I have been sitting here on a Saturday, browsing online, and randomly adding things to my cart. "Black Friday Is Coming" and I am slowly making my wishlist.

Image: http://www.gadgetinspector.co.uk/

I have never shopped from Macy's, but I have shopped from Sephora and Nordstrom (I even got my Nordstrom order shipped to India through ShipoutfromUSA). The main reasons, why I chose Macy's to build this wishlist are:

• Sephora doesn't ship to forwarding addresses.
• Macy's had a better offer on Clarisonic Mia 2.

Anastasia Liquid Lipstick in Kathryn l $20 (INR1400) l Link 

Sexy:
MLBB:

Unique:

I wanted to try the Anastasia liquid lipstick formula for the longest time; the opportunity never came as I was not a big fan of liquid lipsticks in general. I have been having a U-turn with liquid lipsticks lately, primarily because they are long wearing, meaning I don't have to touch up. Since my new found love, I have tried KVD, Bonjour, Colourpop, HudaBeauty and I realised that I prefer more of a thick formula like Colourpop. I am super excited to try ABH liquid lipsticks!

Image: http://www.anastasiabeverlyhills.com/

Tarte Tartelette Tease Eyeshadow Palette l $21 (INR 1470) l Link 

I want to hold a giveaway for my readers in the future and what better way to treat my readers than picking up an international brand that is not available in India. I had picked out Stila "Lips are sealed" Liquid lipstick set (link) and as I was searching, I found the Tarte eyeshadow palette, it is a perfect size for travel, and consists of 6 everyday neutral shades that most people love.

Clarisonic Mia 2 Garden Party Skin Cleansing System l $99 (INR 7000) l Link 

The "thing" that started it all, I am pretty gung-ho about skincare lately, and I wanted the Clarisonic skin cleansing system to deep clean my face once in a week. I wanted Mia 2, as it supported two speeds (Universal speed for daily cleansing and Delicate speed for sensitive skin) unlike Mia 1 which supports only 1 speed. Now, this is where it get's interesting, Clarisonic Mia 2 is available on Nordstrom website (link) for $129  whereas on the Macy's  website I will get additional brush head and cleanser all for $99, which I think is a super awesome deal.

Urban Decay Lipsticks Hitchhike, Ravenswood and Afterdark l $17 (INR 1190) l Link 

Urban Decay recently came out with whopping 100 shades in different finishes, ranging from sheer to ultra-mattes. I own one shade from the Vice-line, Rapture, a cream finish lipstick that I love. I so want to try the comfort matte finish that everyone is raving about. 
Hitchhike looks like an everyday neutral shade (peachy-brown), Ravenswood (reddish-brown), and Afterdark is clearly a side effect of watching TotalMakeupJunkie101.

For swatches of all 100 lipsticks, visit Temptalia.

Note: The shade, Hitchhike is not available on Nordstrom website. 

The rest of the items in my shopping bag are samples.

Brands that are not available at Macy's

• Hourglass Ambient Dim  Light Lighting Powder (travel size) l $22
• Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder (travel size) l $25
• Lorac Mega Pro 3

Images: Trendmood1 Instagram page, Nordstrom Website

I might end up picking these three. So, do you have a wishlist?

Inglot Custom Eyeshadow Palette Review: 63, 335,405,407,452

It's palette appreciation week, a major throwback to one of my first custom palette. Inglot has some bomb.com shadows that can knock higher end brands out of the park any day.

Inglot has a huge selection of eyeshadows with different finishes that you can buy either as singles or in a pan form. The Freedom System (pan form) eyeshadows as they are called enables you to customize your own little palette.

Vital Stats

Product Weight: 3.2 g/eyeshadow
Cost: Eyeshadow pan: INR 550 ($8) and Empty 5 shadow palette: INR 1200 ($17)

You can buy the shadows and magnetic palette separately either online (Nykaa/Majorbrands) or from the standalone stores. I bought mine from Majorbrands.

Ingredients

Mica, Talc, Polyethylene, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Lauroyl Lysine, Zinc Stearate, Dimethicone, Nylon-12, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Caprylyl Glycol, HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Boron Nitride, Hexylene Glycol, [+/- (May Contain): Benzoic Acid, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Methicone, Palmitic Acid, Polyperfluoromethylisopropyl Ether, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite , Other ingredients may depend on the color

Packaging

• The shadows come in a normal cardboard packaging. The eyeshadows are protected by a plastic covering. If required, you can store your shadows in the plastic cover.
• Each shadow is housed in a rectangular metal pan and you can buy a separate palette or store it in your Z-palette.
• The magnetic palette I own has 5 slots; there are plenty of options available on the website.
• The cover of the palette is made of frosted glass and is held in place by the magnets on the four sides of the palette. The cover can be removed completely.
• The magnetic holders are quite strong, hence the shadows won't pull out without a bit of  hardwork.
• Travel-friendly and sturdy packaging.

Shades

• 407: Pearlized peachy rose-gold. It is a duo-chrome shade with gold shift. Very unique and a dupe for MAC Expensive pink and NARS Orgasm (blush)
• 452: Pearlized plum with a golden sheen.

 

• 405: Pearlized copper-gold.
• 335: Matte deep orange-brown. Perfect crease shade for tan-dark skin. 
• 63: Demi-matte black with a bit of gold sparkles.

Performance

• Matte shades are extremely blendable.
• There is very minimal fallout from both matte and pearlized shadows.
• Stays on my oily lid for 6-7 hours without creasing.
• The shade 63 (Black) is slightly patchy and needs work to apply evenly.

Shade Swatch

From Top to Bottom: 63, 335, 405, 407, 452

Verdict

Currently Loving

August has been harsh to me! And it’s not even 20^th …here are few products that I am loving over the past few weeks:

Just Herbs Silksplash Facewash l INR 325

I have used this product before (here) and we had the perfect love story until I decided not to pursue the long distance love. I recently repurchased and immediately noticed the new and improved (sturdier) packaging. The first time around, the pump broke on the second usage. The product is formulated with neem, bitter orange peel, aloe vera juice, honey and is certified organic. The product is clear, smells slightly tangy and doesn’t lather. With my face on the oilier side, it cleans my face nicely. If you have drier skin, be vary, the product may further dry out your skin. This product is now part of my evening routine (I am trying to be consistent)

MUFE Ultra HD Foundation Y405 l CAD 50 (INR 2600)

The hype is real, at least for the first 2 hours, this is the best match I ever had with any foundation. Skin-like finish even with a stippling brush. The con, my face starts becoming oily in a matter of 2 hours, and as the day progresses the natural shine glows through. I have not tried this foundation with a mattifying base and post-application powdering.

MUFE Ultra HD Y405

For International Shoppers: MUFE HD foundation (original) costs around INR 3900 in Sephora India and approx. INR 3000 in Sephora US. As CAD exchange rates are low, try to shop from Sephora Canada!

Marc Jacobs Gel Eye Crayon l $30 (INR2100)

Was part of the Sephora birthday gift. Creamy, jet black, long-wearing and pricey! You can read my full review here.

Is it me or is anyone else excited about the new Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics? I am so in love with the shade, Extra Bitter. Definitely going to purchase this palette once it's out!

Image: Urban Decay Cosmetics Instagram page

Marc Jacobs Gel Eye Crayon and Lip Creme Review

Marc Jacobs is one brand that I wouldn't have purchased with my hard earned moolah, but then I experienced a slice of luxury when Sephora decided to gift Beauty Insiders with Marc Jacobs products as 2016 Birthday Gift.

In February, my friend got hold of Fresh Soy/Rose Face Mask as my Birthday Gift  from the Sephora LA store (my friend had gone to Sephora to return a foundation). When I made another purchase online, I was allowed to select the Marc Jacobs set as my second gift. So now, I have both the birthday sets :p

Packaging

The birthday set comes in a cute box. The ingredient list (incomplete) is printed on the side of the box. For a comprehensive list, visit Marc Jacobs Website.

Marc Jacobs Highlighter Gel Eye Crayon in Blancquer l $25 (INR 1750)

Travel size ( 0.37 g ) silver twist up eye pencil. Absolutely love this, the eye pencil is creamy, jet black and long wearing. On my waterline, it stayed for 9 hours (with minor wear and tear), which is a big deal considering I have very watery eyes. The product is very creamy, and so it did transfer onto my hooded lids, but once set, the product is budge-proof. Also, the tip doesn't stay sharp (blame the creaminess) and hence difficult to wing it!

As much as I love the pencil, I am still torn over the price of the full-size product. It is a battle between my heart and my purse and sadly, I wouldn't be re-purchasing the full-size product.

Le Marc Lip Creme in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang l $30 (INR 2100)

Travel size product (1 g) with all black and silver packaging. The shade name is written on the bottom of the tube. The color itself is such a pretty muted pink. Kudos to Sephora for picking a universal shade suitable for all races, all skin tones. The lipstick is very creamy, long wearing and stays put for 4 hours before starting to crust around the inner rims of the lip. I might (read, MIGHT) purchase a full size of this lipstick because the shade is so every-day appropriate and I love the formula. The full size is going to hurt my poor purse badly.

Swatches

I am very happy with the gift for the year 2016. Beauty Insiders can select one of the two available gift sets as a birthday present from Sephora (online and in-store) during your birthday month.

Top 5 Bath and Body Works Candles

A bag full of BBW goodies inspired me to write this post. I usually buy BBW candles during Fall and Winter as that's the fragrance I "fall" for the most. I would like to share my top 5 Bath and Body Works candles.

5. Leaves

This candle burned poorly; with the wick drowning and tunneling. The scent, though!!

Description: Celebrate the brilliant colors of autumn with this rich blend of golden nectar, red apple, and special berries.
My Take: Spicy, woody, with a hint of tartness of berries.

4. Autumn

This candle is the epitome of fall, I imagine myself walking through a long pathway with the sun shining through the colored maple leaves. Burns evenly with great throw!

Description: A festival of colors is about to start with the coming season. Celebrate with the fragrance of bright red apple, cedarwood, and notes of fir balsam.
My Take: Tangy and fresh with rich creamy notes

3. Marshmallow Fireside

If you like bakery scent, but not BAM on your face kinda bakery scent, do try out this candle.

Description: Celebrate the season with a warm blend of toasted marshmallows, smoldering woods and creamy vanilla reminiscent of a cozy evening around the bonfire.
My Take: A mellow bakery scent, creamy, sweet and slight hint of smokiness!

2. Pumpkin Pecan Waffles

The OG of bakery scents, definitely nowhere near subtle. Fills a whole room with delicious yumminess.

Description: Delight in the scrumptious scent of pumpkin pecan waffles, pure maple syrup and a touch of brown sugar.
My Take: Sugar high! Bakery scent through and through, hint of maple syrup and sugar; no pumpkin, though!

1. Winter

Love Love Love
This is my second 3-wick; the first one was just magical. I love this candle so much both on cold sniff and on full throttle. I would forever repurchase this candle!

Description: A fragrance that captures the moment when glittering icicles and sparkling snow transform the landscape- pine needles, icy mandarin, and winter wood.
My Take: Spicy (more like cloves and not cinnamony), and pine.

Candle Buying Tips From BBW Website

• SEASONS: BBW has different candles for every season and they do have limited edition candles based on different campaigns. If you are a more floral-fresh person, try the summer candles and if you are more into warm and cozy scents, try fall and winter scents.
• SALES: Buy candles during SALES, BBW has two semi-annual events (one in May and one post-Christmas). You can score 3-wick candles originally priced at $22 for $9.
• COUPONS: Search for Coupons online and apply during check-out.
• MINI CANDLES: If you have a relative traveling on a tight baggage, do not buy 3-wick, instead buy $4.50 mini candles. Candles are prone to breakage!
• REVIEWS: Read online reviews before you buy the candles as you will get a clear idea of the candle performance.
• SHIPPING AND PAYMENT: Shipping is through USPS and international cards are accepted.
• TAX: Shipping charges (unless in promotion) and state taxes apply on top of the final bill.

Do you have any BBW candle favourites?