Primer 101: Find the perfect Primer!

Now that we know what Primers are and what they do, its time to find one that's good for you. Primers can be a bit expensive so finding one that suits you and the one that would help you target certain specific problems is the only way its going to be worth the money that you spend on it. 


What type of Primers to buy?
Since they are going to be on your skin for long hours sometimes, it is always good to look for Primers that have some skin care benefits. It is obviously an added expense so its best to look for one that suits your skin and can be worn in place of a moisturiser. 

All purpose ones

Ive put a collage of some of the popular all purpose Primers available in India. These are the ones that suit everyone and make for good general use..  

1. MAC Skin Base Visage, 2. Colorbar Perfect Match, 4 NYX HD Primer, 5. Revlon Photoready, 6. Loreal Base Magique, 7. Makeup Forever HD, 8. Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch

Tinted Primers

Dont worry, there is nothing complicated about these. Just think of them as normal primers with a color coded mission. The different colors target different issues in the complexion like redness, dullness, add luminosity and radiance and recharge the skin.  

1. Makeup Forever HD Mocro Perfecting Primers, 2. MAC Prep + Prime Fortified Skin  Enhancers, 3. NYX Studio Perfect Photo Loving Primer

To cover and soften fine lines and wrinkles
There is only one such that is formulated specifically for fine lines and wrinkles and thats available in India. It is MAC Prep + Prime Line Filler. It softens and relaxes the expression lines and dries to a matte finish. 
We really need more companies in India selling a product specifically for this.





To cover the appearance of Pores
These primers instantly reduce the appearance of open pores and even out the skin for a smoother makeup application. 

1. Clinique Refining Solutions Instant Perfector, 2. MAC Skin Refined Zone Treatment, Benefit Porefessional

Primers for Eyes
There are primers specifically for the eyes. They ensure that you get a higher intensity from your eyeshadow and it stays in place all day. Eye primers also make sure that your eye shadow doesnt crease or stray.  

1 MAC Vibrancy, 2. Revlon Photoready, 3. BeYu, 4, NYX Eye Shadow Base, 5. Makeup Forever Eye Prime, 6. Inglot Eye Makeup Base

Lip Primers
The Lip Primers keep your lips from chapping and make the lipstick last longer. And again MAC is the only one that comes to mind thats available in India.. 

Now like I said before, Primers can be expensive and are an extra expenditure so hope this post helps you select the one that suits you best! 

New In Stores: MAC Archies Girl's Collection!

I normally get the most random dreams but last night was serious. I dreamt that I was in a MAC store checking out the new Archies Girl's Collection and suddenly they announced a flat 50% off on all the products! Now that's something we can only dream about.. :( but atleast we can check out the collection thats in stores now! and needless to say I cannot wait!

Now whether you're more like Betty the girl next door or the glam babe Veronica, you can take your pick from the awesome collection that has different shades to suit both the girls. 

Here are some of the products and their prices:-

Betty Lipsticks Rs 1100 each

Girl Next Door

Betty Bright

Oh Oh Oh

Veronica Lipsticks Rs 1100 each

Daddy's Little Girl

Ronnie Red

Boyfriend Stealer

Betty Lipglass Rs 1100 each

Summer Sweetheart

Stay Sweet

Kiss and Dont Tell

Veronica Lipglass Rs 1100 each

Mall Madness

Straberry Malt

Feelin So good

Betty Pearlglide Intense Eyeliner Rs 1100 each

Lord it Up

Black Swan

Opulash Mascara Optimum Black Rs 1200

Vernonica Peralglide Intense Eyeliner Rs 1100 each

Petrol Blue

Designer Purple

Opulash Mascara Bad Bad Black Rs 1200

Betty Pigments Rs 1500 each

Cheers My Dear

Lucky In Love

Veronica Pigments Rs 1500 each

Black Poodle

Magic Spells

Betty Nail Lacquer Rs 1050 each

Pep Pep Pep

Cosmic Cute

Veronica Nail Lacquer Rs 1050 each

Past Curfew

Double Trouble

Betty Powder Blush Cream Soda Rs 1600

Veronica Powder Blush Prom Princess Rs 1600

Betty Pearlmatte Face Powder Flatter Me Rs 1750

Veronica Pearlmatte Face Powder Veronica's Blush Rs 1750

Betty Eyeshadow Palette Caramal Sundae X4 Rs 2800

Caramel Sundae

Cheryl Chic

Dream Maker

Show Stopper

Veronica Eyeshadow Palette Spoiled Rich X4 Rs 2800 

Spoiled Rich

Ron Ron Run

Pin-up Purple

Gravel

Archies Girl's Brush Kit Rs 3850

I certainly like the Veronica colors better and cant wait to try them on along with the themed accessories from the collection.. who do you wanna be?

My 2 Top Foundations - Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua and MAC Matchmaster

I'm not a daily user of foundations but when I do use them, I have different needs on different days. Sometimes I want the coverage to be sheer and other times, I want a more solid one depending upon the occasion and if I would be wearing it in the day or evening. After tons of research, testing and trying two foundations make it to my list of favourites! They are Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua and MAC Mactchmaster. Lets look at each of these and see what makes them my top 2!

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua - Ultra Light Skin Perfecting Makeup: Price Rs 2600 for 30ml
Available at Chanel Store, Imperial Hotel, New Delhi (This unfortunately is the only store Chanel has in entire Delhi NCR :( but I hear that one more is opening soon in Select City Walk. Chennai too got a new Chanel Store recently. Check HERE Chanel store locator for all the cities in India)

I picked shade 40 Beige as it went really well with my skin. As the name suggests it actually is an 'Ultra light skin perfecting' makeup. The consistency is light and smooth and just disappears into the skin, making it look like your own skin but better! It has a sheer coverage so its excellent for the day time and leaves me with a fresh dewy finish on my skin. It comes with SPF 15 and photographs really well. This is why I absolutely love this foundation. The only negative is the price but believe me a little bit of product goes a long way so a bottle would last you 8-12 months! Its ideal for girls who have mostly normal, even skins with little to cover as it doesnt provide much coverage.

MAC Matchmaster Foundation: Price Rs 2300 for 35 ml
Available at all MAC stores across India (Check HERE for Store Locations)

I'm a shade 4 in MAC Match master. Now this is semi matt finish foundation with medium coverage which is biuldable. I use it mostly while going out in the evenings. This too blends very well with the skin without looking cakey or ashy. Its perfect for girls with combination to oily skins as it reduces shine and remains fresh for a very long time. Again its a bit expensive but will last really long. The benefits clearly outweigh the negatives. I would always recommend investing in a good foundation as it can really make or break your entire look.
Below are some swatches from both the foundations. Hope you found this useful!

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Blended

MAC Matchmaster

MAC Matchmaster blended

Im sorry the pics with the foundations blended havent come out so well (trust me I tried hard) but they blend really well with the skin so with both the foundations your skin just looks better :)

Click to know How to choose the right foundation and my Top 10 tips for flawless foundation!

Foundation 101 - How to choose the right Foundation

Different types of Foundations

Foundation is one of those make up products that has created quite some confusion amongst us. Just like a lot of girls I know, it is something I don’t use everyday but most women I come across are confused about various aspects of foundations. Whether or not to use it, the type of foundation to use, what are the good brands in the market are just some of the mysteries that have been eluding us for a while. The common concern among all is that no one wants to look too made-up, cakey or obvious after using foundations and so most of the women get them wrong or just simply avoid them. In this post I’m going to try and demystify some of these theories and hope that it will answer some of the key questions that we have so that finally we can to a happy agreement about foundations and make the right decisions!

Who needs foundation?

I feel most of the women in their late 20’s require foundation be it light of full coverage. Even if we have good skin, as we age our skin’s ability to look even or radiant reduces. Depending upon the state of our skin, some women might require it every day but mostly we require them on important days when we might get photographed or need to look our best! On a daily basis though I for e.g. just use a tinted moisturizer but on important days I feel I need something that will even out my skin texture and bring about a clean face on which I can apply the rest of my make up.

How to choose the right foundation?

Formulation and texture - As important as it is to match the shade of foundation with your skin, you MUST match it with the type of skin you have. There are different types of foundations in the market for this exact reason: liquid, powder and cream, matt or dewy finish. So the formulation and the texture of the foundation are the 1^st thing that you must choose according to your skin type. Good news is that whether you have normal, combination, dry or oily skin, there is a foundation for everyone!

Combination and Oily Skin – Compact powders or Matt foundations like Lancome Tient Idole, Clinique Anti Blemish Solutions Liquid Makeup, Makeup Forever Mat Velvet Foundation, Revlon Colorstay Foundation, MAC Mineralized Skin Finish Natural

Dry Skin – Dewey finish foundations like Chanel Vitalumiere, Lancome Tient Miracle, Mac Face and Body  

Type of coverage - The second thing to consider is the type of coverage you need. Light, medium or full depending upon how much you want to cover on your face. I cannot stress enough on the importance of the above two points. I know its important to get the right shade but believe me getting the above two points is equally or even more important. Keeping these points in mind will help you in getting a foundation that not only blends very well in your skin but also stays on for the longest time! Remember these points and your foundation will never look cakey, too shiny or too obvious!

Light coverage – Mac Face and Body, Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, Lancome Tient Miracle

Medium to full coverage – Mac Matchmaster,

The shade –Once you have figured out the type of foundation and coverage you need you are ready to go shopping! Keep a small compact mirror in your bag when you go foundation shopping. It will be extremely helpful in getting the right shade. I feel its best way to pick the right shade is to go to a store and ask them to apply it on half of your face. Give it about 5 minutes to set and step out of the store in natural daylight. Now check your face in the compact mirror outside and see if it really matches. Natural light is the best light to check your makeup in and even if you like a shade indoors, outside, you will really know if it is right for you.            

I hope this post answers some of your questions about foundations and helps you understand how to make them work for you. Check out my post on Tips for flawless foundation and coming soon a post on My Favourite Foundations!  

MAC Prep + Prime Highlighter - Bright Forecast Review

Highlighters are one of my favourite makeup products ever! Dont care if I have lipsticks, or blushes, or foundation but highlighters are things I just cant live without.. I have all sorts of them, cream, liquid, powder from various brands. I had read a lot about MAC Prep + Prime Highlighters and went ahead and bought myself one!

MAC says: A pen-style highlighter that efficiently brings a soft sheer wash of colour to the skin. With its precision application, adds radiance just where you want it. Goes on smoothly for cushion-soft wear. Use over makeup for highlights, touch-ups or under makeup to brighten and prime. 

Theese highlighters come in three colors: Bright Forecast, Radiant Rose and Light Boost

After having tried all three, I felt Bright Forecast went well with my skin tone. It's not too yellow and not too pink. Light boost and Radiant Rose are too light and probably best for extremely fair people. These highlighters are slightly different from your regular ones in two ways:

1 - They contain no shimmer particles

2 - They can be used in the under eye area to lighten or as they say 'awaken' it

 

Bright Forecast on the back of my palm

Blended

The pen style shape makes it very easy to apply them. Just one sweep across the under eye and cheek bone area is enough to bring in the brightening effect. They make the skin look smoother and clearer and hence more alight without being shiny or glittery. That makes them perfect for the day time. 

I normally use a very little amount under the eye as I have dark circles and the use there makes the area more obvious I feel. So I would reccomend the same to all the girls with dark circles - just use it on the cheek bones, brow area or the bridge of your nose. The consistensy is light and slightly creamy which is why the product glides on the skin easily and blends well. 

Things I like:-

Consistensy - very light and smooth and blends very well

The shade is perfect for most Indian faces

Contains no shimmer particles

Excellent for use in the day time without making it look very obvious

Can be used either under or on top of make up (I usually use it on top just one areas that need highlighting)

Very light and handy 

The pen style dispenser makes it easy to use

Dislike:-

Cant be used in the evenings :(

Expensive (like all things MAC, but then a little product goes a long way so it would last you a good few months)

With the opaqueness of the 'pen' you can never tell how much product is left

Rating: 4/5

Price: Rs 1200

Available at: All MAC stores and counters across India. For more info, please check MAC India Store Locator

MAC Strobe Liquid Review

MAC Strobe Liquid Review

I bought MAC Strobe Liquid a while ago as a part of my quest for finding the perfect highlighters for the face. The SA told me that they have the same product in cream form as well but since since I have a combination to oily skin, the liquid one would be best for me.

MAC Clains – Blending soft focus diffusers with iridescent pigments, this ultra-fluid strobe formula produces a soft radiant light on the skin, reducing the appearance of skin imperfections by providing a natural looking glow. Spreads on smoothly and absorbs quickly leaving the skin looking healthier and more radiant. It is a lighter weight addition to the popular strobe cream.

Directions – Use a pea size amount either mixed with the foundation. You can also apply it only on areas of your face that you want to highlight.

My experience

The stobe liquid is a non oily product that I have used in the following ways:-

• Mixed with the foundation and applied all over the face
• On certain areas of your face, on top of foundation
• Without foundation, to just highlight certain areas

The is a subtle silvery white colour and it is one of the few highlighters that have come across that have NO visible shimmer particles. Now that is something I love because I hate to see tiny specs of shimmer on the face making it look unnaturally shiny. (Shimmer is sometimes great in the evenings but in the day it can look a bit too much). I wanted a highlighter that just blends with my skin creating an illusion of a glowing, beautiful and healthy looking skin and the Strobe Liquid does that extremely well! The texture is smooth and just glides on the skin and settles making it look absolutely beautiful. I am so happy with it!

I use it with or without foundation on days that my skin needs an instant uplift. Mixing it with foundation and applying it all over the face, I feel is not such a good idea as it tends to even highlight the areas that you don’t want too much focus on (e.g. Under the eyes etc.) So I use it on my cheek bones, bridge of my nose and on the area right on top of my lips and it does the job! Using it on certain areas after applying the foundation is also okay but you need to put it before the foundation sets and blend the two together for an even finish. A great product if you love the ‘no makeup’ look and can be used daily!

A pic of my friend whose make up I did using the strobe liquid on top of foundation. Love the way her skin is glowing!

I feel girls with normal to oily skins can also try this.

Things I love:-

Non-oily formula

Gives an instant uplift to the skin with a subtle glow

Is not obvious to other people so all they see is great skin!

No fragrance

Dislike:-

It is a expensive! (Like all good things in life.. sigh!) The good thing is that a bottle would last you a good six months.

Rating – 4.75/5

Price – Rs. 1700 for 50ml 
Available at – All MAC stores

Products used in the Pic above: Krayolan Primer, MAC Matchmaster foundation, MAC Strobe Liquid, eye shadows Pearl 433 and AMC 44 from Inglot freedom system, MAC Blacktrack eyeliner, Loreal Million Lashes mascara, Maybeline Collossal Kajal and a nude balm on her lips.

New in Stores - MAC Strength Collection!

Colour is a vehicle for women to flex their femininity, and MAC’s new collection reflects this state of mind and style. It starts with dramatic eyes and lips pumped with vivid colour to project power while cheeks are softly chiseled with natural tones. And nailing it for overall presentation, MAC’s high-gloss high lacquer.

EYE SHADOW x 4

ALL WOMAN

Flawless Figure Pale warm shimmering white (veluxe pearl)

Brains & Brawn Mid-tone taupe (matte)

All Woman Greenish dark grey (satin)

Black Magique Deep, dark black with warm tones (veluxe pearl)

INNER STRENGTH

Lithe Spirit Palest white pink (satin)

Inner Strength Light cool mauve taupe (matte)

Fabulous Fit Mid-tone cool grey (matte)

Heatherbelles Deep charcoal (satin)

LIPSTICK

Party Parrot Bright red pink (matte)

Pink Pigeon Bright cleanest pink (matte)

Strong Woman Bright violet (matte)

Absolute Power Rich red (matte)

Firm Form Gilded black with gold pearl (matte)

LIP PENCIL

Embrace Me Vivid pinkish fuchsia

Lasting Sensation Bright coral

OPULASH MASCARA

Bad, Bad, Black Black

PENULTIMATE EYE LINER

Rapidblack True black

KOHL POWER

Feline Rich Black

TECHNAKOHL EYE LINER

Graphblack Rich graphic black

POWDER BLUSH

Taupe Shape Satiny taupe (satin)

Poised Muted pinkish brown (satin)

NAIL LACQUER

Muscle Tone Pale neutral nude

Triumphant Mid-tone cool brown

BRUSHES

168 Large Angled Contour

275 Medium Angled Shading