10 Ways to Feel Inspired

“I was always attracted not by some quantifiable, external beauty, but by something deep down, something absolute. Just as some people have a secret love for rainstorms, earthquakes, or blackouts, I liked that certain undefinable something.“
Haruki Murakami

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The most challenging facet of doing something creative for a living is the constant thirst for inspiration. Every creative mind understands only one language, and it’s the language of love — finding something you love that consumes the creative superhero inside you — something you can write about, draw about, design with, carve out, cook up or talk about. And as easy as that might sound, creative people are most productive and churn out the best results only when they are awake till the wee hours of the morning, with only their own souls for good company, and no deadlines to work towards. Because inspiration is a strange thing — it comes at the oddest times, in the most unlikely places and from the most unexpected sources. But the moment it hits you like a runaway train speeding off-track, that’s when you need to allow it to make magic — allow it to get you so high, that you breathe it in like air.

For that time, let it be your private island, underneath the palm trees, where you can leave your worries. Listen to the waves, let them wash away your pain. Let it be the fantasy, the only thought. Because, once the moment is lost, you know you can’t go back into it with the same intensity ever again. And that’s how I write all my posts — with heightened emotions, and the urge to really write. It’s the only way I can really comprehend what I am feeling — by writing it down (Just like Murakami says in one of my favourite books Norwegian Wood).

So, in a way, the title of this blog is hugely misleading and I’ll duly apologize for the click bait — but I’m grateful you rose to it. I’ll try to make it worth your while by putting down a basic list of things that inspire me to write when I’m having the blues or when the words I’m writing feel as hollow as a starless midnight sky.

Read Books

When you are surrounded by inspiration at every scroll — Pinterest to Instragram — it seems silly to read a whole book to find it. And yet, all this noise can sometimes make you feel over inundated, as opposed to feeling calm enough to see your next vision clearly. New books, new authors, and friends with whom you can have your own, private, mini book club discussions, can sometimes get the creative juices flowing. This may introduce you to new ideas, new perspectives, and new worlds.

So, read books. The least they will do is give you a chance to look into yourself, maybe even find yourself.

Life Situations

I know that most of us want to keep our lives private. But I also know that creative minds almost always draw subconscious inspiration from real life situations — any extreme emotion — pain, strife, joy, success, failure, loss, love, fulfilment. Knowingly or unknowingly, we are already slaves to our heart’s commands. So, why not take that thing that moves you, and move others with it? Nothing is as true and honest as work that sprouts from a place deep inside you.

Be Around Good Energy

Happy people make people happy. And the resulting happy people find it easier to be the best versions of themselves especially when they are having an off phase of disenchantment. We all feel disillusioned, lost and bogged down without absolute reason sometimes. Spending time or talking to happy souls helps to resonate back the good frequencies into your world. Good energy can do wonders — feeling happy for no reason is always better than feeling unhappy for no reason.

So, choose your tribe well.

Find new Surroundings

Exploring a new place, a new culture or even taking a small break from the hustle bustle of daily life, can inspire genius. It may not always be possible to quit everything and flee to the mountains all by yourself. But taking off from the routine life is a good way to make a fresh start. Rejuvenate the mind, body, and the soul. Come back full-throttle.

Requests From Your Audience

This is but an obvious one — and yet, we are always so absorbed in creating work that is unique and impressionable that we rarely pay heed to what our audience really wants from us. I always believe that any work you do is in two parts — the part that you do for others (your audience, your loved ones, your career progression), and the part that you do for yourself (food for the soul). Both bits must be balanced well to ensure that there is mutual satisfaction — you love what you do, and they love what you do.

Don’t be the Perfectionist

We are all imperfect in our own endearing, unique ways. And so is what we do, how we do, how much we do. I agree that work that isn’t absolutely smashing should not be put across. But I also believe that every piece is not a masterpiece, a magnum opus. It’s always the average things that make the awesome things seem awesome-r. It’s always light and dark, day and night, hope and despair, trust and loneliness, average and mind-blowing — it’s the balance of the universe. As long as your work comes from a place of joy and genuine commitment, don’t hold it back just because you could have done it better. That’s the thing, you can always do it better. So where do you draw the line?

Read Blogs From Inspiring People or on Topics That Inspire

This is the digital version of reading books, but the great thing about reading blogs is that they are shorter, more casual, and written in varied styles going from author to author. They are also less time-consuming and thought-consuming. They tend to be more accessible. More than anything, they help you keep in touch with where the world is going today, with what the world is thinking, doing, becoming today. Awareness can be a great form of inspiration.

Spend Time With You (Find Your Happy Place)

When nothing works, immerse yourself in the things you love — meet friends, go to the gym, paint, bake cupcakes, play peek-a-boo, read into the night, dance away, drink wine, head bang to Nirvana — do it all. If release is what you need, find it. Go to a happy place in your mind — a vision of someplace that brings calm and comfort when the mind is unable to cope. Stay there for a bit. Don’t be in a hurry to return. Let somebody find you and bring you back. Not thinking for a moment is the kind of clean state you need for new inspiration to strike.

Network and Meet new People

I understand that this one is a tricky bitch, and depends a lot on our personalities, our life situations, where we live and what kind of work we do. But meeting new people brings more exposure, growth and inspiration than you could ever think of. Because new people bring with them new ideas, new ways of life, new opinions and new opportunities. New is always exciting, always fun and always something that keeps pushing you outside your little cardboard box. So, get out there into the cold, and warm up to new energy.

Do it for Yourself

Now stop for a second, and remember the first time you did what you do today. You did it for you, and for nobody else. So this time, try again. Write for yourself, draw for yourself, cook for yourself. Whatever it is, ensure that it won’t go out to an audience. It’s just for you. So, now you can break the rules, go outside the walls, experiment, not worry about failure, judgement or consequences. Just do it. Because sometimes, we only need a kickstart to start flying without wings once again. Self-doubt, loss of self-esteem or self-confidence can sometimes play a huge role in crippling inspiration. Find your footing before you move on to stir mountains.

Winners need to be quitters, sometimes.

There is a flipside to every story — and every war is not a war that must be conquered. Sometimes, letting go is the only way.

Everybody has off days. Let go when you have to, creativity cannot be forced. Have some wine and go to bed.

Work ahead of deadlines, so you never have to compromise on quality, authenticity, and originality. This in turn leads to better and faster output, always knowing that some good work you did a while ago will have your back for a while to come.

Never put out work that doesn’t make the cut. It’s okay to skip a deadline, but it’s not okay to glorify crap. Your audience is smart — just like you — they’ll know — and you’ll know. It’s like a cold war in a relationship — it’s certainly there — obvious and undaunted, but nobody  expresses any displeasure, and eventually the relationship sours. Nothing is worth that.

Finally, don’t stress. Believe that you’ll have your mojo back. Believe it blindly, and let the universe do the rest. Sometimes, we have to let things slip away for them to come back to us.

“If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking.”
Haruki Murakami, Norwegian Wood

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Until next time, keep pushing, keep hustling.

XOXO

Brand Favourites – Makeup Revolution London

With such a seamless variety of drugstore brands being launched in India recently, there is temptation at every turn  — or better still — every scroll! Spoilt for choice and overloaded with impressions from the blogger community, it has become increasingly confusing to understand what to finally invest in when the time arrives. I often spend sleepless nights researching new brands, new product launches, or new makeup trends that are set to hit the beauty market — and yet, I never feel adequately satisfied when I have to take the final plunge — especially if I can’t (literally) afford to make mistakes with my choices. After all, drugstore or not, makeup is always a handsome (frivolous?) investment.

Some of my favourite drugstore brands — Wet n Wild, Milani, Kiko Milano, NYX Professional Makeup, L.A. Girl, The Face Shop, Innisfree, Makeup Revolution London — almost always rise up to duly fulfil any makeup needs I might have. I have to admit that a lot of international bloggers and You Tubers help me decide what I finally buy, and mostly, I love what I spend my dough on. For me to love something, the product has to be absolutely premium in quality, sustainable, something I would repurchase, and something that I can find easily where I live.

Makeup Revolution London is an affordable and versatile brand when it comes to creating makeup that has something for everyone. A lot of brands created dupes for the Urban Decay Naked palettes, and for the Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drops, but these guys did it really well. The entire Iconic Eye Shadow Palette range is almost exactly similar to many of the Urban Decay palettes, and even the ones that aren’t, are really good.

I have a lot of favourites from the brand (including some that I am still trying and have not included here – Soph eye shadow palettes! – hint hint!), and these are products I will definitely repurchase when I run out of them. For the price point, they are fantastic in quality, wearability and lasting power. So, here we go — this is yet another brand favourites post with mini reviews of my most-loved products from Makeup Revolution London (see my Wet n Wild brand favourites in an older post here).

Iconic Smokey Palette

With such an overdose of smokey eyes everywhere, one cannot imagine where to begin, what palette to try or what colours may work for you. Gone are the days when smokey eyes meant greys, silvers, blues, greens, and blacks or basically — cool-toned eyes. The new definition of a smokey eye is anything with dark edges, smoked out (or smudged-through) to create a gradient of colour across the lid going from light (or shimmery) towards the inner corners to dark (and winged) towards the outer corners.

However, the Iconic Smokey Palette is your typical smokey eye palette with 4 matte shades and 8 shimmers tending towards being cool-toned. I personally wear warm-toned shadows, but strangely use this palette every time I need to create a typical smokey eye for the night. The most beautiful shade in the palette is the matte, cool-toned dark brown — and although I prefer a warm-toned brown to line my waterline, this is the only cool-toned brown that I absolutely dig. These shadows do not have a lot of kick-out, they stay-on for 5-6 hours with a primer and a setting spray, they blend well, and you get a great variety of shadows for the price you pay. All-in-all, if you are looking for a drugstore version of the Urban Decay Smokey palette, look this way please.

Luxury Banana Powder

A close dupe for the Laura Mercier Loose Powder, this slightly yellow-toned, fine, loose banana powder is perfect for setting your under-eye concealer (or baking), brightening the skin and neutralizing any redness/darkness under the eyes. It leaves skin feeling naturally mattified, stays on for 3-4 hours (after which time, you may easily reapply with a large face brush), and though it has no reflective particles in it, it feels smooth and radiant on the skin. It is finely milled but not so fine that between the brush picking up the product and depositing it on your skin, you are lost in a yellow cloud of powder dust in your face. I absolutely hate that. But, this powder, I love.

On days when I can make that extra time for loose powder instead of pressed, I  use only this banana powder. I have nothing to really complain about — it’s everything you need in a good quality banana powder.

Pro Fix Illuminating Fixing Spray

As much as I love this fixing spray, I want to say at the very start that if you have oily skin or sweaty skin, this may not be the one for you. Remember, I have extremely dry skin — dry as a desert — so anything that leaves a dewy, almost-wet finish works really well for my needs. I am all about the natural dewiness — the lit from within, the angelic glow vibes. If you are looking for an equally great setting spray for normal to oily skin – research the Milani Make it Last setting spray.

The Pro Fix Illuminating Fixing Spray has tiny reflective particles in it that catch light at certain angles and gives makeup a fresh, healthy twist. It allows the makeup to sink into your skin, seamlessly homogenizing all the layers of makeup, and helping it last unscathed for hours on end (5-6 at least) — unless you are like me and have an excruciating desire to itch your face soon after the concealer goes on. It feels very wet as soon as it is sprayed on the face, but settles down in about 3-4 minutes to a wet, dewy finish. This finish might not be ideal for portrait photography as the dewy finish may make skin look oily or sweaty in photos. Just a note of caution for other bloggers out there.

My only qualm with this setting spray is the quality of the mist — I would expect that the mist be finer, and more continuous (yes, the continuous mist fetish continues). It is crucial to note here that both this one and the Milani fixing spray have a good amount of alcohol in them that isn’t ideal for the skin — so beware, if your skin isn’t alcohol friendly — in which case, just drink some to feel better.

Ultra Face Base Primer

Your typical silicone-based, smooth, easy primer, the ultra face base primer has been my go-to face primer for almost a year now. I am not mad about tinted primers, because they can sometimes interfere with the shade of my foundation (especially if they are too yellow-toned or peach-toned), and also because I have an unsettling feeling of having too many layers of makeup on (yes, it’s only in my head because tinted or not, a layer of primer is a legit layer after all). It’s one of those odd things about me (not the only one, I promise).

This primer is a great universal primer — does the job, helps foundation stick on and glide on like magic, keeps it going strong for an extra couple of hours, and ensures that any products you use on top of your primer do not accentuate or cling on to dry patches. Being silicone-y in texture, it also fills in pores to some extent and overall, provides a good canvas to begin with. If I needed a no-fuss primer, I’d simply roll with this one.

Liquid Highlighter in Liquid Champagne

I have reviewed this highlighter in an older post I did in the beginning of the year, but decided to include it once again in this post as this product still continues to be much-loved and continues to blow my mind. Also, a brand favourites from Makeup Revolution London, would be so incomplete without it — like the unsung lyrics of a beautiful song (I had to end it my way).

Tell me what are your favourites from Makeup Revolution London?

Until next time, XOXO

What I’m Lovin’ – Bath, Body & Beauty

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

Wearing the fragrance 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.

L’oreal Serie Expert B6 + Biotin Inforcer Shampoo

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

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.

Batiste Stylist Shield my Locks Heat & Shine Spray

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.

The Body Shop Eye Colour Sticks in Siberian Quartz & Cyprus Bronze

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.

The Body Shop Eye Shadow Sticks in Siberian Quartz & Cyprus Bronze

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!

Garnier BB cream

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.

Colorbar On the Go Makeup Remover Wipes

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).

NYX Professional Makeup Liquid Suede Liquid Lipstick in Kitten Heels

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).

NYX Professional Makeup Liquid Suede — Metallic Mattes in Buzzkill

NYX Professional Makeup Liquid Suede — Metallic Mattes in Pure Society

NYX Professional Makeup Liquid Suede — Metallic Mattes in Biker Babe

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.

Nykaa Matte Nail Enamels in Squid ink mousse, Matcha tiramisu, Lavender pannacota, Lilac scones, Raspberry tart and Pink meringue

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.

Nykaa Matte Nail Enamel in Squid Ink Mousse

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.

L.A Girl Nudes Eye Shadow Palette

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.

L.A Girl Nudes Eye Shadow Palette – swatches of first four shades from left to right

L.A Girl Nudes Eye Shadow Palette – swatches of middle four shades from left to right

L.A Girl Nudes Eye Shadow Palette – swatches of last four shades from left to right

 

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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

I’ve got a Dream

‘Way down deep inside, I’ve got a dream‘ — sings Rapunzel (in Tangled) with all the thugs, ruffians and thieves who seem to go all warm and fuzzy when she asks them in all her spirited innocence — ‘Don’t any of you have a dream?!‘

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Some of us grow up knowing exactly what we want to do or what we want to be — the ballerina, the revolutionary, the sportsman, the figure skater, the michelin star chef, or the bestselling author. On the other end of the spectrum, lie the silent dreamers — the ones that are good at most things, and excel at nothing. They are the dormant volcanoes— bubbling within, serene on the surface — satisfied with being a tourist’s attraction, rather than the centre of it. This is us.

We were the teenagers living in our own lost worlds — we knew we would fare square in our circles, but we never found our real calling — our soul’s drug, our true life force. We were naive, fragile, carefree, and almost too happy with our ‘above average‘ opening acts in all facets of early adulthood — studies, love, jobs, life. But in the shadows, lay still, the dreams that were never dreamt, the opportunities that didn’t come our way, the exposure that we couldn’t experience, the inspiration that we couldn’t find, and the heroes inside us that we couldn’t recognize.

Nobody knows all along what their one big dream will look like. Sometimes, if you are lucky, you have all your ducks in a row from the very beginning. But sometimes, that dream decides to show up when you’ve finally got everything under control — and wish only to lie on a bed of green grass and gaze at the stars, patting yourself on your back, for you made a good life out of what was offered to you. ‘But, wait a second‘ — says the universe. ‘I’m not done yet.’

Suddenly, the dream is here in all its eloquence – to consume you, derail you, question your sanity and rip you apart. And yet, it’s everything you are made up of — it’s every cell of your body, every thought in your mind, every chemical in your blood, and every grain of your soul. And just like that, you know what the great people were talking about when they said ‘I’ve got a dream’. Just like Phil Knight says in his memoir – Shoedog — ‘It didn’t even look like an idea. It looked like a place. It looked like a person, or like some life force that existed long before I did, separate from me but also part of me. Waiting for me, but also hiding from me.’ Yes, dreams can feel so vivid, so real — it all depends on how you assemble it, frame it, work it – it all depends on how you sell it to yourself.

Dreams don’t often become a reality. When I wake up each morning, that’s the one thought I fight. The one thought I never want to believe in, to give power to, or to succumb under. Some may call it stupid, some may say I shall be unprepared to deal with the real world at some point, some may even snigger at my gullible outlook. But way down deep inside, I know that I can attract all that I’ll ever need to make my dreams my new truth. If I fail, I’ll know that I didn’t want it bad enough to be able to abolish all negativity with regard to its fulfilment. I am the only pawn in the game — and how I fare is always in my control — one way or another.

The world is full of triggers that may confine you to your swamp of a life — holding you back, chaining you to the rails, unleashing the mind games, sending you on guilt-ridden trips, and filling your brandy mug with a whole lot of clean juice. Don’t let it get to you. Because, Haruki Murakami always makes the best analogies, and this one is no exception; he says — life is like a box of assorted chocolates — where you eat your favourite ones first and leave the others behind, not wanting to eat them at all. But in order to get to the next box of chocolates, you need to finish the ones you don’t like. You need to deal with digesting bad energy. You need to accept being judged for your choices, blamed for your indulgence in yourself, and questioned about the future that you don’t hold in your hands. But all through this, remember to keep the hero inside you singing your favourite songs, dancing in the rain, and believing in magic. Let your soul live in its neverland where rules exist only to be broken, where reality becomes a dream and where you breathe music, eat fire and spew love. In other words, stay lost, stay sane.

At the very same time, grasp the entirety of the equation — confide in a friend, observe the competition, look deep inside your framework, ask the right questions. Are you wired to do this? Do you have the unmatched passion and potential? Is your illusory castle sitting on a hollow base of assumptions? In being so lost, are you walking under the sea all alone? Are your blueprints strong enough to win a firefight? So on and so forth. Be honest with yourself and let healthy criticism be the one you go to bed with.

But, once you know you’ve got all your ducks in a row (or all your squirrels in a rave – as a close friend always says), go all guns blazing. Don’t look over your shoulder, and don’t look beyond the horizon. Keep your gaze fixed on this day. This moment. Do it better, faster, nicer. Fish out rabbits from hats and flower bouquets from blazer cuffs. Give it every waking nanosecond, shut out everything else. Call it inception — plant an idea in your own head — call it what you will. Do it all long enough, and tell me you don’t actually believe in the only obvious truth – that your dreams are your only, absolute reality.

As crazy as most of it sounds, we are nothing but flesh and bones without some hope, some dreams and some love.

So, let the hero inside you run wild, chasing dreams, meeting strangers, making history and creating magic. Don’t be scared to run, be scared to stop.

In Mariah Carey’s words –

“And then a hero comes along
With the strength to carry on
And you cast your fears aside
And you know you can survive
So when you feel like hope is gone
Look inside you and be strong
And you’ll finally see the truth
That a hero lies in you“

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Until next time, XOXO

Wake up, baby

“It’s not as if our lives are divided simply into light and dark. There’s shadowy middle ground. Recognizing and understanding the shadows is what a healthy intelligence does. And to acquire a healthy intelligence takes a certain amount of time and effort.”
After Dark, Murakami

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I open my eyes, and there you are. I can’t be sure if you were hiding in the shadows or choosing to stay away till the time was right. I don’t know if I understand what you want from me or what you mean at all. But as you tower over me, pouring down on me like the first summer rain, I can smell your sweet presence in all its beauty. I can feel you touching my soul, changing me in ways that I cannot comprehend. The ripples you have made in the calm waters may never settle, as you throw one pebble after the next – not fully understanding the web that binds me, the chains that hold me and the guards that won’t go down. But you linger. In my thoughts, in my sleep, and in every conscious moment. Digging deeper into the grey matter, contaminating the air I breathe, being the mafia that captures my heart.

I know who sent you; I know it was all a deviously designed plan. I know you won’t stop till the gates break open. I know you will pull me into you like an irresistible current – never to swim back ashore as the same person again. You and the universe together have it all figured out for me. You, my calling, have finally come to me uninvited, and yet you have become the life force that drives me. So when I open my eyes and see you there, I know I have been waiting for you all my life – waiting on the day when you whisper softly in my ears — wake up, baby.

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I open my eyes, and there you are. You are the penultimate circle of fire, the one that catches on before the wildfire. And yet, if one can’t seem to understand the power of little things, one can never understand how a single match can lead to a wildfire. You bring me purpose, reason, awakening and desire. You show me a mirror that fears what it may reflect. You have no form, no scent, no threshold. Sometimes, you can feel like the purest white cloud, and at other times, you are a chaos of colours. You may be the covert operation, the unredeemed truth, the dreary back alley — much like the strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Never on one side, always shifting base like a migraine that won’t go away. Persistent.

And yet, you are liberation, salvation, and freedom. You are the blackest black of my soul, the part that needs no light to grow — fuelled by passion, love and all things beautiful. You may be the gambler that leaves me with nothing or the one that gives me everything – reminding me that nothing lasts forever. You may be the ransom I pay for the lessons that need to come my way. Or, you may be the song that fills me with promises. Whatever you decide to be, you are still just a shadow rooted deep inside me. Locked, jailed, never to be freed. And yet, you mock me every time I pass you by. You own me even when you don’t. You, my dark side, will always be the one who I want to be enslaved to. The one that always gives me all the answers, only to find myself tangled in a new yarn of puzzling questions.

Like a sheet of water in a desert or on a hot road, you are an optical illusion of false promise. A mirage of the possibilities that come with walking into fire. You make me the fighter, the rebel, the outlier, the dreamer, the dragon rider, and the free spirit. Not the sweetest to taste, but always the necessary evil – you are the balsamic vinegar to my salad.

So, stay there, my rebellious edge. Because, when I open my eyes and see you there, I know I have been waiting for you all my life – waiting on the day when you whisper softly in my ears — wake up, baby.

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I open my eyes, and there you are. All of a sudden I feel this warmth in my heart, this spring in my step, this music in my head. I don’t know if dreams can feel so real, if things can be this goddamn amazing. Something inside me is telling me to give in. Something outside me is pulling me to you. Like an irresistible shot of tequila, a red lipstick waiting to stain a glass, laundered sheets waiting to be rustled, or a hunger waiting to be satiated — you have a power that is overwhelming, compulsive, potent and fervid.

Your soul is utterly captivating — a warm, rainy day dying to be danced in.

Your gentle nothings are finding their way into my heart. Killing me softly. Touching my soul in the sweet spots. Bringing my mind to believe in bizarre, unfamiliar thoughts. Leaving me beautifully tangled. Leaving me stuck in a moment. Throwing in stars, beacons of shining diamonds, rays of the setting sun, waves of the calming tide, secrets of the timid heart and words of the beautiful mind — all into one big, burning cauldron of seamless magic. And from it, you rise like a cloud of intoxicating fumes — my phoenix of love. Love, that waits for its time. Love that stays for infinity and beyond — in a place where the grass is greener, the light is brighter, the taste is sweeter, and high hopes linger; where there are nights of wonder, with the dawn mist glowing, the water flowing, the endless river — Forever and ever.

You are the boundless joy that I get to wake up to each day. So when I open my eyes and see you there, I know I have been waiting for you all my life – waiting on the day when you softly brush away the strands of hair that rest determined on my face and whisper softly in my ears — wake up, baby.

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P.S: Some words in the second last paragraph are borrowed references from the song High Hopes by Pink Floyd, written by Polly Annie Samson and David Jon Gilmour.

This is also a post that was written months ago, all this while sitting as a draft, waiting for its time.

Photo credits (and help with concept planning): @vijayanand_celluloids on Instagram. Thank you for being one heck of a human, one heck of a photographer and for giving me the creative freedom and support I needed to shoot these pictures with the utmost comfort and confidence — for being the one who brings my vision to life. Forever grateful.

Until next time, XOXO

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2018 Favourites – Quarter two

It’s that time of the year again. Let’s talk about everything that, with good reason, has made me happy this second quarter of 2018 — a year that has been overwhelming in strange, beautiful ways (see my quarter one of 2018 favourites here).

Half of 2018 has lived and gone, giving us fleeting memories, moments of true love, moments of inner peace, moments of internal wars, trailers of the battles to come and hopefully, the will to charge into the rest of the year, with more purpose and premonition.

There’s not much I have discovered in this second quarter — not materialistically at least. It’s been a journey of reinvention and rediscovery, of moving on, moving away and finding abode in unfamiliar territory. It’s been about finding balance, being selfish, letting go, and doubting choices. Sometimes, it has felt like a million rays of sunshine all coming together in a fraction of a second, and sometimes it has felt like the shadow that only stretches at dawn — sometimes unendingly so. But, the most beautiful moments have been the moments that have touched my soul, and there have been so many that I can’t help but feel grateful. Grateful and greedy for more.

And it would not be true justice, if I didn’t begin this post with my most beautiful discovery of 2018 — Haruki Murakami, a Japanese author.

Murakami

A friend gifted me my first Murakami and said that it would change my life. And change, it did.

When I’m asked, ‘How was the book?’, I often say ‘It was beautifully sad‘.

Nobody can describe a Murakami, because everybody perceives it differently. He leaves you with questions, not answers. He leaves you with a story that isn’t his, but also yours — with free love, with emotionally engaging conversations, with symbolic possibilities in every word, and with a strange weariness for the feelings you would never know again — everything that you have gained and lost in the course of your life. He swings like a pointless pendulum between the future and the past. And yet he brings love, passion, sex, loss, desire, friendship, sacrifice, fear, and compassion into everything he chooses to describe. Read one, and you may feel exactly the opposite of what I feel. But, that’s the beauty of it — it’s unique inside every mind that attempts to grasp it.

His words seep into something deep within, parts of you that you didn’t even know existed, parts of you that you are still trying to figure out or come to terms with. And regardless of age, time or your phase in life, Murakami eventually gets to you. Sometimes, you might have to put him aside for a bit, just to preserve your sanity, and sometimes you will let him take control, see right into your soul and puncture your heart with a million needles.

Not surprisingly, he is also endlessly quotable.

‘It just happens to be the way I’m made. I have to write things down to feel I fully comprehend them‘ – Norwegian Wood, Murakami

Music, the Soul Sister

Let’s make music, not love — could easily be something I would say.

For a while, music felt like noise to my stressed, overworked, mommy brain — and I shut myself off from allowing music to work its magic on me. This year, after a break that felt too long, I am beginning to fall back in love with the legends who carved my youth — Bryan Adams, The Beatles, Carpenters, Simon and Garfunkel, Floyd, Dire Straits, John Denver, Billy Joel, The Eagles, and John Mayor even. I am back to being in a mind space where I can think and function with music playing — and boy, did I miss it. There is music in my life now, literally and in every other sense.

 

And I can almost hear Lennon singing ‘There’s nowhere you can be that isn’t where you’re meant to be‘.

Beauty Game Changers

Illuminating Powders

You may not have the anatomically perfect collarbone or shoulders to wear all the off-shoulder, cold-shoulder, and what-not shoulder blouses — but you have illuminating powder to make it all look smooth, sheeny and structured. Unlike a highlighter that over-emphasizes the sculpting, and makes it obvious that you tried too hard, illuminating powders are subtle, catching just enough light to add dimension without looking overbearing. They are versatile too — use them on your calves, shoulders, collarbone, arms, and obviously on your face (the highlight points), to add that natural, non-disco ball glam.

I have reviewed the Wet n Wild Illuminating powder bronzer in ‘Reserve your Cabana‘ in a previous post, and it continues to be the best one I have used so far. Worth adding an extra step to your beauty routine for evenings out and Friday night dates.

L’orealXBalmain Limited Edition Lipsticks

These lipsticks were on my wishlist for the longest, longest time. Although the majority of the shades were dark, deep, bold colours that I couldn’t possibly pull off, there were two shades that I was dying to get my hands on — the two shades that always seemed to be out of stock everywhere. There was a point where every beauty blogger was talking about them, and that made me question if all the praise was coming from a place of genuine admiration. Personally, I am not mad about L’oreal lipsticks — I don’t own any. They never blow my mind. But, these colours were so unique that I couldn’t resist the urge to invest in them.

Wearing LorealXBalmain Lipstick in ‘Confession’

On me, ‘Confession‘ is a pale, peachy, beige nude and ‘Fever‘ is a pale, warm, creamy, brownish orange. Both shades look gorgeous on my skin-tone. ‘Confession‘ has temporarily replaced ‘Mehr‘ in my handbag, and that says a lot. They are creamy, moisturizing, opaque, matte, long-lasting, and are beautifully packaged. The packaging is super luxurious — marbelized, with ‘Balmain’ stamped on one side of the bullet cover. ‘Confession‘ has easily been my most worn lipstick this quarter, and I’m not done yet.

L’orealXBalmain Lipsticks – ‘Confession’ at the bottom in the black packaging and ‘Fever’ on top in the green packaging

The Dreamcatcher in Town

I’d like to end this post as I do all my quarterly favourites — with an idea that has changed my life.

John Lennon wasn’t the only one who was ‘looking for the girl with the sun in her eyes‘. There is never a good, easy time to tear away like a ragged cloth from the stitches that bind you, and fly away with the winds of change. In an underground cavern where dreams seem impossible and the world outside seems too bright, you will find that you can reinvent yourself — rediscover, realign, reform, regain and relive. All it takes is a few happy souls that surround you, a few happy thoughts that you surround yourself with, and an almost stupid, naive, unworldly approach to realizing an unrealistic vision. But dream, you must. Because dreamers are believers, and believers are creators. And I keep going back to that thought, it’s what drives my free spirit. And I don’t give a damn if I have to fail, if I have to fall, or if I have to come out bruised — as long as I can still find the will to dream, I’ll just dream new dreams.

‘Blackbird singing in the dead of night, take these broken wings and learn to fly‘ – The Beatles (obviously)

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Until next time, XOXO

Photo credits – @vijayanand_celluloids on Instagram

Matte to last, forever and ever

What this post is about: A review of the Nykaa Matte to Last Liquid Lipstick in 5 beautiful shades — Bombae, Khoobsurat, Begum, Kudi and Madras Kaapi.

Wearing Nykaa Matte to Last Liquid Lipstick in Bombae

Some months ago, I did a review post for the Nykaa Mattelicious lip crayons and swore that they were the best matte crayons I had ever used — with the best shade selection, colour pay-off, lasting power, everything! And even to my surprise, I still find that to be true. In the drugstore sector, Nykaa, as a brand, have established their place on the podium by launching makeup that is trendy, fantastic in quality, affordable and well-suited to the India market. It also makes me happy when an India brand researches its target audience, understands what sells and launches a product that finally exceeds expectations. After a while, you begin trusting that most new launches from the brand will be just as good, and don’t think twice before you invest in a newly launched product. And that’s the only way to make it big in the beauty world, where the competition is so overwhelming — where there are impressions floating all around — from bloggers, from social media, from everywhere. It is difficult to hold somebody’s gaze to your innovations. And so, it only makes sense that genuine bloggers talk about the launches that really make a difference. The ones to watch out for. The ones that we can proudly call Indian.

Wearing Nykaa Matte to Last Liquid Lipstick in Khoobsurat

I have five gorgeous shades from the Nykaa Matte to Last Liquid Lipstick range — covering most bases — other than the orange/red part of the spectrum. MAC Ruby Woo, MAC Relentlessly Red, MAC Chilli, and MAC Vegas Volt are the only oranges and reds I really wear.

Wearing Nykaa Matte to Last Liquid Lipstick in Madras Kaapi

These lipsticks, like most liquid lipsticks, need lip priming before application. This is how I do my usual lip routine — prime with MAC lip prep + prime (see my review here), allow it to sink in while I do the rest of my makeup, top it off with a lip liner — MAC Spice, MAC Soar, or MAC Boldly Bare (depending on the shade of lipstick I plan to wear), and finally go in with one neat, calculated layer of the liquid lipstick, pursing my lips gently to evenly spread it out. Then, I wait for it to dry completely. Finally, I clean my teeth with a cotton swab. Patience is the name of the game.

This is the ideal way to wear any liquid lipstick like a pro and get the best results.

Wearing Nykaa Matte to Last Liquid Lipstick in Kudi

How do they fare then? The usual attributes do not require repeating, but at the risk of being so, I’ll summarize — these liquid lipsticks are opaque in one swipe, extremely pigmented, a bit runny but settle in about 2 minutes, and don’t leave the lips feeling too dry. They do feel drying after wearing them for a couple of hours (but that may just be me, because I need my hourly dose of lip balm). Let’s just call them bearably drying. And that’s a real feat for any liquid lipstick.

Wearing Nykaa Matte to Last Liquid Lipstick in Begum

Quickly skimming through each shade now — we have some ground to cover here — five shades to be exact — Bombae, Khoobsurat, Begum, Kudi and Madras Kaapi. Let’s do this.

Nykaa Matte to Last Liquid Lipstick (from left to right) in Madras Kaapi, Bombae, Khoobsurat, Begum and Kudi

To nobody’s surprise, Bombae is my number one favourite shade — a wearable, enviably pigmented, everyday nude that will suit fair to medium India skin. It is bound to wash out any skin tones that are two or more shades deeper than mine. It is a warm, pinkish beige nude — but a nude made for Indian complexion. It can effortlessly pull any look together — perfect for day wear but equally adept at turning heads even with a smokey eye for the night. My favourite way to wear Bombae is with a simple three-eyeshadow warm look (basic eyelid shade, warmer crease shade, highlighting brow bone + inner corner shade).

Wearing Nykaa Matte to Last Liquid Lipstick in Bombae

Khoobsurat is the typical girly shade of pinky peach. It is a cool-toned, semi-fluoro, mid-toned pink that will brighten most fair to medium skin tones (not a lot deeper than mine, preferably). It is a daytime colour, well complemented with some low-key makeup and not too bright an outfit. I am not sure if this colour is suited to all age groups, but then it all depends on how you put it together. This shade is a little tricky to apply evenly, and is ever so slightly patchier than the other shades, but nothing unredeemable. I think this a close match to the Colorbar kiss-proof lip stain in Royal Pink (see review and swatches here) — maybe just a tad bit peachier, and a little less cool-toned.

I know. Describing lipsticks is like trying to explain what colour the number four smells like.

Wearing Nykaa Matte to Last Liquid Lipstick in Khoobsurat

Wearing Nykaa Matte to Last Liquid Lipstick in Khoobsurat

Wearing Nykaa Matte to Last Liquid Lipstick in Khoobsurat

Wearing Nykaa Matte to Last Liquid Lipstick in Khoobsurat

Begum is a luxurious, royal, vintage, classy, pinkish plum. This is the only shade in the range that has tiny gold shimmer specs in it — but, the specs are almost imperceptible, adding dimension and a sexy punch to the final effect. This formula is also the most non-drying of them all; the colour pay-off and application are also the best in the lot. This mid-tone plum will look stunning on most skin-tones — fair, medium or deep. It’s an easy colour to wear, no fuss and no drama. The colour flows on the lines of MAC D for Danger (see review here), but is slightly more pinkish, and overall, a less deeper plum. If you decide to get one shade from this range, get this one — or Bombae.

Wearing Nykaa Matte to Last Liquid Lipstick in Begum

Wearing Nykaa Matte to Last Liquid Lipstick in Begum

Kudi is not for every girl. It’s a noticeable, cool-toned, bright (almost fluorescent), true fuchsia (a vivid purplish red that looks like a pink). It is madly pigmented, and dries down to seem less florescent than the time of application. The perfect lipstick for a full-on makeup look — but only to flatter fair or fair-medium skin tones. If you are any deeper than me, then this shade is going to look ghastly on you — like a glowing worm in a dark night — but not in a nice way. Okay, maybe like an overbearing halogen bulb that makes others squint with distaste. Hey, you know what I mean.

Wearing Nykaa Matte to Last Liquid Lipstick in Kudi

To be honest, I have never worn anything like it — and I am not sure how much use I’m going to get out of it. But I know girls who can totally rock bright, intense colours with such class. So, just choose wisely.

Wearing Nykaa Matte to Last Liquid Lipstick in Kudi

Wearing Nykaa Matte to Last Liquid Lipstick in Kudi

Last but not the least — Madras Kaapi. This is the only true brown lipstick I own. I always believed that brown was not my colour (the only brown things I like are my eyes and my coffee). However, I would call this a universal brown. In a very true sense, this brown will flatter all skin tones — porcelain, fair, medium, deep, very deep. It is a deep, dark, true brown that looks beautiful with dark outfits, is versatile enough for day or night wear and although a brown, it does not disseminate a grungy aura on lighter skin tones — you can make it look subtle, gentle and elegant. Faithful to its name, Madras Kaapi is like the brown filter coffee that leaves its lingering scent behind — tasteful, rejuvenating, and a good way to start the day.

Wearing Nykaa Matte to Last Liquid Lipstick in Madras Kaapi

Wearing Nykaa Matte to Last Liquid Lipstick in Madras Kaapi

Wearing Nykaa Matte to Last Liquid Lipstick in Madras Kaapi and swatches of all the shades on my arm

P.S: In these pictures, the two nail colours I am wearing are the Nykaa Matt Nail Enamels in Lavender Pannacotta and Squid Ink Mousse (in love with this shade).

Until next week, where I’ll be sharing my favourites for quarter two of 2018,

XOXO

Brand favourites – Wet n Wild

What this post is about — This is a brand specific post featuring a short review of my favourite face products from Wet n Wild.

Wet n Wild, a brand that was launched in India only recently, has taken the beauty world by storm. Their affordable, good quality makeup is impossible to resist and worth every penny. A treat for beauty beginners who wish to experiment with make up trends and a humble surprise for the subject matter experts, Wet n Wild is a brand that has been an impressive journey for me. If I had to complain, my only wish would be that the brand be rechristened. I understand the objective of calling it thus — assuming that their hot selection of makeup will turn women on like nothing else — but I think they went too far with it.

I have a lot of favourites from the brand but the products mentioned in this post are things I use on an everyday basis. Some travel with me in my purse and the rest are ride or die (all hail Jacyln Hill, while I use her terminology) products from my present makeup bag.

Favourite products from Wet n Wild reviewed here

Coloricon Bronzer in Reserve Your Cabana

Let me get one thing out-of-the-way — this is not a bronzer by any means. Not even for Snow white. Reserve your Cabana is an illuminating powder with tiny tiny shimmer specs. No glitterati, only a nice, neutral, white gold shimmer. Perfect for the face or the body, it gives the most natural, flattering sheen to the features, a glow-from-within look, and works beautifully even without a highlighter for all-over face application. It brightens the skin tone, adds dimension and smoothens flaws. The coverage is sheer, but the sheen is fantabulous.

The compact is huge, making it ideal to dip a big fluffy brush into it and apply it generously to the shoulders, clavicle or calves. It looks magically natural, feeling like second skin and coming close to what could easily be an air brushed makeup effect. It lasts for 3-4 hours on its own and longer with a good setting spray.

This is my favourite product from the brand, hands down.

Megaglo Contouring Palette in Dulche De Leche

If you are just beginning your contouring journey, then look no further. In fact, even if you have other contouring products, you need this in your life. Dulche De Leche, just like Reserve your Cabana, is an XL size compact. It comes divided into two halves, one half is the matte powder contour and the other half is a banana powder/matte highlight. Both the contour and the banana powder are perfectly suited to fair-medium Indian skin; if you have my skin tone then this is your calling.

Both products in the pan have some kick-off and you will need to tap excess off your brush every time you dip in, but the pigmentation is strong — so one dip should be sufficient per cheek. They blend like a dream, they last for hours and they sink into the skin defining features seamlessly. Most contour products that I have tried earlier either run too warm or too ashy, this however, is the perfect combination of both. The banana powder is fantastic for setting concealer under the eyes or as a subtle matt highlight for the bridge of the nose.

I love the fact that I can swirl my large face brush into it. Makes me happy.

Megaglo Highlighting Powder in Precious Petals

This is a cult classic in the drugstore world. Especially, this shade. And for a reason. I am not the person to wear too much highlight, except a little on my nose, brow bones and the top of my cheeks. I am very restricted with how much highlight I apply, and what brush I apply my highlight with.

Precious petals is a gorgeous barely-pink highlight with silver shimmer in it. It picks up generously on a brush (after you have used-up or, in my case, scratched off the first plastic-like layer on top) and applies easily. You don’t need much, at all. This is still a tad bit heavy for my liking, but I love it for the evenings. If I need my highlight to make a statement, this will always be ‘the one’. It lasts a really long time — even if the rest of your makeup is fading, know that precious metals is with you till nightfall, and beyond.

Photofocus Pressed Powder in Warm Beige

Pressed powders are easy. No fuss. They are unlike loose powders that pick up excessively on brushes, fly away if they are finely-milled, and dust all over the place. Pressed powders are also good on the go, and especially awesome if they are as good as this one.

When I first used this powder, I wasn’t sure that my brush was picking up any product at all. But as I set my concealer and foundation with it, suddenly my base looked flawless. I could not see the powder. At all. But it was apparently there, creating magic. With the subtlest of the subtle sheens, it is the only pressed powder I have ever used that is truly invisible. The only drawback is that it does not last long, but can be retouched as many times as you wish with no difference in the final results. It is small and easy to carry around, so I can live with the fact that the lasting power is not to die for. I’ll go as far as saying that this is the best pressed powder I have ever used. And that says a lot.

Warm Beige is a shade that will suit several skin tones, anything from fair to medium.

Basic Contour Brush

Wet n Wild have a huge range of professional makeup brushes. I have not tried those, but on a whim, I bought a basic contour brush from the brand. A pretty, white-bodied baby with ombré bristles ending in pink. No points for guessing why I fell for it that fateful night.

I got it with no expectations (after all, it was such a steal) — but oh my, this brush is so good. It perfectly fits into the hollow of my cheekbones, and creates the perfect, seamless contour with small, elliptical motions. I also use it to contour the rest of my face. It is not the softest brush, but I’m not sure if I love really soft brushes for everything. I can’t explain the science behind it, but it rocks my boat. It lures me into trying more brushes from the brand. For the price, it may just be the best contour brush in the market.

That about sums it up for today. The Wet n Wild Mega Last Catsuit Liquid Matte Lipsticks are also a huge favourite from the brand but I have already spoken about those in a previous beauty post — my Favourite Nude Lipsticks.

Until next time, XOXO

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Photo credits: @vijayanand_celluloids on Instagram

 

The beauty of dressing down

The day you take an hour to dress up, do your hair, manicure your nails, and wear the attitude — will be the day your life will be the most ordinary.

♥

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A few years ago, I was all about the colours, the florals, the bright lip, the coral blush and the pink shadow. So, it’s a good thing that I decided to grow up somewhere along the way — which doesn’t mean to say that any of those things are bad, it just means that I’m better off without them

The twenties are all about changing with the trends, experimenting with your style, making bold wardrobe and vanity choices and basically, being non-individualistic. But, once the late twenties wean into the early thirties, you begin to understand what you love to do, wear, be — or more specifically, all that you do not wish to do, wear, be or even who you do not wish to be with. You find your sense of style rooted to your core, the soul of you — your divine intuition, your all knowing self. And it sticks with you forever — it becomes all that is you. And more often than not, it is exactly what you were not a decade ago.

The books, places, people and ideas that have defined your style and inspired your vibe, have taken years in the making. But finally, you feel happy in your skin. You can now appreciate all the beauty around you and come back home feeling like your niche is still your best bet at looking naturally gorgeous, day after day, time after time. You’ve finally found your style mantra — and irrespective of what trend the world is shattering under, your style is your safe haven. And even though others may try, they can’t do your thing like you. You do it best. And there is solace in knowing that you have finally discovered the perfect spice mix to leave the audience licking their fingers, always coming back for more.

You are at that point of effortless dressing, effortless beauty and effortless style — making it look easy, enviable and enchanting. You may not be the trendsetter or the trend breaker, but you reside with dignity somewhere in between the two extremes, in a happy place with everything and everyone you’ll ever need.

And that’s where I want to be. I love my neutrals. I love nude lips. I love the typical warm eye shadow look. I love natural, matte blushes. I love simple, uncomplicated jewellery. I love a good watch and maybe no jewellery. I love my foundation to be medium coverage — exposing the beautiful skin I live in. I love to keep my hair open for the breeze to ruin my blow dry. I love matte, nude nail polishes. I love very subtle, musky, floral scents. And more than anything else, I love to keep things basic. Casual. Breathable. Lived in. Clothes I can dance in. Jeans I can eat in. Shoes I can take long walks in. Jewellery I can work with. And lipsticks I can kiss with. This is me now, not 10 years ago. But, I’ve found what works for me. For my skin. For my hair. For my body. And I know, I can rock it. Rock it, walk it, talk it.

It’s not unique, it’s not fashionable and it’s surely not trendy. But the fun fact is that I don’t really care. And so, at one point, everybody else also stops to care. Finding what you love to wear, to be, or to do is your path to enlightenment, freedom and liberation. Let nobody tell you otherwise. Every artist is misunderstood before he becomes the manic rage. You may have to prison break the stereotypes, rubbish the fashion gurus, or convince yourself that not every body is a bikini body waiting to be featured on the Kingfisher calendar of the year — but have heart in the fact that beauty is a relative term, and feeling beautiful is the only measure of it. Don’t be afraid to be who you want to be — Plain Jane, Sassy Sally, or Foxy Phoebe. Break the rules or make a few new ones. But whatever you do, have fun along the way, take it easy as The Eagles sang, stay just the way you are as Billy Joel sang, and you’ll always feel on top of the word, as the Carpenters sang.

And, whatever you wear — everything or nothing — always dress to kill.

Until next time, XOXO

Photo credits (and help with concept planning): @vijayanand_celluloids on Instagram

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Current Favourites – Beauty

It’s been a while since I did a round-up of my current beauty favourites from the drugstore world, something I always plan to do but never get around to it because I feel like such posts are boring to write and boring to read. At the same time, I want you to know what’s keeping me glowing in the sweaty, humid summer weather. Some of these favourites have transformed my beauty game. A few others will be disclosed in my next few beauty posts, featuring favourites from one particular brand — a series I want to start doing more often.

To make this post more interesting, I could tell you some secrets or be your gossip girl. But, I’d rather do that the day I write a deathly boring post and need to master plan a click-bait.

For now, let’s go with the usual drill.

Get some coffee because the rant went a bit out of control here. Beauty fanatics will get my enthusiasm.

L.A Girl Pro Coverage Illuminating Liquid Foundation 

I know there’s been a huge hue and cry about the L.A Girl Pro Matte Foundation, and to be honest, I have not tried it yet. Although I saw beauty bloggers all over the world rave about it, it wasn’t available in India for purchase — so instead I decided to go with the L.A Girl Pro Illuminating Liquid Foundation. And anyway, for girls with dry skin like mine, it’s always wise to maintain a mile’s distance from any face product that says matte on it. I’m all about the glow.

Wearing L.A. Girl Pro Coverage Illuminating Liquid Foundation in ‘Natural’- one coat only

Words cannot describe my love for this foundation. It is wet, but not too runny. It is perfect to apply with a dense stippling brush rather than a foundation brush. One coat is beautiful to balance any redness, even skin tone, partially cover blemishes, and add a glowy, healthy feel to the skin. It goes on to be full coverage in two coats (equivalent to two pumps), sets to a beautiful, smooth, natural, not-too-shiny-but-just-enough kind of finish. It lasts a good 8-10 hours (yes yes yes!) with a good primer and a good setting spray. However, it will require setting with a powder, at least the centre portions of the face — you may avoid the perimeters if you are using cream contours, blushes or highlights. I would suggest setting the cream products eventually with a powder bronzer or a not-too-shimmery illuminating powder (Wet n Wild Coloricon Bronzer in Reserve your Cabana is great).

On application of two coats, this foundation is not cakey or flaky. It does not sink into the fine lines around my eyes or lips or cling on to dry patches. It does not accentuate pores. It looks like I have no foundation on. I always hated using foundations because they made me look too perfect; I always preferred BB creams. But, I can’t say that anymore.

Unless I am wearing makeup for a photo shoot, I wear only one layer of this foundation. It doesn’t hide my small blemishes, moles or spots completely and I love it that way. Naturally gorgeous.

But if you love the flawless foundation effect, you could go all the way with it. Pile on the layers, and it will still do you justice. Goddess-like justice.

It also comes with a handy pump and a huge shade selection. I am in the shade Natural; it has the right undertones to match my skin perfectly. In love.

Oh boy, that’s 573 words down, and I’ve only just begun. Please tell me you like mini reviews. Sorry, can’t make that micro mini. No can do.

Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte Poreless Powder 

Yes, I’m very late to the party. But, I’m dancing to the music now. I can almost hear Kathleen Lights saying ‘I told you so‘. The Fit me pressed powder and concealer are her all-time drugstore favourites and she often uses them in her tutorials.

I’m not sure why I didn’t try them before; it could be because Maybelline as a brand rarely ever surprises me. But the Fit Me range has done just that. This pressed, poreless powder is one hell of a setting powder. It is matte, with no shine or shimmer whatsoever, it sets the under-eye concealer to perfection, it layers beautifully, and stays fresh for 2-3 hours (maybe more in places with cooler temperatures – the Indian summer is quite the bad boy). It is compact, light-weight, comes with a small sponge and is great as a handbag staple.

I own only three pressed powders, and this is one of them. And if it were limited edition, I would buy ten of them. But it isn’t. So, don’t palpitate, just about yet.

I am in the shade 220 Natural Beige.

Maybelline New York Fit Me Concealer 

The angels with the white chiffon dresses and the graceful wings are dancing in my concealer heaven. This concealer checks all the boxes, and realizes all the impossible dark circle-beating dreams. It’s not the first one you put under your eyes, but the one that comes second and seals the deal.

I am in the colour ‘sand‘, which has a mild yellow undertone to it. It is two shades lighter than my skin tone but is perfect for brightening the under eyes. The consistency is thicker than your average concealer, and it sets quickly — so you might want to dot one eye at a time. It also makes for a great eye-shadow primer (I don’t use a separate eye shadow primer). It is medium to high coverage and when used alone, it works best with a peach colour corrector for someone of my skin-tone — the peach balances the slight yellow undertone in the concealer.

It blends optimally with a medium concealer brush, and tends to sink into fine lines if not set with a powder. I wouldn’t recommend using a banana powder to set this concealer, as the double yellow whammy may leave you looking jaundiced. Ideally, set this with a matte pressed powder, or a loose translucent powder.

NYX Professional Tinted Brow Mascara 

I have nice eyebrows okay? I don’t even need a brow pencil, let alone a brow mascara. But, I use both. Just a tiny bit.

I bought this brow mascara on a whim and we got along really well — but, only after I realized that brow hair can actually move in strange ways when you accidentally touch your face, or flip your freshly washed hair, or um, kiss. And then, you ask the kisser to take your pictures. And your eyebrows look weird. Long story short, brow mascara has meaning. It’s not rubbish.

This is a tinted brow mascara, meaning that the gel is coloured. The shade ‘brunette brown‘ is a tad lighter than my brows (which are dark brown), but after I have filled in my brows with a brow pencil, and brushed them into place, I don’t need to add any more colour to the drama. Need to tone it down, if anything. So, in my case (I abhor the full, angry brow trend), this colour is absolutely perfect. It’s not going to hold you back from one eyebrow raises — meaning it won’t give you stiff brows. You won’t know it’s there. I promise. But, if you do like fuller brows, and you have my skin tone, choose the shade ‘expresso dark brown’.

L.A. Girl Glide Gel Liners

Do you glide or slide? That was what beauty gurus were saying when these glide gel liners were launched to compete with the NYX slide on pencils. The NYX slide on eye pencils are almost double the price and are exactly the same thing — except that they have some unique shades like ‘jewel’ , ‘golden olive‘ (similar to the Stila smudge stick waterproof eye liner in ‘moray‘, my all time fave), and ‘black sparkle’. Black sparkle was all the rage after Lisa Eldridge used it in one of her YouTube tutorials, but the L.A. Girl glide on pencil has an exact dupe for that one (‘black magic’).

Swatches from left to right – NYX Jewel, NYX Black Sparkle, L.A Girl Deep Bronze, L.A Girl Brown, L.A Girl Black Amethyst, and L.A Girl Gypsy Teal

To be honest, I prefer the formula on the glide on pencils over the slide on pencils. They are softer, smoother, with better colour pay-off, not too smudgeable but just enough, and almost similar in wear-time compared to the slide ons. However, the slide ons are waterproof to a large degree and take quite the effort to wipe off. But, if you are looking to hoard a variety of colours, just go with the glide ons. They are everything a gel liner needs to be.

Deep bronze and brown are my absolute favourites. Gypsy teal has the most mind-blowing colour pay-off and lasting power (brings out the brown colour of my eyes). Black amethyst is a medium black with fine, dark purple glitter. Very unique. Because they are so silky smooth on application, they require to be sharpened often — I can live with that. I am already on my fourth brown glide on, and I plan to get a back up after I finish writing this post. I just remembered why I love them so much.

M.A.C D for Danger

I always say, there’s nothing you can say about a M.A.C lipstick that has not already been said before. This wasn’t one of the first M.A.C lipsticks I bought, but like every girl who wears lipstick — I went through a dark phase. Dark lipsticks. Especially burgundys and dark plums and everything in between. Not Dracula dark but darker than my usual ‘nude’ obsession.

Wearing M.A.C D for Danger Matte Lipstick in indoor lighting

I went to M.A.C looking to buy Velvet Teddy (yes, another nude), but life did a 360 and I came home with D for Danger. As soon as I walked in the door, I felt that pang of regret — why did I doooo this! But, it grew on me. Especially, when other girls gave me compliments. Yes, I’m shallow that way. I let others tell me when and why I should feel good about myself. We are all human; give it a rest.

D for Danger is a ‘brick red’. It’s a medium-dark, berry-red with cool, pink undertones and a matte finish. Like you understood that! Attempting to describe a lipstick is like trying to describe a scent — futile. It wears differently from skin to skin. So, look at the pictures, okay?

Wearing M.A.C D for Danger Matte Lipstick in daylight

D for danger, like all M.A.C matte lipsticks, can be drying; I never go in without my holy grail M.A.C Prep + Prime Lip. If I glide the lipstick along my lips, the colour pay off is way too strong, so I just do a couple of gentle taps and then purse away. Absolutely gorgeous for Saturday night dates. But yeah, they do transfer. Warn the man in the crisp, white shirt. Or, give him a reason to take it off. But, I digress.

PAC Makeup Brushes

Call me an idiot, but I did not know about PAC until recently. They have no advertisements anywhere, no social media spamming, no bloggers with paid partnerships and no hype. But every beauty blogger will still talk about them because they are that good. Excellent quality for the price you pay, dupes for some serious cult classics, and shade selections that will leave you reeling in joy.

But, that’s not what this is about. PAC makes some high quality, durable, functional, amazing makeup brushes. They have all kinds of brushes, but their stippling brush is one of the best for applying liquid foundation. It does not absorb any product, makes application flawless and just allows the product to sink into the skin, like it was never there. It’s the one thing from my vanity that I would save in a fire.

They have a brush for every need, and if you are looking to invest in makeup brushes as a starter, these make the cut. Don’t think twice.

Finally, stick a fork in me, I’m done. For today. I feel like if I now go into this elaborate epilogue, you are never coming back to me. So I’ll keep you, and let go all these words dancing in my head.

What are you lovin’ at the moment? Tell me.

Until next time, XOXO