A Tiny June Favorites Round-up

I realize that off late, since I've become a grown up and shit, I do tend to try out new products every month. Because I'm now willing to experiment and sometimes, new products find their way into my makeup/washbag/bathroom cabinet.

And I'd like to share.

The first thing I want to rave about is this palette my UK-return friend MUA got for me. It's the much talked about Collection Eyes Uncovered Nude Bronze Palette. I've been stalking it on Youtube and people say it's the best thing since sliced bread. The pigmentation was said to rival the Naked's, for gods sake. So when she came back with this I was ecstatic. The color payoff is insane, and when I used them wet, they looked like a MAC paint pot colors, I kid you not. If anyone has access to it now, buy it. If you're not in a place where you have access to it, make friends with someone who does, and buy it. Did I mention it's 3 GBP/4.73 USD/300 INR? For 6 amazing shades?

I used to be a die-hard user of Dove shampoo back in the day. But suddenly, it stopped working. My hair started falling out and it just made it SO DARN FRIZZY. But over the past year, I've been loving it. It's really been working with my hair, making it super soft and manageable. When I saw that they had come out with the new Dove Nutritive Solutions Oxygen Moisture I was desperate to give it a try. And oh wow, does it work. It's a clear blue shampoo (different from the signature opaque liquid) and it actually volumizes and softens! There are so many claims that shampoos make these days (I think I've tried something from every brand and have been thoroughly disappointed through the years) but this, I feel actually DOES something. I bought the tiny bottle to try it but BIG SALON SIZE WITH PUMP HERE I COME.

I've been on the lookout for a starter night serum for a while now. I wanted to know how my skin would react to having something other than cream put onto it at night. When I was browsing Purplle.com at 3am, as you do, the Richfeel Skin Logix Advanced Night Repair Serum popped up. It had some rice protein in it's formula, and was a tiny bottle (245 INR for 25ml). Apparently, washing your face with rice water, it makes your skin softer and firmer. I did some Googling and the reviews  for this product were good. My face has been giving me pretty much no trouble but I have noticed that it's becoming pretty dull. So this had claims of brightening (I hate the term whitening) and I was like, gimme.
It has a little droplet applicator, and I dot it over my face post wash. I gently massage it in till it absorbs (it takes about 20 seconds). I will say that it is not the most amazing smelling serum. It is not unpleasant, but I think it's the rice protein that makes it smell like well, wet rice. Just bear with it till it sinks in.
I am happy to report that my poor sunburnt post-Andamans face is more or less back to normal, with some added life thrown in. Really happy with this.

Lastly, I've already raved about this in a previous post, but the Maybelline The Colossal Liner (on sale!) had to be thrown into this post. I've been using it every time I require liner on my face. And it's brilliantly jet black and matte, no half hearted charcoal grey situation.

So that was some rambling. I hope you guys have a great week!

Drawing the Line

I recently had someone ask me what the best liner for summer was. And when I thought about it, I realized that for the Indian climate/any other hot and humid place where your make up is likely to sweat off, you DO need something with staying power. And even I, subconsciously, switch up my liner during these months as well.

So here are my two favorite liners at the moment.

So the Maybelline Colossal Liner is something that I've been wanting to try for a while now. I'm not the biggest fan of felt tip liners, but this had claims of it being the 'blackest liner' ever. And I needed it. And I am happy to report that these claims were true. It is incredibly easy to use, very VERY black and makes my morning cat eye a painless job. I will say though, that this one isn't waterproof, if that is what you're after.

And for you ladies that have are tormented by the oily eyelid syndrome - check out the Revlon Colorstay Liquid Liner. It is a tiny little brush-felt tip hybrid (a flocked tip, is what they call it). It is VERY long wearing. The only downside to this for me, was that it wasn't a matte liner, which is something I prefer for everyday use. But if you're down with a bit of shine - go for it. It dries really quickly and lasts ALL day. And one thing that I personally like about this is that at the end of the day when you're taking off your make up, this comes off very easily - it almost flakes off with water. So no panda eyes.


What liners have you guys been loving this summer?

Lolita.

Anyone who knows me from college knows that I'm a sucker for Lolita fashion. I would dress like a Gothic Lolita all day every day if I could. But, in Chennai, under a corset, crinoline and layers of tulle, I may just die. So when my friend gave me this dress she got me from Forever 21, I just had to slip on a pair of heels and my big fat cross belt and feel kawaii.

I adore the back neck on this. And the fit, is perfect. Makes me happy. The print is this adorable tiny floral repeat that I feel is apt for pretty much any season.

I can feel this becoming my go-to dress this fall/winter. With or without the belt. Anyone else into Lolita fashion? PLEASE tell me I'm not crazy and not alone.

The Maxi Dress Fix for Petite Girls

As I sit up, watching Korean cooking videos, I reminisce to a time where my life wasn't always baggy tees, shorts and huge cups of tea, in the comfort of my bed. Don't get me wrong, I love it. It's like a huge holiday from adult life, with some freelancing thrown in, before I kick it back in to first gear. 

But once upon a time, when I was fun and shit, I realized that I wanted a maxi dress. My best friend's wedding was coming up, and I had ALWAYS wanted one. So I thought hey, perfect occasion! I'm short. Very short. Like 5"2 short. So I was scared that maxi dresses would make me look even smaller. Or worse, like a child playing dress-up. My nickname given to me by my wonderful best friend is Tiny, for god's sake. He isn't even that much taller than I am...

But when I started trying on styles in stores, it wasn't that bad. Once I popped a pair of heels on, I felt taller. I realized it was just trick of the eye stuff. 

Longer lines that hug your body make the eye feel like you're taller and slimmer. Someone looking at you wouldn't think that you're as petite as you are. Because there's so much fabric length for the eye to take in, you can cheat and distract people from your actual height.

I adore this red number I got at Splash in Bangalore for 2500 INR (original price was 5000 but it was on sale. It was a sign from God.) It's a halter neck, with some slight pleated detail on the front. I ADORE the fall. The material is this drapey synthetic knit, so the weight makes it flow really nicely. It's an XS, and  it's a teeny bit loose at the back but it hangs really nicely on my body without the occasional aunty asking me if 'Beta, don't you eat?'. Like woman, I can demolish a medium pizza, a large coke and fries and ask for dessert. It's just metabolism. 

So girls from the 4'10 - 5'3 range who wanna wear something different for your next formal event? Try a maxi. It will change your life.

Thank you to Shrutilaya for taking these shots. I'm going to slyly insert her blog here so you guys can check her out.

Happy Wednesday!
-A

The Perfect Push-up

I've been on the hunt for a do-it-all push up bra for a while now. They make such a huge difference when you're wearing form fitting clothing, and for people as tiny as me - give me a little bit of help in the boobage department. Sigh. Such is life.

So when Zivame sent me their Penny Luster Level 2 Push Up Best Tee Bra in Sinberry*, I was doing a happy dance around my room. 

Look at how it came packaged. I felt so loved. They do SUCH a brilliant job of making lingerie feel all luxurious and special - as it should be!

So, after I ripped off the adorable wrapping paper, I found this really nice sturdy box. I've ordered lingerie online before, and it always comes in these flimsy little cardboard boxes. Zivame package it up in a huge cardboard box for you so nothing gets squished, because hey, they're called delicates for a reason!

So let's get into it. Push up bras can be a real struggle because I've seen some which literally elevate the boobage to somewhere around your eye level and well, unless that's what you're going for, it can be a little too much. Not to mention overly tight and painful. The Penny Bra has what they call a Level Two push up with underwire for support and some light padding. It also has a 3/4th cup which is great, cause a demi cup would basically be super useless as you're going to have half your boobs hanging out. I think this a brilliant foundation bra for me personally, cause some of my dresses and tops do require some extra form-fittingness as I am pretty darn skinny. 

It fits me like a dream. The push-up aspect is just the right amount without being excessive. The straps are really soft, so they don't dig into my skin. And I really like that they're a 3/4th cup rather than a semi or a demi cup. I also LOVE the color, but I would definitely be buying one of these in a black and a nude soon. 

I haven't washed it yet, but their instructions say specifically to handwash. Ladies, don't go throwing your padded bras in the machine, for that matter, because they COMPLETELY lose their shape. And they'll start gaping after a few washes. I'm hoping this one continues to fit well even post-wash.

You can shop for it here: http://www.zivame.com/penny-luster-level-2-push-up-best-tee-bra-sinberry.html. At 945 INR (It is now 851 INR on sale!), I think it's a brilliant buy for what it is. 

To have some fun, I wanted to show you guys how I'd wear it. I think this bra is SO fun, especially for the summer. I got such happy, beachy vibes from it.

Thank you to the lovely people at Zivame for letting me be a part of this!

* This product was sent to me by Zivame for reviewing purposes. All opinions expressed in this post are solely my own.

Monthly Grocery List

Every month, I see myself repurchasing these bare necessities. Call them my holy grail products if you will (the less glamorous kind), but I thought I'd share a few of my favorite monthly beauty buys that always end in my shopping basket.

The Loreal Paris Total Repair 5 is my go to hair serum. I've tried LOADS over the years - even your fancy hairdresser-only ones. And this works with my hair the best. It doesn't weigh it down and I can feel my hair getting softer because of this.

I've used Nivea Creme for as long as I can remember. My eczema requires me to really slather on the moisture sometimes and this REALLY stays for hours. Although the product is a bit thick, once you work with it, it does wonders for dry skin.

The Nivea Antiperspirant Pearl and Beauty has me sniffing myself all day (#nojudgement). It isn't drying or flakey or gooey, like some roll ons are. And boy, does it last. I've tried a lot of roll ons (I stopped using spray ons a while ago) and this one takes the cake. One of these can last me up to three months. The only drawback with this is that it is a glass bottle after all, so I get a teeny bit scared travelling with it.

I have done a rave review of the Loreal Paris Skin Perfect 20+. It has made my skin SO even toned, I hardly get zits anymore (touchwoodtouchwoodtouchwood) and any patchiness has totally vanished. I've been using this constantly for the past two months now and I will keep using it till I need the 30+. Which marks the beginning of my slow decline into old age.

The Garnier Purifying Neem Active Facewash is every oily faced girl's dream. It gently takes off that layer of oil buildup and doesn't dry your skin out. And continued use takes off any scarring/pimple marks that you would've acquired because YOU POPPED THE DAMN PIMPLE WHEN YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO LEAVE IT ALONE.

So, these are my go-to, absolutely cannot live with out products that I will petition to the company for if they discontinue it.

I'm currently nursing a very bad throat so I look like death. Hence, I refuse to put my face on the blog till I don't look like I've been through the mill.
Thank you for understanding.

Happy (to the people in Chennai) gloomy weather day!
- A

PWT (Pretty White Thing)

I'd like to start this blogpost off by thanking my awesome cousin who gave me this fine piece of garmentation. I ADORE it. It's from the Forever 21 Contemporary line which is pretty much my favorite area in the whole store apart from the jewelry.
THANK YOU ANJU.

Now.

I love my monochrome. I've paired it with this bag from Aldo and a super delicate necklace from Forever New. I didn't want anything competing with the beautiful pleated detail on the front. And my regular black trousers.

You could of course add some color to this by wearing it with colored trousers, or a nice bright bag - very summer appropriate. I like to stick to my neutrals when I have tops as delicate as this.
And yes, this top is pretty sheer. I'm wearing it with a skin colored bra, so it's all good. But you could also slip on a cami in skin/white (avoid black).

I have also tanned atrociously, and am slathering myself every day in curd and  gram flour. Sigh.
It works though.

Happy Wednesday!

- A

The Budget Wine Lipstick

When I was running around Bangalore trying to find something to wear for a certain gig because a certain member of the band in question forgot to bring my bag of clothes that he was supposed to. He then patiently drove me to the mall to find something to wear. Needless to say I was laughed out of town by the remaining band members who don't seem to grasp the concept that good (black) clothes are a necessity. But they all intently listen when I tell them what to wear for shoots.
Jokes aside, their music is fucking good. Check them out here. </shamelesspublicitybyaproudfriend>

Anyway.

I knew I was running low on my holy grail wine lipstick - Loreal Moist Matte Lipstick in Arabian Night - and I was just going to repurchase it when I hit the Lakme counter. Now I've never really felt that Lakme do well in the longevity of their lipsticks, even though they get the shades pretty spot on for Indian skin. There was some discount too, so I was like, what the hell. I picked up what I thought would be a nice wine shade from the Enrich Satins range in number 421. Billed it.

Oh my Lord. I am OBSESSED. It lasted ALL freaking night. Through all the food and the drink. It's a brilliant creamy matte formula. I will say though, that it takes around 10 minutes to actually set into your lips properly. And when it does, it ain't going anywhere. Good job, Lakme!

Then I came home and decided to compare both.

Aside from the fact that the Loreal lipstick (below) is a tad bit more pink, I think for the girl that's in the market for a budget wine colored lipstick, this is the one you need. The Loreal is pretty well priced for the brand/quality (I am after a couple of other shades in the same line) and retails for around INR 899. The Lakme, on the other hand is a complete bargain at INR 230 (I snagged it for the righteous price of INR 180) and in my honest opinion - has pretty much the same quality.

Here is an old, slightly awkward blogpost of me reviewing Arabian Nights.

Let me know if any of you try either of these lipsticks out - I vouch for them both!

- A

Summer Jewelry for the Minimalist

I recently went on a trip to the Andamans (it was nothing short of insane). And on beach holidays, you get to wear the cutest jewelry. I don't usually carry statement necklaces when I travel because 1) I'm always scared they'll break and 2) I prefer travelling really light in the trinkets department.

And I realized that I tend to wear a type of jewelry during the summer that never sees the light of day post August. Not like we in Chennai have seasons other than the monsoon (more like summer, summermore, summermost), but I thought I'd share with you some stuff that I would pack if I was going on a more resort-y kind of holiday. The Andamans was more of the 'getupits5amweregoingtobelatefortheferry' variety, so I barely wore the jewelry I packed. I hope this gives you guys some inspiration on what to wear for those beachy, summery days.

Items:
1. Turquoise Stone pendant - Matalan (UK) - ten million years ago
2. Skull Pendant - JC Penny (USA) - on sale for like $4
3. Layered bracelet - Ayesha
4. White shell bracelet - gift from the mother
5. Feather Necklace - Primark
6. Anchor bracelet - Accessorize