My entire MAC collection! :)

Hey Girlies! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend, I had a pretty wonderful relaxed Sunday.
After a really long time I decided to re-arrange my vanity case.One thing led to another (like it always does..)pretty soon my de-clutter & organize mission faded in to oblivion and I started playing with my makeup :P

If you looked at the pic below and thought I was showing you some latest limited edition collection launch pics from MAC, dahlings you are so wrong! That's my entire MAC collection in all its glory! :D

As I lined up all my MAC makeup and fawned over my pretty juicy MAC lippies, it suddenly struck me Gosh! I really have accumulated a whole lot of MAC!! 
Two years back if somebody would have told me that I'd be forking out a 1000 bucks on a lippie, my frugal heart would have yelled expletives & done violent somersaults!!
Over the course of past 2 years I turned from somebody who wouldn't splurge on higher end stuff but hoard drugstore brands,to somebody who loosens her purse strings on MAC.

NO, I haven't hit the jackpot or married a Sheikh of any Fascist regime. I still have a whole long cost-benefit debate in my head before splurging at MAC counters, but now I realize I'm better off buying one good quality product I love and will use than 2 drugstore lippies which will gather dust on my dresser. I plan my MAC purchases for months & only pick up stuff I would actually use regularly.

 

 

A closer look at the goodies! :)
The boldest MAC lippie in my stash Impasssioned, Its bold bright and very naughty.Perfect for spring summer season.

MAC Ruby Woo, my favorite retro red lippie.If there is one single lippie I could carry to my afterlife, Ruby woo it is!

MAC Creme in your coffee- My very first MAC purchase, I waited for over 6 months before splurging out on Creme in your coffee, totally love this baby for everyday work wear.

MAC Viva Glam VI, a pearlescent terracotta sheer lippie, totally adore this one and I've worn mine out :)

Swatch Fest! Ikya swatches her 5 favorite MAC Blushes

I am Ikya and I write the blog MAKEUP MONOLOGUES www.makeupmonologues.com, an Indian beauty and Lifestyle blog; when I'm not busy playing 'bob the builder'. I blog about, well, you know, makeup (shocker!), tips and tricks I discover here and there and ramble about my very happening (not) life! A proud Co Army Brat (to Pooja and many of you, I'm sure) l post about the very happening (really) life of an Army Brat once in a while!
I LOVE animals and bright lipsticks, I can't dance to save my life, I love talking at length about myself (which is WHY I blog!) and THAT'S about it!

PS: Everyone around me is suddenly getting married and there are gazillion posts planned for that too. Pooja has promised to find me a young dapper Fauji and If I'm found single after 2 years you know know whom to blame!
(Editor's note- I'm working on it Iku, I'm working on it ;)

Editor's Note-Ik has shared 5 must have blushes from MAC which will work on most Indian skin tones.Fleur Power. Frankly scarlet and Bite of an Apple are uber tempting

M.A.C. Styleseeker Hidden Treasure Blush swatch and why its my favorite blush ever!

M.A.C. Styleseeker collection had a Hidden Treasure and it was none other than this Über gorgeous terracota colored velvet finish blush!
MAC describes Hidden treasure as Rich burnt red shade which I find quite accurate,it is a red blush, yet not the in your face kind of red.


This Autumn winter season I had been on the hunt for a warm toned blush which would give me a hint of sheer color without any glitter,when I first spotted Hidden Treasure blush at the Styleseeker Launch event I thought it was too reddish toned and too dark to give that subtle glowy look I was after.But Boy I was wrong! when I found all the blush shades on my wishlist out of stock at MAC store, I request the MUA to apply this one on me and I was thrilled with the natural happy glow it gave to my face! :D
I looked like I had just come after a nice jog and sported flushed cheeks (he he all without a workout ;)

The Hidden treasure blush is highly pigmented and yet it can be sheered out perfectly for a light wash of color on your cheeks. I usually dust off the excess blush on my brush on a paper tissue and then buff it on the apples of my cheeks.

MAC Powder Blush Supercontinental from Styleseeker Collection,Review,swatches

MAC Powder Blush Supercontinental from Styleseeker Collection,is described as a fresh cute coral with lovely satin finish.
I had been steering clear of powder blushes for a while because I much prefer the superb blendability of creme blushes, but the ultra finely milled texture of MAC Supercontinental  powder blush and made me a recent convert.The blush has a soft sheen and it doesn't emphasizes the pores. 

Ingredients

The MAC Styleseeker collection has 3 limited edition blushes and Supercontinental is the lightest shade of the three.

Powder Blushes Left to right-

Worldly Wealth shimmering (Peachy bronze in frost finish) ,Supercontinental (Bright blue coral in satin finish) Hidden Treasure (Rich burnt red in satin finish)

Supercontinental would be perfect for Fair to Medium skin tones, on the duskier skin tones like myself (NC 45) the soft coral shade isn't very visible, what I do get is a very soft sheen and a hint of barely there color. I think this would work very well as a day time shade.
Priced at Rs 1350/- this is a limited edition shade, if you are looking for a subtle blush for that happy glow then Supercontinental is the blush for you!
If you are eying this then better rush to a MAC store, I checked out MAC stores today and its already Sold Out in store near my place.

Note-This post contains a sample sent by brand for consideration

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MAC Styleseeker Collection swatches

So the M.A.C Styleseeker collection preview got you drooling? 

Then to tease your senses some more here are the swatches of the must lust worthy pieces from the Styleseeker collection!

Powder Blushes Left to right-

Worldly Wealth shimmering (Peachy bronze in frost finish) ,Supercontinental (Bright blue coral in satin finish) Hidden Treasure (Rich burnt red in satin finish)

I'm eying Hidden treasure from this collection ;)

MAC Mattene Lipstick Camden chic-Rich brick red

 MAC Mattene Lipstick Camden chic-Rich brick red swatched on NC 45 skin

The Body Shop Lily Cole Cruelty free makeup Lip & cheek dome Pinch me pink-review & swatches

Nature lovers rejoice finally Lily Cole's cruelty free makeup is available in The Body Shop stores nation wide.
So I'm reviewing the Lip & Cheek dome which has got girls going ga ga over it! Its a cream to powder formulation & it will specially score with Girls who love their makeup to multitask.
Pinch me pink is a soft bubble gum pink,with a hint of yellow undertones which gives of a very natural looking color.

The lip & cheek dome is dermatologically tested and 100% cruelty free

The packaging is very high on fun factor,with a cutesy hot pink leopard (like) pattern and a dome shaped casing. The slick domed tint just begs to be played with.
The jar is pretty lightweight and comes with a clear screw top domed cap. Though you do run high risk of accidentally nicking the product while opening/closing the jar.

Sleek Makeup Blush Sleek Gold review and swatches

Looking for a NARS Orgasm dupe on a budget ? Sleek Rose Gold blush is the answer to your prayers Girls!!

Now how sleek & sexy is the packaging? The pan is quite small in person but it packs 8 grams of product for just $ 6/- plus international shipping (available at www.SleekMakuep.com  or Superdrug stores across UK). The pan comes with a mirror and no applicator.

This little pan of goodness has the right mix of peach,pink and old gold. It is what Orgasm for Duskier Girls would have looked like. Seriously I had been panning to pick up Nars O forever, but when I tried it out it barely showed up on my NC 45 skin, I got more of a Gold sheen and no hint of peach or pink.
When I wear Sleek rose gold- yes the gold is pronounced but there is a noticeable hint of peach and pink too- which I like!

Sleek Rose gold blush is also a good dupe for MAC Sunbasque blush.

Ben Nye Creme rouge Coral- My Current love!!

Beauty Blogging is such an addiction enabler

The more you know about so many International brands the more you crave for hard to get brands.It all started when I started reading reviews of Ben Nye essential eyeshadow palette and some other very intriguing Ben Nye products ages back.
I sooo desperately wanted to try Ben Nye stuff  but as the brand was nowhere to be seen India I checked out International sites,the palettes while appeared very affordable the high international shipping just put me off.
Finally I had to convince my little makeup obsessed alter ego to let go of Ben Nye.So with a very heavy heart I decided to forget all about Ben Nye and get on with my life.

 Then a couple of months back I read Tanveer's review (from Addictedtoblush) for this Ben Nye Creme rouge Coral. Tanveer mentioned she picked it up from New Beauty Center, Khar ,Mumbai.

I was ecstatic again -Ben Nye finally in India! OMG! OMG! OMG! I had to snag it somehow. But how is a Delhi Gal to get stuff from Mumbai?! In comes my favorite Nail art Guru in the picture
-Kejal from Nailartsandthings
 

As luck would have it I was had a 1 day business trip to Mumbai a few weeks ago. Now meetings being meeting they never get over on time and I hoped against hope that NBC will be open til the time I reach the store (btw it closes at 8.30 pm sharp)
'coz I was so crazed by Ben Nye I greedily begged requested Kej to somehow pick this one up for me and she sportingly agreed :D
But as my schedule was ultra tight I didn't think I'll be able to pick it up myself or catch up with Kej. So picture this-In heavy rain, I made a mad dash fro my office to Khar, entered the shop at 8.25 pm, heaved a sigh of relief & said a little prayer  when I saw the store was still open!! Hallelujah!
Now NBC usually gets me lightheaded every time I see so much makeup around, but this time I rushed to Ben Nye counter swatched and bought this in under 30 seconds!! I was out of the store by 8.28 pm. Believe.

So back to the Big Question- Was it worth all the Drama?

My Answer Hell Yeah!!

This pan of gorgeous color packs a punch and is my Current Love!!

The packaging is absolutely no fuss and sans any bells and whistles. It comes in a pretty basic plastic pan and clear screw top lid.While this is not the kind of packaging which will give you the Big O, but its seriously functional.This is something you can carelessly throw around in your purse and not worry much about breaking or scratching or damaging the pan.

Maybelline New York completes its Dream range with the launch of NEW! DREAM Lumi Touch

Maybelline New York, the # 1 color cosmetics brand in the world  completes its premium face makeup collection, the Dream Range, with the addition of the NEW Dream Lumi Touch Concealer. 

The Dream franchise, voted the #1 foundation umbrella brand in the world comprises of a collection of products with revolutionary hybrid formula, including Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation, Dream Matte Mousse Foundation, Dream Matte Pressed Powder, Dream Touch Blush and now the latest and revolutionary Dream Lumi Touch Concealer.

The NEW Dream Lumi Touch is the first gel-based concealer from Maybelline New York. It illuminates while it conceals, delivering a natural result. Eyes are instantly brighter, awakened, and more alive! The new Dream Lumi Touch diffuses light as it conceals because of the diffusing power of concealing pigments blended with illuminating gel base. It covers any imperfections or dark circles letting you experience touch-and-go illumination like never before. The Lumi Touch Concealer comes in a revolutionary pen format for easy application on the go! Available in 6 shades.  

Korres Zea Mays blush Peach

Peeps say Hello to my "Korres Zea Mays blush in Peach" 

If you are wondering what is this fancy schmancy new ingredient "Zea Mays "in my Korres blush read on to find out more :)

"Korres was originally established in 1996 out of Greece’s oldest homeopathic pharmacy to provide a line of skin and earth-friendly products. By using active natural extracts Korres delivers clinically-proven results while avoiding harmful synthetic compounds. These environmentally-conscious products also ensure maximum skin compatibility. "

Greece is home to an impressive amount of natural flora, and Korres Plant Hunters travel Greece, and the world, to discover rare plants that can be used for cosmetic purposes, ensuring that Korres products are always on the forefront of the newest natural innovations.

"Today, Korres Natural Products is Greece’s fastest-growing natural skincare company. It features over 400 natural and/or certified organic products in over 30 countries around the world. With products that are both serious and sensuous, Korres is the most sought-after natural skincare by consumers, celebrities, and beauty insiders alike."

 With a silky texture that glides on skin effortlessly

Korres Zea Mays blush-owes its origin to humble cornflour (Zea Mays for the un-initiated ;)

• Kooes blush are formulated with corn starch powder particles to illuminate skin
• Gives a smooth, natural & long-lasting finish
• Dermatologically-tested, free of mineral oil, propylene glycol or ethanolamine

Check out the casing- OMG that calligraphic brushwork on the case is just surreal!!

 The blush comes in an ultra chic square casing, looks very classy and is probably the most stylishly packaged blush I own.

NYX CREAM BLUSH NATURAL AND TEA ROSE COMPARATIVE SWATCHES

For the pretty girls who keep getting foxed with online swatches of NYX cream blushes and wonder whether to choose Natural or Tea Rose?Here are the comparative swatches to make your online shopping a breeze.

NYX Natural is  bright dewy pink cream blush,almost a kissing cousin of MAC Ladyblush Blushcreme.

This is a universally flattering shade on fairer skin tones it gives happy flushed cheeks, on duskier gals this gives off a nice brightening glow.Gives a more youthful look to your skin, would highly recommend it!

NYX Tea Rose is a muted pink with warm earthiness,its slightly more grown up persons' blush, more suited for office wear type of shade.On duskier skin tones its quite muted.

 

Left- Nyx Cream Blush Natural Right- Nyx Cream Blush Tea Rose

NYX CREAM BLUSH TEA ROSE REVIEW AND SWATCHES

NYX Cream Blush Tea Rose is gorgeous muted pink with warm earthiness.Its creamy blush which gives that lit from within glow.Its a great shade for office wear, when high shimmer, bright shades just won't do.The shade is great for most Indian skin tones.The color pay off is amazing, you need the slightest swipe on your cheeks to get a happy glow.

The creaminess means the blend-ability of the NYX Cream blushes is amazing, they far outscore even MAC or INGLOT Cream blushes.( I find MAC cream blushes slightly sticky & Inglot cream blush has mood swings based on the season. It freezes up in winters and melts in summer and works only in the spring /autumn months for me.)

The wear time is 3-4 hours with this blush, the high creaminess which makes blending a dream also means it slides off after 4 hours.

Each pan contains 3.5 grams of product & the price is INR 520-550/- in India depending upon which online retailer you buy from. The price at International site like www.cherryculture.com is INR 300/- plus shipping.

You can read review & see swatches of NYX Cream blush in Natural here & Glow here

Pics licked outdoors in bright sunlight.

Overall thoughts- This is one versatile blush, for fairer maidens its a nice warming neutral pink for duskier divas this is great natural looking blush for soft glow.I'd definitely re-purchase this as it works great for office wear for me. Its cruelty free, pocket friendly blush. Definitely worth buying!

INGLOT FREEDOM SYSTEM BLUSH 32 REVIEW AND SWATCHES

Hello my lovelies, its Diwali eve and we are all busy planning for the big festivities for tomorrow.Now that I've ticked off lots of To Dos off my list for the Diwali prep, I can tell you all about my latest blush acquisition.

Last week I'd told you all about My Inglot Haul and online shopping experience at shopatmajorbrands.com

So its time for swatches and detailed reviews :)

I'd picked up Inglot Powder Blush in shade number 32 in a refill pan from Inglot's Freedom System collection.I've used Inglot AMC Cream blush and loved it, so always wondered if powder blush would be as good.
Inglot powder blush are buttery smooth, very well pigmented and flatter a range of skin tones.

The packaging- The regular blush comes in a round black sturdy packaging, the freedom system refill pan comes in a simple plastic casing. Refill pan on its own is not suitable for traveling unless you transfer this in a magnetic palette.

NYX ROUGE CREAM BLUSH IN GLOW-GUEST POST BY POOHKIE

Hello my Lovelies, so you all loved Poohkie's Guest post on NYX Round Lipstick Lala & Perfect. Poohkie in NYX Wonderland found the eternal Glow in the pot of NYX Rouge Cream Blush in Glow.So how did the love affair pan out?

Read on to find out more

You can visit POOHKIES PLACE to read more about the charmed life of Poohkie.

Claim/Description: More delicious than peaches and cream? We like to think so. Our velvety smooth mineral Rouge Cream Blush offers a sheer wash of radiant color. The glorious payoff is dewy, sultry and long-lasting. Available in cream blush 12 shades (according to the NYX website).

COLORBAR POWDER BLUSHER-JUST EARTH

I'd reviewed Colorbar Cinnabar blush last week and I though I'll post swatches of another popular shade-Just Earth. True to its name this a terracotta toned earthy blush shade with no shimmer. 

This is a good shade for everyday wear for medium to duskier skin tones lasses who prefer matte powder blusher. For the fairer ladies this will work as a good contouring powder.This a a good makeup staple to have in your vanity.Priced at INR 250/- its available across Colorbar outlets across country.

BOURJOIS BLUSH 95 ROSE DE JASPE

BOURJOIS BLUSH 95 ROSE DE JASPE is a beautiful blush in a ultra cute packaging. The peachy pink casing has a tiny gold button to unlatch the casing.A cute little mirror & a curved brush is provided with the blusher(the brush is absolutely wasted).

Rose de Jape is a beautiful pink with gold shimmer, its a baked blusher and the product is packed very densely & it makes regular soft blush brush useless for picking up color from the pan. You'll need to use a very hard brush or a kabuki brush to pick any color.This can be applied wet or dry, for wet application use very light sweeps as when applied wet the pink becomes very intense on cheeks.When applied dry the color is very sheer.The light gold reflects are subtle & sophisticate & you can wear this during the daytime as well.It has nice rosy smell to it which faints with wear and is not over powering.



Though I love this color I've barely been able to make a dent in the pan or use it regularly the major con is that the product is not easy to pick on a brush, you will need multiple swipes to get the color to show on your cheeks.

There are 12 gorgeous shades available in this range and its priced at INR 575/-

Do check out the swatches below left is applied wet 4-5 swipes & right is applied dry 5-6 swipes.

COLORBAR POWDER BLUSHER CINNABAR

Colorbar powder blusher-Cinnabar is a beautiful dusty coral with shimmer. Cinnabar is very close is color to Colorbar's Just Earth shade however unlike Just earth this one has better pigmentation and the himmer particles are finely milled and lend a lovely glow to the cheeks. 

The packaging is fairly simple with mirror & applicator brush provided in a separate section. The brush provided with the blusher is useless you can't apply blush and blend it with such a small sized flat brush.

Colorbar blusher are available across Colorbar counters in India. These are economically priced at INR 250 and are available in 5 shades.Please check out the  swatches below.