An Indian's Makeup Blog

Lots of Holiday goodies from Smashbox. They have a big bunch of Wish For Holiday Sets. They are great start to the gifting season !
LORAC almost always has the best deals in makeup. This first one is the Smokey Eyes Kit ($32.50) is exclusive to QVC.
The Body Shop has got a special Facebook promotion going on to help with your Holiday shopping !

They have just launched a hidden tab (only visible to fans) on their Facebook page (facebook.com/thebodyshop) called “Secret Santa,” and throughout the next few weeks, they will be posting exclusive deals only available on the page (and for limited periods of time per deal). So if you're on facebook, take advantage of the deals !

Remember to check out the December issue of Allure for a special article, celebrating the 15th anniversary of makeup legend Francois Nars. It is an intriguing story of him, coming from a small town in France and making it to the worldwide fashion stage---and why he credits his mother with much of his success. He dishes on some of his favorite products and his most famous images.

The issue hits stands November 24.

Love,
Indian Girl

Hiya Ladies !

This morning I set out writing a post on Boys but then I got into other things and never finished it. I then figured we need a dose of it on any given day. So I'll be sure to post it on Wednesday - just when you need it the most.

Or I .

Instead lemme get to a story on foundation. I thought it would be a great followup, now that we have shared a few tips on how to apply foundation better.


I've been testing out the RAW Minerals Discovery Kit for a while now. I used it for a couple of weeks, took a break during the dry skin period and went back on it once my skin was back to normal. Been back on it for a couple of weeks now and its all been good !

The RAW Minerals Discovery Kit comes with 7 items

Two Different Foundation Shades
Mineral Glow
Active Veil SPF 18
Concealer Brush
Multi tasking Retractable Brush
Maximum Coverage ( Flat Top) Foundation brush

The Foundations

I went with the Medium Kit. The kit came with two foundation - L3 and M1.

M1 is just the perfect shade that matches my skin tone. Especially my chin which is notorious for being a shade darker than rest of my face. I love the choice of having two foundations. We can either mix the two together to make a suitable shade or you do what I do. I use M1 on my whole face and then dust L3 lightly on the center of my face. My eyes, extending it to the top my cheekbones , nose and center of the chin. The result is the JLO like effect. The one where she looks bright and awake !

I love the foundation a bit more than my Clinique powder foundation. Its like adding a dose of Vitamin C to my face. Just pumps it up, infuses it with energy and warmth. I find most powder foundations dull and anything but exciting. This one is different. Mostly because it doesn't cake up in four hours to make me look like a cracked doll. What you see at the beginning of the day is almost exactly what you will look like after eight hours. That, that to me is magical !

PS : Ignore the fact that I just called myself a doll ! Good God what have I come to !

L to R : Nekkid skin, One layer of M1 , Two layers of M1 + bronzing powder

The Others

The Flat Top Brush is very good at laying the foundation and blending it into the skin. It feels light and stays on for hours. I do use a primer underneath (Smashbox Photofinish Oil Free Primer). Personally I think a primer is necessary for powder foundations. Just as much as bread is to a good sandwich.

The Mineral Glow is a bronzing powder and is just as good as the foundations. You know I cannot live without bronzers and my light olive oil mayo. But that's another story for another time.

The Active Veil is a setting powder with SPF 18. Though the power of powder SPF's is debatable, I would any day choose one with it than one without it. It being SPF. Though the powder looks white-ish, it is a translucent powder and doesn't make skin look any bit lighter.

But Then....

Yeah there are a few but thens...

The retractable brush is not great. The retractable part is great . The brush part is not. I would have loved it if they use the same material they used to make the flat top brush. Now that one is fab !

You order online so there isn't a chance to try it out forehand.

You must have a good understanding of what your skin tone is. Most of us have an idea. It could be the wrong idea. Just saying...

I lucked out when I ordered Medium. The photos on their site helped me. But mostly its the several foundation runs I've done in the past years to Sephora and Nordstrom that have given me a good understanding of my skin tone. I strongly suggest spending the rest of the weekends this year at Nordstrom . Its a good lesson to learn.

It comes in a sifter jar. I dislike sifter jars with a passion.

And then there is the question of what if ? What if you didn't want the other shade ? Just the one shade is working wonders - I'd rather have two of this one ! Not possible.

The kit costs $180.
It is all natural, mostly organic product. Still $180 ?

Each foundation box contains 2g (0.07 oz) of product. We get two of these foundations in the kit. If bought individually each costs $30. Though it is an all natural mostly organic product, I am not sold on the price. My Clinique Super Balanced Makeup Mineral Foundation has 17 grams (0.63 oz) of product and costs $34.50. And it comes with a futuristic grinder that shaves the right amount of foundation for me.

Told you, I love gadgets !!

But Just For You Offer

The folks at RAW Minerals have a wonderful offer for AIMB readers. You can now order the kit for $90 . That is a 50% discount ! Not 10 or 15 or even 20. A full 50 percent !!

And...FREE shipping too !

All you have to do is use the promotion code DISCOVERY50 during check out. There is no minimum amount of purchase required for this code. You can order anything and use the code for it.

This essentially brings down the average price of each product in the kit form $25.71 to $12.85. And if we get only the foundation, it will be for $15. And $15 only. Yay for free shipping !

Offer ends on 12/31/2009

Dinner Table Conversation

The kit was sent to AIMB to be considered for a post. I have been sent a few mineral foundations from different brands in the past but they never made it because they weren't fun or exciting. This one was fun and hence I write about about it.

You can now give it a go at $90 but what about later ? Later when you are as addicted to it as I am, would you pay $30 to get 2 grams of your foundation fix ? Just something to think about when you're having lunch this afternoon. Or dinner. Its a great topic for dinner table conversation !

I think so.

Which reminds me, I need FOOD now .

Love,
Indian Girl

1. Wet the sponge . Use a damp sponge. Never use a dry sponge.

2. Use a water spray / water mist before applying the foundation and after the whole routine is done.

3. Before applying foundation - Exfoliate the dry patches. Moisturize your face well. Let the moisturizer sink in.

4. Practice at home when you are under no pressure to look your best under five minutes. Try different ways of getting it right. Don't worry about how long it takes you because with time you will be doing all that in two minutes.( or more)

5. Use heat / blow dryer over creme foundation cake. It makes the cake more moist and delicious. Err...foundation more smooth, pliable and easy to work with.

6. If you have very dry skin avoid powder foundation. Just like you avoided your ex-boyfriend at that party last year.

7. Lightly pat gel moisturizer over the foundation on extra dry and peeling areas.

8. If you have very oily skin - blot blot blot. Blot after applying moisturizer. Blot before applying foundation. Blot after applying foundation. Set with powder and blot.

9. Sheer out the full coverage foundation with your moisturizer and slowly layer them instead of one thick layer. That one thick layer is cakey and heavy. Layering helps. Like a lot.

10. Try different brushes - stippling / skunk brush ( MAC 187), fluffy foundation brush ( MAC 138), the classic foundation paint brush. My personal favorite is the sponge - magical & cheap.

11. Give the foundation time to set, to sink in, to adjust and do its thing.

12. Take time to apply. The magic is just as much in application as with the products.

Too Much Information

Yes, the sponge is use and throw. But since I use it only on me, I wash it, store it in a Ziploc and use multiple times. Don't feel bad about wastage. You cant eat your cake and have it. Or something like that.

When you use blow dryer over the foundation to make it more manageable, wait until it cools down before you use it on your face.

There are twelve steps. Not ten but twelve . Ten is the norm. But, I am not the norm. I am twelve.

When I say take time , I mean take time. Behind every face that needs full coverage foundation and has a full coverage foundation looking flawless - there is precisely 246713 hours of clocked practice time behind it.

That person who avoided the ex boyfriend at the party last year was not me.

Did I mention my mom reads my blog ?

Love,
Indian Girl

Ladies, thank you all for the wonderful emails after yesterday's just for you offer ! I am truly touched.

Did I just say, touched ? I sound like a 97 year old grandma.

What I mean is - Its Kool man ! No biggie ! Yeah ! I'll bring you the deals ! Sure man !

Are kids still saying Kool ? My mom just reminded me I will be 26 soon. No fair.

Since everybody is super excited over Holiday deals, I thought I'd share another one from the same folks today. So you could go into select CVS stores and get whatever rocks your boat. Or your friend's or sister's or mom's boat.

I don't own a boat. Neither does my sister or my mom or my friend(s). But they are all getting a value pack for Christmas ! It will rock their proverbial boat.



This next kit is a lip balm kit. Three lip balms in one rectangular kit. A $26 value. But just for you $12.99.

The three shades in it are
Fresh Pink - a barely there ( not really "there") pink
Nude Shimmer - a barely there ( really, its there. You can see sometimes.) Nude with a hint of shimmer
Berry Shine - The cheerleader of the gang ! Such a pretty berry with a golden glaze.



Look at that ! How can I say no to that !

Can you tell my lips were very cracked ? That's the beauty of a colored lip balm. A berry colored lip balm. It balms and it berries !

Love,
Indian Girl
PS : If you don't find these kits at your CVS , I might wait out a couple more weeks or so. Some stock products immediately, some get them later. They probably dont wanna get into Holiday madness already ! Cant blame them ! Also these are available only at select stores which I guess means select cities as well. If I get a list of those stores , I'll be sure to let y'all know. Hang in there with me, while I gather up more details on Monday. Have a super weekend !

Its the Holidays !

Well, technically not yet but we're almost there ! I know we're almost there because it smells like cinnamon and other holiday spices around my apartment building. I get out and I'm like...

Oh No You Didn't. Oh No. They bust out their Holiday home fragrances, man !

I don't have the holiday fragrances yet. So, I am busting out the value kits. Today its Sally Hansen Natural Beauty 's turn with their 5 Minute Face Kit. I have loved this brand since it came into being a couple of years back. Almost everything has worked well for me and the price is almost always right.


This 5 Minute Face Kit has gotten me more excited than the bulls at the Rodeo !

I said bulls not cowboys. Nothing is more exciting than cowboys. *Drools* TX cowboys !

The Kit has 5 items. A minute per item. And they come in three shades - Light, Medium and Dark. Each kit has products that should help enhance features of skin tone in that range.

Luminizing Face Primer
Concealer
Blush
Eyeshadow Trio
Lip gloss

The primer is brilliant stuff ! It is a bit shimmery but all shimmer is forgiven during winter. So I say, Go for it. Thelma. Go for it !

Concealer , I'll write a lot about it soon.

The eyeshadow I have talked about them here. Almost a year back ! But they are still making them good !
The lip gloss in Sparkling Champagne is perfect for light - medium skin tones. A beautiful flesh toned shade with a hint of shimmer. Some of my other favorite shades are here with swatches .The blush ( Cherub) is a peachy pink "I-am-an-angel. Don't believe me ? Look at my cheeks " kinda color. That is the exact description that would be on he box had I made it.

But wait. So you think they put a items in a kit call it 5 minute kit and I'll get excited over it ?

No. Absolutely not. Check out the receipt below to know the most exciting part about the kit and the deal I've set up for y'all !


Its worth $45 but the CVS guy knows you read AIMB and he'll give it to you for $12.99. Just for you ! No Jokes. All true story.

Okay I had nothing to do with the deal. But if you give it a try, it'll still $12.99. AIMB reader or not !

Love,
Indian Girl

One thing my momma taught me that I diligently follow is - Not to pick on pimples.

Not that I don't follow anything else she tells me. I do. I am a momma's girl. But this one I will follow forever or till acne is eradicated.

It grosses me out when I see youtube videos of people teaching how to squeeze out pimples. I get the yucky feeling in my teeth - like when somebody drags their long nails on a blackboard. Yikes ! But some people are great at it. May be. I am not.

This is my simple regime.

Start off by throwing out all the chocolates in your house.

Or in my case the sub standard semi sweet chocolate chips.

Wake up. Wash my face with an anti acne cleanser.
I used this - The Body Shop Tea Tree Cleanser .


Follow with Anti Acne Light Oil Free Moisturizer. This time I used The Body Shop Tea Tree Blemish fade Night Lotion. My other choice would be Clean & Clear.



If it was a much bigger pimple I would dab a little Anti Acne Serum on the monster.

At night I wash my face with water, pat dry and dab the Isomers Daily Control Serum on the affected areas. I avoid any heavy creams and moisturizers on my face. I do use an eye cream.

To me this serum is the real hero of my regime. The rest are all supporting characters. This one dries the pimple out, reduces the redness and any pain / irritation. I've been using this for over a year and a half . Real hero material, I tell ya !

Sometimes if my face feels really really dry and I badly need some moisture I use Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel on the unaffected areas. It is a light but very effective moisturizer.

Twice a week I used the LUSH Dark Angels as a face mask. It soaks up oil and sucks all gunk out. I'll write a review soon. In short - extreme cleaning.


No matter what I do, I do not pick on it because I bruise like a peach. Every thing leaves a mark on my skin. Instead I choose a routine and stick to it to 2 - 3 weeks till the monsters disappear. I am starting to believe in Tea Tree's anti acne properties. Anything natural, I am all for it. Especially if it works !

What is your killer anti acne regime ? Do share ! We all have different things that work for us !

Love,
Indian Girl
PS : It must be noted that mine is not chronic acne. I get a few pimples here and there. If you suffer form chronic acne, it is best to consult a dermatologist.

Ladies, I'd like to divide y'all into two groups now. But you will divide into three.

I'd like all my lovely ladies with oily skin AKA the oilies to come to my right.

The rest stay where you are. I'll get back to you later.

Now oilies, run. Run as far as you can. Run like the devil herself is chasing you.
This devil ain't wearing no Prada. She is wearing comfortable Nikes with Foot petals in it for extreme comfort.

So. Run.
Faster. Faster. Faster.

Okay so now that we've sent away the oilies. I'd like my girls with dry skin to my left.
Lets call us - The Dryers. This story is for you.

I once had a dryer write to me asking what she can do to make her skin look oily. We all know what that meant. We want that sheen that comes naturally on oily skin.We don't want the parched lifeless look.

Thanks to some bad acne , four weeks back and some very good anti acne products that dried the living hell out of those pimples - I was left with super dry skin on my face.

Why the acne ? Chocolates.

Worse they weren't even good chocolates. I ate them because I had them.
Okay they weren't even chocolates . They were semi sweet chocolate chips.
Bad bad bad.

But no matter what the folks at Pro Active say, I still believe stress + chocolates = acne.

To add moisture back into my face and get rid of the lifelessness I started using Kenzo - Cream With A Sheen. It is a super hydrating product that also gives an overall luminous glow to your skin. I apply the cream and all I see is cream. But in a couple of minutes I notice the pearly glare all over my face. It is not shimmery, it is a sheen - like they say. Like the sheen on top of a pearl. And then I wait a couple more minutes and let out an Aaah...!

The same Aaah...! you let out after water reaches your dry throat.

The moisture hits your skin like the water from a sprinkler hits the earth on a dry hot Teaaaxan summer day.

However, use very little. I cannot assume that same beautiful result will come from adding loads of it. Loads of it and the devil will be chasing you too. In Nikes nonetheless !

Absolutely wonderful product that will break your bank at $58. But will leave you with the most beautiful, angel like, illuminated , luxurious feeling skin in the world !

I'm not done yet. I said I'll divide you into two groups but you'll become three. You did ! The third group - combis . Thank you for your patience. You know where your skin is at. Follow the path to breaking your bank err...luminous skin or run away if you've got the oilies.

Love,
Indian Girl