FOTD: Smokey Greens

Hi Darlings,

I do live in New York (not too far away from the city) and from time to time I try to get into the city whether I'm meeting a few girlfriends for dinner and cocktails or catching some of the night life.  A few weeknights ago, hubby and I took our son and a girlfriend of mine to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular show.  It was a great show and definitely worth seeing.  I've seen the show a number of times over the years and this was the best I've ever seen (thanks to 3D effects and visual enhancements).  My favorite part is the gradual falling of the wooden toy soldiers (a.k.a. "The Rockettes").  If you are ever in town around Christmas, you should definitely check this out.

We also went to see the famous Indian comic, Russell Peters since it was the comedy festival in town, at Carolines on Broadway a few weeks ago.  We met a few friends in the city for dinner first at Arianna Afghan Kabob Restaurant (on 9th Avenue).  This is a narrow, tiny hole in the wall restaurant, but as I've come to know over the years, the hole in the wall restaurants are ususally the ones where the food is so authentic and seriously that good.  When we got there the owner/cook/seating hostess/waiter (basically a one man show!) promised to kick out other patrons to accommodate us.  Mind you, the restaurant only had maybe 10 tables (if even!).  Not only was the food stellar, but the service was entertaining, thanks to our waiter/seating hostess/owner/cook! After dinner we headed over to see Russell Peters and it was an awesome show.  I saw him a few years back and was glad that he didn't recycle any of his old material.  In fact, his whole routine was basically all improv, making jokes out of people in the audience and such.  We had a really great time and basically laughed our pants off the entire night.

Whenever I go into the city, I do like to get all dolled up...its part of the glamour of city life!  I was planning to wear a green/black halter blouse and black skirt.  I kept thinking that the blouse was green, but looking back it is actually more light teal than green.  Anyway, since I do love smokey eyes, I decided to go with a smokey green eye paired with nude lips and this is what I came up with:

Here's the full breakdown...

FACE:
Forgot to put moisturizer!
Smashbox Primer Light (for oil-control)
MAC Prolongwear Foundation - NC42, applied with MAC 109 brush
MAC Loose Mineral Powder - Medium Dark, applied with the same brush

EYES:
Urban Decay Primer Potion
MAC Paint Pot - Rubenesque
MAC eyeshadow in Humid - all over the lid with the 239 brush as well as smudged under the lower lashline
MAC eyeshadow in Swiss Chocolate - to blend in the crease with the 217 brush
MAC eyeshadow in Retrospeck- on top of Humid with the 239 brush
MAC Pigment in Forest Green - to give that smokey effect in the crease area, with the same 217
MAC eyeshadow in Femme Fi - to highlight with the 227 brush
Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliner in Zero - on the upper and lower lashlines as well as to tightline
MAC eyeshadow in Carbon - to soften the upper lash line, smudged out a bit
Ardell False Lashes - Demi Wispies
Maybeline Mascara - Clear (to attach my real lashes to the fake ones, also makes it easier to take off)

CHEEKS:
MAC Blush - Blunt, to contour with the 168 brush
Elf Blush/Bronzer duo - the blush side (supposedly the dupe for the famous NARS Orgasm blush, and very close I might add!)

LIPS:
NYX Lipliner - Coffee
MAC Lipstick - Velvet Teddy
MAC Lustreglass - Love Nectar

Hope you guys enjoyed reading this post as much as I enjoyed creating this look.  Please let me know your thoughts and feedback and your way of creating a Smokey Green eye.

Sending positive thoughts your way...

CC

Review: Salma Hayek Nuance Tinted Moisturizer (Medium)

Hi Darlings,

I happen to be shopping at a CVS in the neighborhood for a few essentials, and of course I have to checkout the drugstore makeup aisle.  Now, up until 2 years ago I only shopped for makeup products at drugstores.  What brought me to MAC, NARS, Bobbi Brown, and others is when I stumbled upon a few YouTube videos showcasing these makeup lines, how they were being used, and I immediately fell in love!  I no longer purchased drugstore beauty products after that.  They have a wide variety of colors and selection for people of all skintones.  I was officially a convert and no longer a makeup virgin.  I guess you can say that MAC took my virginity :) And like Madonna says, "Like a virgin...Ahh...touched for the very first time!" (sidenote: I am a huge Madonna fan!)

Ok, so back to my point, I was looking through the beauty aisle and stumbled upon Salma Hayek's beauty line called Nuance.  I don't care too much for the name, so that didn't really catch my attention.  I wanted to see what she had to offer and from my quick scan of the line she offered foundation, concealers, eyeshadow compacts, lip quads, and tinted moisturizers.  I have been looking for a good tinted moisturizer to add to my routine for a while now.  I know plenty of people have reviewed and glorified Laura Mercier's tinted moisturizer, but I cannot justify the $42 price tag for just a tinted moisturizer.  Foundation - I can understand that, but for an everyday tinted moisturizer I couldn't open my wallet.  My expectations for a tinted moisturizer was to even out my complexion, so you can see, my expectation wasn't too high.

Salma Hayek offered her flawless wear tinted moisturizer at $14.99.  The product advertises, "Oil-free, sheer coverage delivers a healthy, radiant glow for all skin types."  Now, me personally I consider my facial skin to be more on the combination/oily side.  I was skeptical to think that a drugstore line can prove to be a great product, but the price tag convinced me to give it a go.  What could I lose right? I could always return it as a dissatisfied customer :)  I purchased the shade medium as it seemed like it would be just enough tint to even out my skin.  There is a medium/deep shade that I considered purchasing but my one qualm with purchasing the darker shade is that it may oxidize later on, making you look darker than you already are (and that would definitely be an issue for me!)

Now, I realize that I should have taken before pics as well (I promise to update this post with a "before" pic at some point). 

Here's the full breakdown of what I wore when the pics below were taken...(after a few hours of wear)

FACE:
MAC Matte Primer
Nuance - Tinted Moisturizer (medium)
Makeup Forever HD Microfinish Powder - dusted all over with a fluffy powder brush

EYES:
Sephora - Kohl liner on the upper and lower lashlines
L'Oreal Million Lashes Mascara - Carbon Black

LIPS:
MAC Lipstick - Fluid, pressed onto lips for a stained look

Here is how I looked approximately 12 hours after I applied the tinted moisturizer.

I don't have any concealer on and I am very happy with the result of how this tinted moisturizer performed.  I didn't blot or touch up my face with powder at all the whole day.  This one stop shop is definitely all I need to make my morning routine that much easier.  Thanks Salma!

Since I am still in this beginning, honeymoon phase of testing this product, I will try it out fully for at least 2-3 weeks before I really make up my mind, but so far I think I will repurchase this product when I run out!

Have you tried out this tinted moisturizer or any of the other products from this line?  If so, share and tell me about your experiences with Nuance.

Hope this inspired you to try and see for yourself.

Sending positive thoughts your way...

CC

Spotlight: MAC Melon Pigment

Hi Darlings,

How many of you like melons?  I'm not just talking about honeydew, cantalopes, or watermelon...I'm referring to MAC Melon pigment!  I think this is their most popular pigment since it seems to pop up in almost every holiday bag.  Who can blame MAC for including it in almost every holiday collection, it is such a gorgeous peachy-gold shade that I think flatters all different skin tones.  I had a few samples that I eventually pressed to create a solid shadow.  I have to admit, I was nervous about pressing pigments, but it was an easy process that didn't take long and was actually fun to do.  I created my very own MAC palette of pressed pigments and really enjoy using them.

Back to Melon...I've used melon pigment numerous times and its also in a few of my FOTD's.  I love pairing Melon with browns and purples in the crease.  I'd like to pair it with Deep Truth shadow to see how that comes out...will have to do a post about that!

If you haven't tried Melon pigment before I would go to your nearest MAC store or MAC counter and ask for a sample.  I've noticed that many sales associates are a bit stingy when it comes to giving pigment samples, but there is one particular sales associate in my nearest MAC store that gives a very generous sample.  All you need is 2-3 of those generous samples to have enough to press the pigment into an eyeshadow.  There are even sites that will sell samples, as opposed to paying $20.00 for the full size bottle (which would take an eternity to use up, unless you are really using that color every single day!).  One such site that I like to use is http://www.thebodyneeds2.com/.  Their service is great and reliable and it is authentic MAC pigment (beware of fake MAC on the internet). 

The other benefit to pressing the pigments is you don't run the risk of fallout that you would otherwise have with pigment.

Have you tried Melon?  Tell me about your experience with this color!

Sending positive thoughts your way...

CC

FOTD: Summer Gold Look

Hi Darlings,

I'm trying to keep the momentum of consistent postings going, so as long as I have the motivation (and energy!) to do it, I'll hopefully keep this up and not go into hibernating mode!

I'm just now getting to pictures that I've had on my camera from the summer and finally uploaded them into my computer (hence all these recent posts!).  This is a look that I wore to my birthday party this summer.  Hubby and I invited some friends over for a casual bbq and then my girlfriend and I (practically my soul sister :) ) went out to a hookah lounge literally after midnight!  It was a fun night, in fact so much fun that our sons were up talking and playing until 4:30 in the morning! Needless to say, we were all pretty tired the next morning.  Nonetheless, it was an evening of great food, great drinks, and even better friends.

Now, on to the look...

I loved wearing this gold look for the summer, overall I'm really happy with how it came out.  In retrospect, however, I wish I had added lashes to glam up this look even more...oh well, there's always next time! 

Here's the full breakdown...

FACE:
MAC Prolongwear Foundation - NC42 mixed with a bit of NW35, applied with a buffer brush
MAC Prolongwear Concealer - NW35, applied with the Sephora airbrush concealer brush (under my eyes)
Makeup Forever HD Microfinish Powder - to set

EYES:
Urban Decay Primer Potion - Prime those lids baby!!
MAC Paintpot - Rubenesque - applied to the lid (with my index finger)
MAC Pigment - Melon (this is a pigment that I pressed) - applied to the lid
MAC Eyeshadow - Bronze - blended into the crease with the MAC 217 and applied under the lower lashline
L'Oreal Liquid Eyeliner - Black - applied to the upper lashline
Prestige Total Intensity - Deepest Black - applied to the waterline, and also to tightline
L'Oreal Million Lashes Mascara - Carbon Black

CHEEKS:
NARS Multiple - South Beach, applied with my fingers to the apples of my cheeks
Nars Blush - Torrid

LIPS:
MAC Lipliner - Subculture
MAC Lipstick - Mocha
MAC Lustreglass - Love Nectar

I really hope you guys enjoyed this FOTD and keep checking back regularly for more updates.

Stay beautiful, inside and out!

Sending positive thoughts your way...

CC

Sephora Friends and Family Sale 2011

Hi Darlings,

Hope all of you are doing well.  It definitely feels like fall with all of this cold weather we've been having lately.  I love Fall, but it also reminds me that the year is ending and that just means I'm getting older (uhh...I mean wiser!)

For those of you who don't know, Sephora is having their annual Friends and Family sale where you receive 20% off your entire online purchase.  In the past they would advertise a universal coupon code (like FF2010) that you enter at the time of checkout.  This year they are doing things differently.  You have to enter your email address at a designated link to receive a coupon code in your email.  Follow the link below to enter your email address to receive that special code.  You can enter multiple email addresses to receive additional coupon codes.  If you spend $50 or more you also receive free shipping!  This offer is good through 11/2/2011.

I already purchased a few things and will post my review once I receive my shipment.  Be sure to comment and include your own reviews on your haul.  Happy Shopping!

http://www.sephoralove.com/friendsandfamily/

Sending positive thoughts your way...

CC

FOTD: Neutral Gold Look

Hi Darlings!


Hope you guys are doing well and enjoying the crisp weather we've been having on the east coast (for those of you on the other side, we're so hating on you right now!).


I wanted to do a post on a neutral/gold look from Valentines Day this year.  I wanted to keep the look simple, but still glam without going over the top..what do you think?

Here's the full breakdown...

FACE:

MAC Matte Face Primer

MAC Prolongwear Foundation (NC42)

MAC Prolongwear Concealer (NW35) - for my undereyes

Makeup Forever HD Microfinish Powder - to set foundation and concealer

EYES:

Urban Decay Primer Potion

MAC Paintpot - Rubenesque

MAC Melon Pigment (Pressed) - all over the lid

MAC Bronze Eyeshadow - crease

MAC Femme Fi Eyeshadow - highlight

L'Oreal Liquid Eyeliner (Black Noir) - Upper lashline

Urban Decay 24/7 in Zero - Tightline and lower lashline

L'Oreal Million Lashes Mascara - Carbon Black



CHEEKS:

NARS Multiple - South Beach

MAC Blush - Nuance

LIPS:

MAC Lipliner - Spice

MAC Lipstick - Mocha

MAC Lustreglass - Love Nectar



Let me know how you think this look came out.  Would love to hear your feedback, tips and tricks!

Sending positive thoughts your way...

CC

Update: Weight Loss Journey

Hi Darlings,

I know it has been so long since I last blogged, I guess I went into a period of hibernation for a while.  I wanted to do a quick update post on my weight loss journey.  I promise to put up pictures and FOTD's as soon as I can.  I haven't been makeup shopping in a while so I don't have much to review, besides a few products here and there.


The last time I posted on this subject I was 159.  I am currently at 150 (which brings me only 5 pounds away from my goal of 145).  I've been consciously keeping track of everything I am consuming and how much physical activity I get.  I was keeping on pace with my usual running workouts and was doing Bikram Yoga for a while (which I loved -- as intense as it was!) and also started taking some dance and zumba classes. 


To say the least I feel incredible about myself.  I think I accomplished something that I didn't think I was capable of.  To go from being in the 200s down to 150 is an amazing achievement and I just proved to myself that with hard work, dedication, and determination I can do anything that I set my heart and mind to.  I hope this inspires you out there to take control of your life, and your dreams.


I'll leave you with an a before and after picture.  The picture on the top (November 2009 at a friend's wedding) is me at my heaviest and the picture on the bottom (July 2011 at a friends baby shower) is me now...

Dreams do come true and my smile is proof of it!

Sending positive thoughts your way...

CC

Review: The MAC 109 Brush

Hi Darlings,

Hi Guys! I know it's been forever and a hot minute since my last post! Things have been so busy between work and the kids and the new house! I definitely feel more settled into our new home.  We bought our first house in December 2010 and began major renovations in January 2011. Most of the renovations were complete by March 2011 and we were able to move by the end of March, early April.  I've been doing small projects around the house and scouring around looking for the perfect decorative pieces, but I definitely am feeling like it's home.  There are still little projects that I want to tackle (like painting our garage and making cushions for my walk in closet!) but at the moment I am definitely enjoying it and proud of the home I've created.


I'm still continuing to focus on weight loss and physicial fitness.  Although I have to admit I haven't been running as often as I would like to or should.  I signed up for bikram yoga classes! I scored an amazing deal on livingsocial.com where I purchased 20 Bikram Yoga classes for $20!! It was an amazing deal considering 1 Bikram Yoga class is $18! The only catch with this deal is that it's only for the location in Astoria, Queens.  It's 45 minutes from my house so it's a hike to get down there, but for the 90 minute class and how my body looks and feels after, totally worth it.  I coerced a co-worker who lives next to me to sign up with me so we decided now to go from the office in Great Neck and we would take turns driving out there.  It's truly worth it. I've taken now 6 classes and I can already see a difference in my shape! I'm definitely into Bikram!! And at 153 pounds I'm definitely getting closer to my 145 pound goal!


Ok, so enough with the banter! Let's get down to the real deal!  I've purchased a few makeup products that I want to talk about, but for this post I wanted to focus on the MAC 109 brush.

This brush is fantastic! I've only had it for about a week and I've used it for applying my Studio Tech foundation (NC 43) as well as applying Blunt blush to contour my cheeks.  It make the foundation look really smooth, I'm really loving it for that as well as for applying my contour powder.


The dislike: it does shed.  But, perhaps this could be due to the fact that I didn't wash it before I used it. I was so excited to get started that I didn't do that. I'm actually going to wash it tonight and see if that makes a difference.  Overall, I am very pleased with this brush, definitely a must have for your collection!


What are your thoughts on this brush?  How do you use it?


Until next time...


Sending positive thoughts your way...


CC

FOTD: Smokey Brown Eyes with Mulch and Carbon Eyeshadows

Hi Darlings,

I'm back with another face of the day post!  This one is a look I wore to a birthday party extravaganza!! It was such a fun evening event and I wanted to look my best.  In this look I used Mulch, Woowinked, and Carbon eyeshadows from MAC.  I really love how this look came out and its a great, easy look to do if you are in a hurry (which is me most of the time!).  See below for details...

Here's the full breakdown...


FACE:
MAC Matte face primer
MAC Prolongwear Concealer (NW35) - for my under eyes
MAC Prolongwear Foundation (NC42 mixed with NW35) - applied to the face with the Sephora Platinum Airbrush


EYES:
Urban Decay Primer Potion
MAC Constructivist Paint Pot - blended all over the lid (use a fluffy brush for this)
MAC Mulch eyeshadow - all over the lid and feathered into the crease and along lower lash line (use a flat brush)
MAC Carbon eyeshadow - crease/darken the crease (use a fluffy brush)
MAC Woodwinked - highlight (use a dense brush)
Maybeline Gel Eyeliner (black) - along upper lash line (use an angled eyeliner brush)
Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner (Zero) - along lower lash line/water line
L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara


CHEEKS:
MAC Blunt blush - contour
NARS Torris blush - applied to apples of my cheeks


LIPS:
MAC Prolongwear Creme - Till Tomorrow
MAC Lust Lipglass


Hope you guys enjoyed this post...stay tuned as always for more to come.


Sending positive thoughts your way...


CC

Weight Loss Journey

Hi Darlings,

Weight.  This one word is on the minds of many, mostly because the majority of us want to lose some of it, or all of it.  It's amazing what having "more" of you can do to your self confidence or lack there-of. 


Growing up, weight was always an issue for me.  I started out as a preemie weighing in at a whopping 4lbs 4 oz at birth (I know I was tiny, back then!!).  As a child I was a plump oompa loompa, and then as a teenager because I grew to be tall (for Indian standards I am considered tall at my height of 5' 8") I would consider myself average. 


Then I got married and gained the "happiness" weight (a staggering 30 pounds, man, I must have been really really happy!), which is a nice way of saying that basically, you let yourself go.  Shortly thereafter, I was pregnant with my son, and put on a nice 19 or 20 pounds (which isn't so bad).  Now, I should have lost those 19 or 20 pounds considering it wasn't a crazy amount of weight to lose, but I must have really not cared about how I looked because I really didn't lose much of the baby weight.  I was hoping to give birth to a 30 pound child, but instead gave birth to a beautiful baby boy weighing in at 5lb 10oz!, There goes my idea of losing all the baby weight in one sitting.  I didn't breastfeed so the hope of losing weight that way was also lost on me.  Hence, I kept an additional 12 or so pounds (to my weight gain of 30 pounds already).  A few more years pass by and I was pregnant with my daughter and gained about 22 or 24 pounds (again not too bad), and didn't lost much of it after delivery.  I remember my last OB checkup before I went into labor I weighed in at 224 at 38 weeks pregnant and I thought to myself, well I know I'm not delivering a 60 pound child, so I really have a lot of work to do once this baby comes out.  Well, she did about a week later at 6lbs 15 oz.   


By the beginning of 2010 my weight was 205, I recall.  I never thought I would ever weigh this much.  If I was a linebacker playing for a major football team this wouldn't be so bad, but that wasn't me.  I wasn't happy with what I saw in the mirror, in fact I hated the sight of me and tried to avoid mirrors at all cost.  I never went clothes shopping anymore because none of the clothes that I would have liked to wear would have fit me at that size.  This made me feel awful for a long period of time.  I would even cancel plans with people because I didn't want to go out because of how bad I felt about the way I looked.  It was then that I decided I needed to get back into a habit of adding physical fitness to my daily regimen and making a conscious effort to eat healthier.  I joined Planet Fitness (in April 2010) and was determined to work out to be healthy so I had more energy.  At 205 pounds I felt sluggish and I actually just felt "big".  Plus, I was measuring my BMI (it was 31.2) and researching all of the possible health risks associated with being that obese (yes, I was considered obese at that weight for my height) and I decided I needed to get healthy. 


I started to make mini goals for myself since saying that I wanted to lose 50 pounds would make me feel overwhelmed and ultimately like I didn't want to start this new venture.  I decided I would lose 10 pounds for my first mini goal.  I even wrote the number 195 down on a small piece of paper and kept it in my underwear drawer.  That way every day it was a reminder of where I wanted to be.  By the end of April of 2010 I was down to 198, really by not doing much just trying to be a little conscious of what I was eating and started working out about 2 times a week.  I don't remember how look it took, but when I eventually saw that number 195 on the scale I was so thrilled and that's when I started to feel like I could really do this.  I think that was about mid-May.


A friend of mine told me over the summer about how we should sign up for a 5k (3.1 mile) marathon.  I thought, I could never run a marathon.  The idea of working towards the goal of running a marathon really inspired me.  I decided that was the push that I really needed to kick up my workout and really get motivated.  In July I started going out for nightly runs about 5 times a week.  I researched sample training programs online and stumbled across "From the Couch to the 5k" and followed that training program to a T!  For a beginner runner, it was just what I needed.  I remember that first night that I went out for a run, I started off by running for 60 seconds....by the end of September I was running 3 miles with no breaks in between!  I was amazed at the transformation I made all by myself.  By the time race day arrived in October, I weighed in at 179!  I couldn't believe my eyes!  It was such an amazing feeling, since I hadn't seen that number in years!  I continued to keep myself motivated and finished the 5k race in 41 minutes! I was really proud of myself.


At the beginning of 2011 I weighed in at 177.  There was a period of time towards the end of 2010 that I wasn't working out so much and fell slightly off the health conscious eating kick I was on (hench my almost stagnant weight).  I decided at the beginning of January of 2011 that I really want to get into the best shape of my life and this was the year to do it.  In 2010 I had lost 26 pounds and I am determined this year to lose 30 more.  My goal for this year by July is to weight 145!  At 159, I am 14 pounds away! It's amazing!  I continue to run a minimum of 4 miles 3 times a week and I still make a conscious effort to watch my portions, and make healthier choices whenever I can.  This is not to say that I don't splurge once in a while, but I try to follow the 80/20 rule (80% good, 20% bad).  My next goal is to complete a half marathon in October and I plan to start training for this in June. 


I hope this was interesting, insightful, and inspiring for all of you.  For those of you thinking about losing weight and not sure how to do it, the first step is to figure out why you want to lose it and then start by making small changes and simple goals.  Keep yourself motivated and don't let anyone tell you that you cannot do something.  If you put your mind to it, the sky is the limit!


Sending positive thoughts your way...


CC

Review: Sephora Professionnel Platinum Concealer Airbrush #57

Hi Darlings,

I'm back with another review.  I mentioned in a previous post that I was applying and blending under eye concealer with my finger tips (after I applied my eye cream, of course).  This is something that I just started doing in the past few months, mostly because I'm too lazy to keep washing my concealer brush (MAC 242).  I think with face brushes you would need to wash them at least every other day to reduce the risk of bacteria that can affect your skin.  I was previously using the MAC 242 or MAC 194 brushes to apply under eye concealer.  My issue with those brushes is that it does apply well, but does not blend really, so you would need to use either another brush to blend the product out or dirty your fingers (which I hate doing! sorry, it's a pet peeve of mine!). 


I wasn't really on the hunt for a new concealer brush since I was already getting used to using my fingers (despite them getting dirty), and it did a good job of blending the product into my skin.  One day on my lunch hour I found myself "window shopping" at Sephora at the Americana Mall in Manhasset (something I do quite often!) and  I stumbled upon the Sephora brush collection to discover their Professional Platinum Concealer Airbrush #57!

What actually drew me to it was its size.  As you can see from the picture the head is much denser and thicker than most typical concealer brushes, which is probably why it blends the product so well.  I use this with my favorite concealer, MAC Prolongwear, to apply and blend and it really gives such a nice finish.  It goes into your skin and gives a look that is seamless and natural.  Best of all, I don't use a lot of product with it, so it helps in that way as well.  I don't know how I didn't stumble upon this sooner, but I'm thrilled that I did!


If you are using any other concealer brush or your finger tips to apply concealer to your face, please go to Sephora and try this product out.  You will be so glad that you did.  Feel free to comment here about your experience with this product or any other tips and tricks for applying concealer.


Sending positive thoughts your way...


CC

FOTD: MAC Mythology and Swiss Chocolate

Hi Darlings,

I attended a wedding last fall and wanted to do a makeup breakdown for you guys on the look that I wore.  The wedding was of a South Indian couple and I wore a baby pink saree and wanted to wear a matching look on my eyes.  I decided to go with MAC's eyeshadow in Mythology (gorgeous pinky - coppery shade).  It's a really subtle eye that I thought would be appropriate for a daytime event.

Here's the full breakdown...


FACE:
MAC Matte - face primer
MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation - NC44 (I really didn't like the performance of this foundation...will explain in detail in a future post)
MAC Studio Finish Concealer - NW35 (for my undereyes)
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural - Medium/Dark


EYES:
Urban Decay Primer Potion - Prime those eyelids baby (to ward off oil creasing on your lids and helps the shadow last longer)
MAC Mythology - all over the lid and along the lower lashline
MAC Swiss Chocolate - in the crease (using a windshield wiper motion)
Maybeline Gel Liner - Black (for upper lashline - great dupe for MAC's blacktrack fluidline!)
Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner - Zero (for lower lashling/waterline)
L'Oreal - Voluminous Mascara (Blackest Black) - Luv this Mascara!!


CHEEKS:
MAC (blush) - Gingerly
MAC Mineralize Skinifinish Duo - Golden Highlight (for the tops of my cheeks)


LIPS:
MAC - Touch


There you have it...I really like how this look came out, it was really simple, quick and easy to do, all you need is an eye for the right color and a little imagination!


Sending positive thoughts your way...


CC

Face of The Day (FOTD): My Look in my Profile Picture

Hi Darlings,

In the effort to make this blog as interesting and as informative as it possibly could be, I decided to do a quick breakdown of the look I am wearing in my current profile picture and as shown below.

Here's the full breakdown...


FACE:
MAC Matte Face Primer
MAC Studio Finish Concealer - NW35 (under the eyes)
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish SPF15 (Cream Foundation) - NC42
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural - Medium/Dark


EYES:
Urban Decay Primer Potion
MAC Burmese Beauty Eyeshadow - all over the lid and feathered into the crease and along lower lashline
MAC Showstopper Eyeshadow - crease/darken the crease (I also did my brows with this)
MAC Prized Eyeshadow - highlight
(these eyeshadows were from the Burmese Beauty Eyeshadow Quad from their Feline Collection, Fall 2010)
Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner - Zero (upper and lower lashline)
Diorshow Mascara


CHEEKS:
NARS Torrid
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Duo - Golden Highlight (to highlight the tops of my cheeks - this is my favorite highlight!)


LIPS:
Lip Balm - random balm
NYX Lipliner Pencil - Soft Brown
Victoria Secret Lipstick - Sweet Nothing


So there's the look....hope you guys enjoyed this quick breakdown!  More posts and breakdowns to come.


Sending positive thoughts your way...


CC

Review: MAC Prolongwear Foundation and Concealer

Hi Darlings,

To give you a little background I'm a MAC NC42 mixed with NW35.  I did try the Studio Fix Fluid foundation in NC44 but felt that it would oxidize on me and make me end up looking darker than I actually am (I suffer from a slight color complex).  My skin normally starts out normal in the morning and by 11am I can feel an oil slick on my T-zone.  I normally use Neutrogena's combination skin moisturizer after I have already cleansed my face in the morning, but these days I've been using this Indian creme (forgot the name) that doesn't make me shine so much.  I have used primers (oil-free/anti-shine) but didn't see that much of a difference with the Studio Fix Fluid.  After reading several other blogs on the internet I decided to try the highly talked about Prolongwear foundation and concealer.  I happily went to the MAC counter and was matched for NC44, however, I felt the colors ran a bit on the dark side as compared to their other foundations.  Then while reading another blog I decided to mix two colors together, NC42 and NW35 and whala!  This custom creation was just what I needed and I fell in love (for the second time)!


    NW 35                                                                                                          NC 42

The formula is outstanding!  It really does stay on and keep going and I think the MAC website claims a 15 hour staying power (check the website for accuracy on that), but I have found that it stays on even longer.  I don't even need to apply a powder to my face once I have applied the foundation with a stippling brush! It's true genius!  It looks fabulous at the end of the night just as it does first thing in the morning.  The only catch with this is (and this is a tiny catch for the overall quality and performance of the product) that it dries quickly, so you need to be quick because once its dried its set.

Introduction

I know what you're thinking.....another beauty blog.  There are so many blogs on the internet these days from just about anything and everything, especially beauty and makeup.  So what makes mine different?  That's a good question and mine is different because I consider myself to be a self taught artist with an eye for color and a knack for pulling a look together and I hope to share that with all of you!  Here, I'll rant and rave about tried and tested beauty products, what worked for me, what didn't work for me, and my wish lists!  I might even put up a few tutorials from time to time...but lets not get ahead of ourselves.


In between, I'll share snippets from my life and since I love to write I'll include posts about anything else that's on my mind (which is usually a lot!). 


You're next question might be so who is this novice beauty blogger???  Well, in a nutshell I am of South Indian descent (I'm a proud Malayalee baby!), living in New York, a mother of 2 little ones and have been married to a wonderful man (yes, another Malayalee) for 8 years now!  It's funny when you say all of that it really is a mouthful so you can imagine just how busy I am!  And this is no surprise, but I love makeup!


I think even as a child when my dear Mom bought me my first kajal (and for those who are not familiar with this term, "kajal" is a very dark eyeliner commonly used by the women of India, the Middle East, and Pakistan), I was fascinated by makeup.  I wore light makeup (eyeliner, translucent powder, mascara and lipstick) as a teenager and young adult but really got into the application and technique of makeup just about 2 years ago when I discovered MAC (ahhhh....can you hear the choir of angels singing in the background!).  Just like others and most of you out there I am a MAC addict and loyal devotee.  The bulk of my makeup train case is MAC, but I have also managed to squeeze in a little bit of Urban Decay, Nars, Benefit, and Bobbi Brown in there. 


So there you have it, a little introduction into what you can expect here, who I am and what I love.


Sending positive thoughts your way...


CC