Sunny Days Ahead

Just wanted to tell you lovely ladies that tomorrow is my birthday and the hubby and I are going on a holiday!!! Woohoo! We will be in Costa Rica for the next 10 days so I won't be blogging, but I will definitely share my adventures with you when I return. In the meantime, happy end of January to all of you! Hugs!!!

Continuous Quest For THE Tinted Moisturizer

Remember that Brady Bunch song: "we're gonna keep on keep on keep on dancing all through the night...?"

Yes, dorky, I know, but it kinda sounds like my tinted moisturizer anthem: I'm gonna keep on keep on keep on searching for the perfect tinted moisturizer.

I have tried a bajillion tinted moisturizers, since I prefer lightweight makeup for day to day wear, but I can never seem to find the right one. Im my never-ending search I recently tried one more...Bobbi Brown's SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer.

This might just top my list of tinted moisturizers. Why? Let me count thy ways:

1. Has SPF
2. Provides a good amount of coverage while still being light
3. Is very moisturizing
4. Blends very smoothly
5. Looks natural, not cakey 
6. Is very comfortable on the skin (non-sticky, non-greasy)
7. Provides a natural finish, not dewy or matte

I really like the coverage this gives my skin and while wearing this, whenever I saw my face in the mirror, I kept thinking, "Wow! My skin looks gooooood!"

Swatch of Medium Shade

The only drawback for me is that I am between the Light To Medium and Medium shades. I think this would be perfect if the shade range were to be expanded. And one more thing...I have dry skin. Since this product is for normal-dry skin, the texture and consistency is perfect for me. This product is probably not going to be suitable for those with oily skin.

Kajal Couture Rating: A- 

Stranded on a Desert Island

Hey lovelies!!! So if you were stranded on a desert island, what single makeup product would you take with you?

To find out my answer check out my recent guest post on MakeandBeautyBlog.

Hope you all had a great start to the week! I am feeling super motivated so I hope I can keep up this positive energy all week!

MAC Mickey Contractor FOTD #2

After my recent look with the neutrals, I wanted to try a look using some of the brights from the MAC Mickey Contractor collection. The two bright shadows I used were Saffron and Rani.

 Saffron eyeshadow, Rani eyeshadow

I chose these two because Orange and Pink are two of the most common colors used for Indian ethnic wear. A lot of brides opt for brighter pinks, and pink-yellow or pink-orange outfits for their wedding reception. 

Here I used Expensive Pink (permanent shade) on the inner lid, Saffron on the middle of the lid, and Rani on the outer lid. I didn't really emphasize the crease. I used the same color gradient on the lower lid.

The shadows are very vibrant and easy to blend. Unfortunately my little pocket camera isn't the best so you can't really see how vibrant the colors are.

Don't mind my hair here....I was just playing around with the look so I didn't bother getting completely ready. I have a light touch of bronzer on my cheeks and on my lips I am wearing Yash lipstick topped with clear gloss. I love the lipstick shade because it is nude but not the super pale, sickly looking nude.

What do you think of these products? Did you get anything from the Mickey Contractor collection?

FREE Zoya Nail Polish!

Hey Gals! I wanted to let you in on a deal to get 3 FREE bottles of nail polish from Zoya. Here's the deal:

Zoya recently reached their goal of getting 20,000 fans on Facebook, so they are giving 3 bottles of nail polish free. Just go to zoya.com, pick any 3 colored nail polishes (the top coats, base coats, etc. don't apply), and enter code FB2011 at checkout to get the polishes for free.

You will have to pay for shipping which is $6.95. That's not so bad considering one bottle of polish is $7. Act quick though because this offer ends January 7th, 2011.

I have never used Zoya but I have read and heard great things about them, so this will be my first time trying them out. I am an OPI girl and a lot of people prefer Zoya to OPI so I am hoping I am impressed. If you are scared of choosing colors online, head over to Scrangie or Vampy Varnish for some shade swatches.

MAC Mickey Contractor FOTD #1

Here is a quick neutral look I threw together using some of the Mickey Contractor for MAC products. This is a work-friendly look that can be worn just about anywhere.

I kept my face makeup really light, applied Sur blush on my cheeks, and Mehr lipstick on my lips.

For the eyes I used only the Athma shadow quad. I applied the lightest shade Jaan on the inner half of the lid and on the browbone area. I applied the shimmery brown shade Vivah lightly over Jaan on the inner lid and heavier on the outer half of the lid. I then applied Folie in the crease. I finished off the look by using an angle brush swiped in the Carbon shadow to line the upper lid. I then curled my lashed and applied a coat of Plushlash mascara. 

 A close look at the products themselves:

Athma eyeshadow quad

Sur blush

 Left to Right: Carbon shadow, Folie shadow, Vivah shadow, Jaan shadow, and Sur blush

 Mehr matte lipstick

Mehr lipstick

The shades here aren't anything unique, but they are definitely very flattering, and can be work by ANY skin tone. I will definitely be using a lot of these on their own but also mixed with products I already own. What do you think of these products?

Top 10 in 2010: Looking Forward to the New, Remembering the Old

So you already know that I am obsessed with the new Mickey Contractor collection for MAC, and although I know 2011 will bring other new fantastic products, I can't forget the wonderful beauty discoveries that I made during 2010. Some were released this year, some are older but new to me in 2010.

Here are some my top 10 of 2010 in no particular order:

1. Powder: Smashbox's Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder. This powder gives the most flawless coverage and I love how you get the coverage of a loose powder but in a pressed powder package. Read my full review here.

2. Lip Products: MAC Lipstain Marker and Stila Lip Glaze glosses

I have used this lip stain every since it was released and it is a staple for me now. I like using this to fill in my lips to wear on its own, or before applying lipstick or gloss. The stain lasts all day so I always have some color to my lips. Read my full review here.

I now know why lip glazes are a cult fave. They are long lasting, glossy, non-sticky, and come in a great selection of sheer and opaque colors. What's not to love! Read my full review here. 

3. Face Mask: Lush's The Sacred Truth. This face mask made my skin soft, moisturized, and glowing. This is one I will definitely continue re-purchasing in the future. Read my full review here. 

4. Concealer: MAC Pro Longwear Concealer. This new formula has been a hit at MAC, and I can see why. It provides excellent coverage, is natural looking, and lasts ALL day. The only thing I don't like is the pump, but I will deal with it because I like the concealer so much. Read my full review here. 

5. Face Primer: Stila One Step Correct Primer. Another new product for 2010 that I absolutely love. It is silicon-free and makes my skin luminous, reduces pore size, and creates a great canvas for face makeup. Read my full review here. 

6. Blush: MAC Cream Color Base in Vintage Rose. The best color for any skin tone, blends like a dream, and looks natural. Read my full review here. 

7. Nail Polish: Sally Hansen Double Duty. This combined base coat and top coat saves space in your nail bag and it works so well it can rival even the best high end base/top coats. Read my full review here. 

8. Home Fragrance: Slatkin & Company Candles. These come in a HUGE assortment of fragrances, burn clean, and are potent enough to add a nice scent to an entire room (even a living room and kitchen). Read my full review here.  

9. Lip Liner: Urban Decay 24/7 Lip Pencil in Wallflower. This pencil is as good as the 24/7 eye pencils and is the perfect base shade for any lipstick. Read my full review here. 

10. Accessory: Forever 21 Jewelry. I have found some amazing earrings, necklaces, and rings at Forever 21, and the best part is how reasonably priced they are! Granted, Forever 21 isn't quality, but they will definitely last through a few seasons, if not longer, and it is a great place for trend pieces. I found the following earrings for $1.50, and have worn them several times without any problem. 

There you have it! What are some of your top picks from 2010?

Happy New Year!!!!

Happy New Year my lovelies!!!! Cheers to good health, happiness, and prosperity in 2011!! I want to thank each and every one of you for supporting Kajal Couture.....everything I write and each pic I snap is for you! Without your support this blog wouldn't exist and I want you to know I appreciate each comment, each question, each email, and each time you read a blog post. Thank you!!!!

2010 was a year of major changes for me (my wedding, my move to the East Coast, etc.), and I feel so fortunate for every positive event that has taken place. I think 2011 will be a calmer year for me but I am still excited for the new adventures the new year will bring! I also hope to keep growing the blog and getting to know you better. Cheers to 2011!!! What are you looking forward to?