I quit my full-time job around ten days ago. I wanted to take things easy for a bit before pushing myself back into the grind but life had other plans. I’ve finally got some time to post here and I’m happy to be talking about products I’ve tried. Some recent, like the post mentions, and others not-so-recent.
Fenty Beauty Invisimatte Instant Setting + Blotting Powder
I really, really, REALLY like this powder.
So much so that I hit pan in a month.
I like that this product is refillable and the fact that a simple refill just makes it so much more sustainable. It comes with a rectangular puff but I use my beloved Real Techniques Buffing brush.
I also like how it is one universal shade. I know for a fact that it suits a wide variety of different skin tones.
In terms of performance, it’s an absolute winner. It mattifies yet leaves the skin looking like skin; none of that cakey bullshit. I also like how it is slightly blurring. It’s just something you can tap on your face whenever you feel like the oil shining through. It doesn’t leave a white cast which I greatly appreciate. That just means I can just dab some on willy-nilly in the morning and just rush out the door without having to think twice about looking like a ghost. I use it to set my sunscreen but this works in tandem with other base products (duh).
I definitely want to repurchase this.
QUANTITY: 8.5 grams
PRICE: 37 USD (retails for 4300 INR locally)
AVAILABILITY: Fenty Official, Sephora, Nykaa etc.
Gush Beauty Squishy Blush in ‘Lavender Haze’
I really like how local brands are FINALLY stepping up.
But this ain’t it. For me anyway.
It should work, in theory. Packaging so cute you can actually squish it?
A part of me thought that the innovative packaging would detract from the actual product and I was right.
I don’t really like the formula on this and I think they could’ve done a better job of making it feel like a serum (since that’s how they market it – as a “serum infused liquid blush”). It is a lot heavier and denser than I expected. It wasn’t as lightweight or as serum-like as I would have liked. It’s also very pigmented and opaque so a little dot on each cheek is enough.
Weirdly enough, I think a lot of people will actually enjoy this formula because it’s just me being nitpicky about it. I can see everyone else liking the product just fine. But I just can’t bring myself to like it enough to put it in my usual repertoire of blushes.
I also really don’t like the colour, especially on my skin tone. I have a fair complexion and it just makes my face look muddy when a blush is supposed to do exactly the opposite of that. They describe ‘Lavender Haze’ as a warm mauve and I think that’s an apt description. No notes there.
But the finish is nice. I’ll give them that. It has a lovely dewy finish and it looks like you have really healthy skin. It’s not as dry or patchy and blends in well.
I do think they need to tweak the formula a little because this is not ticking any of my boxes. AND I LOVE BLUSHES. SO I’M EXTRA HARD ON THINGS THAT TAKE MY MONEY AWAY AND GIVE ME ZILCH IN RETURN.
So, yeah… I don’t like it. Fight me.
QUANTITY: 13 grams
PRICE: 699 INR
AVAILABILITY: Gush Beauty, Nykaa etc.
e.l.f. No Budge Shadow Stick in ‘Rose Quartz’
As something of eyeshadow stick connoisseur myself, I really am very strict about my parameters of what exactly makes a good eyeshadow stick.
I feel like lighter colours are easier to work with and that was what I was expecting with this one. The ease. The swipe-and-go effect.
It’s pigmented and opaque and I like the retractable packaging.
However, this one is quite streaky and patchy. The colour payoff is not as even as I would like. It’s splotchy and uneven.
I just don’t like this formula. Something about it doesn’t agree with my eyes and I often have to rub it off as I always get watery eyes whenever I use this. So it’s just not something that I enjoy using.
I know there are better options available at similar price-points that perform way better so that stings even more. This just did not work for me at all.
QUANTITY: 1.6 grams
PRICE: 590 INR
AVAILABILITY: e.l.f. Cosmetics, Nykaa etc.
e.l.f. Glossy Lip Stain in ‘Pinkies Up’
This was having its moment some time ago, going viral all over different social media platforms.
So I decided to try out a shade just to see what the fuss was about. As usual, I’m very late to the party.
Since I like formulas that are glossy, I thought that it would work out well for me. And surprise, surprise, it did really work out.
It glides on smoothly and it’s just an easy product to have with you, especially if you’re on the go.
It’s a nice glossy lip stain that is super comfortable on the lips and it makes them look super plush. You can build up the colour because it does start out quite sheer. The stain it leaves behind is quite long lasting and looks natural. The gel-like texture is, like I mentioned, quite comfortable and it just doesn’t feel too heavy on the lips. I’m a chronic lip-smacker and its weight doesn’t bother me much so that’s saying a lot. I also like how long-wearing these are. Even after the gloss is gone, the stain it leaves behind still makes it seem like you’ve put some effort in.
The shade I got is quite light, especially when you compare it to other shades in the line which are much more vibrant. That being said, ‘Pinkies Up’ is totally my kind of shade. It’s a perfect pinky-brown MLBB shade.
I had this period where I used to constantly wear this. Now, I’ve grown quite a bit tired of it so I’m just rotating different products but I did and still do really enjoy it.
QUANTITY: 3 ml
PRICE: 750 INR
AVAILABILTY: e.l.f. Cosmetics, Nykaa etc.
Issey Miyake A Drop D’Issey Eau De Parfum
This was a birthday gift from my mother last year. In fact, we went out together to pick it up because she knows very well how fussy I am. I really enjoyed this initially but it just couldn’t be upgraded to a fragrance I use on a regular basis. Despite liking it in the beginning, this just didn’t make the cut to be put in my daily rotation.
- Top Note: Almond Milk accord, Damask Rose
- Heart Note: Solar Lilac, Jasmine, Star Anise and Orange Blossom
- Base Note: Musk, Vanilla, Ambroxan and Atlas Cedar.
I get the lilac right away. Even after it settles, I notice the lilac and the musk. I don’t get the almond milk accord but I do think that is what gives it the bit of creaminess that cuts through the sharp white floral notes. I also get the rose and think it ties the entire scent together.
It’s a good white floral scent but I really think it can get overwhelming very, very easily. I’ve doused myself in the perfume as I type this, to get the most out of my brain, but I know for a fact that I’m going to shower soon after to get rid of the scent.
The sillage is okay but the longevity, especially on clothes, is weirdly decent. White florals typically never last this long.
It’s a great Spring scent, provided you’ve actually smelled and liked it. Please don’t buy this blindly. Go to a store, spritz some on, marinate yourself in it and then decide.
It also has a couple of flankers out already and I’m really interested in those. I tend to love Issey Miyake flankers more so I’ll definitely be giving them a whiff if I come across them.
QUANTITY: 50 ml
PRICE: 7130 INR
