Hi there, my darlings! I feel like I literally waited months for Spring to arrive...and it just never really came through. It's been weeks of near-boiling temperatures here in Calcutta, which has been been relieved just recently by random thunderstorms. If there's anything like Spring in India, I guess this is it. But, sadly enough, from what I can tell from conversations with friends and good ole Weather.com, Spring never really arrived in NYC either! The city saw temperatures swing wildly between the way-too-cold to OMG-so-hot, I really hope that global warming doesn't do away with my second favorite season! Anyways, since the official first day of Summer just came and went, I guess there's just no point in waiting for Spring any longer. Whomp. Luckily for us, Zoya Nail Polish and Treatment created a Spring collection this year that a girl can wear and love all year long!


The Charming collection consists of 3 pretty cremes and 3 gorgeous shimmers. 2 of the three creams are pretty, Spring pastels which surprised me with just how easily they applied--pastels are notoritous for being streaky but these applied like a dream! The third cream was more of a crelly finish and my favorite of the three creams. As for the shimmers, all three applied just beautifully! Unless specifically mentioned, all the swatches below show just 2 easy coats of each polish by itself on the first and ring fingers and with 1 coat of topcoat on the middle and pinky fingers, for the sake of comparison.

Abby is described as "a light lavender cream". This pretty shade tends to bring out the yellow in my complexion but would look lovely on a paler skin tone!

Jordan is described as "a soft blossom pink cream". Although a super pretty, delicate shade of pink which I totally covet, it tends to wash me out a bit. On a fairer complexion, I bet it would be beautiful!

Tina is described as "a medium amethyst cream".My favorite of the three creams, I absolutely love this shade of purple for any season!

Amira is described as "a soft dewy blue micro-sparkle.". This lovely blue is reminiscent of early Spring mornings when the world seems full of possibilities!

Lacey is described as "a light dewy green micro-sparkle.". Truly pretty, this is one green I wouldn't mind wearing at all!

Millie is described as "a dewy violet micro-sparkle". I cannot even begin to describe how gorgeous this polish is in person! It all but glows! Totally in love!

Along with the 6-polish set, Zoya recommends 3 of their fabulous Perfect Lipsticks: Belle, Brooke and Violette (NEW, shown below). You can find swatches of the other two, along with all the original shades of Perfect Lipsticks HERE.

Violette is described as "an amethyst purple in a hydrating cream formula". Very, very flattering on just about any complexion!

So there you have it, my darlings! The Zoya Charming 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 the set of 6.

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

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Which of these beauties are your favorites? 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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ColorSutraa

Hi there, my darlings! You know, it's going on 4 years that I've been blogging! I started out by sharing nails, nails and more nails, then moved on to include the beauty world in all in its exciting aspects. Four whole years and I still get incredibly excited by a new brand exploding on the scene or a new product dropping on the market. I think I'll stop blogging the day I stop getting excited. Til then, it gives me immense pleasure to share my discoveries with all of you! For example, many of my nail polish lovers out there are familiar with and love Model's Own for their gorgeous polishes. But did you know they make color cosmetics too?! And that they have recently launched exclusively at Ulta across the US?! Well, neither did I until very recently! Now, how can I keep that good a tidbit to myself? Take a peek at my first experience with makeup from Model's Own!

I had the opportunity to try a couple of things from their cosmetics line: the Sculpt and Glow Highlighting Powder in Golden Sand and two shades of their adorably named, Lix Matte Liquid Lipsticks.

SCULPT AND GLOW Highlighting Powder in Golden Sand ($11.99):

Lighten up with this highlighter powder that's all about the glow. This soft finishing powder smooths onto skin and totally lifts your look for a pretty perfect finish.

Trends in the beauty world come and go faster than you can blink your eye. But one trend that is totally up my alley is a highlighting. I have to say, I LOVE a good highlighter! Weirdly enough, highlighters can get pretty pricey. That's why I'm especially excited to share this totally affordable, incredibly gorgeous shade.

Golden Sand is very flattering on my skin tone and while I won't go so far as to say, it would be universally flattering to every skin tone, I do believe this particular shade of gold would work on many skin tones. I also love how fine and smooth the texture of this powder is, so you can blend in just a little for a subtle glow or really build up for a more dramatic look. Yes, it's very easily blendable and really quite stunning! It's safe to say, I'm a little obsessed!

And I couldn't resist a little close-up action! *insert heart-eyes emoji right here*

LIX Matte Liquid Lipstick in Berry Cool and Raspberry Mojito ($7.99):

Get lippy with this smooth matte lip cream. With a fresh minty scent, this is all you need for a bit of lip service.

Ok, in all honesty, I cannot rave enough about the Lix! These are as near to perfect liquid lipsticks as I have ever tried personally! Super pigmented. Incredibly long-lasting. Velvety smooth and very comfortable to wear. Deliciously minty flavored. You really can't ask for more! And yes, I wore Raspberry Mojito through a scorching hot day followed by a really big lunch and came home with my lipstick intact! You're going to need some serious makeup remover to get these babies off!

Shown below, from top to bottom: Raspberry Mojito and Berry Cool

TOP TO BOTTOM: Raspberry Mojito and Berry Cool

So there you have it, my darlings! You can pick up any of these beauties and more exclusively in stores or on Ulta's website HERE. Shipping within the US is free over $25 at Ulta! Don't forget to take advantage of the current BOGO50OFF sale AND the Ulta coupons! What a steal!


Not in the US? Model's Own ships globally through their UK site HERE. Free shipping over £15 n the UK and starting at just £7.99 worldwide.


You can find Model's Own through the social media outlets below for all the latest about their products:

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Have you tried anything from Model's Own's makeup line? Which of these gorgeous products caught your eye? Tell me in the comments section below!

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

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ColorSutraa

Hi there, my darlings! So it seems that Spring is almost over. Was there even a Spring this year? From what I hear, NYC swung between unseasonably cold and unseasonably hot. As for here in Calcutta, it's just been unseasonably, unbearably hot...well, except for tonight when the sky lit up with quite the unexpected lightning storm and torrential downpour. Spring, although fleeting, definitely seems to be on her way out. Time to turn our minds to the coming Summer! Summer, for me, usually means HEAT, whether it be in NYC or Calcutta, and my incredible sensitivity to the rising temperatures. But, the one silver lining to Summer, is the color palette! Personally, I LOVE the brighter, bolder, more fun colors we bust out during the summers. So, today, I want to talk about 5 new products I've been testing that are not only perfect for that bright Summer palette, but heat-proof! Take a peek!

 
1. VegaLASH Voluminizing Serum ($79.95)

VEGALASH offers natural and vegan lash and brow enhancement serums, formulated with a patent-pending combination of two uniquely harvested (also a patent-pending process) bio-actives: Mung Bean Extract & Red Clover Extract combined with our proprietary peptide! VEGALASH products are FREE of adverse side effects associated with other lash and brow enhancement products. vegaLASH is natural, their glycols are plant-based and derived from vegetable matter - specifically sugar cane.

· VegaLash and VegaBROW are VEGAN, CRUELTY FREE, GLUTEN FREE, and HORMONE FREE.

Seeing is believing. vegaLASH volumizing serum is not just a lash builder, it’s a confidence booster. After just 15 days** watch what happens: Thicker and fuller lashes, faster. vegaLASH delivers better results than lash conditioners that contain dangerous hormones – and in half the time. In fact, vegaLASH is 100% vegan, cruelty-free and hormone-free. Our exclusive Polyphytobase Complex contains active phytomolecules along with zinc and biotin, essential for healthy lashes. And unlike peptide formulas, vegaLASH is clinically proven to thicken eyelashes within 2 weeks. It’s safe, it’s fast, and it works. You’ll see.

It's a scientific fact that hair, both on your head and on your body, grows faster in the summer. That's because, in an attempt to regulate your body temperature and to keep you cool, blood vessels (with their plethora of nutrients) are closer to your skin's surface during the hotter months. So, while you sweat, you are also "watering" and nourishing your body hair. Depressing, I know.

But, the advantage to this is that if you're trying to grow out your hair or want to have fuller lashes, summer is the time to focus. I personally pay extra attention to my skin, my hair and my lashes! I've been trying out this serum from vegaLASH for the past couple weeks and, while it's still too early to attest to any life-changing results, I like how my lashes feel after using this. And, hey, my lashes DO feel thicker! I'm going to keep using it and report back if I notice lashes to die for in another couple of weeks! Stay tuned! 

2. OSMOSIS Brow Gel in Brown ($25)

Gone are the days of overdrawn, penciled in brows. Whether you're looking to camouflage sparse spots, add dimension or cover up greys, the Osmosis Colour Brow Gel Collectiondoes it all. Available in 4 shades, this water-resistant, smudge-proof gel lets you fill in, shape, and color brows without flaking or fading. They glide on like a cream and set to last all day. It won’t move until you want it to.

Complete with an angled brush for a precise application, each glide will make a stroke so natural looking, you would never know it wasn’t real hair. Formulated with emollient beeswax, this unique gel formula dries quickly while mimicking actual hairs to give you full arches in a flash. Great for covering grey hairs, simply dip a clean mascara wand into yourbrow color, painting each side the desired color. Mix and match tones to coordinate with hair color.

Gluten-Free | Oncology Friendly

I have to admit that I have only recently started filling my brows in and that too, only for special occasions, much preferring to leave them au naturel. When I do fill them in, it's usually with a pencil. But I also have to admit that this brow gel is a game changer! It allows you to fill in gaps without it looking like you're filling gaps in, if you know what I mean. As much as I love the ease of a pencil, this gel is fairly easy to apply with the tiny, built-in angled brush and my brows look very natural as a result. The gel does dry very quickly and stays put all day, even in the sweltering heat!

3. MARC JACOBS Highliner Gel Eye Crayon ($25)

INTENSE COLOR. WATERPROOF. EXTREME WEAR. 

MAKE A BOLD STATEMENT WITH THIS EXTREME-WEAR, WATERPROOF EYELINER. LIKE A GEL POT EYELINER ENCASED WITHIN A CRAYON, THIS BREAKTHROUGH FORMULA IS EXCLUSIVE TO MARC JACOBS BEAUTY: A SUPER-MALLEABLE GEL EYELINER GLIDES ON SMOOTHLY FOR A FLAWLESS, PRECISE APPLICATION, THEN SETS IN PLACE FOR ALL-DAY WEAR. A BUILT-IN SHARPENER HELPS MOLD PRODUCT INTO A PERFECT POINT FOR AN INSTANTLY SHARP LOOK.

Oh my! I'm SO in love with these pencils! Super pigmented and so creamy, these are perfect for the waterline and the lashline! Yes, these are a little on the pricier side when it comes to eyeliners but they are worth it for this one reason alone--the wear is INSANE! They DO NOT BUDGE. Not in the heat or humidity, not through tears, not even with ordinary makeup removers! You have to bust out the big guns aka an oil-based eye makeup remover to get these off. Tried, tested and totally approved in the sweltering Indian heat, these are perfect for all-day wear! So, apply them and go have fun at the beach!

4. L'OREAL Voluminous Primer and Mascara in Cobalt Blue ($7.99)

L'Oréal Paris presents Voluminous® Lash Primer, the perfect pair to your favorite mascara to instantly boost every lash look. Lightweight eyelash primer instantly builds dramatic volume and length on each lash. Creates a boosting effect, building dramatic volume and length on each lash. Lash primer conditions over time for soft nourished lashes. Use mascara primer with your favorite L'Oréal Paris mascara to amplify every lash look.

Separates and builds lashes. 5X fuller lashes. Bold volume.
Voluminous® Volume Building Mascara is uniquely formulated to resist clumping, soften and build lashes up to 5X their natural thickness. -The unique maximizing formula quickly thickens and builds lashes in a single application for a full and dramatic look. -The Volume Maximizing Brush thickens lashes evenly and smoothly, leaving them soft with virtually no flakes, smudges or clumps. Clump-resistant. Fragrance-free. Ophthalmologist-tested and allergy-tested. Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

I have tried my fair share of mascaras, both drugstore and high-end, and I invariably come back to L'Oréal, in particular the Voluminous collection. Because they WORK! I get both dramatic volume and impressive length with these mascaras. For added drama, use the primer. And if you're really looking for a change, add a bright pop of color with the bright Cobalt Blue shade instead of the usual black! I guarantee, in this case, you probably won't regret it!

Expert Application Technique. Place brush at base of lashes and gently sweep up to tip—no need to pump the wand. Voluminous^® Original Mascara will easily remove with soap and water.

AQUA / WATER / EAU 
PARAFFIN 
CYCLOPENTASILOXANE 
CERA ALBA / BEESWAX / CIRE D'ABEILLE 
STEARIC ACID 
TRIETHANOLAMINE
ACACIA / ACACIA SENEGAL GUM 
CARNAUBA / C

Here are a few swatches for you:

LEFT, TOP TO BOTTOM: Marc Jacobs Highliners in Mist Me? and Earthquake
RIGHT; Osmosis Brow Gel in Brown

LEFT, TOP TO BOTTOM: Marc Jacobs Highliners in Mist Me? and Earthquake
RIGHT; Osmosis Brow Gel in Brown

So there you have it, my darlings! See something you would love to try? Tell me which one in the comments section below!

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

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ColorSutraa

Hi there, my darlings! As a self-confessed lipstick junkie, if there's one thing I love more than the perfect flattering shade of lipstick, it's the perfect flattering shade of lipstick at a great price! If you follow me on Instagram, you know I have a "type" when it comes to lipstick and it's usually a matte, vampy shade. So, I was super excited when I received not one but FIVE vampy shades from e.l.f cosmetics, courtesy of Octoly. And e.l.f is synonymous with budget-friendly beauty. Take a peek!


Highshine Liquid Lipstick in Crushed Berries

This richly pigmented high-shine liquid lip paint is enriched with Vitamin E to help hydrate and nourish the lips. The unique curve of the applicator expertly glides over the contours of the lips for an extra glossy shine.

Aqua Beauty Gel Stain in Misty Mulberry

A refreshing weightless gel tint that provides radiant sheer color and is enriched with Purified Water that hydrates and feels cool on contact. This long-wear lip color stains the lips for that "just bitten" effect. Infused with nourishing Rosewater and Vitamin E for a splash of hydrating color. The formula is extremely comfortable and great to wear alone or as a base to your favorite e.l.f. gloss for a vibrant effect.

The liquid lipstick is not a matte but I still really love it all the same! It's a lovely, creamy texture in a shade that I personally find incredibly wearable. A luscious raspberry red that is super pigmented and super pretty!

Out of the two liquid lippies, I must say, though, that the Gel Stain was my favorite. It's a deep, vampy berry shade that you can build up to your heart's content. It's truly s lightweight that you barely feel like you're wearing anything at all and it dries to a perfect, transfer-proof finish. Perfect for the hotter months when makeup can be a challenge! Oh and this stuff smells (and tastes, oops!) lovely!

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Aqua Beauty Gel Stain in Misty Mulberry and Highshine Liquid Lipstick in Crushed Berries

Velvet Matte in Vampy Violet and Deep Burgundy

This silky, matte lipstick glides easily onto lips to lock on moisture with vibrant matte color. Infused with Argan Oil, Rose, and Vitamin E to help condition, replenish, and soothe the lips.

Moisturizing Lipstick in Bordeaux Beauty (in the middle in the pic below)

The velvety, satin texture glides on lips with vibrant color and luminous shine. Enriched with Shea and Vitamins A, C, & E to nourish and hydrate the lips. The rich, creamy formula seals in moisture for long-lasting wear and comfort.

When it comes to vampy shades, I do prefer mattes just because they seem to apply cleaner and not make so much of a mess during wear. That being said, I do love this particular shade of Moisturizing Lipstick--a rich, wine shade that I'll definitely reach for during the cooler months.

The Velvet Mattes are the clear winners for me when it comes to the lipsticks! Not only are both shades totally up my alley, but the pigmentation and application is amazing...especially at the price point. If I had to pick a favorite though, I'm ever so slightly partial to Deep Burgundy (far right in the pic below)

I'm really impressed with the quality

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Velvet Matte in Vampy Violet, Moisturizing Lipstick in Bordeaux Beauty, and Velvet Matte in Deep Burgundy.

 I still haven't worked up the courage for lip swatches just yet but I hope you like the little Heart Swatch Art, which is fast becoming my favorite way to show swatches!

LEFT, TOP TO BOTTOM: Aqua Beauty Gel Stain in Misty Mulberry and Highshine Liquid Lipstick in Crushed Berries
RIGHT, TOP TO BOTTOM: Velvet Matte in Vampy Violet, Velvet Matte in Deep Burgundy. and Moisturizing Lipstick in Bordeaux Beauty

So there you have it, my darlings! You can find all these beauties and more on e.l.f cosmetics' website HERE. You can also purchase them at Target, Walmart and other retailers across the US--find a store near you HERE.

To discover other great products, you can follow e.l.f cosmetics through the outlets below :

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Which of these vampy shades catch your fancy? Tell me which one in the comments section below!

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

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ColorSutraa

Hi there, my darlings! For those of you who follow me regularly on Instagram, you may have noticed that I test, review and often fall in love with a lot of fine fragrances. This hasn't been anything new in my life, I get my obsession with fragrances from the mothership. She seems to have passed down that love to both my sister and I--all three of us have a thing for ALWAYS smelling good! Most people have a signature fragrance or two...we have a signature fragrance arsenal! Personally, I feel that fragrance is one of the most potent tools in a woman's arsenal for not only enhancing her mood but for setting the scene. There's always that one fragrance that will instantly cheer me up or a couple that I reserve for exclusively for special occasions. One brand that never seems to let me down when I need a particularly delicious scent is Estee Lauder! I mean, HELLO, Pleasures! Over the years, I have found their fragrances not only to be unique in their individual scent bouquets but also quite irresistible! Today, I'll be sharing my thoughts on two fragrances from Estee Lauder's Modern Muse collection, courtesy of Octoly.


MODERN MUSE:

CONFIDENT, INDEPENDENT, INSPIRING

Be an inspiration. Experience the fragrance that captures your style, your confidence, your creative spirit. An alluring contrast of sparkling florals and sleek, sensual woods.

Two distinctively different accords—sparkling jasmine accord and sleek woods accord—provide an intriguing dual impression. It's a true innovation in fragrance design, as complex and fascinating as the woman who inspires it.

Notes:

• Jasmine Accord
• Woods Accord

This is the original, flagship fragrance of the collection so I already had high expectations. And it does not disappoint! It's a light, almost powdery scent which is perfect for Spring morning or fun daytime outings. While I'm a die-hard floral fan and any kind of floral scents are beloved to me, many of you out there prefer your florals lighter, less intense. Definitely take a whiff of this one! The floral notes are airy and ethereal, with the woody notes bringing in a surprisingly alluring accent.

MODERN MUSE LE ROUGE:

EXTROVERTED, GLAMOROUS, SOPHISTICATED

Be daring. Be an inspiration.

Experience the fragrance that captures your glamour, your sophistication, your bravado.

A sexy, provocative contrast of two distinctively different accords—rich roses awakened by ripe fruit, with a seductive velvet creme accord—provide an intriguing dual impression. It's a true innovation in fragrance design, as complex and fascinating as the woman who inspires it.

FRAGRANCE TYPE: FRUITY FLORAL ORIENTAL

NOTES:

• BULGARIAN ROSE
• ROSE CENTIFOLIA FIRABS
• RASPBERRY
• BOURGEON DE CASSIS
• PINK PEPPER
• SAFFRON
• VANILLA MADAGASCAR SFE
• PATCHOULI
• VETIVER
• JASMINE PAYS FIRABS
• MAGNOLIA

This one is the sexier, more sophisticated cousin of the the original. The floral bouquet is richer, more intense, more satisfying for me personally. I love the notes of Rose and Raspberry with the hints of pink pepper and patchouli making it bolder and more noticeable. I have worn this out on a couple of occasions and gotten loads of compliments. While I like both versions of Modern Muse, this one has inched its way to being my favorite! If you like a bold, heady floral, you definitely must try this one!

So there you have it, my darlings! You can pick up either version of Modern Muse on Estee Lauder's website HERE. You can also purchase them at Ulta, Sephora, Macy's, and anywhere else fine fragrances are sold across the US.

Estee Lauder is a global brand available in over 39 countries around the world!

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

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Do you have a favorite Estee Lauder fragrance? What is your go-to fragrance(s) at the moment? Tell me which one in the comments section below!

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

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ColorSutraa