WHATS IN YOUR KITTY??? Version 1.2

How you doing lovely ladies? So holiday season coming up… there are a lot of parties and events coming up… weddings, Christmas, New years and may be birthdays, or just like that parties!!!

One of the quickest and easiest ways to add that glam to your look is by painting your nails!!! Yes! Today we are gonna talk about nails. The must haves and dos and donts!

Oh and by the way chapped nail paint and "un filed" nails, you don't wanna be a talk of the town for the wrong reasons!

TEXTURES:

There are probably more textures in nail paints as compared to lipsticks or eye shadows.. but I am again gonna stick to the very basics that we find in the Indian Market.. Plus you don’t wanna confuse yourself with all those details, trust me.

I am gonna talk about just the basics. If you like to know more, leave a comment and I can tell you more about it.

FROSTS AND THE LIKE:  These nail paints usually look very similar to the frost lipsticks that we spoke about in the previous post.  

frost finish

FROSTS: A frost is a very fine shimmery polish with obvious brush strokes. Its losing its popularity and usually looks good on ladies who are 45ish years old!

PEARL: is very similar to frost but have a pearl sheen to it.

METALLIC: As the name goes these make your nails look like metal. Mostly found in silver, gold, copper or bronze colours.

FOIL: yes it does give the shine like a crippled foil sheet. It has a metallic base colour and has very fine glitter to it. The finish is smooth yet sparkly!

glitter finish

GLITTER: I think this finish is very popular with the teen and the younger generations, however, we all know this finish very well. I think, all we girls go through the “glitter” phase sooner or later! We love to have glitter on most of things around us.. clothes, shoes, makeup or even books and other stationery items.  Any how these nail paints are usually made on a cream/ jelly finish and has a lot of sparkly glittery stuff in it and it doesn’t have a smooth finish to it.

TIP: you can make these kind of nail polishes at home. Take any colour nail polish including clear nail paint and add some glitter that you have left from the corner where you have kept the extra glitter! Or just add a little glitter eye shadow to it.

jelly finish

CREAME/ JELLY: The most popular and mostly commonly found texture among nail paints. They easily available in all brands and colours. The Jelly finish is super glossy which obviously has more shine to it compared to the cream ones.

MATTE: This finish has not yet come into the Indian market as yet ( if you have come across one do lemme know) It doesn’t have any shine what so ever just like the matte lipsticks. They do look great in dark colours like black, deep green, blue, or oxblood.

matte finish

TIP: you can take your cream finish nail polish apply on your nails, and allow steam on your nails before the nail polish can dry. It would give you the almost matte finish.  And stay away from hand lotions!

MUST HAVE COLOURS:

BRIGHTS: Every girl likes to wear bright happy colours for which ever occasion. These colours immediately oomph up your glam quotient and completes your look.

Colours: Fuscia, Leaf Green, Bold Red, Sunshine Yellow, Orange etc.

DEEP PALETTE: Not many girls would probably be a fan of colours like black, oxblood, etc but these colours look great for those girls who can’t keep their hands off their mouth. So if you have really short nails you should try these deep colours. (others too can use these colours)

Colours: Oxblood, Midnight blue, black etc.

TIP: You remember the last time you removed the oxblood nail varnish and how your nails still had some “Redness” to it even after removing it?? Solution- brush your nails with some whitening tooth paste and clean with soap and water.

NUDES: These are perfect for office wear or any other formal ado. These are sober colours which match most of your outfits. Personally I like these colours in the pearl finish.

Colours: Pearl white, beige, baby pink, light peach, light apricot etc

A must have for every girl whether or not you like painting your nails is a clear or transparent nail polish. Its great to use it as a base coat or a top finish coat or just the clear polish if you really don’t have the time for anything colour.

FRENCH MANICURE: Another must have for a girl of every age is the classic French manicure kit. Be it the pink base or a brown base which ever you like. These look great for every outfit of yours and every occasion. They have a sophisticated look. The only down side is the high maintenance that it requires and often requires a professional hand for the perfect look.

MUST HAVE ACCESSIORIES:

Most us do of course have all the “nail kits” that are available in the market, which includes, the nail cutter, nail filer, nail buffers, cuticle clippers, cuticle pushers etc.

nail kit

Dr. Scholls nail softener

What you would want to add to your grooming kit is the “nail softener”  (Dr. Scholls nail softener are great) for the times when you have an in grown toe nails. This immediately softens the skin and makes it easier to cut. Yes you could also do is soak your feet in warm water for a while, but this is an instant approach.

Also is the nail cleaning brush for…… cleaning (obvio!)  Its available at almost all stores these days.

So that's it for today.... Please tell me your thoughts, reviews, views or just anything you wanna share.

xoxoxoxoxo

Stay plugged in for nail art updates!!!

Disclaimer: Images shown here are sourced from various websites and are used only for illustration purpose.

WHATS IN YOUR KITTY - VERSION 1.1

Hello Beautiful Ladies!!!!!!!!!!

So have you started building your kitty as yet???
Looking for some more tips? well... today is your lucky day!!!

Since we have covered about lipsticks in the previous post.. The reason i started with lipsticks and not basics is only cause lipsticks is one thing that every girl has in her closet and wears it everyday!!!

So simultaneously, lets discuss about other things that you would require to build your makeup kit. If you have been following me then you would know that I have already spoken previously about the must have brushes.

Today we are talk about other TOOLS that you would require for your kit. However, please remember that the brushes have been mentioned in the previous post are ONLY basics there are many more brushes that are used.

So, what are the other tools needed for crafting your best look? here goes.....

1. WEDGE SPONGES: I am personally not a fan of using these sponges for makeup,but I do use them while doing nail art. They definitely do help in blending your makeup and removing the harsh lines. These are very easily available in all stores. There is a new king of a sponge which is in a shape of an egg, (picture posted below) that seem really good but the only disappointment is that they are not yet available in India. (Maybe just maybe they should be at Sephoras Delhi)

















2. POWDER PUFFS: yes! we all have them! They are usually used for applying compact or loose powder and helps in setting the makeup and makes the skin oil free. The other use of these puffs is by "wearing" it on your little finger if you want to keep your hands of your face while applying the makeup.

3. COTTON PADS AND COTTON SWABS: These are used for cleaning your face (even that's equally important) , blending and shaping your makeup. (and you thought that cotton swabs was only to clean your ears! )

4. TWEEZERS: Didn't realise that there was a hair or two on the brow or upper lip well, that God for these tweezers! They are total saviours!!! and it also helps in applying the false lashes and place them properly on the water line.

5.  EYE LASH CURLERS: These are a lot of girls out there who swear by eye lash curlers. So even if you are not a avid user of these curlers it is a must have in your kitty, its and easier way to open the eyes, making them look wider and brighter. 

6. SHARPENER: Needless to say why you need this. Please make sure that you need a blade of the right sharpness and size of your lip and eye pencils.

7. SPATULA AND MIXING PALETTE: If you are one of those ladies who like to mix some colors to create your own concoction and creating something new, or you like mixing 2 foundations to create the perfect shade then you would require these tools, else you don't require them.  The spatula also helps in scrapping out the products.

8. BROW AND LASH GROOMER: again not really a must have, but having it in your kitty does no harm. It helps to separate the lashes and "comb" your brow. 

Most of the tools mentioned here are mostly in expensive and equally important to have in your makeup kitty. You can find them in your local store or online. 

Talk to me.. leave your comments, reviews, views....




happy shopping!!!
xoxoxoxo










Disclaimer: Images shown here are sourced from various websites. Only for illustration purpose. 

WHATS IN YOUR KITTY - VERSION 1.0

 Hello my beautiful peeps!!! 
This is a new section in my blog of “what’s in your kitty” where we’ll discuss about what and how you should have in your makeup closet.

I will begin this section with one of the things which can be found in each and every lady’s kitty world over- young, old, fair or not so fair.. and its probably the first thing a girl owns and I am guessing that this is something that we learn to use right from the time we are in our mothers’ womb!!!! *wink* *wink*

Yes! Your guess is as good as mine!!! We are talking about LIPSTICKS!!! So let’s discuss lipsticks- they are so simple yet so much details to keep in mind while choosing them. So lets understand them…………..

There are just 2 simple things that need to be kept in mind while choosing a lipstick- Texture and Shade.

 UNDERSTANDING TEXTURES:

MATTE: Looking for transfer resist all day long lipsticks? Well, matte lipsticks is where your search will end. These lipsticks are highly pigmented, give fuller coverage which means that it makes the colour pop! However they lack shine and may dehydrate the lips. The best time to wear them is when you can’t do a touch up for a long time like at work. Down side- mattes highlight wrinkles. L

SATIN/ CREAM: These lipsticks have a considerable amount of moisture in it and thus, glides on smoothly making it easy to work with. It hydrates the lips and have a decent shine. Most companies offer a wide range of these kind of lipsticks.

FROST: These are shiny but give a subtle, pale finish. Not the ideal one to wear for a night out. These shades don’t work well with darker complexions, however its best suited for younger lips.

SHEER: These lipsticks have a lot of shine like a gloss and last longer than them. They are perfect for a date. The bring positive attention to your lips without screaming for attention.

GLOSS: is mostly a liquid lip color with tons of shine in it. (my personal fave) Though they don’t last very long and need a touch up several times a day they do make the lips look beautiful and sexy.

LIP LINER: These are usually lip pencils or the like. They are used to outline the lips and sometimes can make your lips look bigger or fuller if applied smartly (applies for thin lips)

Now that we are clear on the different textures available and which would be the best for you, lets talk about the must have colours.

BRIGHTS: Gone are the days when only the fair complexioned gals could wear the bright hues with confidence. So you can be of any complexion but you gatta have some of these bright shades in your kitty.

REDS: You can hate it or love it but you can’t ignore the colour of fire, desire and passion. You can opt for any of the reds – a pink or a orange undertone red or a bold blood red! You can never go wrong with a red lipstick. Like they say when I doubt wear RED!!!!

the "devil" always Prada

Our Begum in the royal red

PINKS: are my personal favourite! They go well with every occasion and attire!!! Pinks too have a wide range of hues to it. From carnation pink to dusty rose or to a bold fuchsia. A total feminine shade!!

India's answer to Madonna

Kim looking her best in pink

ORANGES/ CORALS: Orange hues were HUGE last season and are still seen around. The more subtle shades like tangerine or peach for subtle occasion and carrot orange or a goldfish orange for a party wear. There is a shade for everyone.

Gorgeous in Orange

Adorning orange 

NEUTRALS: These shades are required for subtle or official wear or just one of those days when you wanna keep it low key.

BROWNS: This is one shade which can be used for both- a dramatic look or a soft look. Browns look good on any skin tone and for any time of the day.

brown a color for all ages

and for all occasions

NUDES:  You maybe a girl who loves color but you cant miss out on not having a couple of nude shades in your kitty. They work best with all skin tones and age groups. They are a must for the thumb rule that if you wanna draw the attention to your eyes then use nude colour for your lips. They also are very wearable for work so your makeup stays as minimalistic as possible.

Nudes look great even with LBD

the queen of nude lip colors

So the next time you go for makeup shopping you know what you are looking for!!!
I hope this was just the information that you were looking for... Don't forget to leave a comment below...

Have fun and keep it stylish


xxoxoxoxo

Disclaimer: Images shown in this blog are sourced from various websites.

WHAT'S IN YOUR KITTY?

Ok ok so you all are right.. I should have started the “Whats in your Kitty” series with this post.. My apologies!!!! God! What was I thinking!

Anyways, so its never too late! So let’s begin with the very basics of makeup! For the ones who need a heads up for starting one or just a check list for the ladies who already have.

Before starting off with this series we have to remember that building our kit would days, weeks or even months and a considerable amount of money (depending on the brands that you choose) We will have to assemble various types of products, colours, textures, tools and tones etc. I have said in this in my earlier post also, please choose your cosmetics wisely and don’t give into impulsive buying (I was a victim of it too.. still recovering from it actually). Carefully plan your kit, knowing the versatility you would require. Also, keeping in mind your lifestyle would help a great deal while planning. For example, the kind of work you do, climatic condition of the city you live in, how actively you are involved socially etc.

Suppose, if you have a foundation which would require a lot of time/ effort to apply and if you are usually pressed for time high chances are that you may never use that product.

Step 2 would be to know about yourself. Know your skin type- oily, combination or dry. Know your eye shape – almond, deep set, regular etc. Know your face shape- round, oval, long, etc. Your eye colour – brown, black or any other colour.  I will be posting pictures to help you all.  You would want to buy products that would help you accentuate your looks!

Step 3 would be a good storage space depending on how many products you own. Always store them in a cool dry place and keep a tab on the expiry dates of the products. You can find a lot of DIY videos on you tube and make your own storage space.  

Alrighty then now that we have cleared that lets begin… My post on lipsticks is already out.

We’ll be taking baby steps towards building the kit.  It’s a slow process but  worth the effort.

Do leave your comments, reviews, views on these series… I would love to hear your DIY and other ideas for your storage space.

xoxoxoxoxoxo

Disclaimer: Images are sourced from various websites and are only for display intentions.

Must have Makeup Brushes.

This post of mine was long overdue as 9 out of 10 ladies do not give importance to the most important thing which makes their makeup look fab – BRUSHES!!!!  

We always devote so much time to buying the right shade of foundation, pretty eye shadows, the lip colour for every occasion but one thing that we always miss out is the tools which help us achieve the desired look. Many of us are unaware that our makeup tools aka the brushes, sponges etc can make or break our look!!!! Ask any makeup artist, and they all would agree that they are incomplete without their makeup tools.

So, today I am going to talk about the very basic set of brushes that you need and which you should be able to find easily anywhere in India.  These brushes are very basic yet essential for every lady out there. Once you have achieved a certain level of comfort and mastery of using them then we can move on to more specific tools for your makeup kit.

Also, investing and using in the right makeup brushes and tools will not only help give you a flawless look but you would also use less product and make your makeup last longer.

Oh! And those foam wands included in the eye shadow palettes, you can throw them away!

CHOOSING THE MATERIAL: Brushes are made of different materials like natural, real hair (i.e. sable or pony hair), or synthetic, fake hair made of acrylic or plastic. Natural brushes are best suited for dry products like blush and eye shadow and the synthetic brushes are best suited for creams or liquids like foundation and concealer as they soak up lesser product.

FOUNDATION BRUSH: This type of brush is ideal for any kind of foundation that you are using- liquid or cream base. This kind of a flat brush will help you blend your foundation well onto your skin after all it’s the base of your entire look.

BLUSH BRUSH: You would like to pick up a nice fluffy yet an angled brush as it helps you in blending the blush on your cheekbones.
HOW TO USE IT: use the brush to sweep the blush from the apple of the cheek to the ear/ temples.

POWDER BRUSH: are fluffy ones which pick up less product than a puff and give you a more even and natural looking finish.
HOW TO USE IT: Dip in powder and tap off the excess. Brush gently all over your face towards the hairline.

EYE SHADOW BRUSHES: There are many different types of eye shadow brushes that professionals us, but since we are talking only about the basis which will help you equally to do your makeup. The flat yet stiff brush which will help you achieve a smooth finish.  Yes, there are a few other brushes that are used for eye makeup like dome shaped blending brush, the angular brush, eye liner brush etc. However this basic brush is good enough for starters. HOW TO USE IT: Sweep shadow from the inner corner of the eye to outwards.

                  

LIP BRUSH: A small, flat, round tipped brush. These brushes will help you achieve well defined lips. 
you can use it in 2 ways. One is cover the brush in lipstick and using it as a lip liner or after applying the lip liner you can use it to apply the lipstick by starting at the center and by moving outwards.

CLEANLINESS: After investing in a good set of brushes it is important to take good care of them by cleaning them regularly to keep them germ free and bacteria free. The brushes should be washed and cleaned least once a week if you use them daily or once a fortnight.  Wash your brushes with a drop of mild shampoo in a cup of warm water. Swirl the brushes around and rise properly, then let them dry flat on a towel. (Do not dry them up right as the water will drain into the metal casing and weaken the glue causing bristle loss.)

BRANDS: In India we have a limited number of brands which offer these kind of brushes like the Vega, Bare Essentials, Colorbar, Audreys', Oriflame, MAC etc. The price ranges from Rs. 50/- to Rs. 1000/-  (of course the MAC brushes are much more expensive) However, the quality of all the local branded brushes are pretty decent. 


So go ahead and take the first step towards building your kit!!!


Coming soon: tutorials on using these brushes.











Disclaimer: Images and certain content are sourced from other websites.