In an insta post, I wrote —
I’ve always starved for connection, not attention.
And, as much as that’s true, every girl has her attention seeking moments. She loves to dress up — but what she loves more, is that moment when the world notices it. It makes her feel beautiful. I know that we must never depend on acceptance or acknowledgement of our own beauty (or capabilities) by an external source — we have to know it, believe it. And yet, there isn’t one woman under the sun who doesn’t blush (at least in her heart) when her man says ‘You look beautiful tonight‘. If you are a man, and you are reading this — you know what you gotta say on that weekly date night. You gotta say is every week.
So, it is apparent that as women who love to take care of themselves, we indulge in everything that makes us feel good. Everything bath, body and beauty. And though indulgence would be a word way too underrated in my case, I’ll hop along and tell you what I’ve been loving in the recent months.
Issey Miyake L’eau D’Issey Florale
Boy oh! boy. I have received so many compliments on this baby (Issey Miyake L’eau Florale), that I haven’t put it down since the first time it touched my skin (2 months ago). The thing with perfumes is that they smell different from skin to skin — becoming a heavenly concoction with some skin scents and making them extra special. And although, this does not last on my skin beyond a few hours (unlike my Chanel Chance that stays on till I shower), I love how subtle and feminine it smells. It is floral, yes. But not in an overbearing, sweet kind of way — more in a classy, sexy, intellectual kind of way. I’m so pathetic at describing fragrance — just please go to the nearest mall and smell this. Do it for me.
L’oreal Serie Expert B6 + Biotin Inforcer Shampoo
I was convinced that I absolutely need this shampoo when a friend started using it and I saw the wonders it did to this friend’s hair. And anyway, I am not very loyal to my shampoos. I like to switch things up every once in a while — not allowing boredom to set in. So, about 2 months ago, I began using this shampoo (and conditioner to go with it) —and fell in love.
You need a teeny tiny bit for someone with my hair length, you don’t need to work too hard to get the froth pumping, you can be certain that it won’t dry your scalp, and you can be very certain that it will clean your hair like magic. The conditioner may require repurchasing very often, especially if you are paranoid about dry ends like me. But, the shampoo is ten green ticks for me, and I couldn’t recommend it enough.
The Body Shop Fuji Green Tea Conditioner
I’ll admit I’ve never actually used any hair products from The Body Shop before — so I was pleasantly surprised when this conditioner turned out to be so fabulous. Just a couple of washes down, I knew it was the conditioner making my locks seem less tangled, less frizzy and more naturally bouncy (in a good way). I bought this conditioner as a stop-gap arrangement till I could get hold of my usual L’oreal Serie Expert B6 + Biotin Inforcer conditioner. But, I am so happy to report that I don’t really miss my L’oreal buddy, although I might still go back to it once I’ve finished this up. And TBH, me and a bottle of conditioner — we don’t last very long — we wear out — because we are always going at it as if there is no tomorrow. In the shower.
Batiste Stylist Shield my Locks Heat & Shine Spray
I have said this before and I’ll say it a million times over. If you heat-treat your hair without heat protection, remember that your hair is squirming with every blast of the hair dryer, pleading with you to please stop. I get that nobody has the time for all these steps, but think about not having any hair left to make time for. Yeah. Now, reconsider.
I was a die-hard fan of the Toni & Guy Heat Protection Mist for a very long time (see a mini review here), when I received a free sample of this one with my Batiste Dry Shampoo. The only thing I love more about this one over the Toni & Guy one is that the bottle has a continuous mist — meaning once you press on it, the spray goes on for a bit. It is extremely fine, even and smells good. It does the job. And I’m enjoying the continuous mist (I’m okay if you don’t get the mist technology hype). Toni & Guy, if you are listening — please get the continuous mist thing going. Beauty fanatics have all kinds of weird fetishes.
The Body Shop Eye Colour Sticks
There is no simpler way of perfecting eye shadow than using an eye shadow stick. A few swipes across the lid, a few random brush strokes to even the colour out and you might as well waltz down the drive.
I don’t personally own a lot of eye shadow sticks, because I love the therapeutic act of applying my eye shadow with a brush (well, 4 brushes) — the slow, calculated, circular movements — the precision of staying within the lines — the slow progression to the final output — I live for it. And yet, sticks are the best to throw into a purse or great for busy days with no time for brushes and palettes.
I own these eye shadow sticks in two colours (Cyprus Bronze & Siberian Quartz) — both universal shades, versatile and easy to apply. They blend well, stay put for hours and look stunning because of the little shimmer that they have in them. I also highly recommend the Chambor eye shadow sticks, although I use only one colour from the range (honey gold, a shimmer mid-tone brown) — unfortunately, their shade range doesn’t rock my boat.
Garnier BB cream
Unfortunately, my skin did not fall in love with this BB cream. It gave me weird bumps, some redness, and a mild rash the first time I used it, and ever since, it had been sitting on my dresser feeling lonely and rejected. One day, after a bad fall at the gym (where I hurt my knees), I needed to go out and wear something that didn’t hide my knees. So, as an experiment, I decided to cover my knees up in two layers of BB cream, some concealer and then some banana powder. And I loved the final result!
I often use this BB cream to even out the skin tone on my arms or my legs. It is affordable, works well, doesn’t crease, flake or run with sweat, and does a superb job of hiding any small blemishes without looking like you have buried your legs in foundation. Extra beauty regime step. Who’s counting anyway?
Colorbar On-the-Go Makeup Remover Wipes
Makeup wipes are life. I throw these in my bag, and I know I never have to feel cornered when my makeup begins to melt away, and the waterproof mascara refuses to budge no matter how hard I scrub my eyes. You’ve been there.
These wipes take off all makeup residue, smell good, and are gentle on the skin. I generally rinse my face with some warm water (if I can manage it) after using the wipes, and go on with my skin care or a second round of makeup — depending on the situation. They’ve really been there for me.
NYX Professional Makeup Liquid Suede — Metallic Mattes
The Liquid Suede liquid lipsticks by NYX were never my favourite liquid lippies — both the colour selection and the formula were average (Kitten Heels was one of the first liquid lippies I ever wore, and probably the only other red lipstick after MAC Ruby Woo – see picture below).
However, the Liquid Suede Metallic Mattes seem to have a nicer formula — they are extremely opaque, crazy pigmented and last forever and ever. The colour selection is fabulous (mostly tending towards really deep colours), and the overall finish is fantastic for evenings out (they are a bit drying but I can deal with that). The metallic finish is subtle, nothing over the top and doesn’t feel glittery or chunky on the lips. I have three shades from the range — buzzkill (a really bright, fuchsia pink), pure society (a deep burgundy tending towards purple), and biker babe (a deep bronzy brown). I’m not into dark lipsticks, and I believe it’s not something I carry well — but I love these for their unique finish and staying power. They look pretty damn gorgeous on fair to medium Indian skin (biker babe will look really stunning on dusky skin too).
Nykaa Matte Nail Enamel (new shades)
If you have seen me review these before (see review here), we’ve been friends a very long time. I recently bought a few new shades from this range, and fell back in love with them. The quality, wear time, and colour/finish selection of these is still unmatched in the Indian market. My absolute favourites forever and ever. I’d be the first one getting any new shades they launch in their matte collection. Worth every penny.
Squid ink mousse, matcha tiramisu, lavendar pannacota, lilac scones, rasberry tart and pink meringue are my new favourites – but squid ink mousse takes the cake. The rebel in me wants to keep it under my pillow while I sleep.
L.A Girl Nudes Eye Shadow Palette
Leaving the best for the very last — yet another nude eye shadow palette — but one that is affordable, well packaged, great in quality, and well-balanced with warm and cool toned shades. This palette has 12 eye shadows and looks like a typical UD naked palette. The only two drawbacks with this palette are that it has only 3 matte shades, and that the brow bone highlight is a matte cream shade.
That being said, the 3 matte shades are my favourite from the palette — having no fall out whatsoever, wonderful pigmentation, and easy blendability. These are the three shades I use to create my everyday warm eye shadow look. The darker shades are perfect for lining the water line or for smoking up any eye look. I have used several other nude eye shadow palettes from other, more expensive drug store brands, but I always seem to reach out for this one over the others. This is definitely one of those underrated eye shadow palettes that needs some serious credit for what it is. I’m about to hit pan on the matte shades and that says a lot for someone who uses a lot lot lot of nude eyeshadow palettes.
I didn’t especially aim to make this post a top 10, but seems like I had a lot to talk about. Tell me what you are loving at the moment? What are your BBB (bath, body & beauty) must-haves?
Until next time, XOXO
Moms aren't Gentlemen 
2 responses to “What I’m Lovin’ – Bath, Body & Beauty”
I love NYX. They’re such a high quality but inexpensive brand!!! The red color looks absolutely magnificent on you. Seems like you had a lot of favorites right now. Definitely going to invest in some more NYX, I had their setting spray but it quickly ran out.
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Yes, I love NYX as a brand too. Love their slide on lip pencils and eye pencils. Thank you for stopping by 🙂
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