Catrice Prime and Fine Highlighting Powder 010 Fairy Dust-Review, Photos

Company/Brand Claim: Highlighting powder for a luminous glow.

For Skin Type: All

Packaging: Sleek black hard plastic compact. Opens easily with a thumb press.

Product Consistency: - Sheer

Formulation: Pressed powder.

Texture and Feel: It has a smooth texture and doesn't cake.

Color: Nude pink with a hint of champagne shimmer

Fragrance: None

Application: I apply it with a powder brush above my blush for a soft highlight. It is build-able but cannot be blended .

Result: This shade I assume is for fair toned girls as it does not show luminous on my medium skin.The finish is smooth but sheer and it doesn't show unless applied heavily with a "dense" brush. I haven't used it with a sponge. If you're into sheer natural looking makeup, this is worth a purchase but if you want a real highlight and are looking for proper coverage then this product is disappointing in that regard.

Staying Power: 30 minutes to an hour. May stay longer if used over primer.

Times Tested:  4 times use
 
Cons: The lid does not have a mirror and a proper application brush/sponge/puff would have helped.

Anything Else: -

Made In: Poland

Catrice Prime and Fine Highlighting Powder comes in a 11 grams case with no other colors available. They had colors previously but they have been discontinued I guess, because I couldn't find them on the official site either.

Rating: 2.5/5

Take it:

You're looking for a sheer highlighter
You want a natural finish
You're into light/sheer makeup
You have fair skin
You find it affordable

Leave it:

You prefer more coverage
You're looking for a proper hihglight
It seems difficult to apply
It doesn't seem convenient.

Price: Rs. 840/- 
Available at: Available online at Just4girls.pk and Beauty Arena. Catrice also has a counter at Naheed's.

Conclusion: I expected it to work quite well, but it doesn't give me any reasons to like it. Waste of money. Recommended? No.

Catrice Prime and Fine Highlighting Powder 010 Fairy Dust

Catrice Prime and Fine Highlighting Powder 010 Fairy Dust

Catrice Prime and Fine Highlighting Powder 010 Fairy Dust

Catrice Prime and Fine Highlighting Powder 010 Fairy Dust

Haul Finalé 2013-Fashion, Skincare and Makeup

2013 has been crazy and beautiful at the same time. Today I share with you my last haul for the year and it is grand Alhum dullilah. Reviews for most of mentioned stuff will come in 2014 Insh Allah, so for now Enjoy!

Total Turnoffs 2013-Products that made it to the bottom of the list.

So, here's my list of the of beauty products for 2013, that just weren't worth the bucks and could not keep up to their claims.

Kiran's Beauty Book: The Idea, Recent Additions and What's Coming Next.

I started out beauty blogging much later than I actually wanted to. I guess I just needed a push and once I started off there was no looking back. I've been writing since 2006 and started Kiran's Beauty Book in 2011, but I wasn't very active back then. Since 2012 I've taken keen interest in blogging as it isn't only a hobby now but also a way to share what I know, love and of course socialize with many wonderful people out there.

Since blogging is an independent platform, I never think twice before implementing any of the ideas I come up with. Recent additions include By the Brands (at a glance) and Sale Alert (have a look).

There's a lot more I have up my sleeves and there's a surprise coming your way very soon (before January 2014, IA). So stay tuned!

I hope my reviews and everything else has been of help to you in some way and that you keep coming back to KBB :). Do follow and leave your valuable comments.

Ciao!

Makeup Haul: Highend & Drugstore

What better way to start a Saturday morning than a haul post? Just kidding :P. Okay, so after patiently waiting for my stuff to arrive, I finally received all of them. Thanks to Rouge from Facebook for getting me Tarte and MUFE, from Sephora. It was great shopping from these guys! So here goes:

 High End:

1) Make Up For Ever Duo Mat Powder Foundation Rs. 4625/-

2) Tarte Pure Delights LipSurgence Lip Set Rs. 4650/-

3) Tarte Call of the Wild Amazonian Clay 8-Shadow Collectors Palette Rs. 4825/-

Tip: Whenever shopping from Sephora go for the Value Sets, as you get a decent amount of everything for a good price. You get to try out more colors/shades/flavors and that's a benefit. 

P.S Thank you for the D & G perfume sample Rouge.

Drugstore:

1) Milani Color Statement Lipstick in 07 Best Red Rs. 640/-

2) Kryolan Upper Eye Lashes-TV 5 Rs. 120/-

3) Kryolan Cake Eye Liner Sealer Rs. 690/-

4)Milani Shadow Eyez 12 Hour Eye Shadow Pencil in Winter White Rs. 865/-

5) Sleek Eye Dust in Dirty Rs. 420/-

Reviews will follow soon. Enjoy! xoxo...

Makeup Gift Guide (for every wallet)

Everyone loves makeup! Well, at least girls do. And makeup makes a wonderful present for let's say every occasion, let's say from birthday's to weddings and even Christmas. And since it's holiday season in the West and wedding bells striking in the East, I thought of putting up a Gift Guide post, which will make life a little easier.

Palmer's Skin Success Acne Medication Cleanser-Review, Photos

Company/Brand Claim: Unclogs pores. Helps clear and prevent acne.

For Skin Type: Oily, Acne prone.

Packaging: Clear stiff plastic bottle with blue twist cap. The bottle is not travel friendly though because if it isn't kept straight up the liquid will flow out .

Product Consistency: -

Formulation: Watery

Texture and Feel: It has no texture as it is all clear water and it feels like nothing on the skin.

Color: Transparent

Fragrance: Strong fragrance, which goes away after application.

Application: I apply it with a cotton ball like any other astringent all over the face and neck once every 2 days. Summers may require more frequent application as skin is more oily then.

Result: It removes oil and dirt in a jiffy and what's great is that it does not irritate the skin or leave it extraordinarily dry. It's because it has Vitamin E and Aloe vera and they definitely do their job. I am using it in winters (whatever we have) as my skin tends to produce oil at times. As far as acne prevention is concerned, it fails here as I have had acne even after I started using it. But it does fight existing acne and helps cure it. It does not set in the pores and cleans dirt and makeup/residue with ease, leaving the skin feeling cool and calm.

Staying Power: -

Times Tested:  2 weeks
 
Cons: It does not prevent acne. The cap is not gripped enough to hold the liquid inside the bottle. Product may leak.

Anything Else:  It may irritate dry skin. Not recommended for normal to dry skin.

Made In:USA

Palmer's Skin Success Acne Medication Cleanser comes in a 236 ml bottle and there are other products in the same range.

Rating: 3.5/5

  Take it:

You're looking for a daily cleanser
You have oily/acne prone skin
You suffer from acne
You're looking for an alternative to astringent
You want to use it as a makeup remover
You find it affordable

Leave it:

You can't stand the fragrance
It dries your skin
It does not stand to its claim of acne prevention
You're already under acne medication

Price: Rs. 595/- 
Available at: Available online at Just4girls.pk and Beauty Arena.

Conclusion: I actually do like this product as a daily cleanser. I wish it could do more about my acne issue. Recommended? Yes.

Palmer's Skin Success Acne Medication Cleanser

Palmer's Skin Success Acne Medication Cleanser

Palmer's Skin Success Acne Medication Cleanser

How to write a Beauty Blog

Love Makeup? 

Are you a makeup artist or just a talented individual who thinks she knows makeup really well? Then I'm sure, you're also well aware of the beauty blog craze these days. But as a matter of fact, not everyone can be a beauty blogger. One needs comprehensive makeup knowledge and the strive to work regularly, in order to be a successful beauty blogger. And if you think you have the potential, but just don't know where to begin, here's your guide to starting your very own beauty blog.

Revlon Color Burst Lip Butter in Tutti Frutti-Review, Photos, Swatches

Revlon Color Burst Lip Butter in Tutti Frutti

Company/Brand Claim: Hydrating mango, shea and coconut butter formula boosts lip moisture by 156%. Pampering gel formula provides super charged hydration and glides on lips buttery smooth. Sheer to medium color with buttery shine.

Result: The Revlon Color Burst Lip Butters are packaged in silver twist up tubes capped with tinted covering. I absolutely love how they look. The cover holds on tight is easy to handle. I'm not into sheer lip colors as I love highly pigmented shades that are visible. But orange is something I wouldn't mind a hint of. And since I'm craving orange makeup the days (God knows why!) I wanted to go for something that is more wearable for me and doesn't make me feel uncomfortable.

Huge Collective Haul from Naheeds (Tony & Guy + Some Chocolate)

I stopped by at Naheed's today and bought a whole lot of stuff for dry winters (as if we have any winters in Sindh? Sigh...) plus a few more months and I also wanted to try out some new products. So here's my list.

1) Off white Bathrobe with yellow trimming Rs. 750/-
2) Organic Home Combed Cotton Face Towel 4 PK Rs. 595/- each
3) Suave Firming Body Lotion Rs. 375/-
4) Head & Shoulders (Ocean Lift, Smooth & Silky, Sensitive Scalp Care) Rs. 575/-
5) Tony & Guy Cleanse Dry Shampoo Rs. 1100/-
6) Tony & Guy Firm Hold Hair Spray Rs. 950/-
7) Shark Clips Pack of 6 Rs. 150/-
8) Maggie Hair Brush Rs. 210/-
9) Colgate 360 Degree Tooth Brushes Rs. 105/- each
10) Prodent Tooth Paste Rs. 92/- and Protect Whitening Tooth Paste Rs. 80/-
11) Cool & Cool Travel Wipes Rs. 105/-
12) Eye Lash Curler Rs. 110/-
13) Tea Light Candles Rs. 90/-

anddddddddddd I just couldn't resist these amazing chocolates.

14) Truffino Limited Edition White Chocolate Rs. 510/-
15) Valor Dark Chocolate with Orange Rs. 240/-
16) Valor Milk Chocolate with Hazel Nuts Rs. 350/-

and since I'm kind of getting interested in cooking these days, I also bought a cook book.

17) Chef Kokab's My All-Time Favorite Recipes Rs. 400/-

That's it for now. Enjoy! xoxo...

Sally Hansen Spray-On Shower-Off Hair Remover-Review, Photos, Swatch

Sally Hansen Spray-On Shower-Off Hair Remover

Company/Brand Claim: Just spray and rinse away...hair is gone. No touching, no spreading, no mess. Lasts days longer than shaving.

Result: The Sally Hansen Spray-On Shower-Off Hair Remover is packaged in a Spray bottle with girly colored printing and visible instructions. An extra part from the label is glued from front and back, to the cap to keep it in place. Essential to carry during travel. It is for all skin types, however, an allergy test is highly recommended before using such products. The consistency is light but it doesn't drip. The foam sprays out like out whipped cream. Doesn't feel like anything on the skin. It's very light. It has a strong vanilla fragrance, which is disturbing, at least for me. I can't stand it.

Color Studio Professional Pure Matt Lipsticks in 114 Show Stopper and 118 Crush-Review, Photos, Swatches

Color Studio Professional Pure Matt Lipsticks

Company/Brand Claim: The high-performance lipstick formula is fused with a blend of Bamboo Extract, Shea Butter and Vitamin E. The unique Shea Butter moisture complex provides a creamy, non-drying, long-lasting color to indulge the lips. The velvety-smooth texture enriched with Bamboo Extract provides an emollient and soothing action to protect and hydrate the lips. Vitamin E eases the application of the lipstick by providing anti-aging and anti radical action for smooth and supple lips.

Result: The Color Studio Professional Pure Matt Lipsticks are a matte finish, light and buildable lipsticks, packaged in beautiful bold black plastic tubes combined with gold, rest in a slide out box covered with an extra case. I bought Crush, is a bubble gum pink and slightly sheer and Show Stopper which is deep pink with a hint of red and somewhat creamy. They smell kind of fruity, which is nice. I apply them by starting off from the center of my lips and move in both directions. Crush applies patchy but Show Stopper applies rather smoothly. Crush wears off within an hour. Show Stopper stays a little longer. It is mandatory to apply a lip balm or chap stick prior to wearing any of these lipsticks especially if you have naturally dry lips. Otherwise they're quite a hassle to handle.

What to do with old magazines?

Millions of people around the world read magazines for a lot of reasons. For example, to stay updated with current Fashion Trends, to keep an eye on the Stock Market ups and downs, to learn new things, for fun or just to kill time.

Payment Methods for Online Shoppers in Pakistan

Online shopping in Pakistan has come a long way. There was a time when people could only their credit cards to shop and not a lot of us had access to foreign brands because of the hassle of payments. But all that started to change, when emerged the trend of online shopping and it is raved about even today.

But with so many sites out there and not to forget 1000's of Face Book pages, it has become rather a point of consideration whether to trust a seller or not. As I too have had some bad experience with online shopping, I now don't place an order without proper thinking or unless I'm given some flexible payment options. So which ones can we avail in Pakistan and which ones are reliable? Read on to find out.

1) Cash on Delivery: Mine and a lot of other people's, I'm sure, most trusted and preferred method of payment. Just place an order and pay when the goods reach your provided address. This service can be provided free or the receiver is asked to pay delivery charges to the courier guy. Reliability: High

Tip: Make sure you are present at your provided address to receive your order or ask someone else to receive it for you. Failing to do so can cause misunderstanding between you and the seller.

2) Online Deposit: Requires the buyer to deposit cash into the seller's provided account number through the specified bank. This service is not free. You'll have to deposit online transfer fee (different for different banks) along with the cash deposit, otherwise the bank will deduct the charges from your payment. When the seller has received the payment, the order is dispatched. Reliability: Medium

3) ATM Transfer: I've never used this method but it requires money transfer directly from an ATM machine. Make sure you proper details of the receiving account which you'll need to input and a fee will be charges against your card. This is a sensitive method though. One wrong punch and you might end up with a bug. Reliability: Low

4) Easy Paisa: If there's no COD facility I go for Easy Paisa. The seller provide his/her cnic number and cell phone number to which the money will be transferred. The buyer is required to submit his/her cnic copy and cell number. When the transaction is completed, the buyer and seller receive messages. The buyer additionally receives a payment slip with a code mentioned on it, which the seller needs in order to redeem money from an Easy Paisa shop. After the seller has been given the code, the order is dispatched. Easy paisa is not a free service and every account has a transaction limit of Rs. 15000/- per month. Similar services include UBL Omni, Timepey etc. Reliability: Medium

Tip: If you're paying to a seller with a lot of customers or to a company/brand, make sure to ask them about their remaining account limit before submitting payment. Saves time and hassle of visiting the shop.

5) Credit Cards and Debit Cards: For general transactions, payments with CC and DB cards are rarely made online in Pakistan. Reliability: Medium

Precautions: Make sure you have proper seller info and provide your proper details whenever you're making a payment, because a problem can arise at either side. And only buy from sellers you trust or ask friends or other people for recommendation.

I hope this post was of help to you. xoxo...

EOTD: Deep Plum + Tutorial

I tried on this plum eye makeup look for the upcoming wedding season. It's really easy to do and I've used some basic colors. So here's how it's done.

Collective Makeup Haul

This haul has some products I have been wanting for a long time now and they are the lip butter and E.L.F blush in lolly. Plus, I so wanted to test the Sally Hansen hair removing spray after all the rave about it. Reviews to follow. For now enjoy the haul.

I was nominated for the Liebster Award for Bloggers

I would like to thank Amna Ahsan from Amna's Blog for nominating me for a Liebster Bloggers Award. It was very sweet of her. This award is only meant for bloggers and here's how it works:

1. Post the award on your blog.
2. Thank the blogger who presented this award and link back to their blog.
3. Nominate 11 bloggers who you feel deserve this award and who have less than 200 followers.
4. Answer 11 questions posted by the presenter and ask your nominees 11 questions.
 
Amna's questions for me:

1. How did you come up with a name for your blog??

Ans: I wanted something that basically defines that I write about beauty and has my name with it, so I came up with Kiran's Beauty Book.

2. What annoys you about being a blogger?
 
Ans: The lack of appreciation and welcome for new bloggers in this community.

3. Which is your most trusted makeup product?

Ans: L'Oréal Glam Shine Lip Gloss is all hands down. I simply love it.

4. Which camera is on your wishlist?
 
Ans: I really want to get my hands in the Canon SX HS 50.

5. If you had to wear one lipstick for the rest of your life, which one would you choose?

Ans: I think i'd wear Crush by Color Studio.

6. Shoes or makeup???

Ans: Wow! Umm...both. Just can't pick one!

7.How often do you wear makeup?
 
Ans: Whenever I'm going out to meet people.

8. One step you never skip in your skincare routine??
 
Ans: Scrubbing.

9. Last tv show you watched??
 
Ans: Two broke girls.

10. Favourite YT Beauty Guru?
 
Ans: TiffanyD. She's amazing.

11. If you could live in any country, which one would you opt for?
 
Ans: Somwhere in the middle east. 

My nominations:

Saira from Saira's Beauty Lounge 
Shaz Ali from Wardrobe of Style Fashionista
Nida Arshad from Nida's Beauty Bag 
Serena Saad from Beauty by Serena
Shumaila Jaffer from Beauty Redefine
Anila Faruk from Anila Love Makeup   
Cenam Iqbal from Cenamz Beauty Blog
Jadirah Sarmad from Jasmine catches Butterflies
Numra Anis from Numra Talks Makeup
Iraj Butt from Iraj's Jewels
Fatemah Sajwani from MS Designer Wear Blog 

My questions for the beautiful ladies:

1. In your life, what brings you the most happiness?
2. Why did you start your blog?
3.What is your most prized possession?
4. What is your favorite post that you’ve written? (Please provide link!)
5. What are your thoughts on Kim Kardashian's makeup looks?
6. If you could give new bloggers one tip, what would it be?
7. What’s your star sign?
8. If you were given only 1000 rupees and asked to buy 5 makeup products, which would you go for?
9. What's the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
10. What is a current goal or ambition that you have for yourself?
11.Will you continue with blogging for life or give up at some point?


   
 Enjoy!
 

Hello Glow Whitening Plus Facial Polish-Review, Photos, Swatch

Hello Glow Whitening Plus Facial Polish

Company/Brand Claim:  A miracle combination of pure natural powders to instantly whiten and polish your skin, promoting a blemish free, radiant complexion.


Result: I was skeptical before I tried it because of my oily/combination skin which has been treated chemically several times for acne. I feared the milk powders might cause oil secretion. But when I used it for the first time, I quite liked it.

Maybelline Colossal Kajal-Review, Photos, Swatches

Maybelline Colossal Kajal

Company/Brand Claim:  lasts 6 hours and is black, bold+smudge resistant.


Result: I must say I was not as impressed as I expected I'd be with this product. Although Maybelline is one of my favorite drugstore brands the Colossal Kajal falls kind of flat for me. I'm into extreme dark and bold black eye liners and the Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eye Liner (review here) fulfills my need. I understand that eye studio is a gel liner but I have used kajal/liners way darker and bolder than the Colossal. 

Online Shopping (Pakistan): Facebook Pages and the Web

Who doesn't love shopping? Well, not everyone does but for those who are crazy shopaholics like me, you're going to find this post quite helpful. After days of filtering and searching I share with you my list of websites and Facebook pages I have known, liked and/or shopped from. So here we go!

SkinTruth Pedi Curé Pedi Foot Scrub-Review, Photos, Swatch

SkinTruth Pedi Curé Pedi Foot Scrub

Company/Brand Claim:  An extra special treatment to slough away rough, dry skin and reveal  the fresh beneath leaving invigorated, soft, smooth feeling feet.

Tag: My Favorite Beauty Products Under PKR 500/-

For my first tag I decided to go for pocket friendly products that I love using. My list includes:

Petal Fresh Botanicals Whitening Avocado and Green Tea Detoxifying Facial Clay Mask-Review, Photos, Swatch

Since I have oily combination skin and there's nothing but humidity around, I find it a big risk to try out anything, especially when it comes to creams and masks. But leaving the skin on its own is not a

Collective Haul: Makeup and Skincare

Today I'm going to share with you guys my latest picks. some of them I had my eye on for some time now (specially the Sigma stuff) and the rest are new buys.

Mini Haul: Beauty etc...

It's my birthday month and first haul for September <3 ...i="" got:="" p="">

Freeman Totally Juicy Grapefruit Sugar Body Buffer-Review, Photos, Swatch

I never knew there was anything like a body buffer. I picked this up from Naheed's a few weeks ago. So it is suppose to exfoliate and scrub away impurities. Read on to know if it keeps the promise.

Étude Highlight Beam Powder # 05 Pearl White Pink and Face Blusher # 22-Review, Photos, Swatches

With all my craze for bronzers, I'm actually starting to build up a collection. This time I tried a more darker shade from Étude, plus I also spotted the highlighter and bought them both for testing, so here's what I think.