Back in 2013 when I purchased my first MAC lipstick, I was over the moon, roll down to 2016, a lot has changed. I have access to international brands, MAC prices have gone off the roof, and a lot of international brands are slowly foraying into the Indian market. I have tried at least one product from almost every range that MAC offers, and these are the products I would repurchase if I were to hit pan (if ever that is).

Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation l INR 2290

This is the only powder foundation I own and that does say a bucket loads about this product.  I wouldn't change this foundation for anything, not even a good dose of liquid foundation. It's easy to throw inside your purse, easy to apply as an under eye setting powder (don't even attempt if you have mature or dry under eyes) and I just love the coverage and finish; makes me matte instantly.

Powder Blush in Desert Rose l INR 1800

The perfect 'matte' 'muted' 'dusty' 'rosy' cheeks for people who doesn't blush naturally (unlucky bunch). It's my go-to, when-in-doubt blush that pairs well with a lot of looks. I use this blush with a light hand with my PAC blush brush. This is a much-loved item in my vanity and I would definitely repurchase this blush.

Studio Finish Concealer in NC45 l INR 1700

This scary looking Orange monster is a forever purchase to hide my under-eye darkness. The consistency is slightly creamy (towards dry). I pat the corrector under my eyes and then layer over with my brightening concealer (LA Girl Pro.Conceal). This product has one major con, having to dip into the concealer pot with your fingers. On a closing note, I would like to admit that I haven't come across an orange concealer bright enough to hide my hereditary bags.

Lipstick in Plumful l INR 1450

I have shit loads of MAC lipsticks (drops my face and walks away) and there are not many I would give an arm and leg for. I love the shade Plumful which is a Lustre finish lipstick and looks amazing on tan skin. The shade can be described as muted warm purple that is wearable and office appropriate. It is pigmented for a lustre finish, but the staying power is just MEH!

Lip Pencil in Spice l INR 1400

Spice is that perfect matte nude shade that can be pulled off as a lipstick with a coat of lip balm or can be that amazing best friend that changes your soul! I mix MAC Spice and Soar with most of my lighter lipsticks to make it more wearable. I appreciate MAC lip pencils more than the lipsticks, and would love to add few more to my collection, but only if MAC bosses would reduce the cost of the lip pencils which is currently on par with the lipsticks!

MAC Brush Cleanser l INR 1000

One product that I forgot to take pictures with is my beloved MAC brush cleanser as I use it frikkin' every day, YAASSS!! every single day to rejuvenate and quick clean my poor brushes. I am half full...and I have this feeling that I may end up repurchasing this soon.

Swatches

Chambor Extreme Wear Transferproof Liquid Lipstick: 482 and 404

Liquid lipsticks are all in rage this season, and so are Kylie Jennersque brown shades. Indian beauty brands are always a season or two late on the trend bandwagon, but this time, Chambor outdid other beauty companies by launching on-trend matte liquid lipsticks in India. They have come out with 18 shades, the color shades ranging from, reds to pinks to browns.

I am reviewing two shades today: 404 (Fall In Rose) and 482 (Coffee Date)

Claims

 A long-lasting transfer proof liquid lipstick with a smooth sensorial feel and a creamy matte finish. It's extreme coverage provides a deep, intense color in just one stroke.

Price Tag

6ml l INR 845 ($12)

Ingredient List

Packaging 

Comes in a cardboard box with the shade number on the bottom. The shade numbers are slightly tricky to remember. Housed inside is a transparent plastic tube with a black cap. The dispenser is a standard doe foot applicator that dispenses the right amount of product.

Note: While doing my research, I found out that the Chambor website has listed the shade names along with the number. Not, sure why it was not printed on the product.

Smell

Reminds me of the buttercream frosting smell of the NYX  soft matte lipsticks.

Application and performance 

• Opaque in a single swipe. 
• Stays glossy for 10 minutes, post which sets into a completely matte formula. 
• Accentuates dry and chapped lips, and hence apply a lip balm prior to application.
• Stays put for 6-7 hours and doesn't budge until you snack on oily food. With heavy meals, the lipstick tends to wear out from the inner rim of the mouth, and outer edges.
• Slightly drying after 4 hours, I have a tendency to wet my lips as the lipstick tends to become more drying. The shade 482 wore and performed better that 404.
• Removing the lipstick is a pain and I had to use an oil based remover to avoid staining around my mouth.
• Transfer-proof as well as water-proof.

Shades and swatches

482: A rosy brown color, tends to become darker with time.
404: A mid-tone purple.

Verdict

A big thumbs up. Currently, Chambor has the best liquid lipstick in India.

4 MAC Red Lipsticks for Tan Skin

Literally, my life in a quote.

A visit to the MAC store to buy a MAC lipstick can be a very overwhelming experience with the plethora of shades and finishes that they have. For tan skin (NC 42 and above) beauties, it's a pain to find THAT right shade of red that doesn't clash with their skin tone. The famous Ruby Woo is Sahara dessert in a tube and with the Russian Red always out of stock, we are done with options. Little do people know that there are 17+ red shades under the MAC lipstick umbrella, each with a different tone or finish.

Here are some non-conventional (read, "not-so-famous") red lipsticks that you can try on your next visit to a MAC store.

MAC Lipstick Price: INR 1350 ($20)

1. Party Line l Cremesheen

MAC Description: Red-toned Plum
My Description: Plummy-Red

Red lipstick with strong mauve influence, making it a tan skin girl's BFF. Very comfortable on the lips and lasts for 4-5 hours.

2. Sparks of Romance l Matte-Frost

MAC Description: True Red
My Description: Blue based Red

MAC should have named this lipstick, "Sparkles of Romance". The multi-dimensional sparkles can scare the hell out of a newbie red wearer, but the chunky glitter is not visible on application. This lipstick is a limited edition piece from the Heirloom collection. For me, this is the maximum blue-leaning red I am comfortable wearing. Lasts for a decent 6 hours, without  the stretchy and drying feeling.

3. Dubonnet l Amplified

MAC Description: Deepened claret
My Description: Brown-Red that can rock your party.

Very creamy and lasts for 5-6 hours. Read more about it here.

4. Lady Bug l Lustre

MAC Description: Yellow Tomato
My Description: Orange-Red

For ladies, scared to take the plunge into the RED, start off with an orange based red. This lipstick is not so opaque like the others in this post, thus making it easy to wear if you are a newbie. Lasts for 2-3 hours.

Swatches

Honourable Mentions

• Chili
• Brave Red
• Mac Red
• Cockney
• D for Danger

Do you have any red lipstick suggestion for me? Comment down below.