How To Correct Dark Circles ?

    Every morning we wake up and we see our faces in the mirror. We do this every single day of our lives and somewhere through it all we get to know our faces. For me, I know the cut above my eyebrow, a few leftover scars from chicken pox , the red dot on my nose, the mole on my chin and a couple others. I know these well enough that when I look at the mirror they blur out and my eyes see an overview of my face. And I like the face that looks back at me. I'd like to think I know it well.

    But somewhere along all this back and forth with my mirror, the overview just got zoomed out so much I failed to notice a lot more things. We all go through this - we overlook a few things here and there and then one day - Bam ! You realize the face you see in the mirror is very different from what others see.


    I hadn't noticed the dark circles until I took a picture of myself for the blog. Dark circles are notorious for making one look stressed out, dull, tired and unhappy. I wasn't feeling any of those things but my dark circles decided to make an appearance getting me the " Are you okay ?'s"

    Raise your hand if this sounds familiar to you.

    I use concealers regularly and found a few that work well for me. At least they did for the me I was seeing. But it wasn't till I took this after picture that I realized I looked so different. There was a marked brightness. Like my eyes that were hibernating two inches behind my face were suddenly out and bustling with happiness. Like someone had reached in and pulled them out. They were no longer hiding behind a hollow dark space. I looked so different even to my own eyes. Eyes that see me every single day.


    The Orange Dark Circle Primer

    This is what I had used - The Khuraira Dark Circle primer + Khuraira Age Control Concealer. Since then I have tried the primer with couple of my other favorite concealers and they seem to do this pulling out and shine through thing very well. The real star is here was the bright orange dark circles primer. I understand why they chose to call it a primer - you apply it (sparingly) on your dark circles prepping them for concealer. The more common term for it is a corrector. I have seen a few correctors but none this strong. On using it I also realized why so many readers write to me saying the very popular Bobbi Brown correctors weren't doing much for them. I guess we just need a strong dose of correction.


    Why Orange ?

    After trying the product I requested for a mini interview with the founder, Khuraira to ask a couple of basic questions - Why orange and what does this do ? She told me it helped by "neutralizing discolorations through the breakdown of the blue caused by broken capillaries. Worn under your concealer, this prevents the darkness from penetrating through". The last few words resonated with me - the one about not letting the darkness seep through. That is what was going wrong for many of us - our concealers just weren't designed to be strong enough to make a barrier of sorts.

    Left - dark circle primer applied directly over skin. Right - Smashbox HD Concealer (medium) applied over the dark circle primer

    Reasons Behind Dark Circles


    This article here from the New York Times speaks about how finding a remedy for dark circles is one of beauty industry's top concern today. The reason for a relative lack of success in this field, I think could be the myriad of reasons that lead to dark circles - everything from hormonal changes, obesity, diabetes, stress, lack of sleep, alcohol can lead to dark circles. But for many of us, it doesn't end there - " Chronic dark circles, dermatologists say, is excess pigmentation in the skin. Dark circles are prevalent on all skin colors and types, but they especially trouble African-Americans, Southeast Asians and Southern Italians " .

    Its in (some of ) our genes now ? I guess with that I can just about forget a cure for dark circles. My only option for now, is to slather stuff on to make them invisible. For now I am happy I found this heavy duty corrector for my industrial strength dark circles. With this I now join the league of stars like Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, Karina Smirnoff (Dancing with the Stars) and Nicole Scherzinger who at one point or another have depended on this product to get rid of that nasty stuff called dark circles.

    Other Choices

    Since trying this corrector I did some research and found a few other brands that make orange color correctors - Georgia Armani Master Corrector, NYX Orange Corrector, MAC Pro Studio Finish Skin Corrector , Laura Mercier Under Eye Perfector. These are a few options other than the one from Khuraira that I tried. If you have had a history battling dark circles and havent been satisfied with anything yet - I'd highly recommend finding one of these bright orange correctors and giving them a try. Chances are you'll love what it does !


    Argh, all this depressing talk about you know what. Time to go grab some oatmeal raisin cookies.

    Oh make that cup cakes with cream cheese frosting. Whoz comin along ?

    No. Wait.

    Heaven forbid, donuts.

    Wait - donuts - obesity - dark circles. Dadgummit. It keeps coming back.

    Love,
    Indian Girl

    This article contains a sample product sent for consideration by PR. For more details on the disclosure policy please refer to it at the bottom of the page.

LA Splash Liquid Eyeliner - Abyss : Review & Swatches

    For the longest time now I've been fixated on finding a liquid eyeliner that gives the wet look. You know, like the eyeliner is forever wet looking though it actually is dry and will not smudge. Turns out a liquid eyeliner with teeny tiny silver reflects has the power to create an illusion of a moist eyeliner.

    And I found all that for $6.99 (or less) with the LA Splash Liquid Eyeliner in Abyss.



    Abyss is a black eyeliner with microscopic silver reflects. No glitter here, at least not in this shade. It is nothing like the Urban Decay Glitter Eyeliners. I'd say they are more on the lines of MAC Super Slick Eyeliners and can give it a run for its money any day ! The product comes in a really tall packaging. Most of the height is from the application wand. The brush is tiny and sharp - perfect to create defined, precise lines. Dry time - a mere few seconds ! Over all - a spotless record.

    Check this out -

    Round 1 : Super thin dainty line



    Round 2 : Thick ferocious line



    I've seen LA Splash at some of the Sally Beauty Supply stores. If you don't have one nearby you can check out their products on their website here

    Love,
    Indian Girl


    This article contains a sample product sent for consideration by PR. For more details on the disclosure policy please refer to it at the bottom of the page.

Kim Kardashian - Soft Makeup & Hair !

    If there ever was a Kim Kardashian look to replicate - this would have to be it.

    Why ?

    Coz its easy peezy.

    No blending. No layering. No crease job. Nothing. Just a bronze shadow all over lid and along lower lash line.

    Kim K and no black eye liner ! Stop the presses ! But I sense there is theme here. One of softness. Notice how her hair is lighter too... Just don't ask me about them lashes.

    Remember when Ginnifer Goodwin did something similar with a bright gold shadow ? We loved that look and tried to replicate it too !

    Why ?

    Coz its easy peezy.



    Love,
    Indian Girl

We've Got A Situation


    and we put it to rest. Err...test.


    Love,
    Indian Girl

Sonam Kapoor's Dressy Messy Hair : How To ?

    How gorgeous is this dressy messy hair style on Sonam Kapoor !


    To say I’ve been obsessed with figuring out how to go about it is an understatement.

    Because I didn’t have the faintest of clue I asked, stylist Juan Carlos Maciques from Rita Hazan Salon in New York City to put me out of my misery. Maciques has styled the likes of Kardashian sisters (who never have a bad hair day) and was equally excited about the look. “It’s a very modern take on an up-do. Looks fresh because it's an uncontrived hair style. There is a balance between messy and polished.” says Maciques and I agree.

    Totally.

    Continue reading the How To part of this story here on Vogue India's Website. Gimme a thumbs up if like what you learned !

    Love,
    Indian Girl

    pic source

Back To School Makeup Giveaway With CoverGirl Cosmetics

    *****This contest has ended. Winners have been contacted via email.****


    This time around we have partnered with the wonderful folks at Cover Girl to sponsor a giveaway for all of you lovely ladies who are back in school !

    But that's not the only exciting part - we were lucky to have CoverGirl celebrity makeup artist, Molly R. Stern create these amazing face charts with three CG inspired looks, perfect for back to school/fall season ! How awesome is that !

    Look #1 - Nine Lives Everyday


    Look #2 - Turn That Brown Upside Down


    Look #3 - Glance In The Grass


    Giveaway

    Pick your favorite look and enter for a chance to win all the products used to create that look ! That means there will be a total of three winners - each one will receive the products used to create the look of their choice.

    How To Enter The Giveaway

    There are two easy ways to enter this giveaway. If you do both, it will give you two entries and that means twice as many chances on winning all the products used for your favorite look !

    1. Simply leave a comment below stating which of the three looks was your favorite. Also leave your email address, so I know where to reach you at !

    or

    2. Follow me on Twitter, tweet about the giveaway / shout out your favorite look !

    RT @Indiangirl Back to school makeup giveaway An Indian's Makeup Blog - 3 winners ! Pick your look and win it ! RT to Enter http://tinyurl.com/3695vpn

    http://twitter.com/IndianGirl

    This contest is open to US residents. All local, state & country laws apply. Contest ends on Tuesday, August 31, 2010 at 8 PM CST. I'll be picking out the three winners randomly and announcing them the next day!

    Love,

    Indian Girl

A Gray Taupe Look With Drugstore Products !

    I am determined to make grey work for me. I always feel like grey isn't my best color but I love how good it looks on so many brown peeps ! This time around I tried grey taupe look with one of my favorite drugstore eyeshadow trio - The Sally Hansen Eye color Trio - The Storm.

    Products Used :

    Khuraira Dark Circle Primer
    Khuraira Concealer
    Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Eye Color Trio - The Storm
    L'Oreal HIP Navy Kohl Eye Liner




    Love,
    Indian Girl

Smashbox Masquerade Collection - Fall 2010 : Review & Swatches

    I've never been to a Masquerade party. Never been invited to one.

    Besides shouldn't you be friends with the Ambassador of Italy or the Queen of England for that ?

    Even if I were to be invited I wouldn't have the faintest clue on what I should wear or how I should dress up for it. If the Smashbox Masquerade Collection is any clue looks like the recurring look would be one of soft pink cheeks and lips, paired with dark seductive mysterious eyes.


    The Masquerade Eye Shadow Palette($35) is no doubt the queen of this ball. The sleek navy blue metallic compact houses nine mega pigmented satin eye shadows that blend in mere seconds to create several different looks. Plus the taupe shade on the top right could substitute for your eyeshadow powder in a pinch. The swatches will speak for how dense the shades are - absolutely packed with color.



    The Lip Enhancing Gloss in Disguise ($19) is true to its name. The moment I laid eyes on it, I thought it was the most delicate yet fierce shade of pink I'd ever seen. With the gold flecks it does look like a winner. But none of that translates onto my lips when worn on its own. It could be any other golden pink lip gloss. But it does have a certain knack of adding life to otherwise dull matte lipsticks.



    Here I have it over CG Simply Ageless Blush in Lush Berry.

    Next up - The Baked Fusion Soft Lights Palette in Fusion ($32). Light , fair, medium , olive skin tone ladies, repeat after me - Hallelujah. Since I didn't get any sun this summer, I am quite excited about this highlighter. Its a frosty soft pink that when applied to the higher planes of my face gives a gorgeous frosty glow. With a bit of contouring I might be able to pull off the high cheek bones structured face.

    I love frosty highlighters in fall / winters but not in summer. If I had managed to get a shade or two darker I wouldn't have been as excited about this. On my darker skin it would have just looked like a patch of white frost running down my nose or the sides of my face. When I'm darker I prefer more of a golden / bronzy highlighter than a frosty pink one. The Baked Fusion Soft Lights in Starburst would be my ideal pick for darker skin.

    Overall - the eyeshadow palette is a must must have for fall - $35 well spent. The mystic, dark shadows are sure to get your eyes noticed - Masquerade ball or not .

    Love,
    Indian Girl

    This article contains a sample product sent for consideration by PR. For more details on the disclosure policy please refer to it at the bottom of the page.

Simple Makeup For A Calm Day

    Its been a week. And some week it has been. Got back home after a week on the road and I am ecstatic ! I enjoy traveling. It thrills me to make a list , pick out essentials, pack a bag, get out and do things. I love it !

    But the only thing that excites me even more is getting back home. Guess I am a home body in some ways.
    no more hotel rooms
    no more junk food
    no more eating a large pizza

    Blame Pizza Hut for the stupid deal - any pizza , any size, any toppings - $10. I never pay heed to these junk food deals but there is something about not being at home that makes you wanna...

    Are you a home body too ?

    I do miss the TV and room service.

    To calm me down & to get me back to my unshakable zen like persona - I opted for a very simple makeup routine today. I don't like having too much on my face when I am looking for calmness. If I could I'd go with nothing but its never been a good idea. So I opted for three light weight products.

    My Om Shanti Products

    Covergirl Tru Blend Pressed Mineral Foundation - 04 Soft Honey
    Covergirl Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush - Plush Peach on my lips and cheeks
    Rimmel London Max Volume Flash Mascara - Extreme Black

    That's it - just three products !




    I am crushing big time on the CG Simple Ageless Blush - Plush Peach ($10.50). A gorgeous deep peach color that totally works on my NC 40 skin tone. It has an amazing texture - so easy to blend and very moisturizing thanks swirls of Olay Regenerist Serum. I used it on my cheeks and lips. Though its just me saying it - the peachy, soft, youthful makeup is adding to my zen. I swear it is. Well, I look calmer thanks to this angelic peach but I feel calmer thanks to my bff and sister.

    Shout out to my bff & my sister for always being there for me.

    Om Shanti.

    What About You ?

    I do have a few questions for you.

    What helps you get your zen back on ?

    Who do you wanna give a shout out to, today ?

    Love,
    Indian Girl

    PS : I will be giving away the CG blush along with some more products next week ! Stay tuned ! Only thing better than finding a great product is sharing it with y'all ! Lots of love...

M.A.C Viva Glam Lipglass in Viva Glam Cyndi & Gaga

    Following close on the success of M.A.C Viva Glam Cyndi & Gaga lipsticks are the new Cyndi & Gaga lipglass ($14.50) ! Available September 2, 2010.

    Viva Glam Cyndi Lipglass - Mid tone dirty coral
    Viva Glam Gaga Lipglass- Light blue pink




    Love,
    Indian Girl

GIVEAWAY : The InStyler - 2 Winners !

    ********** This giveaway has ended ************

    Get ready for an amazing giveaway ! We're giving away The InStyler to two lucky winners !

    What is The InStyler ? A truly innovative, multipurpose styling tool,designed to offer maximum styling benefits without the difficulty of managing a blow dryer, flat iron, curling iron or big round brush.

    With one convenient tool you can:

    • Straighten hair without flattening it
    • Create soft curls
    • Flip ends in or out to finish a look
    • Enhance volume and body at the root
    • Quickly style from damp to dry without damaging hair

    Simply run THE INSTYLER through your hair, allowing the first set of bristles to gently sort and separate the individual strands. Next, the rotating, heated cylinder gently glides over your hair, smoothing, polishing and straightening. Finally, the second set of bristles finishes the hair leaving it shiny and smooth.

    How To Enter The Giveaway

    There are two ways to enter this giveaway

    1. Subscribe to receive daily updates from AIMB via email. Just enter your email address in the box below and leave a comment with your email address. Comments without an email address cannot be considered for the giveaway.

    Enter your email address:

    Delivered by FeedBurner

    or

    2. Follow me on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway.

    RT @Indiangirl The Instyler Giveaway on An Indian's Makeup Blog - Two winners! RT to Enter http://tinyurl.com/27fe73a

    http://twitter.com/IndianGirl

    This contest is open to US residents and ends on Tuesday, August 24, 2010 at 8 PM CST. I'll be picking out the two winners randomly and announcing them the next day!

    Love,
    Indian Girl

Back To School Makeup Look # 2

    This time its pink ! A flirty and sweet shade that'll show up on any skin tone !

    Products Used

    Loreal HIP Eyeshadow - Sculpted
    NYX Eyeshadow - Hot Pink Glitter
    Rimmel Spark It up Eyeliner - Ultra Violet
    Maybelline Lash Stiletto Mascara
    Hard Candy Walk The Line Eyeliner - Night Sky

    How To :

    1. Prep your lids with concealer if needed and set it with powder.
    2. Apply the pink shade from HIP duo all over the lid.
    3. Go over the outer rim of the HIP shadow with the NYX Hot Pink Glitter shadow - use a fluffy blending brush.
    4. Line lower waterline with Rimmel Eyeliner pencil - ultraviolet and the upper lash line with Hard Candy eyeliner (optional)
    5. Finish off with mascara !


    Cheeks :

    Pair with a soft pink blush like NYC Mosaic Blush - Pink Berry

    Lips :

    Chapstick or clear gloss should be good but for a pinkier look go for a like Rimmel Airy Fairy Lipstick !

    Love,
    Indian Girl

Crush Worthy


    Officer Swarek from Rookie Blue.

    Love,
    Indian Girl

Tackling Common Eye Care Problems


    on Vogue India !

    My new post is up on Vogue India Website ! This time I wrote on four common eye care related issues - from puffiness, dry skin, dark circles to fine lines.

    Check it out here !

    Love,
    Indian Girl

Cool Gray Eyes, Warm Orange Lips

    Would you do it ?

    Not me.

    Off the top of my head I would never have thought a cool shade like gray would look so good with bright warm orange lips. As much as I love orange lips, gray hasn't been my color. I've always paired orange with very natural / nude eyeshadow shades. But seeing these gorgeous Indian models, I am rethinking my strategy here.

    May be Gray plus Orange on Brown = HAWT !


    Love,
    Indian Girl

Back To School Makeup - Look #1

    Hiya Girls !

    Loads of requests from our younger AIMB readers for Back To School makeup ideas. So I got to work immediately on them. I will be using only drug store goodies on these back to school looks. This is look # 1. Lemme know if you are on board with this , what else you'd like to see in this series and we'll add more !

    Products Used

    NYX Eyeshadow Trio - Copacabana ( the third shade from the trio - matte brown and the first shade - matte pink)
    NYX Eyeshadow Trio - Walnut bronze ( the third shade from the trio - taupe)
    Loreal Telescopic Explosion Mascara
    Covergirl Liquiline Blast - brown

    EYES

    How To

    1. Apply concealer and set with powder if necessary. I am 26 and I needed it.
    2. Apply the taupe shadow - Walnut Bronze all over the lid.
    3. Apply the matte brown shadow from the Copacabana trio along the crease / edges of the taupe shadow and blend along the crease moving inwards into taupe territory.
    4. Apply the matte pink shade as a highlighter under the brows.
    5. Line the upper lash line and gently run the brown eyeliner pencil along the lower lash line.
    6. Curl lashes and add mascara.

    Done !


    CHEEKS

    You could leave the cheeks alone or add a touch of bronzer . I like The Milani Powder Bronzer or Physician Formula Bronzers.

    LIPS

    A sheer nude lipgloss like N.Y.C Lip glider in Mulberry Street Mocha should complete your look for the day !

    Love,
    Indian Girl

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