Showing posts with label Makeup Tools. Show all posts

The Original Beauty Blender | Worth the Hype? | How To Use?

The Beauty Blender sponge is the most talked about makeup tool. I would never have considered buying it, till I saw it on sale at Luxola & along with free shipping as well ! I’m glad I didn’t think twice before buying it because now Luxola is stopped shipping to India & there’s no other way for me to get the Beauty Blender for cheap
Sad moment aside, is the Beauty Blender Worth The Hype ?

How To Use The Original Beauty Blender in India Worth the Hype?

Makeup Tools - Real Techniques by Sam and Nic Chapman : THE EXPERT FACE BRUSH Review

Another day, another Real Techniques makeup brush… I can’t help it! It’s like a jar of nutella, once you have a spoon, you won’t stop. And I’m really glad I didn’t stop, otherwise, I wouldn’t have discovered this amazing makeup brush

Real Techniques THE EXPERT FACE BRUSH in India Review Where to buy

Forever 21 Love & Beauty Makeup Sponges : Beauty Blender dupes ? Are They Any Good ?

Forever 21 Love & Beauty came out with makeup sponges last year. They were in lot of interesting shapes, including the famous teardrop shape made so popular by Beauty Blender. I wasn't able to find the teardrop one at my Forever21, but eventually it was stocked. I've used 3 Love & Beauty makeup sponges from Forever 21 and all of them are quite different from each other...and 2 of them are sort of similar to the original Beauty Blender.

Forever 21 Love & Beauty Makeup Sponges Beauty Blender dupes

Makeup Tools in India : Zoeva Luxe Makeup Brushes 227,228,230 Review

 I purchased a few Zoeva eye brushes last year from Luxola, its one of the first purchases I madefrom that site. I haven't purchased anything more from them (except for a Beauty Blender) because the prices are now insane! When it first launched in India, Luxola was so affordable...

Zoeva 227 Luxe Soft Definer Brush


Zoeva 227 Luxe Soft Definer Brush Review Price Availability in India

The perfect finishing makeup tools : Real Techniques by Sam n Nic Chapman Blush Brush and Setting Brush

Today I’m going to talk about two brushes that I’ve loved from first use. The Real Techniques Blush Brush & Setting Brush are two favorites that I always carry around with me. I can tell you now with surety that ‘love at first use IS a thing!’ :P 

Real Techniques by Sam n Nic Chapman Blush Brush Review Prices Availability in India

Real Techniques Claims :
Blush Brush : Contour and define cheeks for flawlessly blended, high-definition results
Setting Brush : The key to completing any look with a controlled dusting of powder or highlighter
  -look pixel-perfect even in harsh light ultra-plush, 
  -synthetic bristles are hand-cut and 100% cruelty-free 
  -self-standing for easy storage (blush brush)
  -extended aluminum handle is light and easy to use

Let's talk about how these brushes perform : 

Real Techniques BLUSH BRUSH ~ 


The blush brush has a large brush head, the bristles are slightly tapered. The tapered brush head is helpful for precise application. In case you're wondering, yes the brush head is larger than that of a traditional blush brush. However, I find that I’m more precise with larger brushes so I can conveniently work with the Real Techniques Blush Brush. You need to get the product only on the tip of the brush and then dab and swipe the brush (as needed) across your cheek. 

The Blush Brush actually shed a couple of times while washing. However it completely stopped after the 3rd wash. The amazing thing about the blush brush is that inspite of being so large in size, it dries up in minutes, literally. I even raved about this on instagram. After washing, I squeeze the bristles gently in my towel, just to let the towel soak in the water. Then I rub it a few times against a dry patch of a towel so water on the inner bristles are also soaked up and viola, the brush is DRY. I find the brush easy to clean, I can get rid of the blush color completely, I’ll share my brush cleansing routine soon. 

The blush brush is actually a multipurpose makeup tool and it can be used for dusting your setting powder and also for bronzing your face. Since I’m already medium-to-tan skin toned, I don’t bother with bronzing, but I have used this brush for powder application a couple of times. I’ve been using The Body Shop powder brush, which is a dense, flat, tapered brush for powder since 2 years so its hard for me to get used to a fluffy brush like The RT Blush brush for powder. Nevertheless, I absolutely love it for blush application. This brush is slightly heavier than other RT brushes, but not insanely so.

Real Techniques blush brush 
Real Techniques by Sam n Nic Chapman Blush Brush Review Prices Availability in India

Real Techniques by Sam n Nic Chapman Blush Brush Review Prices Availability in India

Real Techniques by Sam n Nic Chapman Blush Brush Review Prices Availability in India

The blush brush is actually a larger version of the RT Contour Brush, both brushes have the same shape. Here's a size comparison, incase you have the contour brush, you can get an idea of the size of the RT blush brush

Real Techniques by Sam n Nic Chapman Blush Brush Review Prices Comparison to Contour brush

Real Techniques SETTING BRUSH ~


The Setting Brush is a flat, tapered brush that fits the under eye perfectly. It is slightly fluffy and not completely flat like the pointed foundation brush by the same brand.  I never thought I’d need a special brush just for setting my under eye concealer with the right amount of powder, but once you start using this, you can’t stop! I also like to use it for powder highlighting. RT claims that their setting brush gives you a controlled application of powder and I agree, its size is perfect and ensures that you don’t go overboard. The brush is very lightweight, you can slip it into your purse if you feel the need to touch up.  This brush has never shed during a wash and is very easy to clean. As it is not very dense it dries up in a jiffy too!

Just like the other Real Techniques brushes I’ve used, both of these brushes are soft, but not silky like The Body Shop brushes. Both of these brushes are from the 'Your finish/perfected' range and hence have pink ferrules. The packaging is nice and the brushes are labelled. I hope the label doesn't wear off for at least an year.  

Real Techniques setting brush 
Real Techniques by Sam n Nic Chapman Setting Brush Brush Review Prices Availability in India

Real Techniques by Sam n Nic Chapman Setting Brush Brush Review Prices Availability in India

Real Techniques by Sam n Nic Chapman Setting Brush Brush Review Prices Availability in India

Real Techniques by Sam n Nic Chapman Setting Brush Brush Review Prices Availability in India

Product vs Price :

Price : Rs. 999-1199 / $8-9 
Availability : Nykaa | Amazon | Flipkart 
I recommend purchasing Real Technqiues brushes from Indian online store during discounts, otherwise, you can also purchase them from Real Techniques Website which ships to India for a small fee. Real Techniques has some of the best budget friendly options for makeup tools.

Overall Recommendation : 5/5


The Real Techniques Blush Brush and Setting Brush are excellent brushes for their intended purposes while also being good for multiple tasks. Depending on your needs, I’d recommend  you to try at least one of these, you won’t be disappointed! 

Makeup Tools Review : Real Techniques by Sam & Nic Chapman Core Collection Set

So finally I’m reviewing the Real Techniques  brushes that I got in February. I have this rule where I test out makeup tools for atleast 6 months before I review them because I feel like anything wrong that can happen with tools – becoming rough, loosing shape, loosing bristles- will most likely happen within that period & then I can give a well rounded review. I have been testing this set ever since I got it in February, I actually had to resist opening the packaging while taking the pics back then because I was so excited to finally get my hands on them. But enough talk, lets get on to the review.

Makeup Tools Review : Real Techniques by Sam & Nic Chapman Core Collection Set Review Where To Buy in India

Cheap & Chic - ColorBar Eye n Lip Makeup Brushes - Blending, Pencil Smudger etc.

ColorBar USA is an Indian cosmetics brand (go figure!) and a majority of their stuff isn't actually budget friendly. In 2013 they launched a trendy, eye catching range of budget friendly makeup tools and bridged a huge gap in the Indian beauty market. I haven't tried the face tools yet, but they eye makeup tools or brushes I've tried so far are quite amazing. It started with buying just one of them, then as the year passed, I ended up buying almost the entire range....

Colorbar Emphaseyes Eye Blending Brush


Colorbar Emphaseyes Eye Blending Brush


Colorbar Emphaseyes Eye Blending Brush

Price : Rs.250/$4
Availability : Flipkart
The emphaseyes eye blending brush has the softest bristles! IMO, it doesn't have the appropriate shape or thickness for an eye shadow blending brush. However, it works beautifully with cream products & so I use it to apply cream & liquid concealers. Its very easy to blend out under eye concealer with this brush. I also use it to conceal around my mouth which is more pigmented than my face. The tapered shape makes it really easy to use on the face. I've been loving this for cream and liquid products so much that its never clean when I need to put eye shadow so I can't say how it performs with eye shadows & pigments. I have used it regularly since an year and it hasn't become rough/scratchy or shed nor have the bristles bled. Recommended if you use concealer! 
Rating: 5/5

Colorbar Eyelluring Eyeshadow Brush

Colorbar Eyelluring Eyeshadow Brush review lotd price


Colorbar Eyelluring Eyeshadow Brush review lotd price

Price : Rs.250/$4
Availability : Nykaa | Flipkart | AmazonThis brush is great for packing on eye shadow all over the lid & even for highlighting the browbone. It has very tightly packed bristles so they ensure that eye shadow looks smooth & not patchy. It also has soft bristles, even after multiple washes, I haven't experienced any shedding or color bleeding. I think it can also be used as a lip brush! It works well for smudging eye liners. I like to use brushes of this shape & size to smudge out my lower lash line, or apply shadow there. This has replaced my Bourjois eye brush, both have similar shapes but the ColorBar one is bigger and softer.  Recommended for those who need an eye shadow brush. I love that its so reasonably priced - whether you're just starting out in eye makeup or are already into it, you won't be disappointed with this brush.
Rating: 5/5

Colorbar Smokin Eyes Smudger Brush



Colorbar Smokin Eyes Smudger Brush review price buy online

Price : Rs.250/$4
Availability : Flipkart
When I purchased this, there weren't many pencil brushes in the Indian market. Later I realized that you don't really need a pencil brush. This brush is meant for smudging eye liners and does the job well, it has short closely packed bristles & has a round pencil shape. I didn't like using it much in the beginning because it felt slightly pokey, but after a couple of washes it became soft. If you're going to use it on your lower lash line, I recommend using the gentlest pressure, hold the brush close to the other ending. It does the job of smudging well, for me its too small to use on the outer V & doesn't pic of shadows that well so I don't see it useful for that. It can be used for inner corner highlighting. It slightly hard to get rid of color from the bristles, because of its shape. Recommended if you need a pencil-style smudger brush.
Rating: 4/5 
 

Colorbar Fabulips Lip Brush



Colorbar Fabulips Lip Brush review price buy online


Colorbar Fabulips Lip Brush review price buy online


Price : Rs.250/$4
Availability : Flipkart | Amazon
This is the latest addition to my ColorBar brush set. I got towards the end of last year. I was hoping this would be dupe of the Sigma Flat Definer brush but its not that flat & is slightly thick & also has a stiff structure. So far I've only used it as a lip brush and it works well though I wish it was thinner - by both, width & bristles. However, its not bad & can be used even for eye shadow, since I already have many e/s brushes I don't reach for this one. Out of all the brushes, this is one that can be skipped, unless you just want a cute pink brush !  It has soft bristles that have not shed or bled so far.


ColorBar Eye n Lip Makeup Brushes Blending, Pencil Smudger review

all brushes have synthetic bristles.

Rave- The Body Shop Face and Body Brush Review

Hi there! Its been a while since my last post, no ?! I would have posted sooner, but, I fell sick :( With swine flu reaching pandemic levels I was terrified! Thankfully, it was just a throat infection with cold, something I suffer from frequently when the weather changes. Then I had to rush to college (over 300kms far from Pune) for an exam, when I finally got back to Pune, it was effing raining…pouring actually! The temperature had dropped down to like 15C, which only meant that if I didn’t bundle myself up I would fall sick, again. Sigh, just when Pune was getting warmer. Watching the news made me realize there is a problem in many places in India and the temperatures are dropping rapidly. Well, I hope that when you’re reading this post, you’re enjoying a warm and crisp weather with a light cool breeze!

The Body Shop Face and Body Brush Review India

Today’s product is something that’s been in a happy place in my vanity case for a long time. I think I got it in Aug-2013 so a good 1.5 years and its still in use, in the same condition as the day it was bought.

Price: Rs.995/~$16
Availability: The Body Shop

Product description

Perfect for applying loose powder or bronzer over face, neck and décolletage. 
• Super-soft synthetic hair 
• Cruelty-free


My experience with The Body Shop Face & Body Brush:

It took a certain amount of cheek to buy this brush. Back then, it costed Rs.810 and I got it for 10% Off, so I paid Rs.729 for it. Which was OK, considering it is a cruelty free makeup brush. But I was just starting out in makeup and the max I’d spend for it was Rs.550. Still, I felt so giddy once I got it! It was the first proper face makeup tool I had, and it is so worth the money I spent. It has a lovely black body and silver ferrule which gives it a professional look. The body has the brush name and that has not faded off even after such a long time!

The Body Shop Face & Body Brush sufficiently large and fluffy, not as flared out as a rounded brush, obviously. When I first used it underneath my eyes, it felt sharp, like it was poking the skin actually, but on the rest of my face it felt super soft. But once I washed it, it was soft and smooth in any way I used it on my face. It’s a tapered powder brush, and I’m so attuned to using it that I find it more comfortable than a rounded powder brush. It always gives the perfect dusting of powder on my face. It’s a little tricky to use with loose powder given its shape, but after a couple of tries, I got a hang of it. The Face & Body Brush is super soft, softer than the Real Techniques’ brushes that I own, in fact, its synthetic bristles feel superior to those of Real Techniques’ brushes on the face.

I’ve owned it for 1.5 years and it shed just one hair at the time of first wash. Thereafter, it has never shed or even discolored. It hasn’t lost its shape either, I am very careful of how I wash my brushes. The only minor hitch in the Face & Body Brush is that it takes a long time to dry, longer than the very dense Real Techniques Blush brush, probably because of its different shape. I love the tapered shape because it makes it easier to reach all the parts of the face, its perfect for dabbing powder under the eye. It may seem small to use for face but its not, I’ve also used it on my sis, who has a larger face and it was quite convenient.

You can see from the pics that the Face & Body Brush can stand on its own, which is a neat little bonus! This is supposedly good for bronzer, but I think a thicker brush with shorter bristles would be more appropriate for that, this would be floppy for that purpose.

The Body Shop Face and Body Brush Review India

The Body Shop Face and Body Brush Review India

The Body Shop Face and Body Brush Review India

The Body Shop Face and Body Brush Review India

Overall verdict: 5/5

Yes, The Body Shop Face & Body Brush is insanely expensive now, but if you’re in need of an excellent, long lasting powder brush, I would suggest you wait till this goes on sale. Currently, if you buy any 4 TBS products from their site, you get 30% on each product, which means it can be yours for Rs.700…that is a great deal! I love The Body Shop Face & Body Brush and I don’t see myself buying another powder brush for a long time!

Luxola India Review - Shipping, Tracking, Customs, COD information

I have heard of Luxola long before entered India. How? Well, I have relatives in Singapore and when they decide to visit India, they ask me if I want something from their city. Like any other relative on the receiving end, I jump 10 miles at the chance and make a list, but for that I need to know what’s available in Singapore, and what’s a better place than online stores? Luxola is based in Singapore, all products shipped from there. I’m very happy about Luxola’s presence in India, however, a lot of the products are quite expensive and I get why it’s so. In Asia, especially Singapore, western brands are pricier than they are in their native places. So, couple of months back when Luxola started promoting themselves through Indian bloggers, I decided to place an order with them. Here is the link to their site - Luxola India Website

I’ve heard of Zoeva brushes from youtubers and I was elated to see them at affordable prices on Luxola, but the ones I wanted were out of stock. Now this is something that happens quite often at Luxola, there is a chance that by the time you wait for one thing to come back in stock, the other thing(s) you want will go out of stock. This happened with me anyways; I wanted Zoeva 227, 228, 230 brushes and the Sleek Makeup Contour Kit. 227,228 were OOS & when they came back, the contour kit was OOS. I decided to order the Sleek Faceform instead. I could have avoided that, but firstly, Luxola(as of now) offers free shipping only on orders above Rs.2300 & I wanted to try the famous Sleek contouring products. When I placed an order with them, Luxola India was just two weeks old so I wasn’t sure if it would reach me since my hostel is in a pretty remote place and the products are shipped from outside India, so I opted for the COD option. Yes, yes, yes…there is a COD option(with no extra charges), so all of you who are afraid of international shipping can opt for it.
I received my order in -wait for it- SIX days!! I’ve never experienced faster free shipping than this. The package was shipped from Singapore. I did not have to pay any custom tax and I was able to track my order through their website. All the items arrived in top condition, all items were bubble wrapped together & placed in a envelope padded with bubble wrap, nothing was broken. I feel they should individually wrap palettes because they are prone to break.



My favorite smudging & eye makeup brush ~ Bourjois Double Ended Applicator - Review, Photos, Price

You know, I'm not crazy into make up(yet), its just the stage of testing waters, so to speak. Since I can't wear make up on a daily basis to college, I'm constantly on the look out for pocket-friendly quality products. Moreover, I'm not an earner, till then, I want(read: try) to spend(read: waste) as little of my parents money as possible, on my vanity.
Make up brushes are important and there are really good quality brushes available at reasonable rates, but not in India, still that doesn't justify that I should spend four grand on a brush set from a high end brand when I can definitely find a dupe in a drugstore brand. Trust me, its all there, you just have to search for it. And when you find such a product, you know that you have gotten lucky.

Speaking of getting lucky, well.. I did! I found this amazing brush!


*UPDATE: mybeautyexpress is now crazybeautyland.blogspot.com
Bourjois Professional Double Ended Applicator
Cost:- Rs.150 (How many of you don't believe me? Yep, thought so!)
I think its price may have increased to Rs.185/- now, not sure though, but that's still cheap!

Review : Faces Eye Shadow Brushes - Eye Shadow Brush and Angled Eye Shadow Brush

Faces Cosmetics is such godsend for budget make-up enthusiasts. I'm not a fan of their glittery eye shadows because they have ALOT of fall out but pigmentation wise they don't disappoint. Faces launched these February and they are very reasonably priced! Whenever I see affordable make up brushes my mind goes into overdrive. I feel like, I HAVE to try them, I have to try them..arghh I Have Toooo.... I scoured Indian make up and beauty blogs but I couldn't find reviews on any of the new eye brushes. So I just went ahead and purchased these in April(online), and yes, I have been using them for quite a while.
I picked  up two brushes, the Eye Shadow Brush and the Angled Eye Shadow Brush. Here's a review on the brushes and also a word on how I use them in my eye make up routine.
Cost:-  Rs.249/- for each brush.

*UPDATE: mybeautyexpress is now crazybeautyland.blogspot.com