Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog is offering another Manic Monday giveaway. TwisTeD Silver Shower earrings will add that holiday je ne sai quoi to that holiday outfit.

Hot Beauty Health is giving one lucky reader a chance to win NARS Exclusive Lip Gloss Collection that includes five fabulous shades to wear this holiday season.

Beauty Junkies Unite discovers Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare and has an "experience"!

Viva Woman shares with you the benefits of the oil cleansing method.

Fabulous Over Forty has a Lancome nail polish giveaway, as well as other holiday gift guides.

Felicia at ThisThatBeauty is doing her own personal rendition of the MAC and HELLO KITTY collection. Check out Felicia's HELLO KITTY Face of the Day.

Get Tips for Holiday Travel from cosmetic bag designer Stephanie Johnson at Makeup Bag.

Battle skin dryness this winter with a great spa-at-home tip from eye4style.

Georgia at Neon Bible takes a look at what Bond No. 9 has to offer for Christmas and it's actually affordable!

What eye look tops winter 2008 makeup trends? Head on over to Frappelattes to find out!

Alison of The Advice Sisters attended the 36th Annual International Emmy Awards and worked the red carpet but she's also been blogging about holiday beauty, too!

The Makeup Divas is giving away several Elizabeth Grant skin care products. So hop on over and enter the contest today!

Beauty411 shares time-saving tips and styling suggestions for holiday hair without the hassle!

Kyle at Face Candy reviews Tocca's Florence Solid Fragrance.

Beauty Anonymous brings you Shiseido's Majolica Majorca Holiday 2008 Collection.

Did you know while Lipstick can help prevent lip cancer, lip gloss can increase your exposure? Lean about Sunscreen for Lips at RN Guide to Skin Care.

Suzanne at Mineral Makeup Reviews provides an overview of Bare Minerals Skin Care.

The Beauty Blog reviews philosophy Shear Splendor Shampoo.

Beauty Blogging Junkie experiences a truly fantastic facial at NYC's Xac Anthony Salon.

Looking for discounts and free beauty products? Check out TotalBeauty.com's New! Discount Deals of the Week article.

Monique at Beauty Girl Musings has fabulous pictures and all the beauty details from the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show!

Indian Girl shows you to sport a Bright and Fun Look and Soft and Feminine Look for this holiday season !

Givenchy Holiday Makeup 2008 on Marta's Video Blog-by Talking Makeup!

Makeup loves me tells you what her 5 absolute beauty must-haves are!

Head on over to beauty in real life to find out which fabulous new skincare products make the cut in Christine's morning routine.

Kim Kardashian is giving away a selection of MAC makeup, handpicked by the Kim herself. Visit Spoiled Pretty for the deets and to find out how to enter the giveaway!

The Home Spa Goddess has lots of links to Black Friday Beauty deals.

It is shocking that some thing like this is happening in my country. I don't have words to describe how terrible I am feeling or how terrible this whole situation is. My friends in Mumbai are safe and holed up in their homes. But my heart goes out to the hundreds of people and their families who are affected by this thoughtless , heartless act of these terrorists...

Feels like nothing and no place is safe anymore. How can a human life not mean anything to these terrorists...

My prayers and thoughts are with the families and friends suffering from this tragedy.

Stay safe.

Love,
Indian Girl

Biore is one of my most favorite skin care brands. I know I always get everything worth my money with Biore. You all know how their moisturizer got me through summer. But little did I know that right before winter they would come out with a wonderful collection to get me through it ! The best part - everything from this line is oil - free !



Biore Detoxify Daily Scrub

A very very gentle scrub that I use everyday in the shower. It washes the dry skin away and does not dry me at all. The exfoliating beads are spherical and hence very easy skin on the skin. Because of its gentle nature, it should work as a great everyday scrub for any kinda skin - sensitive / dry / oily / combination.


This cream based scrub also has some soothing refreshing ingredients like rosemary, sage, chamomile. That must be the reason for its fresh clean scent !

Biore Nourish Moisture Lotion SPF 15

Just the moisturizer to get me through winter. I felt this one was a little more heavier than the one I used this summer. They both contain SPF 15. This one is rich in anti oxidants and Vitamins A, C and E. The natural extracts in this product include celandine, rose hip, chamomile and aloe. Overall an easy moisture perfect for normal to oily skin.


The bottle comes with a pump making it hygienic and letting you have just the amount you want - No more digging into the tub ! I have plenty of heavy moisturizers for the night but for day time its just this one. And no I am not abandoning my Aquafina cream but am merely saving it for super dry skin days :)

Biore ENLIVEN Cooling Eye Gel

My most favorite product from this line ! I found that almost every claim Biore makes about this product is true. The moment I put this on I feel an "intense surge of refreshing moisture" - its true ! There is no better way to explain it.


The bottle is tiny and has this cute little pump that will give out a teensy amount of gel at a time. This tiny amount is enough for the eye but I cant fight the urge to pump out more and use it all over my face. Its just so refreshing and the calming effect is instant.

I love the slightly cooling effect it has on my eyes. After a stressful day, this gel helps relax and soothe my strained eyes . The deal with de- puffing is this. If I wear this to bed, my eyes are considerably less puffy in the morning, but if I don't and I try using it over my morning puffy eyes, it doesn't make much of a difference. All that aside, I am very fond of this tiny thing. Girl, you've got to try this cutie - your peepers will love it !

Biore RESTORE Skin Boosting Night Serum :

This is what keeps me from pouring the ENLIVEN gel on my face. An excellent moisturizer under makeup. Its is so light unlike most night treatments and that is what makes it apt for day time as well. It does not have the cooling effect as the eye gel but otherwise it pretty much feels the same.


But more than that there is something this does to my face. I cant really point my finger at what... I have used it this whole week, every night and I just don't want to wear makeup. There is just something , some glow kinda thing it gives...I hope I am not imagining it. LOL ! But seriously ...key word " something " , something nice :)

Did you have a great thanksgiving ? Any stories from last night ?

I know I must be the only one, but I cant wait for this Thanksgiving weekend to be over because Starbucks will be out with their Holiday cakes next week. I LOVE THEM !!!! Especially the mint chocolate chip and the cranberry one. I have this gift card too that my apartment people gave me coz the maintenance guy did not show up after repeated calling. I am gonna spend it all next week munching on yummy treats ....


Love,
Indian Girl

Cake Pic Source

Happy Thanksgiving, Gorgeous !

This Thanksgiving I'll be saying thanks to these products :

Ten Beauty Products I am Thankful for :

1. Biore ENLIVEN Eye Gel

2. Instant Peel - Exfoliant

3. NUDE Clarifying Water

4. Besan ( Chick Pea Flour)

5. Lisa Hoffman Day Cream

6. Aquafina Overnight Recovery Retinyl Complex Moisturizer

7. Aquafresh Extreme Clean Toothpaste

8. Coconut Oil

9. St. Ives Apricot Scrub

10. Neutrogena Visibly Even Skin Perfecting Enzyme Treatment

Ten Makeup Products I am Thankful for :

1. Julie Hewett Lipsticks - Femme Noir, Film Noir, Nude Noir

2. Three Custom Color Concealer in #3, #6

3. Nixie Ultra Pearl in Snow White

4. Urban Decay Eye liner pencils and Glitter Eyeliners

5. Carols Daughter Lip Gloss in Purple Reign

6. Becca Luminous Skin Color Tinted Moisturizer in Camel and Olive

7. SKINN Orchid Gel Mattifying Treatment

8. Revlon Lipstick in Raisin Rage

9. Milani Eye Brow Pencil in Taupe

10. A Design Brushes

Now, its your turn. Tell me what products you are thankful for ...

Love,
Indian Girl

A lot of people come to my blog looking for "Smokey Eye Look For Indians/ Indian skin" and I hope they feel good looking at what ever looks I have up on my very Indian skin tone. Since a majority of Indians have brown / black eyes I am sure this purple smokey eye will look beautiful on them. Its a pretty look for anybody - Purple is a very versatile color and looks good any skin tone and skin eye color ! So yeah, here you go...a smokey eye for Indians / Indian skin tone / brown skin / brown eyes / for everybody :)

I was so happy with the way it turned out. But because of my not so good camera I couldn't get great shots. Hopefully these pics will be enough to show you the look and how I did it.


Products Used and Description:

1. Start off with a moisturized eye with concealer on it.
I used 3 C concealer in #6 and #3

2. Apply a purple cream shadow / cream liner as base all over your lid. Stay away from the corners and concentrate on the space in between. It need not be neat because we will be putting shadow over it.
I used the purple liner that came with Tinte Blushed Beauty Match Book.

3. Apply a purple shadow over the cream shadow base in dabbing motion. Use the shadow on your inner and outer corners. Blend upwards and outwards with it by making tiny circles using a dome shaped crease / fluffy brush.
I used Loreal HIP Eyeshadow in Sculpted.

4. Apply highlighter under your eyebrow.
I used Nixie Ultra Pearl in Jupiter.

5. Apply the cream liner on your water line and the purple shadow along the lower lash line.

6. Use a glittery purple liner to line your upper and lower lash line.
I used Urban Decay Glitter Eyeliner in Metal head.

7. Do your brows, apply mascara and you'll be done !







That's it !

Love,
Indian Girl

Well, not yet. But hopefully....And you can too ! Go to ExpertEyes for a chance to win two days of pampering you and three of your friends !!!

Expert Eyes is a spot started by Anastasia - the Brow Expert to tell us all about the glamorous Hollywood tips and tricks ! Did you know the most actresses use a brighter mascara on the tip of their lashes over the black mascara? Apparently that's the trick to bring a twinkle in your eyes . Who knew !


Love,
Indian Girl

If you want to keep it fun and bright on your eyes this Thanksgiving, try this look. This blue will look great on a variety of skin tones and since its all matte, it should work well on aged skin as well !

The products I used were Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Electric and Thevi Matte Shadow in Aged Wine on the outer edges and the crease. The electric eyeliner pencil from UD on the lower lash line and Nixie Ultra Pearl in Jupiter as a highlighter (its just the prettiest !)




And for the lips, you can do a pink/purple like Carols daughter Lipgloss in Purple Reign or go for a nude color or even a red. I tried it out with Femme Noir and they looked good together !


Love,
Indian Girl

Happy Thanksgiving !!

Are you hosting a fabulous dinner tonight ? Then you should definitely try this look to keep it soft and feminine. Don't worry there will be plenty of color on your lips !

For this look I used Nixie shadow Cashmere in all over the lid, as a highlighter and Rainy Dream along the Outer V, crease and along my lower lash line.




And now for your lips you cannot wear anything other than red. Trust me on this one, will ya ? I used Julie Hewett Femme Noir. Now, you'll look soft, feminine and classy !


Love,
Indian Girl

Having clean brushes gives me the same euphoric feeling of having clean towels or clean socks. Though cleaning my brushes takes me less than 20 minutes, I still wait till they are completely dirty until I wash them . Bad bad bad...

Yesterday was one such day. I wanted to make a few "Thanksgiving Looks" but thanks to super dirty brushes, I couldn't. So I soaked the whole stash in some soapy water and then washed em out clean !

Well is doesn't end there , does it. There is the drying too. Its wrong to lay you brushes flat because it will change their shape. Its wrong to keep them upright because the water could seep into the brush handle and eventually loosen the brush hair. Its wrong to...well of course you cant place them brush side down and squash them. This is when a tiny bit of plastic innovation come in handy. This tiny bit of innovation is called The Brush Guard.



Whoever thought of this idea is just practical and brilliant!All I have to do is pull this cover over my brushes and I can lay them flat or even up side down ! Since it is made of breathable material and design the brushes air dry in just about the same time as without them. The brush guards comes in different sizes to fit every makeup brush you have and each of those sizes in turn can fit a few in that range !

But this is not their only use. You can keep the brush guard on for better grip, or just during storage or travel where there are more chances of ruining the shape of your brushes. The brush guard is available in an assortment pack of four sizes or single packages of one size. All are for $5.50 and this includes tax and domestic shipping ! I have six of em now, and am surely gonna get more so my other brushes don't feel left out ;)

Got to love cheap effective solutions !

Love,
Indian Girl
But this is not their only use

Whoa ! I just received a mail, stating that Thevi had slashed down the prices on all its product by 30 - 40 % !!

After having received very good feedback from the ethnic women who were excited about the line but wanted the prices to be more accessible, Thevika the founder of Thevi has decided to restructure her business in order to accommodate a more affordable price range.

Fear not, it is still the same high quality products with the super sleek packaging. The only thing going down are the prices !

The prices are effective today and in a week the Thevi website will be Paypal friendly as well.

Well, now we can get those pretty pretty lipsticks for only $13 !

Love,
Indian Girl

Okay so enough has been said about UDPP . Practically every beauty / makeup blogger / youtuber has written or talked about it. So I am gonna spare the details and give it to you straight :


Does it actually make certain eye shadows look better? YES

Does it keep shadows from creasing faster? YES

Does it provide an even surface for easier shadow application? YES

Does it make blending shadows tough ? NOT FOR ME, NO

Is it a good primer ? YES

Can one live without it ? YES

What else ? Hmm.... Oh ! Did you know UDPP can be used as a concealer base and a lipstick base as well ! I dint either, I read about it on Jet Set Girls and just wanted to share the knowledge :)

I cant think of anything else...but if you do, just leave me a comment !

Love,
Indian Girl

Just something I put together playing with the Nixie shadows and eyeliner.

What I did was to use the eyeshadow in Absynthe all over the lid and a little above the crease like a base. I used the Forever Ultra Pearl just over my lid on top of Absynthe, so the light green of the Absynthe is still visible on the outer edges. On my waterline and lower lash line I used eyeliner pencil in Clouded Saoohiry. First I forgot to add the black eyeliner along the upper lash line so, you'll see 2 pics without it and 2 with :)








Love,
Indian Girl

If you were wondering why I was asking for inspiration pictures...this post should pretty much sum it up. I recently came across this AWESOME makeup brand - Nixie Cosmetics and I cant stop drooling over it. Seriously, Move Over MAC, NIXIE is here to stay.

Everything from Nixie screams Color ! Isn't that any MUA's dream ! I am not even a MUA and I cant stop dreaming about these products.

Ultra Shine Lip Gloss

The Ultra Shine Lip glosses are the most pigmented glosses ever. And because of so much color, they stay on so much more longer than most other ones. For me it lasted through a half day at the mall followed by a Chinese lunch (Dumplings...yummmmm)


Ultra Shine Lip Gloss in Lava


This a bright coral color with a hint of orange and some gold specks. Though it was a bit much on me, I adore this color so I am gonna wear it often. It will also look super pretty on medium dark and dark skin tones, paired with some bronzer and apricot blush.

Ultra Shine Lip Gloss in Safari


This color is unlike any other lip gloss I have. It is the prettiest brown almost like a dark dark nude color with very tiny flecks of gold. To wear this color, keep your face simple and clean ( read as - use that concealer ) , do your brows and add some mascara on your eyes. That's it. Let this color do all the talking for you....

Vitamin Capsuled Lip Gloss

To tell the truth the Ultra shine Lip gloss actually healed my broken lips very well. So, I couldn't test these ones out on that factor. But the color is a pretty baby pink which works great on top of any lipstick. because my lips are pigmented I couldn't see the color, but then it is meant to be a very sheer and high shine kinda gloss. Overall, nothing you cannot live without.


Ultra Pearl Jars

These are multifunctional products that are safe to be used on eyes, lips or face. You can blend one of the light colored ultra pearl powders from a selection of over 50 colors with some moisturizer to give an pretty glow or you can mix them with some Vaseline and apply them on your lips! To me these are synonymous with MAC Pigments except these are better in so many ways. The MAC Pigments come in 0.26 US OZ jars and cost $19.50 but the Nixie ones come in 0.40 US OZ jars and cost only $14 !



The quality is just as good if not better than MAC. I love the long jars with one small hole. It is perfect to take out just the required amount. I don't sifter jars so these ones work out perfect for me. It is 0.40 OZ of pure pigment.

The best part about these are the color. yes, it is pigmented but there is something more to it. There is a punch to these colors almost like they have life to them. I have plenty of pigmented shadows from various brands but nothing gives this punch of color to my lids that the Ultra Pearl provides. I really wish I would had come across these much earlier so I would have something spectacular to compare other similar products to.

Nixie Mineral Eye Shadows

I know what you are thinking...no these are not loose. There are beautiful pressed shadows. They come in 0.16 OZ pans and cost $15 each ( compare with MAC's 0.05 OZ at $14.50). They are super soft, very easy to apply and come in a wide range of over 200 shades !!




Nixie Well - Pro Palette ($9)

Say good bye to palettes where you should use glue to stick the shadows, and say hello to the magnetic palettes form Nixie. Its as easy as taking the shadow pan and dropping it into the palette. Tadaa... palette ready ! This one fits 6 shadows and I've heard that they work well for Ulta eye shadows, apart from of course the Nixie eyeshadow refills.




Metallic Eye Pencil

Work great on the lash line,not so much on the waterline but completely Smudge - proof. They are creamy in a way that they do not tug at my skin and do not feather away ! I did think that UD had nailed it when it comes to eyeliners but Nixie in my opinion puts up a very good fight. Just a little more depth of color and I think we'd have a winner !


I tried a couple of their cream and powder blush as well, but I am going to talk about it later. For now lets hail the eye and lip colors. You know me, I am not one who compares everything to MAC but with Nixie I was compelled to do it because I am just a teeny weeny bit bored of hearing MAC MAC MAC. Don't get me wrong, I love that brand but there is more, much much more and I want to be the one who tells everybody about it. And for now, I want everybody to know this awesomeness called NIXIE !!

Love,
Indian Girl

Hey pretty women !

Have you're having a great weekend !
I've been having a tough time finding inspiration for make up looks. Any of you got any looks , in mind? I would love to do both Hollywood and Bollywood inspired ones....but Bollywood more , I guess. Just coz the drama factor is usually a lil higher ;)

If I have the right colors , then I'll get working on those looks you send me right away ! If not, I'll have to wait till I find something appropriate.

So, if you have pictures of Shilpa Shetty / Deepika Padukone/ Penelope Cruz / any other actress with pretty makeup you were dying to try... send em over to makeupgirl007@gmail.com.
Cant wait to hear from y'all !

Love,
Indian Girl

I am the princess. Sitting on my golden throne, I am using only the choicest products that were be brought to me in gold and silver bowls. I am being pampered endlessly, bathed in milk and honey and have the kind of skin that will scream out a life of endless comfort...

Scrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeeeech !! Ends the dream...

Unfortunately I am no royalty and never will be (Thank you, Kate Middleton). But that does not mean I cant feel like one. Have you try Hemloq' s Moisture Rich Cream ? It is one of those luxurious things that makes me feel like a princess. The color of the cream, the texture, the richness, all gives me the feeling of being royalty. And no it does not cost $500 nor does it come in a jar made of gold. It comes in a humble glass jar and costs $34. Still high I know, but like I said its rich and highly moisturizing. Use it every night and banish the thought of waking up with dry flaky skin. Instead you'll look at your mirror and say - Hello Rich Royal Glow !



Word of caution : Don't dream of using this during the day unless you are under house arrest. I mean it when I say - RICH. Also, you know what this reminds me of - the Grape-seed Hydrating Moisture Cream from the Body Shop. Except that one dint do anything to my skin.

Oh wait did I say $34 ? Scratch that. On Monday, Nov 24 you can get it for only $17 ! Hemloq is having a 50 % off online - sale only on Monday ! Offer valid on Individual items only. Gift sets excluded. I think am gonna get their Raspberry Fruit Peel - sounds yummy !

Love,
Indian Girl

Viva Woman tells you how you can use evening primrose oil to calm your acne flare ups.

Lipstick Addict makes a review on Artdeco Pure Minerals Compact Powder for the very first time!

Have dry, dull and lifeless hair? Beauty Tyrant has found the answer to shiny, beautiful hair.

Beauty411 spotlights the Lancome C'est Magnifique Holiday Collection. Stop by and enter the giveaway for Le Vernis Nailcolor in Midnight Glam!

Neon Bible tells you the best holiday gift to give to the fashionista in your crew.

Beauty Junkies Unite finds out if Sephora Brand really does have the Tricks of The Trade! Does the new eyeshadow primer and lip peel really work?

Mother Blogger Beckie of Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog shares with you 9 tips to keep you safe and beautiful as seen through the eyes of rapists and date rapists.

MissWhoever You Are shows you how to get Zoe Saldana's gorgeous outfit without the hefty price tag.

Has Boutique Flair's Krista had one too many Coronas with lime? Check out her Crabtree & Evelyn’s Aromatherapy Distillations Revitalizing - Conditioning Body Lotion review, and judge for yourself!

Monique at Beauty Girl Musings has found a great, not to mention fool-proof, way to get someone you love a new scent for the holidays without buying something they won't like! Read all about it here!

Beauty 365 is giving away a Carol's Daughter gift set. Be a doll and enter today!

Frappelattes smells and reviews Britney Spears Believe fragrance, a sweet guava scent spiced with warm patchouli and sensual amber notes!

eye4style visits the Times Square Sephora for an Eye Studio experience!

The Makeup Divas introduces you to a new product invention that will protect and keep your makeup brushes safe.

A Mom in Red High Heels shows you how to get gorgeous Holiday Hair in a Hurry!

TotalBeauty.com shows you how to recreate the "Four Christmases" star's hairstyles in their How to Steal Reese Witherspoon's Look photo gallery.

Mineral Makeup Reviews takes a look at Colorescience Mineral Makeup, which was created by the original creator of Bare Minerals Foundation.

Suzanne at RN Guide to Skin Care explains the benefits of Retinol in Skin Care and reviews Retinol Products.

See why The Beauty Blog thinks that philosophy supernatural concealer is the best concealer on the planet.

I Heart Heels is totally loving Rock & Republic Cosmetics. Check out the review!

Indian Girl tells you why your nearest drug store is THE place to shop for Skincare and Makeup !

How To Get Lindsay Lohan's Metallic Nail Polish Look-by Talking Makeup.

The Advice Sisters feels "Diversion" is a serious issue in the beauty industry you should know about but she's also been blogging about holiday beauty, too!

It's '90s Ladies week at Beauty Blogging Junkie! Click here to read about what examples of '90s pop culture has inspired Amber's product choices.

Nur @ I Love Looking Good loves the smell and touch of Brylcreem on her Jaan's (bf) hair. Hair Styling's Easy with Brylcreem and it is THE hair product to recommend your beloved boyfriend or husband.

Makeup By Ren Ren shows you some inexpensive ways to get to get glossy hair.

Glossypink shows you a lotion that will give you the softest skin of your life!

The girls over at Beauty in Real Life show you how to achieve a great everyday/causal eye with Smashbox. Click here to view.

The Jet Set Girls tell how to use Urban Decay Primer Potion in two new ways.

Daily Dose of Coffee takes a look at a brand new acne treatment called Niapads.

Spoiled Pretty is giving away two sets of Tracy Reese for Sally Hansen Fall 2008 Collection. Ten catwalk-inspired colors absolutely free? What are you waiting for...enter today!

A New Concealer - How To ? tutorial with a much better concealer ! Its an easy tutorial and the only thing you need in abundance is patience, if you are new to concealing. Use very little concealer to begin with, let it settle onto your skin for 3 - 4 minutes and apply more only if need be. With time this whole routine should take a minute or even lesser. Let me how you how I go from 0 to 100 in 30 seconds :)

Start with clean moisturized eyes



Step 1 : Take a small amount of concealer on your ring finger. You can use a concealer brush, but I prefer my finger.


Step 2 : Dot the concealer all over your eyes and under your eyes. Don't forget the inner corner.



Step 3 : Spread the concealer in small dabbing motions all over your eyes. Use very little pressure. We don't want it to sink in like a moisturizer.


Step 4 : Using a fluffy brush load up some translucent powder or any other oil free powder onto it. Tap the brush to remove excess powder.


Step 5 : Dab the powder all over your eyes and under the eyes. This helps keep your concealer in place.

Thats it !

Love,
Indian Girl