Inside My MAC Palette

Hey Dolls,

So anyone who follows makeup must know about the Urban Decay's Naked Palette, I'm a fan too as I always prefer my makeup to be close to skin tone and I only experiment with colors on my lip and nails! But Naked Palette isn't available everywhere and people often find difficulties choosing between the 3 options, owning Naked Palette 1 & 3 (which I struggled to get and finally asked my friend who was going to Dubai to get it), I can assure you that it is not worth investing in more than one palette at a time. I prefer Urban Decay's eyeshadow only because I'm just in love with the way these products are pigmented which is my priority! But nothing beats choosing a personalised palette which makes sure you spend lesser and use it up before it expires, to learn more about makeup expiration, click here.

I thought I'd let you know what my favourite most used MAC shadows are. I know it can be very overwhelming and often intimidating when you're in a store, as there is so much to choose from.
This palette is mostly made up of neutral shades as well as a few darker shadows, so I can create anything from a barely there soft daytime look to a night time smokey eye.
You can buy the empty 15 pan palette in MAC and then pick whatever colours you want to go inside.
I put new shadows in my palette to replace ones that were almost empty (where I could) to take the photos for this post, so you would be able to see the colours clearly.
I have the old 15 pan palettes - the new ones have a clear acrylic top so you can see the eyeshadows inside, whereas you have to open the old palettes to see the shadows.

You can buy the personalised parsonalized palette from their website or just walk-in to a store and ask their makeup professionals to help you, you can ask for guidence with the shades which goes best with your skin tone & I highly recommend to swatch on your arm to see the actual colour as it may get confusing.

Brule (satin finish) -This is a beige shade with a very subtle satin finish. I use this as a base shadow to even out my lid. I also use this when I want a very subtle highlight under my brow.
Omega- (matte finish) This shade looks unimpressive in the pan but once swatched it is a gorgeous grey toned soft neutral brown colour. I love to wear this shade mixed with Patina on the lid.
Soft Brown- (matte finish) This is a tan peach toned brown, it's a perfect crease colour. I also use it to blend out the edges of darker shadows.
Soba (satin finish)- This is a medium-warm brown camel shade. When looking at this shadow in the pan I can see it has a small amount of finely milled gold glitter particles running through it. However I cannot see the glitter when I apply the shadow.
Cork -(satin finish) This is a medium warm brown shade - it's a perfect crease colour.

Clockwise from top left: Brule, Omega, Soft Brown, Cork, Soba

From left: Brule, Omega, Soft Brown, Soba, Cork

Espresso (matte)- This is a matte dark brown, again perfect for the outer corner.
Mystery (satin finish) This is a dark brown cool toned shade with purple and grey undertones - perfect for the outer corner.
Mulch- (Velvet finish) This is a warm bronze metallic shade with gold glitter particles running through it. I wear this shade all over the lid.
Woodwinked (Veluxe pearl finish)- This is a warm golden metallic shimmer shade. I wear this shade on my lid. I've heard people saying they can't wear this shadow because it looks too orange toned on them, but I have found that it looks more gold on me. I love it.
Patina (frost finish)- This my favourite Mac eyeshadow. It is a pale taupe with grey undertones with a golden metallic finish.

From top left clockwisw: Espresso, Mystery, Mulch, Patina, Woodwinked

From Left: Espresso, Mystery, Mulch, Woodwinked, Patina

Swiss Chocolate (matte finish)This is a matte red-.brown I use this in the crease, or in the outer corner with soft brown in the crease.
Sliver Ring (veluxe pearl finish)-  This is a grey sliver shade, it's not metallic but it has a sliver sheen finish to it. I use this on the centre of the lid over Knight Divine when I'm doing a smokey eye.
Knight Divine (veluxe pearl finish)- This is a dark blue toned grey with a slight sliver sheen. I use this on the lid when I'm doing a smokey eye. This is the only shadow I have a slight issue with - I find that I have to really build up the colour on the lid (the payoff isn't the best) but I love the colour. This shade wears evenly and it's lasting power is great.
Print (satin finish) - This is a grey shade with finely milled sliver glitter through it. However, the glitter isn't noticeable, when applied it looks matte. I use this in the crease for a smokey eye.
Carbon  (matte finish) black shadow, I use this in the outer corner when doing a smokey eye. I also use it along the upper lash line when I'm doing an everyday neutral look when I don't want to use liner.
I have had no problems with the shadows (except Knight Divine). They have good colour payoff, are really blendable, long lasting and they wear evenly.

Clockwise from top left: Knight Divine, Print, Carbon, Silver Ring, Swiss Chocolate

From left: Swiss Chocolate, Silver Ring, Knight Divine, Print, Carbon

If you would like me to create any beauty looks with some of these shades just let me know in the comments. Or if you would like me to do another post on the rest of my MAC palettes just let me know.

Please note I purchased all of the products mentioned & the links provided are not affiliate links
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XOXO,
Anshika Agarwal.

Make that lipstick last longer!

Hey Dolls,

Don't we just hate it when we wear our favourite red lipstick but wears off even before we hit the party? Well here is a step by step instruction to help you keep any lipstick longer.

Step 1:Apply your favourite lip balm to moisturize and prep your lips for the lipstick. This will even out all the crease and help in smooth and even application, it also avoids staining of your lips and restores the natural colour.

Step 2: Apply your lip liner followed by your lipstick, the texture and colour doesn't matter for this technique.

Step 3:After you have applied your lipstick, hold a tissue over your lips and lightly dust translucent powder over the tissue.

And its done! 

Let me know what works for you!

XOXO,
Anshika Agarwal.

Life Hack Tuesdays: Convert your eye-pencil to a super intense gel eye liner + GIVEAWAY.

Hey dolls,

Personally speaking I prefer gel eyeliners and liquid eyeliners more than a normal eyepencil because of the dark colour they leave, I can say from my experience that they are longer lasting than kohls pencils. But they're more expensive too! Here's a simple trick you can follow to make them work just like the gel liners, All you need is.. 1) An eye pencil 2) Lighter/Candle or any kind of flame.

Just hold the nib of the pencil above the flame for 1 second and let it cool down.

You have an intense liner to use, Amazing isn't it?

What do you prefer, a gel liner or a pencil? Tell me in your comments below and you can win a MAC liquid liner. Details on my Twitter so follow me and stay tuned!

XOXO,
Anshika Agarwal.

Get ready with me for Valentines day!

Hey dolls,

Don't we all wish to drive our better-halve's all crazy on valentines? And for girls their outfit for the day also forms a small part of the entire plan, of surprising their guy! So it has to be perfect!

Thus I thought why not lets get ready together? 
Its always better to decide the outfit one day in advance. That helps prevent your guy for waiting for those 5 minutes to get over!

So I hope you all have almost decided your outfit by now. Or at least have this one dress, top, shorts maybe? In mind, which you have been waiting to wear. Here is what I have chosen for my day.

Outfit

Bag - Chanel, Shoes - Aldo, Blouse - Debenhams, Shorts - Forever 21.

Makeup

Foundation - MAC Pro Longwear SPF 10. Shade NC42

Concealer - MAC Studio finish concealer. Shade NC44

Eyes- Urban Decay's Naked palette 1 - Shades - Virgin, Buck, Smog, Sidecar, Darkhorse.

         Maybelline's gel eyeliner.

         Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Multi Dimensional Mascara #10 Noir

Lips- MAC - Kinda Sexy.

Bronzer - MAC Bronzing powder - Golden

Highlighter - MAC Eyeshadow - Dazzlelight.

Fix+ - MAC

I have clubbed my semi net black top with my cream lace shorts along with peep toes black heels and a sling!
The outfit is simple, the collar on the top adds more style to the look, The bag compliments the entire look as well as matches the little sequins on the collar. And The black heels play their "we can rock any outfit" role very well!
This outfit is simple to put together, comfortable and yet very chic and sexy!
Besides its chic properties this outfit is also event friendly, It will be your friend from a brunch to a sleepover!

I hope this post helped you clear your head and narrow down to fewer options! Feel free to post pictures of your outfit, share ideas or post in queries about your outfit for tomorrow. Do Instagram your outfits and use #GetReadyWithAnshika and I will surely comment on your pictures. Follow me on my links by clicking on the top right buttons.

Happy valentines day dolls! Have a wonderful evening.

XOXO,
Anshika Agarwal.

Maybelline's Bright Benefit Stick Review.

Hey Dolls,

So I've been asked to do some product reviews so here it is.. my first product review, and it had to be about Maybelline's BB stick. We all have been a witness to the sudden trend of BB & CC creams, all of our favorite brands have it in different texture & shades, basically these creams are nothing but tinted moisturizers with sun block properties. Its a good idea to switch your foundation with a more nourishing BB cream during a normal day.

But from just creating a substitute to your foundations, Maybelline has just taken this trend to another level by introducing its Clearglow BB stick. "The new concealer in your bag". I will highly recommend this product as it gives you this amazing coverage which can hide all your marks, dark circles and spots. So with this product in hand you can confidently bid goodbye to your concealer. The product contains SPF 21 so it is perfect for a normal day. The application is super easy with its oversized lipstick structure, all you need to do is just apply it directly on the areas you want to conceal.. just like you do with your concealer sticks and then blend it with your fingertips and you have flawless skin instantly. Check out this video for a visual.

It comes in a super cute packaging and its a super cheap product ($6-$7), a true value for money, its available at most of the drugstores you may also check for it online.

What's your favourite on-the-go product? 

If you do try this product comment below with your experience. Take care and get a lot of beauty sleep to reduce the need for a concealer. Keep your skin healthy by making sure you remove every bit of makeup before bed.

XOXO,

Anshika Agarwal.

How to choose your mascara?

Hey dolls,

Ever wondered why does our favourite makeup brands have so many different mascaras in their product range? Yes! mascaras come with a wide range and its essential for you to know which one suits you the best. Besides color coating your eyelashes, it also gives them definition. Just as you choose shades for your eye shadow, mascaras also come in different colors and properties and ingredients. What may work wonders for your best friend may not work at all for you. Surprised? This article might help you to clear your doubts, here are a few guidelines..

Your Eyelashes Are Short and Stubby: If you have blunt, short eyelashes that are not so prominent then try lengthening mascara, don't just go by the words of the sales girl, choose between mascaras that emphasis on its lengthening ability. This mascara will give your lashes definition and will make them look much longer. They also make the lashes look deeper and darker. An eyelash curler is a good option to add in your makeup routine, it does create an illusion of longer lashes.

Your Eyelashes are Sparse

Worried about the thin, sparse eyelashes? Worry not, help is at hand. Sparse eyelashes are a common problem faced by women. And that’s where mascara comes in. The best mascara for sparse eyelashes are volumizing ones. These will add volume to your lashes, making them look thicker and better.They contain ingredients like polymer and waxes that helps in ‘building’ your lashes. Make sure you highlight your lashes from root to tip with the wand, held horizontally for a great effect. You can also try fake eyelashes for your glitzy parties.

Your Eyelashes have an Improper Shape

We all know that the perfect eyelashes should be long and dense with just the right amount of curl. Instead of opting for an eyelash curler, a simpler option is to pick up curling mascara. These mascaras will give your face a wide-eyed look and create dramatically curled eyelashes that last all day. They have a thicker formulation that dries quickly so as to hold the curled-up shape. Eyelash curlers can help you with it also try section false eyelashes.

Eye-catching Eyelashes

For special event when you want extra attractive lashes, you must pick bold and dramatic mascara that will add volume and length. Many brands have auto-powered and vibrating brushes that’ll apply the coat evenly to your lashes. Make sure you apply at least two coats in order to make an impression and try to choose a waterproof one that stays all day long.

Don' follow your favourite beauty guru's recommends blindly, go to the store and try multiple mascaras before buying them. Also try avoiding waterproof make up when possible as they may get a little difficult to remove and we all know that makeup residue is bad! I'll be doing a makeup cleansing routine soon, Do subscribe to my blog for more posts like this. Till then take good care of yourself and don't forget to remove your makeup everyday.

XOXO,
Anshika Agarwal.

Makeup Expiration: What is the shelf life of your cosmetics?

Hello you makeup junkies out there, the ones who have a stock pile or even those with only one lip gloss and mascara, Throwing your favorite makeup can be a lot worse than a heartbreak but today is the day you need to start going trough those cosmetics, and making a very important step in cleaning out those germ filled mascara tubes! This is one of the most committed beauty sins, as I have yet to meet the first woman who throws out her makeup when the time comes and the fact that these little bottles of addiction comes without an expiration date kinda makes us happy. We just can't seem to let go of our beloved and very expensive products after just 4-5 months months. It just hurts so bad :'(

 Mascara is a breeding ground for various eye infections, including pinkeye, and sties. Have you recently had sensitive, itchy, irritated eyes? Check your makeup! You have to get rid of it after 6 months, some even say 3. When in doubt, throw it out!

 Lipsticks starts to loose texture when it's gone bad. Toss it out after 2-3 years, and even though it seems like a long time, it's said that women tend to keep their lipsticks for up to 7 years! Eeek! Food has expiration dates, and people don't think twice to trow it out when it's gone bad, why should cosmetics be any different? The makeup you put on your face should be as fresh as the food you consume.

Liquid eyeliners is just as dangerous as mascara. Once it goes bad, usually 6-8 months, it's sayonara!

Face powders, Blush, Bronzer & Eyeshadows last up to 3 years. Since it's almost impossible to finish blush, (unless you're a makeup artist),  have a longer shelf life, and are lower risk for growing bacteria as it has little to no water at all. As with all cosmetics, it should be tossed within 2 years. You will notice powders become very dry and difficult to blend when it get older, don't try to fix it, just let it go.

 Foundation/ Concealers are good for up to 1-2 year. Not only does it harbor bacteria that you will then be applying to your face, but it also will become thick, making for an uneven application. This is a recipe for disaster. To extend the shelf life of your foundation a little bit longer, buy the ones that come with a pump or in a squeeze bottle. You want to avoid contamination, if you are having to put your fingers in the container, it will only shorten the lifespan of your makeup.

Lipgloss should be tossed after 2 year. It's also important to keep them in a cool dry place.

Don't buy more than needed for a full year, it's nice to have a little collection, but remember to keep rotating them, buying new and getting rid of the old.

Just remember to keep your makeup fresh, this will keep your skin looking and feeling healthy!