Hi there, my darlings! You know, in the absolute sea of cosmetic brands out there, I personally always find it reassuring to use makeup products from a brand that puts a focus on skincare. I have sensitive, acne-prone skin so I try to be mindful of the products I'm using, particularly as a base or around my eyes. That's why I was particularly interested in Osmosis' line of color cosmetics. They are a brand that has built their credibility on making quality skincare products so it was a no-brainer for me when offered the chance to try a few more of their makeup products--you can read my thoughts on their lip glosses HERE. Today, I'll be sharing a few products that I'm really impressed with.


PRESSED BASE ($44.00)

Formulated for all skin types, the Osmosis Colour Pressed Base provides a flawless and seamless, semi-matte finish with long-lasting coverage.

Formulated for all skin types, the Osmosis Colour Pressed Base provides a flawless and seamless, semi-matte finish with long-lasting coverage. Natural broad-spectrum UV protection shields skin from UVA and UVB rays, helping to prevent premature aging and hyperpigmentation. It applies quickly and easily with no mess and is packaged in a stylish mirrored, refillable compact.

Available in 14 shades, I chose the shade Olive


With my sensitive skin, I'm always reluctant to try new bases or foundations. I mean, why try to fix something if it's not broken?! And don't even get me started on trying to find a shade match. Frustrating! But, since Osmosis is known for great skincare, I thought I would give their pressed base a whirl, especially since powder formulas usually work well with my oily skin.




My first thought once I opened this compact was that it was MUCH too light for me. I would describe my skin tone as an olive or tan so I thought this would be the perfect fit. While it is a couple of shades lighter than I would normally buy, I tried to see how it would look on me and surprisingly, because it blends in so well, it wasn't as poor a match as I feared. The skin of my face is a shade darker than the rest of me so I could actually use this, in combination with my regular BB cream, to balance that out, without looking too pasty or ashy. Definitely not the perfect match by any means but I can make it work...once in awhile

The pros to this product, personally, lies in the formula. So soft, so silky, so feather light. Just the way I like it. And I've already mentioned that it blends so well! Perfect for really hot weather when you just want an easy, lightweight coverage before you run out the door. I definitely want to try to find a better shade match for me when I'm back in the Western World.




EYE PENCILS ($25.00 each)

Water-resistant and long lasting wearability, the Osmosis Eye Pencil collection features a creamy, quick drying formula.

Available in 5 shades, I tested Plum, Black and Navy.

If there's one category of makeup products I'm really finicky about, it's eyeliners. I can hardly ever find ones that I like and I have tried A LOT. I wear contacts so for me, I need an eyeliner that not only gives me a great color pay-off (think: rich, bold, deep colors) but also doesn't irritate my eyes. That can be surprisingly hard to find which is why, although I go on and on about lipsticks and eyeshadow palettes, you don't see me reviewing very many eyeliners, Yeah, I'm just that picky.

That's why I'm especially pleased to share these. I found all 3 shades (Plum, Black and Navy) to be incredibly pigmented, even with just a couple of swipes. But more importantly, I LOVE the texture! Super creamy and soft, they glide on and stay on without irritating the eyes. And look at just how black the shade Black really is! A huge win in my book.


FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: OSMOSIS Eye Pencils in  Plum, Black and Navy


DEEP CLEAN DETOX CLEANSER ($21.00 for 50 mL)

This cleanser is comprised of a unique combination of coconut surfactants and citrus essential oils such as lemongrass, lemon and grapefruit to remove deep impurities and yet remains gentle enough for all skin types.

Purifying and renewing your complexion, Osmosis Skincare's Deep Clean Detox Cleanser is comprised of a unique combination of coconut surfactants and citrus essential oils to remove deep impurities. This gentle foaming wash will not only help to clear up acne but also lift away makeup - all while keeping the skin's protective lipids intact, never stripping, inflaming or over drying the skin.

This vegan, gluten-free formula controls oil production with a blend of lemon, orange and grapefruit oils. Lemongrass is used to kill germs, while lemon, orange peel and grapefruit oils serve as antioxidants with purifying properties. The combination of these natural ingredients works well with the skin's own strengths to cleanse without harsh chemicals or damaging products.

The added benefit of coconut surfactant is used, which penetrates dirt particles and allows debris from the day to disintegrate. As a result, Osmosis Skincare's Deep Clean Detox Cleanser makes large pores also become less visible. The formula is completed with sandalwood oil to soften your texture. With each use, skin is left with a satiny finish, feeling clean and refreshed.


If there's one advantage to being in India, it's the plethora of fabulous, natural skincare. So, I'm usually covered when it comes to products to take care of my skin--I tend to stick to my favorites. However, I do have a few friends back in the US who are always looking to find the next best thing for their skin. So, if I see a product that intrigues me, I often pass it along to them to try and share their thoughts, which is the case in this situation. My good friend, Joanne thoroughly tested this product and here are are thoughts:
"I started using Osmosis Skincare's Deep Clean Detox Cleanser right after I received a facial treatment so my skin was shiny clean to start with. I only used it at night in the shower, and I used my regular Sephora makeup remover beforehand. It has a nice citrus scent from the oils, not too strong. It foams very gently, almost too gently. I feel like I used more product than was necessary to really get the foaming action on my face. It washes away almost immediately with water and doesn't leave any residues behind. It left my face feeling clean without overdrying, which is a common problem I have with cleansers. I was very happy to find that I almost felt that I didn't need a night moisturizer after using it. I didn't have any noticeable improvements in my skin but I also did not experience any breakouts while I was using the product so it may have been doing its job! The 1.7oz/50ml is $21 and lasted me about a month with once daily use. There is also a 200ml size available for $37. I would happily purchase this product myself and would be interested in trying more products from this brand."



So there you have it, my darlings! You can find these products and more on Osmosis' website HERE.


To discover other great products, you can follow Osmosis through the outlets below :

Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
Twitter
Youtube


What makeup products are you particular or finicky about? Tell me in the comments section below!










****Products were sent to me for an honest, unbiased review. All opinions are my own.****



Hi there, my darlings! As a blogger, I have been fortunate enough to be able to test out A LOT of brands and products over the years. Even with the international move, that hasn't changed much. But, while I often really like some of the things I try, there are only a few brands I go back to and only a few products that make it to my must-have list. Over the last couple of years, one of the brands I reach for most often is ColourPop...and from what I hear, I'm not alone. Many, many bloggers and influencers have fallen in love with their affordable yet high-quality products. And the fact that they ship internationally at a very reasonable price point is just the cherry on top. Ever wonder, though, what exactly it is that influencers love the most? Well, I did! So, I have put together a list of products that several influencers around the globe discovered in 2017 and swear by. Here they are...straight from their mouths and hearts!


⭐Vanessa -- Beauty Products Are My Cardio

Fave pick of 2017: Super Shock Cheek Highlighter in Wisp

Why she loves it: "I am obsessed with this highlighter because the formula is so smooth and easy to apply. It’s not glittery and looks natural on the skin. Perfect gold shade. It has a creamy texture so I find it to be perfect for more mature skin and with an $8 price tag you can’t go wrong!"





⭐Priyanka -- Glamour and Giggles

Fave pick of 2017: Ultra Blotted Lip in Doozy

Why she loves it: "Doozy for sure! I love the shade because it is SO flattering on my skin tone and perfect to wear under so many different liners - both lighter and darker than the shade to create beautiful looks. The formula is SO perfect for those looking for more natural, long wearing shades in comfortable matte finish."






⭐Honey -- Honeygirl's World

Fave pick of 2017: Ultra Satin Lip in Frick N' Frack

Why she loves it: "Frick N' Frack is a gorgeous rosy terracotta shade. This lippy literally has been my go-to color for bold and dramatic or everyday wearable looks. I have used it so much that I am on my second tube of this product. It is the perfect shade for my warm skin tone (looks great on all skin tones) and I love the way it feels on my lips, non-drying and comfortable to wear. This shade provides me with great color payoff, longevity and a stunning lip look with minimal effort. Choosing one fave ColourPop product for 2017 was a huge struggle, so I went with one that I used the most."




⭐Mai -- Portrait of Mai

Fave pick of 2017: Ultra Satin Lip in Echo Park

Why she loves it: "The Ultra Satin Lip is a great formula for people who want to use liquid lipsticks but hate how they usually wear. Echo Park is my favorite, it's pigmented, long-lasting, and won't dry out your lips!"






⭐Jennifer -- Modern Chic Mag

Fave pick of 2017: Ultra Matte Lip in Flurries from their Holiday 2017 collection

Why she loves it: "As someone who has shied away from matte lip products in the past, I wanted to give ¨Flurries¨ a try. On the first swipe I was blown away by the mauve pink shade and the intense color payoff. But more importantly, the super matte finish felt comfortable on the lips and has great lasting power- two big pros for me. Now it’s my go to matte lippie."




⭐Katie -- From My Vanity

Fave pick of 2017: Yes Please Palette

Why she loves it: "The color variety is very unique from the other palettes in my collection and the quality is outstanding. The shadows are very pigmented and blend so effortlessly and beautifully. And considering this palette is only $16, you really can't go wrong with this warm toned palette!"





⭐Sahrish -- Sahrish Adeel

Fave pick of 2017: Lippie Stix in Mirror Mirror

Why she loves it: "It is an absolutely stunning matte berry shade that I have ever tried. The formula is smooth and dries quickly to a matte velvety finish with over 5 hours of wear time. I am absolutely in love with this shade!"





⭐Jenn -- Spiced Beauty

Fave pick of 2017: No Filter Concealer in Deep 70

Why she loves it: "I have normal skin so I can get away with wearing quite a few different concealer finishes. It's full coverage! A little bit goes a LONG way. Also since it's a matte finish, I personally feel like how long lasting it is!"





⭐Nik -- Nik Makeup Junkie

Fave pick of 2017: Super Shock Shadow in Fringe

Why she loves it: "I love it because it works for everything. You can apply it with just a transition shade in the crease for an easy daytime look or apply it to the lid and outer corner with a cut crease. It’s just the best lid shade."





⭐Noelle -- XO, Noelle

Fave pick of 2017: My Little Pony Palette

Why she loves it: "The My Little Pony Palette ($16) is a 12 pressed powder eyeshadow palette inspired by the colorful, retro ponies we all know and love from the 80's. This palette contains six metallics, one opalescent sheen, two satins and three mattes. Oh my goodness, you guys. This is such a fun mix of colors! I hesitated buying this at first because I wasn't sure what looks I could really create but the possibilities are endless."






⭐Courtney -- Phyrra

Fave pick of 2017: Brow Pencil in Jet Set Black

Why she loves it: "It's often hard to find cool-toned dark brow products but this one is perfect. It looks great on me."





⭐Shipra -- Taneja's Bride

Fave pick of 2017: Matte X in New Rules

Why she loves it: "It's the PERFECT pink for me."







⭐Babi -- ColorSutraa (ME!)

Fave pick of 2017: Ultra Matte Lip in Mwah

Why I loves it: Berry lipsticks are my favorite! Dark berries, mid-toned berries, bright berries, you name it and I probably have a shade. But this punchy raspberry-red beauty, created in collaboration with Match.com, has totally won my heart! It's such a bright, happy shade which totally flatters my East-Indian skin tone and I find the Ultra Matte formula to be my best bet for all-day wear, when I don't want to have to bother with repeatedly re-applying my lipstick. I usually apply a smidge of lip balm and then this shade--no lip liner needed! And can we also talk about how fast, affordable and easy international shipping is from ColourPop?! So glad that they managed to keep my makeup obsession sated without completely breaking my bank account! 

*Wondering where you can find these adorable swatch stencils? Check out Vino Vinyls!





⭐Jorja -- The Jorja Beauty

Fave pick of 2017: Semi Precious Palette

Why she loves it: "The Semi Precious palette is definitely underrated and one of my favourite releases this year! Though this isn’t a palette in which can create a cohesive and complete look, the metallics in this palette are all you need in your collection as they really give any look an extra dimension (and a bit of extra sparkle, of course)! Every single metallic in this palette is smooth, buttery and fully opaque, with no fallout; for the price, you really can’t go wrong with this gorgeous palette!"






⭐Krissy -- Krissy and Libby

Fave pick of 2017: Super Shock Shadow in Ritz

Why she loves it: "Because glitter. Because animals."






⭐Claudia -- Fans ColourPop Latam

Fave pick of 2017: Pressed Powder Shadow in Come and Get It

Why she loves it: "My favorite pressed powder shadow is "Come And Get It". It's the perfect rose-gold duochrome. It's so unique and beautiful."





⭐Morgan -- Morgan Emily G Makeup

Fave pick of 2017: Super Shock Shadow in Half Light

Why she loves it: "I love the super shock shadow in Half Light because it is so unique! It is a duochrome of pink/purple and green. The formula is amazing and it is very glittery. Although this exact product was part of the limited edition holiday collection, i highly recommend Colourpop’s super shock shadows in general and they have other duochrome colors in the current line up."





⭐Tabata -- Ciao Miau

Fave pick of 2017: Dusk till Dawn set

Why she loves it: "The colors are just amazing, if you love glittery shadows this set is for you! And the box it comes in is just as pretty."






⭐Ebube -- Makeup by Ebube

Fave pick of 2017: Dream St. Palette

Why she loves it: "I know this palette came out at the end of the year but I can't stop reaching for this. Not only does this palette have a bomb burnt orange in it (Potion), it has the most amazing dark teal metallic shade (Mermaid Boy). I can get an everyday look out of this palette or go all out with the blue shades. It has been really difficult not to use this palette every time I do my makeup. If you don't have the Dream St. palette, I definitely recommend buying it. I will be grabbing another because I'm definitely going to end up hitting pan on Potion."






⭐Ashlyn -- Ashylyn Ann Makeup

Fave pick of 2017: Yes, Please! Palette

Why she loves it: "This palette is decidedly my favorite for a variety of reasons:
1. This was the company’s first Pressed Powder Pallet, which gave way to a whole collection of different Pressed Powder pallets to follow.
2. This ground breaking pallet sold out every re-stock for several months! That’s how high in demand this baby was.
3. Warm colors have definitely been on trend this year, and the Yes, Please! pallet put together a beautiful collection of mattes and shimmers to create a variety of stunning warm looks.
4. Did I mention it’s only $16??? Where else can you get an eyeshadow pallet of this kind of quality for such a low price?"






⭐Victoria -- Victoria Ellyse

Fave pick of 2017: Double Entendre Palette

Why she loves it: "While I love ColourPop for all it’s colors this palette is the perfect everyday palette for my skin tone and I use it all the time. I’m even considering getting one to keep in my work bag!"




So there you have it, my darlings! While some of these products (including mine, unfortunately) were limited edition, you can still find many of these recommendations on ColourPop's HERE.


For all the latest from the brand, don't forget to follow ColourPop through the social media outlets below :

Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Youtube


Have you jumped on the ColourPop bandwagon yet? If so, what are some of your favorites? I would love to hear from you in the comments section below!






Hi there, my darlings! Please welcome me back from the land of the Walking Dead! WHEW! I tell you, the new year did not start off that great for yours truly. I caught the MOTHER of all colds/flus/whatevers and have been coughing my very lungs out since Christmas night. Antibiotics haven't helped, cough syrups have done nothing, and all the home remedies just left a bad taste in my mouth. But, finally, finally, a new medicine seems to be working and I seem to be coming out of this misery. Add to that these chilly temperatures (yes, even all the way here in India!) and the fact that it gets dark at something like 4 pm, I've been in quite the funk. So, what does a girl do when she's been miserable for way too long? Well, if you're a girl like me, at the first sign of recovery, you pamper yourself with some of your favorite, mood-uplifting beauty products. And of course, you share with your patient readers!


MASKS GALORE!

Cold weather and can do a number on our skin, leaving it lifeless and dull. Much like how I've been feeling lately. But if you're looking for a quick fix to brighten your day AND your skin, a good mask is the way to do!

I recently discovered the awesomeness that is the Blue Agave Mask from PUR Cosmetics. First of all, it's blue. The fact that it has a color might have absolutely nothing to do with its efficacy but it sure is fun to look at! And I'll take my fun anywhere I can find it! Add to that the fact that this dries to an even more fun sheet very reminiscent of all those childhood days spent peeling Elmer's glue off my hands and I've got a winner here.

The mask itself isn't just fun to play--it does help your skin. With refreshing ingredients like green tea and ginseng, it works to revive dull skin, leaving it feeling more vibrant and soft to the touch.




Next, let's not forget your eyes. If you have ever had sinus congestion, you know how painful the area under the eyes can get from the pressure build-up. A little warmth goes a long way in soothing that pain. Which is why I really liked these Gentle Steaming Eye Masks from MegRhythm. These warm up on contact, to soothe and hydrate the delicate under-eye area. Even when you're dying of sinus congestion!




When it comes to moisturizing, especially when I'm sick, I'll be the first to admit that I often slack off. And my skin pays the price. So, to make up for my transgressions, I often rely on the quick pick-me-up that is a good sheet mask. If you're looking for a wide variety of sheet masks (and masks in general) at a really affordable price, check out Miss Spa at Ulta. I highly recommend the Charcoal Detox Modeling Mask and the Red Wine Healing Sheet Mask--I mean, how could I resist?!




Or, bring out your inner child with these adorable sheet masks from Pretty Animalz, found at your local Target. Who can be blue when you have a sheet mask on that makes you looks like a panda?!




BODY CARE AT ITS BEST!

Is there anything better than a long, scaldingly hot shower in the dead of winter? I don't think so! But, for me personally, you can keep your minty body washes. Give me all the tropical, fruity scents that let me forget, for just those minutes in the shower, that it's an arctic tundra outside. Cue my love for the Tropical Dream Body Wash from Kneipp. Mango, starfruit, citrus notes. Everything to let you escape to a tropical paradise in the comfort of your bathroom!




I have just very recently discovered a new body care brand that I'm really loving. Le Couvent des Minimes has launched in the US through Amazon with a line of body products, packaged in a beautifully retro, apothecary-style look. I'm a HUGE fan of their Hiker's Foot Healer! Just what I need for a Winter night before bedtime--a foot massage with a luxurious, Shea Butter-infused cream that actually helps my ever-cracked heels.




FINISHING TOUCH...WITH FRAGRANCE!

Please tell me I'm not the only one who likes to wear at the very least a body spray or mist even when I'm lounging at home?! If you're like me, fragrance is a form of aromatherapy, immediately uplifting your mood with just a spritz or two. But, most fragrances can get pricey, if you don't catch a good sale. Lucky for us, Hard Candy has recently launched two very affordable new fragrance products, dubbed Pink and Black, at Walmart. You can find a lovely, floral scented Pink body mist or an equally enticing, fruity/floral blend Black Eau de Parfum, both for well under $15 each. Or vice versa! Take your pick!




So there you have it, my darlings! 7 beauty faves that are guaranteed to chase those Winter Blues away!


Do you have a beauty product that never fails to uplift your mood? Tell me in the comments section below! I always love to hear from you!









****Products were sent to me for an honest, unbiased review. All opinions are my own.****



Hi there, my darlings! Happy, happy New Year! I, like many of you, am SO glad to leave 2017 behind...wayyyy behind! It's finally time to look forward to new beginnings, new adventures, new HOPE! And that can start with something small, like refreshing your stash in the new year. Whether it's a shiny bit of makeup to play with or a fresh color for your nails, it's all about the new! Perfect time to grab a few new shades from Zoya Nail Polish and Treatment  and my picks for the new year lie solidly within the Party Girls collection--after all, a little symbolism never hurt anyone!


The Party Girls collection consists of 5 lush cremes and 7 fun finishes (they are just too complex to fit into any cut-and-dry category).  Across the board, I found the formula of the cremes to be a dream to work with--just about all of them fully opaque in just 2 easy coats. As for the others, with the exception of a couple and you'll soon see why, 2 easy coats for full coverage. Unless specifically mentioned, all the swatches below show just 2 easy coats of each polish by itself, with 1 coat of topcoat on the middle and pinkie fingers, for the sake of comparison. I found all the shades to be very shiny on their own but if you have ridges on your nails, like I do, I definitely recommend a generous swipe of a good topcoat to refine the look.


Landon is described as "a mysterious, deep aubergine cream". Looking for the perfect Pantone color of the year purple? Well, look no further! This beautiful purple totally nails it! (See what I did there?! Hmm, hmm?)






Ming is described as "a sexy midtone, scarlet red cream". You can never go wrong with a classic red and really, can you ever have too many reds? Never, especially if they apply as beautifully as this beauty!






Danielle is described as "a deep, dark periwinkle cream". You know those Winter blues we're all feeling? Banish them with this happy blue!






Kelsey is described as "a muted, cerise pink cream". This pink is another shade to chase away those seasonal blues...besides, it's such a flattering pink!






Sheri is described as "a must-have midtone, garnet red cream". In hindsight, I should have gone with 3 coats of this crelly formula. Nevertheless, I love this rich red--although I may never get to wear it as the mothership seems to have taken quite a fancy to it!






Delaney is described as "a royal multichromatic (pewter, blue, purple, green), metallic flip".This one is such a chameleon--I love that it flashes such a myriad of colors in different lights, so much so that sometimes you're not quite sure WHAT color you're wearing!










Fallon is described as "a refined pearl, midtone, violet magenta".If you know me at all, you already know how I feel about this vivid magenta. Bring on the berry shades!






Nadia is described as "a buildable, sparkling, gingery gold metallic "disco" topper". While meant to be worn as a topper, I personally love layering polishes like this, just for the uber-glittery, magical effect. 3 coats rather than 2 for full opacity.










Solstice is described as "a sparkling persimmon orange metallic". This one leans a little pinker on me in real life than the pictures below show and the color in combination with the sparkle makes this beauty one of my faves of this collection.










Tawny is described as "a deep, coppery rose sparkling metallic". As with Nadia, I layered 3 coats for full opacity with this one and the effect did not disappoint! I could stare at this one for hours!










Blake is described as "a deep, refined pearl in sapphire blue". I was so surprised by this one--in regular old apartment lighting, this one is so dark that I could have sworn it was a black. Imagine my surprise and delight when it turned out to be this gorgeous blue! Another one of my faves from this collection!










Isadora is described as "a rich, refined pearl in magenta plum". Last but definitely not the least, this. Hands-down my absolute fave of this collection, I am utterly in love with this shade of purple. In fact, my last pedicure was with this color and I may just repeat it on my next!










So there you have it, my darlings! The Zoya Party Girls collection is available now on Zoya's website HERE for the price of $10 for a full-size, 0.5 oz bottle or $60 for each set of 6.


Don't forget to follow Zoya through the social media outlets below :

Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Pinterest
Youtube
Blog


Which of these beautiful new shades do you want to rock out with in 2018? I would love to hear from you in the comments section below!











****Products were sent to me for an honest, unbiased review. All opinions are my own.****
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