What's In My Travel Skincare Bag

Hey guys! Hope you all are doing well.

In this week’s post, I will be sharing the skincare products I take along while travelling.

All of us need a break from the hustle of daily routine. I personally look forward to a summer holiday for the entire year. Although it is the perfect time for us to unwind, there must be no break in your skincare routine. With optimum skincare, you can go for minimal make up and slay in all your holiday photographs!

Without any further ado lets get into the products.

Plum Grape Seed & Sea Buckthorn Mild Foam Scrub

A face wash that is gritty helps get rid of blackheads and dead cells while cleansing the skin.Plum Grape Seed & Sea Buckthorn Mild Foam Scrub is a gel face wash. It is not a scrub which slightly disappointed me. However as a face wash, it does a good job. It is not too harsh or drying for the face. It cleans up all the dust and grit comfortably.

Nivea Refreshing Toner

A toner might not be a travel essential for everyone but I can not live without toner. It removes dirt and dust from your skin that you did not even know existed. Nivea Refreshing Toner was a real winner. It is extremely affordable and lightweight. Not only did it change cleaning my pores but it also shrunk their appearance slightly. It leaves your skin feeling refreshed and somewhat hydrated. I highly recommend this for people with dry skin.

Innisfree Daily UV Protection Cream

A sun block is essential even if you are going for holiday to the most cold regions of the world. Innisfree Daily UV Protection Cream is the only sunblock I can get myself to use. Most sun blocks make my skin very oily and my make up does not sit well on top of them.This cream has matte finish and also helps control with oil. It has SPF 35 with PA+++. It is really light on the skin. The best thing about this cream is that it has a fresh citrus smell.

Innisfree Orchid Enriched Cream,Green Tea Seed Serum and Cream

Innisfree Orchid Enriched Cream,Green Tea Seed Serum and Cream are samples from the Innisfree store. I try keep all my samples aside for when I am travelling since they are super travel friendly. The orchid cream is very hydrating and worked really well as a day cream and night cream. In the day, I would just go over it very lightly. In the night, I would go all out while applying it. The green tea seed serum and cream suit my skin type slightly more as a daily cream. It ensured my skin did not get oily at the end of a long day. I would recommend the orchid cream for someone with dry skin and the green tea seed cream for someone with oily to combination skin.

Innisfree It’s Real Squeeze Mask in Aloe and Bija

If you have been reading Compact Matters for a while, you know how obsessed I am with sheet masks from Korean brands. These sheet masks are super affordable and easy to carry. They do wonders for your skin in just 15 minutes. I used them right before sleeping so that my skin had the entire night to absorb the serum. When I travel by air, my skin tends to get extremely dry hence I took along the Aloe variant. I was also scared that I might break out, so I decided to put in the Bija variant as well.

If you would like to know more about these masks, check out our post.

(http://compactmatters.blogspot.com/2017/02/insider-its-real-squeeze-mask-review.html)

The Body Shop Body Sorbet in Virgin Mojito

With all the constant shaving and travelling, it is really essential to keep your skin hydrated. However I find using a lotion makes my skin sticky very easily. So I prefer using The Body Shop sorbets that is the perfect consistency. I swear by this product in all weathers. The Virgin Mojito variant was limited edition. However the Fuji Green Tea variant smells equally refreshing. 

Nivea Natural Anti Perspirant Roll On Deodorant & PINK Body Mist

Body odour is really important part of personal care and hygiene. Not only is it unpleasant for others but it makes you feel more tired. A good fragrance keeps you feeling fresh and you can enjoy your holiday totally. The PINK Body Mist by Victoria Secret is a mini travel size version. It is light, fresh and summery. The Nivea Roll On might not be the most travel friendly product as it is slightly heavy. However it is really good preventing any odour. I use the Nivea Roll On in my armpits, spray the PINK Body Mist on my wrists, inside my elbows and behind my ears and I am good to go.

That is all for this post. If you have any questions or suggestions, comment below.

For regular updates, follow our social media.

Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/compactmatters/

Instagram @a__ritu and @infinite_times_infinity

Back To College

Hey! Hope you guys have been enjoying the summers.

In today's post I've covered 5 looks that I really like and will definitely be wearing to college this year.

Mumbai will soon be seeing the rainy season and that just reminds me of school and college reopening. I do look forward to getting back to college but picking outfits every morning is something I dread.So I got thinking about the possible looks that work well for college and thought of putting together a look book which will help you get ideas while you pick your outfits. I aim to dress up in outfits which are easy to carry, comfortable and still very stylish.

Look 1:

Amidst jeans and t-shirts I like adding an indian touch once in a while. I pair up kurtis with jeans or  long indo-western tops from global desi which have some really nice prints. 

Apart from this, jhumkas are must haves, they add an indian touch and look so beautiful.  

Top : Global Desi 

Leggings: Forever 21 

Bag: Zara 

Sandals: Hill road 

Jhumkas: Colaba Causeway 

Watch: Guess 

Look 2:

This is one of my favourite looks, its so easy to carry and yet looks so stylish. I love shirts, specially checked. You can just tuck your shirts or wear it over a singlet, it looks good either way. I personally love wearing my shirts like a jacket, with my sleeves folded.  To complete the look you just need to add your sneakers. 

Shirt: Zara 

Jeans: Forever 21 

Bag: Forever 21

Shoes: Adidas
Rings: Forever 21
Chain: lokhandwala street shopping 

Look 3: 

If you want a break from your casual jeans/t-shirt look you could always try wearing some printed kimono's. Forever 21 has a variety of kimono's in different colours and designs. These can be worn over jeans or leggings with a singlet, they look every elegant and stylish and are super comfortable. 

Singlet: westside

Black Pant: Zara 

Jacket: Forever 21

Necklace/ Rings: Forever 21

Sandals: Hill Road 

Look 4:

Palazzos are super comfortable and a really good option to wear during the summers or rains. You get a variety of colours and designs and can pair them up with t-shirts and kurtas too. 

The purple palazzo I have worn is a lycra high waist one, an old buy from Bangalore. 

White top: Marks and Spencer

Palazzo : Street shopping in Bangalore 

Bag: Zara

Shoes: H&M

Look 5:

Now this is the most casual, simple college look I would wear. A crop top with high waist jeans is my go to college look. Its super easy to put together and so comfortable. Just add a cute bag and you're good to go. 

Top: Forever 21

Pant: Zara 

Bag: Forever 21 

Shoes: Adidas

That's all for this post. I hope this helps you with a few outfit ideas for college. 

For regular updates, follow us on social media.

Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/compactmatters/

Instagram @__ritu and @infinite_times_infinity

Photography Courtesy: Sakshi Pitale (@sakshipitale)

5 Products That You Need This Summer.

Hey guys! Hope you all are doing well.

In this week’s post, we are sharing 5 products that you need this summer.

The heat of the summer in India is a little hard on our bodies. We might need to put in a little more effort to ensure our skin and body is healthy. We have compiled a list of 5 products that help you get through this summer!

Innisfree Daily UV Protection Cream

Innisfree Daily UV Protection Cream retails for Rs.900 for 50ml. It does not have any sebum which is basically an oily secretion. This ensures that the cream has matte finish and also helps control with oil. It has SPF 35 with PA+++. The cream is made of a special Sunflower formulation which makes it light weight. The best thing about this cream is that it does not have the typical sunblock fragrance. It has a fresh citrus smell and does not feel heavy on the skin. It also does not leave white patches all over. It is available on Nykaa and at Innisfree store in Phoenix Market City, Kurla.

Sephora Charcoal Nose Strip

SEPHORA Charcoal Nose Strip retails for Rs.135. It is a cleansing pore strip that has derma logically been tested. It contains charcoal extracts which helps detox the skin while removing blackheads and unclog pores. It eliminates impurities and excess sebum while deep cleansing your skin. On a wet nose, you apply the strip and wait for it to get stiff. You then remove the strip in an upward motion. It is available at Sephora stores.

Gillette Venus Breeze Razor 

Gillette Venus Breeze Razor retails for Rs.299. The blade has 2 gel bars attached to it. Thus all you have to do is wet the razor and stroke it across your skin. The gel bars help form a light lather. It is perfect for the summer and saves so much time. You can also just purchase the blades and use it with the Gillette Venus Razor. You should ensure to keep the blades dry once you’re done using them so that the gel bars last long. If you are travelling this summer to a beachy destination, this is a must have!

Nivea Natural Anti Perspirant Roll On Deodorant 

Nivea Natural Anti Perspirant Roll On Deodorant retails for Rs.185 for 50 ml. Deodorant in the summer is the most essential product in humid countries like India. It is natural for all of us to sweat but it is integral to take some extra effort to be hygienic. The Nivea Natural Anti Perspirant Roll On Deodorant does not contain any alcohol and has ocean extracts. You can slip into your bag and apply it easily whenever required. However usually applying once after a shower is sufficient to last you an entire day. It does not stain your tees and does not cause any sense of irritation in the underarms.

The Face Shop Real Nature Masks

The Face Shop Real Nature Masks retail for Rs.100 each. They are available over 20 variants on Nykaa. The mask should be used once you are done cleaning and toning your face. You must place the sheet mask on your face and keep it on for 20- 30 minutes after which you must throw it out. Do not wash off the serum of your face.You must let the skin absorb it. You can use the mask twice a week or whenever you feel your skin needs something extra. My personal favourite from their range is Goji Berry, which is for moisturising.

If you would like to know more about these masks, you could check our previous blogpost.

(http://compactmatters.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-face-shop-real-nature-masks-reviews.html)

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

For regular updates, follow us on social media.

Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/compactmatters/

Instagram @__ritu and @infinite_times_infinity

Photography Courtesy: Shivam Bhatt (@shivam2008)
Sakshi Pitale (@sakshipitale)

5 Gift Ideas For Your Mom.

Hey guys! Hope you all are doing well.

In this week’s post, we will be sharing 5 products that you can gift your mom on mother’s day.

The second sunday of may every year is celebrated as mother’s day which happens to 13th May this year. It is obviously essential to tell your mom how much you love her every single day and be thankful towards her. However a little special treatment on mother’s day would not hurt anyone. So we have come up with a few ideas that could help you make your mom’s day special. Since Compact Matters is a beauty blog, the options are beauty related. These are products that my mom loves using and repurchases them all the time.

So without any further ado lets get into the products.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Flawless BB Cream

The Body Shop Tea Tree Flawless BB Cream retails for Rs.1095 for 40ml. It is available in 3 shades. It is suitable for acne prone skin and has medium coverage. My mom loves this product because it is super easy to blend. Using brushes and making the beauty blender is too much pain for her. She also loves the fact that it does not smell like chemicals and feels fresh and light on the skin, like most The Body Shop products.

Nykaa Gold Rush Nail Lacquer

Nykaa Gold Rush Nail Lacquer retails for Rs.249 for 9ml. It is available in 5 shades. Their formula is just as great as rest of their range.The application is extremely smooth and comfortable. It takes about 5 minutes to dry completely They are completely opaque with just 2 coats. They do not chip off easily.Not only are they available on Nykaa’s website but they can be found at local beauty stores. My mom’s personal favourites are Gold Mine and Champagne Gold.

The Face Shop Real Nature Sheet Masks

The Face Shop Real Nature Sheet Masks in Lingzhi retails for Rs.100. Korean skincare is all about keeping the skin young and flawless. The Face Shop has multiple products that serve this end including their sheet masks. They have sheet masks like Lingzhi that help with tightening of skin and reducing pores. An added bonus is that they are super refreshing and available on a 10 for the price of 5 offer on Nykaa.

If you would like to know more about the masks, check out our full post review.

(http://compactmatters.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-face-shop-real-nature-masks-reviews.html)

Nykaa So Matte Lipsticks

Nykaa So Matte Lipsticks retails for Rs.400 for 4.2gm. They are available in nudes, poppy colours and deep shades. They are semi matte thus last long and do not require regular touching up. However they are not uncomfortable to wear. The matte black packaging with the magnetic click make it look rich and classy. My mom’s personal favourite shade is Sugar Plum Martini but if your mom would prefer a more nude, you go for Taupe Thrill.

If you know like to know more about the lipstick, check out our full post review.

(http://compactmatters.blogspot.com/2017/01/nykaa-so-matte-lipstick-review.html)

Lip Swatch For Nykaa So Matte Lipstick in Sugar Plum Martini.

Lip  Swatch For Nykaa So Matte Lipstick in Taupe Thrill.

A Spa Treatment or A Haircut

If your mom and you are too busy in your daily routine, it would be a great idea to gift her your quality time. You could book a massage or a spa treatment for the both of you together. You could also make an appointment for the day at the salon for manicure, pedicure or maybe a haircut. Ultimately its about having fun together.

That is all for this post. We wish all mother’s around the world a Happy Mother’s Day.

If you have any questions or suggestions, leave it down in a comment.

For regular updates, follow our social media.

Facebook page ttps://www.facebook.com/compactmatters/

Instagram @a__ritu and @infinite_times_infinity

Photography Courtesy: Shivam Bhatt. (@shivam2008)

Sneak Peak Into The Makeup Revolution Store.

Hey guys! Hope you all are doing well.

In this week’s post, we will be sharing our experience at the Makeup Revolution store in Bandra, Mumbai.

The Makeup Revolution store was launched last year in November since then they have constantly been getting more and more brands and products into the store. The store carries products for some other brands like L.A Girl, Freedom,The Brush Tools and Lord & Berry which are usually only found online even though Make Up Revolution is their main brand. They have testers available in all their products and a professional make up artist to help recommend products that work for your skin type and complexion. The experience is very similar to a high end store like MAC or Bobbi Brown. They help you try out the products and decide whether it is what you are looking for.

We have compiled a list of 5 products from the store that we found exciting. So without any further ado lets get into the products.

Makeup Revolution Aqua Priming Base

Makeup Revolution Aqua Priming Base retails for Rs1000 for 100 ml. Priming sprays are huge in the international beauty sphere. Unfortunately none of the drugstore brands have launched their priming sprays in India yet. Make up Revolution Aqua Priming Base is a store exclusive product. It is not available online. You spray on the product and let it sit in for 5 minutes before you go in with your foundation and concealer. The make up just glides on and the skin even looks slightly dewy. As an added bonus, it smells great as well.

Makeup Revolution Salvation Palette New Trals Vs Neutrals

Makeup Revolution Salvation Palette New Trals Vs Neutrals retails for Rs.1350. It includes 16 colours that are a mix of shimmer, matte, poppy colours and neutral shades. Even though you can pull of some deep smokey eye looks with this palette, this palette screams summer to me. All their shades are well pigmented. The palette comes in a matte black case along with a mirror. You also get a double ended make up brush with a blending brush on one side and a tapered brush on another. The brush is of great quality and is sufficient to achieve complete eye make up.

Makeup Revolution I Heart Make Up Blushing Hearts

Makeup Revolution I Heart Make Up Blushing Hearts retail for Rs.1050. They are available as highlighters, bronzers and blush. The packaging of the product is clearly the cherry on the cake. The pigmentation is amazing. In one product, you get 3 different shades that double as eyeshadows as well. 

L.A. Girl HD Pro Concealer Color Corrector

L.A. Girl HD Pro Concealer Color Corrector retails for Rs.595 for 8mg. These color correctors are available in multiple shades like yellow, orange, peach and green. These are perfect to colour corrector any sort of discolouration, pigmentation and dark circles on the face. They blend super easily and is one of the most affordable colour corrector in the Indian market. They also have an gigantic range of concealer with the exact same formulation.
If you would like to know more about colour correcting, read our Colour Correcting 101 post.
(http://compactmatters.blogspot.com/2016/05/colour-correcting-101.html)

L.A. Girl Matte Flat Finish Pigment Gloss

L.A. Girl Matte Flat Finish Pigment Gloss retails for Rs 575 for 8ml. It is a liquid lipstick with semi- matte finish. It comes with sponge  applicator and glides on smoothly. It dries matte almost instantly but regains some moisture in sometime. It is available in over 15 shades. It is a great option for people who find matte lipsticks too drying but love wearing wearing liquid lipsticks.

Swatch for L.A. Girl Flat Finish Pigment Gloss in Fleur

Swatch for L.A. Girl Flat Finish Pigment Gloss in Obsess

Special Mention: The Brush Tools Make Up Jelly Sponge and Makeup Color Changer Tool.

Here is a look at the store and their products.

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

For regular updates, follow us on social media.

Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/compactmatters/

Instagram @a__ritu and @infinite_times_infinity

Photography Courtesy: Sakshi Pitale and Shivam Bhatt (@shivam2008)