What's on your Playlist for May? Let me know in a comment down below.

Thank you for checking out my blog!

Much Love,

NET WT.: 1.5g (0.053 Oz)

Claims:



Pressed Powder Shadow Highly pigmented shadow that applies evenly and feels ultra-velvety and silky. This long wearing formula contains a unique combination of softer powders which adheres easily to the eyes, gives a soft focus effect, and blends smoothly and evenly.

Duochrome rose with a gold flip

Packaging:

This came in a white cardboard packet with silver stars embossed in it, and the name of the brand stated on it.


The pan itself was packed in a transparent cover and it had the name of the shade and the net weight stated on a sticker in the bottom.

Wear:



The shade indeed is a true rose with a gold shimmer which is iridescent and pretty. In terms of pigmentation, it is quite pigmented. There's a lot more gold reflect and the rose colour shows off lightly under various light conditions, as this is a duochrome shadow. As for it's metallic goodness, I definitely prefer their Super Shock formula over this powder formula. This one is more subtle in its metallic-ness. I used my finger to pack the colour. If you are using a brush, you would definitely need some Mac Fix Plus or some other setting spray on your brush before picking up the product.



As for the formula, this is a pressed powder shadow so there is a little fallout. However I did not notice it until I was editing these photos. I think because of the colour of the shadow, the fallout is not that visible.

In terms of application, it goes on smooth and it is easy to blend. The way I use this is, I pack it as a lid colour or apply on the center of my lids for a pop.
In terms of lasting power, it stayed put for around 6 hours on my lids.

Comparisons...

We draw them everyday. In terms of blogging, there is a constant striving for perfection, whether it be for an Instagram post, or trying to match the numbers of your favourites. This mind trap of drawing comparisons with others, tears at our levels of confidence and self-worth and can lead us to feel uncomfortable in our own skin.

I've always been one to march to the beat of my own drum. Whether it be wearing sweaters in this 30°C heat, working for a degree in Psychology, or starting a blog, although half of my extended family do not quite understand it.  Yet last year I was questioning everything. I was comparing my little space here to everyone else's and doubting if my content was actually good, whether the pictures I took were really on par with those that are taken by better cameras, professionals, etc. I was doubting whether the simple makeup looks I created for the blog were good enough in comparison to the intricate ones I've seen on YouTube. 

With all these doubts in my head, at one point I was even questioning whether I should continue to blog. I contemplated taking down my Instagram, and one such occassion, I ended up deleting some of the pictures of myself from my feed which I didn't think were good enough. Hence I took most of the year off of blogging and posting on Instagram. 

Funnily enough, the thought of deleting my blog made me quiver. All the work that I've put in, and the time I've spent going to waste, and the connections I've made with all of you breaking down, made me feel extremely sad. At this point, I started to reflect on why then I was feeling like I wasn't good enough and most importantly, what I can do about it. 

The main reason that contributed, and even exacerbated this feeling was the comparisons I was drawing. I noticed many bloggers go from strength to strength, and talk about the statistics of their blogs. This many followers, that much reach. On top of it, I was spammed with e-mails from companies about becoming ambassadors, and increasing my Instagram followers. While my immediate thought was 'no way am I buying followers', or 'no way am I working with companies I don't believe in', I couldn't help but wonder, if that's what it all came down to. Did blogging all boil down to getting more and more followers, and if so, should I try other ways of attracting followers? Since others are doing it, should I also work with 'x' number of brands?

Given these questions, I was doubting myself, and if my space here was good enough, and whether you actually enjoy my posts. My answer to these doubts about continuing blogging was embedded within the reason why I started blogging. It was an extension of myself and a creative outlet. I wanted to write about things I enjoyed, and I was sharing my experiences as an average consumer. 

I've always made sure to share with you that I am not a makeup artist. I enjoy makeup, and having used a lot of products I have found ones I've wholeheartedly enjoyed using and would gladly recommend to you. It's true that my makeup looks weren't as intricate, and that most of the time I use the same two colours on my crease and lid. Yet, that was authentically me. 

I enjoyed the process of taking photographs, finding locations in my own house to shoot (because I rarely go out), sitting down and critiquing those pictures and selecting ones that would be posted online. Even though they may not be the most professional, I did it all and I figured I ought to be proud of that.

 To this day, I am writing reviews, and sharing posts that I am passionate about. While thinking about quitting, I went back and read some of my reviews. I found myself saying 'oh that's absolutely right', 'that's so true about the formula of that lipstick', in agreement. If anything, I was writing honestly and being my rambling-and-inserting-bad-puns-into-posts self. 

Above all, I, an introvert, made connections with all of you because I was sharing my life in a candid manner. You've kept me going by being ever so supportive, and sending me messages when I took a break, asking if I was alright. In a world where more and more people feel alone and disconnected from others, you've provided me with lasting friendships that are more important to me than you'll ever know. Despite my doubts, you've assured me that you enjoyed reading my posts. Some of you enjoyed how detailed my reviews were, some of you were enjoyed the 'realness' of the content I shared, and that through reading my posts you've always managed to pick up something new. I mean, could I really ask for more confirmation that I was doing quite alright?

In reflecting, I was able to break free from the mind-trap of comparisons. There's no necessity of changing to fit into an algorithm, or the ideal of a 'blogger'. Only one thing is for sure: blogging is about the consistency of quality, and honesty of content shared. I can sit here and write a million posts, but what would it matter if I don't put my heart and soul into each and every one of them? 

The main take-away from this post to anyone even if you're not a blogger, is to trust in your own journey. It's hard not to draw comparisons with others, and doubt yourself. Just make sure you don't tear yourself apart because of them. Take care of yourself, so that you don't get trapped in self-defeating beliefs and actions. 

Your life is for you to lead, and not for others to dictate.

Thank you for staying with me for all these years. I am so grateful for the connections that we've made.

Much Love,

This post is going to be about face shaving.

Over the past few months, I've seen an influx of blog posts, YouTube videos and Instagram tutorials about face shaving. Naturally I was curious, but also had serious doubts as to whether I could trust myself with a razor. I've thought about it (rather extensively), and read up more on the topic and decided that I wanted to try it myself. I'm not 'adult' enough to try this with an actual razor. So I went to Srina Palace and found this packet of Tinkle razors which are supposed to be for brows. You get a pack of 3 razors for Rs. 180.

I do this on weekends, since I prefer not applying makeup after I do this. I strongly suggest that you don't do it either.

Since this is a dry razor, I begin with a fresh face. This means I wash and dry my face with a towel beforehand. Then I start shaving by placing the razor at an angle, and by using short downward strokes in the direction my hair grows. It's really important to be patient during this process unless you want razor cuts. I remember being a know-it-all in my second try and being too quick for my own good, which resulted in me scraping my chin with the razor. Once you're done make sure you wash your face, pat it dry, and apply some moisturiser, and let your skin breathe for the rest of the day/ night. 

What I've noticed after face shaving:

·        My skin was exfoliated and it added light to my face.

·        The skin care and makeup products I applied went on more smoothly.

·        As a beauty blogger, I noticed that my photos don't highlight the peach fuzz I would usually have. 

·        I did not notice my hair growing back thicker which was an initial concern going into this.

Apart from face shaving, I kept one of these in my handbag when I wore dresses during April holidays. Not to sound too high-maintenance but I find it rather annoying to have a clean shave (with Veet) and then find one hair sticking out on my leg. Ugh, there's nothing more frustrating than patting yourself in the back for a good job, and then finding that one hair. You know what I mean? 

Anyway, when it comes to sanitation, I think it's best to throw these away after using these once. You'll notice a lot of debris on the blade after use, and even if you do clean it, it won't do you any favours to use it for a second time, especially on the face where the skin can be easily irritated.

I reckon you won't be disappointed with keeping a packet of these. It sure has come in handy in my case.

However, remember that if you do this, you do it for yourself and not because you're guilt-tripped or shamed into doing this. It's not a mandatory beauty practice.

At the end of the day, you are still beautiful, because as corny as this may sound, your heart is beautiful.You are still you!

Let me know what your thoughts about face shaving are, in a comment down below, or if you've tried face shaving let me know what your experience was.

Thank you so much for reading,
Much Love,

This is one of my favourite pictures I've taken. I love how the makeup really blends in with my skin. Would you believe if I said I wore just the L. A. Girl BB cream and not foundation? The reason why it looks so seamless is because I've had great skin last year. I had a skin care routine going (that's right, me, the one who hates routines). The products I was using worked wonders. In hindsight, it was the calm before the storm.

Ever since February, I've been trying to get my skin back on track. It was a rough couple of months because of the scarring left behind, and getting spots more often than before. Three months later, I feel like now I'm at a place where I can safely fall back into those skin care products that made my skin so clear.

I've proudly shown off this product on Instagram because this is my favourite non-rinse cleanser. It effectively removes all makeup and dirt. I just use one or two pumps on a round cotton pad, and gently cleanse away the debris on my skin after a long day of work. While they have mentioned its effectiveness as a cleanser, I feel like no one has talked about the glow it leaves. It truly makes my skin appear more glowy, hydrated, and nourished. I think I love this more for that reason. I mean, who wouldn't love that 'glow from within' look?

The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Mattifying Toner

Out of all the products listed here, this is the only product I haven't used last year. I have used this a couple of times since I bought it earlier this year. It has left my skin mattified as claimed. I haven't experienced any irritation or negative skin reactions upon using this. I will update you on how this works as I try and incoporate this into my skin care routine. 

The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil

If you've been following my posts for a while, you would know that I was initially apprehensive about using this product. When I first tested this out at the store, I experienced a little stinging, so I was not sure whether I would want this as a part of my skin care routine. My brother wanted a product that would work for spots, so I ended up buying this for him, and randomly decided to use this one day. Can I just say I'm so glad I did!

It does sting on first try because it is more concentrated than the anti-imperfection solution that I also love. This targets spots to make them dry and disappear before it ruins every Instagram photo. At first glance the bottle is tiny, I mean it's the size of my little finger, but trust me all you'll need is just 1-2 drops.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Cream

I almost wrote Aqua Boost Sorbet out of automaticity. While that remains my favourite moisturiser, I haven't repurchased it since I'm trying to finish up the products I already have (I will explain more about this in a future post). This moisturising cream is just as good, it doesn't provide that cooling effect the sorbet does. This too absorbs fast and leaves my skin thoroughly moisturised. In comparison it feels more lightweight. I use this both during day and night before I go to bed. 

These are the products that I will be using to build up my skin care routine this year. As mentioned, three of these products I've already used, and loved. I will update you on the toner. So make sure you follow me on Instagram (@sakuamanda) as I'll likely add my experiences to my Insta stories.

Price: Rs. 790.00 (At Srina Palace)

NET WT.: 0.26 Oz/ 7.4g

Shade Range:  Three Shades (Beach Bronze, Golden Bronze, and Sunkissed Bronze) 

Claims:

·         Light dusting of shimmer

·         Suitable for all skin tones

*Contains Parabens

Packaging:

The ingredients are listed on the back.

To be honest, it's not the most eye-catching design. It looks like it would shatter into a million pieces if I accidentally dropped it. Besides the lid doesn't shut as tightly which implies handbag disasters if you travel with this.

Wear:

It has a light powdery scent but it's not distinct when applied on the face. In terms of the colour, mine is in the shade No. 02, Golden Bronze. It is indeed a golden bronze, meaning the product is packed with golden shimmers. It is pigmented, but when applied on the face it looks like I have dusted gold shimmer on my face. There's a clear lack of subtlety, in terms of the gold being more of a sheen instead of what it is, a shimmer. On my cheeks this effect is not discernible, but when I apply this on my forehead, it actually looks like I've applied shimmery eyeshadow instead of a bronzer. 

Would I Recommend It?:

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Bershka Multi Stripe T-Shirt

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Thank you for reading!
Much Love,