4th Blog Anniversary GIVEAWAY! Win YSL Rouge Volupte Shine Lipstick + Sleek Oh So Special Eyeshadow Palette [CLOSED]

Hello! It's time for a special Giveaway again! It took me this long to announce it because I was quite confused about the prizes. I wanted to give products that you all would LOVE.

I asked in IVC Facebook Page what you all want with all your heart and soul, and the product that topped the list was Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette. That was my first option too. BUT if I picked that, it'll just be one prize since it's pricey, and I wanted to give at least two (always two) products. I will surely include the NAKED 2 in my next giveaway.

After a lot of thought, I went with my instinct, and picked my most loved products.

 Prizes: 

• YSL Rouge Volupte Shine Lipstick ~ Shade of WINNER's choice! Because I just can't get enough of them & want them ALL! So I want to gift 1 to one lucky IVC reader.

• Sleek Oh So Special Eyeshadow Palette ~ Because it's a very versatile palette, great for everyday & party looks. I've swatched it here.

Bourjois Color Boost Lip Crayon Red Sunrise Photos, Swatches

If you have ever rubbed a ripe & juicy strawberry or a red Cadbury Gems on your lips, you might really like this color. I have done both. When I was a kid, I would put a red Cadbury Gems (a round button-sized candy with chocolate filling) in my mouth, take it out, and then rub it all over my lips like a lipstick. It sounds gross now, but  it was the one of the most glamorous things I ever did as a kid.

About:

A LIP CRAYON BURSTING WITH VIBRANT COLOUR AND IRRESISTIBLE MOISTURE! With its melting formula, Color Boost leaves a radiant veil of colour on the lips with just enough shine and moisture to enhance each shade. A new generation formula that provides a bare lip sensation thanks to its light and non-sticky texture. With it silk extract formula, Colour Boost brings comfort and hydration to your lips for 10 hours. Its waterproof colour and SPF 15 make Colour Boost both practical and beautiful!

HAUL From India ~ Lakmé, Maybelline, Avon, Pond's + Online Shopping Experience

Only yesterday I told you a package was on its way to me, and today I got it! Woohoo! All thanks to my sis & bro in-law who sent it very quickly. What I did was order them online, and get them shipped to my in-laws' place in New Delhi, and they they mail them to me. It's a 2-3 week process, but it's the only way I get to have the best of both worlds.

Mint Dress OOTD | Fav Blog Posts Poll Results | UK Life Update

While I write this post, I'm gonna try to get the memory of Miley Cyrus' VMA performance out of my head. We won't say what's already stamped all over the internet, we'll just bury the memory, and think of butterflies instead. Ooh....butterfly print dress....

 Yes, that's the photo for Cosmopolitan.....

Cosmo Editor said "We want full-length pic. I said "What kind of attire"? Cosmo Editor said "Wear your favorite outfit!"

I Must Have This New Innovative Avon Mascara.....

I'm always on the lookout for the next mascara that's going to give me the eyelashes of my dreams. So when I saw something this gadgety, I had to do my research. I liked what I saw, so I'm sharing it with you, in case you didn't already know a mascara like this exists.

Claims: This breakthrough mascara provides 24-hour volume, leaving lashes darker, denser and more dramatic. Get ready for a corner to corner lash transformation with our first ever Wonderbrush. 

The Wonderbrush bends and adjusts to multiple angles capturing every lash, top to bottom. The unique brush fits the natural shape of lashes, coating them evenly with formula from root to tip. The extra surface area of the Wonderbrush bristles are designed to deliver 40% more mascara to the lash. Mega Effects Mascara provides a clump-proof, sweat-proof, non-flaking and non-smudging experience. Ophthalmologist-tested. .317 oz. net wt. 

 

I put it on my wishlist after I saw this demo video on Youtube. 

Price ~ £10 | Rs.1004. But you'll get it for £6 | $10 from Ebay. I don't know any Avon representative here, so I'll probably go with Ebay.

Have you tried it? I wonder how much it costs in India?

Revlon Pink In The Afternoon Super Lustrous Lipstick Photos, Swatches

'Pink In The Afternoon' ~ I think it's a brilliant name for this particular shade. If I had to guess how the person who named it thought of it....

As a regular lipstick swatcher, I've noticed lipsticks change tones when photographed in the afternoon when the sun is up. I think I've seen this shade come out in a few cool-toned pink lipstick photos, and probably got annoyed, because it's not really their color. So, I think the Revlon Lipstick Shade Namer wore a pink lipstick one day, clicked a photo in the afternoon (she probably Instagrammed it too if Instagram existed then), liked how the afternoon sun changed her lipstick shade, and decided she wanted that sun-made shade in a tube. She went to the office next day, swatched the lipstick on her arm/lips at 2 pm in the afternoon, stood near a window facing the sun, and then she called the Revlon Lipstick Maker to come see the color. She said to him/her: "This. Make this."

Okay, to corroborate my pink lipstick + afternoon sun story, go see the last pic here.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick Pink In The Afternoon is a warm medium pink with a peachy undertone. I'm liking it a lot, because it's very moisturizing & the shade makes me feel girly. The texture is creamy, but not heavy & tacky creamy. It sits well on my lips, and doesn't wear off too fast. Yes, it's fragrance-free.

If there's a pink lipstick that's simply feminine, and would suit light to dark skin tones, this is it.

How To: Intense Smudge Proof Black Kohl Liner

So many people have complained to me about their kajals & kohls smudging, so I thought I'd post this quick & simple mini tuto to show how I do mine.

Products Used:

• Bourjois Effet Smoky Pencil in Intense Black 
• Bourjois Intense Eyeshadow #10 
• MAC 266 Angled Liner Brush.

What's In My Makeup Bag? Sequel

Remember when my handbag was stolen in Goa when I'd gone for a holiday with my friends in 2011? Remember I told you the only thing that wasn't in the stolen handbag was my makeup bag? Or maybe I didn't mention it here, and just tweeted? I don't recall. Okay, I'll just tell you the gist:

While a bar/restaurant on a beach, I stood up for 2 mins to talk on my phone. I came back and my handbag wasn't on my chair anymore. This happened while all my friends and Mr.CZ were right there! We all went mad! When we sat down again, somebody pointed at my little makeup bag, sitting there on the center of the table among food & drinks. Oh, the joy! I must have taken it out to get a lipstick or something before that, and I'd forgotten to keep it back in my handbag. Quite strange, right?

This bag here is a new makeup bag, but I still have & use that one too in another handbag. How can I leave it when it didn't leave me?

• Too Faced Glamazon Eyeshadow ~ A gorgeous shimmery taupe eyeshadow, which makes a great cheek highlighter too.

• Benefit The Porefessional Face Primer Sample ~ Don't know if I like it, but I keep it in the bag in case

• Bourjois Cream Blush Nude Velvet ~ Cream blushes are better to keep in your handbag, because you don't need a brush.

• Accessorize Brow Kit ~ The brow powders could also double or triple up as eyeshadows & contouring powders - in emergencies. I love that it has tweezers, which I like to have with me. Shown here

• Le Teint Touche Éclat Foundation Sample ~ There's an offer at Debenhams- Buy this foundation and get 1 YSL Cream Blush FREE! So I got it to try first. My shade is BD30. I find it quite oily, but that also gives my skin a nice dewy glow. I don't know if I'd buy the big pricey version, but I wants the free cream blush so badly! =D

• Majolica Majorca Pressed Pore Powder ~ Compact powder! Very important. Read about powders here

• The Face Shop Mini Pet Hand Cream ~ Dry hands, my pet peeve. More pics here. 

• Maybelline Cover Stick Concealer Medium Beige ~ Just an emergency concealer.

Classic Chic Nails ~ Clipping & Shaping Tutorial

Hello! I wanted to post a different kind of tutorial today ~ Nails! Classic Chic Nails that are comfortable, go with everything, and are appropriate for everyday & every occasion. Hope you'll like! I'm sure many of you don't need a tutorial for nail shaping, but I've been asked how I do mine several times, so.....

1. Position the clipper horizontally& clip straight from one side, stopping at the center of the nail. And behold my explaining skills....

2. Move clipper to the other side and clip in the same way, straight in.

3. If the corners are too sharp and pointy, clip a bit diagonally.

4. Do the same on the other side. 

5. Start filing. Straight. Back & forth. Use little pressure, and file evenly, until you get the desired length & shape ~ square with rounded edges here.

6. Should look something like that. *Wash or wipe off powdery nail bits, before next step.

7. Apply a beige or nude nail polish. 

8. After 2 coats, it looks like that. *You could apply a top coat if you want.

9. Apply some Vaseline or cuticle oil on the cuticles. That is, if they look dry.

DONE! =)  

[I do the same on my toenails as well.] 

What I Used:

• Nail Clipper: Small & light nail clippers. I prefer small ones, to the big chunky types.
• Filer: Scholl. Very old, but nothing works better. Even with filers, I prefer the sleek and thin ones. 
• Nail Polish ~ Maybelline Colorama Balé Clássico. My favorite neutral nail polish. More pics here
• Cuticle Moisturizer ~ Vaseline Pink Bubbly Lip Balm. More pics here

♥

Personally, I've always preferred square & squoval (squarish-oval) shapes, sometimes even rounded. Pointy claw-like nails are a big NO-NO. Please. Don't. Chaku hai, chaku!

(Chaku = knife)

What's your favorite nail shape? 

NEW! Lakmé Absolute Royal Collection ~ Limited Edition

Revisit the magnificence of the past with a truly precious limited edition collection by Lakmé that pays tribute to the reign of queens – Lakmé Absolute Royal. Inspired by the era of the royals, this new collection introduces limited edition shades for three amazing products: Lakmé Absolute Crème Lip Colors, Lakmé Absolute Royal Nail Colors and Lakmé Absolute Shine Line Eyeliners that will help you create an elegant look for the festivities this season. With this new collection, Lakmé lays out the beauty statement for the season that is dominated by imperial velvet red lips and a unique play of light pink and gold for the eyes. These rich hues, reflecting modern opulence, will take center-stage at the Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2013 Grand Finale by Sabyasachi Mukherjee. 

This limited edition collection will be available in stores starting 1st September 2013.

Lakmé Absolute Crème Lip Colors: Get lips that go with glasses of wine, caviar and polo matches. It’s luscious creamy color with a flamboyant, glossy finish that lasts all day. Price: Rs. 600/-

Limited Edition Shades: Red Carpet, Plum Delight, Mystery Pink, Candy Floss, Peach Blush, Bake Pink, Mauve Dream, Mauve Shimmer and Nude Rose. 

Nude Lips Makeup ~ Sleeping With The Enemy

I can't count the number of times I've watched the Julia Roberts' movie Sleeping With The Enemy, but this post is not at all related to the movie. No jumping in the sea, no faking my death, no running away from husband, no moving to another city and getting a new identity. Only hypothetically, I'd be Lyla, with a cherry-colored bob & a Spanish accent.

The title just.....fits.

• 2 nude lippies from rival drugstore brands coming together.
• A woman with an alternative personality.

I combined Maybelline Superstay Lipstick Beige For Good + Rimmel Apocalips Nude Eclipse

Heels & YSL ~ With Love, Mr.CZ......

Presents from the man behind the woman behind this blog. A big THANK YOU to Mr.CZ who spoiled me today, mainly because of this reason. 

Did I tell you he has excellent taste in shoes? In both men's & women's shoes. That is why it was nice to go to Shoe Heaven with him, so he could help me decide between 2-3 designs. I don't know if it's because he's Virgo, since they are perfectionists & can point out exactly what doesn't 'fit' in a picture. Sometimes he'd criticize exactly what I'm unsure about in an outfit. Seriously, if you don't want sugar-coated opinions, turn to a Virgo. My Virgo girlfriend once told me directly that my pants looked too old and shabby, and that I needed new ones! I laughed hysterically, and then we went shopping. Now that is true 'constructive' criticism.

Some Orange & Green Makeup Products ~ Independence Day Special

Happy Independence Day to all my fellow Indians! I wanted to do something special, so I just picked out some orange & green products from my stash. Inspired by the colors on the Indian flag, of course. Navy blue is missing, because I didn't remember I have one in this palette. Oh, well. Let's just say it's about orange more, because we're talking makeup.

Orange Products:

• Bourjois Shine Edition 1,2,3 Soleil #20 ~ Swatches here
• Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain Rendezvous ~ Swatches here
• Faces Moisture Rich Lipstick French Rose #07 ~ Worn here
• Chambor Powder Matte Orange Flambe ~ Worn here 
• Revlon PhotoReady Cream Blush Coral Reef ~ Swatches here

Green Products:

• Inglot Eyeshadow 475 DS ~ Swatches here
• Marc Jacobs Oh, Lola! Sunsheer ~ More pics here  

Hope you all over in India had a nice chutti day (holiday)! I'm sure you're all glad it didn't fall on a weekend this year =)

Michael Kors Now In India

Good news for all you Delhi-ites who have been drooling over MK's watches, handbags, etc.......

Michael Kors is pleased to announce the brand’s first foray into the Indian market with the opening of a store inside New Delhi’s DLF Emporio. DLF Emporio opened in 2008 as the first luxury-focused mall in India, and is home to both local and international luxury brands.

The 1,500-square-foot store will carry Michael Kors Collection ready-to-wear and handbags, as well as accessories, footwear, watches, eyewear and ready-to-wear from the MICHAEL Michael Kors line. This will be the first time that Michael Kors Collection and MICHAEL Michael Kors items are directly available to customers in India. The brand’s in-house team designed the store experience to reflect the label’s luxe aesthetic through the use of rich leather furniture, sleek metal fixtures and mirrored surfaces.

4th Blog Anniversary In Shoe Heaven | Haul

Happy Birthday IVC! I thought about posting this yesterday, but I got busy and by the time I got home and finished cooking dinner, it was after 2 am IST. I decided to just chill and watch new ep of Breaking Bad  with the man (Yay! It's back!)

Anyways, I know some of you expect blog anniversary posts every year, so here it is! =)

4 years ago yesterday, I sat down and wrote my first blog post, and I owe a lot of my current happiness to that small decision. I celebrated with a visit to a place called Shoe Heaven. If you follow me on Instagram (@czloves), you would have seen it before.

So I've been in the UK for almost a year now, and I only came to know about New Look's Shoe Heaven 2 weeks ago! Hawww I don't know! Maybe it wasn't there in Newcastle? I saw "Shoe Heaven - 1st floor" one day, I went up the escalator, and when I got off it & saw hundreds of shoes all at once, violins played in my head.

That day, I couldn't find any shoe I liked in my size, which is 3 (but some 3's are still too big.)

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter Juicy Papaya Photos & Swatches

One fact about me: I hate papaya. I've tried eating it so many times, because people keep saying how beneficial it is health-wise & beauty-wise, but I just CAN'T. I think it smells a little like butter, which I also hate. The cluster of black seeds in it also kind of creeps me out, I always get goosebumps when I look at them.

Okay, enough about the fruit, and let's move on to a different kind of papaya that I don't mind getting near my mouth and nose ~ Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Juicy Papaya, which is one of the 4 new shades that were launched recently. It's a lighter & less orange version of Tutti Frutti.

Blushes I LOVE ~ To The Moon And Back!

"Mamma never loved her much, and Daddy never keeps in touch. 

That's why she shies away from human affection." 

~ To The Moon And Back, Savage Garden.

Presenting the only blushes I really use & am very attached to....

[Clockwise starting from the leopard print box]: 

Benefit Coralista ~ If you've been reading my blog forever, you must know how much I love this blush. This is the one blush I want to repurchase even though the first one is not even close to finishing. If it wasn't so darn pricey, I'd go buy a new box just to look at & smell (because it is scented, and mine has lost it). You should have seen the husband's face when I said this =D . Price ~ £23.50 in UK = Rs.2218.

MAC Bite Of An Apple (Matte) ~ Bite.Of.An.Apple. Say it slowly, and you'll feel a little wicked, like Snow White's Evil Queen herself. But there's nothing evil about the blush shade, it's one of the most amazing coral blushes I've ever seen. This is a Limited Edition that came out with MAC Venomous Villains Collection. Price: Rs.1210.

MAC Fleur Power (Satin) ~ This is my oldest most-used blush. It's my go-to blush when I'm confused what to use. It sits in that perfect place between pink & coral, and that's what makes it so reachable. Price: Rs.1150.

Lakmé Cheek Chromatic Baked Blush in Day Blushes ~ Swatches below will prove how it holds its own beside Benefit & MAC. More photos & I wore it here. Price: Rs.550.

MAC Cream Soda Betty Blush (Satin) ~ It may look too pale, but it shows up beautifully when applied. Medium peach when layered. Also a Limited Edition that came out with MAC Archie's Girls Collection. Price: Rs.1544.

We WON Best Beauty Blog!!! Cosmopolitan Blog Awards '13

Oh My Bows! I officially have the best readers! We won the award for Best Beauty Blog (India)! YOU VOTE PHOR MY BLOG! 

Thank You! THANK YOU SO MUCH to everyone who voted & everyone who simply reads this blog! Special thanks to Cosmopolitan India for hosting India's first-ever blog awards! 

There's a cartoon-ish version of me. Give me a jharoo (broomstick) so I can fly... haha!

Answer #4: Thanks to Mahak Sharma who posted that comment =)

Lancôme Rouge In Love Lipstick Midnight Rose ~ Look & Swatches

I planned to post this at exactly 00:00 am (IST), midnight, to make it poetic. But of course it didn't happen, because editing took longer. 

Lancôme Rouge In Love Lipstick in Midnight Rose 377N is a fuchsia shade. It's weird that although it's glossy, it's so long-lasting, even more long-lasting than some matte lipsticks! When layered, it passed the kissing test, and I think it could easily live up to it's 6 hours claim. When I'm wearing it, I always see it on my lips- never drying, never flaky.

Very very impressed with the unique finish & quality. I want at least one more shade from this range.

If you're wondering how similar it is to Deborah Milano Red #9: Midnight Rose leans towards pink, whereas DMR 9 leans towards red.  

What Are Your Favorite Posts On IVC? [Please Vote!]

Hi Everyone,

This blog is approaching it's 4th Anniversary soon, so I wanted to know the kind of readers I have now. What you expect every time, what makes you feel good, what inspires you, what you never miss reading. 

I also noticed something has changed, that's why this poll will help me prioritize things around here.

Please Vote below....

POLL CLOSED

Thank you to all who're still here 4 years later

&

A warm welcome to all who just got here! 

WANTED! Marc Jacobs Honey Perfume

Dear Marc Jacobs,

I just want to say good job on these whimsical perfume bottles. First ladybug, now bee. You must really like flying insects, huh?

Also, what are you doing to me?!!! 

Tutorial: Winged Cut Crease Eye Makeup

Hello! Hope you all had a very Happy Friendship Day. I thought about making a quick post yesterday, and after pondering and searching my head for a meaningful and heartfelt message, I couldn't find it. I decided against a cartoon card from Google Images, and took a nap instead.

I'll wish you, my blog reader friends, with this step-by-step tutorial on how I created the Winged Cut Crease EOTD I posted last week here 

 ***The lighting changed in between because of the black eye shadow, so the pics didn't come out the same. I hate it when this happens.

1. Take a gel liner and draw 1st bit of line. Curve it according to the shape of your crease. If you have a deep crease line, draw it there. I used Maybelline Lasting Drama Black Gel Liner & Inglot 30T Eyeliner Brush. *Don't press the brush too much while drawing so it doesn't come out too thick. 

*My gel liner had dried up quite a bit, so it was difficult to make the line sharp.

2. Draw 2nd center bit. 

3. Draw the 3rd bit and curve it up towards the end of your eyebrow.

4. Draw downwards making a V. ***Try not to join from the tip straight away. That way it stays pointy when you start filling in. I hope the pic explains it better than I do =D

5. Draw on outer corner of lower lash line. It'll make it easier to line the outer edge straight.

6. Join the lines in the center. Also draw gel liner on lower lash line all the way to tear duct. Here, I mimicked the shape and curved the line out slightly as shown in Pic 7.

7.  Take a matte black eyeshadow with a pointy eyeliner brush or any small brush and shade inside the black gel liner as shown. I used Urban Decay Blackout from Naked 2 Palette.

8. Apply a shimmery eyeshadow on the center of lid. I used Urban Decay Half Baked (Gold) & YDK (bronze), both from Naked 2 Palette

9.  Apply the black e/s on the outer edge again over the outer edges of the shimmery e/s so it looks like the gold is peeking through the black.

10. Apply the same shimmery gold e/s on the inner tear duct area and lower lash line inside the black liner.

11. Line top lash line close to lashes with the same black gel liner.

12. Apply mascara on top & bottom lashes. I wore False Lashes here. I used Eylure Katy Perry Oh, My! lashes. 

Saturday Hauls ~ Lancome, ZARA, New Look

I feel like I bored you all with nonsense this week, or I just bored myself. I don't know why I'm behind on everything! Before I go ahead and disconnect myself from the online world this weekend (or just tonight), here are some haul pics for you.....  

• Lancome Rouge In Love Lipstick 377N Midnight Rose ~ It took all of my will power to put aside my natural tendency to pick corals & pinks. Price: £21 | Rs.1962.

• New Look Coral Earrings ~ Saw them once, then I went back. Price: Half Off from £7, so £3.50 | Rs.327.

So pweety!

♥

Last Saturday's Haul.....

ZARA Court Shoes ~ I was shocked that these fit me! Size 36. More shocked because the other Zara size 36 shoes are too big for me. That's why I love these so much! Oh, there were only two pairs size 36's available - one was blacker but looser on my feet; other was brand new, never tried by anyone (tissue still wrapped on the straps) & they fit me better but the suede was less black and had more lint (read: looked dirty). I had to pick the latter, of course... hehe. Price: On Sale, about 50% Off, so about £15.99 |  Rs.1494. 

MUA One Direction Make-Up

Now you can wear Harry Styles & Zayn Malik, girlies! =) 

Boy band of the moment, One Direction, has launched a makeup collection with MUA Cosmetics. It's weird, but if Bieber can launch perfumes for girls, I say why not.

Priced only from £2.50 to £3 | Rs.234-Rs.280, I think it's perfect for teenage 1D fans. Also good for non-teenage, not-1D-fans-just-beauty-obsessed like some of us =D

I might pick up a few today. I got a sneak peek at the Pout Polishes the other day, and they're cute!

Available now at Superdrug 

MUA ships worldwide if you want to order online. 

NEW! Benefit Rockateur Blush

I like to collect these Benefit Boxed Powders (see my collection here), and after a long time I'm liking a new addition - Rockateur. 

"A rose gold blush that gives a famously provocative flush."

Price ~ £23.50  | Rs.2168.

Launching in UK on August 22nd '13. 

I can imagine myself at Debenhams... awaiting its arrival... garland in hands.

In India, Benefit is available at Sephora, Select Citywalk Mall, New Delhi.

 You like?