Five Tips for Keeping Your Cosmetics Kit Tidy

Keeping your cosmetics kit tidy not only helps you get through your beauty routine more easily, but it also looks much nicer and has many other benefits too. Keeping makeup past its sell-by date could cause spots on the face and also makeup begins to not look it’s best when it has been open for too long. If you are awful at keeping your cosmetics de-cluttered and all in one place, then look no further. Here are five simple tips to help you sort out your morning routine. 

Check the Expiry Date

One of the most important things we need to check when looking at our cosmetics kit is the expiry date of the product. Almost all makeup has some sort of expiry date or use by date on it, usually telling you to throw it away after 3, 6 or 12 months, as a rule. This helps to keep your kit de-cluttered and if you see you’re throwing away basically a full tube of something then this is also a great way to check what makeup habits are setting you back dollars for no reason. 

Buy a Cosmetic Kit Holder

A cosmetic kit holder is a godsend for someone who is constantly routing through their drawers for their makeup or moisturizers in the morning. The beauty of cosmetic kit holders is there are so many to choose from and so many ways to organize your cosmetics that you can find a way that works for you and the space you have.

This makes the space look much better too, meaning you can have more fun doing your makeup. If you’re into DIY, then why not check out these DIY tips for storing makeup and cosmetics. 

Clean Your Brushes Regularly

To keep your cosmetics tidy, you need to keep them clean. Failing to clean brushes can lead to all kinds of bacteria and dirt building up on the bristles. This leads to patchy makeup and can cause all kinds of skin problems. You clean your face daily, so why then put dirty brushes all over your face? Cleaning your brushes can be a pain but you can purchase brush cleaner to ensure your bristles stay intact and healthy between washes. Dedicate some time each week to do this and you will soon see the benefits. 

Throw it Away!

We are all guilty of having cosmetics in our storage kits that we don’t use anymore. If this is the case it is time to let go. Whilst it can be difficult throwing away things that we have bought, sometimes cosmetics don’t suit us or aren’t right for our skin, but this is how we learn what is right for us. If you can and it’s hygienic, see if you can pass on the cosmetics to someone or sell it if the makeup is still sealed. If you want to save some money after throwing away your old cosmetics then check out these free offers for beauty supplies

Organize by Category

An easy way to keep your kit tidy is to organize it by category. This means having different pots for different parts of your face or storing it in order of how you apply it. This makes your cosmetic routine so much easier and quicker and saves a lot of hassle. For those who like to keep things organized, this is the best way to do so. Many of the famous beauty Youtubers swear by this method as a great way to keep their cosmetics kit tidy. 

Keeping your cosmetic kit tidy will save time in your beauty routine and ensure that everything stays clean. As you are constantly putting these products on your face, it’s important to keep your kit clean and tidy to ensure your face stays free from spots. 

Charlotte Tilbury #GLOMO Collection

Healthy, glowing skin is something we all aspire to. But to have your skin looking great in all its dewy glory, religious upkeep is a must, as is using the right kind of makeup. In keeping with the latter objective, Charlotte Tilbury’s new #GLOMO collection is set to provide you with a sun-kissed glow that’s all the rage this season. Read on for my review of some products from the Charlotte Tilbury #GLOMO collection:

The Unisex Healthy Glow Tinted Moisturizer is a great product that will appeal to people who prefer the au naturel look. It leaves the skin supple and glowing, but without a greasy or cakey finish. Being a tinted moisturizer, it certainly doesn’t provide the same degree of coverage as a foundation would, but it does even out the skin tone in my experience. It has SPF which makes it a great summer product, especially for casual wear and morning dos. Best part it, both men and women can benefit from its hydrating goodness, and it makes perfect for spring and summer season when you want your skin to be free of heavy foundations soaking up the sun.


Price – £35.00 for 40ml
Rating – 4 stars
Buy Here

The Goddess Skin Clay Mask is another product I tested,  and found this to be more of a pampering product than a skin treatment product. The product combines exotic ingredients including Spanish clay, Frangipani flower extract, and sweet almond oil. It promises to tighten pores, clear imperfections and leave your skin visibly brighter with just one application. You just slather on a light layer of the mask, massage it into your skin, and wash it off with warm water in 10 minutes. When I used the mask, I did feel it made my skin softer after washing, but I feel it didn’t pull out the impurities quite as well as some other similar products do. All in all, a decent product for general skin pampering.


Price – £38.00 for 75ml
Rating – 3.5 stars
Buy Here

The Magic Foundation was perhaps the best investment of the lot. I got myself the 6 Medium shade which is a neutral golden yellow for medium, olive skin tones. The formula is light and airy, provides very good coverage, has SPF 15, and also promises collagen-boosting anti-ageing benefits. I have tried many foundations from various brands and this stands above several of my favourites. The best thing about it is that it doesn’t dry too quickly, thus making it easier to blend into the skin or with other products. There are 15 shades in this collection which is quite commendable, and once you find your match, it will surely do you wonders!


Price – £32.00 for 30ml
Rating – 4 stars
Buy Here

So, this was my experience with the Charlotte Tilbury #GLOMO collection. Drop me a line below of what things you need help with and guidance on and I will try and come back to you asap.

Stila Make-up Haul Reviews

When it comes to cosmetics, I love experimenting with new products and trends. I always keep my eyes peeled for unfamiliar vials, pots, and bottles at makeup counters, and recently picked up several Stila products I’ve never used before.

As a luxury makeup brand, Stila promises and delivers the best kind of flair and finish with its products. Here is my experience with three Stila products I’ve begun using recently:

The Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow is my favourite find of the lot. I bought the Rose Gold Retro shade and have worn is to several outings in just a few weeks. The eyeshadow has great staying power and does not smudge at all. A little quantity goes a long way, and you can adjust the intensity by increasing or decreasing the strokes. Since the pigment is deep and has a glittery finish, I usually put on just a single layer. The product in general and this shade, in particular, is very versatile and can be used as an accent to other darker shades. I have even used the eyeshadow as an eye-liner and that worked well too! I love this sparkly range of liners which are all in soft, glowy shades.

Price: £23
Star Ration: 3.8 Stars
Buy Here

The Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick is the other product I was quite impressed with. I quite like the Bacca (Raspberry) and Tesoro (Orange Red) shades which complement my complexion and create a bold-lip look. The lipstick is formulated with several nourishing ingredients including Vitamin E and avocado oil which makes the finish matte and smooth. You do not need to worry about dry and cracked lip colour since the texture is creamy and formula hydrating. This range by Stila would be a good option for long-wear, and with 32 shades to choose from, you can find the right shade for each occasion.

Price: £16
Star Rating: 4 stars
Buy Here

My suggestion for all the lipstick junkies is to go for the Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick Set. Each set contains three shades of the collection in 0.05 fl. Oz vials. These miniature bottles are very handy and best for when you’re carrying a clutch or travelling light. Also, you get three different shades in the price of almost one full-sized lipstick of this range. Sounds like a good deal, doesn’t it?

Price: £20
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Buy Here

Overall, I’m very happy with my makeup haul from Stila. My rating for the products I used is a high-flying 4.5 stars. I’ll probably be stopping by for more eyeshadow and lipstick shades soon.

Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Sultry Sulfureuse Review

Revlon Colorburst Sultry Sulfureuse

As I mentioned in one of recent post covering my fav. Pink color lipsticks that Revlon Colorburst Sultry Sulfureuse is one of my fav. Lip colors, I felt like I should write its detailed review for you all. This lip color is very versatile, suitable for both office outfits and casual outings, which is why it sits right in front on my makeup counter.

A subtle pink shade that doesn’t look gaudy, it gives great pigmentation which is perfect for me. You see, my lips are pigmented and hence for me to wear light colors, I usually have to use more than one coat for light colors. But with this brilliant Revlon lipstick, I just need one swipe and I’m done!

So here’s how this lipstick feels on my lips: it has is matte in texture and can easily hide my lip pigmentation. It doesn’t dry out my lips much and has a good lasting power – it stayed on beyond 4 hours. And even after that it left a light stain on my lips and didn’t get patchy at all. I like matte lip colors more than others but often keep away from them as they tend dry out my lips. But with this lip color range I can say that flaky lips are never going to be an issue.

Other than this, the color is a great variant of pink which would work with almost every skin color. This entire range of Revlon lipsticks is pretty awesome for it has a slight mint fragrance, which to me feels very refreshing and invigorating, especially in the morning. But of course, this is more a matter of individual opinion.

I have recently also bought another color (Elusive) from this range and will be posting a review for that color soon as well. To sum up how I feel about this lipstick:

Pros:

  1. Matte texture
  2. High pigmentation
  3. Lasts between 4-5 hours
  4. Minty smell
  5. Suits every skin color

Cons:

  1. Maybe a bit drying as its Matte

Price in India : Rs 800
Price in UK: £7.99

Top five Hot Pink Lip Colors for this Season

Five Hot Pink Lipsticks -Have you been eyeing all the amazing pink lip colors that swamping the market, ramp walks and shows. There are definitely a lot of choices, but some pinks just work better and are definitely more suited to a wider audience. Here are some of my favourite Pink color lipsticks:

MAC Cremesheen Speak Louder– this is a lovely hot pink from MAC’s permanent collection.  MAC describes Speak Louder as a clean poppy blue pink. It is a cool toned hot pink, wearable on all skintones. It’s a bright pink lipstick for those who are scared to sport brights.  It is from Cremesheen finish category they are some what creamy and not matt, and give a certain shine that I dislike. It is well pigmented and you would need 2 swipes for full intensity. The staying power is remarkable as it stays put for more than 3-4 hours easily, fades evenly leaving behind a stain.

MAC Impassioned Amplified – this is a very bright neon pink color from MAC, but one of my favorite lip colors and brightens your skin tone. Works well for medium to fair skin tones and perfect for both day and night out. MAC describes Impassioned as Amped Up Fuschia and the shade looks different in different lights. It is a nicely pigmented color and you might need more than one swipe for pigmented lips. This shade comes from Amplified family which means it is creamy matte but I find it more matte than other shades from this family and the lip color stays on for atleast 4-5 hours

Clinique Chubby Stick Intense Plushest Punch – The best thing about the chubby stick intense formula is their hydration and staying power! Even though its marketed as lip balm I find the color is intense enough to be worn a standalone lip color. Its a bright raspberry pink color and has a good staying power. I always wear this color in two swipes when i want a fuller coverage and one swipe when I am looking for lighter natural look

Revlon Colorburst Vivacious Exuberante  – Revlon lacquer balms have smooth balm like texture. Vivacious Exuberante is a hot pink shade comes with little shimmers and its texture is very moisturizing. The shade is well pigmented, though it can get patchy and at least 2 strokes are required to develop the original shade. It has got mint fragrance which is feature of all Revlon Colorburst balm, I find it soothing personally.

Revlon Colorburst Sultry Sulfureuse – One of my favorite lip colors which is good for office days. This is a matte lip balm which doesn’t dry out your lips much and has a good lasting power. For me the lip color stays beyond 4 hours. I like matte lip colors more than others but stay away from them as they tend dry out my lips. The color is highly pigmented and can easily hide any lip pigmentation even with one swipe and would suit almost every skin color.

Swatches Below:

Top Five Hot Pink Lip Colors

Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm Plushest Punch – Review and Swatches

clinique-plushest-punch-1As promised in my last Clinique chubby stick review post I have gone ahead and bought another for myself.

Very different from my regular color selection of red, I have dared to buy a shade of pink. Love the color, bright, bold raspberry pink with a natural sheen that works well for day wear and goes well with no makeup look. You can use this lip color as tinted lip balm or as a lipstick by swiping 2 or more coats

Pros

  • Coverage fair and works like a lipstick with two quotes
  • Moisturising and keeps lips soft and supple

Cons

  • A little pricey
  • Doesn’t stay long enough (2-3 hrs. coverage)
  • Need to have good moisturised and scrubbed lips beforehand for this color to look good, as a lip tint.

clinique-plushest-punch-2

Be a Beach Beauty

Beach-HolidaysHere is a step by step guide to get you ready for the golden sandy beaches with confidence.

  • Sun Safe – Whether you go for cream or oil, its essential to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Sun rays not only damage and age the skin but can also lead to skin cancer. Before you head out make sure you use a good sunscreen. Make sure you reapply your sun cream or oil regularly, especially after the dip in the water.
  • Nail It – Pretty Hues or Bold Bright nails look best on the beach. Before applying polish give yourself a manicure to make sure your nails are in a tip-top shape. Don’t forget your feet either, a nice pedicure and a beautiful pair of flip flops or open toed sandals in the evening will make you stand out in the crowd.
  • Protect Your Locks – Your skin isn’t the only thing that can get seriously damaged in the sun, your hair can too. All that sea salt, chlorine and sun can play havoc with your hair and turn your glossy locks into an unruly frizzy haystack. You either use a nice SPF protection for your hair or repair remedy to add back the lost moisture and repair any damage done throughout the day.
  • Smooth Skin – Pre Holiday, get your skin glowing by buffing and exfoliating. You can use a body scrub or use a body brush.
  • Minimum Makeup – Heavy makeup on the beach is a complete no-no, but if you can’t dare to bare, a slick of waterproof mascara with a sweep of subtle lipstick will keep you looking fresh faced and gorgeous. In the evening some bronzer and metallic shimmering eye shadow will enhance your tan and give you a healthy glow.

Think Pink – Think Bold

Think-Pink-Fashion-TrendPink colored makeup is no longer for the young girls or the shade of the sugary pink tutu inspired shade it once was. Pink is back this season and with a bang. It’s time to take this piece of makeup out of the bottom of your make up drawer. The best way this season to get the pink perfection  is to wear it loud.

Here are my top picks for you to get the pink perfect look:

Mac Pigment in Bright Fuchisa
This is a highly intense pink colored powder. Use it either as a eye shadow or a cheek blush.

Diorblush Cheek Creme in Bikini
Creme blush is always more easy to apply as there is no worry of spills. The coverage of this blush is very smooth and gives a pop of color to your cheeks

Mac Creensheen Speak Louder
Very smooth color with a good coverage. This is the creensheen range from Mac and the lip color has a subtle blue undertone and a soft natural creamy finish.

Clinique Chubby Stick Intense Plushest Punch
The ones who are not comfortable with the bold pink colors, can opt for the Plushest Punch shade from Clinique. It’s a little lighter shade than the mac lip color mentioned above but is moisturizing enough to keep lips soft and supple all day. To add more color you can swipe 2 coats of the lip color.

Maybelline Express Finish Nail Color – Fuchisa
No makeup look is complete without the nail enamel and Maybelline’s Fuchisa does just that. Nail Color in Pink, is the most easiest way to carry off the pink trend this season.

How to Use your Old Lip Colors

lip colorsHow many lipsticks do you have in your old drawer or stack somewhere still saved away, all those impulse buys you might have done or shades that have now gone out of trend.You might have got a few of those as “gift with purchase“, “free sample“ lipsticks in there!

Well, whether those lipsticks are the wrong shade for you or texture, here is the trick I found in my search for that perfect shade that you can now use to create your own new shades and use all those lipsticks stacked away to create a new look for you.

1. Mix to Create new colors: It might seem really obvious once you read it but you can always mix two lip colors to make a new color Here I bought myself a new neon pink color and was really excited to try it but once home it didnt look as good as it looked when I tried it in showroom, all those spot lights should be blamed here 😉
I just wanted a little darker pink color and guess what came to rescue was the matt red color I mixed the two shades together and voila had the right color I actually wanted.

If a lipstick is too dark, all you need to do is mix the dark lipstick with something lighter; a lip gloss, a tinted lip balm, another lipstick, etc. and if the lipstick color is too light, then it only makes sense to mix it with a color that’s darker.

2. Use your old lipstick as a cheek stain. I have done this many times when I have forgotten to carry my own blush in my handbag


3. Create a tinted lip gloss using a leftover lipstick. Add Vaseline into the pot with the lipstick and mix well. If you want it to have a smooth and new finish allow it to sit somewhere warm for a little while and it will melt, then when you lat it harden again it will look like a brand new gloss!

 

Fashion Trend: Search for the Scarlet Lips

redlips2The perfect red lipstick is one of the fashion trend’s that will never date away.We sometimes hate it and sometimes love it almost like crazy. One movie star which comes to my mind when I think of red color lips is either Madonna or Anne Hathway.

Personally I always felt I can’t carry a rouge red color and hence always turned towards more dark brown red or mauves for occasion.But after doing some serious shopping this season for a personal family do, I thought why not give it a try to this elusive make-up essential. 

I have tested many red colors before nailing down my own red color, and the ones that finally got on to my shortlist are:

1. NARS Jungle Red – its a bright red tone color with long lasting color. It is a mix of both matt and shine. So if you like a bright red color this is definitely a good choice

2. MAC Ruby Woo -This is a great matt red color lipstick. The color is thick and rich and lasts all day long.

3. MAC Russian Red – Another great matte, classic red lipstick from MAC. I personally felt russian red is more creamy and has a slight sheen to it on the lips

A red color lipstick is a must in every girl’s makeup box.

Style Tip: Wear your Red color lipstick with a matching nail color for that elegant and ultra glam look.

 

Makeup Bag Essentials Series-1

This post is inspired after my initial guidance talk to my friend, who was looking for that perfect mix of makeup essentials to get The “perfect day” look without looking overdone. And I thought why not bring you all into what my make-up essentials are for the day time look, for that natural glow around without carrying all the extra layer of foundation and makeup on my face.

Mac Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation

I always liked the idea of a powder, all in one step, foundation. The problem was that the powders I tried (mainly loose powders) often settled in to every line and crease of my face, or would not blend in with the skin as much as they should. So I gave up for a few years hope of finding one, and moved on to some very good liquid foundations.

But then I took a chance one day on Mac Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation. I liked the sleek black design of their products and the thought that I wouldn’t have to fool with liquid foundation and then a compact over, as I wanted something that was super quick and that covered and stayed well.

So I had very high expectations for this foundation and didn’t believe that it would be able to live up to them, but it did all that and more. Mac Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation is the only foundation I have used in the last year.

I love that I have found a year round powder foundation that is this easy to use.

Benefit Cosmetics Girl Meets Pearl


 This is my personal favourite product when I want to cheat that dull looking. It makes my young, healthy skin looks luminous and has a lovely glow to it.

Even if your skin isn’t as luminous as it used to be, it’s easy to cheat with Benefit Cosmetics‘ Girl Meets Pearl, a golden-pink, pearly illuminizer. It gives skin a gorgeous golden glow. From personal experience you can wear it under the powder or alone for that Greek goddess look.


Body Shop Born Lippy Passionberry Lip Balm

 I am crazy about lip balms and for last year or so I have experimented a lot with lip colors. The benefit of using Lipbalms is that, they are very moisturising but I prefer their Tinted cousins a little more, as they can brighten up my day any time. It resembles a lip gloss in terms of application as it turns out glossy but it is not sticky and smells exactly like the fruit it is supposed to!

Tip: I sometimes use this over my matt lipstick as well to add shine to them or change their color a bit.