call it a sexy lady blush!!! trust me after wearing this u r bound to look sexy.

6.)  Oriflame studio artist creame blush - shade soft peach:
 Hmmm honestly not very impressed with this one. Its a soft peach coloured creame blush. The texture is extreamly liquidy. After application u can harly find any colour. But the blush leaves ur ckeek with a flushed glow.
 So if u r not a big fan of coloured cheeks or want to pull off a all natural no makeup look..this is probably what u should be buying.
It retails around 320 rs. But all said its a good base for rest of ur blushes. Just apply the creame blush onto ur apples of ur cheeks and over it use any blush of ur choice, that will make the blush stay longer.
I call it a natural baby!!!.

Hope u found all this yap yap informative...see u later, bye... n stay pretty!!!.

URBAN DECAY NAKED 3 REVIEW

Finally the 3rd beauty is Urban Decay Naked 3.

Naked 3 retails for 54$ in U.S. The packaging is sleek metalic box in rose glod colour...indicative of the colour pallets inside which is also in shades and hues of  metalic rose. The difference in naked 2 and naked 3 box is that the lead of the box is very wavy textured.

The eyeshadows are extremely pigmented and the hues are completely wearable.

The pallet is awesome for traveling and exqusite for functions.

Naked 3 includes 3 matt shades called limit, nooner and strange.

The shade selection is beautiful. 

My personal favourite among the lost would be naked 2, its more apt for the warmer skin tones.

but if u have a fairer tone go for Naked 3.

Hope u found that useful..bye girlz ...stay pretty!!

URBAN DECAY NAKED 2 REVIEW

Okkkayhhh!!

So the next gem in my cosmetic collection is NAKED 2 ..

So this beauty here comes next to NAKED 1, but i dint really think i needed dat.

Naked 1 and Naked 2 are quiet similar in the shade selection.

The best part is packaging again..its like a steel pencil box which i use to carry when i was back in school...which is amazing to carry around without being scared to drop it .

Naked 2 retails for around 54$ in U.S. its still not travelled to India , but might soon (fingers crossed).

The box has got this brown metalic topy colour coz the shades inside are on the same colour pallet.

On the inside it comes with 12 eyeshadow shade and a dual eyeshadow brush... the shades are very topy brown range, with 2 matt shades n rest are a bit glittering.

The amzing thing is thought the shades have a bit shine to them dey still dont look flashy or loud at all after application. The size and d quality of the brush is amazing..the box also comes with an eyeshadow sample primer.

All together the colours are very wearable for any time of the day and night..its super super pallet for travell.

probably I would say that your collection is not complete till you own the Naked 2.

The shadows are very long wearing and dont dust at all..but WARNING: all urban decay eyeshadows are very intense always have a light hand to apply.

SO GO GRAB ONE!!n stay pretty.!!

urban decay naked basic

So my dear's, there are around zillion brands, and these zillion brands have numerous products... so how do we choose the best amonst the rest... I belive every brand has some good product to offer, but its not imp that every good or expensive brands have all good products to offer.

To solve this puzzle we can do our bit of reaearch and talk abt certain brandz .. and so today's star is URBAN DECAY (or UD as we call).

Though URBAN DECAY has still not travelled to INDIA, the brand might be seen soon in Sephora, Delhi.

its an amerian brand founded in1996 and it does not employ animal testing in the creation of its products.The brand comes with usual lipsticks, powders, bb creams, blushes and more..but the reason its most famous for its series of eye shadow pallets named NAKED.

I will review the naked pallets 1 by 1 in my blogs to follow.

Naked basic pallets retails around 28$ in U.S.
Its basically a neutral pallet for day.

The first thing which might attract u in urband decay pallets is its packaging.
The Naked Basics pallet is smallest of the the lot..but the packaging is very sleek and uptight..which makes it very convienent pallet for travels.
The cover feels soft with rubber embrossed name.

In the inside u get 6 eyeshadow shades, ranging from the lightest (venus) to the darkest (crave).
Since all these 6 eyeshadows are matt.. it makes it perfect day pallet.(as it is so tuff to get all matt shades in one pallet).

The eyeshadows are extremely pigmented, so try using with a lighter hand. The pallet also opens up to a mirror making it easily and more convienient to apply while seeing. They are soft velvety colours and dont really dust around your under eye area which is good!!!

The first 3 can be used as blending shades while the other 3 darker shades can be used for eye lids. B'coz am a regular user of the pallet I would give it a *****  star and its definaltely a must buy thing from the Naked range.

SO GIRLZ GO GRAB!!! n stay pretty.

Allow me to intoduce myself...

Hello People ,

This has been pending for long on my todo list ... Finally I am doing this yaayyyyyy ...

Ok... So Girls and all the fashionistas.... My name is Swadha Singh and I am a graphic designer by profession. I got bitten by the beauty bug while I was on my break from my work some time back.

While i had all this time to myself I thought to indulge myself to the new found love which was cosmetics and more..( all said that my true love still lies in art). So here i am cheating on art with makeup..(guilty).

Now and then i often read research and even you tube lot of beauty or cosmetic related stuff.

So basically blogging happened after me and my Mr. Man ( my husband ) were confident that now i have enough products and knowledge to share with sistas and fellas who enjoy same interests. 

Having said that, this would still not be a pure cosmetic yap yap thing..but more.

I am looking forward to share not preach. It could be anything from an idea to DIY to experiences... just feel free to pour your thoughts.

Hoping to explore this new angle...excited, nervous, happy..all in one

lots will be happening ... stay preety!!!