The Maybelline Blushed Nudes Review.

Hey guys! Hope you all are doing well.

In this week’s post, I will be reviewing the Maybelline Blushed Nudes eyeshadow palette.

One of my 2017 resolutions is to improve at eye make up specifically application of eyeshadow. I have seen like a bazillion tutorials but when it comes to eye shadow I personally end up taking a back seat. Last year I started with some neutral matte shades and I was really tempted to purchase the Maybelline Blushed Nudes when it was launched. Finally on Christmas my most adorable sister gifted it to me. I have worn it a couple of times and will be reviewing based on my experience.

Price

The Maybelline Blushed Nudes retails for Rs.900.

Packaging

The Maybelline Blushed Nudes is a rose gold palette with 12 eyeshadows out of which 2 are matte shades and 10 are shimmery shades.On the bottom of the palette, the shades are divided into quads (4 shades), trios (3 shades)  and duos (2 shades) along with a brief instruction on how and where to apply them.

The Maybelline Blushed Nudes also includes an applicator with an eyeshadow applicator sponge on one side and a tiny flat eyeshadow brush on the other. The palette does not include a mirror.

Texture

The Maybelline Blushed Nudes is moderately pigmented. The texture of all the shades differ from one another. The shimmery shades apply smoothly. The matte shades go on a little chalky. All the shades can be easily layered over each other to achieve better colour intensity.

Swatches for the bottom line right to left.

Swatches for the top line right to left.

Fragrance

The Maybelline Blushed Nudes does not have any fragrance.

Longevity

With some setting spray, the eyeshadows last for 5-6 hours with the same colour vibrancy. The colour may lose its intensity but the shimmer stays on for 8-9 hours.

Pros

Travel friendly.

Beginner friendly.

Easy to blend.

Affordable.

The instructions on the bottom are really helpful.

Cons

Some of the shades are similar to another.

Only 2 matte shades.

The pigmentation of the matte shades is chalky.

The applicator is no good.

My Verdict

Even though this palette has quite a few flaws, it works well for me since I am not an expert at eye make up but if you are looking to create some bold and colourful looks, you should probably this one a miss. 

That is all for this post. I hope you found it useful. If you have any suggestions or comments, please leave it down in a comment.

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Photography Credits: Shivam Bhatt, Vini Bakhda and Anushka Varma.

Setting Sprays 101.

Hey guys! Hope you all are doing well.

In this week’s post, I wanted to get back to the basics and talk about Setting Sprays.

If you have been following the 101 series, we have covered all the products that go into achieving flawless base make up. The last step of this process, if you would like to make your make up long lasting, is a setting spray.

What is a setting spray?

A setting spray or a fixing spray is a spray that mainly contains water and glycerin. It acts as a top coat for your make up thereby increasing the wear time. Its primary function is to increase the longevity of your make up.

Types of Setting Sprays

Setting Sprays With A Matte Finish

Most setting sprays fall in this category and prevent the skin from getting oily. This is best suited for people with combination to oily skin.

Setting Sprays With A Dewy Finish

With the advent of dewy finish foundations, a few brands have also come out with dewy finish setting sprays. This is best suited for people with normal to dry skin.

How to apply a Setting Spray?

Once you are done applying your make up hold the setting spray at an arm’s distance and squirt it all over your face and neck. Usually squirting the setting spray around 4-5 times is sufficient to cover your entire face and neck. 

Some people like to wait for it to dry. However I prefer to dab into my skin with my beauty blender.

Some people like to finish their make up completely and then go in with the setting spray. However I personally prefer to go in with the setting spray in between as well. For instance when I am done with my foundation or right after highlighting and contouring.

Uses of a Setting Spray

Setting Sprays ensure that make up stays in place for long hours due to its glycerin content.

Setting Sprays help hydrate your skin since a large proportion of the product is water.

Setting Sprays help intensify the colour payout of eyeshadows and pigments while also increasing the longevity.

Setting Sprays, mixed with dried up gel liner,helps make the liner smooth.

Setting Spray, when spritzed onto a beauty blender or brush, makes the process of blending make up quick and 

easy.

Setting Spray can help dilute your foundation and concealer, if mixed into the product before applying, to provide a sheer coverage and greater longevity.

Some Popular Setting Sprays

The MAC Fix Plus is, without a doubt, the most popular setting spray. It is known enhancing the make up immensely while increasing the wear time. However it is a high end product and not very affordable. This is probably #1 on MAC Wishlist.

The e.l.f Make Up Mist & Set and Wet n Wild Photo Focus Setting Spray are affordable setting sprays that are dupes for MAC Fix Plus and Urban All Nighter Setting Spray respectively. Unfortunately there are not available in India yet. 

The Maybelline Super Stay 24 Makeup Locking Setting Spray also does a good job increasing the longevity and hydrating the face. Lets hope Maybelline launches it soon in India.

The Make Up Revolution Pro Fix Oil Control Fixing Spray is my favourite tried and tested setting spray available in India. It retails for Rs. 1000 for 100ml. It is easily available on Nykaa. It increases the longevity of the make up, hydrates the skin and does everything a good setting spray should do. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants a try a setting spray for the first time.

The L.A Girl Pro HD Setting Spray is another spray that I tried from the Indian market. This too is available on Nykaa. I love the quality of the product. However the disappointing part is the size of the product. It retails for Rs. 850 for 30 ml only. I would never repurchase this product.

That is all for this post. Lets all pray that some Indian brands come up with their afforable setting sprays. If you have any suggestions or questions, please it down in a comment.

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Photography Courtesy: Shivam Bhatt.

2016 Favourites.

Hey guys! Happy New Year. Hope you had an amazing year. Here we are at the end of 2016. This year literally just flew by. Even though 2016 was not one of my favourites, for me it will always be the year, I discovered my love for make up and finally started Compact Matters. I would like to thank each and every reader for supporting Compact Matters. You have made my year special. 

So for the first post of the year, I will take you through all my favourite products that I loved and adored in 2016.

Maybelline Fit Me Foundation and Concealer

Maybelline’s Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation in 230 Natural Buff and Fit Me Concealer in Medium are my absolute favourites.  The Fit Me range was launched early this year in India and luckily I found a perfect shade match in the foundation and concealer. Both the products have the perfect texture and are pretty inexpensive. The Fit Me foundation is apparently a dupe for MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation and the Fit Me Concealer is a dupe for the NARS Creamy Radiant Concealer. These two are my permanent holy grail products.

 Colourpop Super Shock Cheek

The Colourpop Super Shock Cheek in Hippo has been my favourite highlighter. This year has been all about the glow for me. I finally started playing around different kinds of highlighters and really loved the different outcomes. This highlighter is a cream highlighter that I purchased from beauty tales.co.in. It is as pigmented as a product can get. This shade is a lilac silver in colour which is definitely not an everyday highlighter but I totally love it.

Plum Natur Studio Kohl

The Plum Natur Studio Kohl has found its place in my make up stash permanently. It is my favourite liner cum kajal. Thanks to this product I have started lining my waterline after ages. It stays on forever and does not smudge. I have ranted about how much I love this product in a previous post, if you would like to check it out.
 http://compactmatters.blogspot.com/2016/11/plum-natur-studio-kohl-review.htm

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara

The Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara has been my favourite this year. In my opinion, it is an upgrade on the Maybelline Colossal Mascara. It adds volume and length to the lashes while separating them. It is perfect for every day wear and with a few more coats adds all the volume you could need for a night out. Also I totally love the rose gold packaging.

Chambor Extreme Wear Transferproof Liquid Lipstick

2016 has been all about liquid lipsticks. Until last year, I was a red lipstick person totally but this year I moved on to some nude pinks among which the Chambor Extreme Wear Transferproof Liquid Lipstick in 401 has been my go to lipstick. I love their how comfortable it is despite being super matte. I have a complete review on this lipstick as well. http://compactmatters.blogspot.com/2016/09/chambors-xtreme-wear-transferproof.html

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

The Real Techniques Expert Face Brush has made my life heaven and my contour on fleek in 2016. Initially I was a little hesitant about powder contouring because it could easily end up looking like a brown patch on your cheek. This brush helps me place my contour perfect and blends it just the perfect amount so that it is visible but not to stark.

That is all for this post. I want to wish all of you a Happy New Year! May you always slay with or without make up. 

For regular updates, follow our Facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/compactmatters/

Photography Credits: Shivam Bhatt.

My Favourite Everyday Lipsticks.

Hey guys! Hope you all are doing well.

In this week’s post, I will be sharing my favourite everyday lipsticks.

Personally I love wearing bold colours on a daily basis to college but I understand not everyone is comfortable with that. So in this post I will be covering “My Lips But Better” shades that are basically neutral shades.

So without further ado lets get to the lipsticks.

Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Sultry.

The Revlon Colorburst Matte Balms are chubby sticks similar in packaging to the Clinique Chubby Sticks. They are roll up crayons with colour coded packaging. They retail for Rs.900. Even though it is matte, it is a balm so it is moisturising and comfortable to wear. It has average wear time of 3-4 hours and can be easily re-applied after a few hours. The shade Sultry is a subtle pink with slight brown undertones. Not only would this lipstick look great on a daily basis but also it would look equally good with a heavy eye make up look.

Lip Swatch in Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Sultry.

Rimmel Lasting Finish By Kate Moss Lipstick in 105.

The Rimmel Lasting Finish lipsticks are satin lipsticks that retail for Rs.275. They come in a basic red colour cover with Kate written on it. Since they are satin lipsticks, it feels as light as a lip balm. However that also affects their longevity adversely. Yet I love this sheer pink shade since it almost appears as if I don’t have any lipstick on. It is perfect for the “no make up” make up look.

It is available on Nykaa currently.

Lip Swatch For Rimmel Lasting Finish in 105.

Maybelline Colorsensational Lipstick in Crazy for Coffee.

The Maybelline Colorsensational Lipstick is a brown toned equivalent to the Rimmel lipstick. They are satin finish lipsticks that are super comfortable to wear.  They retail for Rs.475. It comes in a silver body with a brown cap. As the name suggests, this shade appears as though your lips have been stained by a cup of coffee. It adds the perfect amount of warmth and colour to your face.

Maybelline Colorsensational Lipstick in Crazy For Coffee.

Lakme 9 to 5 Lipstick in Plum Pick.

The Lakme 9 to 5 Lipsticks are my favourite Indian drugstore range of lipsticks. They retail for Rs. 450. They come in this beautiful rose gold body and stay on forever. They are matte yet comfortable on the lips. They have amazing range of shades as well. However I love the shade Plum Pick because it is the perfect plum shade for daily wear. It is somewhere in between a bright pink and a deep plum shade.

Lip Swatch of Lakme 9 to 5 in Plum Pick.

Colourpop Ultra Matte Lip in Bumble.

The Colourpop liquid lipsticks are my absolute favourite. They have the most beautiful colours and have an amazing formula.They come in a cylindrical tube with a long wand. They are super easy to apply and really affordable.Unfortunately they don’t ship to India directly thus I purchase them from beautytales.co.in. The shade Bumble is a dupe for Kristen from Kylie Cosmetics. It is unique every day shade with a tinge of red. I have done an entire post on Colourpop Cosmetics if you would like to check it out.
http://compactmatters.blogspot.com/2016/12/colourpop-review-swatches.html

Lip Swatch of Colourpop Ultra Matte Lip in Bumble.

 My lips are a little  dark and pigmented and I am not comfortable very nude shades since I feel they wash me out a little but for those of you who like nude shades I recommend MAC Lipstick in Velvet Teddy.

Lip swatch of MAC Velvet Teddy.

That is all for this post. I hope you found it useful. If you have any suggestions or questions, please leave it down in a comment.

For regular updates, follow our Facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/compactmatters/

Photography Credits: Ananya Khatri and Shivam Bhatt.

5 Products You Must Carry In Your Bag During This Festive Season.

Hey guys! We hope you all are having a great weekend.  

This is the last post of the festive series. Thank you so much for the positive response, we will surely be back with more posts like these. 

Carrying a stylish bag with your outfit is a must but sometimes it does not have enough place for most of your makeup products, thus making you decide which products to carry and which to leave behind. Well, don't worry in todays post we will tell you about the 5 must have products which will easily fit in your bag.

 Compact 

Compact is one of the most essential products in your makeup kit. It helps you set your base and get a matte finish.Pressed powders are the best option as they are not messy and can be easily slipped into your bag.

Maybelline White Superfresh 12 Hour Whitening + Perfecting Compact retailed at Rs.150 .It is  super smooth,light and has a nice fragrance. It helps you get an even base without applying too many layers. This is a pretty slim compact and very travel friendly. It lasts for a long time and does not feel heavy at all.

You can check the complete review of this product here - 

http://compactmatters.blogspot.com/2016/08/powder-reviews-20.html

Kabuki Brush 

It is a small fluffy brush which can be used to apply compact or loose powder. You need to dab the brush in the compact and just swirl it on your face. It provides light coverage and evenly spreads the powder, without making your face look caked up.The kabuki brush is so small and sleek that it will easily fit into your purse. 

I have an H&M kabuki brush, which is very soft and dense. It easily spreads the powder and does not leave any strokes on my face. 

You can buy the PAC brush in the number 400 which costs Rs 850.

Kajal or Mascara

This festive season is a great excuse to take your makeup routine a notch up. Intensify your eyes with some kajal or mascara. They are two simple options which can help you get a dramatic look.

The Lakmé eyekonic Kajal which retails at Rs. 275, lasts long and does not smudge at all. It is pigmented and gets applied in one stroke itself. It is available in Black, Royal Blue, White , turquoise and grey.  The black kajal works best when you want a smokey or dramatic eye, however you can experiment with some blue and grey as well.

The L'Oreal Paris Kajal Magique which retails for Rs. 285 is one of the best kajals. It is super dark and smooth. Just like the Lakmé Eyekonic kajal, it lasts long and does not smudge. It is available in one one shade- black. 

Both these Kajals are really good and something i recommend.

The Maybelline Volum Expess Falsies retailed at Rs. 500 is one of my favourite mascaras. It defines and curls your lashes without any clumps. It is available in black, is waterproof and lasts long. It highlights your eyes as it provides length and volume to your lashes.

Swatch of L'Oreal Paris Kajal Magique & lakme eyekonic kajal 

Lipstick

 Your festive look will be incomplete without that perfect lipstick, and what better than a red lipstick. Red lipsticks go well with most indian outfits and always stand out. Matte or glossy, red lipsticks are always a good pick. They stand out among all and add an extra touch to your look. 

The NYX Extra Creamy Round Lipstick retails at Rs 475. The shade Fire Incendie is a great pick for this festive weekend. It   is pigmented, super smooth and gets applied in one go. It feels pretty light and has a slight shine which would go really well with your outfits. 

For the complete review of this product have a look at one of our previous posts- http://compactmatters.blogspot.com/2016/06/nyx-is-coming-to-india.html

Mini perfume

With all this dressing up, heavy outfits and family functions a perfume is a must. The few sprays applied just before leaving the house don't always last the entire evening thus carrying one in your bag helps a lot . Fitting a full sized perfume in your bag may be difficult so i would suggest you carry a mini perfume. It won't take much place, will be pretty light and will serve its purpose. 

Well, thats all for this post. We will be back with a new post soon.  Do follow our Facebook post for regular updates  https://www.facebook.com/compactmatters/

Photography Credits- Ananya Khatri 

Compact Matters wishes you and your family a very safe and happy Diwali. 

Powder Reviews 2.0

Hey guys. Hope you all are doing well. So, like we mentioned in our previous post, we have another post of powder reviews. We got such a good response for the previous post and are hoping you guys like this post as well.

Faces Ultimate Pro Mineral Loose Powder retails for Rs.699 for 7gms. It is available in 5 shades.  It comes in a black cup shaped container with a silver lid that has a sponge attached. This sponge can be removed and cleaned. It also has helps in a quick application or touch up, which is not easily possible with other loose powders. This product feels light on the skin and is a good option to set in your foundation and bake your under eyes. However on a hot summer day this loose powder may not be a good decision. 

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder retails for Rs.500 for 0.49oz. However this product is really hard to get your hands on especially in India and thus the price may vary from place to place and website to website. This pressed powder is the go to powder for a lot of beauty bloggers all around the world. It has been highly recommended for oily skin and has been compared to a lot of high end products. This product does not disappoint. It controls sweat and shine for 4-6 hours according to the weather. It does not feel heavy on the skin. If I have to point out a negative about the product, it would be the packaging. It comes without any applicator or mirror which forces you to carry a brush along.s

Maybelline White Superfresh 12 Hour Whitening + Perfecting Compact retails for Rs.150 for 8 gms. It is available in 3 shades. It is a sleek and light compact which can be carried in your bag easily. It has a mirror and an applicator, which makes it easy to use. The compact has a slight fragrance and is very smooth and light. It has a very silky texture, giving sheer coverage and easily blends into your skin. The compact brighten your face and makes it look healthier and fresh. This is a good option for people with an oily skin. If you're looking for a compact to brighten your face before college without any foundation, this is a good pick. This does stick by all its claims expect for staying for 12 hours. I did need to reapply my compact after 4-5  hours. The sponge is not that great and I personally prefer using a kabuki brush. The affordable price is an added bonus and I will definitely repurchase this compact.

The Body Shop All in One Base retails for Rs 1295 for 9 gms. It is available in 6 shades and has a very simple and sturdy packaging. It has a mirror and a separate compartment for the sponge. The sponge is really good and saves you from the hassle of carrying a brush everywhere. The compact can be used dry or wet, however I have only used it dry. The compact provides good coverage and gives a matte finish. It sets your makeup well and does not need a touch up for 5-6 hours. This does control shine and sweat and is a great option to set your under eyes. I have bought this compact quite a few times and would recommend it but it is a bit heavy on the pocket.

This is all today's post.

 We hope this helps you pick the compact your looking for. We will be back with a new post soon.  Do follow our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/compactmatters to stay updated about our posts.