Hi there, my darlings! This has been a very special week for yours truly! After 16 years away from home, I have finally been able to celebrate Durga Puja with my family! YAY! What's Durga Puja, you ask? Well, Durga Puja is the biggest festival for Bengali Hindus all year. Think the equivalent of Christmas. All year long, Bengalis save up and anticipate the coming of the Goddess Durga to her hometown of Calcutta. Although a religious holiday, the 5 day week of fun is completely secular! People from all walks of life and all religions participate in the festvities--buying and wearing their finest attire, going out to eat and gawk at the elaborate pandals (specially constructed pavilions that pop up all over the city in honor of the Goddess, where idols are beautifully displayed) and generally spending time with their families and closest friend. It's a time of excess and excitement and emotion--a time to put all your daily worries away and just bask in the happiness that the coming of the Goddess promises. Despite the jaw-dropping crowds, the heat and the traffic, I have had a blast! And almost as if it was fate, a wonderfully luxurious box of goodies simultaneously landed up just before the holidays at my US forwarding address. Now, this particular box is a rare event and one I anticipate with almost bated breath--the much-coveted RAN Bonus Boc! I've been a member of the Rakuten Affiliate Network (RAN)  for a couple of years now and every once in awhile, they send out a bonus box and some of the best boxes are from Bloomingdale's. I can't think of a better time to receive and share mine than right now! Take a look to see what was in this highly anticipated box and what I'm most excited to try!


TRISH MCEVOY LONG-WEAR FACE AND EYE MAKEUP REMOVER SKIN CLEANSING WATER ($49 for 8.4 oz)

Trish McEvoy's gentle, one-step cleansing water instantly removes all traces of even the most long-wear makeup formulations from the eyes, face and lips. The water-light, skin-conditioning formula leaves skin perfectly clean, balanced and ready for skincare.

- Ideal for all skin types
- Gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin and eye areas
- Ophthalmologist tested
- Noncomedogenic
- Dermatologist tested
- Paraben free
- Oil free



Can you believe I still haven't tried a micellar water?! I can't either! That's why it's safe to say I'm particularly excited to try this cleansing water since it's dermatologist tested and gentle on sensitive skin, like mine!





PMD PERSONAL MICRODERM ($159)

Be fresh, be radiant and discover your glow with PMD. The Personal Microderm is a revolutionary at-home skincare tool that provides the same brilliant results as professional, in-office microdermabrasion treatments.

By combining the power of Patented Spinning Disc Technology and Perfectly Calibrated Vacuum Suction, the Personal Microderm works to remove the dead, dull skin cell barrier, increase blood flow and stimulate the body's natural production of collagen and elastin.

- Patented Spinning Disc Technology for exfoliation.
- Perfectly Calibrated Vacuum Suction to increase stimulation.
- Skin care products that follow will penetrate better (20x deeper penetration).




I have and love the PMD Microderm, a unique little device that allows you to indulge in safe, virtually pain-free microdermabrasion sessions in the comfort of your own home at the fraction of the cost of a salon treatment! Find out more about this handy little device through my review HERE

I'll be passing this one along to my sister since I love mine so much! Sisters gotta share, right?!




KIEHL'S CALENDULA AND ALOE SOOTHING HYDRATION MASK ($45 for 3.4 fl oz)

Instant cooling sensation relieves skin craving extra attention with calming, yet refreshing hydration. Formulated with handpicked Calendula flower petals and Aloe Vera this revitalizing gel masque helps to soothe and visibly reduce signs of distress such as dry and unbalanced skin by achieving a hydrated, healthy looking complexion. Skin instantly looks and feels refreshed for an exceptional pick-me-up.


I absolutely LOVE anything with aloe in it! My skin tends to randomly erupt with annoying breakouts at the merest exposure to heat or pollution and aloe has proved time and again to soothe and calm the worst of it. The gel formula of this mask is particularly appealing since Fall temperatures seem nowhere in sight!




WEI EXPRESS GLOW ILLUMINATING MASK and STRESS REIEVING SOOTHING MASK ($12 each)

As a plant rises from its seed, it is a moment of pure power releasing all its protected and stored energy to ultimately bloom and flower. Wei captures the precise moment of life and presses the essential enzymes, nutrients and vitamins when they are most dynamic and concentrated. Mung Bean has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to help nurture the body while calming and cooling the skin. This purifying sheet mask floats in an essence of detoxifying Mung Bean Sprout to help to clear imbalanced or blemished skin. 

Mung Bean Sprout Stress Relieving Soothing Mask: A ten-minute application exfoliates dull skin and removes skin-damaging pollutants and impurities from pores while restoring healthy sebum levels for a calm, flawless complexion. Mung Bean Sprout offers powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties while supplying protein-rich moisture to the skin. Chinese Licorice Root helps heal skin ailments and blemishes. Cucumber extract soothes and hydrates.


Rice Sprout Express Glow Illuminating Mask: This restorative sheet mask floats in a potent, nutrient-rich essence made from Rice at the point of germination. Following a 10-minute treatment, there is a visible reduction in appearance of dark spots; skin is invigorated, bright and glowing. Rich Rice Embryo contains proteins that help skin to retain moisture. Amino acids and flavonoids from Chinese Licorice work to improve skin's clarity and strengthen its resilience. Vitamin C defends the skin from free radicals, illuminates a dull complexion and works to slow the signs of aging.


I love a good sheet mask and whenever I reach for one, it's usually one to calm my distressed skin or to enhance my skin's radiance. As you can tell, both these are perfect for me! Plus, you can't beat a 10 minute skincare treatment!




Recapture younger-looking skin with the de-aging power of fresh, potent Vitamin C. Refresh and renew with this 7-day de-aging system containing: seven single-use packettes of Renewing Powder Cleanser with Pure Vitamin C and a 7-day vial of Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C 10%.

This simple, two-step system contains pure Vitamin C, one of the most powerful de-aging vitamins. From the first application, experience brighter, more radiant skin. With continued use, see transformative de-aging results: skin that's noticeably firmer, more even-toned, smoother, with visibly diminished lines and wrinkles and a radiant, youthful glow.

Note: Fresh means powerful. Pure Vitamin C naturally degrades when exposed to oxygen, so it's most powerful when fresh. Stay-fresh packaging isolates the pure Vitamin C until activation, maintaining its freshness and full power for maximum results.


Skincare with Vitamin C has proved to work so well for my skin and I can count on it to leave my skin glowing and radiant with regular use. I can see myself getting very hooked on this particular product!


KIEHL'S NOURISHING SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER ($20 for 8.4 oz)

Kiehl's Since 1851's two-in-one formula gently removes buildup and hydrates the scalp for thoroughly cleansed hair with a soft, touchable feel and full, healthy-look. Infused with a woodsy blend of aromatic Cedarwood, Sandalwood and Eucalyptus essential oils, this formula leaves scalp refreshingly clean and flake-free. A must-have for multi-taskers.


When you're busy as I am on most days, a multi-tasking hair care product that combines a shampoo AND conditioner can be a life-saver--just wash and go! I'm not a huge fan of the woodsy scent as I prefer my florals but if you like earthier scents, this one is worth a try!





SISLEY PARIS PHYTO-EYE TWIST in TOPAZ ($50)

Phyto-Eye Twist is an all-in-one eye makeup solution: eye shadow + pencil + eyeliner. The "jumbo" tip blends and glides to color the eyelids, easily applying graphic makeup or drawing an XXL line. The skincare formula is enriched with plant-based active ingredients (Green Tea, White Lily and Camellia) and protects the delicate skin of the eyelids.

The gliding, ultra-sensory, waterproof texture allows an ultra-easy application and a flawless hold all day long. Its magnetic shades enhance your look in a single twist and offer a multitude of finishes. Fun and practical, there is no need to sharpen this new zebra-look jumbo pencil.


Metallics are so in for Fall and this is a perfect, neutral metallic if you're just getting into the trend. Packaged in a handy little crayon, it's the perfect little bit of waterproof, multi-tasking eye makeup for us ladies always on the go! Pricey, yes, but worth it if you are a minimalist who travels a lot!





MON GUERLAIN ($94 for 1.7 oz)

Mon Guerlain, the House's new fragrance, is a tribute to today's femininity—a strong, free and sensual femininity, inspired by Angelina Jolie.

The fresh oriental fragrance enhances exceptional raw materials: carla lavender from Provence, sambac jasmine from India, album sandalwood from Australia and vanilla tahitensis from Papua New Guinea. It expresses the quintessence of a history replete with experiences, nourished by success, expertise and generosity, all infused with the same passion since 1828.

The "quadrilobe" bottle, created in 1908, established itself as one of Guerlain's iconic bottles. Simple and graphic, it echoes an alchemist's bottle and owes its name "quadrilobe" to its stopper, which is formed from one piece to obtain a shape resembling four lobes. One century later, beautifully enhanced by a luxurious glass weight and a golden adornment, this bottle offers a contrast between strong taut lines and sensual curves, expressing contemporary femininity.

- Top notes: bergamot, carla lavender
- Middle notes: paradisone, sambac jasmine, coumarin
- Base notes: iris, vanilla tahitensis, album sandalwood


The mothership LOVES fragrances, particularly intense, rich ones with notes of bergamot and jasmine. This is the perfect gift for her! She's going to be thrilled!





VIKTOR & ROLF BONBON SPRING SUMMER ($95 for 1.7 oz)

Celebrate the return of a brighter season with Bonbon Spring Summer, the sparkling Eau de Toilette. For the first time, caramel becomes as light as silk; Bonbon is transformed into a light Eau de Toilette enhanced with dazzling grapefruit, pink sugar and crystallized jasmine, reminiscent of a playful summer day full of pleasant surprises.

- Top notes: grapefruit essential oil, tangerine essential oil, orange essential oil, blackcurrant
- Middle notes: icing sugar accord, orange blossom absolute, sambac jasmine absolute, peach accord
- Base notes: musks, guaiac wood essential oil, cedarwood essential oil, caramel accord


Luxury at its finest, this fragrance is not only totally up my alley in terms of its scent profile but I'm also absolutely loving the beautiful, butterfly-shaped bottle. Can we talk about perfect timing for birthday month?! YAY!





So there you have it, my darlings! You can pick up any of these products for yourself, or for a loved one, on Bloomingdale's site HERE. Best part? Bloomingdale's ships internationally to most countries around the world!


If you pick up any of these products through the links here, I thank you for your support!


Which of these luxury beauty finds caught your eye? Tell me in the comments section below!










***Products were sent to me for editiorial consideration as part of the Rakuten Affiliate Network. All opinions are my own***



Hi there, my darlings! Happy official first day of Fall! Although it's still crazy got in this part of the world, I fully intend to live vicariously through my readers in the Western World for the next couple of months. Because Fall is my absolute favorite season of the year! Not only do I love the cooler, cozier temperatures but the Fall fashion and the Fall color palette are both totally up my alley. So, in celebration of Fall, there's no better time to share the gorgeous new Zoya Nail Polish and Treatment's Sophisticates collection for Fall 2017!


The Wanderlust collection consists of 8 bright cremes, 2 pearlescent polishes and 2 beautiful shimmers.  Across the board, I found the formula of the cremes to be absolutely flawless--2 coats and done! As for the shimmers and pearlescents, unless specifically mentioned, 2 easy coats is all that was needed 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. It was super challenging for me to pick favorites in this collection so take a peek and find your own!


Mona is described as "a deep, burgandy plum cream". Rich and campy, this shade all but screams Fall!






Gal is described as "a smokey, iridescent, peridot gold metallic". This baby could have perhaps used another coat or better yet, layer a thin coat over your favorite creme for a beautiful, shimmery metallic effect that's all the rage for the season










Tabitha is described as "a refined pearl in a deep hunter green". If greens are your thing, this mysterious green will totally rock your world!








Beth is described as "a soft, sandy, champagne metallic". Despite my penchant for darker colors during the Fall, I fell hard for this gorgeous neutral!










Padma is described as "a deep, vermillion red cream". Another instant love, I adore this rosy, flattering creme






McKenna is described as "a refined pearl in a soft almond". I did find this one to be a tad streaky on the first coat but it levels out quite nicely with a second coat and happens to be much prettier in real life with the subtlest hint of pearly shimmer.








Yvonne is described as "a rich, bordeaux red cream". I can't be happier that Zoya included so many wine shades in this collection--I'm literally spoiled for choice!






Elaine is described as "a dark, umber brown cream". I'm not always a fan of browns but I found this dark brown incredibly intriguing!






Joni is described as "a deep, dusty plum cream". I love purples and this muted shade is such a unique way to wear purple!






Hera is described as "a muted, red mauve cream". Another muted shade that I'm really feeling, especially since it's so flattering on my tan complexion!






Presley is described as "a smokey, mauve taupe cream". Now this is the kind of neutral shade I like! So pretty!






Hadley is described as "a smokey, midnight blue cream". Beautiful, truly sophisticated blue!






So there you have it, my darlings! The Zoya Sophisticates 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 Fall shades appeal to you most? 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.****



Hi there, my darlings! Welcome to another one of my involuntarily infrequent posts. Despite my best intentions, I'm increasingly finding managing my schedule with the huge time difference quite the challenge. Read: this night owl gets very sleepy! I must be getting old! But stick with me, my darlings, just until the end of the year when the move back to the Western World is scheduled. Things should get back to normal, or a close approximation thereof, by then! Anyways let's celebrate the fact that dawn is just around the corner in this part of the world and yet I have stayed up to share! Yay! Today, I'd like to introduce you to a new brand, Macy and Mia! The baby of DJ Victory, a long-time makeup artist, the brand is an independently run small business and proudly cruelty-free. All things I can totally get behind! So, without further ado, take a peek at some of the trendy, Instaready products I had the opportunity to test and review.


PASTEL UNICORN BRUSH SET ($45.99)

I may be getting too old to pull the all-nighters off my teenage years but is anyone ever to old for a little unicorn magic, especially when it comes to makeup brushes? I say not!

Since DJ started her line with makeup brushes, it goes to show that these, more than anything else, embodies the spirit of the brand. These brushes are not your cheap knock-offs but just by the feel and texture of them, you can tell a lot of love and thought went into sourcing these.

Now, I don't know if I'll ever really use these cos they're just too pretty...except for maybe highlighter! Because a little shimmer and sparkle on a rainbow-hued brush is nothing short of magical!






SILICONE SPONGE MAKEUP APPLICATOR ($7.99)

I've been DYING to try a silicone sponge applicator because it's all the rage on Instagram and you know, science and whatnot. So, I was really thrilled when this little beauty was included in my package.

My thoughts? I still prefer my beauty blender for full-face foundation application and my handy makeup brushes for blush. But I will say that I do like this sponge for highlighter application. A silicone sponge doesn't absorb product so you need to use much less. You just dab on the product and just about all of it transfers to your face, rather than sitting on the applicator. A huge win when we're talking about precious highlighter, especially if they are limited edition like some of my favorites. At this price, it's definitely worth a try!





LIPSTICK AND LINER SET IN TRISTAN ($25.99)

I have to admit that I was exactly blown away when I first saw this shade in the tube. I'm kinda traditional when it comes to lipstick favorites and stick to my berries/reds/pinks. Even brown seems a little too experimental for me at times. That being said, swatched, this is a beautiful, flattering brown. Perfect for Fall, especially if layered under a sheer, metallic topper or gloss. 

I also really love the smooth texture and easy application of both the lipstick and liner. Plus, it does NOT budge! You will need a good makeup remover to get this baby off. 





My review package came in this cute little bag, embossed with Macy and Mia's motto. While currently not on the site, I wanted to show it to you anyways in the hopes that she will add it to the site soon! Because who wouldn't want such a positively reaffirming little makeup bag?




So there you have it, my darlings! You can pick up any of these gorgeous product on Macy and Mia's site HERE.


NOTE: 10% of all purchases will be donated to Pay it Forward for Pets, a 100% non-profit organization.
10% of all purchases of the "Eden" lipstick/lip-liner set will be donated to independent, non-profit sober living facilities

You can find Macy and Mia through the social media outlets below for all the latest about their products:

Facebook
Instagram
Website



What are your favorite trendy beauty products? 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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